by ntter deadness, hardness, and insensibility of heart. The man whose sins will not be forgiven, is precisely the man who will never seek to have them forgiven. This is exactly the root of his awful disease. He might be pardoned, but he will not seek to be pardoned. He is GkMspel-hardened and ''twice dead.'' His conscience is " seared with a hot iron." (1 Tim. iv. 2.)
Let us pray that we may be delivered from a cold, speculative, unsanctified head-knowledge of Christianity* It is a rock on which thousands make shipwreck to all eternity. !No heart becomes so hard as that on which the light shines, but finds no admission. The same fire which melts the wax hardens the day. Whatever light we have, let us use it. Whatever knowledge we possess, let us live ftdly up to it To be an ignorant heathen, and bow down to idols and stones, is bad enough. But to be called a Christian, and know the theory of the Gospel, and yet cleave to sin and the world with the heart, is to be a eandidate for the worst and lowest place in hell. — It is to be as like as possible to ihe devil.
We are taught, lastly, in this passage, that Christiana need not be over anxiom as to what they shall sai/, when euddenfy required ta speak for Christ's cause.
The promise which our Lord gives on this subject, bas a primary reference no doubt, to public trials like those of Paul before Felix and Festus. It is a promise which hundreds in similar circumstances have found luMlled to their singular comfort. The lives of many of ihe Beformers, and others of God's witnesses, are full of striking proofis, that the Holy Ghost can teach Christians what to say in time of need.
68 BXFOSriORY THOUGHTS.
But there is a secondary sens^, in which the promise belongs to all belieyers, which ought not be overlooked. Occasions are constantly arising in the lives of Christians^ when they are suddenly and unexpectedly called upon to speak on behalf of their Master, and to render a reason of their hope. The home circle, the family fire side, the society of friends, the intercourse with relatives, the very business of the world, will often furnish such sudden occasions. On such occasions the believer should fall back on the promise now before us. It may be disagree- able, and especially to a young Christian, to be suddenly required to «peak before others of religion, and above all if religion is attacked. But let us not be alarmed,.and flurried, or cast down, or excited. If we remember the promise of Christ, we have no cause to be afraid.
Let us pray for a good memory about Bible promises. We shall find it an inestimable comfort. There are far more, and far wider promises laid down in Scripture for the comfort of Christ's people, than most of Christ's people are aware of. There are promises for almost every position in which we can be placed, and every event that can befall us. Among other promises, let us not forget the one which is now before us. We are sometimes called upon to go into company which is not congenial to us, and we go with a troubled and anxious heart. We fear saying what we ought not to 'say, and not saying what we ought. At such seasons, let us remember this blessed promise, and put our Master in remembrance of it also. So doing He will not fail us or forsake us. A mouth shall be given to us and wisdom to speak rightly. " The Holy Ghost shall teach us" what to say.