rejecting this suggestion of the devil, and by believing that all the threatenings of God against sin and sinners shall assuredly be accomplished.]
Observe then, on the whole,
1. What need there is of fidelity in ministers — [Satan at this time, no less than formerly, suggests to
men, " Ye shall not surely die :" and his emissaries all the world over are re-echoing the delusive sound. Every friend we have, father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, the very instant we begin to dread the wrath of God, unite their endeavours to compose our minds, by saying, ' There is no such penalty against sin as ye suppose, nor have you any reason to fear that it shall be inflicted on you.' Our own wicked hearts also are but too ready to adopt a sentiment so gratifying to the mind, and to speak peace to us on insuf- ficient grounds. And what would be the consequence if ministers also favoured such delusions, and, through fear of alarming you, neglected to warn you of your danger ? Would not Satan triumph to a far greater extent than he already does ? Would he not be secure of his prey ? Is not this the very effect produced, wherever the Gospel, instead of being preached with apostolic fidelity, is kept upon the back ground, and modified to the taste of a deluded world? Be thankful then if you hear your guilt and danger faithfully set before you: be thankful, as you would be if a man, seeing your house on fire, roused you from your slumbers, and saved you from death. And, if God have vouchsafed to you this mercy, improve it with all diligence, by fleeing from the wrath to come, and laying hold on eternal life.]
2. What a mercy it is, that, notwithstanding the truth of God in his threatenings, there is a way of salvation opened for us in the Gospel —
[Yes ; God can be true, and yet absolve the sinner from his guilt : for, in Christ Jesus, " Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other." The penalty of death has been inflicted upon the Lord Jesus Christ, as the surety and substitute of sinners : and, if we believe in him, all that he has done and suffered for us shall be so imputed to us as to be accepted of God in our behalf, so that God shall be " a just God, and yet a Saviour," yea "just, and yet the justifier" of sinful man. O blessed tidings! amply sufficient to pacify the most afflicted mind, and to warrant in our hearts the most joyful hope ! Brethren, only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I will adopt with confidence the very words of Satan, and say, " Ye shall not surely die." I will go further still, and from a doubtful