other difficult and unfrequented; the one terminating in destruc- tion, the other leading to everlasting life. St. Paul expresses the same in language more accommodated to our textq. Judge yourselves, Brethren, in reference to this matter: and never think that you are Christians indeed, unless you have an evidence in your own souls, that, through the influences of the Holy Spirit, you are exhibiting alight, which both instructs and " condemns the world" around you.]
2. A solemn admonition —
[If we profess ourselves to be the Lord's people, let us consider somewhat more distinctly what we profess. As lamps in God's sanctuary, we profess to be " of pure gold," truly, inwardly, substantially holy, and formed altogether according to the pattern which was shewn to Moses in the mount1. What that pattern was, we are at no loss to say : it is set before us with all possible clearness in the person of Jesus Christ. Let every one of us reflect on this, and search into our own hearts to see whether there be in us this resemblance ? The inquiry before instituted is a comparison of ourselves with others : the inquiry I now propose, is a comparison of ourselves with that great exemplar, the Lord Jesus Christ. We should examine, not whether we resemble him in those actions which he per- formed as a prophet, but whether " the same mind be in us, as was in hims." Our views, our principles, our habits, the great scope and end of our lives, these are the things that are to be inquired into, if we would have a solid evidence in our own souls that we are the Lord's. " We must be like Him," here as well as hereafter, " if we would be with him" for ever. He himself warns us what will be the consequence of allowing our- selves in any deviation from the path of duty1: and therefore, if we would not have " our candlestick removed," let us repent of every known defect, and seek to be " pure as He is pure," and " perfect as He is perfect."]
3. An encouraging reflection —
[How often has our great High-Priest, when he has seen us burning dim and languishing, revived us by seasonable com- munications, or merciful rebukes ! Truly we are living witnesses
for him, that " he will not quench the smoking flaxu"
May we not then hope, that he will yet bear with us, and administer to us whatever, in a way of influence or correction, we may stand in need of? Surely we may look up to him with joyful confidence, and say with David, " Thou wilt light my candle ; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness"." Many
i Phil. ii. 15, 16. r Numb, viii.4. s Phil. ii. 5. * Rev.ii. 1,5. u Matt. xii. 20. not extinguish the wick, the flame of which has been blown out. x Ps. xviii. 28.