II. That the number of these elect far exceeds all that the most sanguine of God's samts would imagine —
In the days of Elijah they amounted to " seven thousand men in Israel" —
[True, these were but few, when compared with the whole nation of Israel : but they were many, when compared with one single individual.]
And who can tell but that they may, even in this kingdom, be many times as numerous as they appear to be?
[We are apt to estimate the number of the Lord's people by the numbers who make an open profession of religion : but there may be, and I doubt not are, multitudes throughout the land, who serve their God in sincerity, whilst, from a variety of circumstances, they have not been led to such displays of piety, as should attract the attention of the public. They conform not to the corrupt habits of the world around them, but "bow their knee to Jesus," their Divine Saviour'^; and "kiss the Son," as the exclusive object of their homagel They may possibly be secluded in the bosom of a family who are unfriendly to religion : or they may not be within the reach of an energetic ministry or pious associates: or they may be in a station of hfe where occupation and confinement preclude them from any great intercourse with their neigh- bours. But, whatever be the occasion of their privacy, I doubt not but the fact is as I have stated; and that God has, " in this and other lands, many hidden ones," who, like plants in a wilderness, blossom unseen, and diffuse their fragrance unperceived, except by God himself.]
But to all of you I would say,
1. Let your religion be such that God himself may bear witness to it —
[God saw Nathanael under the fig-tree, and bare witness to him, as " an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." Let " your hearts also be right with God," my beloved Brethren. Let him see that you resolutely witlistand " the corruptions that are in the world;" and that you " walk with him," even as Enoch did, in sweet communion, and in unre- served obedience • — ]
2. Let your rehgion be such, that God may be glorified by it —
k Rom. xiv. 10, 11. 1 Vs. ii. 12.
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[Certainly it is the duty of every man to confess Christ before men, and to glorify him by an open profession of his faith. Where an opportunity is afforded, this is absolutely indispensable : and, if we be deterred from it by any consi- deration imder heaven, we must pay the penalty, even the loss of our immortal souls. *' With the heart, indeed, man believeth unto righteousness : but it is with the mouth that confession is to be made unto salvation™." Be not, then, ashamed of Christ ; but " take up your cross daily, and foUow him : " and " so make your light to shine before men, that all who behold it may glorify your Father who is in heaven."]
m Rom. X. 10.