2. That we may profess much zeal for God, and
yet have a radical alienation of heart from him —
[Jehu certainly professed to be actuated by a regard for God's honour : " Come, see my zeal for the Lord," said he : and when the different events had taken place, he made reflec- tions upon them as accomplishing the divine predictions. Yet his flagrant neglect of other duties stamped him an hypocrite in the sight of God. And is it not thus with many who make a profession of religion in the present day ? They think them- selves zealous for God, and wish to be thought so by others : but they are manifestly under the dominion of some reigning lusts, some evil tempers, some hidden abominations. They will sacrifice the refuse to the Lord, and such things as they care but little about ; but the choicest of the flocks, and the sins which are more intimately connected with their pleasures or their interests, they will retain. Let professors of reUgion
* Hos. i. 4,
who are so ardent in talking about their favourite topics, or in attending on the ordinances of religion, inquire. Whether the law of God be really in their hearts; whether they are aspiring after an entire conformity to its commands ; and whether they are longing to " stand perfect and complete in all the will of God ? " Sad will it be to be numbered among those of whom St. James speaks, who seem to be religious, and yet, by their unbridled tongues, and unsubdued tempers, shew that they " deceive their ownselves, and that their religion is vain^"]
3. That if ever we would be accepted of God hereafter, we must have our hearts right with him now —
[This is required of every hvmian being '^. Absolute per- fection indeed is not to be expected ; but Christian perfection must be attained ; nor without it v^dll any conformity to out- ward rights, or any profession of Christian principles, avail us
before God*^ But how shall this state of mind be
attained? It must be sought by prayer to God, who has promised to give us his Holy Spirit, and by the mighty working of that Spirit to bring us to an entire conformity to liis will^ Plead then with God that blessed promise: yea, give him no rest till he accomplish it to your souls. Then shall your heart be made right with God, as God's is with you ; and with infinite condescension will he " take you up to sit with him in the chariot" of his love, and on the throne of his glory ^.]
^ Jam. i. 26. " Dent. x. 12, 13. and xviii. 13.
^ Acts viii. 21. « Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. ^ ver. 15.