But the inquiry is simply this ; What is the character, and what the conduct, of those who shall be finally admitted into that true tabernacle which God himself has erected in heaven? And can there be any inquiry more important? Observe, •• ^
1 . What is implied in the inquiry itself — ' >; [Certainly it implies, that ail will not be saved. And this is a
truth which our blessed Lord has eonfinned beyond a doubt*. Some dream of annihilation ; and some of heaven : but what a fearful disappointment will multitudes experience ! Yes : "^ fear- fulness will surprise them ;" and, instead of dwelling in the bosom of their God, they will " dwell with devouring fire, even with everlasting burnings'*."]
2. What is implied in it as addressed to Jehovah — [It is of Jehovah himself that David makes the inquiry :
for it is Jehovah alone that can answer it aright. Man is partial in his own favour : and, even when constrained to acknowledge that there must be a difference between the righteous and the wicked, he takes care so to draw the line, as to include himself among the number that shall be saved. But God has no respect of persons : his word is fixed : and according to that word shall be the doom of every child of man.]
That we may with certainty determine the point, let us see, in this psalm,
II. Their character described —
The children of God are here faithfully described : they are distinguished by,
] . A principle of integrity in their hearts —
[It is the very essence of the Christian character to have righteousness and truth residing in the soul : we must be " Is- raelites indeed, in whom is no guile." Where a principle of in- tegrity is wanting, nothing can be right. Services, of whatever kind, are of no account with God, if there be not a determination of heart to do whatsoever he commands. A single eye is that which he approves : and the want of it vitiates all that a man can do, yea, and renders it odious in his ^ight'^. We are aware that these assertions are strong : but they do not in the least exceed the truth. St. John's declarations leave us no room to doubt : " He that doeth righteousness, is righteous, even as he,
that
» Matt, vii, 13, 14.
^ Isai. xxxiii. 14. compared with ib. 15. which will be cited in an- other place. • Isai. Ixvi. 3.