32i' PSALMS, XL. 17. [571.
Let me then inquire,
L What know you of this subject ?
[It is surprising how ignorant of this great salvation many are, even after it has been preached to them faithfully for many years. But the truth is, men do not meditate on what they hear, or pray to God to impress it on their minds by his Holy Spirit : and hence, the word, like seed sown by the way-side, is taken away from their hearts, and either never springs up at all, or springs only to wither immediately for want of either root or moisture. But, my dear Brethren, you must give ac- count to God of all that you hear, as I also must of all that I preach : and I pray God, that I may so speak, and you hear, that we may " give up our account together, with joy, and not with grief" ]
2. What effect has it produced upon you ?
[The use of the Gospel is to bring us unto Christ, and to assimilate us to his divine image. If, then, we receive it aright, we shall be able to say with Christ, " I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy Law is within my heart"." And, as Christ hid not God's righteousness within his heart, but pro- claimed it boldly " to the great congregation," so must you. Brethren, before the whole world be ready to confess Christ, and to follow him faithfully, even unto death. You must not only " cleave to him with full purpose of heart"," but must " glory in his cross, and by means of it be crucified unto the world, and have the world crucified unto you p." Let me then ask. Is it thus with your souls? Oh, "let there be in you the mind that was in Christ Jesus'^!" So shall you par- take with him in all the glory and felicity which the Father has conferred upon him'', and which he also is empowered to bestow on all his faithful followers ^]
» ver. 8. o Acts xi. 23. p GaL vi. 14.
1 Phil. ii. 5. r Phil. ii. 9. » Luke xxii. 29. Rev. iii. 21.