would not neglect the service of God altogether ; nor would they, on the other hand, engage in it with all their might. And what says God unto them ? Does he commend this boasted moderation ? No : he says, *' I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot : I would thou wert cold or hot ! So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
Let me not be understood as though I would vin- dicate any thing that was really enthusiastic : God forbid ! The only thing for which I am contending is, that God is to be served, not in a cold, lifeless, formal manner, but with unfeigned delight, and with all the powers and faculties of our souls. W^e must " yield ourselves living sacrifices to him:" we must endeavour to " walk worthy of him ; " and strive to the uttermost to " glorify him with our bodies and our spirits, which are his." This is the holiness to which we are to attain ; and " without this holiness no man shall see the Lord."
Having specified some of those ways which seem right to the generality of men, but will assuredly end in death, namely, the ways of gay licentiousness, proud unbelief, and cold formality, we would entreat you to contemplate the state of those who walk in them, at that period when they are about to be undeceived.
VV^hilst they are in health, and the world smiles upon them, their rehgion, such as it is, will suflfice ; and their confidence will bear them up. But when sickness comes, and they draw near to the chambers of death, a doubt will not unfrequently arise in their minds, whether they are prepared to meet their God. To dispel these thoughts, they betake themselves to business or pleasure or company, or perhaps to strong drink : but in spite of all the means used to allay their fears, their suspicions will recur with greater force, and excite a wish to know the opinion of some one better informed than themselves : but they are afraid to suggest their doubts, lest they should create an alarm in the minds of others, and impress them with an unfavourable apprehension of their state. The