a John XV. 4. b 9 Cor. vi. 10. c Ps. iy. Q,
it shall be only for a moment, and with everlasting kindness will he have mercy on them*^.]
It may now be allowed us, not merely to exhort, but to " CHARGE," you all —
[In the name of Almighty God, we " charge" you all to love the Saviour. If the love which Believers bear to him constrains them to be singular, let it be remembered, that the blame of singularity does not rest on them: as they can "give a reason for the hope that is in them," so can they also for their love to the Saviour. His transcendent excellencies de- mand their supreme regard. If they love him with all their heart and soul and mind and strength, it is no more than their bounden duty ; yea, their most fervent affections fall infinitely short of his desert. Let all then set their love on Jesus. Let them search out his excellencies, till they are ravished with the sight, and let them " cast their idols to the moles and to the bats." Nor let any be ashamed to confess him before men. It is a small matter to bear the taunts of an ignorant and ungodly world. One hour's enjoyment of Christ's presence will moi'e than counterbalance an age of man's contempt ; and if on earth, how much more in heaven! Dare then to be singular. Shine, Believers, as becomes your relation to the heavenly Bridegroom. Be " the fairest among women," as your Beloved is among men ® ; and let your union with him be discovered by your conformity to his image.]
d Isai. liv. 8. ^ Pg. xlv. 2—13.