we not be ashamed, when we have respect unto all God's commandments" ]
In ADDRESSING " the house of Jacob," we must speak to,
1. Those who are nominally so —
[It is but too true, that " all are not Israel, who are of Israel:" and those who are only of the house of Jacob by name and profession, may know it by their walk and conversation. Consider, I pray you, in what light you have walked : Is it not manifest, that the generality who call themselves Christians are influenced only by the things of time and sense ; and that their principles and pursuits are altogether earthly ? Know then, ye lovers of this present evil world, that, if God's word may be depended on, you are deluding yourselves to your eternal ruin\ You "sow the wind, and you shall reap the whirl- wind y." When will you begin to see, that " one thing," and one thing only, " is needful ? " When will you learn to say, " Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee ? " That you should seek present, as well as eternal, happiness, we grant : but you should seek it where David did ; " Who will shew us any good ? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us ; and that will put more gladness in my heart than any increase of corn, wine, and oil can ever do^."]
2. Those who are really so —
[You have found that God in Christ is " a fountain of life ; and in his light you have seen light ^." You therefore are *' children of the light and of the day." But if you are so highly distinguished in your character, think how distinguished you should also be in our conduct '^. The eyes of all are upon you : they will look particularly to see whether religion is such a source of happiness as you profess. O shew them that " you need neither the sun to lighten you by day, nor the moon by night, since the Lord has been a light unto you, and your God your glory *=." Shew them that even in the greatest troubles you have a fountain of consolation to go unto ; and that " when you walk in darkness, the Lord is a light unto you''." And, as it is eminently characteristic of Gospel times to encourage one another in the ways of God, see that you do so, " speaking one mth another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts unto the Lord."
X Isai. 1. 11. y Hos. viii. 7. ^ Ps. iv. G, 7.
a Ps. xxxvi. y. ^ Eph. V. 8. 1 Tliess. v. 5, 6.
c Isai. Ix. 19. fi Job xxix. 3. Mic. vii. 8. VOL. VII. I I