[How little of this piety is to be seen amongst us ! Men are "rooted" indeed; but it is in the world, and not in Christ. And there is, to a certain degree, a form of godliness amongst us ; but its power is sadly wanting. Nor is there altogether a want of benevolence ; but it is displayed rather to the bodies than the souls of men ; or, at all events, is exercised only towards those around us, instead of being extended to the whole world. Perhaps we may contribute towards the diffusion of the Holy Scriptures, and the sending of Missionaries to the Gentiles, and to the work that is carrying forward amongst the Jews: but, if we examine how far our hearts are interested in these things, we shall have reason to be ashamed before God, and to acknowledge that we are very far from having attained that holy zeal which should animate our souls. We say indeed, as our Lord has taught us, " Thy kingdom come:" but, as for our efforts for the establishment of it, they are as cold and partial as if the matter were of no importance. I pray you, Brethren, to lay this matter to heart. It is not in this way that our God ought to be served, and our Redeemer's in- terests promoted. We should be full of zeal in this sacred cause, even of such " a zeal" as has a tendency to " consume us." Our very life ought not to be dear to us, if that by any means we may advance the welfare of our fellow-creatures, and the glory of our God.]
2. In a way of encouragement, as it respects the
Jews —
[We are apt to entertain desponding thoughts, as if it were impossible that the prophecies respecting that people should ever be accomplished. But is their state more despe- rate than it was in Egypt or in Babylon ? Yet were the promised deliverances vouchsafed from thence. On the self- same day that had been foretold four hundred and thirty years before, were they brought out from Egypt ; and precisely at the termination of the seventy years from Babylon. What reason, then, is there to doubt of God's effectual interposition now ? Has he forgotten his own word or promise ? or, after so many centuries, " is his ear become heavy that he cannot hear, or is his arm shortened that he cannot save?" He has said, " I will cause " this : and be assured, that not all the power of men or devils shall prevent the execution of his pur- pose : nor shall one jot or tittle of his word ever fail." " Has he said, and shall he not do it ? Hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good ? " In engaging, then, in this cause, you have this consolation ; that, though you should not live to see the work accomplished, it shall take place at the appointed time. The dispersed of Judah shall be brought back to God; and that event shall " be as life from the dead, to the whole world."]