them do not find themselves awfully mistaken, when they shall stand at the judgment-seat of Christ: but the truth is the same, whether few or many experience it ; and it is a certain fact, that every Child of God is delivered from the love of this
present evil world and the fewness of those, whose
lives correspond with their professions, tends to prove, rather than to disprove, the point we have affirmed. For, where shall we find one person truly elevated above the world, unless amongst those who have been born of God ? Some may be found who are dissatisfied with the world, and who from age or other circumstances find no relish for it : but if they were put into a capacity to enjoy the world as they once did, their love of it would be found as strong as ever. We defy the whole world to produce one, who by the mere powers of reason has been raised above the world ; and this is a decisive proof that the deadness to the world which true Christians experience, is the work of an Almighty arm.]
3. He has filled them with spiritual peace and joy —
[The peace and joy which the unconverted man possesses, will vanish at the prospect of death and judgment : or if under the influences of deluded hopes they retain a confidence, the peace flowing from that confidence is as different from that which is " the fruit of the Spirit," as the ravings of a maniac
are from the suggestions of sober reason But the true
Christian has " a peace that passeth all understanding," and
" a joy that is unspeakable and glorified" Whence does
lie obtain this? Who but God can give it him? or who can take it away, when God has given it him? Here then again is he a witness for God, that his power and grace are infinite.]
Address —
1. Those who idolatrously exalt the creature —
[See the challenge given by God himself a: produce the people that have obtained from any but Jehovah, either this knowledge, or this experience. We defy the whole universe. " Bring forth your witnesses, that you maybe justified: or else hear ye, and acknowledge, that what we have affirmed is truth." The more you examine the pretensions of any who profess to have acquired these things by their own power, the more evidence you will have, that God alone can produce them in the souls of men ]
2. Those who profess to be Christians indeed —
[Remember that it is your duty and office to be " witnesses for God." You are to be " as lights in a dark world, and as a city upon a hill." Be then voluntary witnesses. Wicked men,
a ver. 8, 9.
9o3.] GOD'S KINDNESS TO HIS PEOrLE. 1()9
and even the devils themselves, are in some sense witnesses for him : they attest, though against their will, that his represen- tations of the human heart are true, and that he is a God of infinite patience, majesty, and power. But you are inten- tionally to make your light shine before men, and to convince them by the holiness of your lives that " God is with you of a truth." Be also steadfast witnesses. You will find many temptations to " put your light under a bushel ;" but you must be resolute in glorifying God, whether by life or by death. Further, be also consistent witnesses. The world will judge, not by your words, but by your actions : and if they see these to be at variance with each other, they will rather harden them- selves in their infidelity, and adduce your testimony as adverse to God. Look to it then that ye walk in all things " holily, justly, and unblameably ;" and " that they who are on the con- trary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." Lastly, for your encouragement, think what witnesses ye shall one day be for God in heaven! How will ye there proclaim