thitherward." There is but one way, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ; who says, " I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." But we do not readily find that way: we have many paths which nature points out, and which we greatly prefer : we would come to God in a way of self-righteousness and self-dependence, instead of relying solely and exclusively on the Lord Jesus Christ. Besides, at our first seeking after God, there will arise many doubts respecting the precise path in which it is our duty to proceed, and in relation to which the more ex- perienced Christian may be well qualified to instruct us. To avail ourselves of all possible information, is our wisdom; and especially to seek direction from God in prayer : and it is in answer to such inquiries only that we can hope to " hear a voice behind us, saying, " This is the way; walk ye in it."]
3. With a fixed determination of heart to give our- selves unreservedly unto God —
[This is implied in entering into covenant with God. A man may make a promise, which yet he has no deliberate determination to keep : but if he enter into a solemn covenant with God, as Josiah didd, he shews that he is altogether in earnest, and that he is engaged in a transaction which it is his solemn purpose " never to forget." In this way should every penitent approach his God ; solemnly giving up himself to him in his secret chamber ; and openly also, at the table of the Lord; from henceforth renouncing all other lords, and cleaving only to his God and Saviour, in newness of heart and life. In truth, the real penitent will not be content to go to heaven alone. He will propose to those around him to unite in the blessed work in which he has engaged. In perfect accordance with the Church of old, he says, " Draw me ; and we will run after thee :" that is, ' Draw me, O God ; and I will never willingly come to thee alone.']
And now let me ask,
1, Who amongst you are inclined to make this
proposal ?
[Verily, there is a sad want of zeal, even in multitudes of whom, in the judgment of charity, we should say, They are in the way to heaven. We do not find that holy boldness for the Lord, which every penitent should feel ; nor that compas- sion for man, which a just sense of our own danger would naturally inspire. We affect prudence ; or, in other words, we shun the cross which a more decided conduct would bring upon us. But so did not St. Paul, or any of the saints of
d 2 Chron. xxxiv. 31.
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old. They imparted to others the light they had received; and sought to introduce others to the Saviour whom they had found e. Let us go and do likewise: and if this zeal will characterize the piety of the latter day, let it not be found wanting in the religion which we profess.]
2. Who amongst you would accede to it, if made ?
[We wish to lower the standard of true repentance. 1 Surely, a less measure of humiliation will suffice for me ; nor can such diligence and self-devotion be required of me.' But that which will be the duty of men in the latter day, must be our duty now : and therefore settle it in your minds, that we must be wholly for God, if we would obtain favour at his hands ; and that, " whatsoever our hand findeth to do, we must," if we would succeed, " engage in it with all our might."]
e John i. 35—45.