In their hearts they " imagine him to be even such an one as themselves." This is another, and a very fruitful source of their supineness. To this St. Paul ascribes the evil of their hearts and lives m. If they knew his power and majesty, could they dare thus to provoke him? If they beheld his holiness, could they account sin so venial an evil ? If they were apprised of his justice, would they indulge hopes of impunity? If they believed his veracity, would they so disregard his threaten- ings? Above all, if they knew his mercy to us in Christ Jesus, could they so trample on the blood that was shed for them? It would not be possible for them to withstand such views of his perfections. Such a discovery would produce on them the effect experienced by St. Paul" — .]
Infer —
1. They who shall perish at the last day must ascribe their condemnation to themselves —
[It is certainly true that man is not able of himself to do all that is required of him. But it is no less true that he is able to do many things which he neglects. Nor can it be doubted but that, if he cried to God for help, he might obtain it. If he use not therefore the power that he has, and the appointed means of obtaining more, he can blame none but himself. In this view our Lord expressly declares that the fault is in our own perverse will0. And God expostulates with us on the folly of our conduct p. Is the husbandman justified in omitting to plough and sow his ground because he cannot ensure a crop ? How much less then shall we be, in neglecting the means to which God has promised success? Let us not then deceive ourselves by offering vain excuses; but turn unto our God, and plead the mercy which he has promised to usq.]
2. If we would fully turn unto our God, we must have our hearts renewed, and our minds enlightened with the knowledge of Christ —
[Would we heal the streams ? we must cast the salt into the fountain head r. Instead of being actuated by the spirit of whoredoms, we must pray to be " led by the Spirit of God." Instead of " abiding in darkness," we must seek to have " Christ revealed in us." Thus shall " old things pass away, and all things become new." We shall sweetly yield our- selves to the constraining influence of Christ's love ; and not only turn, but " cleave, unto him with full purpose of heart."]
m Eph. iv. 18. n Acts ix. 6. ° John v. 40.
p Ezek. xxxiii. 11. i Jer. iii. 12. * 2 Kings ii. 21, 22.