us then watch against a neglect of secret duties, or deadness in them. Let us "give ourselves to the word of God and prayer." Let us "stir up ourselves, to lay hold on Godm;" and, with a holy boldness, say, like Jacob, " I will not let thee gon." In this way we may detain him, and secure his continued presence : or if, " in a little wrath, he hide his face from us for a moment, with everlasting kindness will he have mercy upon us0."]
m Isai, lxiv. 7. n Gen. xxxii. 26. ° Isai. liv. 8.
Hos. x. 1. Israel is an empty vine ; he bring eth forth fruit unto
himself.
IN order to judge aright of our actions, we must examine the principles from whence they proceed. Ignorant as we are of men's real motives, we invari- ably endeavour to discover them even in courts of judicature ; and pass sentence, not so much upon their actions, as on their intentions. Nor does any one disapprove of this method of estimating men's conduct, provided only there be sufficient ground for discovering the real sentiments and wishes of their hearts. Now, if this be a proper mode of judging with respect to each other, we should certainly try our own actions by the same rule ; since they will most assuredly be estimated according to this rule in the day when we shall stand before the tribunal of God.
In the words before us, God passes sentence, as it were, on the Israelites, not so much for the form and matter of their services, as for the dispositions they exercised in the performance of them. And, as he does the same with respect to us, it is of importance to ascertain,
I. When we may be said to bring forth fruit to our- selves—
By the law of our creation we should regard nothing but the glory and authority of God. But, through the corruption of our nature, we have cast off God,
1167.1 BRINGING FORTH FRUIT TO OURSELVES. Ill
and exalted self into his throne. We manifest that we do this,
1 . When self is the principle of our actions —
[It is but too evident that unregenerate men act in an entire conformity to their own will, without ever considering the will of God. If in any thing they seem to oppose their own will, they do so, not from a regard to his authority, but from some selfish principle of carnal hope or fear. If we would persuade them to any course of conduct, we find that the simple declaration of God's mind and will has no effect on them whatever; and that we must have recourse to carnal and temporal considerations, if we would succeed with them. Moreover they wish that others also should consult their will, rather than the will of God: and thus they shew not only that they are a god unto themselves, but that they would gladly be a god also to their fellow-creatures ; and have their will more respected than the will of God. What can be a proof of bringing forth fruit to themselves, if this be nota?]
2. When self is the measure of our actions —
[Many are willing to be almost Christians ; but few wish to be altogether so. Herod would part with many things ; but not with his Herodias. The Young Man would follow Christ at all events, as he thought ; but could not be prevailed upon to sell his estate, and give it to the poorb. Thus, if the attending at the house and table of the Lord, if the abstaining from gross sins, and the exercising of benevolence to the poor will suffice, many will be content to pay the price : but, the renouncing of all sin, and the walking in the narrow path of holiness and self-denial, are too irksome a task : and if they cannot maintain an interest in Christ on lower terms, they determine to part with him. Now what is this, but to make their own ease the measure of their obedience, when they ought to have no other measure than the word of God? whereas the true Christian wishes to " stand perfect and com- plete in all the will of God."]