to reclaim us from evil. Even in the gift of his only-begotten Son he aimed particularly at this, the reducing of men to a state of holy obedience, and of an unreserved devotedness to their Gode ]
Without this, all services, of whatever kind they be, are of no avail —
[In numberless places is this declared by the voice of inspiration: the universal testimony of God's prophets is, " that God has not such pleasure in sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord ; but that to obey is better than sacri- fice; and to hearken than the fat of rams." The Prophet Isaiah in particular insists upon this truth, and in the strongest
termsf Indeed such is God's abhorrence even of the
most exalted services, if offered as a substitute for obedience, that he accounts them no better than idolatry and murder g. Our blessed Lord in like manner expresses his indignation against those who profess regard for him without manifesting it by a life of holy obedience : " Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" And, as the prophet appealed to the Jews respecting this, so we would make our appeal to you, assured that, if conscience be allowed to speak, there can be but one sentiment on this subject. It is an incontrovertible and fearful truth, that " He is an empty vine, who bringeth forth fruit to himself11."]
Let this subject be improved,
1. For our humiliation —
[Who amongst us does not, on a review of his past con- duct, find abundant cause for self-condemnation in his religious duties ? Who has not too much consulted self, and too little had regard to God ? Truly, we all need one to " bear the iniquity of our holiest things," as well as of the things which have been more palpably contrary to the will of God. Let us look to that adorable Saviour on whom all our iniquities were laid, and seek through him alone that gracious acceptance, which services like ours can never merit.]
2. For our direction in future life —
[It is good to serve the Lord : and we must not be dis- couraged because we cannot serve him so perfectly as we could wish. Self, that subtle enemy, will more or less intrude into all we do. But let us be on our guard against this evil prin- ciple, and beg of God to deliver us from it. Let us endeavour to get a deeper sense of our obligations to God our Saviour,
e Rom.xiv.7— 10. Tit. ii. 14. f Isai. i. 11—16. and lviii. 1—7. s Isai. lxvi. 3. h Hos. x. 1.