in reference to him ; because it has been a matter of indiffer- ence to us, whether we possessed an interest in him or not. For earthly things we could consume the midnight oil, or encounter perils and fatigues : but an hour spent in prayer, in our secret chamber, has been a labour too irksome for us to endure. Whole years have passed ; and not a single day been devoted by us to fasting and prayer for the obtaining of his salvation. Such a price as this has appeared an unreasonable demand ; nor could we ever be prevailed upon to pay it : a faint wish, or formal service, has been the full amount of the estimate which we have set on His love. How justly then may God reject us with indignation, saying, " A goodly price truly is this at which I have been prized of you!"]
2. What we have been willing to suffer for him —
[Great are the sacrifices which we have made for the poor vanities of time and sense : but what have we sacrificed for the Lord? Paul counted not his life dear to him, so that he might but honour and glorify his Lord : but we have felt no such constraining sense of his excellency, no such disposition to part with all for him. An interest equivalent to the purchase of a potter's field has been at any time a sufficient barrier in our way to obstruct our progress, and prevent us from confessing him openly before men. It is really grievous to think how little we have been willing to bear for him. A frown, a threat, an ignominious name, have been quite sufficient to in- timidate us ; when, if we had valued Christ aright, ten thou- sand worlds would, in comparison of him, have weighed no more with us than the dust upon the balance.]
3. What efforts we have made for promoting his
glory in the world —
[The Apostles and primitive Christians counted not their lives dear to them, so that they might but diffuse the know- ledge of his salvation. And thus it should be with us. Our hearts should be ever intent on that object : we should never lose sight of it: we should live altogether for it. But, alas! how inactive have we been in his service ! We have seen mil- lions perishing for lack of knowledge, and used scarcely any means for their instruction. We have seen the kingdom of Christ invaded and usurped by the prince of darkness, and put forth no efforts to bring it to its rightful Owner. Say, would it have been thus, if we had valued him as we ought ? Would the advancement of his glory have been so light a matter in our eyes, if we had formed a just estimate of his kingdom and glory? Surely God has had too much reason to cast this reflection upon us, " A goodly price it was that I was prized at by them." And all our worthless services he may well cast