II. The effect which it produces, in proportion as its influence is felt —
" It bringeth forth fruit in all the world :" and that fruit is of the richest kind, even as the fruit of Para- dise itself. In the last day it will operate in its full extent : and now, if we cordially embrace it,
1. We shall regard all that we have as consecrated to the Lord —
[Whatever we posssess, whether for use or pleasure, " Ho- liness unto the Lord" will be inscribed upon it. Our bodies with all their members, our souls with all their faculties, our time, our property, our influence, all will be considered as talents received from him, and to be improved for him11.]
2. We shall perform our most common services in a religious manner —
[As the ungodly carry a worldly spirit into their most sacred duties, so, on the contrary, do the saints endeavour to do every thing for God. This is shewn us particularly in re- ference to religious servants, whose privilege it is in the most
menial offices to serve the Lord Christ0 In like manner
all of us are to regard " our pots and cups as the bowls before the altar," and " whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, to do it all for the glory of Godp."]
3. We shall suffer no sin willingly to abide in our hearts —
[The Canaanite will be expelled, and no truce be made with him. " The right eye will be plucked out, and the right hand or foot will be cut off." To the harbouring of one sin the penalty of " hell fire" is annexed : and no candidate for heaven will knowingly subject himself to this fearful alternative"1.]
Address —
1. Let none be ashamed of religion, which ought to shine before men —
2. Let none rest in any measure of religion short of that which will characterize the Millennial age
n Isai. xxiii. 18. and lxiii. 9. ° Eph. vi. 5 — 8.
p 1 Cor. x. 31. q Mark ix. 42—48.