must pass away, and all things must become new." And is such a change within the power of unassisted man to effect? Let any one strive to put away every evil disposition, and to suppress with indignation every rising thought of sin ; let him plant the contrary dispositions in his heart, and cherish with delight the thoughts that are of a contrary tendency ; he may as well attempt to build a world as to do this in his own strength0. Yet this must be done. We do not say that a person must be absolutely perfect here; but he must pant after perfection, and lothe himself for every remaining imper- fection, even of thought. Surely this must be the work of that Almighty Agent who spake the universe into existence, and brought order and beauty out of the shapeless chaos p. And when we know the depth of our depravity, then and then only, shall we be willing to seek help from Him on whom it is laid.]
3. The suitableness and excellency of the Gospel salvation —
[While ignorant of our own depravity, we are unaffected with the tidings of the Gospel. Others may appear to need a fountain ; but we do not, because we have very little pollution : others may need a new heart ; but we have a very good one by nature. Thus the offers of the Gospel are of no value in our eyes; but when we know the depth of our corruptions, we are thankful to hear of a fountain opened for sin ; and the promise of a new heart is precious to our souls q. The Gospel then appears exactly suited to our necessities, and " every thing is accounted as dung and dross for the excellency of the know- ledge of it."]
Application —
1. To those who lay a stress on formal services —
[We mean not to depreciate an outward conformity to religion ; but where there is no more than that, the soul is in a lost and perishing condition. That is only like " the painting of a sepulchre which is full of rottenness and all uncleanness." Remember then, ye must " lay the axe to the root of the tree." " Ye must be born again." This is the solemn and repeated declaration of Christ himself, "Ye must be born of the Spirit, or ye can never enter into the kingdom of God." Hearken then, and understand this solemn admonition : let every one of you apply it to himself. Cry with David, " Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." " If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear."]
0 Jer. xiii. 23. p Eph. i. 19, 20. and ii. 10.
1 Ezek. xxxvi. 25 — 27.