estimate the value of that recompence ? Suffice it to
say, that the veracity of God is pledged for the bestowment of it, and that the blessedness conferred shall exist, as long as God himself exists.]
Address —
1. Those who hesitate about leaving all for Christ — [Does a moment's hesitation become you ? Think of your
Lord and Saviour : did he hesitate, when an offer was made him to redeem your souls? Did he account the conditions hard, when he had your everlasting salvation in view ? No : he gladly left the bosom of his Father, and assumed our nature, and bore our curse, that he might redeem our souls from death and hellf. Do you then hesitate to make any sacrifice for him? Look at Paul ; was he intimidated ? did he account any thing too much to do or suffer for his Lords ? Look at Moses : can you be called to sacrifice more than he? " He esteemed the re- proach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt'1." Think not to have an interest in Christ on any lower terms : You must, in heart and affection, forsake all, if you would be his disciples1. The Rich Youth in the Gospel would not accede to these terms : but do you commend him ? Do you not look upon him with pity? Do you not think he would change his mind now, if the offer were again made him ? O be wise in time ! " buy the truth, and sell it not :" be willing to " sell all that you have for that treasure which is hid in the Gospel, and for that pearl of great price V If, like Amaziah, you reply, " What shall I do for all the talents I shall sacri- fice ?" I answer with the prophet, " The Lord is able to give thee much more1." In fact, your gain will exceed all calcula- tion. If you were a merchant, you would gladly embrace an opportunity of making ten or twenty per cent, of your money, though the return should not be absolutely certain ; but here you are promised ten thousand per cent, and it is assured to you by the veracity of God himself. Only " have faith in God," and all the blessings of " the upper and nether springs," of time and of eternity, are yours.]
2. Those who, like the Apostles, have left all for
him —
[Whatever your losses or sufferings may have been, I con- gratulate you from my heart : yea, God himself congratulates
f Compare Ps. xl. 6 — 8. with Phil. ii. 6 — 8. g Compare Acts xx. 24. and xxi. 13. with Phil. ii. 17. and iii. 7, 8.
h Heb. xi. 24—26. '» Luke xiv. 33.
k Matt. xiii. 44—46. l 2 Chron. xxv. 9.