be " not far from the kingdom of God," if they be not after- wards brought into it? To what purpose is it to be "almost Christians," if they do not become such altogether ? To what purpose is it to have " a name to live," if yet they continue "dead?" The Wise Virgins only, who had oil in their lamps, were admitted to the wedding-feast ; the others who had the lamps without the oil, the appearance but not the reality of grace, were excluded from it. Alas ! what a mortification must it be to such in the eternal world, to find that once they were not far from the kingdom, but that, after all, they fell short of a participation of it ; that they dropped into hell, as it were, even from the gate of heaven ! O ! I would most earnestly caution you against sleeping in such imminent danger, and against resting in any thing short of a thorough conversion.]
2. Of encouragement —
[We trust there are many who, when they hear the demands of the law, and the declarations of the Gospel, are ready to say, "Well, Master, thou hast said the truth." To such then we would address ourselves in the most encouraging terms ; ye " are not far from the kingdom of God." Only go on a little further, and you will be brought effectually into the kingdom. Seek to know the way of God more perfectly. Make your inquiries, if you will, provided you make them in a candid spirit. But endeavour to improve all opportunities of instruction. The word of God to you is, " Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to know the Lord." Be thankful for the light ye enjoy, and for the smallest disposition to improve it. Take heed, however, that your knowledge lead you to Christ, and produce suitable effects upon your hearts and lives : so will you become members of Christ's kingdom on earth, and finally be partakers of his heavenly kingdom.]