was among them, and there exists to a vast extent amongst ourselves, an idea, that if a man were punctually observant of all the rites and ceremonies of religion, he must of necessity be in a good state before God. But this Scribe justly sets down the outward observances of religion as of no account, if the person performing them be not animated by love to God and man. Rites and ceremonies are of no value, but as means to an end : whereas love is of infinite value, for its own sake : it is a conformity to God: it is the image of God upon the soul of man.
Now this the Scribe both saw and felt : and, wherever such a. feeling is, verily the man may well be said to be "not far from the kingdom of God."]
Taking, then, our Lord's declaration as unques- tionably true, I will proceed, II. To found upon it some salutary advice —
I will address myself,
1. To those who answer to this character — [There are many, and doubtless many here present, in whom is found a good measure of knowledge, and candour, and piety ; whilst yet the best that can be said of them is, that " they are not far from the kingdom of God."
It will be asked, of course, What are the defects of this character ? and what needs to be superadded to it, in order to bring a man fully into the kingdom of God? I answer, There must be in him these three things : first, a sense of his undone state, on account of having violated this law ; next, a dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ, as having fulfilled this law for us ; and, lastly, a determination of heart, through grace, to fulfil it ourselves. Without the first of these, a broken and contrite spirit, whatever be a man's other qualities, he is not yet upon the threshold of God's sanctuary. Without the next, that is, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, he has not knocked at the door ; for " Christ is the door, through which alone any man can enter inh." And without the last, obedience to God's commands, whatever his profession be, it is clear that he has not entered in at that door : for if he had, his faith would be demonstrated by his works.
Now, then, to the regular and well-disposed part of you, I would affectionately offer this advice : Take it not for granted that you are right before God ; but weigh yourselves in the balance of the sanctuary, and search wherein it is that you are found wanting. Religion does not consist in knowledge nor in candour, nor in what I have ventured to call piety ; by which I
h John x. 9.