mean, an approbation of what is good : it consists in a thorough conversion of the soul to God, in a way of deep penitence, and simple faith, and unreserved obedience: and till these be found in you really, deeply, abidingly, you are not really partakers of the kingdom of God. You may be " not far from it ;" but you are not in it ; nor do the blessings of it belong to you. I pray you, mistake not the appearance of religion for the reality ; nor ever rest till you have attained a clear, decisive evidence that you are indeed the Lord's.]
2. To those who have not even attained this character —
[How many are there that are yet full of ignorance, and
prejudice, and aversion to the truth ! What, then, must
I say of you ? Can I administer to you the encouragement which our Lord gave to the inquiring Scribe ? Must I not rather say, that you are far from the kingdom of God ? and if you are far from that kingdom, consider, I pray you, to what kingdom you are near ; even to the kingdom of darkness, the kingdom of the wicked one ? I grieve to suggest to any of you so painful a thought : but I appeal to you, whether your state be not one of extreme danger : for if, whilst possessing all that this Scribe possessed, you may yet have no part in the Gospel kingdom, it surely becomes you to tremble at your state, and to cry mightily to God, if peradventure you may at last find admission into it, and be saved for ever. Possibly this counsel may be neglected by you,«as that of Christ was by the Phari- sees of old. But judge ye in what light they now view their past obduracy. But their weeping now is of no avail. I pray God that you, my brethren, may now improve the opportunity afforded you, and may seek the Lord whilst he may be found, and call upon him whilst he is near.]
3. To those who are really admitted into the Re- deemer's kingdom —
[See how to act towards those who are yet without. "Be always ready to give to every one that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear1." And be particularly careful to encourage good appearances wherever you may find them. Our blessed Lord, looking upon the Young Man in the Gospel, " loved him ;" notwithstanding he knew, that, when his professions should be put to the test, they would be found delusivek. And this is to be a pattern for us. What if our Lord, who knew the design of this Scribe, had given him a repulse at first, instead of answering his ques- tion? The man would have been hardened in his wickedness;
« 1 Pet. iii. 15. k Mark x. 21,22.