1. Those whose fruits are evil —
[It is not the openly profane, or the grossly sensual alone, but all, who are not really bringing forth the fruits of right- eousness and true holiness, that we now address. And what must we say ? Shall we natter you ? We dare not : the Scrip- ture speaks plainly ; and it would be at the peril o<" our souls to conceal the truth : St. John expressly calls you children of the devil f: and our Lord declares that everlasting fire must be your portion g". Shall it seem unreasonable that such should be the doom of the ungodly, while the righteous are admitted into heaven ? Are you at a loss to assign a reason why so great a difference should be put between persons, who, to outward appearance, do not differ very widely from each other ? Know that, if you trace the stream to its source, and examine their hearts, there will be found as great a difference between them, as between the portions that they shall hereafter receive. The one has nothing but a treasure of evil principles and evil affec- tions within him ; the other is a " partaker of the Divine nature," and is " transformed into the very image of his God." Seek then to have " a new heart and a right spirit renewed within you." " Ye must be born again ;" and that too for this plain reason, because what you have by nature is altogether carnal ; and you must receive a spiritual nature to qualify you for the enjoyment of a spiritual kingdom11. Ye must become " new creatures:" " instead of the thorn must come up the fir- tree, and instead of the brier must come up the myrtle-tree," if ever you would be monuments of God's saving mercy1.]
2. Those whose fruits are good —
[Doubtless you wish to have your evidences of conversion more and more clear. With this view it will be well to mark all your words and actions, and to trace them to their motives and principles. But do not forget that though your own works are the evidences of your conversion, they are not the grounds of your acceptance with God. It is Christ's obedience unto death that must be the one foundation of your hope. However holy your life be, your eyes must never be turned from Christ. He is your only, and your all-sufficient Saviour. In him you are to hope, as well when your evidences are obscured, as when they are bright. Nevertheless you should endeavour to abound more and more in all the fruits of righteousness, that you may have the comfort of an assured hope, and God may be glorified in your deportment.]
f 1 John iii. 8, 10. e Matt. vii. 19. and xii. 35 — 37.
h John iii. 6. • Isai. lv. 13.