wages without work, and victory without a conflict. But such conduct will expose them to " everlasting shame and contempt," and will ultimately involve them in irrecoverable ruin. Let it be remembered then, that, as it is no easy matter to be a Christian, so nothing but real Christianity will be of any avail. If we accept not salvation on the terms which God has prescribed, it is in vain to hope that we shall ever participate the blessings it affords.]
2. The mistaken Christian —
[It is too common to imagine that we can retain the friendship of the world, and preserve at the same time our fidelity to Christ. But we are plainly warned to the contrary. Our Lord elsewhere assures us, that we cannot serve God and mammon. And St. James affirms the friendship of the world to be enmity with God; and that whosoever desires to be the friend of the world, he is thereby constituted the enemy of God a. Would to God that this were more considered ! But many, because they make some sacrifices, suppose that they come up to the terms which Christianity demands, when in fact, they retain their bosom lusts, and sacrifice only those, which their change of situation, or their more advanced age, has rendered less importunate. Instead of being jealous of their own sin- cerity, they are over- confident : and instead of being filled with shame and sorrow on account of their defects, they are ever pleading for indulgence, and labouring to persuade themselves that they come up to the mark prescribed to them in the Scriptures. Let such persons beware, lest, while they value themselves on their more liberal and enlarged sentiments, they deceive their own souls, and be found wanting in the day of final retribution. If when Christ calls them to forsake all, they are striving to forsake as little as possible, they have good reason to fear that they have not the mind which was in Christ Jesus.]
3. The timid Christian —
[Many, when the hour of trial comes, are ready to faint and draw back. But what are our trials when compared with those of thousands who have gone before us ? We have not yet resisted unto blood. Besides, have we not been told repeatedly, that if we have no cross we must not expect a crown ? Let us recollect, that, " if we turn back, God's soul shall have no pleasure in us;" and, that the whole world will be a poor exchange for an immortal soul. " As soldiers we must expect to endure hardness." Let us then " be strong and very courageous:" let us " fight the good fight, and quit ourselves
a Jam. iv. 4.