The whole of this subject being so plain and obvious, I have not judged it necessary to enter very fully into it in a way of discussion, that I may have the more time to improve it in a way of appli- cation.
Two things, then, I earnestly request of you, my beloved brethren :
1. Inquire carefully into the state of your souls before God —
[Inquire whether, like Mary, you are sitting at the feet of Jesus, and receiving with obedient regard his every word. Say whether his written word be your daily study and delight; and whether you diligently apply to yourselves his preached word, for the correcting of every sinful habit, and for advancing the life of God within vou
Inquire whether, in obedience to his word, you are relying solely upon him, and coming to the Father through him, and pleading his merits and mediation as the only grounds of your hope.
Carry your inquiry yet further; and see whether your transition from death to life be so clear and manifest, that it admits not of any reasonable doubt. Are you " crucified with Christ" to all the vanities of this world? and are you " living entirely by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," " receiving every thing out of his fulness," and improving evei'y thing to his glory ?
If these things be indeed your daily experience, then is all the blessedness annexed to such a state your assured portion. But consider, I pray you, the sad alternative. If these things be in you, " you shall not come into condemnation :" but if you have only the appearance of them, and not the reality, then does condemnation await you at your departure hence ; yea, our blessed Lord expressly tells you, that " you are con- demned already, and that the wrath of God abideth on youa." What a fearful thought is this ! How can you bear to live in such a state, or endui'e even to have your state a matter of doubt or suspense ? If it were at an earthly tribunal only that condemnation awaited you, it were a tremendous pro- spect: but to be condemned by the Judge of quick and dead, and be sentenced by him to everlasting misery, is so terrible, that I wonder the apprehension of it does not utterly overwhelm you. My heart's desire and prayer to God for you, brethren, is, that not one of you may be ever subjected to such a doom as this.]
2. Pursue with all earnestness the blessedness that has now been set before you —
[Surely it is worth seeking for, and will richly repay all that you can either do or suffer to obtain it. Were you urged to commence a life of suffering, such as the devotees of idols inflict upon themselves, you might well undertake the painful task, and submit to all that could be inflicted on you. But we call you to nothing of this kind. We invite you only to come to Christ, and to " hear his word, and to believe in the Father who hath sent him :" and shall this be deemed hard ? Even in this present life, the blessedness of having a title to heaven, and the very life of heaven begun in your souls, would richly repay you : how much more, then, will all the glory and felicity of God himself, so far as a creature can enjoy it, re- compense your labours? Be in earnest, brethren. There is nothing under heaven worth seeking after in comparison of
a John hi. 18, 36.