find no pleasure in the conversation of men of science, or in the polished society of courtiers. He would soon wish to leave such scenes, and to return to the company that was better suited to his habits, and intelligence. Now in heaven there is one continued effusion of praise from every soul around the throne. Saints and angels join in one general chorus of praise and thanksgiving to God and to the Lamb. Inquire then whether you have learned that song ? Inquire whether you have yet tuned your harps, that you may bear your part in that concert ? If }rou have not yet learned to play the higher parts of praise and thanksgiving, can you at least sound the lower notes of humiliation and contrition ? Nor think it hard to be put on this inquiry. It is not your minister, but an in- spired Apostle, that calls for it at your hands : " Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith : prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates s ?" Examine carefully whether the things of this world or the felicity of heaven be the higher in your esteem, and the object of your more diligent pursuit ? You can easily ascertain your proficiency in earthly things : search then and see whether ye be growing daily in grace, and in a conformity to the Divine image ? This inquiry will be made at last by the heart-searching God ; and his sentence will be passed upon you in perfect accordance with your real state. I entreat you therefore to "judge yourselves" now, whilst " space is given you for repentance," that you may not be judged of the Lord, when your state will be irremediable and final.]
2. Let the testimony of your conscience produce in you its appropriate effects —
[If conscience bear witness that you have lived to your- selves and to the world instead of living for God and for eternity, begin without delay to implore mercy at the hands of God, and to seek that renovation of heart and life, without which you cannot be saved. Withdraw yourselves from " the world which lieth in wickedness," and give up yourselves to Christ as his redeemed people : and let it henceforth be your daily labour to flee from the wrath to come, and to lay hold on
eternal life
But if you can call God to record, that, notwithstanding your many defects, you do indeed set your affections on things above rather than on the things of time and sense, then rejoice and bless God for the work which he has wrought in your hearts ; and look to him to " perfect in you the good work he has begun." To you, beloved, I will reverse the text, and say,
s 2 Cor. xiii. 5.