Let us learn from hence,
1. To distinguish between the advocates of the Gospel and the Gospel itself —
c John iii. 19. d Matt, xviii. 7.
[If any were hardened in their infidelity by means of that damsel, they were exceeding blameable: for her testimony did not at all affect either the persons respecting whom it was borne, or the Gospel itself. The adversaries of the Gospel are very fond of referring to the characters of its advocates ; and if they can find that any of its professors have dishonoured it by their conduct, they will bring that as an argument against the Gospel itself. But was Jesus an impostor, because demoniacs confessed him to be the Christ ? Were the Apostles less to be regarded as servants of the Most High God, because this damsel, by Satanic agency, bore testimony to them under that character? Or was the path, which they pointed out to men as the way of salvation, less worthy to be trodden, because it received her sanction ? So then, neither is the Gospel less worthy of acceptance because some dishonour it by their conduct ; nor are we the more to be considered as deceivers, because there may be amongst our hearers some who "hold the truth in unrighteousness." The Gospel is wholly independent both of those who preach it and those who profess it : we call upon you therefore to receive it with all humility of mind. Whatever be the character of its advocates or its oppo- nents, it declares the only way in which a sinner can be saved : and to those who cordially embrace it, it shall be the power
of God unto salvation ]
2. To distinguish between an approbation of the Gospel, and the actual experience of it in our own souls —
[Men, if they change their sentiments, and especially if they shew an attachment to the truths of the Gospel, are apt to think that they are truly converted unto God. But conver- sion is a change of heart, and not of sentiment only: it is "a renewing in the spirit of our mind.'''' Let us incpaire then, not mei-ely whether we are "turned from darkness unto light," but whether we are " turned from the power of Satan unto God." If we are still habitually under the power of Satan in any thing, we have no part nor lot in the Gospel salvation. Let us then search and try our hearts ; and beg of God also to search and try us, lest we deceive our own souls, and perish in our sins. True it is, that if we receive the Gospel aright, we shall, like Lydia, shew a cordial attachment to those who are sent of God to dispense it to us : but we shall delight also in the commandments of our God ; we shall live nigh to God in the constant exercise of prayer and praise; we shall grow up into his image, an_d be advancing from day to day in righteousness and true holiness. See to it then, brethren, that ye have these evidences of conversion ; for " then shall ye not be ashamed, when ye have respect unto all God's com- mandments."]