2. The fearful—
[Some there are who make this inquiry, we trust, in sin- cerity, yet do not derive comfort from the Apostle's direction : they are so discouraged by a sense of their own unworthiness, that they are not able to lay hold on the promises of the Gospel : they are ready to think it would be presumption in them to expect mercy in so free a way. But, whatever have been their past state, they may come, yea, they must come to Christ in this way. If our unworthiness were a bar to our acceptance
with God, who would ever be saved? But the fact is,
that such persons do not see enough of their unworthiness ; for if they did, they would immediately perceive that they must come to Christ, as the most unworthy of his creatures, or lie down in everlasting despair.
Dear brethren, do not indulge pride under the garb of humility ; but be willing to come to Christ as ye are. Only feel as the jailor did, and you need not fear but that you shall be accepted as readily as the jailor was ]
3. The believing —
[Doubtless some of you have been enabled to believe in Christ, and to found all your hopes on his atoning sacrifice. Let me then say to you, that you must not consider the work of faith as done, but merely as begun, and as necessary to be carried on every day and hour. You must " live still from day
to day by faith on the Son of God" At the same time,
O let me remind you to " shew forth your faith by your works." You see how the jailor honoured God, by a cordial acquiescence in the terms proposed, a bold confession of the crucified Jesus, a thorough change both of heart and life, and a joyful expectation that not a tittle of God's word should fail. Go ye on thus, trusting in God with all your hearts, and glorifying God with all your souls.]