of the Lord ; and therefore we would persuade you," by every consideration that can influence the mind of man.]
2. How carefully should we guard against self- deception !
[We easily deceive ourselves ; but we cannot deceive our God. Hence St. Paul gives us this solemn caution; " Be not deceived : God is not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap : he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption ; and he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Surely, if we will investigate the point with any degree of candour, it will be no difficult matter to ascertain whether we are sowing to the
flesh, or to the Spirit Let us deal faithfully then with
our own souls; and "judge ourselves, that we may not be judged of the Lord."]
3. How diligently should we maintain communion with our risen Saviour!
[To walk with him now by faith, is the sure way to be prepared for his future advent. He will now communicate to us of the abundance of his grace : he will shed abroad his love in our hearts : he will manifest himself to us as he does not unto the world. If we belong to him, we may regard him as " our Forerunner, gone before to prepare a place for us," and coming again shortly to receive us to himself, that where he is, we may be also. The true light in which to view him is, that which is shadowed forth to us by the high- priest going into the holy place to offer incense ; whilst the people waited for him without, till he should come forth to bless them1. Let us then wait and look for him, and he will soon come the second time to our complete, our everlasting salvation"1.]
1 Luke i. 9, 10, 21. m Heb. ix. 28.