what we are, but what we should have been if we had been left to follow our dispositions without restraint. Look at the souls that are now shut up in the abodes of misery in hell : Has any new disposition been infused into them, since they have entered into the eternal world ? No : they have only the dispositions which they carried with them : and the only dif- ference is, that they are now left to manifest to the uttermost what in this world was kept from issuing forth in all its full malignity. Under the displeasure of their God, so far are they from humbling themselves before him, that they " gnaw their tongues with anguish, and blaspheme the God of heaven because of their pains1." What would they have said in this world, if they had been told what was really in their hearts ? They would have deemed it a gross calumny. But such would be our deportment here, if our corruptions were not restrained, either by education, or by the preventing grace of God. And, if we be sensible how great our depravity is, we shall see that no humiliation can be too deep for any of us; but that it becomes all of us, without exception, to " abhor ourselves, even as holy Job did, in dust and ashes. "]
2. What obligations we owe to God for his Gospel!
[In the Gospel is revealed a way of reconciliation for us, through Christ. O ! what love was it that bestowed upon us such an inestimable gift as that of God's only dear Son, to make reconciliation for us through the blood of his cross ! And here it is particularly to be noticed, that God does not so much offer to be reconciled to us, as he invites us to be reconciled to him. The address which his ministers are com- missioned to make to men, is, " We beseech you in Christ's stead, Be ye reconciled to Godm" The great obstruction to friendship between God and us lies altogether on our part. Not a single moment would God retain his anger against us, if we humbled ourselves before him, and besought his favour for Christ's sake. But, though importuned by him, we con- tinue obstinate in our alienation from him. Still, however, the Gospel follows us with invitations and entreaties to lay aside our enmity, and to accept his proffered mercies. Be thankful for this marvellous kindness vouchsafed unto you : for, if once you be taken into the eternal world, there will be no longer any forbearance on the part of God ; but his wrath will burst forth against you, and burn even to the lowest hell to all eternity". It would be terrible to have all the creation for your enemies : but to have the Creator himself your enemy, and that for ever and ever, O ! how inconceivably terrible
1 Rev. xvi. 10, 11. m 2 Cor. v. 20.
n Ps. xi. 6. Rom. ii. 8, 9.