put upon them, beholds also the intrinsic worth of those dis- positions which are cultivated by the true Christian. The sighs and groans of a penitent are as a sweet-smelling savour unto God; while the self-exalting thoughts and expressions of a proud Pharisee are as an offensive " smoke in his nose," which excites nothing but disgust and abhorrence1. Nor is there a good desire rising in the bosom from a principle of pure religion, but it is instantly noted in the book of God's remembrance k, and shall be recorded to the Christian's honour in the great day of our Lord's appearing1]
Address —
1. Those who are resting in outward forms —
[Persons who are diligent in external duties, never doubt but that they are true Christians : but if they be not equally attentive to their inward motives and principles, God himself tells us that they are no Christians. Let us then inquire, not whether we be descended from Christian ancestors, but whe- ther we be born of God ? Let us ask, not whether we have " cleansed the outside of the cup and platter ;" but whether we are " purified from all spiritual as well as fleshly filthiness™?" And let us remember, that " the King's daughters are all glo- rious within;'" and that their brightest ornament is " the hidden man of the heart11:" nor is it he who commendeth himself that is approved of God, " but he whom the Lord commendeth0."]
2. Those who disregard religion entirely —
[It has already been seen that persons may be Christians in appearance, and very observant of all the ordinances of reli- gion, while yet they are no Christians in the sight of God : how far then must they be from deserving this appellation, who habitually violate the commandments of their Divine Master, and live in a constant neglect of the most acknowledged duties ! Surely " their circumcision is become uncircumcision ;" instead of being Jews " they are of the synagogue of Satan :" and the unbaptized heathen, who walk agreeably to the light of nature, shall condemn them, who, having been baptized into the faith of Christ, are yet despising his authority, and trampling on his lawsp. Let then the very name of Christian be renounced at once, or let the spirit of Christianity be made apparent in our lives.]
3. Those who are cultivating a spiritual and hea- venly mind —
1 Jer. xxxi. 18, 20. Isai. lxv. 5. See also Luke xviii. 11 — 14.
k Mai iii. Hi, 17. l 1 Pet. i. 7. 1 Cor. iv. 5.
m 2 Cor. vii. 1. " ps. xiv. 13. 1 pet. iii. 4.
0 2 Cor. x. 18. p ver. 25 — 27. with Rev. ii. 9.
1828.] christians' advantages above heathens. 51
[Amidst the abounding of iniquity there yet are many who are devoted to God both in heart and life : and unspeak- ably blessed is their state. " Their praise indeed is not of men :" by men they are derided as enthusiasts and fanatics : but they have " praise of God." God beholds them with pleasure, and forbears to destroy the world for their sakeq. He accounts them his servants, his children, his glory r ; and in a little time he will welcome them to his bright abodes, saying, " Well done, good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joy of your Lord." At the day of judgment too will the Lord Jesus Christ confess them before his Father and his holy angels ; " These were Christians indeed ; they followed me in the regeneration, and shall therefore now be seated on thrones of glory : as I have already shewn my mercy to them, so will I now evince my righteousness in them ; they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy s." Go on then, beloved, from grace to grace : never think that you have yet attained, or that you are already perfect ; but forget all that is behind, and press forward for that which is before, knowing assuredly, that " to him who worketh righteousness shall be a sure reward."]