must we finally attain complete salvation? We must be " saved by his life;" that is, we must from first to last live by faith on the Son of God, looking to his death as the merito- rious ground of our acceptance, and to his renewed life in heaven as the one source of all our stability, and the surest pledge of our eternal happiness. But, it may be asked, Am I among the number for whom these blessings were purchased ? If you are among the number of those who feel themselves " ungodly and sinners, and enemies to God, and without strength," then are you the persons for whom Christ died, and for whom he is improving every moment of his renewed life. What, I would ask, can be more plain than this ? What room is here left for doubt ? Verily, if salvation be not altogether by Christ Jesus, that is, by the efficacy of his death, and the operation of his grace, St. Paul must have been the most in- cautious and erroneous writer that ever lived. But, if he was neither ignorant nor deceitful, then is the way of salvation so plain, that not any poor " way-faring man, even though he be a fool, can err therein." We charge you then, brethren, to flee for refuge to the hope that is set before you ; and to " determine to know nothing as a ground of hope, but Jesus Christ and him crucified."]
2. Those who, having sought for reconciliation through Christ, are afraid of being cast off, and left to perish —
[What is it that fills you with such fears as these ? Is it on account of Christ that you are distressed ? or on account of your own weakness and unworthiness ? If you are afraid of Christ, what is it in Him that you stand in doubt of; his power, or his willingness to save? Surely there can be no doubt on either of these points. If your fears arise from a view of your own weakness and sinfulness, why should that prove a bar to your acceptance with him, which was, I had almost said, a reason for his dying for you, and which constantly calls forth his compassion towards you ? True, if you continue ungodly, you have no hope : for " the unrighteous cannot inherit the kingdom of God." But, if you desire truly to be delivered from all your corruptions, and to receive constant supplies of grace from him, then you may safely trust in him to carry on and perfect the work he has begun. He that first sought you, will not be sought by you in vain. He that bore your sins in his own body, will carry them all away into the land of oblivion. He that reconciled you to God, will maintain your peace with God : and he that has completed every thing as far as it depended on his death, will much more perfect what depends upon his life. Be strong then, and of good courage; and hold fast your confidence, and the rejoicing of your hope, firm unto the end.]