St. Paul, speaking of the day of judgment, says, " Knowing, therefore, the terrors of the Lord, we persuade men." Permit me then to improve the subject, and to persuade you,
1. In reference to the main subject of the context —
[We have before observed, that the Apostle is speaking- respecting candour in judging ; and, of moral subjects, there is scarcely any that is of greater importance than that. Our blessed Lord enjoins us strictly in relation to it : " Judge not, that ye be not judged ; for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged ; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again k." Think for yourselves, and act for yourselves ; and regard not the uncharitable judgment of others, when you are " fully persuaded in your own mind." But concede to others the liberty which you claim for your- selves. Leave others to exercise their own discretion : and, instead of sitting in judgment upon them, leave them to the infallible judgment of their God. Believe that they may be right, as well as you; and that they may be right, though they differ from you. You yourselves, as well as those whom you judge, will shortly appear before the judgment-seat of Christ :
k Matt. vii. 1, 2.
there will every man receive according to his works. On the side of charity you may safely err : but if you indulge uncha- ritahleness towards others, you can expect nothing but what God has expressly declared ; that they " who have shewed no mercy shall themselves have judgment without mercy1."]
2. In reference to the passage we have been insist- ing on —
[You have seen that Christ will surely triumph at the last. Respecting those who pertinaciously reject him, he will say, " Bring hither those mine enemies who would not that I should reign over them, and slay them before me." Lay down, then, the weapons of your rebellion, and humble your- selves before him. Think not that he will forget his oath: for he will surely fulfil it. He is able so to do ; and he " will not repent" of any word that he hath spoken. " Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Has he spoken, and shall he not make it good ?" Seek then, without delay, to have his whole work accomplished in you ; and be assured, that, if you serve him faithfully, according to his word, the time is not far distant when he will address you from his throne of glory, " Well done, good and faithful servants ; enter ye into the joy of your Lord."]
1 Jam. ii. 13.