He hears the Saviour saying, " This is hfe eternal, to know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent ;" and having attained that knowledge, he trusts that the word of Christ shall be fulfilled to him : he already exults in the language of the Apostle, " Who is he that condemneth ? it is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us^"
But if a sense of guilt afflict some, a want of victory over their in-dwelling corruptions distresses others : and to them also the doctrine of Christ crucified administers the only effectual rehef. The conside- ration of eternal rewards and punishments affords indeed a powerful incentive to exertion ; but efforts springing from those motives only, will always savour of constraint ; they will never be ingenuous, hearty, affectionate, unreserved. But let a sense of redeeming love occupy the soul, and the heart becomes en- larged, and " the feet are set at liberty to run the way of God's commandments " We say not that every person who professes to have experienced the love of Christ, will always walk consistently with that profession ; for there were falls and offences not only in the apostolic age, but even among the Apostles themselves : but this we say, that there is no other principle in the universe so powerful as the love of Christ ; that whilst that principle is in action, no commandment will ever be considered as grievous ; the yoke of Christ in every thing will be easy, and his burden light ; yea, the service of God will be perfect freedom ; and the labour of our souls will be to *' stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." This the Apostle found in his own experience ; and this he found to be the effect of his ministry on the hearts of thousands. What then could he wish for in addition to this ? Where this principle was in- efficacious, nothing was effectual; and where tliis was effectual, nothing else was wanted : no wonder
"■ Rom. viii. 34.