2. Those of whom we entertain no doubt —
[Where shall we find persons of this description? Where ? alas ! in every place. Can we stand in doubt about the swearer, the Sabbath-breaker, the whoremonger, the adulterer? Can we stand in doubt of those who live without secret prayer; of those who never felt their need of having Christ formed in them, nor ever endeavoured to conform themselves to his example ? No : infidels may stand in doubt ; but they who believe the Bible cannot doubt at all3; the state of all such
t Luke xii. 42. « 1 Thess. v. 14. x 1 Thess. ii. 19, 20.
y 2 Cor. xi. 2. z 1 Cor. xi. 31. » Gal. v. 19— 21 . Eph. v. 6.
persons is as clear as the light at noon-day ; and their in- ability to see it, only proves how awfully " the god of this world hath blinded their eyes." We must declare unto you, brethren, and would speak it with tears of pity and of grief b, that, if you die before that Christ has been formed in you, " it would have been better for you that you had never been born0."
But there are others also of whom we cannot doubt; I mean, the humble, spiritual, devoted " followers of the Lamb." Of these even infidels entertain no doubt ; because, upon their own principles, they who are most virtuous are most safe. But they have also the word of Jehovah on their side : and, if we were to stand in doubt of them, we must doubt the states of all the holy Prophets and Apostles, whose faith they follow, and whose example they imitate. No : in such as them are found " the things that accompany salvation d." We congra- tulate them therefore on the safety and happiness of their state : and " we are confident that He who hath begun the good work in them, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ e." They may indeed have sometimes doubts and fears in their own minds : but we say unto them, in the name of the Most High God, " Fear not, little flock ; for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom f."]
f Phil. iii. 18. c Matt. xxvi. 24. d Heb. vi. 9.
e Phil. i. 6. f Luke xii. 32.