of healing is going forward, and many are convalescent : but we need still to apply the same remedies ; and we are none of us possessed of that measure of health which we hope to attain previous to our dismission. We follow still the prescriptions of our physician ; and we hope, in so doing, to obtain, in due season, a perfect recovery ]
2. The need we have of constant vigilance and exertion —
[The old principle, as has been observed, still remains within us: and, if we be not constantly on our guard, it will regain its former ascendency over us. A stronger army, if the sentinels fall asleep, may be surprised and vanquished by troops that are far inferior : and we too, notwithstanding the power given us by the indwelling Spirit, shall surely be over- come, if we be not constantly on our watch-tower. We must be prepared to meet our adversary at his first approach. Our blessed Lord says, " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation :" and the sad consequences of sleeping on our post may be seen in the Disciples, when they failed to observe this important admonition*. Corruption will often put on the appearance of virtue, and Satan assume the garb of an angel of lightu: but if we be on our guard, we shall detect his devices ; and " if we resist him manfully, he will flee from usx."]
3. The security that is afforded us, if we be only faithful to ourselves —
[God assures us of success, if only we follow his direc- tions. " If we sow to the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap corruption : but if we sow to the Spirit, we shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting y." In two respects shall we be placed on a totally different footing from that on which we stood before: we shall not be judged according to the perfect law, winch condemns us for the smallest act of disobedience; for, " if we walk in the Spirit, we are not under the law2:" on the con- trary, our imperfect obedience shall be eternally rewarded: for God would deem himself " unrighteous, if he were to forget" any thing that we do for his sakea. With boldness, then, I say to every one amongst you, " Be steadfast, im- moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, and you may rest assured that your labour shall not be in vain in the LordV]
t Matt. xxvi. 41, 43, 50. u 2 Cor. xi. 14. x Jam. iv. 7. y Gal. vi. 7, 8. z ver. 18. a Heb. vi. 10.
» 1 Cor. xv. 58.