Phil. iii. 3. We are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the fie sh.
IT is much to be lamented that the nature of genuine Christianity is but little understood. An assent to the fundamental articles of our faith, and a conformity to certain rites and ceremonies, are thought sufficient grounds for concluding ourselves real Christians, notwithstanding we are plainly warned
by God himself, that religion does not consist in these things3. Persons may be, and often are, very zealous advocates for the externals of religion, while they are altogether destitute of its life and power. Such were those whom St. Paul calls, not the sheep of Christ, but " dogs ;" not saints, but " evil-workers ;" not the circumcision, but, in a way of contempt, " the con- cision," because all their piety consisted in a zeal for the cutting of the flesh. Against such persons he thrice enjoins us to " beware ;" and then contrasts with theirs the character of the true Christian.
There are three discriminating points which distin- guish the circumcision, or the true Christians, from all who are Christians only in name and profession :
I. They worship God in the Spirit —
[Many never bow their knees before God at all. What they are, they themselves shall judge. Others observe the form of prayer both in public and in private ; but their hearts are not engaged ; nor is there any difference in their frame, whether they confess their sins, or ask for blessings, or acknowledge benefits received. All their services are without life, and without devotion.
The true Christian, on the contrary, though not always in the same frame, " worships God in the Spirit," that is, not only with the inmost affections of his soul, but through the direction and assistance of the Holy Ghostb. If we could see him in his closet before God, we should often behold him bathed in tears, and with hands and eyes lifted up to heaven imploring mercy at the hands of God. His thanksgivings too are not an unmeaning compliment, but an heartfelt grateful acknowledgment, suited in a measure to the mercies he has received. He " pours out his soul before Godc," and " stirs up himself to lay hold on Godd," and says, like Jacob, " I will not let thee go, except thou bless mee."
Let us examine to which of these classes we belong
and we may know infallibly what is our state before God.]
II. They rejoice in Christ Jesus —
[The world have their joys, such as they are, arising from the things of time and sense. Some know no happiness but in lewdness and intemperance. Others, moving either in a continual round of fashionable amusements, or in the pursuit
a Rom. ii. 28, 29. b Jude, ver. 20. Rom. viii. 15, 26.
c Ps. xlii. 4. 1 Sam. i. 15. d Isai. lxiv. 7. e Gen. xxxii. 2(>.