life11" should for one instant withhold his quickening influ- ence0. From hence it is that we are necessitated to " live entirely by faith in the Son of God," and to " receive con- tinually out of his fulnessp."]
4. In completing it —
[While we continue in the body, we shall be as dependent upon Christ for every thing, as we have been at any period of our existence. He who has been " the author, must also be the foiisher of our faith0-:" the same " Zerubbabel who laid the foundation of this spiritual work, must finish it with his own hands, in order that, when the head-stone shall be brought forth with shoutings, we may cry, Grace, grace unto it for ever r." Indeed, it is not only to the end of life that Christ will carry on his work, but long after we have mouldered in the grave; "he will raise us up again at the last day8," appoint us our proper portion, exalt us to his throne of glory, and be the continued source of our happiness through all eternity *.]
This being a truth of infinite importance, we shall endeavour to, II. Improve it —
It is not a mere assent to this doctrine that will profit our souls, but the application of it to our hearts and consciences. Let us then apply it —
1. For reproof —
In how strong a light does the guilt of worldly men appear when viewed through the medium of this truth ! God assures us that no distinctions of whatever kind will effectually make us happy ; and that the happiness of all must be alto- gether in, and through Christ. The worldling, on the con- trary, declares, by his practice at least, that the world, and not Christ, is the true source of rational enjoyment. What is this but to " make God a liar?" and shall this be deemed a
light offence in the day of judgment? But this subject
more particularly condems the self-righteous. These, instead of looking to Christ for the free, unmerited, and continued exercise of his grace, are ready to boast that they are not as other men, and to go forth in a dependence on their own strength and goodness: instead of regarding him as their entire " wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," they transfer much of his glory to themselves ; instead of making
n Col. iii. 4. ° John xv. 5. Xwpte fyou. p Gal. ii. 20.
q Heb. xii. 2. r Zech. iv. 7—9. " John vi. 39, 40.
1 Rev. vii. 17. and xxi. 23.