importance, will then present themselves to your mind as the most awful realities. What will you then think of cold and lifeless services ? What bitter regret will seize you, and ter- rible forebodings too, perhaps, when you look back upon a partial obedience, and an hypocritical profession? O that you may not fill your dying pillow with thorns ! O that you may serve the Lord in such a manner now, that in that day you may " enjoy the testimony of a good conscience," and " have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of your Lord and Saviour1!"
Consider, lastly, that nothing less will avail you at the bar of judgment. We repeat it, that you will not be saved for your works : but we repeat also, that you will be dealt with accord- ing to your works. It will be to little purpose to have cried " Lord, Lord," if you are not found to have done the things which he commanded8. God has said, "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully*;" nor will either our self-commendations, or the applause of others, avail us, if the heart-searching God do not bear witness to our integrity11.
Behold then, as in the sight of God, we testify these things; and charge you all, that if you would ever behold the face of God in peace, you make it the great object of your life to walk as becometh saints, and to " adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."]
Application —
[The Apostle contented not himself with general exhorta- tions ; but addressed himself to individuals ; even, as far as he could, to " every one" of his people. Let me then apply my subject more particularly to you, dispensing to each his portion in due season.
Are there among you those who make no profession of reli- gion ? — Think not that you are excused from that strictness which is required of the saints. As the creatures of God, you are bound to obey him; and as " bought with the inestimable price of his Son's blood, you are bound to glorify him with your bodies and your spirits, which are hisx." Nor should it be any consolation to you that you make no profession of religion; for, if you have not been called to be subjects of God's kingdom, and heirs of his glory, you are vassals of Satan, and partakers of his condemnation.
Are there any who, by reason of their unsteady walk, are ready to doubt whether they have ever been effectually called ? Let me both " exhort and charge" them not to leave this
r 2 Pet. i. 10, 11. with Ps. xxxvii. 37.
8 Matt. vii. 21—23. with Luke vi. 46.
{ Jer. xlviii. 10. "2 Cor. x. 18. * 1 Cor. vi. 20.