that so, at whatever moment they be summoned to the pre- sence of their God, they may be found ready, and meet for the inheritance provided for them.]
This subject will clearly shew us,
1. What is the source of all our other deficiencies —
[Faith is at the root of all that is good; and unbelief, of all that is evil. According to our faith will every grace be found within us. Look at a person in a state of departure from his God : to what is his condition owing? There is " in him an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Look at persons anxious to attain the highest grace, so as to be able to forgive their brother, not seven times, but seventy times seven : for what do they pray ? an increase of love? no; but of faith: "Lord, increase our faithm." But turn to the world around you ; and you shall see, that unbelief is the one great source of all their rebellion against God : they believe not that he will call them to so strict an account as he has declared he will; and, consequently, they see no need of such humiliation, and such earnestness in the divine life as he calls for. Let them once be brought to believe these things, and they from thenceforth regard the care of their souls as " the one thing needful" ]
2. What we should chiefly seek for in the ministry of the word —
[What the enlightened minister chiefly labours to impart, we should chiefly labour to obtain. Doubtless we should not be unmindful of any grace : but we should remember, that faith is the parent of all the rest. It is faith that " overcomes the world," and " works by love," and " purifies the heart." Let me then recommend to you to seek increasing views of Christ, so as to realize his presence with you. Put him before your eyes, as dying for you on the cross ; as inter- ceding for you at the right hand of God ; as possessing all fulness for your use. Realize his great and precious promises, as made to you, and as in due season to be fulfilled to you : and from day to day take Pisgah views of the Promised Land, till you obtain a blessed foretaste of your inheritance. This is the way to " walk by faith ;" and in this way you shall pro- ceed with joy, till your faith be turned into sight, and your hope into fruition.]
m Luke xvii. 5.