one would think that he should scarcely give sleep to his eyes or slumber to his eye-lids, till he had obtained a clear evidence of his acceptance with God, and had " made his calling and election sure." But this is not the case : and therefore, evident as the truth is, we need to have it brought before us, and enforced on our minds and consciences by every argument that can be adduced.
Permit me then to remind those who are living in open sins, that they know not how soon they may be called into the presence of their God, with all their sins upon them. And how will they endure the sight of their offended God? Will they, when standing at his tribunal, make as light of sin as they now do ? Will they prevail on him to view it as mere youthful indiscretion, and unworthy of any serious notice ? No, in truth : if any could come to us from the dead, they would not designate their crimes by such spe- cious terms as they once used respecting them ; but would tell us plainly, that " they who do such things cannot inherit the kingdom of God." Think then, ye who make a mock at sin, how soon your voice may be changed, and all your present sport be turned to "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth!"
Nor is it to open sinners only that we must suggest these thoughts : we must remind the moral also, and the sober, that death may quickly terminate their day of grace : yes, we must " put them in remembrance of these things, though they know them, and be established" in the belief of them. We mean not to undervalue sobriety and outward morality : no ; Ave rejoice to see even an external conformity to Christian duties. But more than outward morality is wanting for our final acceptance with God. We must have a penitent and contrite spirit : we must seek refuge in Christ from all the curses of the broken law : we must be renewed in the spirit of our mind by the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost : we must be brought to live no longer to ourselves, but unto Him who died for us, and rose again. These things are absolutely and indispensably necessary to our
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