We shall further improve the subject,
1. For conviction —
[All persons are ready to think that they are possessed of true and saving faith. But faith is not a mere assent to the truths of the Gospel, or even an approbation of them. It includes three things; a committing of the soul to Christ; a persuasion of his ability to save us ; and a determination to go fonvard in dependence upon him, doing and suffering whatever we are called to in the path of duty. Have we this faith ? ]
2. For consolation — *
[If there be any amongst us weak and dejected, let them turn their eyes to God as their Almighty Friend." Let them know that " He is able to make them stand":" he is " able to make all grace abound towards them, that they, having always all-sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work^." It is God himself who suggests to the fainting soul these very considerations ; and he requires nothing, but that we wait on him in order that we may experience their truth
and efficacy y
" Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen^."]
* If this virere the subject of a Funeral Sermon, the excellencies of the deceased might here be enumerated, and the survivors be com- forted by the consideration that their Keeper lives for ever.
u Rom. xiv. 4. ^ 2 Cor. ix. 8.
y Isai. xl, 27—31. ^ Jude, ver. 24, 25.