glory. Now we are sure that Christ died for those who were given to him ; and that the Holy Ghost will renew and sanctify those for whom Christ died. The only question that can arise is this ; Has the Father loved me, and has Christ died for me ? To this I answer. We cannot look into the book of God's decrees, and therefore we can only judge by what is already manifest. Are we regenerated and renewed by the Holy Ghost ? if we are, we may be sure that whatever is needful shall be done for us. All that is required of us is, to wait upon God for fresh supplies of his Spirit ; and to yield ourselves to the govern- ment of that Divine Agent. We then need not fear either men or devils : for none shall pluck us out of the Redeemer's hands ; nor shall we have any temptation without a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. If, however, we have not yet an evidence that we are regenerate, we must not hastily conclude that there is no salvation for us ; for all the elect of God were once unregenerate, but in due time were begotten by the Spirit to a lively hope : so that we must still go to God for the gift of his Spirit, and for an interest in Christ : nor will he refuse the petition of any who call upon him in sincerity and truth. But if we have a good hope that we have believed in Christ, then let us rejoice in our security ; for, Has the Father shewn such proofs of his eternal love in vain ? Has the Son laid down his life for nought ? Has the Spirit under- taken such a work, without ability to accomplish it ? And is the salvation of our souls the grand end which each of these Divine Persons has had in view, and shall we at last be left to perish ? Be of good courage, brethren ! and rest persuaded, with the Apostle of old, that " none shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
2. We may see from hence, how great must be the condemnation of those who continue in unbelief —
If we reflect a moment upon the most astonishing provision which is made for us in the Gospel, and
no TITUS, III. 4—7. [2264.
the dignity of the Persons concerned for our welfare, we cannot but exclaim with the Apostle, " How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation ?" Surely, to despise the kindness and love of God our Father, will greatly aggravate our guilt : to trample on the blood of a dying Saviour, will add tenfold mahgnity to all our other sins : and to do despite to the Spirit of grace, will render our state hopeless, and incon- ceivably dreadful. Yet such is the state of all who reject the offers of the Gospel. As for the heathen, I had almost said, they are innocent in comparison of those who live and die unregenerate in a Christian land. O, my brethren, beware how you bring such aggravated condemnation upon your own souls ! St. Paul expressly cautions you respecting this : he says, " He that despised Moses's law died without mercy: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace?" Beware, therefore, lest ye lose this day of grace, and, like the foolish virgins, be shut out from the marriage-supper. Blessed be God, there are none excluded from the Gospel offer: we are commanded to preach it to every creature ; and to assure you, that, if you will return to God, there is a way of access opened for you, and that you may at this instant come to him through the Son, and by the Spirit. If therefore you now desire mercy, beg the Holy Spirit to guide you unto Christ; and entreat the Lord Jesus Christ to introduce you to the Father. Nor need you doubt for one moment but that in this way you shall be partakers of ever- lasting salvation : though you are now dead, and doomed to everlasting death, you shall have spiritual and eternal life : though you are now hopeless, you shall be begotten to a lively hope: and though you are now strangers and foreigners, you shall be heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.