hearing." When we speak to " those who are of full age/' we can enter largely into every part of the Gospel ; because " they, having their spiritual senses exercised by use and habit, can discern both good and evil." They have a clear perception of the things we say, just as a man has of things bitter or sweet. We need not be labouring always to prove that such or such things are bitter or sweet ; because they see in an instant the true and proper quality of the things that are set before them : they understand the analogy of faith ; and are prepared to follow us as far as God enables us to lead them. But, how- ever delightful such deep researches might be, we dare not, except in a very sparing manner, prosecute them. We are forced to use the same caution as Christ did towards his hearers^; and as St. Paul did in addressing the Church at Corinth : " I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual ; but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Clu-ist. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat : for hitherto ye were not able to bear it ; neither yet now are ye able^."
And is not this a sad effect of men's " dulness?" Is it not an injury to us, as well as unto them ? Would not our own ability in ministering be increased, if we were more at liberty to search into " the deep things of God" for their instruction ? And would not the growth of all be more speedily advanced ?
Let this then be an additional motive for diligence. When you see how extensive and lamentable are the consequences of supineness, learn, in pity to yourselves and to the whole Church of God, to press forward with increasing earnestness and zeal.]
Advice —
1. Let us improve to the uttermost the advantages
we enjoy —
[God notices how long, and how often, we have the means of grace afforded us ; and he will call us to an account for them as talents committed to our charge. And if the Gospel we hear be not " a savour of life unto life, it will be a savour of death unto death''." The opportunities of improvement which the Jews had under the ministry of our Lord, rendered their guilt and punishment more aggravated than that of Sodom and Gomorrha'. The Lord grant that such may never be the effects of our ministry on you !]
2. Let us not be satisfied with low attainments — [It is doubless a mercy to be " babes in Christ," if ive he
really such. But what parent in the universe, however pleased
f John xvi. 12. t' 1 Cor. iii. 1, 2. ''2 Cor. ii. 16.
i Matt. xi. 20 — 24. with xii. 41, 42.
2289.1 GOING ON TO PERFECTION. 2iJ.')
with the birth of a child, would take pleasure in it, if, instead of growing towards manhood, it always retained its infantine weakness and stature ? Can God then behold with complacency such a monster in his family ? Does he not expect that, from " children we become young men, and from young men we advance to be fathers in his Church^?" Let us then have our " spiritual senses exercised :" let us endeavour to have them matured " by use and habit:" let us get a nice " discernment of good and evil." Let us " desire the sincere milk of the word," not merely that we may be satisfied with it, but that we ma.j grow thereby \ and be qualified for the reception of stronger food. " In malice," or any other kind of evil, *' be children ; but in understanding be men"."]
3. Let us make a good use of the attainments we already possess —
[They who themselves " need to be taught the first prin- ciples of the oracles of God," have no pretensions to set up themselves as teachers of others: and it is much to be lamented that such teachers should ever be admitted into the Church of God ; or, when admitted, be suffered to retain their office. But all who are taught of God, " ought" to exert themselves in teaching others. We say not, that all are to become preachers of the word : but we say, that all should endeavour to instruct their friends, and their neighbours, and more espe- cially their children and dependents". In labouring thus to do good, they would get good ; and *' in watering others, they would themselves be watered" with the dews of heaven".]