In so acting we benefit ourselves no less than others —
[The exercise of love is, as has been observed, an evi- dence of grace, and as such, a foundation of hope. And the more the acts of love are formed into a habit, the livelier our hope becomes, till at last it grows into a " full assurance of hope." We must again say, that it is not on our actions as meritorious, that our hopes are founded, but only as evidences of a true faith, and as evincing a state which God has promised to re- ward. But, having these evidences, we may as assuredly hope for glory, as if we saw the holy angels ready to bear our souls to the realms of bliss. " God is love : and, if we resemble him in this world, we may well have boldness in reference to the^ day of judgment^" " We know by it infallibly that we are of the truth ; and therefore may on safe grounds assure our hearts before him*^."]
Let me now, in applying this subject to ourselves, tell you, 1. What is my '' j)ersuasion" respecting you —
[Of many " I am persuaded," that they have these " things that accompany salvation." Many manifest it in the whole of
e 1 John iv. 16, 17. ^ 1 John iii. 19.
their life and conversation ; and many more would manifest it, if they had the same opportunities as are offered to others. There can be no doubt but that the principle of love is deeply implanted in the hearts of many, who from various circum- stances are unable to display it as they could wish. And we are assured, that God, who searcheth the heart, will bear wit- ness to them in the last day, as well as to those who were able to carry into effect their good desires.
But, in reference to many, we have no such persuasion. Many do not even possess those things which hypocrites and apostates may have ; and much less " the things which accom- pany salvation." How many of you are there who have never *' been enlightened, never tasted of the heavenly gift, never been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, never tasted of the good word of God, or the powers of the world to come^." Alas ! beloved, what hope can ye enjoy ? Your confidence is altogether delusive, and will deceive you to your eternal ruin. But, where these specious appearances have been found, there is in too man}' instances an entire lack of that gracious prin- ciple of which the text speaks. The love that has been exer- cised has been essentially defective in all its most distinguishing points : it has not been to the saints as saints, but on account of some accidental circumstance that has attended them : it has not been laborious and persevering, but has displayed itself only in easier services, and on more partial or particular occasions : and, above all, it has not originated altogether in love to God ; or been exercised simply for the glory of his name. What then must be my persuasion respecting you? Must it not rather be, that, so far from possessing the things that accompany salvation, you have as yet " no part or lot in this matter; but are yet in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." Beloved brethren, think of your danger ere it be too late ; and beg of God that you may rest in nothing short of true conversion, and of that " hope which shall never make you ashamed."]
2. What is my " desire " for you —
[Truly this accords with that of the Apostle Paul. On behalf of " every one of you," I would desire, that you should shew all diligence in the exercise of this grace ; and that you should continue in the exercise of it even " to the end :" like him also I would desire it with all earnestness**.