Here then is our encouragement to perform our duties to Christ and his Church. Whatever we may have to encounter for Christ's sake, we may, in reliance upon his word, " hold fast our profession ;" and whatever exertion may be necessary for filling up our respective offices as members of his body, we may labour and not faint; assured that, if we be "steadfast, and unmoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, our labour shall not be in vain in the LordV]
What then shall I say more ? Is God faithful, to his engagements ? Then,
L Be ye faithful to yours — [If you have given up yourselves to him as his purchased possession, then have ye bound yourselves to " glorify him with your bodies and your spirits which are his." Remember then the vows that are upon you ; those which were made for you in your baptism; those which you took upon yourselves at
k Josh, xxiii. 14. * 1 Cor. xv. 58.
your confirmation ; and those which you have renewed at the table of the Lord. Labour diligently to perform them all ; and not only to perform your own promises, but to stir up others to the performance of theirs also. Do not think to say, •* Am I my brother's keeper ? " for you have a duty to all the members of Christ's mystical body; and you are as much bound to perform that, as to perform any other whatever. Address yourselves then to the work of the Lord ; and " what- ever your hand findeth to do, do it with all your might." If you meet with difficulties and trials, be not discouraged, but go on boldly in the name and strength of the Lord. Draw not back on any account: for, " if any man draw back, God will have no pleasure in him." " He only who endureth to the end shall be saved." " Look to yourselves then, that ye lose not the things which ye have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward™." " Be faithful unto death; and God will give you a crown of life."]
2. Live by faith upon the promises —
[It is " by the promises that ye have already been made partakers of a divine nature"* ;" and " by them must ye cleanse yourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God°." Lay hold then on the promises: search them out with care : plead them before God with earnestness : and expect the accomplishment of them with confident assurance. This is the great secret of living unto God. This will keep up a continual intercourse between God and the soul. This will bring down Omnipotence to your aid. This will make every trial light, and every duty easy. This will enable you to defy all your enemies, and to challenge them all, whether individually or collectively, " Who shall separate me from the love of Christ^?" This will render you blessings to others, as well as blessed in your own souls : for those who behold your light, will " thank God, and take courage," and be emboldened to serve God with increased alacrity themselves. Thus too you will be prepared for " the day that is approach- ing :" for whilst the idle and unprofitable servant will be " cast into outer darkness, where is weeping and wailing and gnash- ing of teeth," the active and faithful servant will receive the plaudits of his Divine Master, and will " enter into the joy of his Lord."]
m 2 John, ver. 8 "2 Pet. i. 4.
o 2 Cor. vii. 1. p Rom. viii. 35 — 39.