2. To those who, though illuminated by the Gospel, are not walking in the enjoyment of the Divine pre- sence—
[This may arise from temptation and spiritual bondage, or from sloth and carnality, and worldly-mindedness. If it have arisen from the former, God forbid that I should " break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax:" let me rather " hold up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees, and encourage the fearful heart." Well I know that the soul of a righteous man may be bowed down with spiritual distress, and be so sore troubled under the hidings of God's face, as to be deaf to the voice of consolation. Such was the state of David at one time'^; and the remedy to which he be- took himself was precisely that which is recommended in my text. "I considered," says he, " the days of old, the years of ancient times. / call to remembrance my song in the 7ii(/ht\" Then comparing his present painful experience with that which he had formerly enjoyed, he acknowledges, that all his present doubts and fears were the result of " his own infirmity." And then, to prevent the return of any such distressing apprehen- sions, he adds, " I will remember the works of the Lord ; surely I will remember thy wonders of old'"." Thus then do ye : call to remembrance the experience of former saints, and your own also at more favoured seasons : and then bear in mind that, though you change, God is the same, and that " with him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
But if, as in too many instances is the case, your darkness arise from a relaxation of your diligence, and an indulgence of worldly or carnal affections, I must " change my voice, fori stand in doubt of you;" and would have you also stand in doubt of yourselves, till it be clear that " Christ is formed in you" of a truth. If you are drawing back from God in secret, beware lest he leave you to yourselves to "go back to ever- lasting perdition." To " have run well for a season," will be of little avail, if you do not press forward in your heavenly course. The threatening denounced against backsHdingEphesus lies in full force against you ; and you will do well to take heed to it. " I will come unto thee quickly," says Christ, " and will remove thy candlestick, except thou repent." Oh, return from all your backslidings with penitential sorrow and a lively faith ; so shall your backslidings be healed ; and " so iniquity shall not be your ruin !"]
3. To those who are walking steadfastly in their Christian course —
k Ps. Ixxvii. 2—4. ' Ps. Ixxvii. 5 — 10. '" Ps. Ixxvii. 11.