Acknowledge also the justice of it —
[Think how the Christian covenant has been delivered : not by a terrific voice, uttered from a cloud by a Being that was invisible, but by the Lord Jesus Christ himself descending from the highest heavens to make it known to us in the mild accents of love and mercy. Think too of its contents. To what does it call us, but to a conformity with the holy angels, and the spirits of the just made perfect? It brings us into favour with God, precisely as they are. It invites us to begin their employments now, and even on earth to participate their bliss. It makes every provision for the end : it offers pardon, and peace, and righteousness, and glory, to all who by faith will lay hold upon it. Say then, what do not they deserve who refuse to listen to invitations like these ? Verily, we cannot but acknowledge, that, if the judgments denounced against the disobedient Israelites were just, much more must the heaviest judgments that can ever be inflicted upon us be just, if we refuse to listen to Him who speaks to us with such astonishing condescension and grace.]
We must not omit to notice, that the Apostle here takes for granted, respecting every true Christian, that he is thus come to Mount Sion. Permit me then, in conclusion,
1. To make this a matter of inquiry —
[Have you indeed come thus to Mount Sion ? Have you turned your backs on Mount Sinai, from a deep conviction that you are condemned by the law, and have no hope at all but from. the gracious provisions of the Gospel? Have you obtained an insight into the nature of true religion, as con- sisting in a communion with God and with the heavenly hosts, and an actual participation of the mind, the spirit, the blessed- ness of heaven? Ah! how rarely is Christianity viewed in this light ! It is regarded rather as a mere system of restraints enforced with terror, than as an earnest and antepast of the heavenly bliss ! I pray you, not to imagine that you have ever yet set out aright, if you have not thus passed from Mount Sinai unto Sion, and from Moses unto Christ.]
2. To address you under the supposition which is here made —
[I will suppose, that "you are come unto Mount Sion." Yet much would I guard you, as the Apostle did the Hebrews, against yielding to any species of temptation that may deprive you of the blessings to which, according to your Christian pro- fession, you are entitled. It is no uncommon thing for per- sons to make shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience.