This description of religion will probably force from us a tribute of applause : but, instead of bestow- ing on it empty commendations, it will be proper to consider,
III. The use we are to make of it —
The Apostle doubtless designed that we should regard it,
1. As a criterion whereby to judge of our state —
["Victory over the world" is one of those marks which are universally found in the Lord's people, and in no other q. Other persons, it is true, may be free from open vices, and, through disappointments and infirmities, may become dis- gusted with the world : but their love of the world is not at all changed, provided they could have the things on which their hearts are fixed, with health and strength to enjoy them.
A delight in all the offices of love to men for Christ's sake is another mark, whereby Christians are distinguished from all other persons. It is a disposition which springs out of a sense of redeeming lover, and infallibly " accompanies salvation s." The want of this disposition argues a total absence of divine grace* ; whilst the exercise of it warrants an assured confidence in the Divine favour11.
Let us then bring ourselves to this touchstone. Let us ask ourselves, whether we do indeed account it " better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting?" Do we consider ourselves as " pilgrims and sojourners here ;" and value our possessions, not so much for the respect or comfort which they procure to ourselves, as for the opportunities they afford us of honouring God and benefiting our fellow-creatures ?
Alas ! alas ! when estimated according to this rule, how little of "pure and undefiled religion" will be found! This is a melancholy view indeed of the Christian world ; but it is the view which God himself gives us of it ; and it is in vain for us to controvert it; for by his decision we must stand or fallx.]
2. As a directory whereby to regulate our con- duct—
[The commands of God relative to these things are clear and express : " Come out from the world, and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
i 1 John iv. 4, 5. r 1 John iv. 10, 11.
s Heb. vi. 9, 10. * 1 Cor. xiii. 1—3.
u 1 John iii. 17—19. x See Matt. xxv. 31—46.