[Shall I be judged according to my works? Will every action, word, and thought, be weighed in the balance of the sanctuary? Will all my motives be inspected by Him, who " searcheth the heart, and weigheth the spirits?" Surely I have need to fear, lest some hidden abomination lurk within me, and lest I should be " speaking peace to my soul when there is no peace." I need be studious to please him, whose favour or displeasure arc of such importance to my soul. If I must stand or fall for eternity, it becomes me to redouble my care.]
Now, methinks, you will say, ' Give me some special directions, that I may know how to carry into effect the Apostle's advice.' This I will endea- vour to do in four particulars.
1. Be watchful against all occasions of sin —
[Our Lord has taught us to " pray lest we enter into temptation ;" for in temptation how rarely do we retain our integrity! Let not those pretend to fear God, who need- lessly expose themselves to the assaults of Satan. If we would " keep our garments clean," we must be careful ivhere, and with whom we walk. Does the command to " come out from the world" appear severe? it is not severe, but merciful, and necessary. If I bade you not go where the plague was raging, would you account that severe? May God enable all of you carefully to obey it, that you may escape infection, and live!]
2. Reflect frequently on the strictness of that scrutiny which we must undergo —
[When tempted to sin, let us not ask, What will the world say? but, How will this appear in God's eyes? How will this affect my eternal state? Apply this thought to your duties as well as to your temptations ; How will this service appear when brought to the touchstone of God's law? if this be done, too many of us will have to rank their services among their greatest sins.]
3. Apply continually to the blood of Christ for pardon —
[However circumspect we be, our feet will contract some defilement in this polluted world ; and "if Christ wash us not, we can have no part with him." Indeed our very tears need to be washed, and our repentances to be repented of: nor is there any fountain but that of the Redeemer's blood, that can ever cleanse us. There, however, " sins even of a crimson die may be made white as snow." Let there then be no hour