and the answer given by Paul to the awakened jailer1', abun- dantly confirm this view of the Gospel, and shew that a cordial acceptance of Christ as our only Lord and Saviour is the sum and substance of a Christian's duty.]
According to this statement, very many will be found disobedient to the Gospel :
1. They who neglect Christ altogether —
[This is so obvious a truth that the mention of it seems needless and absurd : but experience proves that the most abandoned sinners, and most avowed infidels, are often insen- sible of the guilt which they contract. Be it known however, that their excuses or objections will avail them nothing in the day of judgment: their whole lives were one continued act of disobedience to the Gospel ; and they will most assuredly be numbered amongst the enemies of their incarnate God. Their rejection of him, whether in principle or practice, will be a decisive evidence of their guilt.]
2. They who unite something else with him as a
foundation for their hope —
[The Gospel requires us to renounce all dependence on our own works. However good our works be, they must never for one moment be considered as justifying us before God, either in whole or in part. In Christ alone must be all our hope ; and if we attempt to unite any thing of ours with his perfect righteousness, we shall not only not add to our security, but shall altogether invalidate all which Christ himself has done for us. St. Paul asserts this in the plainest terms c; and from the fullest conviction of its truth desired to be found in Christ, clad with his righteousness, and his only d.]
3. They who, while they profess to follow Christ, dishonour him by their conduct —
[Many there are who with apparent zeal cry, Lord, Lord, who yet are far from doing the things which he commands. Many, alas ! " profess to know him, but in their works deny him :" they are observant of outward duties, but inattentive to their spirit and temper : instead of being meek and lowly, patient and forgiving, and solicitous only to honour God, they are proud and passionate, covetous and worldly, and studious rather to be thought Christians than really to deserve the name. Let such know that they " amidst all their appearances of religion deceive themselves, and their religion isvaine." By neglecting to walk as Christ walked, they disobey the Gospel, as much as if they rejected him altogether.]
1 Acts xvi. .'30, 31. c Gal. v. 2, 4. <> Phil. iii. '.). « Jam. i. 2(>.