II. The inferences to be deduced from it —
And here we cannot but observe, that if Christ so highly regards his obedient followers, then should we,
1. Honour them —
[The light of the godly has ever been so offensive to the lovers of darkness, that all possible methods have been used to veil its lustre, if not to extinguish it altogether. Who needs be told that there ever have been, and are at this day, terms of reproach, whereby to designate the obedient followers of Christ ; and that they who are most active and diligent in his service usually bear the greatest share of that reproach ? Even persons not wholly destitute of religious feeling, are yet often so awed by the fear of man, that they dare not own their respect for the godly, or even notice them as their acquaint- ance. They can hear the most eminent of God's servants calumniated, and never open their mouths in their defence ; and they can even wish and long for their instructions, and not dare to put themselves in the way of receiving them. But what a horrible impiety is this ; that the very thing which so endears them to Christ, should render them odious to us ; or that we should be ashamed to call tliem friends whom " Christ is not
f Luke xi. 27, 28.
ashamed to call his brethren !" Little do such contemners think whom they despise ; or such timid Christians, of 2vkom they are ashamed. Paul had no idea that he was darting his shafts at Jesus, when he was persecuting, what he would call, some enthusiastic heretics : but Jesus said to him, " Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" So it is now: they who receive his servants, receive him; and they who despise them, despise him. Beware then, lest ye provoke the Lord to be " ashamed of you in the presence of his Father and his holy angels." And as Paul said to Timothy, " Be not ashamed of the testi- mony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner," so would I say to you, Be not ashamed of the Gospel, nor of any of those who obey it : but, as Christ honours his people, so do ye honour them, not in word only, but in deed and in truth. Be willing " to suffer affliction with them, and esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of the world."]
2. Seek to be of their number —
[Who would not wish that in the day of judgment Christ should say of him. That is my brother, my sister, my mother ? What then must we do, in order to secure that blessing? Doubt- less we must believe in Christ, and seek " to be found in him, not having our own righteousness, but his." But though it is by faith, and by faith only, that we are united to Christ, and made members of his family, yet must we be found doing the will of God, or else we can never be found in the number of his people. " The grace of God that bringeth salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live right- eously, soberly, and godly, in the world." Is it asked. What is the will of God ? 1 answer briefly, first, " This is the will of God, even your sanctification^ ;" and secondly, " Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks ; for this also is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you''." Here are two things, a holy and a heavenly life. All the lusts of the flesh must be mortified, all the evil tempers and dispo- sitions subdued, and " the thoughts, as well as the actions, be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." This is a holy life. But besides that, you must be brought into a state of unfeigned, and, as it were, habitual delight in God, praying to him for all you want, praising him for all you enjoy, and glorying in him as your God and portion for evermore. Tliis is a heavenly life. And by these two things you will discover your relation to Christ : the family likeness, if I may so speak, will be visible upon you. Let these things then be found upon you ; for on them all your salvation depends. Your creed will signify nothing; your profession, nothing;