Amongst the many reflections arising from this subject, we may observe,
1. How different a thing is Christianity from what
is generally supposed !
[It is generally thought that the embracing of certain tenets, with a confoi'mity to some rites connected with them, is sufficient to constitute us real Christians. But religion is a practical thing : it enters into every part of our conduct ; and must regulate us in every possible situation. It relaxes not its demands on account of any difficulties we may have to encounter ; but provides us strength to surmount them, and a glorious reward when we have overcome. Let this then be fully known ; that they, and they only, who, if put to the test, would be willing to die for Christ, are real Christians in the sight of God ; and consequently, that they, and they only, will be saved in the day that he shall judge the quick and dead. How insufficient are we for these things ; and how earnestly should we seek of God that grace which we stand in need of!]
2. How vain are the excuses which men offer for
their neglect of duty!
[Every one is ready to urge the difficulties which lie in his way as an excuse for disobedience to the divine commands. But, what if our worldly interests be injured ? what if we be called to " resist unto blood?" we must be steadfast, and im- moveable. The only question is. Shall we obey God, or man ? shall we regard our bodies, or our souls ? Excuses serve but to deceive and ruin us. Let us then put them all away ; for God cannot be deceived, and will not be mocked.]
3. How excellent a directory is here given us even in the most difficult cases !
[We may sometimes find it difficult to discern the path of duty: what then shall we do to avoid error? Let us follow" the injunctions here given us. Let us inquire, What would my natural inclinations lead me to ; or, what would any un- converted person do in my circumstances ? The very reverse of that is the line that I will pursue ; for, while I deny myself, I cannot greatly err. Again, What would the Lord Jesus Christ do in my circumstances? That I will do; for I cannot do wrong when I follow him. Such questions as these would tend more to remove our difficulties than all the abstract rea- sonings that could be brought forward ; for, we shall always find, that, an upright heart is the hest casuist.'\