behold it issuing in suicide. Indeed, it is a very principal device of Satan to urge men to this fatal act, because it most effectually secures his object, the destruction of their souls. He first hides from them the consequences of transgression ; then represents to them their guilt as unpardonable ; and then suggests, that death will put a period to their sorrows. This temptation is most strongly felt by those who have sinned against light and knowledge. " Putting away a good con- science, they are left to make shipwreck of their faith." And it seems a just and righteous retribution, that they who so un- gratefully reject the counsel of God, should ultimately " perish in their own corruptions."]
Address —
1. Let us not condemn religion for the faults of
those who profess it —
[How absurd would it be to bring the treachery of Judas as an argument against the truth of Christianity ! Does Chris- tianity encourage treason ? Did even the traitor himself ap- prove of his own conduct ? If all the twelve Disciples had been traitors, it would not have altered the nature of true religion : that is unalterably pure and holy : and where its operation is effectual, it transforms men into the image of their God.]
2. Let us guard against the love of the world — [This was the root of Judas' apostasy. He loved money,
and " was a thief from the beginning :" and at last, from indulging in petty thefts, he was prevailed upon for gain to betray his Lord. Thousands of others also are, from the very same principle, yet daily erring from the faith, and piercing themselves through with many sorrows^. Let us then beware, lest this " root of bitterness springing up, trouble, and defile, and destroy our souls." We shall find at last, that to gain the whole world, and lose our own souls, is an unprofitable bargain.]
3. Let us carefully improve the means of grace — [The traitor enjoyed every privilege which man could
possess : he had even been warned by Jesus respecting the very crime he was going to commit. Happy had it been for him if he had improved the warning ! He would then have shunned the fatal act which precipitated him " to his own place." Happy also would it be for us, if we made a suitable improvement of the warnings and instructions given to us ! We should then avoid every species of iniquity, and our feet would be guided into the way of peace.]
g 1 Tim. vi. 10. p p2