who, concerning faith, put away a good conscience, thinking it enough to believe that Christ died for sinners, though they are not careful to maintain good works; and as, again, there are others, who ascribe more than is due to their own industry and diligence, and would claim heaven itself as the reward of their merit, it should be your care to avoid both these extremes, and you should pray to be directed to, and kept in the way of truth, which you shall be, if, with all your heart, you seek the guidance of the good spirit of God. Do you never say, "Suppose I should not be in the right way. Suppose, that instead of walking in the narrow path, which leadeth to heaven, I should be going along the broad road which leadeth to hell," Justly may you suppose the possibility, or rather the probability, of so fatal an error, if you have never stopt to consider your condition, but have been generally occupied, either with the pleasures of life, or with the cares of the world. There is but one thing indisputably needful; and, to divert your attention from that, it is not necessary that you should be intemperate or profane, or, in any way, be given up to work iniquity with greediness; neither is there any reason why you should congratulate yourself, that you are less vicious than many of your friends and ac quaintance, while, with your fairer show of morality, you are not earnestly serious and devout. Hear the advice which is given by Solomon, and which is recorded purposely for your instruction. Proverbs ii. 1—5, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee, so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding: yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her, as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Alas! how few are so diligent in their search for truth! Hence it comes to pass, that there is so much shameful ignorance among us, and that there are many, who are unable to give one sound scriptural reason to any inquirer concerning the hope that is in them. I trust, however, there are some, who, because they have in good time applied their hearts unto wisdom, having sought for it, agreeably to our Saviour's advice, as a pearl of great price, or as treasure hid in a field, are rooted and grounded in the truth; who, relying upon the merits and intercession of Christ, have confidence in God, and who, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, are entertaining deadness to the world, and lively affections towards heavenly things; such are, even now in this world of sin and sorrow, filled with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Persevere, my brethren, with the same diligence, with which you have begun your course, and think not that you have attained, or are already perfect. You must not grow slack. You must not be weary, nor faint in your minds. There are yet many things, which God is pleased to reveal to those that love him, remaining to be discovered. You have yet trials to experience to prove your stedfastness, and yet conflicts to endure, before you may say, "I have fought the good fight: I have finished my course."* You have, indeed, fought already, but all enemies are not yet subdued, therefore follow your Leader, "conquering and to conquer," and may that Almighty Power, by means of which you have hitherto acted so valiantly, shortly bruise all enemies under your feet! * Tim: iv, 7, |