A vacillating, undetermined man, is a pitiable, if not a contemptible character. What then shall we say of the professor of religion, who is all his lifetime vibrating between Christ and the world-between duty and sin? Whose engagements appear to be made only to be broken; and whose appearance at the Redeemer's table to-day, furnishes no security that he will not be found in the camp of his enemies to-morrow? He is worse than contemptible! He deserves the censures of the church, and the reprobation of heaven! I beseech you, be consistent: Manifest a becoming decision of character. Abandon the cause of Christ altogether, or show that you are sincere and cordial in his service?-either renounce the profession of religion altogether, or else make it your business to "adorn the doctrine of God, our Saviour, in all things?" "How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, then follow him! but if Baal, then follow him.”* 4. I exhort you to be faithful to your covenant engagements, from a regard for your own comfort and happiness. Our salvation depends on an interest in Christ: Our interest in Christ depends on our faith; and the character of our faith depends on our works. It is a judicious remark, "faith justifies the sinner, but works justify faith!" The unfaithful, ungodly professor, trampling under foot the covenant he has sealed, can have no evidence of a gracious state; and he but adds presumption to sin when he cries Peace, peace! This is the true secret why we have so few Christians comfortable and happy in their religion. They have lost their first love-they have relaxed their former diligence; and of course they have lost their former evidence. If you wish for peace of mind, and a good hope through grace, be faithful to the terms of the covenant, which you have sealed at the table of the Lord. "The secret of the Lord (says David,) is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his Covenant."* And again" Great peace have they which love thy law!" Great shall be their peace in this world; and great shall be their glory in the world to come! As you value this peace and this glory, 1 again entreat you, to perform the vows which you have made unto the Lord. 5. Finally; I exhort you to be stedfast in your profession, by reminding you of the guilt and the danger of apostacy. And how can I place this consideration before you in more striking terms, than those which Scripture employs? Recollect the words of Christ: "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of heaven." Let the awful denunciation of the God of Heaven ring in your ears, and sink deep in your hearts: "If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him!" Remember, too, the words of the Apostle Peter :||" For if after they have + Luke ix. 6 *Ps. xxv. 14. † Ps. cxix. 165. 2 Epist. ii. 20 escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning! For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them! But it is happened unto them, according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." Knowing therefore the terrors of the Lord, we persuade men. We place before you the crime and the curse of Judas, to deter you from apostacy; and we earnestly entreat you to make it manifest, by persevering and holy obedience, that you" are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."* But I must hasten to give you a few directions; the observance of which, I flatter myself, will have a happy tendency to make you faithful to your covenant engagements, and, at the same time, examplary in all your deportment. 1. It will be of great use frequently to meditate on the standing which you occupy in the church of God, and the solemn engagements you have made at the Redeemer's table. That goodness which has given you a name and a place' among the saints, evidently deserves the tribute of your gratitude; and those vows, which, as a communicant in God's *Heb. x. 39. house, you have made, are certainly not to be disre garded. Arraign yourself frequently at the bar of conscience; and enquire whether your conduct is answerable to the high and holy obligations which rest upon you. Often remind yourself of what you have done at the sacramental table, in the presence of men, of angels, and of the heart-searching God! Say to yourself: I have made engagements, and I cannot recall them; I have enlisted under the standard of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I dare not desert "I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will it; keep thy righteous judgments." 2. Be. diligently engaged, from day to day, in ascertaining and discharging your duty. Endeavour to be both acceptable to God, and useful to men. When Paul was converted to the faith, he immediately enquired "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" A similar enquiry it is proper for you constantly to make; and, without expecting direction by a voice from heaven, you are to go to your Bible for an answer. Search the Scriptures." "We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts."* Be constant also in your attendance on the ministry of reconciliation. On the return of every Sabbath, say to those around you, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house * Pet. i. 19, of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths."* Be attentive also to the intimations of Providence; and follow on, as the Lord in his righteous dispensations shall point out the way. In these different ways, seek to become acquainted with your duty; and when you have ascertained what the Lord requires from you, be prompt and diligent in its performance. "Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing."+ 3. The third direction we give you is to be regular, fervent, and persevering, in the duty of prayer. You need the grace of God to fortify your minds against temptation, and to aid you in the discharge of duty. By daily prayer and supplication let your requests be made known: Come to the throne of Grace that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need. Pray without ceasing. Neither imagine that it is enough if you join in the prayers of the sanctuary; nor yet, if you pray in the family. "Public duties (it has well been remarked,) maintain our credit, but private duties maintain our life." Neglect not the devotions of the closet be regular in your attendance on them: Pray in secret, and your Father, who seeth in secret shall reward you openly. "Restraining prayer, we cease to fight: Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright ; The weakest saint, upon his knees! *Micah iv. 2 Mat. xxiv. 46 |