holy both in body and spirit," diligently following every good work. 4thly and lastly. Good works are necessary to our inward comfort. We often see that observation verified, that the wicked are like the troubled sea, which cannot rest. They must have seared consciences indeed, who can have peaceable minds in the way of sin, and in the neglect of practical godliness. A tender conscience will remonstrate against the indulgence of any sin, either of omission or commission. And miserable must that man be whose heart condemns him, and who has a worm gnawing continually in his breast; and yet this cannot be avoided without a holy walk and a blameless life. The way in which comfort flows, is said to be "the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have our conversation in the world." From these, and other particulars which might be adduced, the necessity of maintaining good works on gospel principles, must evidently appear. For although they cannot make atonement for our sins, or appease the wrath of God; although they cannot procure us an acquittance from guilt, and a right to be freed from from condemnation; yet still it is nevertheless certain that, in fact, no man will escape the wrath to come, who has had an opportunity, and yet neglected to follow after holiness. This is the test of a Christian's sincerity; and the eternal judgment will turn upon this evidence, When the judge cometh, his reward will be with him, to render unto every man according unto his works. A word of exhortation shall close the subject. If you have no evidence of being in a state of grace, be found diligent in the use of the appointed means. It is true, that God is the sovereign author and giver of his own special favors; but it is also true, that he gives you no encouragement to hope for them but in the way of duty. In this way you may plead for the Holy Spirit to draw you to Christ, and to work the work of faith with power in your soul. In this way you may hope in his mercy, not for the sake of your duties, but for the sake of Christ's infinite merits, and of the promises of God made to you in him. You are indeed called upon to strive to enter in at the strait gate; yet you must remember, and realize to yourself, that you are utterly incapable of that obedience which the gospel requires, BB 3 requires, without faith in Christ. Faith is the spring of evangelical obedience, the root of all other graces, and the principle of all such religious duties as God will own and accept; for without faith it is impossible to please God. Your first business is, not only to pray to God that he would draw you to Christ, but you must endeavor to look to this precious Saviour, as to a sufficient fountain of all grace, trusting your soul in his hands for pardon and holiness. This is your present duty, on the supposition that you have no satisfying evidence of your being born of God and created anew in Christ Jesus. Let us now then suppose the case to be otherwise, and that you are persuaded you have experienced the happy change; an humble and cheerful dependence upon Christ for new supplies of grace must be still the source of your persevering obedience. Go on then to trust him, and you will find that he will not fail your expectations: you will find that his grace is sufficient for you. In an humble confidence in Christ's sanctifying, quickening influences, you must take heed to yourself, and keep your soul with all diligence; you must see to it, that the heart be right with God; that you maintain a strict watch over your affections as well as conversation; conversation; that you neglect no known duty towards God or man; that you carefully improve the time and talents committed to your trust; that you use your rank, influence, and fortune in the service of your great Master, and endeavor constantly to maintain an holy, humble, faithful, and thankful life. And remember, after you have done all, you are nothing, and must daily renew your repentance, on account of your unprofitableness and poor attainments in holiness. This is a good work, which will call you to deeper humiliation every day. After your union with Christ by faith, this is the way, and the only way, of comfort here and happiness hereafter. SERMON IV. A MINISTER'S APPEAL TO HIS HEARERS, Preached at the Mission Church, Calcutta, ACTS XX. 27. I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. HESE words are selected from that most affecting discourse delivered by the Apostle Paul, before the elders of the church of Ephesus. He was on his way to Jerusalem, where he knew he was to suffer many things, and that they should see his face no more. He therefore gave them a solemn charge, appealing to their consciences how plainly, diligently, and disinterestedly he had preached the Gospel among them. "I have kept back nothing, saith he, that was profitable to you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I have shewed you all things. I have coveted no man's silver, gold, or apparel. And for the space of three years I have ceased not to warn every one of you, night and day with tears. And now I know ye |