In the recollection of his truth and faithfulness. But, in the midst of all, they can be proud, covetous, passionate, censorious, unforgiving, deceitful, and dishonest. Such persons ought to be addressed with all plainness of speech. 11. Expostulate with them on the folly of their conduct. The service of God is justly called a reasonable service; but a fruitless profession is most unreasonable; no reason can be assigned why persons should rest in such a state. 1. Is not a conformity to Christ's precepts practicable? many allege, that such strictness as he requireth is unattainable; we allow that absolute perfection is not to be expected in this world, but an unreserved devotedness of ourselves to God is attainable. Thousands of the saints of old have walked thus with God; there is a cloud of living witnesses, who exemplify this conduct. God hath promised grace to all who seek it diligently. 2. Is not obedience to him necessary? we may be good citizens if we possess only the virtues of heathens, but an unfeigned regard to Christ is necessary to constitute us Christians. St. Paul hath fully declared the inefficacy of outward religion. (Rom. ii. 28, 29.) Judas and the foolish virgins, awfully exemplified it. (Matt. xxv. 3. 11, 12.) Our Lord hath warned us all respecting the folly and danger of it. Matt. vii. 21. 23. 3. Will not a feigned allegiance be discovered by him? We may easily deceive our fellow-creatures; but every motion of our hearts is visible to Christ, (Heb. iv. 13.) Nor can the most specious appearances deceive him. (John ii. 24, 25.) In his final judgment, he will show that he was privy to our most secret thoughts and desires. 1 Cor. iv. 5. 4. Shall we not wish, at last, that we had been sincere and upright? the reproach which attendeth the exercises of real religion may make us satisfied with the form of it at present, but, in the day of judgment, we shall see our folly. (Prov. v. 1. 9.) We shall not know what to reply to this question then; the vain excuses we now make, we shall not then even dare to offer. Application. Let all then seek to become Christians indeed. Let us not be afraid to confess our Lord before men: but let our lives be consistent with our professions. Let us trust in the Lord as simply as if obedience were not required. Let us obey the Lord as zealously as if obedience only were required. CONTENTS TO VOL. II. Of Communion with God. Our fellowship is with the Father, &c.-1 John i. 3. Public Prayer. PAGE 3 And let these my words wherewith I have made supplication before the Lord, &c.-1 Kings viii. 59. Prayer Meeting. 9 15 Many were gathered together praying.—Acts xii. 12. 21 Closet Prayer. And when he had sent the multitude away.-Matt. xiv. 23..... Ejaculatory Prayer. 29 ....... 35 Lord Jesus receive my spirit.-Acts vii. 59.... Perseverance and Watchfulness in Prayer. Praying always with all prayer, &c.-Eph. vi. 18.... 40 The Holy Spirit's Assistance in Prayer. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, &c.— Necessity of adding doing to hearing. Folly of preferring Sin to Affliction. Take heed, regard not iniquity, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.-Job xxxvi. 21... 47 53 57 Mutual Exhortation founded on the Deceitfulness of Sin. But exhort one another daily.-Heb. iii. 13....PAGE 60 The Desires of the Christian and the Man of the World contrasted. There be many that say, Who will show us any good? ........ Success from God alone. ... I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not Peter's Fall, and the Means of his Recovery. And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter, &c.- Steadiness in Religion recommended from the Example of Daniel. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, ........ Of following the Lord fully. Followed me fully.-Num. xiv. 24....... The Wall and Glory of Jerusalem. And he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by Faith triumphant in the Day of Calamity. Forgive us our debts.-Matt. vi. 12... The Perfection and Efficacy of God's Law. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The indissoluble Connexion between Faith and Salvation. He that believeth, shall be saved.-Mark xvi. 16.PAGE 111 Society and Happiness of the Heavenly State. I beheld and saw a great multitude, &c.-Rev. vii. 9. 114 The Christian's present Sufferings not to be compared The Character and Privilege of a true Christian. The Importance of knowing what Spirit we are of. But he turned and rebuked them, &c.-Luke ix. 55. 125 Doing to others as we would be done unto. Therefore all things whatsoever, &c.-Matt. vii. 12. 128 Charitable judging in Opposition to Censoriousness. Judge not, that ye be not judged.-Matt. vii. 1............ 132 Sow to yourselves righteousness, &c.-Hoseax. 12.. 135 Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the way, &c.-Jer. vi. 16....... Christian Prudence. The Sluggard sent to the Ant to obtain Instruction. 138 |