Holiness

byJ.C.Ryle

TableofContents

Introduction

Sin

Sanctification

Holiness

TheFight

TheCost

Growth

Assurance

Moses—AnExample

Lot—ABeacon

AWomantoBeRemembered

Christ'sGreatestTrophy

TheRuleroftheWaves

TheChurchWhichChristBuilds

VisibleChurchesWarned

DoyouloveMe?

WithoutChrist

ThirstRelieved

UnsearchableRiches

NeedsoftheTimes

ChristisAll

Copyright

INTRODUCTION

Thetwentypaperscontainedinthisvolumeareahumblecontributiontoa causewhich is excitingmuch interest in thepresentday—Imean thecauseofscripturalholiness.ItisacausewhicheveryonewholovesChrist,and desires to advance His kingdom in the world, should endeavor tohelpforward.EveryonecandosomethingandIwishtoaddmymite.

Thereaderwill findlittlethat isdirectlycontroversial inthesepapers.Ihave carefully abstained from naming modern teachers and modernbooks.IhavebeencontenttogivetheresultofmyownstudyoftheBible,my own private meditations, my own prayers for light, and my ownreadingofolddivines.IfinanythingIamstillinerror,IhopeIshallbeshownitbeforeIleavetheworld.Weallseeinpart,andhaveatreasureinearthenvessels.ItrustIamwillingtolearn.

Ihavehadadeepconviction formanyyears thatpracticalholinessandentireself-consecrationtoGodarenotsufficientlyattendedtobymodernChristians in this country. Politics, or controversy, or party-spirit, orworldliness,haveeatenouttheheartoflivelypietyintoomanyofus.Thesubject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background. Thestandard of living has become painfully low in many quarters. The

immenseimportanceof"adorningthedoctrineofGodourSavior"(Titus2:10),andmakingitlovelyandbeautifulbyourdailyhabitsandtempers,hasbeen far toomuchoverlooked.Worldlypeoplesometimescomplainwith reason that "religious" persons, so-called, are not so amiable andunselfishandgood-naturedasotherswhomakenoprofessionofreligion.Yet sanctification, in its place and proportion, is quite as important asjustification.SoundProtestantandEvangelicaldoctrineisuselessifitisnotaccompaniedbyaholy life.It isworsethenuseless; itdoespositiveharm.Itisdespisedbykeen-sightedandshrewdmenoftheworld,asanunrealandhollowthing,andbringsreligionintocontempt.Itismyfirmimpression that we want a thorough revival about Scriptural holiness.andIamdeeplythankfulthatattentionisbeingdirectedtothepoint.

It is, however, of great importance that the whole subject should beplacedonrightfoundations,andthatthemovementaboutitshouldnotbedamagedby crude,disproportion, andone-sided statements. Ifsuchstatements abound, we must not be surprised. Satan knows well thepoweroftrueholiness,andtheimmenseinjurywhichincreasedattentiontoitwilldotohiskingdom.Itishisinterest,therefore,topromotestrifeandcontroversyaboutthispartofGod'struth.Justasintimepasthehassucceeded inmystifying and confusingmen'sminds about justification,so he is laboring in the present day to make men "darken counsel bywords without knowledge" about sanctification. May the Lord rebukehim!Icannothowevergiveupthehopethatgoodwillbebroughtoutofevil,thatdiscussionwillelicittruth,andthatvarietyofopinionwillleadusall tosearchtheScripturesmore, topraymore,andtobecomemorediligentintryingtofindoutwhatis"themindoftheSpirit."

I now feel it a duty, in sending forth this volume, to offer a fewintroductory hints to those whose attention is specially directed to thesubjectofsanctificationinthepresentday.IknowthatIdosoattheriskofseemingpresumptuous,andpossiblyofgivingoffence.ButsomethingmustbeventuredintheinterestsofGod'struth.Ishallthereforeputmyhints into the formofquestions,and I shall requestmyreaders to takethemas"CautionsfortheTimesonthesubjectofholiness."

(1)Iask,inthefirstplace,whetheritiswisetospeakoffaithastheonethingneedful, and theonly thing required, asmany seem todonow-a-

daysinhandlingthedoctrineofsanctification?-Isitwisetoproclaiminso bald, naked, and unqualified a way as many do, that holiness ofconvertedpeopleisbyfaithonly,andnotatallbypersonalexertion?IsitaccordingtotheproportionofGod'sWord?Idoubtit.

ThatfaithinChrististherootofallholiness--thatthefirststeptowardsaholylifeistobelieveonChrist--thatuntilwebelievewehavenotajotofholiness--thatunionwithChristbyfaithisthesecretofbothbeginningtobeholyandcontinuingholy--thatthelifethatweliveinthefleshwemustlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod--thatfaithpurifiestheheart--thatfaithisthevictorythatovercomestheworld--thatbyfaiththeeldersobtainedagoodreport--allthesearetruthswhichnowell-instructedChristianwilleverthinkofdenying.ButsurelytheScripturesteachusthatinfollowingholiness the trueChristianneedspersonalexertionandworkaswellasfaith.TheverysameApostlewhosaysinoneplace,"ThelifethatIliveinthe fleshI livebythe faithof theSonofGod,"says inanotherplace, "Ifight--Irun--Ikeepundermybody;"andinotherplaces,"Letuscleanseourselves--letuslabor,letuslayasideeveryweight."(Galatians2:20;1Corinthians 9:26; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 12:1.)Moreover,theScripturesnowhereteachusthatfaithsanctifiesusinthesame sense, and in the samemanner, that faith justifies us! Justifyingfaith is a grace that "works not," but simply trusts, rests, and leans onChrist.(Romans4:5.)Sanctifyingfaithisagraceofwhichtheverylifeisaction: it "works by love," and, like a main-spring, moves the wholeinwardman.(Galatians5:6.)Afterall, theprecisephrase"sanctifiedbyfaith" isonly foundonce in theNewTestament.TheLordJesussaid toSaul, "I send you, that they may receive forgiveness of sins andinheritance among thosewhoare sanctifiedby faith that is inMe."Yeteven there I agree with Alford that "by faith" belongs to the wholesentence,andmustnotbetiedtotheword"sanctified."Thetruesenseis,"thatbyfaithinMetheymayreceiveforgivenessofsinsandinheritanceamongthosewhoaresanctified."(CompareActs26:18withActs20:32.)

As to the phrase "holiness of faith," I find it nowhere in the NewTestament.Withoutcontroversy,inthematterofourjustificationbeforeGod, faith inChrist is theone thingneedful.All thatsimplybelievearejustified.Righteousnessisimputed"tohimthatworksnotbutbelieves."(

Romans 4:5.) It is thoroughly Scriptural and right to say "faith alonejustifies." But it is not equally Scriptural and right to say "faith alonesanctifies." The saying requires very large qualification. Let one factsuffice.Wearefrequentlytoldthatamanis"justifiedbyfaithwithouttheworks of the law," by St. Paul. But not once are we told that we are"sanctifiedbyfaithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw."Onthecontrary,weareexpressly told by St. James that the faith whereby we are visibly anddemonstrativelyjustifiedbeforeman,isafaithwhich"ifithasnotworksisdead,beingalone."*(James2:17.)Imaybetold,inreply,thatnooneofcoursemeanstodisparage"works"asanessentialpartofaholylife.Itwouldbewell,however,tomakethismoreplainthenmanyseemtomakeitinthesedays.

*"ThereisadoublejustificationbyGod:theoneauthoritative,theotherdeclarative or demonstrative."--The first is St. Paul's scope, when hespeaksofjustificationbyfaithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw.ThesecondisSt.James'scope,whenhespeaksofjustificationbyworks."--T.GoodwinonGospelHoliness.Works,vol.vii,p.181.

(2)Iask,inthesecondplace,whetheritiswisetomakesolittleassomeappear to do, comparatively, of the many practical exhortations toholinessindailylifewhicharetobefoundintheSermonontheMount,andinthelatterpartofmostofSt.Paul'sepistles?IsitaccordingtotheproportionofGod'sWord?Idoubtit.

That a life of daily self-consecration and daily communion with Godshouldbeaimedatbyeveryonewhoprofessestobeabeliever--thatweshould strive to attain the habit of going to the Lord JesusChristwitheverythingwefindaburden,whethergreatorsmall,andcastingituponHim--all this, I repeat, no well-taught child of God will dream ofdisputing. But surely the New Testament teaches us that we wantsomethingmorethengeneralitiesaboutholyliving,whichoftenpiercenoconscienceandgivenooffence.Thedetailsandparticularingredientsofwhichholiness is composed indaily life,ought tobe fully set forthandpressed on believers by all who profess to handle the subject. Trueholinessdoesnotconsistmerelyofbelievingandfeeling,butofdoingandbearing, and a practical exhibition of active and passive grace. Ourtongues, our tempers, our natural passions and inclinations-- our

conduct as parents and children, masters and servants, husbands andwives, rulers and subjects--our dress, our employment of time, ourbehaviorinbusiness,ourdemeanorinsicknessandhealth,inrichesandpoverty--all, all these are matters which are fully treated by inspiredwriters.Theyarenotcontentwithageneralstatementofwhatweshouldbelieveandfeel,andhowwearetohavetherootsofholinessplantedinourhearts.Theydigdown lower.Theygo intoparticulars.They specifyminutelywhataholymanoughttodoanbeinhisownfamily,andbyhisownfireside,ifheabidesinChrist.Idoubtwhetherthissortofteachingis sufficiently attended to in the movement of the present day. Whenpeopletalkofhavingreceived"suchablessing,"andofhavingfound"thehigherlife,"afterhearingsomeearnestadvocateof"holinessbyfaithandself-consecration," while their family and friends see no improvementandnoincreasedsanctity intheirdailytempersandbehavior, immenseharm is done to the cause of Christ. True holiness, we surely ought toremember, does not consist merely of inward sensations andimpressions. It is much more then tears, and sighs, and bodilyexcitement, and a quickened pulse, and a passionate feeling ofattachmenttoourfavoritepreachersandourownreligiousparty,andareadiness to quarrel with everyone who does not agree with us. It issomethingof "the imageofChrist."whichcanbe seenandobservedbyothersinourprivatelife,andhabits,andcharacter,anddoings.(Romans8:29.)

(3)Iaskinthethirdplace,whetheritiswisetousevaguelanguageaboutperfection,andtopressonChristiansastandardofholiness,asattainableinthisworldforwhichthereisnowarranttobeshowneitherinScriptureorexperience?Idoubtit.

Thatbelieversareexhortedto"perfectholinessinthefearofGod"--to"goontoperfection"--to"beperfect,"nocarefulreaderofhisBiblewilleverthinkofdenying.(2Corinthians7:1;Hebrews6:1;2Corinthians13:11.)But Ihaveyet to learn that there isa singlepassage inScripturewhichteachesthataliteralperfection,acompleteandentirefreedomfromsin,inthought,orword,ordeed,isattainable,orhaseverbeenattained,byanychildofAdaminthisworld.Acomparativeperfection,aperfectioninknowledge,anall-aroundconsistencyineveryrelationof life,a through

soundness in every point of doctrine--thismay be seen occasionally insomeofGod'sbelievingpeople.Butas toanabsolute literalperfection,themosteminent saintsofGod ineveryagehavealwaysbeen theverylasttolayclaimtoit!Onthecontrarytheyhavealwayshadthedeepestsense of their own utter unworthiness and imperfection. The morespiritual light they have enjoyed the more they have seen their owncountless defects and shortcomings. Themore grace they have had themoretheybeen"clothedwithhumility."(1Peter5:5.)

WhatsaintcanbenamedinGod'sWord,ofwhoselifemanydetailsarerecorded, who was literally and absolutely perfect?Which of them all,whenwritingabouthimself,evertalksoffeelingfreefromimperfection?Onthecontrary,menlikeDavid,andSt.Paul,andSt.John,declareinthestrongest language that they feel in their ownheartsweaknessand sin.Theholiestmenofmoderntimeshavealwaysbeenremarkablefordeephumility. Have we ever seen holier men then the martyred JohnBradford, orHooker, orUsher, orBaxter, orRutherford, orM'Cheyne?Yetnoonecanreadthewritingsandlettersofthesemenwithoutseeingthattheyfeltthemselves"debtorstomercyandgrace"everyday,andtheverylastthingtheyeverlaidclaimtowasperfection!

InfaceofsuchfactsastheseImustprotestagainstthelanguageusedinmany quarters, in these last days, about perfection. I must think thatthose who use it either know very little of the nature of sin, or theattributes of God, or of their own hearts, or of the Bible, or of themeaning ofwords.When a professing Christian coolly tellsme that hehasgotbeyondsuchhymnsas"JustasIam,"andthattheyarebelowhispresent experience, though they suited him when he first took upreligion,Imustthinkhissoul is inaveryunhealthystate!Whenamancantalkcoollyofthepossibilityof"livingwithoutsin"whileinthebody,and can actually say that he has "never had an evil thought for threemonths," I can only say that in my opinion he is a very ignorantChristian! I protest against such teaching as this. It not only does nogood,butdoesimmenseharm.Itdisgustsandalienatesfromreligionfar-seeing men of the world, who know it is incorrect and untrue. Itdepresses some of the best of God's children, who feel they never canattainto"perfection"of thiskind.Itpuffsupmanyweakbrethren,who

fancy they are something when they are nothing. In short, it is adangerousdelusion.

(4)Inthefourthplace, is itwisetoassertsopositivelyandviolently,asmanydo,thattheseventhchapteroftheEpistletotheRomansdoesnotdescribe theexperienceof theadvancedsaint,but theexperienceof theunregenerateman,oroftheweakandunestablishedbeliever?Idoubtit.

I admit fully that the point has been a disputed one for eighteencenturies,infacteversincethedaysofSt.Paul.IadmitfullythateminentChristians likeJohnandCharlesWesley,andFletcher,ahundredyearsago,tosaynothingofsomeablewritersofourowntime,maintainfirmlythat St. Paul was not describing his own present experience when hewrotethisseventhchapter.IadmitfullythatmanycannotseewhatIandmanyothersdosee:viz,thatPaulsaysnothinginthischapterwhichdoesnot precisely tally with the recorded experience of the most eminentsaints in every age, and that he does say several things which nounregenerate man or weak believer would ever think of saying, andcannotsay.So,atanyrate,itappearstome.ButIwillnotenterintoanydetaileddiscussionofthechapter.*

*ThosewhocaretogointothesubjectwillfinditfullydiscussedintheCommentariesofWillet,Elton,Chalmers,andHaldane,andinOwenon"IndwellingSin",andintheworkofStaffordonthe"SeventhofRomans".

WhatIdolaystressuponisthebroadfactthatthebestcommentatorsinevery era of the Church have almost invariably applied the seventhchapterofRomanstoadvancedbelievers.Thecommentatorswhodonottakethisviewhavebeen,withafewbrightexceptions,theRomanists,theSocinians, and theArminians.Against them is arrayed the judgmentofalmostall theReformers, almost all the Puritans, and the bestmodernEvangelicaldivines. I shall be told, of course, that noman is infallible,that the Reformers, Puritans, andmodern divines I refer to may havebeen entirely mistaken, and the Romanists, Socinians, and Arminiansmayhavebeenquiteright!OurLordhastaughtus,nodoubt,to"callnomanmaster."ButwhileIasknomantocalltheReformersandPuritans"masters," I do ask people to read what they say on this subject, andanswertheirarguments,iftheycan.Thishasnotbeendoneyet!Tosay,

assomedo,thattheydonotwanthuman"dogmas"and"doctrines,"isnoreplyatall.Thewholepointatissueis,"WhatisthemeaningofapassageofScripture?HowistheSeventhchapteroftheEpistletotheRomanstobe interpreted?What is the true senseof itswords?"At any rate letusrememberthatthereisagreatfactwhichcannotbegotover.OnonesidestandtheopinionsandinterpretationofReformersandPuritans,andontheothertheopinionsandinterpretationsofRomanists,Socinians,andArminians.Letthatbedistinctlyunderstood.

In the face of such a fact as this I must enter my protest against thesneering, taunting, contemptuous language which has been frequentlyusedof lateby someof theadvocatesofwhat Imust call theArminianview of the Seventh of romans, in speaking of the opinions of theiropponents.Tosaytheleast,suchlanguageisunseemly,andonlydefeatsitsown end.A causewhich is defendedby such language is deservedlysuspicious.Truthneedsnosuchweapons.Ifwecannotagreewithmen,we need not speak of their views with discourtesy and contempt. Anopinion which is backed and supported by such men as the bestReformers and Puritans may not carry conviction to all minds in thenineteenth century, but at any rate itwould bewell to speak of itwithrespect.

(5)Inthefifthplace,isitwisetousethelanguagewhichisoftenusedinthepresentdayaboutthedoctrineof"Christinus"?Idoubtit.IsnotthisdoctrineoftenexaltedtoapositionwhichitdoesnotoccupyinScripture?Iamafraidthatitis.

That the true believer is onewith Christ and Christ in him, no carefulreaderoftheNewTestamentwillthinkofdenyingforamoment.Thereis,nodoubt,amysticalunionbetweenChristandthebeliever.WithHimwedied,withHimwewereburied,withHimweroseagain,withHimwesit in heavenly places.We have five plain textswherewe are distinctlytaught that Christ is "in us." ( Romans 8:10; Galatians 2:20; 4:19;Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 3:11.) But we must be careful that weunderstandwhatwemeanbytheexpression.That"Christdwells inourheartsbyfaith,"andcarriesonHisinwardworkbyHisSpirit,isclearandplain.Butifwemeantosaythatbeside,andover,andabovethisthereissomemysterious indwelling of Christ in a believer, wemust be careful

whatweareabout.Unlesswetakecare,weshallfindourselvesignoringthe work of the Holy Spirit. We shall be forgetting that in the Divineeconomy of man's salvation election is the special work of God theFather--atonement,mediation,andintercession,thespecialworkofGodtheSon--andsanctification,thespecialworkofGodtheHolySpirit.WeshallbeforgettingthatourLordsaid,whenHewentaway,thatHewouldsendusanotherComforter,whoshould"abidewithus"forever,and,asitwere,takeHisPlace.(John14:16.)Inshort,undertheideathatwearehonoringChrist, we shall find thatwe are dishonoringHis special andpeculiargift--theHolySpirit.Christ,nodoubt,asGod,iseverywhere--inourhearts,inheaven,intheplacewheretwoorthreearemeettogetherinHisname.ButwereallymustrememberthatChrist,asourrisenHeadandHighPriest, isspeciallyatGod'srighthand interceding forusuntilHe comes the second time: and that Christ carries onHis work in theheartsofHispeoplebythespecialworkofHisSpirit,whomHepromisedtosendwhenHelefttheworld.(John15:26.)Acomparisonoftheninthand tenthversesof theeighthchapterofRomans seems tome to showthisplainly.Itconvincesmethat"Christinus"meansChristinus"byHisSpirit."Above all, thewords of St. John aremost distinct and express:"HerebyweknowthatHeabidesinusbytheSpiritwhichHehasgivenus."(1John3:24.)

Insayingallthis,Ihopenoonewillmisunderstandme.Idonotsaythattheexpression,"Christinus"isunscriptural.ButIdosaythatIseegreatdanger of giving extravagant and unscriptural importance to the ideacontained in theexpression;and Ido fear thatmanyuse itnow-a-dayswithout exactly knowing what they mean, and unwittingly, perhaps,dishonorthemightyworkoftheHolySpirit.IfanyreaderthinkthatIamneedlessly scrupulous about the point, I recommend to their notice acurious book by Samuel Rutherford (author of thewell-known letters),called "The Spiritual Antichrist." Theywill see there that two centuriesagothewildestheresiesaroseoutofanextravagantteachingofthisverydoctrine of the "indwelling of Christ" in believers. They will find thatSaltmarsh,andDell,andTowne,andotherfalseteachers,againstwhomgood Samuel Rutherford contended, began with strange notions of"Christ in us," and then proceeded to build on the doctrineantinomianism, and fanaticism of the worst description and vilest

tendency.Theymaintainedthattheseparate,personallifeofthebelieverwas so completely gone, that itwas Christ living in himwho repented,and believed, and acted! The root of this huge error was a forced andunscriptural interpretationof such texts as "I live: yet not I, but Christlivesinme."(Galatians2:20.)Andthenaturalresultofitwasthatmanyof the unhappy followers of this school came to the comfortableconclusionthatbelieverswerenotresponsible,whatevertheymightdo!Believers,forsooth,weredeadandburied;andonlyChristlivedinthem,andundertookeverythingforthem!Theultimateconsequencewas,thatsome thought they might sit still in a carnal security, their personalaccountablenessbeingentirelygone,andmight commitanykindof sinwithout fear! Let us never forget that truth, distorted and exaggerated,canbecomethemotherofthemostdangerousheresies.Whenwespeakof"Christbeing inus," letus takecare toexplainwhatwemean. I fearsomeneglectthisinthepresentday.

(6) In thesixthplace, is itwise todrawsuchadeep,wide, anddistinctline of separation between conversion and consecration, or the higherlife, socalled,asmanydodraw in thepresentday?Is thisaccordingtotheproportionofGod'sWord?Idoubtit.

There is,unquestionably,nothingnewinthisteaching.It iswellknownthatRomishwritersoftenmaintainthattheChurchisdividedintothreeclasses--sinners,penitents, and saints.Themodern teachers of thisdaywhotellusthatprofessingChristiansareofthreesorts--theunconverted,the converted, and the partakers of the "higher life" of completeconsecration--appear tome tooccupyverymuch the sameground!Butwhethertheideabeoldornew,RomishorEnglish,IamutterlyunabletoseethatithasanywarrantofScripture.TheWordofGodalwaysspeaksof the living and the dead in sin--the believer and the unbeliever--theconvertedandtheunconverted--thetravelersinthenarrowwayandthetravelersinthebroad--thewiseandthefoolish--thechildrenofGodandthechildrenofthedevil.Withineachofthesetwogreatclassesthereare,doubtless, variousmeasures of sin and grace; but it only thedifferencebetween the higher and lower end of an inclined plane. Between thesetwogreatclassesthereisanenormousgulf;theyareasdistinctaslifeanddeath, light anddarkness, heaven andhell. But of a division into three

classes theWord of God says nothing at all! I question the wisdom ofmaking new-fangled divisions which the Bible has not made, and Ithoroughlydislikethenotionofasecondconversion.

Thatthereisavastdifferencebetweenonedegreeofgraceandanother--that spiritual life admits of growth, and that believers should becontinually urged on every account to grow in grace--all this I fullyconcede.But the theoryofasudden,mysterious transitionofabelieverintoastateofblessednessandentireconsecration,atonemightybound,Icannotreceive.Itappearstometobeamanmadeinvention;andIdonot see a single plain text to prove it in Scripture. Gradual growth ingrace, growth in knowledge, growth in faith, growth in love, growth inholiness, growth in humility, growth in spiritual-mindedness--all this Iseeclearly taughtandurged inScripture,andclearlyexemplified in thelives of many of God's saints. But sudden, instantaneous leaps fromconversion to consecration I fail to see in the Bible. I doubt, indeed,whether we have any warrant for saying that a man can possibly beconverted without being consecrated to God! More consecrated hedoubtless can be, andwill be as his grace increases; but if he was notconsecratedtoGodintheverydaythathewasconvertedandbornagain,I do not know what conversion means. Are not men in danger ofundervaluing and underrating the immense blessedness of conversion?Are theynot,when they urge on believers the "higher life" as a secondconversion,underratingthelength,andbreadth,anddepth,andheight,of that great first change which Scripture calls the new birth, the newcreation, the spiritual resurrection? I may be mistaken. But I havesometimes thought, while reading the strong language used by manyabout "consecration," in the last few years, that those who use itmusthave had previously a singularly low and inadequate view of"conversion," if indeed they knew anything about conversion at all. Inshort, I have almost suspected that when they were consecrated, theywereinrealityconvertedforthefirsttime!

IfranklyconfessIprefertheoldpaths.Ithinkitwiserandsafertopressonallconvertedpeoplethepossibilityofcontinualgrowthingrace,andtheabsolutenecessityofgoing forward, increasingmoreandmore,andin every year dedicating and consecrating themselves more, in spirit,

soul, and body to Christ. By all means let us teach that there is moreholiness to be attained, andmore of heaven to be enjoyed upon earththenmostbelieversnowexperience.But Idecline to tell any convertedman that he needs a second conversion, and that hemay some day orother pass by one enormous step into a state of entire consecration. Idecline to teach it, because I think the tendency of the doctrine isthoroughlymischievous,depressing thehumble-mindedandmeek, andpuffing up the shallow, the ignorant, and the self-conceited, to amostdangerousextent.

(7) In the seventh and last place, is itwise to teach believers that theyought not to think somuch of fighting and struggling against sin, butoughtratherto"yieldthemselvestoGod,"andbepassiveinthehandsofChrist?IsthisaccordingtotheproportionofGod'sWord?Idoubtit.

It is a simple fact that the expression "yield yourselves" is only to befoundinoneplaceintheNewTestament,asadutyurgeduponbelievers.ThatplaceisinthesixthchapterofRomans,andtherewithinsixversesthe expression occurs five times. (SeeRomans 6:13-19.)But even therethe word will not bear the sense of "placing ourselves passively in thehandsofanother."AnyGreekstudentcantellusthatthesenseisratherthatofactively"presenting"ourselvesforuse,employment,andservice.(See Romans 12:1.) The expression therefore stands alone. But, on theotherhand, itwouldnotbedifficult topointout at least twenty-fiveorthirtydistinctpassagesintheEpistleswherebelieversareplainlytaughtto use active personal exertion, and are addressed as responsible fordoingenergeticallywhatChristwouldhavethemdo,andarenottoldto"yieldthemselves"upaspassiveagentsandsitstill,buttoariseandwork.Aholyviolence,aconflict,awarfare,afight,asoldier's life,awrestling,arespokenofascharacteristicofthetrueChristian.Theaccountof"thearmorofGod"inthesixthchapterofEphesians,onemightthink,settlesthequestion

--Again it would be easy to show that the doctrine of sanctificationwithout personal exertion, by simply "yielding ourselves to God," isprecisely the doctrine of the antinomian fanatics in the seventeenthcentury (to whom I have referred already, described in Rutherford'sSpiritualAntichrist),andthatthetendencyof it isevil intheextreme.--

Again,itwouldbeeasytoshowthatthedoctrineisutterlysubversiveofthe whole teaching of such tried and approved books as Pilgrim'sProgress,andthatifwereceiveitwecannotdobetterthenputBunyan'sold book in the fire! If Christian in Pilgrim's Progress simply yieldedhimself toGod,andnever fought,orstruggled,orwrestled, Ihavereadthefamousallegoryinvain.Buttheplaintruthis,thatmenwillpersistinconfounding two things that differ--that is, justification andsanctification.Injustificationthewordtoaddresstomanisbelieve--onlybelieve;insanctificationthewordmustbe"watch,pray,andfight."WhatGodhasdividedletusnotmingleandconfuse.

Ileavethesubjectofmyintroductionhere,andhastentoaconclusion.IconfessthatIlaydownmypenwithfeelingsofsorrowandanxiety.ThereismuchintheattitudeofprofessingChristiansinthisdaywhichfillsmewithconcern,andmakesmefullfearforthefuture.

There is an amazing ignorance of Scriptures among many, and aconsequent want of established, solid religion. In no other way can Iaccountfortheeasewithwhichpeopleare,likechildren,"tossedtoandfro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine." ( Ephesians 4:14.)There is anAthenian love of novelty abroad, and amorbid distaste foranything old and regular, and in the beaten path of our forefathers.Thousandswill crowd tohear a new voice and anewdoctrine,withoutconsidering for amomentwhetherwhat they hear is true.--There is anincessant craving after any teachingwhich is sensational, and exciting,androusingtothefeelings.--ThereisanunhealthyappetiteforasortofspasmodicandhystericalChristianity.Thereligious lifeofmanyis littlebetter then spiritual dram-drinking, and the "meek and quiet spirit"whichSt.Petercommendsiscleanforgotten.(1Peter3:4.)Crowds,andcrying,andhotrooms,andhigh-flownsinging,andanincessantrousingof the emotions, are the only things whichmany care for.--Inability todistinguishdifferencesindoctrineisspreadingfarandwide,andsolongasthepreacheris"clever"and"earnest,"hundredsseemtothinkitmustbeallright,andcallyoudreadfully"narrowanduncharitable"ifyouhintthatheisunsound!MoodyandHawies,DeanStanleyandCanonLiddon,MackonochieandPearsillSmith,allseemtobealikeintheeyesofsuchpeople.Allthisissad,verysad.Butif,inadditiontothis,thetrue-hearted

advocates of increased holiness are going to fall out by the way andmisunderstandoneanother,itwillbesadderstill.Weshallindeedbeinevilplight.

Formyself, Iamaware that Iamno longerayoungminister.Mymindperhapsstiffens,andIcannoteasilyreceiveanynewdoctrine."Theoldisbetter."IsupposeIbelongtotheoldschoolofEvangelicaltheology,andIamthereforecontentwithsuchteachingsaboutsanctificationasIfindinthe Life of Faith of Sibbes and Manton, and in The Life, Walk, andTriumphofFaithofWilliamRomaine.ButImustexpressahopethatmyyoungerbrethrenwhohavetakenupnewviewsofholinesswillbewareofmultiplyingcauselessdivisions.Do they think thatahigherstandard ofChristian is needed in the present day? So do I.--Do they think thatclearer, stronger, fuller teachingaboutholiness isneeded?Sodo I.--DotheythinkthatChristoughttobemoreexaltedastherootandauthorofsanctification as well as justification? So do I.--Do they think thatbelievers shouldbeurgedmoreandmore to liveby faith?Sodo I.--Dothey think that a very closewalkwithGod should bemore pressed onbelieversasthesecretofhappinessandusefulness?SodoI.--Inallthesethingsweagree.But if theywant togo further, thenIask themto takecarewheretheytread,andtoexplainveryclearlyanddistinctlywhattheymean.

Finally,Imustdeprecate,andIdoitinlove,theuseofuncouthandnew-fangled terms and phrases in teaching sanctification. I plead that amovement in favor of holiness cannot be advanced by new-coinedphraseology, or by disproportioned and one-sided statements--or byoverstraining and isolating particular texts--or by exalting one truth attheexpenseofanother--orbyallegorizingandaccommodatingtexts,andsqueezingoutofthemmeaningswhichtheHolySpiritneverputinthem--orbyspeakingcontemptuouslyandbitterlyofthosewhodonotentirelysee things with our eyes, and do not work exactly in our ways. Thesethingsdonotmakeforpeace:theyratherrepelmanyandkeepthematadistance.Thecauseoftruesanctificationisnothelped,buthindered,bysuchweapons as these. Amovement in aid of holinesswhich producesstrife and dispute among God's children is somewhat suspicious. ForChrist's sake, and in the name of truth and charity, let us endeavor to

followafterpeaceaswellasholiness."WhatGodhasjoinedtogetherletnotmanputasunder."

It ismy heart's desire, and prayer toGod daily, that personal holinessmayincreasegreatlyamongprofessingChristiansinEngland.ButItrustthatallwhoendeavortopromoteitwilladherecloselytotheproportionofScripture,willcarefullydistinguishthingsthatdiffer,andwillseparate"thepreciousfromthevile."(Jeremiah15:19.)

SIN

"Sinisthetransgressionofthelaw."(1John3:4).

HewhowishestoattainrightviewsaboutChristianholinessmustbeginbyexaminingthevastandsolemnsubjectofsin.Hemustdigdownverylow ifhewouldbuildhigh.Amistakehere ismostmischievous.Wrongviewsaboutholinessaregenerallytraceabletowrongviewsabouthumancorruption. I make no apology for beginning this volume of messagesaboutholinessbymakingsomeplainstatementsaboutsin.

TheplaintruthisthatarightunderstandingofsinliesattherootofallsavingChristianity.Withoutitsuchdoctrinesasjustification,conversion,sanctification, are "words andnames"which conveynomeaning to themind.Thefirstthing,therefore,thatGoddoeswhenHemakesanyoneanewcreatureinChrististosendlightintohisheartandshowhimthatheisaguiltysinner.ThematerialcreationinGenesisbeganwith"light,"andso also does the spiritual creation.God "shines into our hearts" by theworkoftheHolySpiritandthenspirituallifebegins(2Cor.4:6).Dimorindistinctviewsof sinare theoriginofmostof theerrors,heresiesandfalsedoctrinesofthepresentday.Ifamandoesnotrealizethedangerousnatureofhissoul’sdisease,youcannotwonderifheiscontentwithfalseor imperfect remedies. I believe that one of the chief wants of thecontemporarychurchhasbeen,andis,clearer,fullerteachingaboutsin.

1.Iwillbeginthesubjectbysupplyingsomedefinitionofsin.Weareall,ofcourse,familiarwiththeterms"sin"and"sinners."Wetalkfrequentlyof"sin"beingintheworldandofmencommitting"sins."Butwhatdowemean by these terms and phrases? Do we really know? I fear there ismuchmentalconfusionandhazinessonthispoint.Letmetry,asbrieflyaspossible,tosupplyananswer.

"Sin,"speakinggenerally,is,astheNinthArticleofourchurchdeclares,"the fault and corruption of the nature of every man that is naturallyengenderedoftheoffspringofAdam;wherebymanisveryfargonefromoriginal righteousness,and isofhisownnature inclined toevil, so thatthe flesh lusts always against the spirit; and, therefore, in every personbornintotheworld,itdeservesGod’swrathanddamnation."Sinisthatvastmoraldiseasewhichaffectsthewholehumanrace,ofeveryrankandclassandnameandnationandpeopleandtongue,adiseasefromwhichthereneverwasbutonebornofwomanthatwasfree.NeedIsaythatOnewasChristJesustheLord?

I say, furthermore, that "a sin," to speakmore particularly, consists indoing, saying, thinking or imagining anything that is not in perfectconformitywiththemindandlawofGod."Sin,"inshortastheScripturesays,is"thetransgressionofthelaw"(1John3:4).Theslightestoutwardor inwarddeparturefromabsolutemathematicalparallelismwithGod’srevealedwillandcharacterconstitutesasin,andatoncemakesusguiltyinGod’ssight.

Ofcourse,IneednottellanyonewhoreadshisBiblewithattentionthatamanmaybreakGod’s law inheart and thoughtwhen there isnoovertand visible act of wickedness. Our Lord has settled that point beyonddisputeinthesermononthemount(Matt.5:21–28).Evenapoetofourownhastrulysaid,"Amanmaysmileandsmile,andbeavillain."

Again,IneednottellacarefulstudentoftheNewTestament,thattherearesinsofomissionaswellascommission,andthatwesin,asourPrayerBookjustlyremindsus,by"leavingundonethethingsweoughttodo,"asreallyasby"doingthethingsweoughtnottodo."Thesolemnwordsofour Master in the Gospel of St. Matthew place this point also beyonddispute.Itistherewritten:"Depart...,youcursed,intoeverlastingfire..

. forIwasanhungry,andyougaveMenomeat:Iwasthirsty,andyougaveMenodrink"(Matt.25:41,42).

Ido think itnecessary in these times to remindmyreaders thatamanmay commit sin and yet be ignorant of it and fancy himself innocentwhen he is guilty. I fail to see any scriptural warrant for the modernassertionthat:"Sinisnotsintousuntilwediscernitandareconsciousofit." On the contrary, in the fourth and fifth chapters of that undulyneglectedbook,Leviticus,and in the fifteenthofNumbers, I find Israeldistinctlytaughtthatthereweresinsofignorancewhichrenderedpeopleuncleanandneededatonement(Lev.4:1–35;5:14–19;Num.15:25–29).AndIfindourLordexpresslyteachingthat"theservantwhoknewnothismaster’swillanddiditnot,"wasnotexcusedonaccountofhisignorancebutwas"beaten"orpunished(Luke12:48).Wewilldowelltorememberthat, when we make our own miserably imperfect knowledge andconsciousness themeasureof our sinfulness,weareonverydangerousground.AdeeperstudyofLeviticusmightdousmuchgood.

2. Concerning the origin and source of this vast moral disease called"sin," I am afraid that the views ofmany professing Christians on thispointaresadlydefectiveandunsound.Idarenotpassitby.Letus,then,haveitfixeddowninourmindsthatthesinfulnessofmandoesnotbeginfromwithout,butfromwithin.Itisnottheresultofbadtraininginearlyyears. It is not picked up from bad companions and bad examples, assomeweakChristiansare too fondof saying.No! It is a familydisease,which we all inherit from our first parents, Adam and Eve, and withwhichweareborn.Created"intheimageofGod,"innocentandrighteousat first, our parents fell from original righteousness and became sinfulandcorrupt.AndfromthatdaytothisallmenandwomenarebornintheimageoffallenAdamandEveandinheritaheartandnatureinclinedtoevil."Byonemansinenteredintotheworld.""Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh.""Wearebynaturechildrenofwrath.""ThecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod." "Out of theheart [naturally, as out of a fountain]proceedevilthoughts,adulteries"andthelike(Rom.5:12;John3:6;Eph.2:3;Rom.8:7;Mark7:21).

Thefairestchild,whohasenteredlifethisyearandbecomethesunbeamofafamily,isnot,ashismotherperhapsfondlycallshim,alittle"angel"

oralittle"innocent,"butalittle"sinner."Alas!Asthatinfantboyorgirllies smiling and crowing in its cradle, that little creature carries in itshearttheseedsofeverykindofwickedness!Onlywatchitcarefully,asitgrowsinstatureanditsminddevelops,andyouwillsoondetectinitanincessant tendency to that which is bad, and a backwardness to thatwhichisgood.Youwillseeinitthebudsandgermsofdeceit,eviltemper,selfishness, self–will, obstinacy, greediness, envy, jealousy, passion,which,ifindulgedandletalone,willshootupwithpainfulrapidity.Whotaughtthechildthesethings?Wheredidhelearnthem?TheBiblealonecan answer these questions! Of all the foolish things that parents sayabout their children there isnoneworse than the common saying:"Mysonhasagoodheartatthebottom.Heisnotwhatheoughttobe,buthehas fallen into bad hands. Public schools are bad places. The tutorsneglect the boys. Yet he has a good heart at the bottom." The truth,unhappily,isdiametricallytheotherway.Thefirstcauseofallsinliesinthenaturalcorruptionoftheboy’sownheart,andnotinpublicschools.

3. Concerning the extent of this vast moral disease called "sin," let usbeware thatwemakenomistake.Theonlysafeground is thatwhich islaidforusinScripture."Everyimaginationofthethoughtsofhisheart"isbynature"evil,"andthat"continually.""Theheart isdeceitfulaboveallthings, and desperately wicked" (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9). Sin is a diseasewhich pervades and runs through every part of ourmoral constitutionand every faculty of ourminds. The understanding, the affections, thereasoning powers, the will, are all more or less infected. Even theconscience is soblinded that it cannotbedependedonasa sureguide,andisaslikelytoleadmenwrongasright,unlessitisenlightenedbytheHolySpirit.Inshort,"fromthesoleofthefootevenuntotheheadthereisnosoundness"aboutus(Isa.1:6).Thediseasemaybeveiledunderathincovering of courtesy, politeness, good manners and outward decorum,butitliesdeepdownintheconstitution.

Iadmitfullythatmanhasmanygrandandnoblefacultiesleftabouthim,andthatinartsandsciencesandliteratureheshowsimmensecapacity.Butthefactstillremainsthatinspiritualthingsheisutterly"dead"andhasnonaturalknowledge,orlove,orfearofGod.Hisbestthingsaresointerwoven and intermingled with corruption, that the contrast only

bringsout into sharper relief the truth andextent of theFall.Thatoneandthesamecreatureshouldbeinsomethingssohighandinotherssolow;sogreatandyetsolittle;sonobleandyetsomean;sograndinhisconception and execution of material things and yet so groveling anddebased in his affections; that he should be able to plan and erectbuildings likethoseatCarnacandLuxor inEgyptandtheParthenonatAthens, and yet worship vile gods and goddesses and birds and beastsand creeping things; that he should be able to produce tragedies likethoseofAeschylusandSophocles,andhistories likethatofThucydides,and yet be a slave to abominable vices like those described in the firstchapter of theEpistle to theRomans—all this is a sore puzzle to thosewhosneerat"God’sWordwritten"andscoffatusasbibliolaters.ButitisaknotthatwecanuntiewiththeBibleinourhands.Wecanacknowledgethatmanhasall themarksofamajestic templeabouthim,a temple inwhichGodoncedwelt,butatemplewhichisnowinutterruins,atempleinwhich a shatteredwindowhere, and adoorway there, and a columnthere,stillgivesomefaintideaofthemagnificenceoftheoriginaldesign,butatemplewhichfromendtoendhaslostitsgloryandfallenfromitshighestate.Andwesay thatnothingsolves thecomplicatedproblemofman’sconditionbutthedoctrineoforiginalorbirth–sinandthecrushingeffectsoftheFall.

Letusremember,besidethis,thateverypartoftheworldbearstestimonyto the fact that sin is the universal disease of all mankind. Search theglobe from east to west and from pole to pole; search every nation ofevery climate in the four quarters of the earth; search every rank andclassinourowncountryfromthehighesttothelowest—andundereverycircumstance and condition, the report will be always the same. TheremotestislandsinthePacificOcean,completelyseparatefromEurope,Asia,AfricaandAmerica,beyondthereachalikeofOriental luxuryandWestern arts and literature, islands inhabited by people ignorant ofbooks, money, steam and gunpowder, uncontaminated by the vices ofmodern civilization, these very islands have always been found, whenfirstdiscovered, theabodeof thevilest formsof lust,cruelty,deceitandsuperstition. If the inhabitants have known nothing else, they havealways known how to sin! Everywhere the human heart is naturally"deceitful above all things, and desperatelywicked" (Jer. 17:9). Formy

part, I know no stronger proof of the inspiration of Genesis and theMosaic account of the origin of man, than the power, extent anduniversalityofsin.Grantthatmankindhaveallsprungfromonepairandthat thispair fell (asGenesis3 tellsus), and the stateofhumannatureeverywhere iseasilyaccounted for.Deny it, asmanydo,andyouareatonce involved in inexplicabledifficulties. Inaword, theuniformityanduniversality of human corruption supply one of themost unanswerableinstancesoftheenormous"difficultiesofinfidelity."

Afterall,Iamconvincedthatthegreatestproofoftheextentandpowerof sin is the pertinacity with which it cleaves to man, even after he isconvertedandhasbecomethesubjectoftheHolySpirit’soperations.Touse the language of the ninth Article: "This infection of nature doesremain—yes,eveninthemthatareregenerate."Sodeeplyplantedaretherootsofhumancorruption, thatevenafterwearebornagain, renewed,washed, sanctified, justified andmade living members of Christ, theserootsremainaliveinthebottomofourheartsand,liketheleprosyinthewallsofthehouse,wenevergetridofthemuntiltheearthlyhouseofthistabernacle is dissolved. Sin, no doubt, in the believer’s heart, has nolongerdominion.Itischecked,controlled,mortifiedandcrucifiedbytheexpulsivepowerof thenewprincipleofgrace.The lifeofabeliever isalifeofvictoryandnotoffailure.Buttheverystruggleswhichgoonwithinhis bosom, the fight that he finds it needful to fight daily, thewatchfuljealousywhichhe isobliged toexerciseoverhis innerman, thecontestbetween the flesh and the spirit, the inward "groanings" which no oneknowsbuthewhohasexperiencedthem—all,alltestifytothesamegreattruth, all show the enormous power and vitality of sin. Mighty indeedmust that foe be who even when crucified is still alive! Happy is thatbelieverwhounderstandsitand,whileherejoicesinChristJesus,hasnoconfidence in the flesh and, while he says, "Thanks be unto God whogives us the victory," never forgets to watch and pray lest he fall intotemptation!

4.Concerning theguilt, vilenessandoffensivenessof sin in thesightofGod,mywordswillbe few. I say "few"advisedly. Idonot think, in thenature of things, that mortal man can at all realize the exceedingsinfulnessofsininthesightofthatholyandperfectOnewithwhomwe

havetodo.Ontheonehand,GodisthateternalBeingwho"chargesHisangelswithfolly"andinwhosesightthevery"heavensarenotclean."HeisOnewho reads thoughts andmotives aswell as actions and requires"truth in the inwardparts" (Job4:18;15:15;Ps.51:6).We,on theotherhand—poorblindcreatures,heretodayandgonetomorrow,borninsin,surrounded by sinners, living in a constant atmosphere of weakness,infirmity and imperfection—can form none but the most inadequateconceptionsofthehideousnessofevil.Wehavenolinetofathomitandnomeasure bywhich to gauge it. The blindman can see no differencebetween amasterpiece of Titian orRaphael and the queen’s head on avillage signboard. The deaf man cannot distinguish between a pennywhistle and a cathedral organ. The very animals whose smell is mostoffensivetoushavenoideathattheyareoffensiveandarenotoffensivetooneanother.Fallenmenandwomen,Ibelieve,canhavenojust ideawhat a vile thing sin is in the sight of that God whose handiwork isabsolutely perfect—perfect whether we look through telescope ormicroscope;perfectintheformationofamightyplanetlikeJupiter,withhissatellites,keepingtimetoasecondasherollsroundthesun;perfectintheformationofthesmallestinsectthatcrawlsoverafootofground.But let us nevertheless settle it firmly in our minds that sin is "theabominable thing that God hates"; that God "is of purer eyes than tobehold iniquity,andcannot lookupon thatwhich isevil"; that the leasttransgressionofGod’slawmakesus"guiltyofall";that"thesoulthatsinsshalldie";that"thewagesofsinisdeath";thatGodwill"judgethesecretsof men"; that there is a worm that never dies and a fire that is notquenched;that"thewickedshallbeturnedintohell"and"shallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment";andthat"nothingthatdefilesshall inanywise enter"heaven (Jer. 44:4;Hab. 1:13; James2:10;Ezek. 18:4;Rom.6:23;Rom.2:16;Mark9:44;Ps.9:17;Matt.25:46;Rev.21:27).Theseareindeedtremendouswords,whenweconsiderthattheyarewritteninthebookofamostmercifulGod!

No proof of the fullness of sin, after all, is so overwhelming andunanswerableasthecrossandpassionofourLordJesusChristandthewhole doctrine ofHis substitution and atonement. Terribly blackmustthat guilt be for which nothing but the blood of the Son of God couldmakesatisfaction.Heavymustthatweightofhumansinbewhichmade

JesusgroanandsweatdropsofbloodinagonyatGethsemaneandcryatGolgotha,"MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveYouforsakenMe?"(Matt.27:46).Nothing,Iamconvinced,willastonishussomuch,whenweawakeintheresurrectionday,astheviewwewillhaveofsinandtheretrospectwewilltakeofourowncountlessshortcomingsanddefects.NeveruntilthehourwhenChristcomesthesecondtimewillwefullyrealizethe"sinfulnessofsin."WellmightGeorgeWhitefieldsay, "Theantheminheavenwillbe:WhathasGodwrought!"

5.Onepointonlyremainstobeconsideredonthesubjectofsin,whichIdarenot pass over. That point is its deceitfulness. It is a pointofmostseriousimportanceandIventuretothinkitdoesnotreceivetheattentionwhich it deserves. You may see this deceitfulness in the wonderfulpronenessofmentoregardsinaslesssinfulanddangerousthanitisinthesightofGodandintheirreadinesstoextenuateit,makeexcusesforitandminimizeitsguilt."Itisbutalittleone!Godismerciful!Godisnotextreme tomarkwhat isdoneamiss!Wemeanwell!One cannotbe soparticular!Whereisthemightyharm?Weonlydoasothers!"Whoisnotfamiliarwiththiskindof language?Youmaysee it inthe longstringofsmoothwordsandphraseswhichmenhavecoinedinordertodesignatethingswhichGodcallsdownrightwickedandruinoustothesoul.Whatdo such expressions as "fast," "gay," "wild," "unsteady," "thoughtless,""loose"mean?TheyshowthatmentrytocheatthemselvesintothebeliefthatsinisnotquitesosinfulasGodsaysitis,andthattheyarenotsobadas they really are. Youmay see it in the tendency even of believers toindulge their children in questionable practices, and to blind their owneyes to the inevitable result of the love of money, of tampering withtemptationandsanctioningalowstandardoffamilyreligion.Ifearwedonotsufficientlyrealizetheextremesubtletyofoursoul’sdisease.Wearetooapttoforgetthattemptationtosinwillrarelypresentitselftousinitstrue colors, saying, "I am your deadly enemy and I want to ruin youforeverinhell."Oh,no!Sincomestous,likeJudas,withakiss,andlikeJoab,withanoutstretchedhandandflatteringwords.Theforbiddenfruitseemed good and desirable to Eve, yet it cast her out of Eden. ThewalkingidlyonhispalaceroofseemedharmlessenoughtoDavid,yetitendedinadulteryandmurder.Sinrarelyseemssinatitsfirstbeginnings.Let us thenwatch and pray, lest we fall into temptation.Wemay give

wickednesssmoothnames,butwecannotalter itsnatureandcharacterin the sight of God. Let us remember St. Paul’s words: "Exhort oneanotherdaily. . . lestanybehardenedthroughthedeceitfulnessofsin"(Heb. 3:13). It is a wise prayer in our Litany: "From the deceits of theworld,thefleshandthedevil,goodLord,deliverus."

Andnow,beforeIgofurther,letmebrieflymentiontwothoughtswhichappeartometorisewithirresistibleforceoutofthesubject.

Ontheonehand,Iaskmyreaders toobservewhatdeepreasonsweallhave for humiliation and self–abasement. Let us sit down before thepictureofsindisplayedtousintheBibleandconsiderwhatguilty,vile,corruptcreaturesweallareinthesightofGod.Whatneedweallhaveofthatentirechangeofheartcalledregeneration,newbirthorconversion!Whatamassofinfirmityandimperfectioncleavestotheverybestofusatourverybest!Whatasolemnthoughtitisthat"withoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord"!(Heb.12:14).Whatcausewehavetocrywiththetax-collectoreverynightinourliveswhenwethinkofoursinsofomissionaswellascommission,"Godbemercifultomeasinner!"(Luke18:13).Howadmirably suited are the general and communion confessions of thePrayerBooktotheactualconditionofallprofessingChristians!Howwellthat language suits God’s children which the Prayer Book puts in themouth of every churchmanbefore he goes up to the communion table:"Theremembrance of ourmisdoings is grievousuntous; the burden isintolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most mercifulFather; forYourSonourLordJesusChrist’s sake, forgiveus all that ispast."Howtrueitisthattheholiestsaintisinhimselfamiserablesinnerandadebtortomercyandgracetothelastmomentofhisexistence!

WithmywholeheartIsubscribetothatpassageinHooker’ssermonon"Justification,"which begins: "Let the holiest and best thingswe do beconsidered.Weareneverbetter affecteduntoGod thanwhenwe pray;yet whenwe pray, how are our affectionsmany times distracted!HowlittlereverencedoweshowuntothegrandmajestyofGoduntowhomwespeak! How little remorse of our ownmiseries! How little taste of thesweetinfluenceofHistendermerciesdowefeel!Arewenotasunwillingmanytimes to begin, and as glad tomake an end, as if in saying, ‘CalluponMe,’Hehadsetusaveryburdensometask?Itmayseemsomewhat

extreme,whichIwill speak; therefore, leteveryone judgeof it,evenashis ownheart shall tell him, and not otherwise; Iwill but onlymake ademand!IfGodshouldyielduntous,notasuntoAbraham—iffifty,forty,thirty, twenty, yes, or if ten good persons could be found in a city, fortheirsakesthiscityshouldnotbedestroyedbut,andifHeshouldmakeusanofferthuslarge:‘SearchallthegenerationsofmensincetheFallofour father Adam, find one man that has done one action which haspassed fromhimpure,without any stainorblemishat all, and for thatoneman’s only action neitherman nor angel should feel the tormentswhich are prepared for both,’ do you think that this ransom to delivermenandangelscouldbefoundtobeamongthesonsofmen?Thebestthingswhichwedohavesomewhatinthemtobepardoned."*

I ampersuaded that themore lightwehave, themorewe see our ownsinfulness; the nearer we get to heaven, themore we are clothed withhumility.Ineveryageofthechurchyouwillfindittrue,ifyouwillstudybiographies, that the most eminent saints—men like Bradford,RutherfordandMc'Cheyne—havealwaysbeenthehumblestmen.

Ontheotherhand,IaskmyreaderstoobservehowdeeplythankfulweoughttobeforthegloriousgospelofthegraceofGod.Thereisaremedyrevealed forman’sneed,aswideandbroadanddeepasman’sdisease.Weneednotbeafraidtolookatsinandstudyitsnature,origin,power,extent and vileness, if we only look at the same time at the almightymedicineprovidedforusinthesalvationthatisinJesusChrist.Thoughsinhasabounded,gracehasmuchmoreabounded.Yes:intheeverlastingcovenantofredemption,towhichFather,SonandHolySpiritareparties;intheMediatorofthatcovenant,JesusChristtherighteous,perfectGodandperfectManinonePerson;intheworkthatHedidbydyingforoursinsandrisingagainforourjustification;intheofficesthatHefillsasourPriest, Substitute, Physician, Shepherd and Advocate; in the preciousblood He shed which can cleanse from all sin; in the everlastingrighteousnessthatHebrought in; in theperpetual intercession thatHecarriesonasourRepresentativeatGod’srighthand;inHispowertosaveto the uttermost the chief of sinners, His willingness to receive andpardonthevilest,Hisreadinesstobearwiththeweakest;inthegraceoftheHolySpiritwhichHeplantsintheheartsofallHispeople,renewing,

sanctifyingandcausingoldthingstopassawayandallthingstobecomenew—inallthis(andoh,whatabriefsketchitis!)—inallthis,Isay,thereisafull,perfectandcompletemedicineforthehideousdiseaseofsin.NowonderthatoldFlavelendsmanyachapterofhisadmirableFountainofLifewiththetouchingwords:"BlessedbeGodforJesusChrist."

Inbringingthismightysubjecttoaclose,IfeelthatIhaveonlytouchedthe surface of it. It is one which cannot be thoroughly handled in amessage like this. He who would see it treated fully and exhaustivelymustturntosuchmastersofexperimentaltheologyasOwenandBurgessandMantonandCharnockandtheothergiantsofthePuritanschool.OnsubjectslikethistherearenowriterstobecomparedtothePuritans.Itonlyremainsformetopointoutsomepracticalusestowhichthewholedoctrineofsinmaybeprofitablyturnedinthepresentday.

a.Isay,then,inthefirstplace,thatascripturalviewofsinisoneofthebestantidotestothatvague,dim,misty,hazykindoftheologywhichissopainfullycurrentinthepresentage.Itisvaintoshutoureyestothefactthatthereisavastquantityofso–calledChristianitynowadayswhichyoucannot declare positively unsound, but which, nevertheless, is not fullmeasure,goodweightandsixteenouncestothepound.ItisaChristianityin which there is undeniably "something about Christ and somethingaboutgraceandsomethingaboutfaithandsomethingaboutrepentanceandsomethingaboutholiness,"butitisnotthereal"thingasitis"intheBible. Things are out of place and out of proportion. As old Latimerwouldhave said, it is a kindof "mingle–mangle," anddoesno good. Itneither exercises influence on daily conduct, nor comforts in life, norgivespeace indeath;andthosewhohold itoftenawake too late to findthat they have got nothing solid under their feet. Now I believe thelikeliestwaytocureandmendthisdefectivekindofreligionis tobringforwardmoreprominentlytheoldscripturaltruthaboutthesinfulnessofsin. Peoplewill never set their faces decidedly towardsheavenand livelikepilgrimsuntiltheyreallyfeelthattheyareindangerofhell.Letusalltrytorevivetheoldteachingaboutsininnurseries,inschools,intrainingcolleges,inuniversities.Letusnotforgetthat"thelawisgoodifweuseitlawfully"andthat"bythelawistheknowledgeofsin"(1Tim.1:8;Rom.3:20; 7:7). Let us bring the law to the front and press it on men’s

attention. Let us expound and beat out the Ten Commandments andshowthelengthandbreadthanddepthandheightoftheirrequirements.This is thewayofourLord in thesermononthemount.WecannotdobetterthanfollowHisplan.Wemaydependuponit,menwillnevercometoJesus and staywithJesus and live for Jesusunless they really knowwhy they are to come and what is their need. Those whom the SpiritdrawstoJesusarethosewhomtheSpirithasconvincedofsin.Withoutthoroughconvictionof sin,menmayseemtocome toJesusand followHimforaseason;buttheywillsoonfallawayandreturntotheworld.

b.Inthenextplace,ascripturalviewofsinisoneofthebestantidotestotheextravagantlybroadandliberaltheologywhichissomuchinvogueatthepresent time.The tendency ofmodern thought is to reject dogmas,creedsandeverykindofboundsinreligion.Itisthoughtgrandandwisetocondemnnoopinionwhatever,andtopronounceallearnestandcleverteachers to be trustworthy, however heterogeneous and mutuallydestructive their opinions may be. Everything, forsooth, is true andnothingis false!Everybody is right andnobody iswrong!Everybody islikely to be saved and nobody is to be lost! The atonement andsubstitution of Christ, the personality of the devil, the miraculouselement in Scripture, the reality and eternity of future punishment, allthesemightyfoundation–stonesarecoollytossedoverboard,likelumber,inordertolightentheshipofChristianityandenableittokeeppacewithmodern science. Stand up for these great verities, and you are callednarrow,illiberal,old–fashionedandatheologicalfossil!Quoteatext,andyou are told that all truth is not confined to the pages of an ancientJewishbook,andthat free inquiryhas foundoutmany thingssince thebook was completed! Now, I know nothing so likely to counteract thismodern plague as constant clear statements about the nature, reality,vileness, power and guilt of sin. We must charge home into theconsciencesof thesemenofbroadviewsanddemandaplainanswer tosome plain questions. We must ask them to lay their hands on theirheartsandtelluswhethertheirfavoriteopinionscomforttheminthedayofsickness,inthehourofdeath,bythebedsideofdyingparents,bythegrave of a beloved wife or child. We must ask them whether a vagueearnestness,withoutdefinite doctrine, gives thempeace at seasons likethese.Wemustchallengethemtotelluswhethertheydonotsometimes

feel a gnawing "something" within, which all the free inquiry andphilosophyandscienceintheworldcannotsatisfy.Andthenwemusttellthem that this gnawing "something" is the sense of sin, guilt andcorruption,which they are leavingout in their calculations.And, aboveall, we must tell them that nothing will ever make them feel rest butsubmission to the old doctrines ofman’s ruin and Christ’s redemptionandsimplechildlikefaithinJesus.

c.Furthermore,arightviewofsinworksasanantidotetoaceremonialand formal kind of Christianity which has carried away somany in itswake.Unenlightenedmindsmayfindsuchaviewofreligionattractiveinacertainsense,yetIcannotseehowasensuousandformalreligioncanthoroughly satisfy the Christian. A little child is easily quieted andamusedwith playthings, toys and dolls, as long as he isn’t hungry. Lethimfeelthecravingsofnaturewithin,andyouwilldiscoverquicklythatonlyfoodcannourishhimandsatisfyhishunger.Likewise,aman’ssoulwill not find satisfaction inmusic and flowers and candles and incenseandbannersandprocessionsandbeautifulvestmentsandconfessionalsand humanly contrived ceremonies. Hemay amuse himself with such,but let his soul awaken and rise from the dead, and he will not restcontentwith these things. Theywill seem tohimmere solemn triflingsandawasteoftime.Lethimseethescopeofhissin,andhewillalsoseehisneed forhisSavior.Hehungersandthirsts,andnothingwill satisfyhimbut the bread of life. The prominence of this form of formal andsensuousChristianity, I dare to say, would not exist if Christians weretaughtmoreofteninfullnessthenature,vilenessandsinfulnessofsin.

d. A right view of sin is one of the best antidotes to the overstrainedtheoriesofperfectionofwhichwehearsomuchinthesetimes.If thosewho press on us perfection mean nothing more than an all–roundconsistencyanda carefulattention toall thegraceswhichmakeup theChristian character, reason would that we should not only bear withthem,butagreewiththementirely.Byallmeans,letusaimhigh.Butifmenreallymeantotellusthathereinthisworldabelievercanattaintoentire freedom from sin, live for years in unbroken and uninterruptedcommunionwithGod,andfeelformonthstogethernotsomuchasoneevilthought,Imusthonestlysaythatsuchanopinionappearstomevery

unscriptural.Igoevenfurther.Isaythattheopinionisverydangeroustohim that holds it, and very likely to depress, discourage and keepbackinquirers after salvation. I cannot find the slightest warrant in God’sWord for expecting such perfection as this while we are in the body. Ibelieve the words of our fifteenth Article are strictly true: that "Christaloneiswithoutsin;andthatallwe,therest,thoughbaptizedandbornagaininChrist,offendinmanythings;andifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus."Tousethelanguageofour first homily, "There be imperfections in our bestworks:we do notloveGodsomuchaswe arebound todo,with all ourheart,mindandpower;wedonotfearGodsomuchasweoughttodo;wedonotpraytoGodbutwithmanyandgreatimperfections.Wegive,forgive,believe,liveand hope imperfectly; we speak, think and do imperfectly; we fightagainst thedevil, theworldand the flesh imperfectly.Letus, therefore,notbeashamedtoconfessplainlyourstateofimperfection."OncemoreIrepeat what I have said: the best preservative against this temporarydelusion about perfectionwhich clouds someminds—for such I hope Imay call it—is a clear, full, distinct understanding of the nature,sinfulnessanddeceitfulnessofsin.

e. In the last place, a scriptural view of sin will prove an admirableantidote to the low views of personal holiness, which are so painfullyprevalent in these last days of the church. This is a very painful anddelicatesubject,Iknow,butIdarenotturnawayfromit.IthaslongbeenmysorrowfulconvictionthatthestandardofdailylifeamongprofessingChristians in this country has been gradually falling. I am afraid thatChrist–like charity, kindness, good temper, unselfishness, meekness,gentleness,goodnature,self–denial,zealtodogoodandseparationfromtheworld are far less appreciated than they ought to be and than theyusedtobeinthedaysofourfathers.

IntothecausesofthisstateofthingsIcannotpretendtoenterfullyandcanonly suggest conjectures for consideration. Itmaybe that a certainprofessionofreligionhasbecomesofashionableandcomparativelyeasyin the present age that the streamswhich were once narrow and deephave become wide and shallow, and what we have gained in outwardshowwehavelostinquality.Itmaybethatourcontemporaryaffluence

and comfortable lifestyles have insensibly introduced a plague ofworldliness and self–indulgence and a love of ease. What were oncecalled luxuries are now comforts and necessities, and self–denial and"enduring hardness" are consequently little known. It may be that theenormous amount of controversy which marks this age has insensiblydriedupourspiritual life.Wehavetoooftenbeencontentwithzeal fororthodoxy and have neglected the sober realities of daily practicalgodliness.Bethecauseswhattheymay,Imustdeclaremyownbeliefthatthe result remains. There has been of late years a lower standard ofpersonal holiness amongbelievers than there used to be in the days ofourfathers.Thewholeresult isthattheSpirit isgrievedandthemattercallsformuchhumiliationandsearchingofheart.

As to the best remedy for the state of things I have mentioned, I willventuretogiveanopinion.Otherschoolsofthoughtinthechurchesmustjudge for themselves. The cure for evangelical churchmen, I amconvinced, is to be found in a clearer apprehension of the nature andsinfulnessofsin.WeneednotgobacktoEgyptandborrowsemi–Roman"Catholic" practices in order to revive our spiritual life. We need notrestoretheconfessional,orreturntomonasticismorasceticism.Nothingof the kind!We must simply repent and do our first works. We mustreturntofirstprinciples.Wemustgobackto"theoldpaths."WemustsitdownhumblyinthepresenceofGod,lookthewholesubjectintheface,examineclearlywhat theLordJesus calls sin, andwhat theLordJesuscallsdoingHiswill.Wemustthentrytorealizethatitisterriblypossibletoliveacareless,easy–going,half–worldlylife,andyetatthesametimetomaintainevangelicalprinciplesandcallourselvesevangelicalpeople!Oncewe see that sin is far viler and far nearer to us and sticks morecloselytousthanwesupposed,wewillbeled,Itrustandbelieve,togetnearertoChrist.OncedrawnnearertoChrist,wewilldrinkmoredeeplyoutofHisfullnessandlearnmorethoroughlyto"livethelifeoffaith"inHim, as St. Paul did.Once taught to live the life of faith in Jesus, andabidinginHim,wewillbearmorefruit,will findourselvesmorestrongforduty,morepatientintrial,morewatchfuloverourpoorweakhearts,andmorelikeourMasterinallourlittledailyways.JustinproportionaswerealizehowmuchChristhasdoneforus,willwelabortodomuchforChrist.Much forgiven,wewill lovemuch. In short, as the apostle says,

"With open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we arechangedintothesameimage...evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord"(2Cor.3:18).

Whateversomemaypleasetothinkorsay,therecanbenodoubtthatanincreased feeling about holiness is one of the signs of the times.Conferencesforthepromotionof"spirituallife"arebecomingcommoninthepresentday.Thesubjectof "spiritual life" findsaplaceoncongressplatformsalmosteveryyear.Ithasawakenedanamountofinterestandgeneralattentionthroughoutthelandforwhichweoughttobethankful.Anymovement, based on sound principles, which helps to deepen ourspirituallifeandincreaseourpersonalholinesswillbearealblessingtotheChurchofEngland.Itwilldomuchtodrawustogetherandhealourunhappydivisions.ItmaybringdownsomefreshoutpouringofthegraceoftheSpiritandbe"life fromthedead" in these later times.Butsure Iam,asIsaidinthebeginning,wemustbeginlow,ifwewouldbuildhigh.Iamconvincedthatthefirststeptowardsattainingahigherstandardofholinessistorealizemorefullytheamazingsinfulnessofsin.

SANCTIFICATION

"SanctifythemthroughYourtruth."(John17:17).

"ThisisthewillofGod,evenyoursanctification."(1Thess.4:3).

The subject of sanctification is one which many, I fear, dislikeexceedingly.Someeventurnfromitwithscornanddisdain.Theverylastthing they would like is to be a "saint" or a "sanctified" man. Yet thesubjectdoesnotdeservetobetreatedinthisway.Itisnotanenemy,butafriend.

Itisasubjectoftheutmostimportancetooursouls.IftheBibleistrue,itiscertainthatunlessweare"sanctified,"weshallnotbesaved.Therearethreethingswhich,accordingtotheBible,areabsolutelynecessarytothesalvation of every man and woman in Christendom. These three are

justification,regenerationandsanctification.AllthreemeetineverychildofGod:heisbothbornagainandjustifiedandsanctified.Hewholacksanyoneof these three things isnota trueChristian in thesightofGodand,dyinginthatcondition,willnotbefoundinheavenandglorifiedinthelastday.

It isasubjectwhichispeculiarlyseasonableinthepresentday.Strangedoctrineshaverisenupof lateupon thewholesubjectofsanctification.Some appear to confound it with justification.Others fritter it away tonothing,underthepresenceofzealforfreegrace,andpracticallyneglectitaltogether.Othersaresomuchafraidof"works"beingmadeapartofjustificationthattheycanhardlyfindanyplaceatallfor"works"intheirreligion. Others set up a wrong standard of sanctification before theireyesand,failingtoattainit,wastetheirlivesinrepeatedsecessionsfromchurchtochurch,chapeltochapelandsecttosect,inthevainhopethattheywillfindwhattheywant.Inadaylikethis,acalmexaminationofthesubject,asagreat leadingdoctrineofthegospel,maybeofgreatusetooursouls.

Now let us consider the true nature of sanctification, its visiblemarks,andhowitiscomparedtoandcontrastedwithjustification.

If, unhappily, the reader is one of thosewho cares fornothing but thisworld,andmakesnoprofessionofreligion,Icannotexpecthim to takemuchinterestinwhatIamwriting.Youwillprobablythinkitanaffairof"words andnames" andnicequestions, aboutwhich itmattersnothingwhat you hold and believe. But if you are a thoughtful, reasonable,sensibleChristian,Iventuretosaythatyouwillfinditworthwhiletohavesomeclearideasaboutsanctification.

1.Thenatureofsanctification

Sanctification is that inwardspiritualworkwhich theLordJesusChristworks in a man by the Holy Spirit, when He calls him to be a truebeliever.HenotonlywasheshimfromhissinsinHisownblood,butHealsoseparateshimfromhisnaturalloveofsinandtheworld,putsanewprinciple in his heart and makes him practically godly in life. TheinstrumentbywhichtheSpiriteffectsthisworkisgenerallytheWordof

God, thoughHe sometimes uses afflictions and providential visitations"withouttheWord"(1Peter3:1).ThesubjectofthisworkofChristbyHisSpiritiscalledinScripturea"sanctified"man.*

HewhosupposesthatJesusChristonlylivedanddiedandroseagaininorder toprovide justificationand forgivenessof sins forHispeople hasyetmuch to learn.Whether he knows it or not, he is dishonoring ourblessed Lord and making Him only a half Savior. The Lord Jesus hasundertakeneverythingthatHispeople’ssoulsrequire:notonlytodeliverthem from the guilt of their sins by His atoning death, but from thedominionoftheirsins,byplacingintheirheartstheHolySpirit;notonlyto justify them, but also to sanctify them. He is, thus, not only their"righteousness,"buttheir"sanctification"(1Cor.1:30).LetushearwhattheBiblesays:"FortheirsakesIsanctifyMyself,thattheyalsomightbesanctified." "Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that Hemight sanctify and cleanse it." "Christ . . . gaveHimself forus, thatHemight redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks.""Christ...bareoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree,thatwe,beingdeadtosins,shouldliveuntorighteousness."Christ"has...reconciled[you]inthebodyofHisfleshthroughdeath,topresentyouholyandunblameableandunreproveableinHissight"(John17:19;Eph.5:25,26;Titus2:14;1Peter2:24;Col.1:22).Letthemeaningofthesefivetextsbecarefullyconsidered.Ifwordsmeananything,theyteach that Christ undertakes the sanctification, no less than thejustification,ofHisbelievingpeople.Botharealikeprovided for in that"everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure," of which theMediator is Christ. In fact, Christ in one place is called "He whosanctifies,"andHispeople"theywhoaresanctified"(Heb.2:11).

Thesubjectbeforeusisofsuchdeepandvastimportancethatitrequiresfencing,guarding,clearingupandmarkingoutoneveryside.Adoctrinewhich is needful to salvation can never be too sharply developed orbrought too fully into light. To clear away the confusion betweendoctrines and doctrines, which is so unhappily common amongChristians,andtomapoutthepreciserelationbetweentruthsandtruthsinreligionisonewaytoattainaccuracyinourtheology.Ishallthereforenothesitatetolaybeforemyreadersaseriesofconnectedpropositionsor

statements,drawnfromScripture,whichI thinkwillbe founduseful indefiningtheexactnatureofsanctification.Eachpropositionwouldadmitof being expanded and handled more fully, and all of them deserveprivatethought and consideration. Some of themmay be disputed andcontradicted; but I doubt whether any of them can be overthrown orproveduntrue.Ionlyaskforthemafairandimpartialhearing.

1. Sanctification is the invariable result of that vital union with ChristwhichtruefaithgivestoaChristian."HewhoabidesinMe,andIinhim,thesamebringsforthmuchfruit"(John15:5).Thebranchwhichbearsnofruit is no living branch of the vine. The union with Christ whichproduces no effect on heart and life is a mere formal union, which isworthlessbeforeGod.Thefaithwhichhasnotasanctifyinginfluenceonthe character is no better than the faith of devils. It is a "dead faith,because it isalone." It isnot thegiftofGod. It isnot the faithofGod’select.Inshort,wherethereisnosanctificationoflife,thereisnorealfaithinChrist.True faithworksby love. It constrainsaman to liveunto theLord from a deep sense of gratitude for redemption. Itmakes him feelthat he cannever do toomuch forHim that died for him.Beingmuchforgiven,helovesmuch.Hewhomthebloodcleanseswalksinthelight.HewhohasreallivelyhopeinChristpurifieshimselfevenasHeispure(James2:17–20;Titus1:1;Gal.5:6;1John1:7;3:3).

2. Sanctification is the outcome and inseparable consequence ofregeneration.Hewhoisbornagainandmadeanewcreaturereceivesanew nature and a new principle and always lives a new life. Aregeneration, which a man can have and yet live carelessly in sin orworldliness, is a regeneration invented by uninspired theologians, butnevermentioned in Scripture.On the contrary, St. John expressly saysthat"HewhoisbornofGoddoesnotcommitsin,""doesrighteousness,""lovesthebrethren,""keepshimself"and"overcomestheworld"(1John2:29;3:9–14;5:4–18).Simplyput, the lackof sanctification isa signofnon–regeneration.Where there is no holy life, there has been no holybirth.Thisisahardsaying,butaBiblicaltruth;whomeverisbornofGod,itiswritten,"cannotsin,becauseheisbornofGod"(1John3:9).

3.SanctificationistheonlycertainevidenceofthatindwellingoftheHolySpiritwhich isessential to salvation. "Ifanymanhavenot theSpiritof

Christ,heisnoneofHis"(Rom.8:9).TheSpiritneverliesdormantandidlewithinthesoul:HealwaysmakesHispresenceknownbythefruitHecauses tobeborne inheart, characterand life. "The fruitof theSpirit,"says St. Paul, "is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness,faith, meekness, temperance" and such like (Gal. 5:22). Where thesethingsaretobefound,thereistheSpirit;wherethesethingsarewanting,menaredeadbeforeGod.TheSpirit iscomparedtothewind;and, likethe wind,He cannot be seen by our bodily eyes. But, just as we knowthereisawindbytheeffectitproducesonwavesandtreesandsmoke,sowemay know the Spirit is in aman by the effectsHe produces in theman’sconduct.ItisnonsensetosupposethatwehavetheSpiritifwedonotalso"walkintheSpirit"(Gal.5:25).Wemaydependonitasapositivecertaintythat,wherethereisnoholyliving,thereisnoHolySpirit.ThesealthattheSpiritstampsonChrist’speopleissanctification.Asmanyasareactually"ledbytheSpiritofGod,they,"andtheyonly,"arethesonsofGod"(Rom.8:14).

4.SanctificationistheonlysuremarkofGod’selection.Thenamesandnumberof the elect are a secret thing,nodoubt,whichGodhaswiselykept inHisownpowerandnotrevealedtoman.It isnotgiventous inthisworldtostudythepagesofthebookoflifeandseeifournamesarethere. But if there is one thing clearly and plainly laid down aboutelection, it is this—that elect men and women may be known anddistinguished by holy lives. It is expressly written that they are "electthrough sanctification," "chosen to salvation through sanctification,""predestinatedtobeconformedtotheimageofGod’sSon,"and"choseninChrist before the foundation of theworld that they should be holy."Hence,when St. Paul saw the working "faith" and laboring "love" andpatient "hope" of the Thessalonian believers, he said, "I know yourelectionofGod"(1Peter1:2;2Thess.2:13;Rom.8:29;Eph.1:4;1Thess.1:3,4).HewhoboastsofbeingoneofGod’select,whileheiswillfullyandhabitually living in sin, is only deceiving himself and talking wickedblasphemy. Of course, it is hard to know what people really are; andmanywhomakeafairshowoutwardlyinreligionmayturnoutatlasttobe rotten–hearted hypocrites. But where there is not, at least, someappearanceofsanctification,wemaybequitecertainthereisnoelection.The church catechism correctly andwisely teaches that theHoly Spirit

"sanctifiesalltheelectpeopleofGod."

5.Sanctificationisarealitythatwillalwaysbeseen.LikethegreatHeadof the church, fromwhom it springs, it "cannot be hid." "Every tree isknownbyhisownfruit"(Luke6:44).Atrulysanctifiedpersonmaybesoclothedwithhumilitythathecanseeinhimselfnothingbutinfirmityanddefects.LikeMoses,whenhecamedownfromthemount,hemaynotbeconsciousthathisfaceshines.Liketherighteous,inthemightyparableofthesheepandthegoats,hemaynotseethathehasdoneanythingworthyofhisMaster’snoticeandcommendation:"WhensawweYouanhungry,andfedYou?"(Matt.25:37).Butwhetherheseesithimselfornot,otherswill always see in him a tone and taste and character and habit of lifeunlikethatofothermen.Theveryideaofamanbeing"sanctified"whilenoholinesscanbeseeninhislifeisflatnonsenseandamisuseofwords.Lightmaybeverydim;butifthereisonlyasparkinadarkroom,itwillbeseen.Lifemaybeveryfeeble;butifthepulseonlybeatsalittle,itwillbefelt.Itisjustthesamewithasanctifiedman:hissanctificationwillbesomething felt and seen, though he himself may not understand it. A"saint,"inwhomnothingcanbeseenbutworldlinessorsin,isakindofmonsternotrecognizedintheBible!

6. Sanctification is a reality for which every believer is responsible. Insaying this I would not bemistaken. I hold as strongly as anyone thateveryman on earth is accountable to God and that all the lost will bespeechless andwithout excuse at the last day.Everymanhaspowerto"losehisownsoul"(Matt.26:26).But,whileIholdthis,Imaintainthatbelievers are eminently and peculiarly responsible and under a specialobligation to liveholy lives.Theyarenotasothers,deadandblindandunrenewed;theyarealiveuntoGodandhavelightandknowledgeandanewprinciplewithinthem.Whosefaultisit,iftheyarenotholy,buttheirown?Onwhomcantheythrowtheblame,iftheyarenotsanctified,butthemselves?God,whohasgiventhemgraceandanewheartandanewnature,hasdeprivedthemofallexcuseiftheydonotliveforHispraise.Thisisapointwhichisfartoomuchforgotten.AmanwhoprofessestobeatrueChristian,whilehesitsstill, contentwithavery lowdegreeofsanctification(ifindeedhehasanyatall),andcoollytellsyouhe"candonothing," is a very pitiable sight and a very ignorantman.Against this

delusion let us watch and be on our guard. The Word of God alwaysaddressesitspreceptstobelieversasaccountableandresponsiblebeings.IftheSaviorofsinnersgivesusrenewinggraceandcallsusbyHisSpirit,wemaybesurethatHeexpectsustouseourgraceandnottogotosleep.Itisforgetfulnessofthiswhichcausesmanybelieversto"grievetheHolySpirit"andmakesthemveryuselessanduncomfortableChristians.

7. Sanctification is a thingwhichadmitsof growthanddegrees.Amanmayclimbfromonesteptoanotherinholinessandbefarmoresanctifiedatoneperiodofhislifethananother.Morepardonedandmorejustifiedthanheiswhenhefirstbelieveshecannotbe,thoughhemayfeelitmore.More sanctified he certainly may be, because every grace in his newcharacter may be strengthened, enlarged and deepened. This is theevidentmeaningofourLord’slastprayerforHisdiscipleswhenHeusedthewords,"Sanctifythem,"andofSt.Paul’sprayerfortheThessalonians:"TheveryGodofpeacesanctifyyou"(John17:17;1Thess.5:23).Inbothcases the expression plainly implies the possibility of increasedsanctification,whilesuchanexpressionas"justifythem"isneveronceinScriptureappliedtoabeliever,becausehecannotbemorejustifiedthanhe is. I can find no warrant in Scripture for the doctrine of "imputedsanctification." It is a doctrine which confuses differing principles andleadstoevilconsequences.confusethingsthatdifferandtoleadtoveryevilconsequences.Not least, it isadoctrinewhich is flatlycontradictedbytheexperienceofallthemosteminentChristians.Ifthereisanypointonwhich God’s holiest saints agree, it is this: that they see more andknowmoreandfeelmoreanddomoreandrepentmoreandbelievemoreastheygetoninspirituallife,andinproportiontotheclosenessoftheirwalk with God. In short, they "grow in grace," as St. Peter exhortsbelieverstodo;and"aboundmoreandmore,"accordingtothewordsofSt.Paul(2Peter3:18;1Thess.4:1).

8. Sanctification depends greatly on a diligent use of scriptural means.The "means of grace" are such as Bible reading, private prayer, andregularlyworshipingGodinChurch,whereinonehearstheWordtaughtandparticipatesintheLord’sSupper.Ilayitdownasasimplematteroffact that no onewho is careless about such thingsmust ever expect tomake much progress in sanctification. I can find no record of any

eminent saint who ever neglected them. They are appointed channelsthroughwhichtheHolySpiritconveysfreshsuppliesofgracetothesouland strengthens theworkwhichHe has begun in the inwardman. Letmen call this legal doctrine if they please, but Iwill never shrink fromdeclaringmybeliefthatthereareno"spiritualgainswithoutpains."OurGod is aGodwhoworksbymeans, andHewillneverbless the soulofthatmanwho pretends to be so high and spiritual that he can get onwithoutthem.

9.Sanctificationisathingwhichdoesnotpreventamanhavingagreatdealofinwardspiritualconflict.ByconflictImeanastrugglewithintheheartbetweentheoldnatureandthenew,thefleshandthespirit,whicharetobefoundtogetherineverybeliever(Gal.5:17).Adeepsenseofthatstruggle, and a vast amount ofmental discomfort from it, are no proofthat a man is not sanctified. No, rather, I believe, they are healthysymptomsofourconditionandprovethatwearenotdead,butalive.Atrue Christian is one who has not only peace of conscience, but warwithin.Hemaybeknownbyhiswarfareaswellasbyhispeace.Insayingthis, I do not forget that I am contradicting the views of some well–meaningChristians who hold the doctrine called "sinless perfection." Icannothelpthat.IbelievethatwhatIsayisconfirmedbythelanguageofSt.Paul in the seventh chapter ofRomans.That chapter I commend tothecareful studyof allmy readers. I amquite satisfied that itdoesnotdescribe the experience of an unconverted man, or of a young andunestablished Christian; but of an old experienced saint in closecommunionwithGod.Nonebutsuchamancouldsay,"Idelight inthelaw of God after the inwardman" (Rom. 7:22). I believe, furthermore,that what I say is proved by the experience of all the most eminentservantsofChristthathaveeverlived.Thefullproofistobeseenintheirjournals, their autobiographies and their lives.Believingall this, I shallneverhesitatetotellpeoplethatinwardconflictisnoproofthatamanisnot holy, and that theymust not think they are not sanctified becausetheydonotfeelentirelyfreefrominwardstruggle.Suchfreedomweshalldoubtlesshave inheaven,butweshallneverenjoy it in thisworld.TheheartofthebestChristian,evenathisbest,isafieldoccupiedbytworivalcamps, and the "companyof twoarmies" (Song6:13). Let thewords ofthethirteenthandfifteenthArticlesbewellconsideredbyallchurchmen:

"The infection of nature does remain in them that are regenerated.Althoughbaptized andbornagain inChrist,weoffend inmany things;andifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus."*

10.Sanctificationisathingwhichcannotjustifyaman,andyetitpleasesGod.Theholiestactionsoftheholiestsaintthateverlivedareallmoreorless full of defects and imperfections. They are either wrong in theirmotiveordefective in theirperformanceand in themselvesarenothingbetterthan"splendidsins,"deservingGod’swrathandcondemnation.TosupposethatsuchactionscanstandtheseverityofGod’sjudgment,atoneforsinandmeritheavenissimplyabsurd."Bythedeedsofthelawshallno flesh be justified." "We conclude that a man is justified by faithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw"(Rom.3:20–28).Theonlyrighteousnessinwhichwe can appear beforeGod is the righteousness of another—eventhe perfect righteousness of our Substitute and Representative, JesusChristtheLord.Hiswork,andnotourwork,isouronlytitletoheaven.Thisisatruthwhichweshouldbereadytodietomaintain.Forallthis,however,theBibledistinctlyteachesthattheholyactionsofasanctifiedman, although imperfect, are pleasing in the sight of God. "With suchsacrificesGod iswellpleased" (Heb. 13:16). "Obeyyourparents . . . forthisiswellpleasinguntotheLord"(Col.3:20)."We. . .dothosethingsthatarepleasinginHissight"(1John3:22).Letthisneverbeforgotten,foritisaverycomfortabledoctrine.Justasaparentispleasedwiththeeffortsofhislittlechildtopleasehim,thoughitbeonlybypickingadaisyor walking across a room, so is our Father in heaven pleasedwith thepoor performances of His believing children. He looks at the motive,principleand intentionof theiractionsandnotmerelyat theirquantityandquality.HeregardsthemasmembersofHisowndearSon,andforHis sake, wherever there is a single eye, He is well pleased. ThosechurchmenwhodisputethiswoulddowelltostudythetwelfthArticleoftheChurchofEngland.

11.Sanctificationisathingwhichwillbefoundabsolutelynecessaryasawitnesstoourcharacter inthegreatDayofJudgment.ItwillbeutterlyuselesstopleadthatwebelievedinChristunlessourfaithhashadsomesanctifyingeffectandbeenseeninourlives.Evidence,evidence,evidence

willbetheonethingwantedwhenthegreatwhitethroneisset,whenthebooksareopened,whenthegravesgiveuptheirtenants,whenthedeadarearraignedbeforethebarofGod.WithoutsomeevidencethatourfaithinChristwasrealandgenuine,weshallonlyriseagaintobecondemned.I can find no evidence that will be admitted in that day, exceptsanctification. The question will not be how we talked and what weprofessed,buthowwelivedandwhatwedid.Letnomandeceivehimselfon this point. If anything is certain about the future, it is certain thattherewillbeajudgment;andifanythingiscertainaboutjudgment,itiscertainthatmen’s"works"and"doings"willbeconsideredandexaminedinit(John5:29;2Cor.5:10;Rev.20:13).HewhosupposesworksareofnoimportancebecausetheycannotjustifyusisaveryignorantChristian.Unlessheopenshiseyes,hewill findtohiscostthat ifhecomestothebarofGodwithoutsomeevidenceofgrace,hehadbetterneverhavebeenborn.

12. Sanctification, in the last place, is absolutely necessary in order totrain andprepareus forheaven.Mostmenhope to go toheavenwhentheydie;butfew,itmaybefeared,takethetroubletoconsiderwhethertheywould enjoy heaven if they got there.Heaven is essentially a holyplace;itsinhabitantsareallholy;itsoccupationsareallholy.Tobereallyhappyinheaven,itisclearandplainthatwemustbesomewhattrainedand made ready for heaven while we are on earth. The notion of apurgatory after death, which shall turn sinners into saints, is a lyinginventionofmanandisnowheretaughtintheBible.Wemustbesaintsbeforewedieifwearetobesaintsafterwardsinglory.Thefavorite ideaofmany,thatdyingmenneednothingexceptabsolutionandforgivenessofsinstofitthemfortheirgreatchange,isaprofounddelusion.WeneedtheworkoftheHolySpiritaswellastheworkofChrist;weneedrenewaloftheheartaswellastheatoningblood;weneedtobesanctifiedaswellastobejustified.Itiscommontohearpeoplesayingontheirdeathbeds,"I onlywant theLord to forgivememy sins, and takeme to rest." Butthosewhosaysuchthingsforgetthattherestofheavenwouldbeutterlyuselessifwehadnohearttoenjoyit!Whatcouldanunsanctifiedmandoin heaven, if by any chance he got there? Let that question be fairlylookedinthefaceandfairlyanswered.Nomancanpossiblybehappyinaplace where he is not in his element and where all around him is not

congenial tohistastes,habitsandcharacter.Whenaneagle ishappyinanironcage,whenasheepishappyinthewater,whenanowlishappyintheblazeofnoondaysun,whenafishishappyonthedryland—then,andnotuntil then,willIadmitthattheunsanctifiedmancouldbehappyinheaven.*

2.Thevisibleevidenceofsanctification

Whatarethevisiblemarksofasanctifiedman?Whatmayweexpecttoseeinhim?Thisisaverywideanddifficultdepartmentofoursubject.Itiswidebecauseitnecessitatesthementionofmanydetailswhichcannotbehandledfullyinthelimitsofamessagelikethis.Itisdifficultbecauseitcannotpossiblybetreatedwithoutgivingoffense.Buttruthshouldbespokendespiterisk,andtruthof thisgreatmagnitudeshould especiallybespokeninourpresentday.

1.True sanctification thendoesnot consist inmere talk about religion.This is a pointwhich ought never to be forgotten. The vast increase ofeducation and preaching in these latter days makes it absolutelynecessary toraiseawarningvoice.Peoplehearsomuchofgospel truththattheycontractanunholy familiaritywith itswordsandphrasesandsometimestalksofluentlyaboutitsdoctrinesthatyoumightthinkthemtrueChristians.Infactitissickeninganddisgustingtohearthecoolandflippantlanguagewhichmanypouroutabout"conversion,""theSavior,""the gospel," "finding peace," "free grace" and the like, while they arenotoriously serving sin or living for theworld. Canwe doubt that suchtalk is abominable in God’s sight and is little better than cursing,swearing and taking God’s name in vain? The tongue is not the onlymember thatChrist bidsus give toHis service.GoddoesnotwantHispeopletobemereemptytubs,soundingbrassandtinklingcymbals.Wemust be sanctified, not only "in word and in tongue, but in deed andtruth"(1John3:18).

2. True sanctification does not consist in temporary religious feelings.This again is a point aboutwhich awarning is greatly needed.Missionservicesandrevivalmeetingsareattractinggreatattentionineverypartof the land and producing a great sensation. The Church of Englandseemstohavetakenanewleaseoflifeandexhibitsanewactivity,andwe

oughttothankGodforit.Butthesethingshavetheirattendantdangersaswellastheiradvantages.Whereverwheatissown,thedevilissuretosowtares.Many,itmaybefeared,appearmovedandtouchedandrousedunder the preaching of the gospel, while in reality their hearts are notchangedatall.Akindofanimalexcitementfromthecontagionofseeingothers weeping, rejoicing or affected, is the true account of their case.Theirwoundsareonlyskindeep,andthepeacetheyprofesstofeelisskindeepalso.Likethestony–groundhearers,theyreceivetheWordwithjoy(Matt.13:20);butafteralittletheyfallaway,gobacktotheworldandareharder and worse than before. Like Jonah’s gourd, they come upsuddenly in a night and perish in a night. Let these things not beforgotten. Let us beware in this day of healing wounds slightly, andcrying,"Peace,peace,"when there isnopeace.Letusurgeoneveryonewhoexhibitsnewinterestinreligiontobecontentwithnothingshortofthedeep,solid,sanctifyingworkof theHolySpirit.Reaction,after falsereligiousexcitement, isamostdeadlydiseaseofsoul.Whenthedevil isonlytemporarilycastoutofamanintheheatofarevival,andbyandbyreturnstohishouse,thelaststatebecomesworsethanthefirst.Betterathousand times begin more slowly, and then "continue in the Word"steadfastly,thanbegininahurry,withoutcountingthecost,andbyandbylookback,withLot’swife,andreturntotheworld.IdeclareIknownostate of soul more dangerous than to imagine we are born again andsanctifiedby theHolySpiritbecausewehavepickedupa few religiousfeelings.

3.Truesanctificationdoesnotconsistinoutwardformalismandexternaldevoutness.Thisisanenormousdelusion,butunhappilyaverycommonone.Thousandsappearto imaginethattrueholiness is tobeseeninanexcessive quantity of bodily religion—in constant attendance on churchservices, reception of the Lord’s Supper, and observance of fasts andsaints’ days; in multiplied bowings and turnings and gestures andposturesduringpublicworship;inwearingpeculiardresses,andtheuseof pictures and crosses. I freely admit that some people take up thesethings from conscientious motives and actually believe that they helptheirsouls.ButIamafraidthatinmanycasesthisexternalreligiousnessismade a substitute for inwardholiness; and I amquite certain that itfalls utterly short of sanctification of heart. Above all, when I see that

manyfollowersofthisoutward,sensuous,andformalstyleofChristianityare absorbed in worldliness and plunge headlong into its pomps andvanitieswithoutshame,Ifeelthatthereisneedofveryplainspeakingonthesubject.Theremaybeanimmenseamountof"bodilyservice,"whilethereisnotajotofrealsanctification.

4.Sanctificationdoesnotconsistinretirementfromourplaceinlifeandtherenunciationofoursocialduties.Ineveryageithasbeenasnarewithmanytotakeupthislineinthepursuitofholiness.Hundredsofhermitshaveburied themselves in somewilderness, and thousandsofmenandwomen have shut themselves up within the walls of monasteries andconvents,underthevainideathatbysodoingtheywouldescapesinandbecomeeminentlyholy.Theyhave forgotten thatnoboltsandbarscankeepoutthedevilandthat,whereverwego,wecarrythatrootofallevil,ourownhearts.Tobecomeamonkoranunortojoina"houseofmercy"is not the high road to sanctification. True holiness does not make aChristian evade difficulties, but face and overcome them. Christ wouldhave His people show that His grace is not a mere hot–house plant,whichcanonlythriveundershelter,butastrong,hardythingwhichcanflourishineveryrelationoflife.ItisdoingourdutyinthatstatetowhichGod has called us, like salt in themidst of corruption and light in themidstofdarkness,whichisaprimaryelementinsanctification.Itisnotthemanwhohideshimself inacave,but themanwhoglorifiesGodasmaster or servant, parent or child, in the family and in the street, inbusinessandintrade,whoisthescripturaltypeofasanctifiedman.OurMasterHimselfsaidinHislastprayer,"IpraynotthatYoushouldtakethem out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil"(John17:15).

5. Sanctification is not merely the occasional performance of rightactions. Rather, it is the continual work of a new heavenly principlewithin,whichrunsthroughone’sdailyconductineverythinghedoes,bigorsmall.Itisnotlikeapump,whichonlysendsforthwaterwhenworkeduponfromwithout,butlikeaperpetualfountain,fromwhichastreamisever flowing spontaneously and naturally. EvenHerod, when he heardJohntheBaptist,"didmanythings,"whilehisheartwasutterlywronginthe sight ofGod (Mark6:20). Just so there are scores of people in the

presentdaywhoseemtohavespasmodicfitsof"goodness,"asitiscalled,anddomanyrightthingsundertheinfluenceofsickness,affliction,deathinthefamily,publiccalamitiesorasuddenqualmofconscience.Yetallthe time any intelligent observer can see plainly that they are notconverted and that they know nothing of "sanctification." A true saint,like Hezekiah, will be whole–hearted. He will count God’scommandments concerning all things to be right and "hate every falseway"(2Chr.31:21;Ps.119:104).

6.GenuinesanctificationwillshowitselfinhabitualrespecttoGod’slawandhabitualefforttoliveinobediencetoitastheruleoflife.ThereisnogreatermistakethantosupposethataChristianhasnothingtodowiththe lawand theTenCommandmentsbecausehe cannotbe justified bykeepingthem.ThesameHolySpiritwhoconvincesthebelieverofsinbythelawandleadshimtoChristforjustificationwillalwaysleadhimtoaspiritual use of the law, as a friendly guide, in the pursuit ofsanctification. Our Lord Jesus Christ never made light of the TenCommandments; on the contrary, in His first public discourse, thesermon on the mount, He expounded them and showed the searchingnatureoftheirrequirements.St.Paulnevermadelightofthelaw;onthecontrary,hesays,"Thelawisgood,ifamanuseitlawfully.""Idelightinthe lawofGodafter the inwardman" (1Tim. 1:8;Rom. 7:22).Hewhopretends tobea saint,while he sneers at theTenCommandments andthinks nothing of lying, hypocrisy, swindling, ill temper, slander,drunkennessandbreachoftheseventhcommandment,isunderafearfuldelusion.Hewillfindithardtoprovethatheisa"saint"inthelastday!

7.Genuine sanctificationwill show itself in an habitual endeavor to doChrist’swillandtolivebyHispracticalprecepts.Thesepreceptsaretobefoundscatteredeverywhere throughout the fourGospels,andespeciallyinthesermononthemount.HewhosupposestheywerespokenwithouttheintentionofpromotingholinessandthataChristianneednotattendtotheminhisdailylifeisreallylittlebetterthanalunatic,andatanyrateisagrosslyignorantperson.Tohearsomementalkandreadsomemen’swritings, one might imagine that our blessed Lord, when He was onearth,never taughtanythingbutdoctrineand leftpracticalduties tobetaughtbyothers!TheslightestknowledgeofthefourGospelsoughttotell

usthatthisisacompletemistake.WhatHisdisciplesoughttobeandtodo is continually brought forward in our Lord’s teaching. A trulysanctifiedmanwillneverforgetthis.HeservesaMasterwhosaid,"Youaremyfriends,ifyoudowhateverIcommandyou"(John15:14).

8.Genuinesanctificationwillshowitself inanhabitualdesireto liveupto the standardwhichSt. Paul sets before the churches inhiswritings.That standard is to be found in the closing chapters of nearly all hisEpistles.Thecommon ideaofmanypersons thatSt.Paul’swritingsarefull of nothing but doctrinal statements and controversial subjects—justification,election,predestination,prophecyandthelike—isanentiredelusion and a melancholy proof of the ignorance of Scripture whichprevails in these latter days. I defy anyone to read St. Paul’s writingscarefully, without finding in them a large quantity of plain practicaldirectionsabout theChristian’sduty inevery relationof life, and aboutour daily habits, temper and behavior to one another. These directionswerewritten down by inspiration ofGod for the perpetual guidance ofprofessingChristians.Hewhodoesnotattendtothemmaypossiblypassmusterasamemberofachurchorachapel,buthecertainlyisnotwhattheBiblecallsa"sanctified"man.

9. Genuine sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to theactivegraceswhichourLordsobeautifullyexemplified,andespeciallytothegraceofcharity."AnewcommandmentIgiveuntoyou,thatyouloveoneanother;asIhavelovedyou,thatyoualsoloveoneanother.Bythisshall all men know that you areMy disciples, if you have love one toanother" (John 13:34, 35). A sanctifiedmanwill try to do good in theworldandtolessenthesorrowandincreasethehappinessofallaroundhim. He will aim to be like his Master, full of kindness and love toeveryone—and this not in word only, by calling people "dear," but bydeeds and actions and self–denying work, according as he hasopportunity.TheselfishChristianprofessorwhowrapshimselfupinhisown conceit of superior knowledge and seems to care nothingwhetherotherssinkorswim,gotoheavenorhell,solongashewalkstochurchorchapel inhisSundaybestand iscalleda"soundmember"—suchamanknowsnothingof sanctification.Hemay thinkhimselfasaintonearth,buthewillnotbeasaintinheaven.ChristwillneverbefoundtheSavior

of thosewho knownothing of followingHis example. Saving faith andrealconvertinggracewillalwaysproducesomeconformitytothe imageofJesus(Col.3:10).*

10.Genuine sanctification, in the last place,will show itself in habitualattention to thepassive graces ofChristianity.When I speak of passivegraces,ImeanthosegraceswhichareespeciallyshowninsubmissiontothewillofGodandinbearingandforbearingtowardsoneanother.Fewpeople,perhaps,unlesstheyhaveexaminedthepoint,haveanideahowmuch is said about these graces in the New Testament and howimportant a place they seem to fill. This is the special point which St.PeterdwellsuponincommendingourLordJesusChrist’sexampletoournotice: "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that youshouldfollowHissteps:whodidnosin,neitherwasdeceitfoundinHismouth:who,whenHewasreviled,revilednotagain;whenHesuffered,He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgesrighteously" (1Pet. 2:21–23).This is the one piece of professionwhichtheLord’sprayerrequiresustomake:"Forgiveusourtrespasses,asweforgive them that trespass against us," and the one point that iscommented upon at the end of the prayer. This is the point whichoccupies one third of the list of the fruits of the Spirit supplied by St.Paul. Nine are named and three of these, patience, gentleness andmeekness, are unquestionably passive graces (Gal. 5:22, 23). I mustplainly say that I do not think this subject is sufficiently considered byChristians. The passive graces are no doubt harder to attain than theactive ones, but they are precisely the graces which have the greatestinfluence on theworld.Of one thing I feel very sure: it is nonsense topretendtosanctificationunlesswefollowafterthemeekness,gentleness,patience and forgivingness of which the Bible makes so much. Peoplewhoarehabituallygivingway topeevishandcross tempers indaily lifeand are constantly sharp with their tongues and disagreeable to allaround them, spiteful people, vindictive people, revengeful people,maliciouspeople—ofwhom,alas,theworldisonlytoofull—allsuchknowlittleastheyshouldknowaboutsanctification.

3.Thedistinctionbetweenjustificationandsanctification

I now propose to consider, in the last place, the distinction between

justification and sanctification.Wherein do they agree, andwherein dotheydiffer?

Thisbranchofoursubjectisoneofgreatimportance,thoughIfearitwillnotseemsotoallmyreaders.Ishallhandleitbriefly,butIdarenotpassitoveraltogether.Toomanyareapttolookatnothingbutthesurfaceofthingsinreligionandregardnicedistinctionsintheologyasquestionsof"wordsandnames,"whichareoflittlerealvalue.ButIwarnallwhoarein earnest about their souls that the discomfort which arises from not"distinguishing things that differ" in Christian doctrine is very greatindeed; and I especially advise them, if they love peace, to seek clearviewsaboutthematterbeforeus.Justificationandsanctificationaretwodistinctthings,wemustalwaysremember.Yettherearepointsinwhichtheyagreeandpointsinwhichtheydiffer.Letustrytofindoutwhattheyare.

Inwhat,then,arejustificationandsanctificationALIKE?

a. Both proceed originally from the free grace of God. It is of His giftalonethatbelieversarejustifiedorsanctifiedatall.

b. Both are part of that great work of salvation which Christ, in theeternal covenant, has undertakenonbehalf ofHis people.Christ is thefountainof life, fromwhichpardonandholinessboth flow.The rootofeachisChrist.

c.Botharetobefoundinthesamepersons.Thosewhoarejustifiedarealwayssanctified,andthosewhoaresanctifiedarealwaysjustified.Godhasjoinedthemtogether,andtheycannotbeputasunder.

d. Both begin at the same time. The moment a person begins to be ajustifiedperson,healsobeginstobeasanctifiedperson.Hemaynotfeelit,butitisafact.

e. Both are alike necessary to salvation. No one ever reached heavenwithoutarenewedheartaswellasforgiveness,withouttheSpirit’sgraceaswellasthebloodofChrist,withoutafitnessforeternalgloryaswellasatitle.Theoneisjustasnecessaryastheother.

Sucharethepointsonwhichjustificationandsanctificationagree.Letusnowreversethepictureandseewhereintheydiffer.

a.Justification is thereckoningandcountingaman toberighteousforthe sake of another, even Jesus Christ the Lord. Sanctification is theactualmakingamaninwardlyrighteous,thoughitmaybeinaveryfeebledegree.

b.Therighteousnesswehavebyourjustificationisnotourown,buttheeverlastingperfectrighteousnessofourgreatMediatorChrist,imputedtous, and made our own by faith. The righteousness we have bysanctificationisourownrighteousness,imparted,inherentandwroughtin us by the Holy Spirit but mingled with much infirmity andimperfection.

c.Injustificationourownworkshavenoplaceatall,andsimplefaithinChrist is the one thing needful. In sanctification our ownworks are ofvastimportance,andGodbidsusfightandwatchandprayandstriveandtakepainsandlabor.

d. Justification is a finishedandcompletework, andaman isperfectlyjustified the moment he believes. Sanctification is an imperfect work,comparatively,andwillneverbeperfecteduntilwereachheaven.

e. Justification admits of no growth or increase: a man is as muchjustified the hour he first comes to Christ by faith as he will be to alleternity. Sanctification is eminently a progressive work and admits ofcontinualgrowthandenlargementsolongasamanlives.

f.Justificationhasspecialreferencetoourpersons,ourstandinginGod’ssight,andourdeliverancefromguilt.Sanctificationhasspecialreferencetoournaturesandthemoralrenewalofourhearts.

g. Justification gives us our title to heaven and boldness to enter in.Sanctificationgivesusourfitnessforheavenandpreparesustoenjoyitwhenwedwellthere.

h.Justificationis theactofGodaboutusandisnoteasilydiscernedby

others.SanctificationistheworkofGodwithinusandcannotbehid initsoutwardmanifestationfromtheeyesofmen.

Icommendthesedistinctionstotheattentionofallmyreaders,andIaskthem to ponder themwell. I ampersuaded that one great cause of thedarkness and uncomfortable feelings of many well–meaning people inthe matter of religion is their habit of confounding, and notdistinguishing, justification and sanctification. It can never be toostrongly impressedonourminds that they are two separate things.Nodoubttheycannotbedivided,andeveryonethatisapartakerofeitherisa partaker of both. But never, never ought they to be confounded, andneveroughtthedistinctionbetweenthemtobeforgotten.

Thenatureandvisiblemarksofsanctificationhavebeenbroughtbeforeus. What practical reflections ought the whole matter to raise in ourminds?

1.Foronething,letusallawaketoasenseoftheperilousstateofmanyprofessing Christians. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord;without sanctification there is no salvation (Heb. 12:14). Thenwhat anenormousamountofso–calledreligionthereiswhichisperfectlyuseless!Whatan immenseproportionof church–goers and chapel–goers are inthebroadroadthat leadstodestruction!Thethought isawful,crushingand overwhelming. Oh, that preachers and teachers would open theireyesandrealizetheconditionofsoulsaroundthem!Oh,thatmencouldbepersuadedto"fleefromthewrathtocome"!Ifunsanctifiedsoulscanbesavedandgotoheaven,theBibleisnottrue.YettheBibleistrueandcannotlie!Whatmusttheendbe!

2.Letusmake sureworkofourownconditionandnever restuntilwefeelandknowthatweare"sanctified"ourselves.Whatareourtastesandchoicesandlikingsandinclinations?Thisisthegreattestingquestion.Itmatters littlewhatwewishandwhatwehopeandwhatwedesiretobebeforewedie.Whatarewenow?Whatarewedoing?Arewesanctifiedornot?Ifnot,thefaultisallourown.

3.Ifwewouldbesanctified,ourcourseisclearandplain:wemustbeginwithChrist.WemustgotoHimassinners,withnopleabutthatofutter

need, and cast our souls onHim by faith, for peace and reconciliationwithGod.Wemust place ourselves inHis hands, as in the hands of agoodphysician, and cry toHim formercy andgrace.Wemustwait fornothing to bring with us as a recommendation. The very first steptowardssanctification,nolessthanjustification,istocomewithfaithtoChrist.Wemustfirstliveandthenwork.

4. If wewould grow in holiness and becomemore sanctified, wemustcontinuallygoonaswebegan,andbeevermakingfreshapplicationstoChrist.HeistheHeadfromwhicheverymembermustbesupplied(Eph.4:16). To live the life of daily faith in the Son of God and to be dailydrawing out ofHis fullness the promised grace and strengthwhichHehas laid up for His people—this is the grand secret of progressivesanctification.BelieverswhoseematastandstillaregenerallyneglectingclosecommunionwithJesus,andsogrievingtheSpirit.Hewhoprayed,"Sanctify them," the lastnightbeforeHiscrucifixion is infinitelywillingtohelpeveryonewhobyfaithapplies toHimforhelpanddesires tobemademoreholy.

5. Let us not expect toomuch fromour ownhearts here below.At ourbestwe shall find in ourselvesdaily cause forhumiliation and discoverthatweareneedydebtorstomercyandgraceeveryhour.Themorelightwehave, themorewe shall seeourown imperfection. Sinnerswewerewhenwe began, sinners we shall find ourselves as we go on: renewed,pardoned,justified,yetsinnerstotheverylast.Ourabsoluteperfectionisyettocome,andtheexpectationof it isonereasonwhyweshouldlongforheaven.

6.Finally,letusneverbeashamedofmakingmuchofsanctificationandcontendingforahighstandardofholiness.Whilesomearesatisfiedwithamiserablylowdegreeofattainment,andothersarenotashamedtoliveon without any holiness at all, content with a mere round of church–goingandchapel–going,butnevergettingon,likeahorseinamill,letusstand fast in the oldpaths, followafter eminentholiness ourselves andrecommenditboldlytoothers.Thisistheonlywaytobereallyhappy.

Letusfeelconvinced,whateverothersmaysay,thatholinessishappinessandthatthemanwhogetsthroughlifemostcomfortablyisthesanctified

man. No doubt there are some true Christians who from ill health, orfamily trials,orothersecretcauses,enjoy littlesensiblecomfortandgomourningalltheirdaysonthewaytoheaven.Buttheseareexceptionalcases.Asageneralrule,inthelongrunoflife,itwillbefoundtrue,that"sanctified" people are the happiest people on earth. They have solidcomfortswhich theworld canneither givenor takeaway. "Thewaysofwisdomarewaysofpleasantness.""GreatpeacehavethosewholoveYourlaw."ItwassaidbyOnewhocannotlie:"Myyokeiseasy,andMyburdenislight."Butitisalsowritten,"Thereisnopeaceuntothewicked"(Prov.3:17;Ps.119:165;

HOLINESS

"Holiness,withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord"(Heb.12:14).

The textwhichheads thispageopensupa subjectofdeep importance.Thatsubject ispracticalholiness.Itsuggestsaquestionwhichdemandstheattentionof allprofessingChristians: areweholy?Shallwe see theLord?

Thatquestioncanneverbeoutofseason.Thewisemantellsus,"Thereis...atimetoweep,andatimetolaugh,atimetokeepsilence,andatimetospeak"(Eccl.3:4,7);butthereisnotime,no,notaday,inwhichamanoughtnottobeholy.Arewe?

Thatquestion concerns all ranks and conditionsofmen.Someare richandsomearepoor,somelearnedandsomeunlearned,somemastersandsomeservants;but there isnorankorcondition in life inwhichamanoughtnottobeholy.Arewe?

I ask to be heard today about this question. How stands the accountbetweenoursoulsandGod?Inthishurrying,bustlingworld,letusstandstill for a fewminutes and consider thematter of holiness. I believe Imight have chosen a subject more popular and pleasant. I am sure Imighthavefoundonemoreeasytohandle.ButIfeeldeeplyIcouldnothavechosenonemoreseasonableandmoreprofitabletooursouls.ItisasolemnthingtoheartheWordofGodsaying,"WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord"(Heb.12:14).

Iwillendeavor,byGod’shelp,toexaminewhattrueholiness isandthereasonwhyitissoneedful.Inconclusion,Iwilltrytopointouttheonlyway inwhichholiness canbeattained.Having considered thedoctrinalside,letusnowturntotheplainandpracticalapplication.

1.Thenatureoftruepracticalholiness

Firstthen,letmetrytoshowwhattruepracticalholinessis:whatsortof

personsarethosewhomGodcallsholy?

Amanmaygogreat lengthsandyetneverreach trueholiness. It isnotknowledge—Balaam had that; nor great profession—Judas Iscariot hadthat;nordoingmanythings—Herodhadthat;norzealforcertainmattersin religion—Jehu had that; nor morality and outward respectability ofconduct—the young ruler had that; nor taking pleasure in hearingpreachers—the Jews in Ezekiel’s time had that; nor keeping companywith godly people—Joab and Gehazi and Demas had that. Yet none ofthesewereholy!Thesethingsalonearenotholiness.AmanmayhaveanyoneofthemandyetneverseetheLord.

Whatthenistruepracticalholiness?Itisahardquestiontoanswer.Idonotmeanthatthereisanywantofscripturalmatteronthesubject.ButIfear lest I should give a defective view of holiness and not say all thatoughttobesaid,orlestIshouldsaythingsaboutitthatoughtnottobesaid,andsodoharm.Letme,however,trytodrawapictureofholiness,thatwemayseeitclearlybeforetheeyesofourminds.Onlyletitneverbeforgotten,whenIhavesaidall,thatmyaccountisbutapoorimperfectoutlineatthebest.

a.Holiness is thehabitofbeingofonemindwithGod,accordingaswefindHisminddescribedinScripture.ItisthehabitofagreeinginGod’sjudgment, hatingwhatHe hates, lovingwhatHe loves, andmeasuringeverything in this world by the standard of His Word. He who mostentirelyagreeswithGod,heisthemostholyman.

b.Aholymanwillendeavortoshuneveryknownsinandtokeepeveryknowncommandment.HewillhaveadecidedbentofmindtowardsGod,aheartydesire todoHiswill, agreater fearofdispleasingHimthanofdispleasingtheworld,anda lovetoallHisways.Hewill feelwhatPaulfelt when he said, "I delight in the law of God after the inward man"(Rom. 7:22), and what David felt when he said, "I esteem all Yourpreceptsconcerningallthingstoberight,andIhateeveryfalseway"(Ps.119:128).

c.AholymanwillstrivetobelikeourLordJesusChrist.Hewillnotonlylive the life of faith inHimanddraw fromHimall hisdailypeace and

strength,buthewillalsolabortohavethemindthatwasinHimandtobeconformedtoHis image(Rom.8:29). Itwillbehisaimtobearwithand forgive others, even as Christ forgave us; to be unselfish, even asChristpleasednotHimself;towalkinlove,evenasChristlovedus;tobelowly–mindedandhumble,evenasChristmadeHimselfofnoreputationand humbled Himself. He will remember that Christ was a faithfulwitnessforthetruth;thatHecamenottodoHisownwill;thatitwasHismeatanddrink todoHisFather’swill; thatHewouldcontinuallydenyHimself in order to minister to others; that He was meek and patientunderundeservedinsults;thatHethoughtmoreofgodlypoormenthanofkings;thatHewasfullofloveandcompassiontosinners;thatHewasbold and uncompromising in denouncing sin; that He sought not thepraise ofmen, whenHemight have had it; that He went about doinggood; that He was separate from worldly people; that He continuedinstantinprayer;thatHewouldnotletevenHisnearestrelationsstandinHiswaywhenGod’sworkwastobedone.Thesethingsaholymanwilltrytoremember.Bythemhewillendeavortoshapehiscourseinlife.Hewill lay toheart the sayingofJohn: "Hewhosaysheabides in [Christ]oughthimselfalsosotowalk,evenasHewalked"(1John2:6),andthesayingofPeter,that"Christ...sufferedforus,leavingusanexamplethatyoushouldfollowHissteps"(1Pet.2:21).HappyishewhohaslearnedtomakeChristhis"all,"bothforsalvationandexample!Muchtimewouldbesaved,andmuchsinprevented, ifmenwouldofteneraskthemselvesthequestion: "WhatwouldChristhave saidanddone ifHewere inmyplace?"

d.Aholymanwillfollowaftermeekness,patience,gentleness,patience,kind tempers, government of his tongue. He will bear much, forbearmuch,overlookmuchandbe slow to talkof standingonhis rights.WeseeabrightexampleofthisinthebehaviorofDavidwhenShimeicursedhim,andofMoseswhenAaronandMiriamspokeagainsthim (2Sam.16:10;Num.12:3).

e.Aholymanwillfollowaftertemperanceandself–denial.Hewilllabortomortifythedesiresofhisbody,tocrucifyhisfleshwithhisaffectionsandlusts,tocurbhispassions,torestrainhiscarnalinclinations,lestatanytimetheybreak loose.Oh,whataword is thatof theLordJesus to

the apostles: "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts beovercharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life"(Luke21:34),and thatof theapostlePaul: "Ikeepundermybody,andbringitintosubjection:lestthatbyanymeans,whenIhavepreachedtoothers,Imyselfshouldbeacastaway"(1Cor.9:27).

f. A holyman will follow after charity and brotherly kindness. He willendeavortoobservethegoldenruleofdoingashewouldhavemendotohimandspeakingashewouldhavemenspeaktohim.Hewillbefullofaffectiontowardshisbrethren,towardstheirbodies,theirproperty,theircharacters,theirfeelings,theirsouls."Hewholovesanother,"saysPaul,"has fulfilled the law" (Rom. 13:8). He will abhor all lying, slandering,backbiting, cheating, dishonesty and unfair dealing, even in the leastthings.The shekel and cubit of the sanctuarywere larger than those incommon use. He will strive to adorn his religion by all his outwarddemeanor and tomake it lovely andbeautiful in the eyes of all aroundhim. Alas, what condemning words are the thirteenth chapter of 1Corinthians, and the sermon on the mount, when laid alongside theconductofmanyprofessingChristians!

g.Aholymanwillfollowafteraspiritofmercyandbenevolencetowardsothers. He will not stand all the day idle. He will not be content withdoingnoharm;hewilltrytodogood.Hewillstrivetobeusefulinhisdayandgenerationandtolessenthespiritualwantsandmiseryaroundhimas far as he can. SuchwasDorcas: "full of goodworks and almsdeeds,whichshedid"—notmerelypurposedand talkedabout,butdid.Suchaonewas Paul: "Iwill very gladly spend and be spent for you," he says,"thoughthemoreabundantlyIloveyou,thelessIbeloved"(Acts9:36;2Cor.12:15).

h.Aholymanwillfollowafterpurityofheart.Hewilldreadallfilthinessanduncleanness of spirit, and seek to avoid all things thatmight drawhimintoit.Heknowshisownheartisliketinderandwilldiligentlykeepclearofthesparksoftemptation.WhoshalldaretotalkofstrengthwhenDavidcan fall?There ismanyahint tobegleaned fromtheceremoniallaw.Underitthemanwhoonlytouchedaboneoradeadbodyoragraveor a diseased person became at once unclean in the sight of God. Andthese things were emblems and figures. Few Christians are ever too

watchfulandtooparticularaboutthispoint.

i.AholymanwillfollowafterthefearofGod.Idonotmeanthefearofaslave,whoonlyworksbecausehe isafraidofpunishmentandwouldbeidleifhedidnotdreaddiscovery.Imeanratherthefearofachild,whowishes to live and move as if he was always before his father’s face,becauseheloveshim.WhatanobleexampleNehemiahgivesusofthis!WhenhebecamegovernoratJerusalem,hemighthavebeenchargeableto the Jews and required of them money for his support. The formergovernorshaddone so.Therewasnone toblamehim ifhedid.Buthesays,"SodidnotI,becauseofthefearofGod"(Neh.5:15).

j. A holymanwill follow after humility. He will desire, in lowliness ofmind,toesteemallothersbetterthanhimself.Hewillseemoreevilinhisownheartthaninanyotherintheworld.HewillunderstandsomethingofAbraham’sfeeling,whenhesays,"Iamdustandashes,"andJacob’s,whenhe says, "I am less than the least of allYourmercies," andJob’s,when he says, "I am vile," and Paul’s, when he says, "I am chief ofsinners."HolyBradford,thatfaithfulmartyrofChrist,wouldsometimesfinish his letters with these words: "A most miserable sinner, JohnBradford." Good old Mr. Grimshaw’s last words, when he lay on hisdeathbed,werethese:"Heregoesanunprofitableservant."

k.Aholymanwillfollowafterfaithfulnessinallthedutiesandrelationsinlife.Hewilltry,notmerelytofillhisplaceaswellasotherswhotakenothoughtfortheirsouls,butevenbetter,becausehehashighermotivesandmorehelpthanthey.ThosewordsofPaulshouldneverbeforgotten:"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord": "Not slothful inbusiness;ferventinspirit;servingtheLord"(Col.3:23;Rom.12:11).Holypersons shouldaimatdoingeverythingwell and shouldbeashamedofallowingthemselvestodoanythingilliftheycanhelpit.LikeDaniel,theyshouldseektogiveno"occasion"againstthemselves,exceptconcerningthelawoftheirGod(Dan.6:5).Theyshouldstrivetobegoodhusbandsandgoodwives,goodparentsandgoodchildren,goodmastersandgoodservants, good neighbors, good friends, good subjects, good in privateand good in public, good in the place of business and good by theirfiresides.Holiness isworth little indeed if it does not bear this kind offruit.TheLordJesusputs a searchingquestion toHispeoplewhenHe

says,"Whatdoyoumorethanothers?"(Matt.5:47).

l.Last,butnot least,aholymanwill followafterspiritual–mindedness.Hewillendeavortosethisaffectionsentirelyonthingsaboveandtoholdthingsonearthwithaveryloosehand.Hewillnotneglectthebusinessofthe life thatnow is;but the firstplace inhismindand thoughtswillbegiventothelifetocome.Hewillaimtolivelikeonewhosetreasureisinheaven and to pass through this world like a stranger and pilgrimtravelingtohishome.TocommunewithGodinprayer,intheBible,andintheassemblyofHispeople—thesethingswillbe theholyman’schiefenjoyments. He will value everything and place and company, just inproportionasitdrawshimnearertoGod.HewillenterintosomethingofDavid’sfeeling,whenhesays,"MysoulfollowshardafterYou";"Youaremyportion"(Ps.63:8;119:57).

Here letme insert that I amnotwithout fear thatmymeaningwill bemistaken, and the description I have given of holiness will discouragesometenderconscience.Iwouldnotwillinglymakeonerighteousheartsador throwastumblingblock inanybeliever’sway. Idonotsay foramoment that holiness shuts out the presence of indwelling sin.No, farfromit.Itisthegreatestmiseryofaholymanthathecarriesaboutwithhima"bodyofdeath";thatoftenwhenhewoulddogood"evilispresentwithhim";thattheoldmaniscloggingallhismovementsand,asitwere,tryingtodrawhimbackateverystephetakes(Rom.7:21).Butit istheexcellenceof aholyman thathe isnot atpeacewith indwelling sin, asothers are. He hates it, mourns over it and longs to be free from itscompany. The work of sanctification within him is like the wall ofJerusalem—the building goes forward "even in troublous times" (Dan.9:25).

NeitherdoIsaythatholinesscomestoripenessandperfectionallatonceorthatthesegracesIhavetouchedonmustbefoundin fullbloomandvigor before you can call aman holy. No, far from it. Sanctification isalwaysaprogressivework.Somemen’sgracesareintheblade,someintheear,andsomearelikefullcornintheear.Allmusthaveabeginning.Wemustneverdespise"thedayofsmallthings."Andsanctificationinthevery best is an imperfect work. The history of the brightest saints thatever lived will contain many a "but" and "however" and

"notwithstanding" before you reach the end. The gold will never bewithoutsomedross,thelightwillnevershinewithoutsomeclouds,untilwe reach the heavenly Jerusalem. The sun himself has spots upon hisface.Theholiestmenhavemanyablemishanddefectwhenweighedinthebalanceofthesanctuary.Theirlifeisacontinualwarfarewithsin,theworld and thedevil; and sometimes youwill see themnot overcoming,butovercome.The flesh is ever lustingagainst the spirit, and the spiritagainst the flesh, and inmany things they offend all (Gal. 5:17; James3:2).

But still, for all this, I am sure that to have such a character as I havefaintlydrawn,istheheart’sdesireandprayerofalltrueChristians.Theypresstowardsit,iftheydonotreachit.Theymaynotattaintoit,buttheyalwaysaimatit.Itiswhattheystriveandlabortobe,ifitisnotwhattheyare.

And this I do boldly and confidently say, that true holiness is a greatreality.Itissomethinginamanthatcanbeseenandknownandmarkedandfeltbyallaroundhim.It is light: if itexists, itwillshowitself. It issalt:ifitexists,itssavorwillbeperceived.Itisapreciousointment:ifitexists,itspresencecannotbehid.

Iamsureweshouldallbereadytomakeallowanceformuchbacksliding,for much occasional deadness in professing Christians. I know a roadmay lead fromone point to another and yet havemany awinding andturn,andamanmaybe trulyholyandyetbedrawnasidebymanyaninfirmity.Goldisnotthelessgoldbecausemingledwithalloy,nor lightthe less light because faint and dim, nor grace the less grace becauseyoung andweak. But after every allowance, I cannot see how anymandeservestobecalled"holy"whowillfullyallowshimselfinsinsandisnothumbled and ashamed because of them. I dare not call anyone "holy"who makes a habit of willfully neglecting known duties and willfullydoing what he knows God has commanded him not to do. Well saysOwen,"Idonotunderstandhowamancanbeatruebelieveruntowhomsinisnotthegreatestburden,sorrowandtrouble."

Sucharetheleadingcharacteristicsofpracticalholiness.Letusexamineourselves and seewhetherwe are acquaintedwith it. Let us prove our

ownselves.

2.Theimportanceofpracticalholiness

Canholinesssaveus?Canholinessputawaysin,cover iniquities,makesatisfactionfortransgressions,payourdebttoGod?No,notawhit.GodforbidthatIshouldeversayso.Holinesscandononeofthesethings.Thebrightestsaintsareall"unprofitableservants."OurpurestworksarenotbetterthanfilthyragswhentriedbythelightofGod’sholylaw.Thewhiterobe, which Jesus offers and faith puts on, must be our onlyrighteousness, thenameofChristouronlyconfidence, theLamb’sbookoflifeouronlytitletoheaven.Withallourholinesswearenobetterthansinners.Ourbestthingsarestainedandtaintedwithimperfection.Theyareallmoreor less incomplete,wrong in themotiveordefective in theperformance. By the deeds of the law shall no child of Adam ever bejustified. "By grace are you saved through faith; and that not ofyourselves,itisthegiftofGod:notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast"(Eph.2:8,9).

Whythenisholinesssoimportant?Whydoestheapostlesay,"WithoutitnomanshallseetheLord"?Letmesetoutinorderafewreasons.

a.Foronething,wemustbeholy,becausethevoiceofGodinScriptureplainly commands it. The Lord Jesus says toHis people, "Except yourrighteousnessshallexceedtherighteousnessofthescribesandPharisees,youshallinnocaseenterintothekingdomofheaven"(Matt.5:20)."Beyou...perfect,evenasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect"(Matt.5:48). Paul tells the Thessalonians, "This is the will of God, even yoursanctification"(1Thess.4:3).AndPetersays,"AsHewhichhascalledyouisholy,sobeyouholyinallmannerofconversation;becauseitiswritten,‘Beyouholy,forIamholy’"(1Pet.1:15,16)."Inthis,"saysLeighton,"lawandgospelagree."

b.Wemustbeholy,becausethisisonegrandendandpurposeforwhichChristcameintotheworld.PaulwritestotheCorinthians,"Hediedforall, thattheywhich liveshouldnothenceforth liveuntothemselves,butuntoHimwhichdiedforthemandroseagain"(2Cor.5:15);andtotheEphesians,"Christ...lovedthechurch,andgaveHimselfforit,thatHe

might sanctify and cleanse it" (Eph. 5:25, 26); and toTitus, "[He] gaveHimself for us, that Hemight redeem us from all iniquity, and purifyuntoHimself a peculiar people, zealous of goodworks" (Titus2:14). Inshort, to talkofmenbeingsaved fromtheguiltofsin,withoutbeingatthesametimesavedfromitsdominionintheirhearts,istocontradictthewitness of all Scripture. Are believers said to be elect? It is "throughsanctification of the Spirit." Are they predestinated? It is "to beconformedtothe imageofGod’sSon."Aretheychosen?It is"thattheymay be holy." Are they called? It is "with a holy calling." Are theyafflicted? It is that they may be "partakers of holiness." Jesus is acompleteSavior.Hedoesnotmerely take away the guilt of a believer’ssin;Hedoesmore—Hebreaksitspower(1Pet.1:2;Rom.8:29;Eph.1:4;Heb.12:10).

c.Wemustbeholy,becausethisistheonlysoundevidencethatwehaveasavingfaithinourLordJesusChrist.ThetwelfthArticleofourchurchsays truly, that "Although good works cannot put away our sins, andendure the severity of God’s judgment, yet are they pleasing andacceptable toGod inChrist,anddospringoutnecessarilyofa trueandlively faith; insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidentlyknownasatreediscernedby its fruits."Jameswarnsusthere issuchathingasadeadfaith,afaithwhichgoesnofurtherthantheprofessionofthe lips and has no influence on aman’s character (James 2:17). Truesavingfaithisaverydifferentkindofthing.Truefaithwillalwaysshowitselfbyitsfruits;itwillsanctify,itwillworkbylove,itwillovercometheworld,itwillpurifytheheart.Iknowthatpeoplearefondoftalkingaboutdeathbedevidences.Theywillrestonwordsspokeninthehoursoffearandpainandweakness,asiftheymighttakecomfortinthemaboutthefriendstheylose.ButIamafraidinninety–ninecasesoutofahundred,such evidences are not to be depended on. I suspect that, with rareexceptions,mendie justas theyhave lived.Theonly safeevidence thatweareonewithChrist,andChristinus,isholylife.ThosewholiveuntotheLordaregenerallytheonlypeoplewhodie intheLord.Ifwewoulddiethedeathoftherighteous, letusnotrestinslothfuldesiresonly; letusseektoliveHislife.ItisatruesayingofTraill’s:"Thatman’sstateisnothing,andhisfaithunsound,thatfindsnothishopesofglorypurifyingtohisheartandlife."

d.Wemustbeholy,becausethisistheonlyproofthatwelovetheLordJesusChrist in sincerity. This is a point onwhichHehas spokenmostplainly,inthefourteenthandfifteenthchaptersofJohn:"IfyouloveMe,keepMycommandments." "HewhohasMycommandments andkeepsthem,heitisthatlovesMe.""IfamanloveMehewillkeepMywords.""YouareMyfriendsifyoudowhateverIcommandyou"(John14:15,21,23;15:14).Plainerwordsthantheseitwouldbedifficulttofind,andwoetothosewhoneglectthem!SurelythatmanmustbeinanunhealthystateofsoulwhocanthinkofallthatJesussuffered,andyetclingtothosesinsforwhichthatsufferingwasundergone.Itwassinthatwovethecrownofthorns;itwassinthatpiercedourLord’shandsandfeetandside;itwassinthatbroughtHimtoGethsemaneandCalvary,tothecrossandtothegrave.Coldmustourheartsbeifwedonothatesinandlabortogetridofit,thoughwemayhavetocutofftherighthandandpluckouttherighteyeindoingit.

e.Wemustbeholy,becausethis istheonlysoundevidencethatwearetrue children of God. Children in this world are generally like theirparents. Some, doubtless, aremore so and some less; but it is seldomindeedthatyoucannottraceakindoffamilylikeness.Anditismuchthesame with the children of God. The Lord Jesus says, "If you wereAbraham’schildrenyouwoulddotheworksofAbraham.""IfGodwereyourFather,youwouldloveMe"(John8:39,42).IfmenhavenolikenesstotheFatherinheaven,itisvaintotalkoftheirbeingHis"sons."Ifweknownothingofholiness,wemayflatterourselvesasweplease;butwehave not got the Holy Spirit dwelling in us; we are dead andmust bebroughttolifeagain;wearelostandmustbefound."Asmanyasareledby theSpiritofGod, they," and theyonly, "are the sonsofGod" (Rom.8:14).Wemust showbyour lives the familywebelong to.Wemust letmenseebyourgoodconversationthatweareindeedthechildrenoftheHolyOne,oroursonshipisbutanemptyname."Saynot,"saysGurnall,"thatyouhaveroyalbloodinyourveins,andarebornofGod,exceptyoucanproveyourpedigreebydaringtobeholy."

f.Wemust be holy, because this is themost likely way to do good toothers. We cannot live to ourselves only in this world. Our lives willalwaysbedoingeithergoodorharmtothosewhoseethem.Theyarea

silentsermonwhichallcanread.Itissadindeedwhentheyareasermonforthedevil’scause,andnotforGod’s.IbelievethatfarmoreisdoneforChrist’skingdombytheholy livingofbelieversthanweareatallawareof.Thereisarealityaboutsuchlivingwhichmakesmenfeelandobligesthemtothink.Itcarriesaweightandinfluencewithitwhichnothingelsecangive.Itmakesreligionbeautifulanddrawsmentoconsiderit,likealighthouse seen afar off. The day of judgment will prove that manybesideshusbandshavebeenwon"withouttheWord"byaholylife(1Pet.3:1).Youmaytalktopersonsaboutthedoctrinesofthegospel,andfewwill listen,andstill fewerunderstand.Butyour life isanargument thatnonecanescape.There isameaningaboutholinesswhichnoteventhemost unlearned can help taking in. They may not understandjustification,buttheycanunderstandcharity.

I believe there is far more harm done by unholy and inconsistentChristiansthanweareatallawareof.SuchmenareamongSatan’sbestallies.Theypulldownbytheirliveswhatministersbuildwiththeirlips.Theycausethechariotwheelsofthegospeltodriveheavily.Theysupplythe childrenof thisworldwithanever–endingexcuse for remaining asthey are. "I cannot see the use of somuch religion," said an irreligioustradesmannotlongago;"Iobservethatsomeofmycustomersarealwaystalkingaboutthegospelandfaithandelectionandtheblessedpromisesandso forth,andyet theseverypeople thinknothingofcheatingmeofpence and halfpence when they have an opportunity. Now, if religiouspersonscandosuchthings,Idonotseewhatgoodthereisinreligion."Igrievetobeobligedtowritesuchthings,butIfearthatChrist’snameistoooftenblasphemedbecauseofthelivesofChristians.Letustakeheedlestthebloodofsoulsshouldberequiredatourhands.Frommurderofsoulsbyinconsistencyandloosewalking,goodLord,deliverus!Oh,forthesakeofothers,iffornootherreason,letusstrivetobeholy!

g.Wemustbeholy,becauseourpresentcomfortdependsmuchuponit.Wearesadlyapttoforgetthatthereisacloseconnectionbetweensinandsorrow,holinessandhappiness,sanctificationandconsolation.Godhassowiselyordered it, thatourwell–beingandourwell–doingare linkedtogether.Hehasmercifully provided that even in thisworld it shall beman’s interest to be holy.Our justification is not byworks, our calling

andelectionarenotaccordingtoourworks;but it isvainforanyonetosuppose that he will have a lively sense of his justification, or anassurance of his calling, so long as heneglects goodworks or does notstrivetoliveaholylife."HerebywedoknowthatweknowHimifwekeepHiscommandments.""Herebyweknowthatweareofthetruth,andshallassure ourhearts" (1 John2:3; 3:19).Abelievermay as soonexpect tofeel the sun’s rays upon a dark and cloudy day, as to feel strongconsolation in Christ while he does not follow Him fully. When thedisciples forsook theLordand fled, theyescapeddanger;but theyweremiserableandsad.When,shortlyafter,theyconfessedHimboldlybeforemen, they were cast into prison and beaten; but we are told, "Theyrejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame forHis name"(Acts5:41).Oh, forourownsakes, if therewerenoother reason, letusstrivetobeholy!HewhofollowsJesusmostfullywillalwaysfollowHimmostcomfortably.

h. Lastly, we must be holy, because without holiness on earth we willneverbepreparedtoenjoyheaven.Heaven isaholyplace.TheLordofheavenisaholyBeing.Theangelsareholycreatures.Holinessiswrittenoneverything inheaven.ThebookofRevelation says expressly, "Thereshallinnowiseenterintoitanythingthatdefiles,neitherwhateverworksabomination,ormakesalie"(Rev.21:27).

How will we ever be at home and happy in heaven if we die unholy?Death works no change. The gravemakes no alteration. Each will riseagainwiththesamecharacter inwhichhebreathedhis last.Wherewillourplacebeifwearestrangerstoholinessnow?

Suppose for amoment that you were allowed to enter heaven withoutholiness.Whatwould you do?What possible enjoyment could you feelthere?Towhichofall thesaintswouldyou joinyourself,andbywhosesidewould you sit down? Their pleasures are not your pleasures, theirtastesnotyourtastes,theircharacternotyourcharacter.Howcouldyoupossiblybehappyifyouhadnotbeenholyonearth?

Now perhaps you love the company of the light and the careless, theworldly–mindedand thecovetous, the revelerand thepleasure–seeker,theungodlyandtheprofane.Therewillbenonesuchinheaven.

Now perhaps you think the saints of God too strict and particular andserious. You rather avoid them. You have no delight in their society.Therewillbenoothercompanyinheaven.

NowperhapsyouthinkprayingandScripturereadingandhymnsingingdull andmelancholy and stupidwork, a thing to be tolerated now andthen,butnotenjoyed.YoureckontheSabbathaburdenandaweariness;youcouldnotpossiblyspendmorethanasmallpartof it inworshipingGod.Butremember,heavenisanever–endingSabbath.Theinhabitantsthereof rest not day or night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord GodAlmighty,"andsingingthepraiseoftheLamb.Howcouldanunholymanfindpleasureinoccupationsuchasthis?

DoyouthinkthatsuchaonewoulddelighttomeetDavidandPaulandJohn,afteralifespentindoingtheverythingstheyspokeagainst?Wouldhetakesweetcounselwiththemandfindthatheandtheyhadmuchincommon?Doyou think, aboveall, thathewould rejoice tomeetJesus,the crucified One, face to face, after cleaving to the sins for which Hedied,afterlovingHisenemiesanddespisingHisfriends?WouldhestandbeforeHimwithconfidenceandjoininthecry,"ThisisourGod. . .wehavewaited forHim,wewill begladand rejoice inHis salvation" (Isa.25:9)?Doyounotthinkratherthatthetongueofanunholymanwouldcleavetotheroofofhismouthwithshame,andhisonlydesirewouldbetobecastout?Hewouldfeelastrangerinalandhedidnotknow,ablacksheepamidChrist’sholyflock.Thevoiceofcherubimandseraphim,thesongofangelsandarchangels,andallthecompanyofheavenwouldbealanguage he could not understand. The very air would seem an air hecouldnotbreathe.

Idonotknowwhatothersmaythink,buttomeitdoesseemclearthatheaven would be a miserable place to an unholy man. It cannot beotherwise.Peoplemay say in a vagueway they "hope to go toheaven,"buttheydonotconsiderwhattheysay.Theremustbeacertain"fitnessfortheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight."Ourheartsmustbesomewhatintune. To reach the holiday of glory,wemust pass through the trainingschoolofgrace.Wemustbeheavenly–mindedandhaveheavenlytastesinthelifethatnowis,orelsewewillneverfindourselvesinheaveninthelifetocome.

And now, before I go any further, let me say a few words by way ofapplication.

1. Themost pertinent question to ask is this: "Are you holy?" Listen, Iprayyou,tothequestionIputtoyouthisday.DoyouknowanythingoftheholinessofwhichIhavebeenspeaking?

Idonotaskwhetheryouattendyourchurchregularly,whetheryouhavebeen baptized and received the Lord’s Supper, whether you have thenameofChristian.Iasksomethingmorethanallthis:areyouholy,orareyounot?

Idonotaskwhetheryouapproveofholinessinothers,whetheryouliketoreadthelivesofholypeopleandtotalkofholythingsandtohaveonyourtableholybooks,whetheryoumeantobeholyandhopeyouwillbeholy someday. I ask something further: are you yourselfholy this veryday,orareyounot?

Andwhydo Iasksostraitlyandpress thequestionsostrongly? Ido itbecausetheScripturesays,"WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."Itiswritten,itisnotmyfancy;itistheBible,notmyprivateopinion;itisthe word of God, not of man: "Without holiness noman shall see theLord"(Heb.12:14).

Alas,whatsearching,siftingwordsarethese!Whatthoughtscomeacrossmymindas Iwrite themdown! I lookat theworldandsee thegreaterpartofitlyinginwickedness.IlookatprofessingChristiansandseethevastmajorityhavingnothingofChristianitybut thename. I turn to theBible,andIheartheSpiritsaying,"WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."

Surelyitisatextthatoughttomakeusconsiderourwaysandsearchourhearts.Surely it shouldraisewithinussolemnthoughtsandsendus toprayer.

Youmaytrytoputmeoffbysayingyoufeelmuchandthinkmuchaboutthese things: far more than many suppose. I answer, "This is not the

point.Thepoorlostsoulsinhelldoasmuchasthis.Thegreatquestionisnotwhatyouthink,andwhatyoufeel,butwhatyoudo."

Youmaysay, itwasnevermeant thatallChristiansshouldbeholyandthatholiness,suchasIhavedescribed,isonlyforgreatsaintsandpeopleofuncommongifts.Ianswer,"IcannotseethatinScripture.Ireadthatevery man who has hope in Christ purifies himself" (1 John 3:3)."WithoutholinessnomanshallseetheLord."

Youmaysay,itisimpossibletobesoholyandtodoourdutyinthislifeatthesametime:thethingcannotbedone.Ianswer,"Youaremistaken."It can be done.With Christ on your side, nothing is impossible. It hasbeendonebymany.DavidandObadiahandDanielandtheservantsofNero’shouseholdareallexamplesthatgotoproveit.

Youmay say, if you were so holy you would be unlike other people. Ianswer, "I know it well. It is just what you ought to be. Christ’s trueservantsalwayswereunliketheworldaroundthem—aseparatenation,apeculiarpeople,andyoumustbesotoo,ifyouwouldbesaved!"

Youmaysay,atthisrateveryfewwillbesaved.Ianswer,"Iknowit.Itispreciselywhatwearetoldinthesermononthemount."TheLordJesussaidsoeighteenhundredyearsago."Straitisthegate,andnarrowistheway,whichleadsuntolife,andfewtherebethatfindit"(Matt.7:14).Fewwillbesavedbecausefewwilltakethetroubletoseeksalvation.Menwillnot deny themselves the pleasures of sin and their ownway for a littleseason.Theyturntheirbacksonan"inheritanceincorruptible,undefiled,andthatfadesnotaway.""YouwillnotcometoMe,"saysJesus,"thatyoumighthavelife"(John5:40).

Youmaysay,thesearehardsayings;thewayisverynarrow.Ianswer,"Iknow it. So says the sermon on the mount." The Lord Jesus said soeighteenhundredyearsago.Healways said thatmenmust takeupthecross daily and that theymust be ready to cut off hand or foot, if theywouldbeHisdisciples.Itisinreligionasitisinotherthings,therearenogainswithoutpains.Thatwhichcostsnothingisworthnothing.

Whateverwemay think fit to say,wemustbeholy ifwewould see the

Lord.WhereisourChristianityifwearenot?WemustnotmerelyhaveaChristian name and Christian knowledge; we must have a Christiancharacteralso.Wemustbesaintsonearthifeverwemeantobesaintsinheaven.Godhas said it, andHewillnotgoback: "Withoutholiness nomanshallseetheLord.""Thepope’scalendar,"saysJenkyn,"onlymakessaintsofthedead,butScripturerequiressanctityintheliving.""Letnotmen deceive themselves," says Owen, "sanctification is a qualificationindispensablynecessaryuntothosewhowillbeundertheconductoftheLord Christ unto salvation. He leads none to heaven but whom Hesanctifiesontheearth.ThislivingHeadwillnotadmitofdeadmembers."

SurelyweneednotwonderthatScripturesays,"Youmustbebornagain"(John3:7).SurelyitisclearasnoondaythatmanyprofessingChristiansneedacompletechange,newhearts,newnatures, ifevertheyaretobesaved. Old things must pass away; they must become new creatures."Without holiness noman," be he who hemay, "noman shall see theLord."

2.Letmespeakalittletobelievers.Iaskyouthisquestion,"Doyouthinkyoufeeltheimportanceofholinessasmuchasyoushould?"

I admit I fear the temper of the times about this subject. I doubtexceedinglywhetheritholdsthatplacewhichitdeservesinthethoughtsandattentionofsomeoftheLord’speople.Iwouldhumblysuggestthatweareapttooverlookthedoctrineofgrowthingraceandthatwedonotsufficiently consider how very far a person may go in a profession ofreligion, and yet have no grace and be dead in God’s sight after all. IbelievethatJudasIscariotseemedveryliketheotherapostles.WhentheLordwarnedthemthatonewouldbetrayHim,noonesaid,"IsitJudas?"WehadbetterthinkmoreaboutthechurchesofSardisandLaodiceathanwedo.

Ihavenodesire tomakean idolofholiness. Idonotwish todethroneChrist and put holiness in His place. But I must candidly say I wishsanctificationwasmorethoughtofinthisdaythanitseemstobe,andItherefore take occasion to press the subject on all believers intowhosehandsthesepagesmayfall.IfearitissometimesforgottenthatGodhasmarried together justification and sanctification. They are distinct and

different things, beyond question; but one is never found without theother.All justified people are sanctified, and all sanctified are justified.WhatGodhas joined together letnomandare toput asunder.Tellmenot of your justification unless you have also some marks ofsanctification.BoastnotofChrist’sworkforyouunlessyoucanshowustheSpirit’sworkinyou.DonotthinkthatChristandtheSpiritcaneverbedivided. Idonotdoubt thatmanybelieversknowthese things,butIthinkitgoodforustobeputinremembranceofthem.Letusprovethatwe know them by our lives. Let us try to keep in view this text morecontinually:"Followholiness,withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord."

Imust franklysay that theoverly–sensitiveapproachmanypeople taketowardsthesubjectofholinessisadangerouserror.Somewouldthinkitmoredangeroustoapproachthesubject,yettheoppositeisthecase!YetifweexaltChristasthe"way,thetruthandthelife,"howcanwerefusetospeakstronglyaboutthosewhocallthemselvesafterHisname?

Iwould say itwith all reverence, but say it Imust: I sometimes fear ifChrist were on earth now, there are not a few who would think Hispreachinglegal;andifPaulwerewritinghisEpistles,therearethosewhowouldthinkhehadbetternotwritethelatterpartofmostofthemashedid.ButletusrememberthattheLordJesusdidspeakthesermononthemountandthattheEpistletotheEphesianscontainssixchaptersandnotfour.Igrievetofeelobligedtospeakinthisway,butIamsurethereisacause.

That great divine, JohnOwen, theDean of Christ Church, used to say,more than twohundredyears ago, that therewerepeoplewhosewholereligion seemed to consist in going about complaining of their owncorruptions and telling everyone that they could do nothing ofthemselves.IamafraidthataftertwocenturiesthesamethingmightbesaidwithtruthofsomeofChrist’sprofessingpeople inthisday.Iknowthere are texts in Scripture which warrant such complaints. I do notobject to themwhen theycome frommenwhowalk in the stepsof theapostlePauland fightagood fight,ashedid,against sin, thedevilandthe world. But I never like such complaints when I see ground forsuspecting, as I often do, that they are only a cloak to cover spirituallaziness and an excuse for spiritual sloth. If we say with Paul, "O

wretchedman that I am," let us also be able to saywith him, "I presstowardthemark."Letusnotquotehisexampleinonething,whilewedonotfollowhiminanother(Rom.7:24;Phil.3:14).

Idonotsetupmyselftobebetterthanotherpeople;andifanyoneasks,"Whatareyou,thatyouwrite inthisway?"Ianswer,"Iamaverypoorcreatureindeed."ButIsaythatIcannotreadtheBiblewithoutdesiringtoseemanybelieversmorespiritual,moreholy,moresingle–eyed,moreheavenly–minded,morewhole–hearted than theyare in thenineteenthcentury. Iwant to seeamongbelieversmoreofapilgrimspirit, amoredecided separation from the world, a conversation more evidently inheaven,acloserwalkwithGod;andthereforeIhavewrittenasIhave.

Isitnottruethatweneedahigherstandardofpersonalholinessinthisday?Whereisourpatience?Whereisourzeal?Whereisourlove?Whereare ourworks?Where is the power of religion to be seen, as it was intimes gone by? Where is that unmistakable tone which used todistinguish the saints of old and shake theworld? Truly our silver hasbecome dross, our winemixed with water, and our salt has very littlesavor.Weareallmore thanhalf asleep.Thenight is far spent, and theday is at hand. Let us awake and sleep nomore. Let us open our eyesmorewidely thanwehavedoneup to this time. "Letus layasideeveryweight, and the sin which does so easily beset us." "Let us cleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessoffleshandspirit,andperfectholinessinthefear ofGod" (Heb. 12:1; 2 Cor. 7:1). "Did Christ die," says Owen, "andshallsinlive?WasHecrucified intheworld,andshallouraffectionstotheworldbequickandlively?Oh,whereisthespiritofhim,whobythecrossofChristwascrucifiedtotheworld,andtheworldtohim?"

3.Awordofadvice

Wouldyoubeholy?Wouldyoubecomeanewcreature?ThenyoumustbeginwithChrist.Youwilldo justnothingatall andmakenoprogressuntilyoufeelyoursinandweaknessandfleetoHim.Heistherootandbeginning of all holiness, and theway to beholy is to come toHimbyfaithandbejoinedtoHim.Christisnotwisdomandrighteousnessonlyto His people, but sanctification also. Men sometimes try to makethemselvesholy firstofall,andsadworktheymakeof it.They toiland

laborandturnovermanynewleavesandmakemanychanges;andyet,like thewomanwith the issueofblood,beforeshecame toChrist, theyfeel"nothingbettered,but ratherworse" (Mark5:26).They run invainandlaborinvain,andlittlewonder;fortheyarebeginningatthewrongend.Theyarebuildingupawallofsand;theirworkrunsdownasfastasthey throw it up. They are baling water out of a leaky vessel; the leakgainsonthem,nottheyontheleak.OtherfoundationofholinesscannomanlaythanthatwhichPaullaid,evenChristJesus.WithoutChristwecan do nothing (John 15:5). It is a strong but true saying of Traill’s:"Wisdom out of Christ is damning folly; righteousness out of Christ isguilt and condemnation; sanctification out of Christ is filth and sin;redemptionoutofChristisbondageandslavery."

Doyouwanttoattainholiness?Doyoufeelthisdayarealheartydesireto be holy?Would you be a partaker of the divine nature? Then go toChrist.Wait for nothing.Wait for nobody. Linger not. Do not think tomakeyourself ready.Goandsay toHim, in thewordsof thatbeautifulhymn,

"NothinginmyhandIbring,SimplytoYourcrossIcling;Naked,fleetoYoufordress;Helpless,looktoYouforgrace."

Thereisnotabricknorastonelaidintheworkofoursanctificationuntilwe go to Christ. Holiness is His special gift to His believing people.HolinessistheworkHecarriesonintheirheartsbytheSpiritwhomHeputs within them. He is appointed a "Prince and a Savior . . . to giverepentance"aswellasremissionofsins.ToasmanyasreceiveHim,Hegivespower tobecomesonsofGod (Acts5:31;John9:12, 13).Holinesscomesnotofblood:parentscannotgiveittotheirchildren;noryetofthewilloftheflesh:mancannotproduceitinhimself;noryetofthewillofman:ministers cannot give it to you by baptism.Holiness comes fromChrist. It is the resultof vitalunionwithHim. It is the fruitofbeing alivingbranchofthetrueVine.GothentoChristandsay,"Lord,notonlysavemefromtheguiltofsin,butsendtheSpirit,whomYoudidpromise,andsavemefromitspower.Makemeholy.TeachmetodoYourwill."

Wouldyoucontinueholy?ThenabideinChrist.(John15:4,5).Itpleasedthe Father that inHim should all fullness dwell, a full supply for all abeliever’swants.He is thePhysician towhomyoumustdaily go if youwouldkeepwell.HeistheMannawhichyoumustdailyeatandtheRockofwhich youmust daily drink.His arm is the armonwhich youmustdailyleanasyoucomeupoutofthewildernessofthisworld.Youmustnotonlyberooted,youmustalsobebuiltupinHim.PaulwasamanofGodindeed,aholyman,agrowingthrivingChristian,andwhatwasthesecretof it all?Hewas one towhomChristwas all in all.Hewas everlookinguntoJesus."Icandoallthings,"hesays,"throughChristwhichstrengthensme." "I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the lifewhichInowlive,IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod."Letusgoanddolikewise(Heb.12:2;Phil.4:13;Gal.2:20).

Mayallwhoreadthesepagesknowthesethingsbyexperienceandnotbyhearsayonly!Mayweallfeeltheimportanceofholinessfarmorethanwehaveeverdoneyet!Mayouryearsbeholyyearswithoursouls,andthentheywillbehappyones!Whetherwelive,mayweliveuntotheLord;orwhetherwedie,maywedieuntotheLord;or,ifHecomesforus,maywebefoundinpeace,withoutspot,andblameless!

THEFIGHT

"Fightthegoodfightoffaith."(1Tim.6:12).

It isacuriousfactthatthereisnosubjectaboutwhichmostpeoplefeelsuch deep interest as fighting. Young men and maidens, old men andlittlechildren,highandlow,richandpoor,learnedandunlearned,allfeeladeepinterestinwars,battlesandfighting.

A simple inscrutable fact presents itself to us, we are excited when wehearstoriesofwar.SomewouldconsideranEnglishmanratherboringifhecarednothingaboutthestoryofWaterlooorInkermanorBalaclavaorLucknow.Manyconsider theheart coldandstupidwhich isnotmovedandthrilledbythestrugglesatSedanandStrasburgandMetzandParis

during the war between France and Germany. But there is anotherwarfareof fargreater importance thananywar thatwaseverwagedbyman.It is awarfarewhich concerns not two or three nations only, buteveryChristianmanandwomanbornintotheworld.ThewarfareIspeakof is the spiritualwarfare. It is the fightwhich everyonewhowould besavedmustfightabouthissoul.

Thiswarfare,Iamaware,isathingofwhichmanyknownothing.Talktothem about it, and they are ready to set you down as a madman, anenthusiastorafool.Andyetitisasrealandtrueasanywartheworldhasever seen. It has its hand–to–hand conflicts and its wounds. It has itswatchingsandfatigues. Ithas itssiegesandassaults. Ithas itsvictoriesand its defeats. Above all, it has consequences which are awful,tremendous andmost peculiar. In earthlywarfare the consequences tonationsareoftentemporaryandremediable.Inthespiritualwarfareitisverydifferent.Ofthatwarfare,theconsequences,whenthefightisover,areunchangeableandeternal.

ItisofthiswarfarethatSt.PaulspoketoTimothy,whenhewrotethoseburningwords,"Fightthegoodfightoffaith;layholdoneternallife."ItisofthiswarfarethatIproposetospeakinthismessage.Iholdthesubjecttobecloselyconnectedwiththatofsanctificationandholiness.Hewhowould understand the nature of true holiness must know that theChristianis"amanofwar."Ifwewouldbeholy,wemustfight.

1.TrueChristianityisafight

TrueChristianity!Letusmindthatword"true."Thereisavastquantityofreligioncurrentintheworldwhichisnottrue,genuineChristianity.Itpassesmuster,itsatisfiessleepyconsciences;butitisnotgoodmoney.ItisnottheauthenticrealitythatcalleditselfChristianityinthebeginning.TherearethousandsofmenandwomenwhogotochurchesandchapelseverySundayandcallthemselvesChristians.Theymakea"profession"offaith in Christ. Their names are in the baptismal register. They arereckoned Christians while they live. They aremarried with a Christianmarriage service. Theymean to be buried as Christianswhen they die.Butyouneverseeany"fight"abouttheirreligion!Ofspiritualstrifeandexertion and conflict and self–denial and watching and warring they

knowliterallynothingatall.SuchChristianitymaysatisfyman,andthosewhosayanythingagainstitmaybethoughtveryhardanduncharitable;but it certainly isnot theChristianityof theBible. It isnot the religionwhich the Lord Jesus founded andHis apostles preached. It is not thereligionwhichproducesrealholiness.TrueChristianityis"afight."

ThetrueChristianiscalledtobeasoldierandmustbehaveassuchfromthedayofhisconversiontothedayofhisdeath.Heisnotmeanttolivealifeofreligiousease,indolenceandsecurity.Hemustneverimagineforamoment that he can sleep and doze along the way to heaven, like onetravelinginaneasycarriage.IfhetakeshisstandardofChristianityfromthechildrenof thisworld,hemaybecontentwithsuchnotions,buthewillfindnocountenanceforthemintheWordofGod.IftheBibleistheruleofhisfaithandpractice,hewillfindhiscourselaiddownveryplainlyinthismatter.Hemust"fight."

With whom is the Christian soldier meant to fight? Not with otherChristians.Wretched indeed is thatman’s idea of religion who fanciesthatitconsistsinperpetualcontroversy!Hewhoisneversatisfiedunlesshe is engaged in some strife between church and church, chapel andchapel,sectandsect,factionandfaction,partyandparty,knowsnothingyet as he ought to know. No doubt it may be absolutely needfulsometimes to appeal to law courts in order to ascertain the rightinterpretationofachurch’sarticlesandrubricsandformularies.But,asageneralrule,thecauseofsinisneversomuchhelpedaswhenChristianswastetheirstrengthinquarrelingwithoneanotherandspendtheirtimeinpettysquabbles.

No, indeed! The principal fight of the Christian is with the world, thefleshand thedevil.Thesearehisnever–dying foes.Theseare the threechiefenemiesagainstwhomhemustwagewar.Unlesshegetsthevictoryover these three, all other victories are useless and vain. If he had anaturelikeanangel,andwerenotafallencreature,thewarfarewouldnotbesoessential.Butwithacorruptheart,abusydevilandanensnaringworld,hemusteither"fight"orbelost.

Hemust fight the flesh. Even after conversion he carrieswithin him anaturepronetoevilandaheartweakandunstableaswater.Thatheart

willneverbe free from imperfection in thisworld,and it isamiserabledelusiontoexpectit.Tokeepthatheartfromgoingastray,theLordJesusbidsus,"Watchandpray."Thespiritmaybeready,butthefleshisweak.Thereisneedofadailystruggleandadailywrestlinginprayer."Ikeepunder my body," cries St. Paul, "and bring it into subjection." "I seeanother law inmymembers, warring against the law ofmymind, andbringingmeintocaptivity.""OwretchedmanthatIam,whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath?""ThosewhoareChrist’shavecrucifiedthefleshwiththeaffectionsandlusts.""Mortify...yourmemberswhichareupontheearth" (Mark14:38;1Cor.9:27;Rom.7:23,24;Gal.5:24;Col.3:5).

Hemustfighttheworld.Thesubtleinfluenceofthatmightyenemymustbedailyresisted,andwithoutadailybattlecanneverbeovercome.Theloveoftheworld’sgoodthings,thefearoftheworld’slaughterorblame,thesecretdesiretokeepinwiththeworld,thesecretwishtodoasothersintheworlddo,andnottorunintoextremes—allthesearespiritualfoeswhichbesettheChristiancontinuallyonhiswaytoheavenandmustbeconquered. "The friendship of the world is enmity with God. WhoeverthereforewillbeafriendoftheworldistheenemyofGod.""Ifanymanlove the world, the love of the Father is not in him." "The world iscrucified to me, and I unto the world." "Whatever is born of Godovercomes theworld." "Be not conformed to this world" (James 4:4; 1John2:15;Gal.6:14;1John5:4;Rom.12:2).

Hemust fight the devil. That old enemy ofmankind is not dead. EversincetheFallofAdamandEvehehasbeen"goingtoandfrointheearth,andwalkingupanddowninit,"andstrivingtocompassonegreatend—theruinofman’ssoul.Neverslumberingandneversleeping,heisalwaysgoingaboutasalionseekingwhomhemaydevour.Anunseenenemy,heisalwaysnearus,aboutourpathandaboutourbed,andspyingoutallourways.Amurdererandaliarfromthebeginning,helaborsnightandday to cast us down to hell. Sometimes by leading into superstition,sometimesbysuggestinginfidelity,sometimesbyonekindoftacticsandsometimesbyanother,he isalwayscarryingonacampaignagainstoursouls."Satanhasdesiredtohaveyou,thathemaysiftyouaswheat."Thismightyadversarymustbedailyresistedifwewishtobesaved.But"this

kindgoesnotout"butbywatchingandprayingandfightingandputtingonthewholearmorofGod.Thestrongmanarmedwillneverbekeptoutofourheartswithoutadailybattle(Job1:7;1Pet.5:8;John8:44;Luke22:31;Eph.6:11).

Somemenmay think these statements too strong.You fancy that I amgoingtoofarandlayingonthecolorstoothickly.Youaresecretlysayingtoyourselfthatmenandwomenmaysurelygettoheavenwithoutallthistroubleandwarfareand fighting.Listen tome fora fewminutes, and Iwill showyou that Ihavesomething tosayonGod’sbehalf.Rememberthemaximof thewisest general that ever lived inEngland: "In time ofwar it is theworstmistake tounderrateyourenemy,and try tomakealittle war." This Christian warfare is no light matter. What says theScripture?"Fightthegoodfightoffaith,layholdoneternallife.""Endurehardness,asagoodsoldierofJesusChrist.""PutonthewholearmorofGod,thatyoumaybeabletostandagainstthewilesofthedevil.Forwewrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, againstpowers,againsttherulersofthedarknessofthisworld,againstspiritualwickedness inhighplaces.WhereforetakeuntoyouthewholearmorofGod,thatyoumaybeabletowithstandintheevilday,andhavingdoneall to stand." "Strive to enter in at the strait gate." "Labor . . . for [the]meatthatenduresuntoeverlastinglife.""DonotthinkthatIamcometosendpeaceonearth:Icamenottosendpeacebutasword.""Hewhohasnosword,lethimsellhisgarmentandbuyone.""Watchyou,standfastinthefaith,quityoulikemen,bestrong.""Waragoodwarfare;holdingfaith,andagoodconscience"(1Tim.6:12;2Tim.2:3;Eph.6:11–13;Luke13:24;John6:27;Matt.10:34;Luke22:36;1Cor.16:13;1Tim.1:18,19).Wordssuchastheseappeartomeclear,plainandunmistakable.Theyallteachoneandthesamegreat lesson, ifwearewillingtoreceiveit.Thatlesson is, that true Christianity is a struggle, a fight and awarfare.Hewhopretendstocondemn"fighting"andteachesthatweoughttositstilland"yieldourselvestoGod,"appearstometomisunderstandhisBible,andtomakeagreatmistake.

WhatsaysthebaptismalserviceoftheChurchofEngland?Nodoubtthatservice is uninspired and, like every uninspired composition, it has itsdefects;buttothemillionsofpeopleallovertheglobewhoprofessand

call themselvesEnglish churchmen, its voice ought to speakwith someweight.Andwhatdoesitsay?IttellsusthatovereverynewmemberwhoisadmittedintotheChurchofEnglandthefollowingwordsareused:"Ibaptize you in thenameof theFather, theSonand theHolySpirit." "Isignthischildwiththesignofthecross,intokenthathereafterheshallnotbeashamedtoconfess the faithofChristcrucified,andmanfully tofight under His banner against sin, the world and the devil, and tocontinue Christ’s faithful soldier and servant unto his life’s end." Ofcourseweallknowthatinmyriadsofcasesbaptismisamereformandthat parents bring their children to the font without faith or prayer orthought and consequently receive no blessing. The man who supposesthat baptism in such cases actsmechanically, like amedicine, and thatgodlyandungodly,prayingandprayerlessparents,allalikegetthesamebenefit for their children must be in a strange state of mind. But onething, at any rate, is very certain. Every baptized churchman is by hisprofessiona"soldierofJesusChrist,"andispledged"tofightunderHisbanneragainstsin,theworldandthedevil."HethatdoubtsithadbettertakeuphisPrayerBookandread,markandlearnitscontents.TheworstthingaboutmanyveryzealouschurchmenistheirtotalignoranceofwhattheirownPrayerBookcontains.

Whetherwe are churchmen or not, one thing is certain—this Christianwarfare is a great reality and a subject of vast importance. It is not amatter like church government and ceremonial, about whichmenmaydiffer, andyet reachheavenat last.Necessity is laiduponus.Wemustfight. There are no promises in the Lord Jesus Christ’s epistles to theseven churches, except to those who "overcome."Where there is gracethere will be conflict. The believer is a soldier. There is no holinesswithoutawarfare.Savedsoulswillalwaysbefoundtohavefoughtafight.

Itisafightofabsolutenecessity.Letusnotthinkthatinthiswarwecanremainneutralandsitstill.Sucha lineofactionmaybepossible inthestrife of nations, but it is utterly impossible in that conflict whichconcernsthesoul.Theboastedpolicyofnon–interference,the"masterlyinactivity"which pleases somany statesmen, the plan of keeping quietand letting thingsalone—all thiswillneverdo in theChristianwarfare.Hereatanyratenoonecanescapeservingunder theplea thathe is "a

manofpeace."Tobeatpeacewiththeworld,thefleshandthedevil,istobeatenmitywithGodandinthebroadwaythatleadstodestruction.Wehavenochoiceoroption.Wemusteitherfightorbelost.

It is a fight of universal necessity. No rank or class or age can pleadexemption, or escape the battle. Ministers and people, preachers andhearers,oldandyoung,highandlow,richandpoor,gentleandsimple,kings and subjects, landlords and tenants, learned and unlearned—allalikemust carry arms and go towar.All havebynature a heart full ofpride,unbelief,sloth,worldlinessandsin.Allarelivinginaworldbesetwith snares, traps and pitfalls for the soul. All have near them a busy,restless,maliciousdevil.All, from the queen inher palace down to thepauperintheworkhouse,allmustfight,iftheywouldbesaved.

It is a fight of perpetual necessity. It admits of no breathing time, noarmistice,notruce.OnweekdaysaswellasonSundays,inprivateaswellas in public, at home by the family fireside as well as abroad, in littlethings, likemanagementoftongueandtemper,aswellasingreatones,like the government of kingdoms, the Christian’s warfare mustunceasinglygoon.Thefoewehavetodowithkeepsnoholidays,neverslumbersandneversleeps.So longaswehavebreath inourbodies,wemustkeep on our armor and rememberwe are on an enemy’s ground."EvenonthebrinkofJordan,"saidadyingsaint,"IfindSatannibblingatmyheels."Wemustfightuntilwedie.

Let us consider well these propositions. Let us take care that our ownpersonal religion is real, genuineand true.The saddest symptomaboutmany so–calledChristians is the utter absence of anything like conflictandfightintheirChristianity.Theyeat,theydrink,theydress,theywork,they amuse themselves, they get money, they spend money, they gothrough a scanty roundof formal religious services once or twice everyweek.Butofthegreatspiritualwarfare—itswatchingsandstrugglings,itsagoniesandanxieties, itsbattlesandcontests—ofall thistheyappeartoknownothingatall.Letus takecare that this case isnotourown.Theworststateof soul iswhen thestrongmanarmedkeeps thehouse,andhisgoodsareatpeace,whenheleadsmenandwomencaptiveathiswill,and they make no resistance. The worst chains are those which areneitherfeltnorseenbytheprisoner(Luke11:21;2Tim.2:26).

Wemaytakecomfortaboutoursoulsifweknowanythingofan inwardfight and conflict. It is the invariable companion of genuine Christianholiness.Itisnoteverything,Iamwellaware,butitissomething.Dowefindinourheartofheartsaspiritualstruggle?Dowefeelanythingofthefleshlustingagainstthespiritandthespiritagainsttheflesh,sothatwecannot do the things we would? (Gal. 5:17.) Are we conscious of twoprincipleswithinus,contendingforthemastery?Dowefeelanythingofwarinourinwardman?Well,letusthankGodforit!Itisagoodsign.Itisstronglyprobableevidenceofthegreatworkofsanctification.Alltruesaintsaresoldiers.Anythingisbetterthanapathy,stagnation,deadnessand indifference.We are in a better state thanmany.Themost part ofso–calledChristianshavenofeelingatall.WeareevidentlynofriendsofSatan.Likethekingsofthisworld,hewarsnotagainsthisownsubjects.The very fact thathe assaultsus should fill ourmindswithhope. I sayagain, letus take comfort.The childofGodhas twogreatmarks abouthim, and of these two we have one. He may be known by his inwardwarfare,aswellasbyhisinwardpeace.

2.TrueChristianityisthefightoffaith

Unlike the battles of theworld, true Christianity fights in a realm thatdoesnotdependuponphysicalstrength,thestrongarm,thequickeyeorthe swift foot.Conventionalweaponrydoesnot come intoplay.Rather,itsweaponsarespiritual,andfaithistheaxisuponwhichthebattleturns.

A general faith in the truth of God’s written Word is the primaryfoundation of the Christian soldier’s character. He is what he is, doeswhat he does, thinks as he thinks, acts as he acts, hopes as he hopes,behaves as he behaves, for one simple reason—he believes certainpropositionsrevealedandlaiddowninHolyScripture."HewhocomestoGodmust believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them thatdiligentlyseekHim"(Heb.11:6).

Areligionwithoutdoctrineordogmaisathingwhichmanyarefondoftalking of in the present day. It sounds very fine at first. It looks verypretty at a distance. But the moment we sit down to examine andconsiderit,weshallfinditasimpleimpossibility.Wemightaswelltalk

ofabodywithoutbonesandsinews.Nomanwilleverbeanythingordoanything in religion unless he believes something. Even those whoprofess tohold themiserableanduncomfortableviewsof thedeistsareobligedtoconfessthattheybelievesomething.Withalltheirbittersneersagainst dogmatic theology and Christian credulity, as they call it, theythemselveshaveakindoffaith.

As for true Christians, faith is the very backbone of their spiritualexistence.No one ever fights earnestly against theworld, the flesh andthe devil, unless he has engraved on his heart certain great principleswhichhebelieves.Whattheyarehemayhardlyknowandmaycertainlynotbeabletodefineorwritedown.Buttheretheyareand,consciouslyorunconsciously, they form the roots of his religion.Wherever you see aman,whetherrichorpoor,learnedorunlearned,wrestlingmanfullywithsin and trying to overcome it, youmay be sure there are certain greatprincipleswhichthatmanbelieves.Thepoetwhowrotethefamouslines"Formodesoffaithletgracelesszealotsfight,Hecan’tbewrongwhoselifeisintheright,"wasacleverman,butapoordivine.Thereisnosuchthingasrightlivingwithoutfaithandbelieving.

Aspecial faith inourLordJesusChrist’sperson,workandoffice is thelife,heartandmainspringoftheChristiansoldier’scharacter.

HeseesbyfaithanunseenSavior,wholovedhim,gaveHimselfforhim,paid his debts for him, bore his sins, carried his transgressions, roseagainforhim,andappearsinheavenforhimashisAdvocateattherighthand of God.He sees Jesus and clings toHim. Seeing this Savior andtrustinginHim,hefeelspeaceandhopeandwillinglydoesbattleagainstthefoesofhissoul.

He sees his ownmany sins, his weak heart, a tempting world, a busydevil;and ifhe lookedonlyat them,hemightwelldespair.ButheseesalsoamightySavior,an intercedingSavior,a sympathizingSavior—Hisblood, His righteousness, His everlasting priesthood—and he believesthatallthisishisown.HeseesJesusandcastshiswholeweightonHim.SeeingHim, he cheerfully fights on, with a full confidence that hewillprovemorethanconquerorthroughHimthatlovedhim(Rom.8:37).

Habitual lively faith in Christ’s presence and readiness to help is thesecretoftheChristiansoldierfightingsuccessfully.

Itmustneverbe forgotten that faithadmitsofdegrees.Allmendonotbelievealike, andeven the samepersonhashis ebbsand flows of faithand believesmore heartily at one time than another. According to thedegreeofhisfaith,theChristianfightswellorill,winsvictoriesorsuffersoccasionalrepulses,comesoff triumphantor losesabattle.Hewhohasthemostfaithwillalwaysbethehappiestandmostcomfortablesoldier.Nothing makes the anxieties of warfare sit so lightly on a man as theassuranceofChrist’sloveandcontinualprotection.Nothingenableshimtobearthefatigueofwatching,strugglingandwrestlingagainstsin liketheindwellingconfidencethatChristisonhissideandsuccessissure.Itis the "shield of faith"which quenches all the fiery darts of thewickedone.Itisthemanwhocansay,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved,"whocansayintimeofsuffering,"Iamnotashamed."Hewhowrotethoseglowingwords: "We faint not"; "Our light afflictionwhich is but for amoment,works forusa farmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglory,"wasthemanwhowrotewiththesamepen,"Welooknotatthethingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen;forthethingswhichareseenaretemporal,butthethingswhicharenotseenareeternal."Itisthemanwhosaid, "I liveby the faithof theSonofGod,"whosaid, in the sameEpistle, "theworld iscrucifieduntome,andIunto theworld." It is themanwhosaid,"TometoliveisChrist,"whosaid,inthesameEpistle,"Ihavelearned,inwhateverstateIam,therewithtobecontent.""Icandoall things throughChrist." Themore faith, themore victory! Themorefaith,themoreinwardpeace!(Eph.6:16;2Tim.1:12;2Cor.4:16,17;Gal.2:20;6:14;Phil.1:21;4:11,13).

I thinkit impossibletooverratethevalueandimportanceof faith.WellmaytheapostlePetercallit"precious"(2Pet.1:1).TimewouldfailmeifItriedtorecountahundredthpartofthevictorieswhichbyfaithChristiansoldiershaveobtained.

LetustakedownourBiblesandreadwithattentiontheeleventhchapteroftheEpistletotheHebrews.Letusmarkthelonglistofworthieswhosenamesare thus recorded, fromAbeldown toMoses,evenbeforeChristwas born of theVirginMary andbrought life and immortality into full

light by the gospel. Let us notewell what battles theywon against theworld, the fleshand thedevil.And then letus remember thatbelievingdiditall.ThesemenlookedforwardtothepromisedMessiah.TheysawHimthat is invisible."Byfaiththeeldersobtainedagoodreport"(Heb.11:2–27).

Let us turn to the pages of early church history. Let us see how theprimitiveChristiansheldfasttheirreligionevenuntodeathandwerenotshaken by the fiercest persecutions of heathen emperors. For centuriesthere were never wanting men like Polycarp and Ignatius, who werereadytodierather thandenyChrist.Finesandprisonsandtortureandfire and sword were unable to crush the spirit of the noble army ofmartyrs.Thewholepowerof imperialRome, themistressof theworld,proved unable to stamp out the religion which began with a fewfishermen and publicans in Palestine! And then let us remember thatbelieving inanunseenJesuswas thechurch’s strength.Theywon theirvictorybyfaith.

LetusexaminethestoryoftheProtestantReformation.Letusstudythelivesofitsleadingchampions,WycliffeandHussandLutherandRidleyandLatimerandHooper.LetusmarkhowthesegallantsoldiersofChriststood firmagainst ahost of adversaries andwere ready todie for theirprinciples. What battles they fought! What controversies theymaintained!Whatcontradictiontheyendured!Whattenacityofpurposethey exhibited against aworld in arms!And then let us remember thatbelieving in an unseen Jesus was the secret of their strength. Theyovercamebyfaith.

Let us consider themenwho havemade the greatestmarks in churchhistory in the last hundred years. Let us observe howmen likeWesleyand Whitefield and Venn and Romaine stood alone in their day andgeneration and revived English religion in the face of opposition frommenhigh in office and in the face of slander, ridicule and persecutionfromnine–tenthsofprofessingChristiansinourland.Letusobservehowmen like William Wilberforce and Havelock and Hedley Vicars havewitnessed for Christ in the most difficult positions and displayed abannerforChristevenattheregimentalmess–tableorontheflooroftheHouse of Commons. Let us mark how these noble witnesses never

flinchedtotheend,andwontherespectevenoftheirworstadversaries.AndthenletusrememberthatbelievinginanunseenChrististhekeytoall their characters. By faith they lived and walked and stood andovercame.

WouldanyonelivethelifeofaChristiansoldier?Lethimprayforfaith.Itis the gift ofGodanda giftwhich thosewhoask shall never ask for invain.Youmustbelievebeforeyoudo.Ifmendonothinginreligion,itisbecausetheydonotbelieve.Faithisthefirststeptowardsheaven.

Would anyone fight the fight of a Christian soldier successfully andprosperously? Let him pray for a continual increase of faith. Let himabideinChrist,getclosertoChrist,tightenhisholdonChristeverydaythathelives.Lethisdailyprayerbethatofthedisciples:"Lord,increasemyfaith"(Luke17:5).Watchjealouslyoveryourfaith,ifyouhaveany.ItisthecitadeloftheChristiancharacter,onwhichthesafetyofthewholefortressdepends.ItisthepointwhichSatanlovestoassail.Allliesathismercy if faith is overthrown. Here, if we love life, we must especiallystandonourguard.

3.TrueChristianityisagoodfight

"Good"isacuriouswordtoapplytoanywarfare.Allworldlywarismoreorlessevil.Nodoubtitisanabsolutenecessityinmanycases—toprocurethelibertyofnations,topreventtheweakfrombeingtrampleddownbythestrong—butstillitisanevil.Itentailsadreadfulamountofbloodshedand suffering. It hurries into eternity myriads who are completelyunpreparedfor theirchange.Itcalls forththeworstpassionsofman.Itcauses enormous waste and destruction of property. It fills peacefulhomes with mourning widows and orphans. It spreads far and widepoverty, taxation and national distress. It disarranges all the order ofsociety.It interruptstheworkof thegospelandthegrowthofChristianmissions. In short, war is an immense and incalculable evil, and everyprayingmanshouldcrynightandday,"Givepeaceinourtimes."Andyetthereisonewarfarewhichisemphatically"good"andonefightinwhichthere is no evil. Thatwarfare is theChristianwarfare. That fight is thefightofthesoul.

NowwhatarethereasonswhytheChristianfightisa"goodfight"?Whatare the points in which his warfare is superior to the warfare of thisworld.Iwantmyreaderstoknowthatthereisabundantencouragement,iftheywillonlybeginthebattle.TheScripturedoesnotcalltheChristianfight"agoodfight"withoutreasonandcause.LetmetrytoshowwhatImean.

a.TheChristian’sfightisgoodbecausefoughtunderthebestofgenerals.TheLeaderandCommanderofallbelieversisourdivineSavior,theLordJesus Christ—a Savior of perfect wisdom, infinite love and almightypower. The Captain of our salvation never fails to lead His soldiers tovictory.Henevermakesanyuselessmovements,nevererrsinjudgment,never commits any mistake. His eye is on all His followers, from thegreatestof themeven to the least.Thehumblest servant inHisarmy isnotforgotten.Theweakestandmostsicklyiscaredfor,rememberedandkept unto salvation. The souls whomHe has purchased and redeemedwithHisownbloodarefartooprecioustobewastedandthrownaway.Surelythisisgood!

b. The Christian’s fight is good because fought with the best of helps.Weakaseachbelieverisinhimself,theHolySpiritdwellsinhim,andhisbodyisatempleoftheHolySpirit.ChosenbyGodtheFather,washedinthebloodoftheSon,renewedbytheSpirit,hedoesnotgotowarfareathis own charges and is never alone. God theHoly Spirit daily teaches,leads,guidesanddirectshim.GodtheFatherguardshimbyHisalmightypower.GodtheSonintercedesforhimeverymoment,likeMosesonthemount,whileheisfightinginthevalleybelow.Athreefoldcordlikethiscan never be broken! His daily provisions and supplies never fail. Hiscommissariatisneverdefective.Hisbreadandhiswateraresure.Weakasheseemsinhimself,likeaworm,heisstrongintheLordtodogreatexploits.Surelythisisgood!

c. The Christian fight is a good fight because fought with the best ofpromises. To every believer belong exceeding great and preciouspromises, all "yes" and "amen" in Christ, promises sure to be fulfilledbecausemadebyOnewhocannotlieandwhohaspoweraswellaswilltokeep His word. "Sin shall not have dominion over you." "The God ofpeaceshallbruiseSatanunderyourfeetshortly.""Hewhichhasbeguna

goodwork. . .willperformituntilthedayofJesusChrist.""Whenyoupassthroughthewaters,Iwillbewithyou,andthroughtherivers,theyshallnotoverflowyou." "My sheep . . . shallneverperish,neither shallanymanpluckthemoutofMyhand.""HimthatcomestoMeIwillinnowisecastout.""Iwillneverleaveyou,norforsakeyou.""Iampersuadedthatneitherdeath,norlife...northingspresent,northingstocome...shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichisinChristJesus"(Rom.6:14;16:20;Phil.1:6;Isa.43:2;John10:28;6:37;Heb.13:5;Rom.8:38,39).Wordsliketheseareworththeirweightingold!Whodoesnotknowthatpromisesofcomingaidhavecheeredthedefendersofbesiegedcities,likeLucknow,andraisedthemabovetheirnaturalstrength?Haveweneverheardthatthepromiseof"helpbeforenight"hadmuchtosaytothe mighty victory of Waterloo? Yet all such promises are as nothingcomparedtotherichtreasureofbelievers, theeternalpromisesofGod.Surelythisisgood!

d. The Christian’s fight is a good fight because fought with the best ofissues and results.Nodoubt it is awar inwhich there are tremendousstruggles, agonizing conflicts, wounds, bruises, watchings, fastings andfatigue. But still every believer, without exception, is "more thanconqueror throughHim that loved [him] " (Rom. 8:37).No soldiers ofChristareeverlost,missingorleftdeadonthebattlefield.Nomourningwilleverneedtobeputon,andnotearstobeshed,foreitherprivateorofficer in the army of Christ. The muster roll, when the last eveningcomes,willbefoundpreciselythesamethat itwas inthemorning.TheEnglish Guards marched out of London to the Crimean campaign amagnificentbodyofmen,butmanyofthegallantfellowslaidtheirbonesinaforeigngraveandneversawLondonagain.Fardifferentshallbethearrivalof theChristianarmy in the "citywhichhas foundations,whosebuilderandmakerisGod"(Heb.11:10).Notoneshallbefoundlacking.ThewordsofourgreatCaptainshall be found true: "Of thosewhoYougaveMehaveIlostnone"(John18:9).Surelythisisgood!

e.TheChristian’s fight is goodbecause it does good to the soul ofhimthat fights it. All other wars have a bad, lowering and demoralizingtendency. They call forth theworst passions of the humanmind. Theyhardentheconscienceandsapthefoundationsofreligionandmorality.

TheChristianwarfarealonetendstocallforththebestthingsthatareleftin man. It promotes humility and charity, it lessens selfishness andworldliness, it inducesmen to set their affections on things above. Theold, the sick, the dying, are never known to repent of fighting Christ’sbattlesagainstsin,theworldandthedevil.TheironlyregretisthattheydidnotbegintoserveChristlongbefore.Theexperienceofthateminentsaint,PhilipHenry,doesnotstandalone.Inhis lastdayshesaidtohisfamily,"ItakeyoualltorecordthatalifespentintheserviceofChrististhehappiestlifethatamancanspenduponearth."Surelythisisgood!

f.TheChristian’sfightisagoodfightbecauseitdoesgoodtotheworld.All other wars have a devastating, ravaging and injurious effect. Themarchofanarmythroughalandisadreadfulscourgetotheinhabitants.Wherever it goes it impoverishes, wastes and does harm. Injury topersons, property, feelings and morals invariably accompanies it. Fardifferent are the effects produced by Christian soldiers.Wherever theylive,theyareablessing,Theyraisethestandardofreligionandmorality.They invariably check the progress of drunkenness, Sabbath–breaking,profligacy and dishonesty. Even their enemies are obliged to respectthem. Go where you please, you will rarely find that barracks andgarrisonsdogoodtotheneighborhood.Butgowhereyouplease,youwillfindthatthepresenceofafewtrueChristiansisablessing.Surelythisisgood!

g. Finally, the Christian’s fight is good because it ends in a gloriousrewardforallwhofightit.WhocantellthewagesthatChristwillpaytoallHisfaithfulpeople?WhocanestimatethegoodthingsthatourdivineCaptain has laid up for thosewho confessHimbeforemen?A gratefulcountry can give to her successful warriors medals, Victoria crosses,pensions,peerages,honorsandtitles.Butitcangivenothingthatwilllastandendureforever,nothingthatcanbecarriedbeyondthegrave.PalaceslikeBlenheimandStrathfieldsaycanonlybeenjoyedforafewyears.Thebravest generals and soldiersmust godownonedaybefore the king ofterrors.Better,farbetter,isthepositionofhimwhofightsunderChrist’sbanner, against sin, theworldand thedevil.Hemayget littlepraise ofmanwhilehelivesandgodowntothegravewithlittlehonor;buthewillhavethatwhichisfarbetter,becausefarmoreenduring.Hewillhave"a

crownofglorythatfadesnotaway"(1Pet.5:4).Surelythisisgood!

LetussettleitinourmindsthattheChristianfightisagoodfight—reallygood,trulygood,emphaticallygood.Weseeonlypartofityet.Weseethestruggle,butnot theend;we see the campaign,butnot the reward;weseethecross,butnotthecrown.Weseeafewhumble,broken–spirited,penitent,prayingpeople,enduringhardshipsanddespisedbytheworld;butwe see not the hand ofGod over them, the face ofGod smiling onthem,thekingdomofglorypreparedforthem.Thesethingsareyettoberevealed.Let usnot judgeby appearances.There aremore good thingsabouttheChristianwarfarethanwesee.

Andnowletmeconcludemywholesubjectwithafewwordsofpracticalapplication. Our lot is cast in times when the world seems thinking oflittle else but battles and fighting. The iron is entering into the soul ofmorethanonenation,andthemirthofmanyafairdistrictiscleangone.Surelyintimesliketheseaministermayfairlycallonmentoremembertheir spiritualwarfare. Letme say a fewpartingwords about the greatfightofthesoul.

1.Itmaybeyouarestrugglinghardfortherewardsofthisworld.Perhapsyou are straining every nerve to obtain money or place or power orpleasure.If thatbeyourcase, takecare.Youaresowingacropofbitterdisappointment.Unlessyoumindwhatyouareabout,yourlatterendwillbetoliedowninsorrow.

Thousandshavetroddenthepathyouarepursuingandhaveawoketoolatetofinditendinmiseryandeternalruin.Theyhavefoughthardforwealth and honor and office and promotion and turned their backs onGodandChristandheavenand theworld tocome.Andwhathas theirendbeen?Often,fartoooften,theyhavefoundoutthattheirwhole lifehas been a grand mistake. They have tasted by bitter experience thefeelingsof the dying statesmanwho cried aloud in his last hours, "Thebattleisfought;thebattleisfought;butthevictoryisnotwon."

For your own happiness’ sake resolve this day to join the Lord’s side.Shakeoffyourpastcarelessnessandunbelief.Comeoutfromthewaysofathoughtless,unreasoningworld.Takeupthecrossandbecomeagood

soldierofChrist."Fightthegoodfightoffaith"thatyoumaybehappyaswellassafe.

Thinkwhatthechildrenofthisworldwilloftendoforliberty,withoutanyreligious principle.Remember howGreeks andRomans and Swiss andTyrolese have endured the loss of all things, and even life itself, ratherthanbendtheirneckstoaforeignyoke.Lettheirexampleprovokeyoutoemulation. Ifmen can do somuch for a corruptible crown, howmuchmoreshouldyoudoforonewhich is incorruptible!Awaketoasenseofthemiseryofbeingaslave.Forlifeandhappinessandliberty,ariseandfight.

FearnottobeginandenlistunderChrist’sbanner.ThegreatCaptainofyoursalvationrejectsnonethatcometoHim.LikeDavid inthecaveofAdullam,HeisreadytoreceiveallwhoapplytoHim,howeverunworthytheymayfeelthemselves.NonewhorepentandbelievearetoobadtobeenrolledintheranksofChrist’sarmy.AllwhocometoHimbyfaithareadmitted,clothed,armed,trainedandfinallyledontocompletevictory.Fearnottobeginthisveryday.Thereisyetroomforyou.

Fear not to go on fighting, if you once enlist. Themore thorough andwhole–heartedyouare as a soldier, themore comfortablewill youfindyourwarfare.Nodoubtyouwilloftenmeetwithtrouble,fatigueandhardfighting,beforeyourwarfareisaccomplished.Butletnoneofthesethingsmoveyou.GreaterisHewhoisforyouthanalltheywhoareagainstyou.Everlastinglibertyoreverlastingcaptivityarethealternativesbeforeyou.Chooseliberty,andfighttothelast.

2.ItmaybeyouknowsomethingoftheChristianwarfareandareatriedandprovedsoldieralready.Ifthatbeyourcase,acceptapartingwordofadviceandencouragementfromafellowsoldier.Letmespeaktomyselfaswellastoyou.Letusstirupourmindsbywayofremembrance.Therearesomethingswhichwecannotremembertoowell.

Letusrememberthatifwewouldfightsuccessfully,wemustputonthewholearmorofGodandneverlayitasideuntilwedie.Notasinglepieceofthearmorcanbedispensedwith.Thebeltoftruth,thebreastplateofrighteousness, the shieldof faith, the swordof theSpirit, the helmet of

hope—eachandallareneedful.Notasingledaycanwedispensewithanypart of this armor.Well says anold veteran inChrist’s army,whodiedtwohundredyearsago,"Inheavenweshallappear,notinarmor,butinrobesofglory.Buthereourarmsaretobewornnightandday.Wemustwalk,work,sleepinthem,orelsewearenottruesoldiersofChrist."*

Letusrememberthesolemnwordsofan inspiredwarrior,whowenttohisresteighteenhundredyearsago:"Nomanthatwarsentangleshimselfwiththeaffairsofthislife;thathemaypleasehimwhohaschosenhimtobeasoldier"(2Tim.2:4).Mayweneverforgetthatsaying!

Letusrememberthatsomehaveseemedgoodsoldiersforalittleseasonandtalkedloudlyofwhattheywoulddoandyetturnedbackdisgracefullyinthedayofbattle.

Let us never forget Balaam and Judas and Demas and Lot’s wife.Whatever we are, and however weak, let us be real, genuine, true andsincere.

Letus remember that the eyeof our lovingSavior isuponusmorning,noonandnight.Hewillneversufferustobetemptedabovewhatweareabletobear.Hecanbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,forHesufferedHimself,beingtempted.Heknowswhatbattlesandconflictsare,forHeHimselfwasassaultedbytheprinceofthisworld.HavingsuchaHighPriest,Jesus theSonofGod, letushold fastourprofession(Heb.4:14).

Let us remember that thousands of soldiers before us have fought thesame battle that we are fighting and come off more than conquerorsthroughHimthatlovedthem.TheyovercamebythebloodoftheLamb,andsoalsomaywe.Christ’sarmisquiteasstrongasever,andChrist’sheartisjustaslovingasever.HewhosavedmenandwomenbeforeusisOne who never changes. He is "able to save to the uttermost" all who"comeuntoGodbyHim."Thenletuscastdoubtsandfearsaway.Letusfollow "themwho through faith andpatience inherit thepromises" andarewaitingforustojointhem(Heb.7:25;6:12).

Finally, let us remember that the time is short, and the coming of the

Lord draws near.A fewmore battles and the last trumpet shall sound,and thePrince of Peace shall come to reign on a renewed earth.A fewmorestrugglesandconflicts,andthenweshallbidaneternalgoodbyetowarfareandtosin,tosorrowandtodeath.Thenletusfightontothelastand never surrender. Thus says the Captain of our salvation: "He whoovercomesshallinheritallthings;andIwillbehisGod,andheshallbeMyson"(Rev.21:7).

Letmeconcludeallwith thewordsofJohnBunyan inoneof themostbeautifulpartsofPilgrim’sProgress.He isdescribing theendofoneofhis best and holiest pilgrims: "After this it was noised abroad thatMr.Valiant–for–Truthwassentforbyasummons,bythesamepartyastheothers.Andhehadthiswordforatokenthatthesummonswastrue:‘Thepitcherwasbrokenatthefountain’(Eccl.12:6).Whenheunderstoodit,hecalledforhisfriends,andtoldthemofit.Thensaidhe,‘IamgoingtomyFather’shouse;and thoughwithgreatdifficulty Ihavegothere,yetnowIdonotrepentmeofallthetroublesIhavebeenattoarrivewhereIam.MyswordIgivetohimthatshallsucceedmeinmypilgrimage,andmycourageandskill tohimthatcanget it.MymarksandscarsIcarrywithme,tobeawitness formethatIhave foughtHisbattles,whowillnowbemyRewarder.’When theday thathemust gohomewas come,manyaccompaniedhimtotheriverside,intowhich,ashewentdown,hesaid, ‘O death, where is your sting?’ And as he went down deeper, hecried, ‘O grave, where is your victory?’ So he passed over, and all thetrumpetssoundedforhimontheotherside."

Mayourendbelikethis!Mayweneverforgetthatwithoutfightingtherecanbenoholinesswhilewelive,andnocrownofglorywhenwedie!

THECOST

"Whichofyou, intendingtobuildatower,doesnotdownfirst sitdownandcountthecost?"(Luke14:28).

The textwhichheads thispage isoneof great importance.Feware the

peoplewhoarenotoftenobligedtoaskthemselves,"Whatdoesitcost?"

Inbuyingproperty, inbuildinghouses, in furnishingrooms, informingplans,inchangingdwellings,ineducatingchildren,itiswiseandprudenttolookforwardandconsider.Manywouldsavethemselvesmuchsorrowand trouble if they would only remember the question: "What does itcost?"

But there is one subject onwhich it is specially important to count thecost.Thatsubjectisthesalvationofoursouls.WhatdoesitcosttobeatrueChristian?Whatdoesitcosttobeareallyholyman?This,afterall,isthe grand question. For want of thought about this, thousands, afterseeming tobeginwell, turnaway fromthe road toheaven, andare lostforeverinhell.

We are living in strange times. Events are hurrying on with singularrapidity.Weneverknow"whatadaymaybringforth";howmuchlessdoweknowwhatmayhappeninayear!Weliveinadayofgreatreligiousprofession.ScoresofprofessingChristians ineverypartof the land areexpressingadesireformoreholinessandahigherdegreeofspirituallife.YetnothingismorecommonthantoseepeoplereceivingtheWordwithjoy,andthenaftertwoorthreeyearsfallingawayandgoingbacktotheirsins. They had not considered what it costs to be a really consistentbelieverandholyChristian.Surelythesearetimeswhenweoughtoftentositdownandcountthecostandtoconsiderthestateofoursouls.Wemustmindwhatweareabout.Ifwedesire tobetrulyholy, it isagoodsign.WemaythankGodforputting thedesire intoourhearts.Butstillthecostoughttobecounted.NodoubtChrist’swaytoeternallifeisawayofpleasantness.ButitisfollytoshutoureyestothefactthatHiswayisnarrow,andthecrosscomesbeforethecrown.

1.THECOSTOFBEINGATRUECHRISTIAN

Lettherebenomistakeaboutmymeaning.Iamnotexaminingwhat itcoststosaveaChristian’ssoul.IknowwellthatitcostsnothinglessthanthebloodoftheSonofGodtoprovideanatonementandtoredeemmanfromhell.Thepricepaid forour redemptionwasnothing less than thedeathof JesusChristonCalvary.We "areboughtwithaprice." "Christ

gaveHimself a ransom for all" (1Cor. 6:20; 1 Tim. 2:6).But all this iswide of the question. The point I want to consider is another onealtogether.It iswhatamanmustbereadytogiveup ifhewishestobesaved.ItistheamountofsacrificeamanmustsubmittoifheintendstoserveChrist. It is in this sense that I raise the question: "What does itcost?"AndIbelievefirmlythatitisamostimportantone.

IgrantfreelythatitcostslittletobeamereoutwardChristian.AmanhasonlygottoattendaplaceofworshiptwiceonSundayandtobetolerablymoralduringtheweek,andhehasgoneasfarasthousandsaroundhimever go in religion. All this is cheap and easy work: it entails no self–denial or self–sacrifice. If this is savingChristianity andwill takeus toheavenwhenwedie,wemustalterthedescriptionofthewayoflife,andwrite,"Wideisthegateandbroadisthewaythatleadstoheaven!"

But it does cost something to be a real Christian, according to thestandard of the Bible. There are enemies to be overcome, battles to befought,sacrificestobemade,anEgypttobeforsaken,awildernesstobepassedthrough,acrosstobecarried,aracetoberun.Conversionisnotputtingaman inanarmchairandtakinghimeasily toheaven. It is thebeginningofamightyconflict,inwhichitcostsmuchtowinthevictory.Hencearisestheunspeakableimportanceof"countingthecost."

Letme try to showprecisely andparticularlywhat it costs to be a trueChristian. Let us suppose that a man is disposed to take service withChrist and feelsdrawnand inclined to followHim.Letus suppose thatsome affliction or some sudden death or an awakening sermon hasstirredhisconscienceandmadehimfeelthevalueofhissoulanddesiretobeatrueChristian.Nodoubtthereiseverythingtoencouragehim.Hissinsmaybe freely forgiven,howevermanyandgreat.Hisheartmaybecompletelychanged,howevercoldandhard.ChristandtheHolySpirit,mercyandgrace,areallreadyforhim.Butstillheshouldcountthecost.Letusseeparticularly,onebyone, the things thathis religionwill costhim.

1. True Christianity will cost one his self–righteousness. He must castaway all pride and high thoughts and conceit of his own goodness.Hemustbecontenttogotoheavenasapoorsinnersavedonlybyfreegrace

andowingalltothemeritandrighteousnessofanother.Hemustreallyfeel aswell as say thePrayerBookwords, that he has "erred and goneastraylikealostsheep,"thathehas"leftundonethethingsheoughttohavedone,andthatthereisnohealthinhim."Hemustbewillingtogiveup all trust in his ownmorality, respectability, praying, Bible reading,church–going,andsacramentreceiving,andtotrustinnothingbutJesusChrist.

2.TrueChristianitywillcostamanhissins.Hemustbewillingtogiveupeveryhabitandpracticewhich iswrong inGod’ssight.Hemust sethisface against it, quarrelwith it, breakoff from it, fightwith it, crucify itand labor tokeep it under,whatever theworldaroundhimmay sayorthink.Hemust do this honestly and fairly. Theremust be no separatetrucewithanyspecial sinwhichhe loves.Hemustcountall sinsas hisdeadlyenemiesandhateeveryfalseway.Whetherlittleorgreat,whetheropen or secret, all his sins must be thoroughly renounced. They maystrugglehardwithhimeverydayandsometimesalmostgetthemasteryover him. But he must never give way to them. He must keep up aperpetualwarwith his sins. It iswritten, "Cast away from you all yourtransgressions.""Breakoffyoursins...andiniquities.""Ceasetodoevil"(Ezek.18:31;Dan.4:27;Isa.1:16).

Thissoundshard.Idonotwonder.Oursinsareoftenasdeartousasourchildren:welovethem,hugthem,cleavetothemanddelightinthem.Topartwith them is as hard as cutting off a right hand or plucking out aright eye. But it must be done. The parting must come. "Thoughwickednessbesweet in thesinner’smouth, thoughhehide itunderhistongue;thoughhespareit,andforsakeitnot,"yetitmustbegivenup,ifhewishestobesaved(Job20:12,13).HeandsinmustquarrelifheandGodaretobefriends.Christiswillingtoreceiveanysinners.ButHewillnotreceivethemiftheywillsticktotheirsins.

3.Also,Christianitywillcostamanhisloveofease.Hemusttakepainsandtroubleifhemeanstorunasuccessfulracetowardheaven.Hemustdailywatchandstandonhisguard,likeasoldieronenemy’sground.Hemusttakeheedtohisbehavioreveryhouroftheday, ineverycompanyandineveryplace,inpublicaswellasinprivate,amongstrangersaswellasathome.Hemustbecarefuloverhistime,histongue,histemper,his

thoughts, his imagination, hismotives, his conduct in every relation oflife.Hemustbediligentabouthisprayers,hisBiblereading,andhisuseofSundays,withalltheirmeansofgrace.Inattendingtothesethings,hemaycomefarshortofperfection;butthereisnoneofthosewhohecansafelyneglect."Thesoulofthesluggarddesires,andhasnothing:butthesoulofthediligentshallbemadefat"(Prov.13:4).

Thisalsosoundshard.Thereisnothingwenaturallydislikesomuchas"trouble"aboutourreligion.Wehatetrouble.Wesecretlywishwecouldhave a vicarious Christianity, and could be good by proxy, and haveeverything done for us. Anything that requires exertion and labor isentirelyagainst thegrainofourhearts.But thesoulcanhave"nogainswithoutpains."

4.Lastly,trueChristianitywillcostamanthefavoroftheworld.HemustbecontenttobethoughtillofbymanifhepleasesGod.Hemustcountitnostrangethingtobemocked,ridiculed,slandered,persecutedandevenhated. He must not be surprised to find his opinions and practices inreligiondespisedandhelduptoscorn.Hemustsubmittobethoughtbymanyafool,anenthusiastandafanatic,tohavehiswordspervertedandhisactionsmisrepresented.Infact,hemustnotmarvelifsomecallhimmad.TheMaster says, "Remember theword that I said unto you, ‘TheservantisnotgreaterthanhisLord.’IftheyhavepersecutedMe,theywillalsopersecuteyou;iftheyhavekeptMysaying,theywillkeepyoursalso"(John15:20).

Idaresaythisalsosoundshard.Wenaturallydislikeunjustdealingandfalse charges and think it very hard to be accused without cause. Weshouldnotbefleshandbloodifwedidnotwishtohavethegoodopinionof our neighbors. It is always unpleasant to be spoken against andforsakenandliedaboutandtostandalone.Butthereisnohelpforit.ThecupwhichourMasterdrankmustbedrunkbyHisdisciples.Theymustbe"despisedandrejectedofmen"(Isa.53:3).Letussetdownthatitemlastinouraccount.TobeaChristian,itwillcostamanthefavoroftheworld.

Consideringtheweightofthisgreatcost,boldindeedmustthatmanbewhowoulddaretosaythatwemaykeepourself–righteousness,oursins,

ourlazinessandourloveoftheworld,andyetbesaved!

Moreover,IgrantitcostsmuchtobeatrueChristian.Butwhatsanemanor woman can doubt that it is worth any cost to have the soul saved?Whentheshipisindangerofsinking,thecrewthinknothingofcastingoverboard the precious cargo. When a limb is mortified, a man willsubmit to any severe operation, and even to amputation, to save life.Surely a Christian should be willing to give up anything which standsbetweenhimandheaven.Areligionthatcostsnothingisworthnothing!A cheap Christianity, without a cross, will prove in the end a uselessChristianity,withoutacrown.

2.THEIMPORTANCEOFCOUNTINGTHECOST

Imight easily settle this question by laying down the principle that noduty enjoinedbyChrist caneverbeneglectedwithoutdamage. Imightshowhowmany shut their eyes throughout life to the nature of savingreligion and refuse to consider what it really costs to be a Christian. Imightdescribehowat last,when life isebbingaway, theywakeup andmakea fewspasmodicefforts to turn toGod. Imight tellyouhowtheyfindtotheiramazementthatrepentanceandconversionarenosucheasymattersastheyhadsupposed,andthatitcosts"agreatsum"tobeatrueChristian. They discover that habits of pride and sinful indulgence andlove of ease and worldliness are not so easily laid aside as they haddreamed.Andso,afterafaintstruggle,theygiveupindespair,andleavetheworldhopeless,gracelessandunfit tomeetGod!Theyhad flatteredthemselvesalltheirdaysthatreligionwouldbeeasyworkwhentheyoncetookitupseriously.Buttheyopentheireyestoolateanddiscoverforthefirsttimethattheyareruinedbecausetheynevercountedthecost.

But there is a certain group of people to whom especially I wish toaddressmyselfinhandlingthispartofmysubject.It isalargeclass,anincreasingclass,andaclasswhichinthesedaysisinpeculiardanger.Letme in a few plainwords try to describe this class. It deserves our bestattention.

The people I speak of are not thoughtless about religion; they think agood deal about it. They are not ignorant of religion; they know the

outlinesofitprettywell.Buttheirgreatdefectisthattheyarenot"rootedand grounded" in their faith. Too often they have picked up theirknowledgesecond–hand,frombeinginreligiousfamilies,orfrombeingtrained in religious ways, but have never worked it out by their owninwardexperience.Toooften theyhavehastily takenupaprofessionofreligionunderthepressureofcircumstances, fromsentimental feelings,fromanimalexcitementorfromavaguedesiretodolikeothersaroundthem, but without any solid work of grace in their hearts. People likethese are in a position of immense danger. They are precisely those, ifBibleexamplesareworthanything,whoneedtobeexhortedtocountthecost.

Forwantofcountingthecost,myriadsofthechildrenofIsraelperishedmiserably inthewildernessbetweenEgyptandCanaan.They leftEgyptfullofzealandfervorasifnothingcouldstopthem.Butwhentheyfounddangersanddifficultiesintheway,theircouragesooncooleddown.Theyhad never reckoned on trouble. They had thought the promised landwouldbeallbeforetheminafewdays.Andsowhenenemies,privations,hungerandthirstbegantotrythem,theymurmuredagainstMosesandGodandwould sincerelyhavegoneback toEgypt. Inaword, theyhadnotcountedthecostandsolosteverythinganddiedintheirsins.

Forwantof counting the cost,manyof ourLordJesusChrist’shearerswent back after a time and "walked no more with Him" (John 6:66).WhentheyfirstsawHismiraclesandheardHispreaching,theythought"thekingdomofGodwould immediatelyappear."Theycast in their lotwith His apostles and followed Him without thinking of theconsequences.Butwhentheyfoundthattherewereharddoctrinestobebelievedandhardworktobedoneandhardtreatmenttobeborne,theirfaithgavewayentirely andproved tobenothingat all. Inaword, theyhadnotcountedthecost,andsomadeshipwreckoftheirprofession.

Forwantof counting the cost,KingHerod returned tohisold sinsanddestroyedhissoul.HelikedtohearJohntheBaptistpreach.Heobservedand honored him as a just and holy man. He even "did many things"whichwererightandgood.ButwhenhefoundthathemustgiveuphisdarlingHerodias,hisreligionentirelybrokedown.Hehadnotreckonedonthis.Hehadnotcountedthecost(Mark6:20).

For want of counting the cost, Demas forsook the company of Paul,forsook the gospel, forsook Christ, forsook heaven. For a long time hejourneyed with the great apostle of the Gentiles and was actually a"fellow–laborer."Butwhenhefoundhecouldnothavethefriendshipofthisworld aswell as the friendship ofGod, he gave uphisChristianityandcleaved to theworld. "Demashas forsakenme," saysPaul, "havinglovedthispresentworld"(2Tim.4:10).Hehadnot"countedthecost."

For want of counting the cost, the hearers of powerful evangelicalpreachersoftencometomiserableends.Theyarestirredandexcitedintoprofessingwhattheyhavenotreallyexperienced.TheyreceivetheWordwitha"joy"soextravagantthatitalmoststartlesoldChristians.Theyrunfora timewithsuchzealandfervor that theyseemlikely tooutstripallothers.Theytalkandworkforspiritualobjectswithsuchenthusiasmthatthey make older believers feel ashamed. But when the novelty andfreshnessoftheirfeelingsisgone,achangecomesoverthem.Theyprovetohavebeennothingmore thanstony–groundhearers.ThedescriptionthegreatMastergivesintheparableofthesowerisexactlyexemplified:"Temptation or persecution arises because of the Word, and they areoffended"(Matt.13:21).Littlebylittletheirzealmeltsawayandtheirlovebecomescold.Byandbytheirseatsareempty intheassemblyofGod’speople,andtheyareheardofnomoreamongChristians.Andwhy?Theyhadnevercountedthecost.

For lack of counting the cost, hundreds of professed converts, underreligiousrevivals,gobacktotheworldafteratimeandbringdisgraceonreligion. They begin with a sadly mistaken notion of what is trueChristianity. They fancy it consists in nothing more than a so–called"coming toChrist" andhaving strong inward feelings of joy andpeace.And sowhen they find, after a time, that there is a cross tobe carried,thatourheartsaredeceitful,andthatthereisabusydevilalwaysnearus,theycooldownindisgustandreturntotheiroldsins.Andwhy?Becausetheyhad reallyneverknownwhatBibleChristianity is.Theyhad neverlearnedthatwemustcountthecost.

Forwantofcountingthecost,thechildrenofreligiousparentsoftenturnout ill and bring disgrace on Christianity. Familiar from their earliest

yearswiththeformandtheoryofthegospel,taughtevenfrominfancytorepeatgreatleadingtexts,accustomedeveryweektobeinstructedinthegospel, or to instruct others in Sunday schools, they often grow upprofessing a religion without knowing why or without ever havingthoughtseriouslyaboutit.Andthenwhentherealitiesofgrown–uplifebegin topressupon them, theyoftenastoundeveryonebydroppingalltheir religion and plunging right into the world. And why? They hadnever thoroughly understood the sacrifices which Christianity entails.Theyhadneverbeentaughttocountthecost.

Thesearesolemnandpainfultruths.Buttheyaretruths.TheyallhelptoshowtheimmenseimportanceofthesubjectIamnowconsidering.Theyallpointouttheabsolutenecessityofpressingthesubjectofthismessageon all who profess a desire for holiness and of crying aloud in all thechurches,"Countthecost."

Iamboldtosaythatitwouldbewellifthedutyofcountingthecostweremorefrequentlytaughtthanitis.Impatienthurryistheorderofthedaywith many religionists. Instantaneous conversions, and immediatesensiblepeace,aretheonlyresultstheyseemtocareforfromthegospel.Compared with these, all other things are thrown into the shade. Toproducethemisthegrandendandobject,apparently,ofalltheirlabors.Isay without hesitation that such a naked, one–sidedmode of teachingChristianityismischievousintheextreme.

Letnoonemistakemymeaning.Ithoroughlyapproveofofferingmenafull, free, present, immediate salvation in Christ Jesus. I thoroughlyapprove of urging on man the possibility and the duty of immediateinstantaneousconversion.InthesemattersIgiveplacetonoone.ButIdo say that these truthsoughtnot tobe setbeforemennakedly, singlyandalone.TheyoughttobetoldhonestlywhatitistheyaretakingupiftheyprofessadesiretocomeoutfromtheworldandserveChrist.TheyoughtnottobepressedintotheranksofChrist’sarmywithoutbeingtoldwhatthewarfareentails.Inaword,theyshouldbetoldhonestlytocountthecost.

Does anyone ask what our Lord Jesus Christ’s practice was in thismatter? Let him readwhat Luke records.He tells us that, on a certain

occasion, "There went greatmultitudes withHim: andHe turned, andsaiduntothem,‘IfanycometoMe,andhatenothisfather,andmother,andwife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, and his own lifealso,hecannotbeMydisciple.AndwhoeverdoesnotbearhiscrossandcomeafterMe,cannotbeMydisciple’" (Luke14:25–27). Imustplainlysay that I cannot reconcile this passage with the proceedings of manymodernreligiousteachers.Andyet, tomymind, thedoctrineof it is asclearasthesunatnoonday.Itshowsusthatweoughtnottohurrymeninto professing discipleship without warning them plainly to count thecost.

Doesanyoneaskwhatthepracticeoftheeminentandbestpreachersofthegospelhasbeenindaysgoneby?IamboldtosaythattheyhaveallwithonemouthbornetestimonytothewisdomofourLord’sdealingwiththe multitudes to which I have just referred. Luther and Latimer andBaxterandWesleyandWhitefield,andBerridgeandRowlandHillwereallkeenly alive to the deceitfulness ofman’s heart. They knew fullwellthat all is not gold that glitters, that conviction is not conversion, thatfeeling isnot faith, thatsentiment isnotgrace, thatallblossomsdonotcome to fruit. "Benotdeceived,"was their constant cry. "Considerwellwhatyoudo.Donotrunbeforeyouarecalled.Countthecost."

Ifwedesiretodogood,letusneverbeashamedofwalkinginthestepsofourLordJesusChrist.Workhardifyouwill,andhavetheopportunity,forthesoulsofothers.Pressthemtoconsidertheirways.Compelthemwith holy violence to come in, to lay down their arms and to yieldthemselves to God. Offer them salvation, ready, free, full, immediatesalvation.PressChristandallHisbenefitsontheiracceptance.Butinallyour work tell the truth, and the whole truth. Be ashamed to use thevulgarartsofarecruitingsergeant.Donotspeakonlyoftheuniform,thepayand theglory; speakalsoof the enemies, thebattle, thearmor, thewatching, the marching and the drill. Do not present only one side ofChristianity. Do not keep back the cross of self–denial that must becarried, when you speak of the cross on which Christ died for ourredemption. Explain fully what Christianity entails. Entreat men torepentandcome toChrist;butbid themat the same time to count thecost.

3.SOMEHINTS

SorryindeedshouldIbeifIdidnotsaysomethingonthisbranchofmysubject.IhavenowishtodiscourageanyoneortokeepanyonebackfromChrist’s service. It is my heart’s desire to encourage everyone to goforward and takeup the cross.Let us count the cost by allmeans, andcountitcarefully.Butletusrememberthat,ifwecountrightlyandlookonallsides,thereisnothingthatneedmakeusafraid.

Let me mention some things which should always enter into ourcalculations incounting thecostof trueChristianity.Setdownhonestlyand fairlywhat youwill have to give up and go through if you becomeChrist’s disciple.Leavenothingout.Put it all down.But then setdownside by side the following sumswhich I am going to give you. Do thisfairlyandcorrectly,andIamnotafraidfortheresult.

a.Countupandcomparetheprofitandtheloss,ifyouareatrue–heartedandholyChristian.Youmaypossibly lose something in thisworld,butyou will gain the salvation of your immortal soul. It is written: "Whatshall itprofitaman, ifhe shallgain thewholeworld,and losehisownsoul?"(Mark8:36.)

b. Count up and compare the praise and the blame, if you are a true–heartedandholyChristian.Youmaypossiblybeblamedbyman,butyouwill have the praise ofGod the Father,God the Son andGod theHolySpirit.Yourblamewillcomefromthelipsofafewerring,blind,falliblemenandwomen.YourpraisewillcomefromtheKingofkingsandJudgeofalltheearth.ItisonlythosewhomHeblesseswhoarereallyblessed.Itiswritten:"Blessedareyouwhenmenshallrevileyou,andpersecuteyou,andsayallmannerofevilagainstyoufalsely,forMysake.Rejoiceandbeexceedingglad:forgreatisyourrewardinheaven"(Matt.5:11,12).

c.Countupandcomparethefriendsandtheenemies,ifyouareatrue–heartedandholyChristian.On theonesideofyou is theenmityof thedevilandthewicked.Ontheother,youhavethefavorandfriendshipoftheLordJesusChrist.Yourenemies,atmost,canonlybruiseyourheel.Theymayrage loudlyandcompassseaand landtoworkyourruin,but

theycannotdestroyyou.YourFriendisabletosavetotheuttermostallthemthatcomeuntoGodbyHim.NoneshalleverpluckHissheepoutofHishand.Itiswritten:"Benotafraidofthosewhokillthebody,andafterthathavenomore that theycando.But Iwill forewarnyouwhomyoushallfear:fearHim,whichafterHehaskilledhaspowertocastintohell;yes,Isayuntoyou,fearHim"(Luke12:5).

d.Countupandcomparethelifethatnowisandthelifetocome,ifyouareatrue–heartedandholyChristian.Thetimepresent,nodoubt,isnota time of ease. It is a time of watching and praying, fighting andstruggling,believingandworking.Butitisonlyforafewyears.Thetimefuture is the season of rest and refreshing. Sin shall be cast out. Satanshall be bound.And, best of all, it shall be a rest forever. It iswritten:"Ourlightaffliction,whichisbutforamoment,worksforusafarmoreexceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the thingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen:forthethingswhichareseenaretemporal;butthethingswhicharenotseenareeternal"(2Cor.4:17,18).

e.CountupandcomparethepleasuresofsinandthehappinessofGod’sservice,ifyouareatrue–heartedandholyChristian.Thepleasuresthatthe worldly man gets by his ways are hollow, unreal and unsatisfying.Theyarelikethefireofthorns,flashingandcracklingforafewminutes,andthenquenchedforever.ThehappinessthatChristgivestoHispeopleissomethingsolid,lastingandsubstantial.Itisnotdependentonhealthorcircumstances.Itneverleavesaman,evenindeath.Itendsinacrownofglory that fadesnotaway. It iswritten: "The joyof thehypocrite [is]but for a moment." "As the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is thelaughterofthefool"(Job20:5;Eccl.7:6).Butitisalsowritten:"PeaceIleavewithyou,Mypeacegive Iuntoyou:notas theworldgives,giveIuntoyou.Letnotyourheartbe troubled,neither let itbeafraid"(John14:27).

f.CountupandcomparethetroublethattrueChristianityentailsandthetroubles that are in store for thewicked beyond the grave. Grant for amomentthatBiblereadingandprayingandrepentingandbelievingandholy living require pains and self–denial. It is all nothing compared tothatwrathtocomewhichisstoredupfortheimpenitentandunbelieving.

Asingledayinhellwillbeworsethanawholelifespentincarryingthecross.The"wormthatneverdies,andthefirethat isnotquenched"arethings which it passes man’s power to conceive fully or describe. It iswritten: "Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your goodthings,andlikewiseLazarusevilthings;butnowheiscomfortedandyouaretormented"(Luke16:25).

g.CountupandcomparethenumberofthosewhoturnfromsinandtheworldandserveChrist,andthenumberofthosewhoforsakeChristandreturntotheworld.Ontheonesideyouwillfindthousands;ontheotheryouwillfindnone.Multitudesareeveryyearturningoutofthebroadwayand entering the narrow. None who really enter the narrow way growtiredof itandreturn to thebroad.The footsteps in thedownwardroadareoftentobeseenturningoutofit.Thefootstepsintheroadtoheavenareall oneway. It iswritten: "Theway of thewicked is . . . darkness.""The way of transgressors is hard" (Prov. 4:19; 13:15). But it is alsowritten:"Thepathofthejustisastheshininglight,thatshinesmoreandmoreuntotheperfectday"(Prov.4:18).

Suchsumsasthese,nodoubt,areoftennotdonecorrectly.Notafew,Iam well aware, are ever "halting between two opinions." They cannotmakeuptheirmindsthatitisworthwhiletoserveChrist.Thelossesandgains, the advantages and disadvantages, the sorrows and the joys, thehelps and the hindrances appear to them so nearly balanced that theycannot decide for God. They cannot do this great sum correctly. Theycannotmaketheresultsoclearasitoughttobe.Theydonotcountright.

Butwhydotheyerrsogreatly?Theylackfaith.Pauladvisesusonhowtocome to a right conclusion about our souls in Hebrews 11, revealing apowerfulprinciplethatoperatesinthebusinessofcountingthecost.ItisthesameprincipleNoahunderstood,andthatIwillnowmakeclear.

How was it that Noah persevered in building the ark? He stood aloneamidaworldofsinnersandunbelievers.Hehadtoendurescorn,ridiculeandmockery.Whatwas it thatnervedhisarm,andmadehimpatientlyworkonandfaceitall?Itwasfaith.Hebelievedinawrathtocome.Hebelieved that there was no safety, excepting in the ark that he waspreparing.Believing,heheldtheworld’sopinionverycheap.Hecounted

thecostbyfaithandhadnodoubtthattobuildthearkwasgain.

How was it that Moses forsook the pleasures of Pharaoh’s house andrefused tobe called the sonofPharaoh’sdaughter?Howwas it that hecast in his lot with a despised people like the Hebrews and riskedeverything in this world in carrying out the great work of theirdeliverancefrombondage?Totheeyeofsensehewaslosingeverythingand gaining nothing. What was it that moved him? It was faith. Hebelieved that the "recompense of reward" was far better than all thehonors of Egypt. He counted the cost by faith, as "seeing Him that isinvisible,"andwaspersuadedthattoforsakeEgyptandgoforthintothewildernesswasgain.

HowwasitthatSaulthePhariseecouldevermakeuphismindtobecomeaChristian?Thecostandsacrificesofthechangewerefearfullygreat.Hegaveupallhisbrilliantprospectsamonghisownpeople.Hebroughtonhimself, instead ofman’s favor,man’s hatred,man’s enmity andman’spersecution,evenuntodeath.Whatwasitthatenabledhimtofaceitall?It was faith. He believed that Jesus, who met him on the way toDamascus, couldgivehimahundredfoldmore thanhegaveup,and intheworldtocomeeverlasting life.By faithhecountedthecostandsawclearlyonwhichsidethebalancelay.HebelievedfirmlythattocarrythecrossofChristwasgain.

Letusmarkwell these things.That faithwhichmadeNoah,MosesandPauldowhattheydid, that faith is thegreatsecretofcoming toa rightconclusion about our souls. That same faith must be our helper andready–reckoner when we sit down to count the cost of being a trueChristian. That same faith is to be had for the asking. "He givesmoregrace" (James 4:6). Armedwith that faith,we shall set things down attheir truevalue.Filledwith that faith,weshallneitheradd to thecrossnorsubtractfromthecrown.Ourconclusionswillbeallcorrect.Oursumtotalwillbewithouterror.

1.Now,letusmaketheseriousinquiry:"WhatdoesyourChristianitycostyou?"Verylikelyitcostsyounothing.Veryprobablyitneithercostsyoutrouble, nor time, nor thought, nor care, nor pains, nor reading, norpraying,norself–denial,norconflict,norworking,norlaborofanykind.

NowmarkwhatIsay.Suchareligionasthiswillneversaveyoursoul.Itwillnevergiveyoupeacewhileyoulive,norhopewhileyoudie.Itwillnotsupportyouinthedayofaffliction,norcheeryouinthehourofdeath.Areligionwhichcostsnothingisworthnothing.Awakebeforeitistoolate.Awakeandrepent.Awakeandbeconverted.Awakeandbelieve.Awakeand pray. Rest not until you can give a satisfactory answer to myquestion:"Whatdoesitcost?"

2. Think, if you want stirringmotives for serving God, what it cost toprovideasalvationforyoursoul.ThinkhowtheSonofGodleftheavenandbecameMan,sufferedonthecrossandlayinthegrave,topayyourdebt toGod, andworkout for youa complete redemption.Thinkof allthisandlearnthatitisnolightmattertopossessanimmortalsoul.It isworthwhiletotakesometroubleaboutone’ssoul.

Ah,lazymanorwoman,isitreallycometothis,thatyouwillmissheavenforlackoftrouble?Areyoureallydeterminedtomakeshipwreckforever,from mere dislike to exertion? Away with the cowardly, unworthythought.Ariseandplaytheman.Saytoyourself,"Whateveritmaycost,Iwill,atanyrate,strivetoenterinatthestraitgate."LookatthecrossofChrist and take fresh courage. Look forward to death, judgment andeternity,andbe inearnest. ItmaycostmuchtobeaChristian,butyoumaybesureitpays.

3.Ifanyreaderofthismessagereallyfeelsthathehascountedthecostandtakenupthecross,Ibidhimpersevereandpresson.Idaresayyouoften feelyourheart faintandaresorely tempted togiveup in despair.Yourenemiesseemsomany,yourbesettingsinssostrong,yourfriendssofew,thewaysosteepandnarrow,youhardlyknowwhattodo.ButstillIsay,persevereandpresson.

Thetimeisveryshort.Afewmoreyearsofwatchingandpraying,afewmoretossingsontheseaofthisworld,afewmoredeathsandchanges,afewmorewintersandsummers,andallwillbeover.Weshallhavefoughtourlastbattleandshallneedtofightnomore.

ThepresenceandcompanyofChristwillmakeamendsforallwesufferhere below.When we see as we have been seen and look back on the

journeyof life,weshallwonderatourown faintnessofheart.Weshallmarvel thatwemadesomuchofour cross, and thought so littleofourcrown.Weshallmarvel that in"counting thecost"wecouldeverdoubtonwhichsidethebalanceofprofitlay.Letustakecourage.Wearenotfarfrom home. It may cost much to be a true Christian and aconsistentholyman;butitpays.

GROWTH

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior JesusChrist"(2Pet.3:18).

The subject of the text which heads this page is one that ought to bedeeply interesting to every true Christian. It naturally raises thequestions:"Dowegrowingrace?""Dowegetoninourreligion?""Dowemakeprogress?"

To amere formal Christian I cannot expect the inquiry to seem worthattention.ThemanwhohasnothingmorethanakindofSundayreligion—whoseChristianityislikehisSundayclothes,putononceaweek,andthenlaidaside—suchamancannot,ofcourse,beexpectedtocareaboutgrowth in grace. He knows nothing about such matters. They arefoolishness to him (1 Cor. 2:14). But to everyone who is in downrightearnest about his soul, and hungers and thirsts after spiritual life, thequestion ought to come home with searching power. Do we makeprogressinourreligion?Dowegrow?

The question is one that is always useful, but especially so at certainseasons. A Saturday night, a communion Sunday, the return of abirthday, the end of a year—all these are seasons that ought to set usthinkingandmakeuslookwithin.Timeisfastflying.Lifeisfastebbingaway. The hour is daily drawing nearer when the reality of ourChristianitywillbe tested,and itwillbe seenwhetherwehavebuilton"the rock" or on "the sand." Surely it becomes us from time to time toexamine ourselves and take account of our souls? Do we get on inspiritualthings?Dowegrow?

The question is one that is of special importance in the present day.Crudeandstrangeopinionsarefloatinginmen’smindsonsomepointsof doctrine, and among others on the point of growth in grace as anessentialpartoftrueholiness.Bysomeitistotallydenied.Byothersitisexplained away and pared down to nothing. By thousands it ismisunderstoodandconsequentlyneglected.Inadaylikethis,itisuseful

tolookfairlyinthefacethewholesubjectofChristiangrowth.

Aswe consider this subject, Iwant tomakemention of the reality, themarksorsigns,andthemeansofgrowthingrace.

Idonotknowyou,intowhosehandsthistextmayhavefallen.ButIamnot ashamed to ask your best attention to its contents.Believeme, thesubject is no mere matter of speculation and controversy. It is aneminently practical subject, if any is in religion. It is intimately andinseparably connectedwith thewhole question of sanctification. It is aleading mark of true saints that they grow. The spiritual health andprosperity,thespiritualhappinessandcomfortofeverytrue–heartedandholy Christian, are intimately connected with the subject of spiritualgrowth.

1.TheREALITYofreligiousgrowth

ThatanyChristianshoulddeny therealityof religiousgrowth isat firstsight a strange and melancholy thing. But it is fair to remember thatman’sunderstandingisfallennolessthanhiswill.Disagreementsaboutdoctrinesareoftennothingmorethandisagreementsaboutthemeaningofwords.Itrytohopethatitissointhepresentcase.ItrytobelievethatwhenIspeakofgrowthingraceandmaintainit,Imeanonething,whilemybrethrenwhodenyitmeanquiteanother.LetmethereforeclearthewaybyexplainingwhatImean.

When I speak of growth in grace, I do not for amomentmean that abeliever’sinterestinChristcangrow.Idonotmeanthathecangrowinsafety,acceptancewithGodorsecurity.Idonotmeanthathecaneverbemore justified,morepardoned,more forgiven,moreatpeacewithGod,than he is the first moment that he believes. I hold firmly that thejustification of a believer is a finished, perfect and complete work andthat the weakest saint, though he may not know and feel it, is ascompletely justified as the strongest. I hold firmly that our election,calling and standing in Christ admit of no degrees, increase ordiminishing.IfanyonedreamsthatbygrowthingraceImeangrowthinjustification,heisutterlywideofthemarkandutterlymistakenaboutthewholepointIamconsidering. Iwouldgo to thestake,Godhelpingme,

fortheglorioustruth,thatinthematterofjustificationbeforeGodeverybeliever is complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). Nothing can be added to hisjustificationfromthemomenthebelieves,andnothingtakenaway.

WhenIspeakofgrowthingrace,Ionlymeanincreaseinthedegree,size,strength,vigorandpowerofthegraceswhichtheHolySpiritplantsinabeliever’sheart. Ihold thateveryoneof thosegracesadmitsof growth,progressandincrease.Iholdthatrepentance,faith,hope,love,humility,zeal,courageandthelikemaybelittleorgreat,strongorweak,vigorousorfeeble,andmayvarygreatlyinthesamemanatdifferentperiodsofhislife.WhenIspeakofamangrowingingrace,Imeansimplythis—thathissenseofsinisbecomingdeeper,hisfaithstronger,hishopebrighter,hislove more extensive, his spiritual–mindedness more marked. He feelsmoreofthepowerofgodlinessinhisownheart.Hemanifestsmoreofitinhis life.He is goingon fromstrength to strength, from faith to faithand from grace to grace. I leave it to others to describe such a man’sconditionbyanywordstheyplease.FormyselfIthinkthetruestandbestaccountofhimisthis—heisgrowingingrace.

OneprincipalgroundonwhichIbuildthisdoctrineofgrowthingraceisthe plain language of Scripture. If words in the Bible mean anything,there is such a thing as growth, and believers ought to be exhorted togrow.WhatsaysPaul?"Yourfaithgrowsexceedingly"(2Thess.1:3)."Webeseech you . . . that you increase more and more" (1 Thess. 4:10)."Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). "Having hope, whenyourfaithisincreased"(2Cor.10:15)."TheLordmakeyoutoincrease...in love" (1Thess.3:12). "That youmaygrowup intoHim inall things"(Eph.4:15)."Ipraythatyourlovemayabound...moreandmore"(Phil.1:9)."Webeseechyou,asyouhavereceivedofushowyououghttowalkandtopleaseGod,soyouwouldaboundmoreandmore"(1Thess.4:1).What says Peter? "Desire the sincere milk of theWord, that you maygrowthereby"(1Pet.2:2). "Grow ingrace,and in theknowledgeofourLordandSaviorJesusChrist"(2Pet.3:18).Iknownotwhatothersthinkof such texts. To me they seem to establish the doctrine for which Icontendandtobeincapableofanyotherexplanation.GrowthingraceistaughtintheBible.Imightstophereandsaynomore.

The other ground, however, onwhich I build thedoctrine of growth in

grace,isthegroundoffactandexperience.IaskanyhonestreaderoftheNew Testament whether he cannot see degrees of grace in the NewTestament saintswhose histories are recorded, as plainly as the sun atnoonday. I ask himwhether he cannot see in the very same people asgreatadifferencebetweentheir faithandknowledgeatonetimeandatanother, asbetween the sameman’s strengthwhenhe is an infant andwhenhe isagrown–upman. I askhimwhether theScripturedoesnotdistinctlyrecognizethisinthelanguageituses,whenitspeaksof"weak"faith and "strong" faith, and of Christians as "new–born babes," "littlechildren,""youngmen,"and"fathers"?(1Pet.2:2;1John2:12–14.)Iaskhim,aboveall,whetherhisownobservationofbelieversnowadaysdoesnot bring him to the same conclusion?What true Christian would notconfess that there is asmuchdifferencebetween thedegreeofhis ownfaith and knowledge when he was first converted, and his presentattainments, as there is between a sapling and a full–grown tree? Hisgracesare the same inprinciple;but theyhavegrown. I knownothowthese facts strike others; to my eyes they seem to prove, mostunanswerably,thatgrowthingraceisarealthing.

I feelalmostashamed todwell so longupon thispartofmysubject.Infact,ifanymanmeanstosaythatthefaithandhopeandknowledgeandholinessofanewly–convertedpersonareas strongas thoseof an old–establishedbelieverandneedno increase, it isawasteof time toarguefurther.Nodoubttheyareasreal,butnotsostrong;astrue,butnotsovigorous; asmuch seeds of theSpirit’s planting, butnot yet so fruitful.Andifanyoneaskshowtheyaretobecomestronger,Isayitmustbebythe same process by which all things having life increase—they mustgrow.AndthisiswhatImeanbygrowthingrace.

Iwantmentolookatgrowthingraceasathingofinfiniteimportancetothesoul.Inamorepracticalsense,ourbestinterestswouldbemetwithaseriousinquiryintothequestionofspiritualgrowth.

a.Letusknowthenthatgrowthingraceisthebestevidenceofspiritualhealthandprosperity.Inachildorafloweroratreeweareallawarethatwhen there is no growth there is something wrong. Healthy life in ananimalorvegetablewillalwaysshowitselfbyprogressandincrease.Itisjustthesamewithoursouls.Iftheyareprogressinganddoingwell,they

willgrow.

b.Growthingraceisonewaytobehappyinourreligion.Godhaswiselylinked together our comfort and our increase in holiness. He hasgraciously made it our interest to press on and aim high in ourChristianity. There is a vast difference between the amount of sensibleenjoymentwhich one believer has in his religion compared to another.Butyoumaybesurethatordinarilythemanwhofeelsthemost"joyandpeaceinbelieving"andhastheclearestwitnessoftheSpiritinhisheartisthemanwhogrows.

c.Growthingraceisonesecretofusefulnesstoothers.Ourinfluenceonothers forgooddependsgreatlyonwhat theysee inus.ThechildrenoftheworldmeasureChristianity quite asmuch by their eyes as by theirears. The Christian who is always at a standstill, to all appearance thesameman,withthesamelittlefaultsandweaknessesandbesettingsinsandpetty infirmities, isseldomtheChristianwhodoesmuchgood.Theman who shakes and stirs minds and sets the world thinking is thebeliever who is continually improving and going forward. Men thinkthereislifeandrealitywhentheyseegrowth.

d.GrowthingracepleasesGod.Itmayseemawonderfulthing,nodoubt,thatanythingdonebysuchcreaturesaswearecangivepleasure to theMost High God. But so it is. The Scripture speaks of walking so as toplease God. The Scripture says there are sacrifices with which "God iswellpleased"(1Thess.4:1;Heb.13:16).Thehusbandmanlovestoseetheplants onwhichhehasbestowed labor flourishing andbearing fruit. Itcannotbutdisappointandgrievehimtoseethemstuntedandstandingstill.NowwhatdoesourLordHimselfsay?"IamthetrueVine,andMyFatheristheHusbandman.""HereinisMyFatherglorified,thatyoubearmuchfruit;soshallyoubeMydisciples"(John15:1,8).TheLordtakespleasureinallHispeople,butspeciallyinthosethatgrow.

e.Letusknow,aboveall,thatgrowthingraceisnotonlyathingpossible,but a thing forwhichbelievers are accountable. To tell an unconvertedman,deadinsins,togrowingracewoulddoubtlessbeabsurd.Totellabeliever,whoisquickenedandalivetoGod,togrow,isonlysummoninghimtoaplainscripturalduty.Hehasanewprinciplewithinhim,andit

is a solemn duty not to quench it. Neglect of growth robs him ofprivileges, grieves the Spirit and makes the chariot wheels of his soulmoveheavily.Whosefault is it, Ishould liketoknow, ifabelieverdoesnot grow in grace? The fault, I am sure, cannot be laid on God. Hedelights to give more grace; He "has pleasure in the prosperity of Hisservants" (James 4:6; Ps. 35:27). The fault, no doubt, is our own.Weourselvesaretoblame,andnoneelse,ifwedonotgrow.

2.TheMARKSofreligiousgrowth

Letmetakeitforgrantedthatwedonotquestiontherealityofgrowthingraceanditsvastimportance.Sofarsogood.Butyounowwanttoknowhowanyonemayfindoutwhetherheisgrowingingraceornot?Ianswerthatquestion,inthefirstplace,byobservingthatweareverypoorjudgesofourownconditionandthatbystandersoftenknowusbetterthanweknowourselves.ButIanswerfurtherthatthereareundoubtedlycertaingreatmarksandsignsofgrowthingrace,andthatwhereveryouseethesemarksyouseeagrowingsoul.Iwillnowproceedtoplacesomeofthesemarksbeforeyouinorder.

a.Onemarkofgrowthingraceisincreasedhumility.Themanwhosesoulisgrowingfeelshisownsinfulnessandunworthinessmoreeveryyear.HeisreadytosaywithJob,"Iamvile,"andwithAbraham,"Iamdustandashes,"andwithJacob,"IamnotworthyoftheleastofallYourmercies,"andwithDavid,"Iamaworm,"andwithIsaiah,"Iamamanofuncleanlips,"andwithPeter,"Iamasinfulman,OLord"(Job40:4;Gen.18:27;32:10;Ps.22:6;Isa.6:5;Luke5:8).ThenearerhedrawstoGodandthemoreheseesofGod’sholinessandperfections,themorethoroughlyishesensible of his own countless imperfections. The further he journeys intheway toheaven, themoreheunderstandswhatPaulmeantwhenhesays,"Iamnotalreadyperfect,""Iamnotmeettobecalledanapostle,""Iamlessthantheleastofallsaints,""Iamchiefofsinners"(Phil.3:12;1Cor.15:9;Eph.3:8;1Tim.1:15).Theriperheisforglory,themore,likethe ripe corn, he hangs down his head. The brighter and clearer is hislight, themore he sees of the shortcomings and infirmities of his ownheart.When first converted,hewould tellyouhesawbut littleof themcompared to what he sees now. Would anyone know whether he isgrowingingrace?Besurethatyoulookwithinforincreasedhumility.

b.Anothermarkof growth in grace is increased faith and love towardsour Lord Jesus Christ. The man whose soul is growing finds more inChristtorestuponeveryyearandrejoicesmorethathehassuchaSavior.NodoubthesawmuchinHimwhenfirsthebelieved.HisfaithlaidholdontheatonementofChristandgavehimhope.Butashegrowsingrace,he seesa thousand things inChristofwhichat firstheneverdreamed.His love and power, His heart and His intentions, His offices asSubstitute, Intercessor, Priest, Advocate, Physician, Shepherd andFriend,unfoldthemselves toagrowingsoul inanunspeakablemanner.Inshort,hediscoversasuitablenessinChristtothewantsofhissoul,ofwhichthehalfwasoncenotknowntohim.Wouldanyoneknowifheisgrowing in grace?Then let him lookwithin for increased knowledge ofChrist.

c. Another mark of growth in grace is increased holiness of life andconversation.Themanwhose soul is growinggetsmoredominionoversin, theworldandthedevileveryyear.Hebecomesmorecarefulabouthis temper, his words and his actions. He is more watchful over hisconductineveryrelationoflife.HestrivesmoretobeconformedtotheimageofChristinallthingsandtofollowHimashisexample,aswellastotrustinHimashisSavior.Heisnotcontentwitholdattainmentsandformer grace. He forgets the things that are behind and reaches forthunto those things which are before, making "Higher!" "Upward!""Forward!" "Onward!" his continual motto (Phil. 3:13). On earth hethirstsandlongstohaveawillmoreentirelyinunisonwithGod’swill.Inheaventhechiefthingthathelooksfor,nexttothepresenceofChrist,iscompleteseparationfromallsin.Wouldanyoneknowifheisgrowingingrace?Thenlethimlookwithinforincreasedholiness.

d.Anothermarkofgrowthingraceis increasedspiritualityof tasteandmind. The man whose soul is growing takes more interest in spiritualthings every year. He does not neglect his duty in the world. Hedischargesfaithfully,diligentlyandconscientiouslyeveryrelationoflife,whether at home or abroad. But the things he loves best are spiritualthings. Theways and fashions and amusements and recreations of theworld have a continually decreasing place in his heart. He does notcondemnthemasdownrightsinful,norsaythatthosewhohaveanything

to do with them are going to hell. He only feels that they have aconstantly diminishing hold on his own affections and gradually seemsmaller and more trifling in his eyes. Spiritual companions, spiritualoccupations, spiritual conversation appear of ever–increasing value tohim.Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him lookwithinforincreasingspiritualityoftaste.

e.Anothermarkofgrowthingraceisincreaseofcharity.Themanwhosesoul is growing ismore full of love every year—of love to all men, butespeciallyof lovetowardsthebrethren.His lovewillshowitselfactivelyinagrowingdispositiontodokindnesses,totaketroubleforothers,tobegood–natured to everybody, to be generous, sympathizing, thoughtful,tender–heartedandconsiderate.Itwillshowitselfpassivelyinagrowingdisposition to be meek and patient towards all men, to put up withprovocationandnotstanduponrights,tobearandforbearmuchratherthanquarrel.Agrowingsoulwilltrytoputthebestconstructiononotherpeople’sconductandtobelieveallthingsandhopeallthings,eventotheend.Thereisnosurermarkofbackslidingandfallingoffingracethananincreasing disposition to find fault, pick holes and see weak points inothers.Wouldanyoneknowifheisgrowingingrace?Thenlethimlookwithinforincreasingcharity.

f.Onemoremark of growth in grace is increased zeal and diligence intryingtodogoodtosouls.Themanwhoisreallygrowingwilltakegreaterinterest in the salvation of sinners every year. Missions at home andabroad,effortsofeverykindtospreadthegospel,attemptsofanysorttoincreasereligiouslightanddiminishreligiousdarkness—allthesethingswilleveryyearhaveagreaterplaceinhisattention.Hewillnotbecome"weary inwell–doing"becausehedoesnot seeeveryeffort succeed.Hewillnotcare lessfortheprogressofChrist’scauseonearthashegrowsolder,thoughhewilllearntoexpectless.Hewilljustworkon,whateverthe result may be—giving, praying, preaching, speaking, visiting,accordingtohisposition—andcounthisworkitsownreward.OneofthesurestmarksofspiritualdeclineisadecreasedinterestaboutthesoulsofothersandthegrowthofChrist’skingdom.Wouldanyoneknowwhetherhe is growing in grace?Then let him lookwithin for increased concernaboutthesalvationofsouls.

Thosehigh–flyingreligionists,whoseonlynotionofChristianityisthatofa stateofperpetual joyandecstasy,who tell you that theyhavegot farbeyondtheregionofconflictandsoul–humiliation,suchpeoplenodoubtwillregardthemarksIhavelaiddownas"legal,""carnal"and"genderingtobondage." I cannothelp that. I callnomanmaster in these things. Ionlywishmy statements to be tried in the balance of Scripture. And IfirmlybelievethatwhatIhavesaidisnotonlyscriptural,butagreeabletotheexperienceofthemosteminentsaintsineveryage.ShowmeamaninwhomthesixmarksIhavementionedcanbefound.Heisthemanwhocangivea satisfactoryanswer to thequestion: "Dowegrow?"Sucharethe most trustworthy marks of growth in grace. Let us examine themcarefullyandconsiderwhatweknowaboutthem.

3.TheMEANSofreligiousgrowth

ThewordsofJamesmustneverbeforgotten:"Everygoodgiftandeveryperfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights"(James 1:17). This is no doubt as true of growth in grace, as it is ofeverythingelse.Itisthe"giftofGod."Butstillitmustalwaysbekept inmindthatGodispleasedtoworkbymeans.Godhasordainedmeansaswellasends.Hethatwouldgrowingracemustusethemeansofgrowth.

This isapoint,I fear,whichis toomuchoverlookedbybelievers.Manyadmiregrowthingraceinothersandwishthattheythemselveswerelikethem.ButtheyseemtosupposethatthosewhogrowarewhattheyarebysomespecialgiftorgrantfromGodandthat,asthisgiftisnotbestowedonthemselves,theymustbecontenttositstill.ThisisagrievousdelusionandoneagainstwhichIdesiretotestifywithallmymight.Iwishittobedistinctly understood that growth in grace is bound upwith the use ofmeans within the reach of all believers and that, as a general rule,growingsoulsarewhattheyarebecausetheyusethesemeans.

LetmeaskthespecialattentionofmyreaderswhileItrytosetforthinorder themeansofgrowth.Castaway forever thevain thoughtthat ifabelieverdoesnotgrowingrace it isnothis fault.Settle it inyourmindthat a believer, a man quickened by the Spirit, is not a mere deadcreature, but a being of mighty capacities and responsibilities. Let thewords of Solomon sink down into your heart: "The soul of the diligent

shallbemadefat"(Prov.13:4).

a.Onethingessentialtogrowthingraceisdiligenceintheuseofprivatemeansofgrace.BytheseIunderstandsuchmeansasamanmustusebyhimself alone, and no one can use for him. I include under this headprivateprayer,privatereadingof theScriptures,andprivatemeditationand self–examination. The man who does not take pains about thesethree things must never expect to grow. Here are the roots of trueChristianity.Wronghere,amaniswrongallthewaythrough!HereisthewholereasonwhymanyprofessingChristiansneverseemtogeton.Theyare careless and slovenly about their private prayers. They read theirBibles but little and with very little heartiness of spirit. They givethemselvesnotimeforself–inquiryandquietthoughtaboutthestateoftheirsouls.

It is useless to conceal from ourselves that the agewe live in is full ofpeculiardangers.It isanageofgreatactivityandofmuchhurry,bustleandexcitementinreligion.Manyare"runningtoandfro,"nodoubt,and"knowledge is increased" (Dan. 12:4). Thousands are ready enough forpublic meetings, sermon hearing, or anything else in which there is"sensation." Few appear to remember the absolute necessity ofmakingtime to "commune with our own hearts, and be still" (Ps. 4:4). Butwithout this, there is seldom any deep spiritual prosperity. Let usrememberthispoint!Privatereligionmustreceiveour firstattention, ifwewishoursoulstogrow.

b.Anotherthingwhichisessentialtogrowthingraceiscarefulnessintheuseofpublicmeansofgrace.BytheseIunderstandsuchmeansasamanhaswithinhis reachasamemberofChrist’s visible church.Under thisheadIincludetheordinancesofregularSundayworship,theunitingwithGod’speople incommonprayerandpraise, thepreachingof theWord,andthesacramentoftheLord’sSupper.Ifirmlybelievethatthemannerin which these publicmeans of grace are used hasmuch to say to theprosperity of a believer’s soul. It is easy to use them in a cold andheartlessway.Theveryfamiliarityofthemisapttomakeuscareless.Theregular return of the same voice, and the same kind ofwords, and thesameceremonies, is likely tomakeussleepyandcallousandunfeeling.Here is a snare into which too many professing Christians fall. If we

wouldgrow,wemustbeonourguardhere.HereisamatterinwhichtheSpiritisoftengrievedandsaintstakegreatdamage.Letusstrivetousetheoldprayers,andsingtheoldhymns,andkneelattheoldcommunionrail, and hear the old truths preached, with as much freshness andappetiteasintheyearwefirstbelieved.Itisasignofbadhealthwhenapersonlosesrelishforhisfood;anditisasignofspiritualdeclinewhenwe lose our appetite formeans of grace.Whatever we do about publicmeans,letusalwaysdoit"withourmight"(Eccl.9:10).Thisisthewaytogrow!

c. Another thing essential to growth in grace is watchfulness over ourconduct in the littlemattersofeveryday life.Our tempers,our tongues,thedischargeof our several relationsof life, our employment of time—each and all must be vigilantly attended to if we wish our souls toprosper.Lifeismadeupofdays,anddaysofhours,andthelittlethingsofeveryhourareneversolittleastobebeneaththecareofaChristian.Whenatreebeginstodecayatrootorheart,themischiefisfirstseenatthe extreme end of the little branches. "He that despises little things,"saysanuninspiredwriter, "shall fallby littleand little."Thatwitness istrue. Let others despise us, if they like, and call us precise and overcareful.Letuspatientlyholdonourway,rememberingthat"weserveapreciseGod,"thatourLord’sexampleistobecopiedintheleastthingsaswell as the greatest, and that we must "take up our cross daily" andhourly, rather than sin.Wemust aim tohaveaChristianitywhich, likethesapofatree,runsthrougheverytwigandleafofourcharacter,andsanctifiesall.Thisisonewaytogrow!

d.Anotherthingwhichisessentialtogrowthingraceiscautionaboutthecompanywekeepandthefriendshipsweform.Nothingperhapsaffectsman’scharactermorethanthecompanyhekeeps.Wecatchthewaysandtone of those we live and talk with, and unhappily get harm far moreeasily than good. Disease is infectious, but health is not. Now if aprofessingChristiandeliberately chooses tobe intimatewith thosewhoarenotfriendsofGodandwhoclingtotheworld,hissoulissuretotakeharm.ItishardenoughtoserveChristunderanycircumstancesinsuchaworld as this. But it is doubly hard to do it if we are friends of thethoughtless and ungodly. Mistakes in friendship or marriage

engagements are the whole reason why some have entirely ceased togrow. "Evil communicationscorrupt goodmanners." "The friendship ofthe world is enmity with God" (1 Cor. 15:33; James 4:4). Let us seekfriendswhowillstirusupaboutourprayers,ourBiblereading,andouremploymentoftime,aboutoursouls,oursalvation,andaworldtocome.Whocantellthegoodthatafriend’swordinseasonmaydo,ortheharmthatitmaystop?Thisisonewaytogrow.

e. There is one more thing which is absolutely essential to growth ingrace,andthatisregularandhabitualcommunionwiththeLordJesus.Insayingthis,letnoonesupposeforaminutethatIamreferringtotheLord’s Supper. I mean nothing of the kind. I mean that daily habit ofcommunion between the believer and his Savior, which can only becarriedonbyfaith,prayerandmeditation.It isahabit,I fear,ofwhichmanybelieversknowlittle.Amanmaybeabelieverandhavehisfeetonthe rock, and yet live far below his privileges. It is possible to have"union"withChrist,andyettohavelittleifany"communion"withHim.But,forallthat,thereissuchathing.

ThenamesandofficesofChrist,aslaiddowninScripture,appeartometo show unmistakably that this communion between the saint and hisSaviorisnotamerefancy,butarealtruething.BetweentheBridegroomand His bride, between the Head and His members, between thePhysician and His patients, between the Advocate and His clients,between the Shepherd and His sheep, between the Master and Hisscholars, there is evidently implied a habit of familiar communion, ofdailyapplicationforthingsneeded,ofdailypouringoutandunburdeningour hearts and minds. Such a habit of dealing with Christ is clearlysomethingmorethanavaguegeneraltrustintheworkthatChristdidforsinners. It is getting close to Him and laying hold on Him withconfidence, as a loving, personal Friend. This is what I mean bycommunion.

Now I believe that nomanwill ever grow in gracewho does not knowsomething experimentally of the habit of communion.Wemust not becontentwith a general orthodox knowledge that Christ is theMediatorbetweenGodandman,andthatjustificationisbyfaithandnotbyworks,and thatwe put our trust in Christ.Wemust go further than this.We

mustseektohavepersonalintimacywiththeLordJesusandtodealwithHimas amandealswith a loving friend.Wemust realizewhat it is toturntoHimfirst ineveryneed, to talk toHimabouteverydifficulty, toconsultHimabout every step, to spreadbeforeHimall our sorrows, togetHimtoshareinallourjoys,todoallasinHissight,andtogothrougheverydayleaningonandlookingtoHim.ThisisthewaythatPaullived"ThelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod.""TometoliveisChrist"(Gal.2:20;Phil.1:21).ItisignoranceofthiswayoflivingthatmakessomanyseenobeautyinthebookofCanticles.Butitisthemanwholivesinthisway,whokeepsupconstantcommunionwithChrist—thisistheman,Isayemphatically,whosesoulwillgrow.

Althoughmuchmore could be said on thisweighty subject, let us nowturn to some practical applications, keeping in mind its tremendousimportance.

1.Thistextmayfallintothehandsofsomewhoknownothingwhateverabout growth in grace. Theyhave little or no concern about religion. Alittle proper Sunday church–going or chapel–goingmakes up the sumandsubstanceoftheirChristianity.Theyarewithoutspirituallife,andofcoursetheycannotatpresentgrow.Areyouoneofthesepeople?Ifyouare,youareinapitiablecondition.

Yearsareslippingawayandtimeisflying.Graveyardsarefillingupandfamilies are thinning.Death and judgment are getting nearer to us all.Andyet you live likeone asleepabout your soul!Whatmadness!Whatfolly!Whatsuicidecanbeworsethanthis?

Awakebefore it is too late; awake, andarise from thedead,and live toGod. Turn to Him who is sitting at the right hand of God, to be yourSavior andFriend. Turn toChrist, and crymightily toHim about yoursoul. There is yet hope! He that called Lazarus from the grave is notchanged.Hethatcommandedthewidow’ssonatNaintoarisefromhisbiercandomiraclesyet foryoursoul.SeekHimatonce:seekChrist, ifyouwouldnotbelostforever.Donotstandstilltalkingandmeaningandintending and wishing and hoping. Seek Christ that youmay live, andthatlivingyoumaygrow.

2.Thistextmayfallintothehandsofsomewhoshouldknowsomethingof growth in gracebut at present knownothing at all. Theyhavemadelittle ornoprogress since theywere first converted.They seem tohave"settledontheirlees"(Zeph.1:12).Theygoonfromyeartoyearcontentwitholdgrace,oldexperience,oldknowledge,old faith,oldmeasureofattainment, old religious expressions, old set phrases. Like theGibeonites,theirbreadisalwaysmoldyandtheirshoesarepatchedandclouted.Theyneverappeartogeton.Areyouoneofthesepeople?Ifyouare,youarelivingfarbelowyourprivilegesandresponsibilities.Itishightimetoexamineyourself.

If you have reason to hope that you are a true believer and yet do notgrow in grace, theremust be a fault, and a serious fault somewhere. ItcannotbethewillofGodthatyoursoulshouldstandstill."Hegivesmoregrace."Hetakes"pleasureintheprosperityofHisservants"(James4:6;Ps.35:27). It cannotbe foryourownhappinessorusefulness thatyoursoulshouldstandstill.WithoutgrowthyouwillneverrejoiceintheLord(Phil.4:4).Withoutgrowthyouwillneverdogoodtoothers.Surelythiswantofgrowthisaseriousmatter!Itshouldraiseinyougreatsearchingsofheart.Theremustbe some "secret thing" (Job 15:11).Theremust besomecause.

TaketheadviceIgiveyou.Resolvethisverydaythatyouwillfindoutthereasonofyour standstill condition.Probewitha faithfuland firmhandeverycornerofyoursoul.Searchfromoneendofthecamptotheother,untilyoufindouttheAchanwhoisweakeningyourhands.BeginwithanapplicationtotheLordJesusChrist,thegreatPhysicianofsouls,andaskHimtohealthesecretailmentwithinyou,whateveritmaybe.BeginasifyouhadneverappliedtoHimbefore,andaskforgracetocutofftherighthandandpluckouttherighteye.Butnever,neverbecontentifyoursouldoesnot grow.For yourpeace’s sake, for yourusefulness’ sake, for thehonorofyourMaker’scause,resolvetofindoutthereasonwhy.

3.Thismessagemayfallintothehandsofsomewhoarereallygrowingingracebutarenotawareofitandwillnotallowit.Theirverygrowthisthereason why they do not see their growth! Their continual increase inhumility prevents them feeling that they get on. Like Moses, when hecamedownfromthemountfromcommuningwithGod,theirfacesshine.

Andyet,likeMoses,theyarenotawareofit(Ex.34:29).SuchChristians,Igrantfreely,arenotcommon.Buthereandtheresucharetobefound.Like angels’ visits, they are few and far between. Happy is theneighborhoodwheresuchgrowingChristianslive!Tomeetthemandseethemandbeintheircompanyislikemeetingandseeingabitof"heavenuponearth."

Nowwhat shall I say to suchpeople?What can I say?Whatought I tosay?ShallIbidthemawaketoaconsciousnessoftheirowngrowthandbepleasedwithit?Iwilldonothingofthekind.ShallItellthemtoplumethemselvesontheirownattainmentsandlookattheirownsuperioritytoothers?Godforbid!Iwilldonothingofthekind.Totellthemsuchthingswoulddothemnogood.Totell themsuchthings,aboveall,wouldbeauselesswaste of time. If there is any one feature about a growing soulwhichspeciallymarkshim,itishisdeepsenseofhisownunworthiness.Heneverseesanythingtobepraisedinhimself.Heonlyfeelsthatheisanunprofitableservantandthechiefofsinners.Itistherighteous,inthepicture of the judgment day, who say, "Lord, when saw we You anhungry,andfedYou?"(Matt.25:37).Extremesdoindeedmeetstrangelysometimes.Theconscience–hardenedsinnerandtheeminentsaintareinone respect singularly alike. Neither of them fully realizes his owncondition.Theonedoesnotseehisownsin,northeotherhisowngrace!

ButshallIsaynothingtogrowingChristians?IstherenowordofcounselIcanaddresstothem?ThesumandsubstanceofallthatIcansayistobefoundintwosentences"Goforward!""Goon!"

Wecanneverhavetoomuchhumility,toomuchfaithinChrist,toomuchholiness,toomuchspiritualityofmind,toomuchcharity,toomuchzealindoinggoodtoothers.Thenletusbecontinually forgettingthethingsbehind,andreachingforthuntothethingsbefore(Phil.3:13).ThebestofChristians in thesematters is infinitelybelow theperfectpattern of hisLord.Whatevertheworldmaypleasetosay,wemaybesurethereisnodangerofanyofusbecoming"toogood."

Letuscasttothewindsasidletalkthecommonnotionthatitispossibletobe "extreme"andgo "too far" in religion.This is a favorite lie of thedevilandonewhichhecirculateswithvastindustry.Nodoubtthereare

enthusiasts and fanatics to be found who bring an evil report uponChristianitybytheirextravagancesandfollies.Butifanyonemeanstosaythat a mortal man can be too humble, too charitable, too holy or toodiligent indoinggood,hemusteitherbean infidelora fool. Inservingpleasureandmoney, it iseasy togo too far.But in following the thingswhich make up true religion and in serving Christ, there can be noextreme.

Let us never measure our religion by that of others and think we aredoing enough if we have gone beyond our neighbors. This is anothersnareofthedevil.Letusmindourownbusiness."Whatisthattoyou?"saidourMasteronacertainoccasion,"FollowyouMe"(John21:22).Letus follow on, aiming at nothing short of perfection. Let us follow on,makingChrist’s lifeandcharacterouronlypatternandexample.Letusfollowon,rememberingdaily thatatourbestwearemiserablesinners.Letusfollowon,andneverforgetthatitsignifiesnothingwhetherwearebetterthanothersornot.Atourverybestwearefarworsethanweoughtto be. There will always be room for improvement in us. We shall bedebtorstoChrist’smercyandgracetotheverylast.Thenletusleaveofflooking at others and comparing ourselves with others. We shall findenoughtodoifwelookatourownhearts.

Last,butnotleast,ifweknowanythingofgrowthingraceanddesiretoknowmore, letusnotbesurprised ifwehave togo throughmuch trialandafflictioninthisworld.Ifirmlybelieveitistheexperienceofnearlyall themost eminent saints. Like their blessedMaster, they have beenmenofsorrows,acquaintedwithgrief,andperfectedthroughsufferings(Isa.53:3;Heb.2:10).ItisastrikingsayingofourLord,"EverybranchinMe thatbears fruit [myFather]purges it, that itmaybring forthmorefruit" (John 15:2). It is a melancholy fact, that constant temporalprosperity,asageneralrule, is injurioustoabeliever’ssoul.Wecannotstand it. Sicknesses and losses and crosses and anxieties anddisappointments seem absolutely needful to keep us humble, watchfuland spiritual–minded. They are as needful as the pruning knife to thevineandtherefiner’sfurnacetothegold.Theyarenotpleasanttofleshandblood.Wedonotlikethemandoftendonotseetheirmeaning."Nochasteningforthepresentseemstobejoyous,butgrievous:nevertheless

afterwardityieldsthepeaceablefruitofrighteousness"(Heb.12:11).Weshallfindthatallworkedforourgoodwhenwereachheaven.Letthesethoughtsabide in ourminds, ifwe love growth in grace.Whendays ofdarknesscomeuponus,letusnotcountitastrangething.Ratherletusrememberthatlessonsarelearnedonsuchdays,whichwouldneverhavebeen learned in sunshine. Let us say to ourselves, "This also is formyprofit,thatImaybeapartakerofGod’sholiness.Itissentinlove.IaminGod’s best school. Correction is instruction. This ismeant tomakemegrow."

Ileavethesubjectofgrowthingracehere.ItrustIhavesaidenoughtosetsomereadersthinkingaboutit.Allthingsaregrowingolder:theworldisgrowingold;weourselvesaregrowingolder.A fewmoresummers,afewmorewinters,afewmoresicknesses,afewmoresorrows,afewmoreweddings, a few more funerals, a few more meetings and a few morepartings, and then—what? Why, the grass will be growing over ourgraves!

ASSURANCE

"Iamnowreadytobeoffered,andthetimeofmydepartureisathand.Ihavefoughtagoodfight,Ihavefinishedmycourse,Ihavekeptthefaith:henceforth there is laid up forme a crown of righteousness,which theLord,therighteousJudge,shallgivemeatthatdayandnottomeonly,butuntoallthemalsothatloveHisappearing"(2Tim.4:6–8).

Herewesee theapostlePaul looking threeways:downward,backward,forward—downwardtothegrave,backwardtohisownministry,forwardtothatgreatday,thedayofjudgment!

Itwilldousgoodtostandbytheapostle’ssideafewminutesandmarkthewordsheuses.Happy is that soulwho can lookwherePaul lookedandthenspeakasPaulspoke!

a.Helooksdownward to thegrave,andhedoes itwithoutfear.Hearwhathesays:"Iamreadytobeoffered."Iamlikeananimalbroughttotheplaceofsacrificeandboundwithcordstotheveryhornsofthealtar.Thedrinkoffering,whichgenerallyaccompaniestheoblation, isalreadybeing poured out. The last ceremonies have been gone through. Everypreparationhasbeenmade. It only remains to receive thedeath–blow,andthenallisover.

"Thetimeofmydepartureisathand."Iamlikeashipabouttounmoorandputtosea.Allonboardisready.Ionlywaittohavethemooringscastoff that fastenme to the shore, and I shall then set sail and beginmyvoyage.

TheseareremarkablewordstocomefromthelipsofachildofAdamlikeourselves!Deathisasolemnthing,andneversomuchsoaswhenweseeit closeathand.Thegrave isachilling,heart–sickeningplace, and it isvaintopretendithasnoterrors.Yethereisamortalmanwhocanlookcalmlyintothenarrow"houseappointedforallliving,"andsay,whilehestandsuponthebrink,"Iseeitall,andamnotafraid."

b.Letuslistentohimagain.Helooksbackwardtohisministeriallife,andhedoesitwithoutshame.Hearwhathesays:"Ihavefoughtagoodfight."Therehespeaksasasoldier.Ihavefoughtthatgoodfightwiththeworld,thefleshandthedevil,fromwhichsomanyshrinkanddrawback.

"Ihave finishedmy course."Therehe speaks as onewhohas run for aprize.Ihaveruntheracemarkedoutforme.Ihavegoneoverthegroundappointed for me, however rough and steep. I have not turned asidebecauseofdifficulties,norbeendiscouragedby the lengthof theway.Iamatlastinsightofthegoal.

"Ihavekeptthefaith."Therehespeaksasasteward.Ihaveheldfastthatgloriousgospelwhichwascommittedtomytrust. Ihavenotmingleditwith man’s traditions, nor spoiled its simplicity by adding my owninventions,norallowedotherstoadulterateitwithoutwithstandingthemtotheface."Asasoldier,arunner,asteward,"heseemstosay,"Iamnotashamed."

That Christian is happy who, as he quits the world, can leave suchtestimonybehindhim.Agoodconsciencewill savenoman,washawayno sin, not lift us one hair’s breadth towards heaven. Yet a goodconsciencewillbefoundapleasantvisitoratourbedsideinadyinghour.ThereisafinepassageinPilgrim’sProgresswhichdescribesoldHonest’spassageacrosstheriverofdeath."Theriver,"saysBunyan,"atthattimeoverfloweditsbanks insomeplaces;butMr.Honest inhis lifetimehadspokentooneGoodConsciencetomeethimthere;thewhichhealsodid,andlenthimhishand,andsohelpedhimover."Wemaybesure,thereisamineoftruthinthatpassage.

c.Letusheartheapostleoncemore.Helooksforwardtothegreatdayofreckoning,andhedoesitwithoutdoubt.Markhiswords:"Henceforththere is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, therighteousJudge,shallgivemeatthatday:andnottomeonly,butuntoallthemalsothatloveHisappearing.""Agloriousreward,"heseemstosay,"isreadyandlaidupinstoreforme—eventhatcrownwhichisonlygiven to the righteous. In thegreatdayof judgment theLordshallgivethiscrowntome,andtoallbesidemewhohavelovedHimasanunseenSavior,andlongedtoseeHimfacetoface.Myworkonearthisover.Thisonethingnowremainsformetolookforwardto,andnothingmore."

Letusobservethattheapostlespeakswithoutanyhesitationordistrust.He regards the crown as a sure thing, as his own already.He declareswithunfalteringconfidencehisfirmpersuasionthattherighteousJudgewill give it to him. Paul was no stranger to all the circumstances andaccompanimentsofthatsolemndaytowhichhereferred.Thegreatwhitethrone,theassembledworld,theopenbooks,therevealingofallsecrets,thelisteningangels,theawfulsentence,theeternalseparationofthelostandsaved—allthesewerethingswithwhichhewaswellacquainted.Butnoneofthesethingsmovedhim.HisstrongfaithoverleapedthemallandsawonlyJesus,hisall–prevailingAdvocate,andthebloodofsprinkling,andsinwashedaway."Acrown,"hesays,"islaidupforme.""TheLordHimself shall give it tome."He speaks as if he saw it allwith his owneyes.

Sucharethemainthingswhichtheseversescontain.Ofmostof themIshallnotspeakbecauseIwanttoconfinemyselftothespecialsubjectof

thisexposition.Ishallonlytrytoconsideronepointinthepassage.Thatpoint is the strong "assurance of hope," with which the apostle looksforwardtohisownprospectsinthedayofjudgment.

Ishallconsideritreadily,andatthesametimewithfearandtrembling.IfeelthatIamtreadingonverydifficultgroundandthatitiseasytospeakrashly and unscripturally in this matter. The road between truth anderrorishereespeciallyanarrowpass;andifIshallbeenabledtodogoodtosomewithoutdoingharmtoothers,Ishallbeverythankful.

IshalllayouttheScripturalrealityforanassuredhope,aswellasexplainthat some are saved who never attain it. Also, I will explain whyassuranceisdesirable,andremarkonwhyitissoseldomacquired.

IfIamnotgreatlymistaken,thereisaverycloseconnectionbetweentrueholinessandassurance.Before Iclose thismessage, Ihope to showmyreaders thenatureof thatconnection.Atpresent, Icontentmyselfwithsaying,thatwherethereisthemostholiness,thereisgenerallythemostassurance.

1.Anassuredhopeisatrueandscripturalthing

Assurance,suchasPaulexpressesintheverseswhichheadthismessage,isnotamerefancyorfeeling.Itisnottheresultofhighanimalspirits,orasanguine temperamentofbody. It isapositivegiftof theHolySpirit,bestowedwithoutreferencetomen’sbodilyframesorconstitutions,andagiftwhicheverybelieverinChristoughttoaimatandseekafter.

Inmatterslikethese,thefirstquestionisthis:"WhatsaystheScripture?"I answer that question without the least hesitation. TheWord of Godappearstometoteachdistinctlythatabelievermayarriveatanassuredconfidencewithregardtohisownsalvation.

I lay it down fully and broadly, asGod’s truth, that a true Christian, aconvertedman,may reachsucha comfortabledegreeof faith inChrist,thatingeneralheshallfeelentirelyconfidentastothepardonandsafetyof his soul, shall seldombe troubledwithdoubts, seldombe distractedwith fears, seldombe distressed by anxious questionings and, in short,

thoughvexedbymanyaninwardconflictwithsin,shalllookforwardtodeathwithouttrembling,andtojudgmentwithoutdismay.This,Isay,isthedoctrineoftheBible.

Suchismyaccountofassurance.Iwillaskmyreaderstomarkitwell.IsayneitherlessnormorethanIhaveherelaiddown.

Nowsuchastatementasthisisoftendisputedanddenied.Manycannotseethetruthofitatall.

The church of Rome denounces assurance in the most unmeasuredterms.TheCouncilofTrentdeclaresroundlythata"believer’sassuranceofthepardonofhissinsisavainandungodlyconfidence";andCardinalBellarmine, the well–known champion of Romanism, calls it "a primeerrorofheretics."

The vast majority of the worldly and thoughtless Christians amongourselvesopposethedoctrineofassurance. Itoffendsandannoys themtohearofit.Theydonotlikeotherstofeelcomfortableandsure,becausetheyneverfeelsothemselves.Askthemwhethertheirsinsareforgiven,and they will probably tell you they do not know! That they cannotreceivethedoctrineofassuranceiscertainlynomarvel.

But there are also some true believers who reject assurance or shrinkfrom it as a doctrine fraught with danger. They consider it borders onpresumption.Theyseemtothinkitaproperhumilitynevertofeelsure,never to be confident, and to live in a certain degree of doubt andsuspenseabouttheirsouls.Thisistoberegrettedanddoesmuchharm.

Ifranklyallowtherearesomepresumptuouspersonswhoprofesstofeelaconfidenceforwhichtheyhavenoscripturalwarrant.Therearealwayssome peoplewho thinkwell of themselveswhenGod thinks ill, just astherearesomewhothinkillofthemselveswhenGodthinkswell.Therealwayswillbesuch.Thereneveryetwasascripturaltruthwithoutabusesandcounterfeits.God’selection,man’simpotence,salvationbygrace—allare alike abused. There will be fanatics and enthusiasts as long as theworldstands.But,forallthis,assuranceisarealityandatruething;andGod’schildrenmustnotletthemselvesbedrivenfromtheuseofatruth

merelybecauseitisabused.

My answer to all who deny the existence of real, well–groundedassurance,issimplythis:"WhatsaystheScripture?"Ifassurancebenotthere,Ihavenotanotherwordtosay.

ButdoesnotJobsay,"IknowthatmyRedeemerlives,andthatHeshallstandat the latterdayupon theearthand thoughaftermy skinwormsdestroythisbody,yetinmyfleshshallIseeGod"?(Job19:25,26).

DoesnotDavidsay,"ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath, Iwill fearno evil: forYouarewithme;Your rodandYourstafftheycomfortme"?(Ps.23:4).

Doesnot Isaiahsay, "YouwillkeephiminperfectpeacewhosemindisstayedonYou,becausehetrustsinYou"?(Isa.26:3).

Andagain, "Theworkof righteousness shallbepeace; and theeffectofrighteousnessquietnessandassuranceforever"?(Isa.32:17).

DoesnotPaulsaytotheRomans,"Iampersuadedthatneitherdeath,norlife, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, northings to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall beable to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus ourLord"?(Rom.8:38,39).

DoeshenotsaytotheCorinthians,"Weknowthatifourearthlyhouseofthistabernacleweredissolved,wehaveabuildingofGod,anhousenotmadewithhands,eternalintheheavens"?(2Cor.5:1).

Andagain,"Wearealwaysconfident,knowingthat,whileweareathomeinthebody,weareabsentfromtheLord"?(2Cor.5:6).

Does he not say to Timothy, "I know whom I have believed, and ampersuadedthatHeisabletokeepthatwhichIhavecommittedtoHim"?(2Tim.1:12).

And does he not speak to the Colossians of "the full assurance ofunderstanding"(Col.2:2),andtotheHebrewsofthe"fullAssurance’,’of

faith,"andthe"fullassuranceofhope"?(Heb.10:22;6:11).

Does not Peter say expressly, "Give diligence tomake your calling andelectionsure"?(2Pet.1:10).

DoesnotJohnsay,"Weknowthatwehavepassedfromdeathuntolife"?(1John3:14).

And again, "These things have I written unto you that believe on thenameoftheSonofGod,thatyoumayknowthatyouhaveeternallife"?(1John5:13).

Andagain,"WeknowthatweareofGod"?(1John5:19).

Whatshallwesaytothesethings?Idesiretospeakwithallhumilityonanycontrovertedpoint.IfeelthatIamonlyapoorfalliblechildofAdammyself. But I must say that in the passages I have just quoted I seesomething farhigher than themere "hopes"and "trusts"withwhich somany believers appear content in this day. I see the language ofpersuasion, confidence, knowledge—no, Imay almost say, of certainty.AndIfeel, formyownpart, ifImaytaketheseScripturesintheirplainobviousmeaning,thedoctrineofassuranceistrue.

Butmyanswer,furthermore,toallwhodislikethedoctrineofassuranceas bordering on presumption, is this: it can hardly be presumption totread in the steps ofPeter andPaul, of Job andof John.Theywerealleminentlyhumbleandlowly–mindedmen,ifeveranywere;andyettheyallspeakoftheirownstatewithanassuredhope.Surelythisshouldteachusthatdeephumilityandstrongassuranceareperfectlycompatibleandthat there isnotanynecessary connectionbetweenspiritual confidenceandpride.

Myanswer, furthermore, is thatmanyhaveattainedtosuchanassuredhopeasourtextexpresses,eveninmoderntimes.Iwillnotconcedeforamoment that it was a peculiar privilege confined to the apostolic day.Therehavebeen inourown landmanybelieverswhohaveappearedtowalk in almost uninterrupted fellowship with the Father and the Son,whohaveseemedtoenjoyanalmostunceasingsenseofthelightofGod’s

reconciled countenance shining down upon them, and have left theirexperience on record. I could mention well–known names, if spacepermitted.Thethinghasbeen,andis—andthatisenough.

Myanswer, lastly, is: it cannotbewrong to feel confidently in amatterwhere God speaks unconditionally, to believe decidedly when Godpromisesdecidedly,tohaveasurepersuasionofpardonandpeacewhenwe rest on thewordandoathofHim thatnever changes. It is anuttermistake to suppose that the believer who feels assurance is resting onanythingheseesinhimself.HesimplyleansontheMediatoroftheNewCovenantand theScriptureof truth.Hebelieves theLordJesusmeanswhatHesaysandtakesHimatHisword.Assuranceafterallisnomorethan a full–grown faith, amasculine faith that grasps Christ’s promisewithbothhands,afaiththatargueslikethegoodcenturion,"IftheLord‘speak the word only,’ I am healed. Wherefore then should I doubt?"(Matt.8:8).

Wemay be sure that Paul was the last man in the world to build hisassurance on anything of his own. He who could write himself down"chief of sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15) had a deep sense of his own guilt andcorruption.ButthenhehadastilldeepersenseofthelengthandbreadthofChrist’srighteousnessimputedtohim.Hewhocouldcry,"OwretchedmanthatIam"(Rom.7:24),hadaclearviewofthefountainofevilwithinhisheart.ButthenhehadastillclearerviewofthatotherFountainwhichcanremove"allsinanduncleanness."Hewhothoughthimself"lessthanthe leastofall saints" (Eph.3:8),hada livelyandabiding feelingofhisownweakness. But he had a still livelier feeling that Christ’s promise,"My sheep shall never perish" (John 10:28), could not be broken. Paulknew,ifevermandid,thathewasapoor,frailbark,floatingonastormyocean.Hesaw,ifanydid,therollingwavesandroaringtempestbywhichhewassurrounded.ButthenhelookedawayfromselftoJesusandwasnot afraid. He remembered that anchor within the veil, which is both"sureandsteadfast"(Heb.6:19).Herememberedthewordandworkandconstant intercessionofHim that lovedhimandgaveHimself forhim.Andthis itwas,andnothingelse, thatenabledhim to saysoboldly, "Acrownislaidupforme,andtheLordshallgiveittome,"andtoconcludesosurely,"TheLordwillpreserveme:Ishallneverbeconfounded."

2.Abelievermayneverarriveatthisassuredhope,andyetbesaved.

IwouldnotdesiretomakeonecontriteheartsadthatGodhasnotmadesad,ortodiscourageonefaintingchildofGod,ortoleavetheimpressionthatmenhavenopartorlotinChrist,excepttheyfeelassurance.

ApersonmayhavesavingfaithinChristandyetneverenjoyanassuredhope,suchastheapostlePaulenjoyed.Tobelieveandhaveaglimmeringhopeofacceptanceisonething;tohave"joyandpeace"inourbelieving,andaboundinhope, isquiteanother.AllGod’schildrenhave faith;notallhaveassurance.Ithinkthisoughtnevertobeforgotten.

Iknowsomegreatandgoodmenhaveheldadifferentopinion.Ibelievethatmanyexcellentministersofthegospel,atwhosefeetIwouldgladlysit,donotallowthedistinctionIhavestated.ButIdesiretocallnomanmaster. I dread as much as anyone the idea of healing the wounds ofconscience slightly; but I should think any other view than that I havegivenamostuncomfortablegospeltopreach,andoneverylikelytokeepsoulsbackalongtimefromthegateoflife.

IdonotshrinkfromsayingthatbygraceamanmayhavesufficientfaithtofleetoChrist—sufficientfaithreallytolayholdonHim,reallytotrustinHim,reallytobeachildofGod,reallytobesavedandyettohislastdaybeneverfreefrommuchanxiety,doubtandfear.

"A letter," says an old writer, "may be written, which is not sealed; sogracemaybewritten in theheart,yet theSpiritmaynot set thesealofassurancetoit."

Achildmaybebornheirtoagreatfortuneandyetneverbeawareofhisriches,maylivechildish,diechildish,andneverknowthegreatnessofhispossessions.AndsoalsoamanmaybeababeinChrist’sfamily,thinkasababe,speakasababeand, thoughsaved,neverenjoya livelyhopeorknowtherealprivilegesofhisinheritance.

Let nomanmistakemymeaningwhen I dwell strongly on the reality,privilegeandimportanceofassurance.Donotdometheinjusticetosay,

IteachthatnonearesavedexceptsuchascansaywithPaul,"Iknowandampersuaded...thereisacrownlaidupforme."Idonotsayso.Iteachnothingofthekind.

FaithintheLordJesusChristamanmusthave,beyondallquestion,ifheis to be saved. I know no other way of access to the Father. I see nointimationofmercy,exceptingthroughChrist.Amanmustfeelhissinsand lostestate,mustcometoJesus forpardonandsalvation,mustresthishopeonHim,andonHimalone.But ifheonlyhas faithtodothis,howeverweakandfeeblethatfaithmaybe,Iwillengage,fromScripturewarrants,heshallnotmissheaven.

Never,never letus curtail the freenessof thegloriousgospel or clip itsfairproportions.Never let usmake the gatemore straight and thewaymore narrow than pride and the love of sin havemade it already. TheLord Jesus is very pitiful and of tendermercy.He does not regard thequantityoffaith,butthequality:Hedoesnotmeasureitsdegree,butitstruth.Hewillnotbreakanybruisedreed,norquenchanysmokingflax.Hewillneverletitbesaidthatanyperishedatthefootofthecross."HimthatcomestoMe,"Hesays,"Iwillinnowisecastout"(John6:37).

Yes!Thoughaman’sfaithbenobiggerthanagrainofmustardseed,ifitonly brings him to Christ, and enables him to touch the hem of Hisgarment, he shall be saved—saved as surely as the oldest saint inparadise, saved as completely and eternally as Peter or John or Paul.There are degrees in our sanctification. In our justification there arenone.What iswritten iswrittenandshallnever fail: "WhoeverbelievesonHim,"notwhoeverhasastrongandmightyfaith,"WhoeverbelievesonHimshallnotbeashamed"(Rom.10:11).

Butallthistime,beitremembered,thepoorbelievingsoulmayhavenofull assurance of his pardon and acceptance with God. He may betroubledwithfearuponfearanddoubtupondoubt.Hemayhavemanyan inwardquestion andmany an anxiety,many a struggle andmany amisgiving,cloudsanddarkness,stormandtempesttotheveryend.

BaresimplefaithinChristshallsaveaman,thoughhemayneverattaintoassurance;butwillitbringhimtoheavenwithstrongandabounding

consolations? Iwill concede that it shall landhim safe inharbor; but Iwillnotconcedethathewillenterthatharborinfullsail,confidentandrejoicing. I would not be surprised if he reaches his desired havenweather–beaten and tempest–tossed, scarcely realizing his own safety,untilheopenshiseyesinglory.

Aninquirerintoreligionwouldfindmoreunderstandingifhemadethesesimple distinctions between faith and assurance. It is all too easy toconfusethetwo.Faith,letusremember,istheroot,andassuranceistheflower.Doubtlessyoucanneverhavetheflowerwithouttheroot;butitisnolesscertainyoumayhavetherootandnottheflower.

FaithisthatpoortremblingwomanwhocamebehindJesusinthepressandtouchedthehemofHisgarment(Mark5:25).AssuranceisStephenstanding calmly in the midst of his murderers and saying, "I see theheavensopened,andtheSonofmanstandingontherighthandofGod"(Acts7:56).

Faith is the penitent thief, crying, "Lord, rememberme" (Luke 23:42).Assurance is Job, sitting in thedust, coveredwith sores, and saying,"IknowthatmyRedeemerlives"(Job19:25)."ThoughHeslayme,yetwillItrustinHim"(Job13:15).

FaithisPeter’sdrowningcry,ashebegantosink:"Lord,saveme!"(Matt.14:30.)AssuranceisthatsamePeterdeclaringbeforethecouncilinaftertimes,"Thisisthestonewhichwassetatnothingofyoubuilders,whichisbecometheheadofthecorner.Neitheristheresalvationinanyother:for there isnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmen,wherebywemustbesaved"(Acts4:11,12).

Faith is the anxious, trembling voice: "Lord, I believe: help You mineunbelief" (Mark9:24).Assurance is theconfidentchallenge:"Whoshalllay anything to the charge of God’s elect?Who is he who condemns?"(Rom.8:33,34).FaithisSaulprayinginthehouseofJudasatDamascus,sorrowful, blind and alone (Acts 9:11). Assurance is Paul, the agedprisoner,lookingcalmlyintothegrave,andsaying,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved.Thereisacrownlaidupforme"(2Tim.1:12;4:8).

Faithislife.Howgreattheblessing!Whocandescribeorrealizethegulfbetween life anddeath? "A living dog is better than a dead lion" (Eccl.9:4).Andyetlifemaybeweak,sickly,unhealthy,painful,trying,anxious,weary,burdensome,joyless,smilelesstotheveryend.Assuranceismorethanlife.Itishealth,strength,power,vigor,activity,energy,manliness,beauty.

It is not a question of "saved or not saved" that lies before us, but of"privilegeornoprivilege."Itisnotaquestionofpeaceornopeace,butofgreatpeaceorlittlepeace.Itisnotaquestionbetweenthewanderersofthis world and the school of Christ: it is one that belongs only to theschool:itisbetweenthefirstformandthelast.

Hewhohasfaithdoeswell.HappyshouldIbeifIthoughtallreadersofthismessagehadit.Blessed,thriceblessed,arethosewhobelieve!Theyaresafe.Theyarewashed.Theyarejustified.Theyarebeyondthepowerofhell.Satan,withallhismalice,shallneverpluckthemoutofChrist’shand.Buthewhohasassurancedoes farbetter—seesmore, feelsmore,knows more, enjoys more, has more days like those spoken of inDeuteronomy,even"thedaysofheavenupontheearth"(Deut.11:21).

3.Reasonswhyanassuredhopeisexceedinglytobedesired.

I ask special attention to this point. I heartilywish that assurancewasmore sought after than it is. Toomany among thosewhobelieve begindoubtingandgoondoubting, livedoubtinganddiedoubting,andgotoheaveninakindofmist.

Itwouldillbecomemetospeakinaslightingwayof"hopes"and"trusts."But I fearmany of us sit down contentwith themand gono further. Ishould liketoseefewer"peradventurers" intheLord’s familyandmorewhocouldsay,"Iknowandampersuaded."Oh,thatallbelieverswouldcovetthebestgiftsandnotbecontentwithless!Manymissthefulltideofblessednessthegospelwasmeanttoconvey.Manykeepthemselvesinalow and starved condition of soul, while their Lord is saying, "Eat anddrinkabundantly,Obeloved.""Askandreceive,thatyourjoymaybefull"(Song5:1;John16:24).

1.Letusrememberthatassuranceistobedesiredbecauseofthepresentcomfortandpeaceitaffords.

Doubts and fears have power to spoilmuch of the happiness of a truebeliever in Christ. Uncertainty and suspense are bad enough in anycondition—in the matter of our health, our property, our families, ouraffections,ourearthlycallings—butneversobadas in theaffairsofoursouls.Andsolongasabelievercannotgetbeyond,"Ihope,"and"Itrust,"hemanifestly feelsadegreeofuncertaintyabouthisspiritualstate.Theverywordsimplyasmuch.Hesays,"Ihope,"becausehedaresnotsay,"Iknow."

NowassurancegoesfartosetachildofGodfreefromthispainfulkindofbondageandthusministersmightilytohiscomfort.Itenableshimtofeelthatthegreatbusinessof life isasettledbusiness,thegreatdebtapaiddebt, the great disease a healed disease, and the great work a finishedwork; and all other business, diseases, debts and works are then bycomparison small. In this way assurance makes him patient intribulation,calmunderbereavements,unmovedinsorrow,notafraidofevil tidings, in every condition content; for it gives him a fixedness ofheart.Itsweetenshisbittercups; it lessenstheburdenofhiscrosses; itsmoothstheroughplacesoverwhichhetravels; it lightensthevalleyofthe shadow of death. It makes him always feel that he has somethingsolidbeneathhisfeetandsomethingfirmunderhishands—asurefriendbytheway,andasurehomeattheend.

Assurancewillhelpamantobearpovertyandloss.Itwill teachhimtosay,"IknowthatIhaveinheavenabetterandmoreenduringsubstance.SilverandgoldhaveInone,butgraceandgloryaremine,andthesecannevermakethemselveswingsandfleeaway.Thoughthefigtreeshallnotblossom,yetIwillrejoiceintheLord"(Hab.3:17,18).

Assurancewill support a childofGodunder theheaviestbereavementsand assist him to feel "It is well." An assured soul will say, "Thoughbelovedonesare taken fromme, yet Jesus is the same, and is alive forevermore.Christ,beingraisedfromthedead,diesnomore.Thoughmyhouse be not as flesh and blood could wish, yet I have an everlastingcovenant,orderedinallthingsandsure"(2Kings4:26;Heb.13:8;Rom.

6:9;2Sam.23:5).

Assurance will enable a man to praise God and be thankful, even inprison,likePaulandSilasatPhilippi.Itcangiveabelieversongseveninthe darkest night and joywhen all things seem going against him (Job35:10;Ps.42:8).

Assurancewill enableaman to sleepwith the fullprospectofdeathonthemorrow,likePeterinHerod’sdungeon.Itwillteachhimtosay,"Iwillbothlaymedowninpeaceandsleep,forYou,Lord,onlymakemedwellinsafety"(Ps.4:8).

Assurance canmakeaman rejoice to suffer shame forChrist’s sake, asthe apostles did when put in prison at Jerusalem (Acts 5:41). It willremindhimthathemay"rejoiceandbeexceedingglad"(Matt.5:12),andthere is inheavenanexceedingweightofglory thatshallmakeamendsforall(2Cor.4:17).

Assurance will enable a believer to meet a violent and painful deathwithout fear,asStephendid in thebeginningofChrist’schurch,andasCranmer, Ridley, Hooper, Latimer, Rogers and Taylor did in our ownland.Itwillbringtohisheartthetexts:"Benotafraidofthosewhokillthe body, and after that have no more that they can do" (Luke 12:4)."LordJesus,receivemyspirit"(Acts7:59).

Assurancewillsupportamaninpainandsickness,makeallhisbed,andsmoothdownhisdyingpillow. Itwill enablehim to say, "Ifmyearthlyhousefail,IhaveabuildingofGod"(2Cor.5:1)."IdesiretodepartandbewithChrist"(Phil.1:23)."Myfleshandmyheartmayfail,butGodisthestrengthofmyheart,andmyportionforever"(Ps.73:26).

Thestrongconsolationwhichassurancecangiveinthehourofdeathisapoint of great importance.Wemay depend on it, we shall never thinkassurancesopreciousaswhenourturncomestodie.Inthatawfulhourtherearefewbelieverswhodonotfindoutthevalueandprivilegeofan"assured hope," whatever theymay have thought about it during theirlives.General"hopes"and"trusts"areallverywelltoliveuponwhilethesun shines and the body is strong; but whenwe come to die, we shall

wanttobeabletosay,"Iknow"and"Ifeel."Theriverofdeathisacoldstream,andwehavetocrossitalone.Noearthlyfriendcanhelpus.Thelast enemy, the king of terrors, is a strong foe. When our souls aredeparting,thereisnocordiallikethestrongwineofassurance.

There is a beautiful expression in the Prayer Book service for thevisitationofthesick:"ThealmightyLord,whoisamoststrongtowertoallthemthatputtheirtrustinHim,benowandevermoreyourdefense,andmakeyouknowandfeelthatthereisnoneothernameunderheaven,throughwhomyoumayreceivehealthandsalvation,butonlythenameof our Lord Jesus Christ." The compilers of that service showed greatwisdom there. They saw that when the eyes grow dim, and the heartgrowsfaint,andthespiritisontheeveofdeparting,theremustthenbeknowingandfeelingwhatChristhasdoneforus,orelsetherecannotbeperfectpeace.

2. Assurance is to be desired because it tends to make a Christian anactiveworkingChristian.None,generallyspeaking,dosomuchforChristonearthasthosewhoenjoythefullestconfidenceofafreeentranceintoheaven and trust not in their own works, but in the finished work ofChrist.Thatsoundswonderful,Idaresay,butitistrue.

A believer who lacks an assured hope will spend much of his time ininward searchings of heart about his own state. Like a nervous,hypochondriacal person, he will be full of his own ailments, his owndoubtingsandquestionings,hisownconflictsandcorruptions.Inshort,youwilloftenfindheissotakenupwithhisinternalwarfarethathehaslittleleisureforotherthingsandlittletimetoworkforGod.

But a believer who has, like Paul, an assured hope is free from theseharassing distractions. He does not vex his soul with doubts about hisownpardonandacceptance.Helooksattheeverlastingcovenantsealedwithblood,atthefinishedworkandnever–brokenwordofhisLordandSavior,andthereforecountshissalvationasettledthing.AndthusheisabletogiveanundividedattentiontotheworkoftheLordandsointhelongruntodomore.

Take,foranillustrationofthis,twoEnglishemigrants,andsupposethem

setdownsidebyside inNewZealandorAustralia.Giveeachof themapieceof landtoclearandcultivate.Let theportionsallottedtothembethesame,bothinquantityandquality.Securethatlandtothembyeveryneedfullegalinstrument;letitbeconveyedasfreeholdtothemandtheirsforever;lettheconveyancebepubliclyregisteredandthepropertymadesuretothembyeverydeedandsecuritythatman’singenuitycandevise.

Suppose then that one of them shall set to work to clear his land andbringitintocultivationandlaboratitdayafterdaywithoutintermissionorcessation.

Supposeinthemeanwhilethattheothershallbecontinuallyleavinghisworkandgoingrepeatedlytothepublicregistrytoaskwhetherthelandreally is his own, whether there is not somemistake, whether after allthereisnotsomeflawinthelegalinstrumentswhichconveyedittohim.

Theoneshallneverdoubthistitlebutjustworkdiligentlyon.TheothershallhardlyeverfeelsureofhistitleandspendhalfhistimeingoingtoSydneyorMelbourneorAucklandwithneedlessinquiriesaboutit.

Whichnowof these twomenwill havemademost progress ina year’stime?Whowillhavedonethemostforhisland,gotthegreatestbreadthofsoilundertillage,havethebestcropstoshow,bealtogetherthemostprosperous?

Anyoneofcommonsensecananswerthatquestion.Ineednotsupplyananswer. There can be only one reply. Undivided attention will alwaysattainthegreatestsuccess.

Itismuchthesameinthematterofourtitleto"mansionsintheskies."NonewilldosomuchfortheLordwhoboughthimasthebelieverwhosees his title clear and is not distracted by unbelieving doubts,questionings and hesitations. The joy of the Lord will be that man’sstrength."Restoreuntome,"saysDavid,"thejoyofYoursalvation,thenwillIteachtransgressorsYourways"(Ps.51:12).

NeverweretheresuchworkingChristiansastheapostles.Theyseemedtolivetolabor.Christ’sworkwastrulytheirmeatanddrink.Theycounted

nottheirlivesdeartothemselves.Theyspentandwerespent.They laiddown ease, health, worldly comfort, at the foot of the cross. And onegrandcauseofthis,Ibelieve,wastheirassuredhope.Theyweremenwhocould say, "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies inwickedness"(1John5:19).

3. Assurance is to be desired because it tends to make a Christian adecided Christian. Indecision and doubt about our own state in God’ssightisagrievousevil,andthemotherofmanyevils.ItoftenproducesawaveringandunstablewalkinfollowingtheLord.AssurancehelpstocutmanyaknotandtomakethepathofChristiandutyclearandplain.

Many,ofwhomwefeelhopesthattheyareGod’schildren,andhavetruegrace,howeverweak,arecontinuallyperplexedwithdoubtsonpointsofpractice. "Should we do such and such a thing? Shall we give up thisfamily custom?Oughtwe togo into that company?Howshallwedrawthelineaboutvisiting?Whatistobethemeasureofourdressingandourentertainments?Arewenever,underanycircumstances,todance,nevertotouchacard,nevertoattendpartiesofpleasure?"Theseareakindofquestions which seem to give them constant trouble. And often, veryoften,thesimplerootoftheirperplexity isthattheydonotfeelassuredtheyarethemselveschildrenofGod.Theyhavenotyetsettledthepointwhichsideof the gate they areon.Theydonotknowwhether they areinsidethearkornot.

ThatachildofGodoughttoactinacertaindecidedway,theyquitefeel;butthegrandquestionis,"AretheychildrenofGodthemselves?"Iftheyonlyfelttheywereso,theywouldgostraightforwardandtakeadecidedline.Butnot feeling sure about it, their conscience is forever hesitatingandcomingtoadeadlock.Thedevilwhispers,"Perhapsafterallyouareonlyahypocrite:whatrighthaveyoutotakeadecidedcourse?WaituntilyouarereallyaChristian."Andthiswhispertoooftenturnsthescaleandleads on to somemiserable compromise orwretched conformity to theworld!

I believe we have here one chief reason why so many in this day areinconsistent,trimming,unsatisfactory,andhalf–heartedintheirconductabout the world. Their faith fails. They feel no assurance that they are

Christ’s, and so feel a hesitancy about breaking with the world. Theyshrinkfromlayingasideallthewaysoftheoldmanbecausetheyarenotquiteconfidenttheyhaveputonthenew.Inshort,Ihavelittledoubtthatonesecretcauseof"haltingbetweentwoopinions"iswantofassurance.Whenpeoplecansaydecidedly,"TheLord,HeistheGod,"theircoursebecomesveryclear(1Kings18:39).

4. Assurance is to be desired because it tends to make the holiestChristians.This,too,soundsincredibleandstrange,andyetitistrue.Itisoneof theparadoxesof thegospel, contraryat first sight toreasonandcommonsense,andyetitisafact.CardinalBellarminewasseldommorewideofthetruththanwhenhesaid,"Assurancetendstocarelessnessandsloth." He who is freely forgiven by Christ will always do much forChrist’sglory,andhewhoenjoysthefullestassuranceofthisforgivenesswill ordinarilykeepup the closestwalkwithGod. It is a faithfulsayingandworthytoberememberedbyallbelievers:"HewhohashopeinHimpurifieshimself,evenasHe ispure"(1John3:3).Ahopethatdoesnotpurifyisamockery,adelusion,andasnare.

Nonearesolikelytomaintainawatchfulguardovertheirownheartsandlivesas thosewhoknow thecomfortof living inclosecommunionwithGod. They feel their privilege and will fear losing it. They will dreadfallingfromthehighestate,andmarringtheirowncomforts,bybringingclouds between themselves andChrist.Hewho goes on a journeywithlittlemoneyabouthimtakeslittlethoughtofdangerandcareslittlehowlatehetravels.He,onthecontrary,thatcarriesgoldandjewelswillbeacautious traveler. He will look well to his roads, his lodgings and hiscompanyandrunnorisks.Itisanoldsaying,howeverunscientificitmaybe,thatthefixedstarsarethosewhichtremblemost.Themanthatmostfully enjoys the light of God’s reconciled countenance will be a mantremblinglyafraidoflosingitsblessedconsolationsandjealouslyfearfulofdoinganythingtogrievetheHolySpirit.

IcommendthesefourpointstotheseriousconsiderationofallprofessingChristians.WouldyouliketofeeltheeverlastingarmsaroundyouandtohearthevoiceofJesusdailydrawingneartoyoursoulandsaying,"Iamyoursalvation"?Wouldyouliketobeausefullaborerinthevineyardinyourdayandgeneration?Wouldyoubeknownofallmenasabold,firm,

decided,single–eyed,uncompromisingfollowerofChrist?Wouldyoubeeminently spiritually–minded and holy? I doubt not some readers willsay,"Thesearetheverythingsourheartsdesire.Welongforthem.Wepantafterthem,buttheyseemfarfromus."

Now,hasitneverstruckyouthatyourneglectofassurancemaypossiblybethemainsecretofallyourfailures,thatthelowmeasureoffaithwhichsatisfiesyoumaybethecauseofyourlowdegreeofpeace?Canyouthinkitastrangethingthatyourgracesarefaintandlanguishing,whenfaith,therootandmotherofthemall,isallowedtoremainfeebleandweak?

Takemyadvicethisday.Seekanincreaseoffaith.Seekanassuredhopeof salvation like the apostle Paul’s. Seek to obtain a simple, childlikeconfidence inGod’spromises.Seektobeable tosaywithPaul,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved:IampersuadedthatHeismine,andIamHis."

Youhaveverylikelytriedotherwaysandmethodsandcompletelyfailed.Change your plan. Go upon another tack. Lay aside your doubts. LeanmoreentirelyontheLord’sarm.Beginwithimplicittrusting.CastasideyourfaithlessbackwardnesstotaketheLordatHisword.Comeandrollyourself,yoursoulandyoursins,uponyourgraciousSavior.Beginwithsimplebelieving,andallotherthingsshallsoonbeaddedtoyou.

4. Some probable causes why an assured hope is so seldomattained

This is a very serious question and ought to raise in all of us greatsearchingsofheart.Few,certainly,ofChrist’speopleseemtoreachuptothisblessedspiritofassurance.Manycomparativelybelieve,butfewarepersuaded.Manycomparativelyhave saving faith,but few thatgloriousconfidencewhichshinesforthinthelanguageofSt.Paul.Thatsuchisthecase,Ithinkwemustallallow.

Now,why is this so?Why is a thing,which two apostles have stronglyenjoined us to seek after, a thing of which few believers have anyexperimentalknowledgeintheselatterdays?Whyisanassuredhopesorare?

Idesiretoofferafewsuggestionsonthispoint,withallhumility.Iknowthatmanyhaveneverattainedassurance,atwhosefeetIwouldgladlysitbothinearthandheaven.PerhapstheLordseessomethinginthenaturaltemperamentof someofHis childrenwhichmakes assurancenot goodforthem.Perhaps,inordertobekeptinspiritualhealth,theyneedtobekept very low.Godonlyknows.Still, after every allowance, I fear therearemanybelieverswithoutanassuredhope,whosecasemaytoooftenbeexplainedbycausessuchasthese.

1.Onemostcommoncause,Isuspect,isadefectiveviewofthedoctrineofjustification.

Iaminclinedtothinkthat justificationandsanctificationare insensiblyconfusedtogetherinthemindsofmanybelievers.Theyreceivethegospeltruth,thattheremustbesomethingdoneinusaswellassomethingdonefor us, ifwe are truemembers ofChrist: and so far they are right.Butthen,without being aware of it, perhaps, they seem to imbibe the ideathat their justification is, in somedegree, affected by somethingwithinthemselves.TheydonotclearlyseethatChrist’swork,nottheirownwork—either in whole or in part, either directly or indirectly—is the onlygroundofouracceptancewithGod: that justification isa thingentirelywithoutus,forwhichnothingwhateverisneedfulonourpartbutsimplefaithandthattheweakestbelieverisasfullyandcompletelyjustifiedasthestrongest.

Manyappeartoforgetthatwearesavedandjustifiedassinners,andonlysinners,andthatwenevercanattaintoanythinghigher,ifwelivetotheage of Methuselah. Redeemed sinners, justified sinners and renewedsinnersdoubtlesswemustbe—butsinners,sinners,sinners,weshallbealwaystothevery last.Theydonotseemtocomprehendthatthereisawide difference between our justification and our sanctification. Ourjustification is a perfect finished work and admits of no degrees. Oursanctificationisimperfectandincompleteandwillbesotothelasthourofourlife.Theyappeartoexpectthatabelievermayatsomeperiodofhislifebeinameasurefreefromcorruption,andattaintoakindofinwardperfection. And not finding this angelic state of things in their ownhearts, they at once conclude there must be something very wrong intheirstate.Andsotheygomourningalltheirdays,oppressedwithfears

thattheyhavenopartorlotinChrist,andrefusingtobecomforted.

Letusweighthispointwell. Ifanybelievingsouldesiresassuranceandhas not got it, let him ask himself, first of all, if he is quite sure he issoundinthefaith,ifheknowshowtodistinguishthingsthatdifferandifhiseyesarethoroughlyclearinthematterofjustification.Hemustknowwhat it is simply to believe and to be justified by faith before he canexpecttofeelassured.

In thismatter,aswellas inmanyothers, theoldGalatianheresy is themostfertilesourceoferror,bothindoctrineandinpractice.PeopleoughttoseekclearerviewsofChristandwhatChristhasdoneforthem.Happyis the man who really understands "justification by faith without thedeedsofthelaw."

2. Another common cause of the absence of assurance is slothfulnessaboutgrowthingrace.

Isuspectmanytruebelieversholddangerousandunscripturalviewsonthispoint;Idonot,ofcourse,meanintentionally,buttheydoholdthem.Manyappeartothinkthat,onceconverted,theyhavelittlemoretoattendto,andthatastateofsalvationisakindofeasychairinwhichtheymayjustsitstill,liebackandbehappy.Theyseemtofancythatgraceisgiventhemthattheymayenjoyit;andtheyforgetthatitisgiven,likeatalent,tobeused,employedandimproved.Suchpersonslosesightofthemanydirectinjunctionstoincrease,togrow,toaboundmoreandmore,toaddtoourfaith,andthelike;andinthislittle–doingcondition,thissitting–stillstateofmind,Inevermarvelthattheymissassurance.

Ibelieve itought tobeourcontinualaimanddesire togoforward,andourwatchwordoneveryreturningbirthdayandatthebeginningofeveryyear should be "more andmore" (1Thess. 4:1):more knowledge,morefaith,moreobedience,morelove.Ifwehavebroughtforththirty-fold,weshould seek tobring forth sixty; and ifwehavebrought forth sixty,weshould strive to bring forth a hundred. The will of the Lord is oursanctification,anditoughttobeourwilltoo(Matt.13:23;1Thess.4:3).

One thing, at all events,wemay depend upon—there is an inseparable

connectionbetweendiligenceandassurance."Givediligence,"saysPeter,"tomakeyourcallingandelectionsure" (2Pet. 1:10). "Wedesire,"saysPaul, "that every one of you do show the same diligence to the fullassuranceofhopeunto theend" (Heb.6:11). "The soulof thediligent,"saysSolomon,"shallbemadefat"(Prov.13:4).Thereismuchtruthintheoldmaxim of the Puritans: "Faith of adherence comes by hearing, butfaithofassurancecomesnotwithoutdoing."

Isanyreaderofthismessageoneofthosewhodesireassurance,buthavenot got it? Mark my words. You will never get it without diligence,howevermuch youmay desire it. There are no gains without pains inspiritual things, anymore than in temporal. "The soul of the sluggarddesiresandhasnothing"(Prov.13:4).

3.Anothercommoncauseofawantofassuranceisaninconsistentwalkinlife.

WithgriefandsorrowIfeelconstrainedtosaythatI fearnothingmorefrequentlypreventsmenattaininganassuredhopethanthis.ThestreamofprofessingChristianityinthisdayisfarwiderthanitformerlywas,andIamafraidwemustadmitatthesametimeitismuchlessdeep.

Inconsistencyoflifeisutterlydestructiveofpeaceofconscience.Thetwothingsareincompatible.Theycannotandtheywillnotgotogether.Ifyouwill have your besetting sins and cannot make up your minds to givethemup, ifyouwillshrinkfromcuttingofftherighthandandpluckingouttherighteyewhenoccasionrequiresit,Iwillengageyouwillhavenoassurance.

A vacillating walk, a backwardness to take a bold and decided line, areadiness to conform to the world, a hesitating witness for Christ, alingering tone of religion, a clinching from a high standard of holinessand spiritual life, all thesemakeup a sure receipt for bringing a blightuponthegardenofyoursoul.

It is vain to suppose you will feel assured and persuaded of your ownpardon and acceptance with God, unless you count all God’scommandments concerning all things to be right, and hate every sin,

whethergreatorsmall(Ps.119:128).OneAchanallowedinthecampofyourheartwillweakenyourhandsand layyourconsolations lowinthedust.YoumustbedailysowingtotheSpirit,ifyouaretoreapthewitnessoftheSpirit.YouwillnotfindandfeelthatalltheLord’swaysarewaysofpleasantnessunlessyoulaborinallyourwaystopleasetheLord.

IblessGodthatoursalvationinnowisedependsonourownworks.Bygrace we are saved—not by works of righteousness—through faith,without thedeedsof the law.But Ineverwouldhaveanybeliever foramomentforgetthatoursenseofsalvationdependsmuchonthemannerofourliving.Inconsistencywilldimoureyesandbringcloudsbetweenusandthesun.Thesunisthesamebehindtheclouds,butyouwillnotbeable to see its brightness or enjoy its warmth; and your soul will begloomy and cold. It is in the path of well–doing that the dayspring ofassurancewillvisityouandshinedownuponyourheart.

"ThesecretoftheLord,"saysDavid,"iswiththemthatfearHim,andHewillshowthemHiscovenant"(Ps.25:14).

"Tohimthatordershisconversationaright,willIshowthesalvationofGod"(Ps.50:23).

"Great peace have they which love Your law, and nothing shall offendthem"(Ps.119:165).

"Ifwewalkinthelight,asHeisinthelight,wehavefellowshiponewithanother"(1John1:7).

"Letusnotloveinword,neitherintongue;butindeedandintruth;andhereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heartsbeforeHim"(1John3:18,19).

"HerebywedoknowthatweknowHim,ifwekeepHiscommandments"(1John2:3).

Paulwasamanwhoexercisedhimselftohavealwaysaconsciencevoidofoffense toward God and toward man (Acts 24:16). He could say withboldness, "Ihave fought the good fight, Ihavekept the faith." I donot

therefore wonder that the Lord enabled him to add with confidence,"Henceforththereisacrownlaidupforme,andtheLordshallgiveitmeatthatday."

IfanybelieverintheLordJesusdesiresassuranceandhasnotgotit,lethimthinkoverthispointalso.Lethimlookathisownheart,lookathisownconscience,lookathisownlife,lookathisownways,lookathisownhome.Andperhapswhenhehasdonethat,hewillbeabletosay,"ThereisacausewhyIhavenoassuredhope."

I leave the three matters I have just mentioned to the privateconsiderationofeveryreaderof thismessage. Iamsure theyareworthexamining.Maywe examine themhonestly. Andmay the Lord give usunderstandinginallthings.

1.Andnowinclosingthis important inquiry, letmespeakfirst tothosereaderswhohavenotyetgiventhemselvestotheLord,whohavenotyetcomeoutfromtheworld,chosenthegoodpartandfollowedChrist.

IaskyouthentolearnfromthissubjecttheprivilegesandcomfortsofatrueChristian.

Iwouldnothaveyoujudgeof theLordJesusChristbyHispeople.Thebest of servants can give you but a faint idea of that glorious Master.NeitherwouldIhaveyou judgeof theprivilegesofHiskingdombythemeasureofcomforttowhichmanyofHispeopleattain.Alas,wearemostof us poor creatures!We come short, very short, of the blessednesswemightenjoy.But,dependuponit,therearegloriousthingsinthecityofour God, which they who have an assured hope taste, even in theirlifetime.Therearelengthsandbreadthsofpeaceandconsolationthere,which it has not entered into your heart to conceive. There is breadenoughandtospareinourFather’shouse,thoughmanyofuscertainlyeatbutlittleofit,andcontinueweak.ButthefaultmustnotbelaidtoourMaster’scharge:itisallourown.

And, after all, theweakest child of God has amine of comfortswithinhim,ofwhichyouknownothing.Youseetheconflictsandtossingsofthesurfaceofhisheart,but you seenot thepearlsof greatpricewhichare

hidden in the depths below. The feeblest member of Christ would notchange conditions with you. The believer who possesses the leastassuranceisfarbetteroffthanyouare.Hehasahope,howeverfaint,butyouhavenoneatall.Hehasaportionthatwillneverbetakenfromhim,a Savior that will never forsake him, a treasure that fades not away,howeverlittlehemayrealizeitallatpresent.But,asforyou,ifyoudieasyouare,yourexpectationswillallperish.Oh,thatyouwerewise!Oh,thatyou understood these things! Oh, that you would consider your latterend!

Ifeeldeeplyforyouintheselatterdaysoftheworld,ifIeverdid.Ifeeldeeplyforthosewhosetreasureisallonearthandwhosehopesareallonthis side of the grave. Yes! When I see old kingdoms and dynastiesshakingtotheveryfoundation;whenIsee,asweallsawafewyearsago,kingsandprincesandrichmenandgreatmenfleeingfortheirlivesandscarceknowingwheretohidetheirheads;whenIseepropertydependentonpublicconfidencemelting likesnowinspring,andpublicstocksandfundslosingtheirvalue—whenIseethesethings,Ifeeldeeplyforthosewhohavenobetterportionthanthisworldcangivethemandnoplaceinthatkingdomwhichcannotberemoved.

TakeadviceofaministerofChrist thisveryday.Seekdurable riches, atreasure that cannot be taken from you, a city which has lastingfoundations.DoastheapostlePauldid.GiveyourselftotheLordJesusChrist,andseekthatincorruptiblecrownHeisreadytobestow.TakeHisyokeupon you, and learn ofHim.Come away fromaworldwhichwillneverreallysatisfyyouandfromsinwhichwillbitelikeaserpent,ifyoucleavetoit,atlast.CometotheLordJesusaslowlysinners;andHewillreceiveyou,pardonyou,giveyouHisrenewingSpirit,fillyouwithpeace.Thisshallgiveyoumorerealcomfortthantheworldhaseverdone.ThereisagulfinyourheartwhichnothingbutthepeaceofChristcanfill.Enterinandshareourprivileges.Comewithus,andsitdownbyourside.

2.Lastly, letmeturntoallbelieverswhoreadthesepagesandspeaktothemafewwordsofbrotherlycounsel.

ThemainthingthatIurgeuponyouisthis:ifyouhavenotgotanassuredhopeofyourownacceptanceinChrist,resolvethisdaytoseekit.Labor

for it. Strive after it. Pray for it.Give theLordno rest until you "knowwhomyouhavebelieved."

I feel, indeed, that the small amount of assurance in this day, amongthosewhoarereckonedGod’schildren,isashameandareproach."Itisathingtobeheavilybewailed,"saysoldTraill,"thatmanyChristianshavelived twenty or forty years since Christ called them by His grace, yetdoubting in their life." Let us call to mind the earnest "desire" Paulexpresses, that "every one" of the Hebrews should seek after fullassurance; and let us endeavor, byGod’s blessing, to roll this reproachaway(Heb.6:11).

Believing reader, do you reallymean to say that you have no desire toexchange hope for confidence, trust for persuasion, uncertainty forknowledge? Because weak faith will save you, will you therefore restcontentwithit?Becauseassuranceisnotessentialtoyourentranceintoheaven,willyouthereforebesatisfiedwithoutituponearth?Alas,thisisnotahealthystateofsoultobe in; this isnotthemindof theapostolicday! Arise at once and go forward. Stick not at the foundations ofreligion:goon toperfection.Benot contentwithadayof small things.Neverdespiseitinothers,butneverbecontentwithityourself.

Believeme,believeme,assuranceisworththeseeking.Youforsakeyourownmercieswhenyourestcontentwithoutit.ThethingsIspeakareforyourpeace.Ifitisgoodtobesureinearthlythings,howmuchbetterisittobesureinheavenlythings!Yoursalvationisafixedandcertainthing.Godknowsit.Whyshouldnotyouseektoknowittoo?Thereisnothingunscripturalinthis.Paulneversawthebookoflife,andyetPaulsays,"Iknowandampersuaded."

Make it then your daily prayer that youmay have an increase of faith.According to your faith will be your peace. Cultivate that blessed rootmore,andsooneror later,byGod’sblessing,youmayhope tohave theflower.Youmaynotperhapsattaintofullassuranceallatonce.Itisgoodsometimes to be kept waiting: we do not value things which we getwithout trouble.But though it tarry,wait for it. Seek on, and expect tofind.

Thereisonething,however,ofwhichIwouldnothaveyouignorant:youmustnot be surprised if youhaveoccasional doubts after youhavegotassurance.Youmustnotforgetyouareonearth,andnotyetinheaven.You are still in the body and have indwelling sin; the flesh will lustagainst the spirit to the very end. The leprosy will never be out of thewallsoftheoldhouseuntildeathtakesitdown.Andthereisadevil,too,andastrongdevil—adevilwhotemptedtheLordJesus,andgavePeterafall,andhewilltakecareyouknowit.Somedoubtstherealwayswillbe.Hewhoneverdoubtshasnothingtolose.Hewhoneverfearspossessesnothingtrulyvaluable.Hewhoisneverjealousknowslittleofdeeplove.Butbenotdiscouraged:youshallbemorethanconquerorthroughHimthatlovedyou.

Finally, donot forget that assurance is a thingwhichmaybe lost for aseason,evenbythebrightestChristians,unlesstheytakecare.

Assurance is a most delicate plant. It needs daily, hourly watching,watering,tending,cherishing.Sowatchandpraythemorewhenyouhavegot it. AsRutherford says, "Makemuch of assurance." Be always uponyourguard.WhenChristianslept in thearbor, inPilgrim’sProgress,helosthiscertificate.Keepthatinmind.

Davidlostassuranceformanymonthsbyfallingintotransgression.PeterlostitwhenhedeniedhisLord.Eachfounditagainundoubtedly,butnotuntil afterbitter tears.Spiritualdarknesscomesonhorsebackandgoesawayonfoot.Itisuponusbeforeweknowthatitiscoming.Itleavesusslowly, gradually, and not until after many days. It is easy to rundownhill. It is hardwork to climbup. So remembermy caution—whenyouhavethejoyoftheLord,watchandpray.

Aboveall,grievenottheSpirit.QuenchnottheSpirit.VexnottheSpirit.DriveHimnottoadistancebytamperingwithsmallbadhabitsandlittlesins.Little jarringsbetweenhusbandsandwivesmakeunhappyhomes;andpettyinconsistencies,knownandallowed,willbringinastrangenessbetweenyouandtheSpirit.

Heartheconclusionofthewholematter—themanwhowalkswithGodinChristmostcloselywillgenerallybekeptinthegreatestpeace.

The believer who follows the Lord most fully and aims at the highestdegreeofholinesswillordinarilyenjoythemostassuredhopeandhavetheclearestpersuasionofhisownsalvation.

MOSES—ANEXAMPLE

"ByfaithMoses,whenhewascometoyears,refusedtobecalledthesonofPharaoh’sdaughter;choosingrathertosufferafflictionwiththepeopleof God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming thereproachofChristgreaterrichesthanthetreasuresinEgypt:forhehadrespectuntotherecompenseofthereward."(Hebrews11:24–26).

ThecharactersofGod’smosteminentsaints,asdrawnanddescribedintheBible, formamostusefulpartofHolyScripture.Abstractdoctrinesandprinciplesandpreceptsareallmostvaluableintheirway;butafterall nothing is more helpful than a pattern or example. Do we want toknowwhatpracticalholinessis?Letussitdownandstudythepictureofan eminently holy man. I propose in this message to set before myreadersthehistoryof amanwho livedby faithand leftus apatternofwhatfaithcandoinpromotingholinessofcharacter.Toallwhowanttoknowwhat"livingbyfaith"means,IofferMosesasanexample.

TheeleventhchapteroftheEpistletotheHebrews,fromwhichmytextistaken,isagreatchapter:itdeservestobeprintedingoldenletters.Icanwell believe it must have been most cheering and encouraging to aconvertedJew.IsupposenomembersoftheearlychurchfoundsomuchdifficultyinaprofessionofChristianityastheHebrewsdid.Thewaywasnarrowtoall,butpre–eminentlysotothem.Thecrosswasheavytoall,but surely they had to carry double weight. And this chapter wouldrefreshthemlikeacordial;itwouldbeas"winetothosethatbeofheavyhearts." Its words would be "pleasant as the honeycomb, sweet to thesoul,andhealthtothebones"(Prov.31:6;16:24).

The three verses I am going to explain are far from being the leastinteresting in the chapter. Indeed I think few, if any, have so strong aclaimonourattention.AndIwillexplainwhyIsayso.

It seems to me that the work of faith described in the story of Mosescomeshomemoreespecially toourowncase.ThemenofGodwhoarenamed in the formerpart of the chapter are all examples to us beyondquestion. But we cannot literally do what most of them did, howevermuchwemaydrink into their spirit.We arenot calledupon to offer aliteralsacrificelikeAbel,ortobuildaliteralarklikeNoah,ortoleaveourcountryliterally,anddwellintents,andofferupourIsaaclikeAbraham.Butthe faithofMosescomesnearertous.Itseemstooperate inawaymore familiar to our own experience. It made him take up a line ofconductsuchaswemustsometimestakeupourselvesinthepresentday,eachinourownwalkoflife,ifwewouldbeconsistentChristians.Andforthis reason, I think these three verses deserve more than ordinaryconsideration.

NowIhavenothingbutthesimplestthingstosayaboutthem.Ishallonlytry to show the greatness of the thingsMoses did and the principle onwhichhedidthem.Andthenperhapsweshallbebetterpreparedforthepracticalinstructionwhichtheversesappeartoholdouttoeveryonewhowillreceiveit.

1.WhatMosesgaveupandrefused

Mosesgaveupthreethingsforthesakeofhissoul.Hefeltthathissoulwouldnotbesavedifhekeptthem,sohegavethemup.Andinsodoing,I say thathemade three of the greatest sacrifices thatman’s heart canpossiblymake.Letussee.

1.Hegaveuprankandgreatness.

"HerefusedtobecalledthesonofPharaoh’sdaughter."Weallknowhishistory.ThedaughterofPharaohhadpreservedhislifewhenhewasaninfant. She had gone further than that: she had adopted him andeducatedhimasherownson.

Ifsomewritersofhistorymaybetrusted,shewasPharaoh’sonlychild.Somegosofarastosaythatinthecommonorderofthings,MoseswouldonedayhavebeenKingofEgypt!Thatmaybe, ormaynot;we cannottell.Itisenoughforustoknowthat,fromhisconnectionwithPharaoh’sdaughter,Mosesmighthavebeen,ifhehadpleased,averygreatman.Ifhehadbeencontentwith theposition inwhichhe foundhimselfat theEgyptiancourt,hemighteasilyhavebeenamongthefirst(ifnottheveryfirst)inallthelandofEgypt.

Letusthink,foramoment,howgreatthistemptationwas.

Herewas amanof like passionswith ourselves.Hemight havehadasmuchgreatnessasearthcanwellgive.Rank,power,place,honor, titles,dignities—allwerebeforehim,andwithinhisgrasp.Thesearethethingsfor which many men are continually struggling. These are the prizeswhichthereisanincessantraceintheworldaroundustoobtain.Tobesomebody,tobelookedupto,toraisethemselvesinthescaleofsociety,togetahandletotheirnames—thesearetheverythingsforwhichmanysacrificetimeandthoughtandhealthandlifeitself.ButMoseswouldnothavethemasagift.Heturnedhisbackuponthem.Herefusedthem.Hegavethemup!

2.Andmorethanthis—herefusedpleasure.

Pleasureofeverykind,nodoubt,wasathisfeet,ifhehadlikedtotakeitup—sensual pleasure, intellectual pleasure, social pleasure—whatevercouldstrikehisfancy.Egyptwasalandofartists,aresidenceoflearnedmen, a resort of everyonewho had skill, or science of any description.Therewasnothingwhichcouldfeedthe"lustoftheflesh,thelustoftheeye,ortheprideoflife,"whichoneintheplaceofMosesmightnoteasilyhavecommandedandpossessedashisown(1John2:16).

Letusthinkagain,howgreatwasthistemptationalso.

Millions live for pleasure. Hedonism is the great spirit that knows noboundaries,whethereconomical,social,politicalorcultural—pleasure isanidolenslavingthegreatmajorityoftheworld.Theschoolboylooksforpleasure in his summer vacation, the youngman in independence and

business; the small business owner looks for it in retirement, and thepoormaninthesmallcomfortsofhome.Pleasureandfreshexcitementinpolitics,travel,amusement,incompany,inbooks,inseveralvicestoodarktomention,pleasureistheshadowwhichallalikearehunting;each,perhaps, pretending to despise his neighbor for seeking it, each in hisownwayseekingitforhimself,eachwonderingwhyhedoesnot findit,eachfirmlypersuadedthatsomewhereorotheritistobefound.ThiswasthecupthatMoseshadbeforehislips.Hemighthavedrunkasdeeplyashelikedofearthlypleasure;buthewouldnothaveit.Heturnedhisbackuponit.Herefusedit.Hegaveitup!

3.Andmorethanthis—herefusedriches.

"ThetreasuresinEgypt"isanexpressionthatseemstotellofboundlesswealthwhichMosesmighthaveenjoyed,hadhebeencontenttoremainwithPharaoh’sdaughter.Wemaywell suppose these "treasures"wouldhavebeenamightyfortune.EnoughisstillremaininginEgypttogiveussome faint idea of themoney at its king’s disposal. The pyramids andobelisksandtemplesandstatuesarestillstandingthereaswitnesses.TheruinsatCarnacandLuxorandDenderahandmanyotherplacesarestillthemightiestbuildingsintheworld.TheytestifytothisdaythatthemanwhogaveupEgyptianwealthgaveupsomethingwhichevenourEnglishmindswouldfindithardtoreckonupandestimate.

Letusthinkoncemore,howgreatwasthistemptation.

Let us consider, for a moment, the power of money, the immenseinfluencethat"theloveofmoney"obtainsovermen’sminds.Letuslookaround us and observe howmen covet it andwhat amazing pains andtrouble they will go through to obtain it. Tell them of an islandmanythousand miles away where something may be found which may beprofitable,ifimported;andatoncea fleetofshipswillbesenttoget it.Showthemawaytomakeonepercentmoreoftheirmoney,andtheywillreckon you among the wisest of men; they will almost fall down andworship you. To possess money seems to hide defects, to cover overfaults,toclotheamanwithvirtues.Peoplecangetovermuch,ifyouarerich! But here is amanwhomight have been rich, andwould not.HewouldnothaveEgyptian treasures.He turnedhis backupon them.He

refusedthem.Hegavethemup!

SuchwerethethingsthatMosesrefused—rank,pleasure,riches,allthreeatonce.

Addtoallthisthathediditdeliberately.Hedidnotrefusethesethingsinahastyfitofyouthfulexcitement.Hewasfortyyearsold.Hewasintheprimeoflife.Heknewwhathewasabout.Hewasahighlyeducatedman,"learnedinallthewisdomoftheEgyptians"(Acts7:22).Hecouldweighbothsidesofthequestion.

Addtoitthathedidnotrefusethembecausehewasobliged.Hewasnotlikethedyingmanwhotellsus"hecravesnothingmore in thisworld";andwhy?Becauseheisleavingtheworldandcannotkeepit.Hewasnotlike the pauperwhomakes amerit of necessity and says, "he does notwantriches";andwhy?Becausehecannotgetthem.Hewasnotliketheoldmanwhoboaststhat"hehaslaidasideworldlypleasures";andwhy?Becauseheiswornoutandcannotenjoythem.No!Mosesrefusedwhathemighthaveenjoyed.Rank,pleasureandrichesdidnotleavehim,butheleftthem.

AndthenjudgewhetherIamnotrightinsayingthathiswasoneofthegreatestsacrificesmortalmanevermade.Othershaverefusedmuch,butnone, I think, somuch asMoses.Others have donewell in theway ofself–sacrificeandself–denial,butheexcelsthemall.

2.WhatMoseschose

Moseschosethreethingsforhissoul’ssake,andIthinkhischoicesareaswonderfulashisrefusals.Theroadtosalvationledthroughthem,andhefollowedit;andinsodoinghechosethreeofthelastthingsthatmaniseverdisposedtotakeup.

1.Moseschosesufferingandaffliction.

HelefttheeaseandcomfortofPharaoh’scourtandopenlytookpartwiththechildrenofIsrael.Theywereanenslavedandpersecutedpeople—anobjectofdistrust,suspicionandhatred;andanyonewhobefriendedthem

wassuretotastesomethingofthebittercuptheyweredailydrinking.

To the eye of sense there seemed no chance of their deliverance fromEgyptianbondagewithouta longanddoubtful struggle.Asettledhomeand country for them must have appeared a thing never likely to beobtained, however much desired. In fact, if ever man seemed to bechoosingpain,trials,poverty,want,distress,anxiety,perhapsevendeath,withhiseyesopen,Moseswasthatman.

Letusthinkhowwonderfulwasthischoice.

Fleshandbloodnaturally shrink frompain. It is inus all to do so.Wedrawbackbyakindof instinct fromsufferingandavoid it ifwecan. Iftwo courses of action are set before us, which both seem right, wegenerallytakethatwhichistheleastdisagreeabletofleshandblood.Wespend our days in fear and anxiety whenwe think affliction is comingnear us and use everymeans to escape it. Andwhen it does come,weoftenfretandmurmurundertheburdenofit;andifwecanonlybearitpatiently,wecountitagreatmatter.

But look here! Here is a man of like passions with ourselves, and heactuallychoosesaffliction!MosessawthecupofsufferingthatwasbeforehimifheleftPharaoh’scourt;andhechoseit,preferreditandtookitup.

2. But he did more than this, he chose the company of adespisedpeople.

He left the society of the great and wise, among whom he had beenbrought up, and joined himself to the children of Israel. He, who hadlivedfrominfancyinthemidstofrankandrichesandluxury,camedownfrom his high estate and cast in his lot with poor men—slaves, serfs,helots,pariahs,bond-servants,oppressed,destitute,afflicted,tormented—laborersinthebrick–kiln.

Howwonderful,oncemore,wasthischoice!

Generally speaking, we think it enough to carry our own troubles. Wemaybe sorry forotherswhose lot is tobemeananddespised.Wemay

eventrytohelpthem;wemaygivemoneytoraisethem;wemayspeakforthemtothoseonwhomtheydepend;butherewegenerallystop.

Buthere is amanwhodoes farmore.Henotmerely feels for despisedIsraelbutactuallygoesdowntothem,addshimself to theirsocietyandlives with them altogether. You would wonder if some great man inGrosvenor or Belgrave Square were to give up house and fortune andposition in society and go to live on a small allowance in somenarrowlaneinBethnalGreen,forthesakeofdoinggood.YetthiswouldconveyaveryfaintandfeeblenotionofthekindofthingthatMosesdid.Hesawadespisedpeople,andhechosetheircompanyinpreferencetothatofthenoblest in the land. He became one with them, their fellow, theircompanionintribulation,theirally,theirassociateandtheirfriend.

3.Buthedidevenmore.Hechosereproachandscorn.

WhocanconceivethetorrentofmockeryandridiculethatMoseswouldhave tostem, in turningaway fromPharaoh’scourt to join Israel?Menwouldtellhimhewasmad,foolish,weak,silly,outofhismind.Hewouldlose his influence; he would forfeit the favor and good opinion of allamongwhomhehadlived.Butnoneofthesethingsmovedhim.Heleftthecourtandjoinedtheslaves!

Letusthinkagain,whatachoicethiswas!

Therearefewthingsmorepowerfulthanridiculeandscorn.Itcandofarmorethanopenenmityandpersecution.Manyamanwhowouldmarchup to a cannon’smouth, or lead a forlorn hope, or storm a breach hasfound it impossible to face the mockery of a few companions and hasflinchedfromthepathofdutytoavoidit.Tobelaughedat!Tobemadeajokeof!Tobejestedandsneeredat!Tobereckonedweakandsilly!Tobethoughtafool!Thereisnothinggrandinallthisandmany,alas,cannotmakeuptheirmindstoundergoit!

Yethereisamanwhomadeuphismindtoitanddidnotshrinkfromthetrial.Mosessawreproachandscornbeforehim,andhechosethemandacceptedthemforhisportion.

SuchthenwerethethingsthatMoseschose:affliction,thecompanyofadespisedpeople,andscorn.

Consider beside all this, that Moses was no weak, ignorant, illiterateperson,whodidnotknowwhathewasabout.Youarespecially toldhewas "mighty inwords and in deeds," and yet he chose as he did! (Acts7:22.)

Consider, also, the circumstances of his choice. He was not obliged tochooseashedid.Nonecompelledhimtotakesuchacourse.Thethingshetookupdidnot forcethemselvesuponhimagainsthiswill.Hewentafterthem;theydidnotcomeafterhim.Allthathedid,hedidofhisownfreechoice—voluntarily,andofhisownaccord.

Andthenjudgewhetheritisnottruethathischoiceswereaswonderfulashisrefusals.Sincetheworldbegan,Isuppose,noneevermadesuchachoiceasMosesdidinourtext.

3.TheprinciplewhichmovedMoses

Howcanthisconductofhisbeaccountedfor?Whatpossiblereasoncanbegiven for it?To refuse thatwhich isgenerally calledgood, tochoosethat which is commonly thought evil, this is not the way of flesh andblood. This is not themanner ofman; this requires some explanation.Whatwillthatexplanationbe?

Wehave theanswer in the text. Iknownotwhether itsgreatnessor itssimplicity ismore to be admired. It all lies in one littleword, and thatwordis"faith."

Moses had faith. Faith was the mainspring of his wonderful conduct.Faithmadehimdoashedid,choosewhathechoseandrefusewhatherefused.Hediditallbecausehebelieved.

God set before the eyes of his mind His own will and purpose. Godrevealed tohimthataSaviorwas tobebornof thestockof Israel, thatmightypromiseswereboundupinthesechildrenofAbraham,andyettobefulfilled,thatthetimeforfulfillingaportionofthesepromiseswasat

hand;andMosesput credit in this, andbelieved.Andevery step inhiswonderful career, every action in his journey through life after leavingPharaoh’scourt,hischoiceofseemingevil,hisrefusalofseeminggood—all,allmustbetraceduptothisfountain;allwillbefoundtorestonthisfoundation.Godhadspokentohim,andhehadfaithinGod’sWord.

Hebelieved thatGodwouldkeepHispromises—thatwhatHehad saidHe would surely do, and what He had covenanted He would surelyperform.

He believed that with God nothing was impossible. Reason and sensemight say that the deliverance of Israel was out of the question: theobstacleswere toomany, thedifficulties toogreat.But faith toldMosesthatGodwasall–sufficient.Godhadundertakenthework,anditwouldbedone.

HebelievedthatGodwasallwise.Reasonandsensemighttellhimthathislineofactionwasabsurd,thathewasthrowingawayusefulinfluenceand destroying all chance of benefiting his people by breaking withPharaoh’sdaughter.ButfaithtoldMosesthatifGodsaid,"Gothisway,"itmustbethebest.

HebelievedthatGodwasallmerciful.Reasonandsensemighthintthatamore pleasant manner of deliverance might be found, that somecompromisemightbeeffected,andmanyhardshipsbeavoided.ButfaithtoldMosesthatGodwasloveandwouldnotgiveHispeopleonedropofbitternessbeyondwhatwasabsolutelyneeded.

FaithwasatelescopetoMoses.Itmadehimseethegoodlylandafaroff—rest,peaceandvictory,whendim–sightedreasoncouldonlyseetrialandbarrenness,stormandtempest,wearinessandpain.

Faithwas an interpreter toMoses. Itmadehimpick out a comfortablemeaning in the dark commands of God’s handwriting, while ignorantsensecouldseenothinginitbutmysteryandfoolishness.

FaithtoldMosesthatallthisrankandgreatnesswasoftheearth,earthy,apoor,vain,emptything,frail,fleeting,andpassingaway;andthatthere

wasno truegreatness like thatof servingGod.Hewas theking,he thetruenoblemanwhobelongedtothefamilyofGod.Itwasbettertobelastinheaventhanfirstinhell.

Faith told Moses that worldly pleasures were "pleasures of sin." Theyweremingledwithsin,theyledontosin,theywereruinoustothesoul,anddispleasingtoGod.ItwouldbesmallcomforttohavepleasurewhileGodwasagainsthim.BettersufferandobeyGod,thanbeateaseandsin.

Faith toldMoses that thesepleasuresafterallwereonly fora "season."They could not last; they were all short–lived; they would weary himsoon;hemustleavethemallinafewyears.

Faith told him that there was a reward in heaven for the believer farricher than the treasures inEgypt,durable riches,where rust couldnotcorrupt,northievesbreakthroughandsteal.Thecrowntherewouldbeincorruptible; the weight of glory would be exceeding and eternal, andfaith badehim look away to anunseenheaven if his eyesweredazzledwithEgyptiangold.

Faith toldMoses that affliction and suffering were not real evils. TheyweretheschoolofGod,inwhichHetrainsthechildrenofgraceforglory;themedicineswhichareneedful topurifyourcorruptwills; thefurnacewhichmustburnawayourdross;theknifewhichmustcutthetiesthatbindustotheworld.

Faith toldMoses that thedespised Israeliteswere the chosenpeopleofGod.Hebelieved that to thembelonged theadoptionand the covenantandthepromisesandtheglory:thatofthemtheseedofthewomanwasonedaytobeborn,whoshouldbruisetheserpent’shead;thatthespecialblessingofGodwasuponthem;thattheywerelovelyandbeautifulinHiseyes,andthatitwasbettertobeadoorkeeperamongthepeopleofGod,thantoreigninthepalacesofwickedness.

FaithtoldMosesthatallthereproachandscornpouredoutonhimwas"thereproachofChrist,"thatitwashonorabletobemockedanddespisedforChrist’ssake;thatwhoeverpersecutedChrist’speoplewaspersecutingChrist Himself; and that the daymust come whenHis enemies would

bowbeforeHimand lick thedust.All this, andmuchmore, ofwhich Icannotspeakparticularly,Mosessawbyfaith.Thesewerethethingshebelieved,andbelieving,didwhathedid.Hewaspersuadedofthem,andembraced them, he reckoned them as certainties, he regarded them assubstantialverities,hecountedthemassureasifhehadseenthemwithhisowneyes,heactedonthemasrealities—andthismadehimthemanthathewas.Hehadfaith.Hebelieved.

Marvelnotthatherefusedgreatness,richesandpleasure.Helookedfarforward. He saw with the eye of faith kingdoms crumbling into dust,richesmakingtothemselveswingsandfleeingaway,pleasuresleadingonto death and judgment, and Christ only and His little flock enduringforever.

Wondernotthathechoseaffliction,adespisedpeopleandreproach.Hebeheld things below the surface.He sawwith the eye of faith afflictionlastingbutforamoment,reproachrolledaway,andendingineverlastinghonor, and thedespisedpeopleofGod reigningas kingswithChrist inglory.

Andwas he not right?Does he not speak to us though dead, this veryday? The name of Pharaoh’s daughter has perished, or at any rate isextremely doubtful. The citywhere Pharaoh reigned is not known. Thetreasures inEgyptaregone.But thenameofMoses isknownwherevertheBible is read and is still a standing witness that "whoever lives byfaith,happyishe."

4.Somepracticallessons

"Whathasallthistodowithus?"somewillsay."WedonotliveinEgypt,we have seen no miracles, we are not Israelites, we are weary of thesubject."

Yet our subject is a considerable andweighty onewhichwe shouldnoteasilydismiss.Itisparticularlyrelevanttoanyonedesiringsalvationformanyreasons:

1.Ifyouwouldeverbesaved,youmustmakethechoicethatMosesmade

—youmustchooseGodbeforetheworld.

Mark well what I say. Do not overlook this, though all the rest beforgotten.Idonotsaythatthestatesmanmustthrowuphisoffice,andtherichmanforsakehisproperty.LetnoonefancythatImeanthis.ButIsay, if amanwould be saved,whatever be his rank in life, hemust beprepared for tribulation. He must make up his mind to choose muchwhichseemsevil,andtogiveupandrefusemuchwhichseemsgood.

Idaresaythissoundsstrangelanguagetosomewhoreadthesepages.Iknowwellyoumayhaveacertainformofreligionandfindnotroubleinyour way. There is a commonworldly kind of Christianity in this day,which many have and think they have enough—a cheap Christianitywhichoffendsnobodyandrequiresnosacrifice,whichcostsnothing,andisworthnothing.Iamnotspeakingofreligionofthiskind.

But if you really are in earnest about your soul, if your religion issomething more than a mere fashionable Sunday cloak, if you aredeterminedtolivebytheBible,ifyouareresolvedtobeaNewTestamentChristian, then,Irepeat,youwillsoonfindyoumustcarryacross.Youmustendurehardthings;youmustsufferinbehalfofyoursoul,asMosesdid,oryoucannotbesaved.

Theworldinthenineteenthcenturyiswhatitalwayswas.Theheartsofmenarestillthesame.Theoffenseofthecrossisnotceased.God’struepeoplearestilladespisedlittleflock.Trueevangelicalreligionstillbringswithitreproachandscorn.ArealservantofGodwillstillbethoughtbymanyaweakenthusiastandafool.

But themattercomes to this.Doyouwishyoursoul tobesaved?Thenremember,youmustchoosewhomyouwillserve.YoucannotserveGodandmammon.Youcannotbeontwosidesatonce.YoucannotbeafriendofChristandafriendoftheworldatthesametime.Youmustcomeoutfromthe children of thisworld and be separate; youmust put upwithmuch ridicule, trouble and opposition, or you will be lost forever. Youmustbewillingtothinkanddothingswhichtheworldconsidersfoolishand to hold opinions which are held by only a few. It will cost yousomething. The stream is strong, and you have to stem it. The way is

narrowandsteep,anditisnousesayingitisnot.But,dependonit,therecanbenosavingreligionwithoutsacrificesandself–denial.

Now are you making any sacrifices? Does your religion cost youanything?Iputittoyourconscienceinallaffectionandtenderness.Areyou,likeMoses,preferringGodtotheworld,ornot?Ibeseechyounottotakeshelterunderthatdangerousword"we"—"weought,"and"wehope,"and "we mean," and the like. I ask you plainly, what are you doingyourself?AreyouwillingtogiveupanythingwhichkeepsyoubackfromGod;orareyouclingingtotheEgyptoftheworldandsayingtoyourself,"Imusthaveit,Imusthaveit:Icannottearmyselfaway"?Isthereanycross inyourChristianity?Arethereanysharpcorners inyourreligion,anything that ever jars and comes in collision with the earthly–mindedness around you? Or is all smooth and rounded off andcomfortablyfittedintocustomandfashion?Doyouknowanythingoftheafflictionsofthegospel?Isyourfaithandpracticeeverasubjectofscornand reproach?Are you thought a fool by anyone because of your soul?HaveyouleftPharaoh’sdaughterandheartilyjoinedthepeopleofGod?AreyouventuringallonChrist?Searchandsee.

Thesearehardinquiriesandroughquestions.Icannothelp it. Ibelievethey are founded on Scripture truths. I remember it is written: "Therewentgreatmultitudeswith[Jesus]:andHeturned,andsaiduntothem,‘If anymancome toMeandhatenothis father, andmother,andwife,and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes and his own life also, hecannotbeMydisciple.Andwhoeverdoesnotbearhis cross, and comeafterMe, cannotbeMydisciple’" (Luke 14:25–27).Many, I fear,wouldlike glory, who have no wish for grace. They would sincerely have thewages,butnotthework;theharvest,butnotthelabor;thereaping,butnot the sowing; the reward, but not the battle. But it may not be. AsBunyansays,"Thebittermustgobeforethesweet."If there isnocross,therewillbenocrown.

2.Nothingwill ever enable you to chooseGodbefore theworld, exceptfaith.

Only faith enables you, nothing else,whether youhave knowledge, feelstrong emotions, practice regular use of outward forms, or have good

companions.Faithlessreligiondoessomething,butitisn’tenough;itisaclockwithoutmainspringsorweights;itsfacemaybebeautiful,youmayturn its fingers around, but itwill notwork.Religion of substance thatstandshasasitsfoundationthefirmnessoffaith.

TheremustbearealheartfeltbeliefthatGod’spromisesaresureandtobedependedon—arealbeliefthatwhatGodsaysintheBibleisall trueandthateverydoctrinecontrarytothisisfalse,whateveranyonemaysay.There must be a real belief that all God’s words are to be received,however hard and disagreeable to flesh and blood, and thatHisway isrightandallotherswrong.Thistheremustbe,oryouwillnevercomeoutfromtheworld,takeupthecross,followChristandbesaved.

You must learn to believe promises better than possessions, thingsunseenbetterthanthingsseen,thingsinheavenoutofsightbetterthanthings on earth before your eyes, the praise of the invisibleGod betterthan the praise of visible man. Then, and then only, you will make achoicelikeMoses,andpreferGodtotheworld.

Nowthesalientquestionpresentsitself:"Doyouhavethisfaith?"Ifyouhave,youwillfinditpossibletorefuseseeminggoodandchooseseemingevil.Youwill thinknothingof today’s losses, in thehopeof tomorrow’sgains.YouwillfollowChristinthedarkandstandbyHimtotheverylast.Ifyouhavenot,Iwarnyou,youwillneverwaragoodwarfareand"sorunastoobtain."Youwillsoonbeoffendedandturnbacktotheworld.

Aboveallthis,theremustbearealabidingfaithintheLordJesusChrist.ThelifethatyouliveinthefleshyoumustlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod. There must be a settled habit of continually leaning on Jesus,lookinguntoJesus,drawingoutofJesusandusingHimasthemannaofyoursoul.Youmuststrivetobeabletosay,"TometoliveisChrist.""IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhichstrengthensme"(Phil.1:21;4:13).

Thiswas the faithbywhich theold saintsobtainedagood report. Thiswastheweaponbywhichtheyovercametheworld.Thismadethemwhattheywere.

ThiswasthefaiththatmadeNoahgoonbuildinghisark,whiletheworld

lookedonandmocked;andAbrahamgivethechoiceofthelandtoLot,anddwellonquietly intents;andRuthcleavetoNaomi,andturnawayfromhercountryandhergods;andDanielcontinueinprayer,thoughheknew the lions’ den was prepared; and the three children refuse toworshipidols,thoughthefieryfurnacewasbeforetheireyes;andMosesforsakeEgypt,not fearing thewrathofPharaoh.All theseactedas theydidbecause theybelieved.Theysaw thedifficultiesand troublesof thiscourse.ButtheysawJesusbyfaithandabovethemall,andtheypressedon.Wellmay theapostlePeter speakof faithas "precious faith" (2Pet.1:1).

3.The truereasonwhysomanyareworldlyandungodlypeople is thatthey have no faith. We must be aware that multitudes of professingChristianswouldnever think foramomentofdoingasMosesdid. It isuseless tospeaksmooth thingsandshutoureyes to the fact.Thatmanmust be blind who does not see thousands around him who are dailypreferringtheworldtoGod,placingthethingsoftimebeforethethingsofeternity,andthethingsof thebodybeforethethingsof thesoul.Wemaynotliketoadmitthis,andwetryhardtoblinkthefact.Butsoitis.

And why do they do so? No doubt they will all give us reasons andexcuses. Somewill talk of the snares of theworld, someof thewant oftime,someofthepeculiardifficultiesoftheirposition,someofthecaresand anxieties of life, some of the strength of temptation, some of thepowerofpassions,someoftheeffectsofbadcompanions.Butwhatdoesitcometoafterall?Thereisafarshorterwaytoaccountforthestateoftheir souls—theydonot believe.One simple sentence, likeAaron’s rod,willswallowupalltheirexcuses—theyhavenofaith.

They do not really think what God says is true. They secretly flatterthemselves with the notion: "It will surely not be fulfilled. Theremustsurelybesomeotherwaytoheavenbesidethatwhichministersspeakof.Therecannotsurelybesomuchdangerofbeing lost."Inshort, theydonotputimplicitconfidenceinthewordsthatGodhaswrittenandspokenandsodonotactuponthem.Theydonotthoroughlybelievehellandsodonotfleefromit;norheavenandsodonotseekit;northeguiltofsinand sodonot turn from it; nor theholiness ofGodand sodonot fearHim;northeirneedofChristandsodonottrust inHimnorloveHim.

TheydonotfeelconfidenceinGodandsoventurenothingforHim.LiketheboyPassion, inPilgrim’sProgress,theymusthavetheirgoodthingsnow.TheydonottrustGodandsotheycannotwait.

Now how is it with ourselves? Do we believe all the Bible? Let us askourselvesthatquestion.Dependonit,itisamuchgreaterthingtobelievealltheBiblethanmanysuppose.Happyisthemanwhocanlayhishandonhisheartandsay,"Iamabeliever."

We talk of infidels sometimes as if they were the rarest people in theworld. And I grant that open avowed infidelity is happily not verycommonnow.Butthereisavastamountofpracticalinfidelityaroundus,forallthat,whichisasdangerousintheendastheprinciplesofVoltaireand Paine. There aremanywho Sunday after Sunday repeat the creedandmake a point of declaring their belief in all that theApostolic andNiceneformscontain.AndyettheseverypeoplewilllivealltheweekasifChrist had never died, and as if there were no judgment, and noresurrection of the dead, and no life everlasting at all. There aremanywhowillsay,"Oh,weknowitall,"whenspokentoabouteternal thingsand thevalueof their souls.Andyet their lives showplainly theyknownotanythingastheyoughttoknow;andthesaddestpartoftheirstateisthattheythinktheydo!

It is andreadful truth, andworthyof all consideration, that knowledgenotactedupon,inGod’ssight,isnotmerelyuselessandunprofitable.Itismuchworse than that. Itwill add toour condemnationand increaseour guilt in the judgment day. A faith that does not influence aman’spractice is not worthy of the name. There are only two classes in thechurchofChrist—thosewhobelieveandthosewhodonot.Thedifferencebetween the trueChristian and themere outward professor just lies inone word; the true Christian is like Moses: "he has faith"; the mereoutward professor has none. The true Christian believes and thereforelivesashedoes;themereprofessordoesnotbelieveandthereforeiswhatheis.Oh,whereisourfaith?Letusnotbefaithless,butbelieving.

4.ThetruesecretofdoinggreatthingsforGodistohavegreatfaith.

Ibelievethatweareallapttoerronthispoint.Wethinktoomuch,and

talk too much, about graces and gifts and attainments and do notsufficiently remember that faith is the root andmother of them all. InwalkingwithGod,amanwillgojustasfarashebelieves,andnofurther.Hislifewillalwaysbeproportionedtohisfaith.Hispeace,hispatience,hiscourage,hiszeal,hisworks—allwillbeaccordingtohisfaith.

You read the lives of eminent Christians, of such men as Wesley orWhitefieldorVennorMartynorBickerstethorSimeonorM'cheyne.Andyou are disposed to say, "What wonderful gifts and graces these menhad!"Ianswer,youshouldrathergivehonortothemothergracewhichGodputsforwardintheeleventhchapteroftheEpistletotheHebrews;you should give honor to their faith. Depend on it, faith was themainspringinthecharacterofeachandall.

I can fancy someone saying, "They were so prayerful; thatmade themwhattheywere."Ianswer,whydidtheypraymuch?Simplybecausetheyhadmuchfaith.Whatisprayer,butfaithspeakingtoGod?

Another perhaps will say, "They were so diligent and laborious; thataccountsfortheirsuccess."Ianswer,whyweretheysodiligent?Simplybecausetheyhadfaith.WhatisChristiandiligence,butfaithatwork?

Anotherwilltellme,"Theyweresobold;thatrenderedthemsouseful."Ianswer, why were they so bold? Simply because they had much faith.WhatisChristianboldness,butfaithhonestlydoingitsduty?

And another will cry, "It was their holiness and spirituality; that gavethem their weight." For the last time I answer, whatmade them holy?Nothingbut a living realizing spirit of faith.What is holiness,but faithvisibleandfaithincarnate?

If you would be likeMoses,making it clear as noonday that you havechosenGod before theworld,what doesChrist ask of you?Would youbringforthanabundanceoffruit?Doyouwanttobeeminentlyholyanduseful? I dare to be sure that every believer would reply with aresounding,"Yes!Thisismydesire!"

Then take the advice I give you this day: go and cry to the Lord Jesus

Christ,asthedisciplesdid,"Lord,increaseourfaith."Faithistherootofa real Christian’s character. Let your root be right, and your fruit willsoonabound.Yourspiritualprosperitywillalwaysbeaccording toyourfaith.Hethatbelievesshallnotonlybesaved,butshallneverthirst,shallovercome, shall be established, shall walk firmly on the waters of thisworldandshalldogreatworks.

Reader,ifyoubelievethethingscontainedinthispaper,anddesiretobeathoroughlyholyman,begintoactonyourbelief.TakeMosesforyourexample.Walkinhissteps.Goanddolikewise.

Lot—ABeacon

"Helingered"(Gen.19:16).

The Holy Scriptures, which were written for our learning, containbeaconsaswell aspatterns.They showus examplesofwhatwe shouldavoid, as well as examples of what we should follow. The man whosenameheads thispage is set forabeacon to thewholechurchofChrist.Hischaracterisputbeforeusinonelittleword:"Helingered."Letussitdownandlookatthisbeaconforafewminutes.LetusconsiderLot.

Whoisthismanwholingered?ItisthenephewoffaithfulAbraham.Andwhendidhelinger?TheverymorningSodomwastobedestroyed.Andwheredidhelinger?WithinthewallsofSodomitself.Andbeforewhomdidhe linger?Under theeyesof the twoangelswhowere sent tobringhimoutofthecity.Eventhen"helingered"!

Thewordsaresolemnandfulloffoodforthought.Theyoughttosoundlike a trumpet in the ears of allwhomake anyprofessionof religion. Itrusttheywillmakeeveryreaderofthismessagethink.Whoknowsbuttheyaretheverywordsyoursoulrequires?Thevoiceof theLordJesuscommandsyouto"rememberLot’swife"(Luke17:32).ThevoiceofoneofHisministersinvitesyouthisdaytorememberLot.

LetusexaminethestateofLothimself,whatthetextsaysofhim,whyhelingered,andwhatsortoffruithebroughtforth,thewholewhilepayingspecial attention as an instruction for holiness. The main principle isclear:WemustnotfollowtheexampleofLot;wemustnotlinger.

Oncemore,Isay,"Lotisabeacon."

1.WhatwasLot?

This is amost important point. If I leave it unnoticed, I shall perhapsmissthatgroupofprofessingChristiansIwantespeciallytobenefit.IfIdidnotmake itquite clear,manywouldperhaps say, after readingthis

message, "Ah! Lot was a bad man, a poor, wicked, dark creature, anunconvertedman,achildofthisworld.Nowonderhelingered!"

Butmark nowwhat I say. Lotwas nothing of the kind. Lotwas a truebeliever, a converted person, a real child of God, a justified soul, arighteousman.

Hasanyoneofmyreadersgraceinhisheart?SoalsohadLot.Hasanyoneof my readers a hope of salvation? So also had Lot. Is anyone of myreaders a "new creature"? So also was Lot. Is anyone of my readers atravelerinthenarrowwaywhichleadsuntolife?SoalsowasLot.

Letnoonethinkthisisonlymyprivateopinion,amerearbitraryfancyofmyown,anotionunsupportedbyScripture.LetnoonesupposeIwanthimtobelieve itmerelybecauseIsay it.TheHolySpirithasplacedthematterbeyondcontroversy,bycallinghim"just"and"righteous"(2Pet.2:7,8),andhasgivenusgoodevidenceofthegracethatwasinhim.

Oneevidenceisthathelivedinawickedplace,"seeingandhearing"evilallaroundhim(2Pet.2:8),andyetwasnotwickedhimself.NowtobeaDanielinBabylon,anObadiahinAhab’shouse,anAbijahinJeroboam’sfamily,asaint inNero’scourt,anda"righteousman" inSodom,amanmusthavethegraceofGod.Withoutgraceitwouldbeimpossible.

Anotherevidence is thathe"vexedhissoulwiththeunlawfuldeeds"hebeheld around him (2 Pet. 2:8).Hewaswounded, grieved, pained andhurt at the sight of sin. This was feeling like holy David, who says, "Ibeheld the transgressors, and was grieved, because they kept not Yourword.""Riversofwatersrundownmineeyes,becausetheykeepnotYourlaw"(Ps.119:136,158).ThiswasfeelinglikePaul,whosays,"Ihavegreatsorrow and continual heaviness in my heart . . . for my brethren, mykinsmenaccording to the flesh" (Rom.9:2,3).Nothingwillaccount forthisbutthegraceofGod.

Another evidence is that he "vexed his soul from day to day" with theunlawfuldeedshesaw(2Pet.2:8).Hedidnotatlengthbecomecoolandlukewarmabout sin,asmanydo.Familiarityandhabitdidnot takeoffthe fine edge of his feelings, as too often is the case. Many a man is

shockedandstartledatthefirstsightofwickedness,andyetbecomesatlastsoaccustomedtoseeit,thatheviewsitwithcomparativeunconcern.ThisisespeciallythecasewiththosewholiveintownsandcitiesorwithEnglishpeoplewho travel on theContinent. Suchpeople often becomeutterlyindifferentaboutSabbath–breakingandmanyformsofopensin.But itwasnotsowithLot.Andthis isagreatmarkof therealityofhisgrace.

SuchaonewasLot—ajustandrighteousman,amansealedandstampedasanheirofheavenbytheHolySpiritHimself.

Beforewepasson,letusrememberthatatrueChristianmayhavemanyablemish,manyadefect,manyaninfirmity,andyetbeatrueChristiannevertheless. We do not despise gold because it is mixed with muchdross.Wemustnotundervaluegracebecauseitisaccompaniedbymuchcorruption. Read on, and you will find that Lot paid dearly for his"lingering."Butdonotforget,asyouread,thatLotwasachildofGod.

2.Whatthetexttellsusabouthim

What does the text, already quoted, tell us about Lot’s behavior? Thewords are wonderful and astounding: "He lingered." The more weconsiderthetimeandcircumstances,themorewonderfulweshallthinkthem.

Lotknewthedreadfulconditionofthecityinwhichhestood."Thecry"ofitsabominations"hadwaxengreatbeforetheLord"(Gen.19:33).Andyethelingered.

Lotknewthefearful judgmentcomingdownonallwithinitswalls.Theangelshadsaidplainly,"TheLordhassentustodestroyit"(Gen.19:13).Andyethelingered.

LotknewthatGodwasaGodwhoalwayskeptHisword,andifHesaidathingwouldsurelydoit.HecouldhardlybeAbraham’snephew,andlivelongwithhim,andnotbeawareofthis.Yethelingered.

Lot believed there was danger, for he went to his sons–in–law and

warned them to flee. "Up!" he said, "Get you out of this place; for theLordwilldestroythiscity"(Gen.19:14).Andyethelingered.

LotsawtheangelsofGodstandingby,waitingforhimandhisfamilytogoforth.Heheardthevoiceofthoseministersofwrathringinginhisearstohastenhim:"Arise,takeyourwife,andyourtwodaughters,whicharehere;lestyoubeconsumedintheiniquityofthecity"(Gen.19:15).Andyethelingered.

Hewasslowwhenheshouldhavebeenquick,backwardwhenheshouldhavebeenforward,triflingwhenheshouldhavebeenhastening,loiteringwhenheshouldhavebeenhurrying,coldwhenheshouldhavebeenhot.Itispassingstrange!Itseemsalmostincredible!Itappearstoowonderfultobetrue!ButtheSpiritwritesitdownforourlearning.Andsoitwas.

Andyet,incredulousasitmayappearatfirstsight,IfeartherearemanyoftheLordJesusChrist’speople, infactChristians,verymuchlikeLot.Markthiswell!TherearemanyrealchildrenofGodwhoappeartoknowfarmorethantheyliveupto,andseefarmorethantheypractice,andyetcontinueinthisstateformanyyears.Incredibly,theygoasfarastheydoandyetgonofurther!

They hold the Head, even Christ, and love the truth. They like soundpreachingandassenttoeveryarticleofgospeldoctrinewhentheyhearit.But still there is an indescribable something which is not satisfactoryabout them. They are constantly doing things which disappoint theexpectationsoftheirministersandofmoreadvancedChristianfriends.Itcausesonetomarvelthattheyshouldthinkastheydoandyetstandstill!

Theybelieveinheavenandyetseemfaintlytolongforit,andinhellandyetseemlittletofearit.TheylovetheLordJesus,buttheworktheydoforHimissmall.Theyhatethedevil,buttheyoftenappeartotempthimtocometothem.Theyknowthetimeisshort,buttheyliveasif itwerelong.Theyknowtheyhaveabattle to fight,yetamanmight think theywereatpeace.Theyknowtheyhavearacetorun,yettheyoftenlooklikepeoplesittingstill.TheyknowtheJudgeisatthedoor,andthereiswrathtocome;andyettheyappearhalfasleep.Astonishingtheyshouldbewhattheyareandyetbenothingmore!

Andwhat shallwe sayof thesepeople?Theyoftenpuzzlegodly friendsandrelations.Theyoftencausegreatanxiety.Theyoftengiverisetogreatdoubts and searchings of heart. But they may be classed under onesweepingdescription:theyareallbrethrenandsistersofLot.Theylinger.

Theseare theywhoget thenotion into theirminds that it is impossiblefor all believers to be so very holy and very spiritual! They allow thateminentholinessisabeautifulthing.Theyliketoreadaboutitinbooksandeventoseeitoccasionallyinothers.Buttheydonotthinkthatallaremeant toaimat sohigha standard.Atany rate, they seemtomakeuptheirmindsitisbeyondtheirreach.

Thesearetheywhogetintotheirheadsfalseideasofcharity,astheycallit.Theyaremorbidlyafraidofbeingilliberalandnarrow–mindedandarealways flying into the opposite extreme. They would sincerely pleaseeverybody,andsuiteverybody,andbeagreeable toeverybody.ButtheyforgettheyoughtfirsttobesurethattheypleaseGod.

These are they who dread sacrifices and shrink from self–denial. Theynever appear able to apply our Lord’s command to "take up the cross"and"cutofftherighthandandpluckouttherighteye"(Matt.5:29,30).They cannotdeny thatourLordused these expressions,but theyneverfindaplaceforthemintheirreligion.Theyspendtheirlivesintryingtomake the gate more wide and the cross more light. But they neversucceed.

Thesearetheywhoarealwaystryingtokeepinwiththeworld.Theyareingenious in discovering reasons for not separating decidedly and inframing plausible excuses for attending questionable amusements andkeeping up questionable friendships. One day you are told of theirattendingaBiblereading;thenextdayperhapsyouhearoftheirgoingtoa ball. One day they fast, or go to the Lord’s table and receive thesacrament;anotherdaytheygototheracecourseinthemorningandtheoperaatnight.Onedaytheyarealmostinhystericsunderthesermonofsome sensational preacher; another day they are weeping over somenovel.Theyareconstantlylaboringtopersuadethemselvesthattomixalittlewithworldlypeopleontheirowngrounddoesgood.Yetintheircaseitisverycleartheydonogood,andonlygetharm.

These are they who cannot find it in their hearts to quarrelwith theirbesetting sin, whether it be sloth, indolence, ill–temper, pride,selfishness,impatienceorwhatitmay.Theyallowittoremainatolerablyquietandundisturbedtenantoftheirhearts.Theysayitistheirhealthortheir constitutions or their temperaments or their trials or their way.Their father ormother or grandmother was so before themselves, andtheyaresuretheycannothelpit.Andwhenyoumeetaftertheabsenceofayearorso,youhearthesamething!

Butall, all, allmaybesummedup inonesingle sentence.They are thebrethrenandsistersofLot.Theylinger.

Ah,ifyouarealingeringsoul,youarenothappy!Youknowyouarenot.It would be strange indeed if you were so. Lingering is the suredestructionofahappyChristianity.Alingerer’sconscienceforbidshimtoenjoyinwardpeace.

Perhapsatone timeyoudid runwell.But youhave left your first love;youhaveneverfeltthesamecomfortsince,andyouneverwilluntilyoureturn toyour"firstworks" (Rev.2:5).LikePeter,when theLordJesuswastakenprisoner,youarefollowingtheLordafaroff;and,likehim,youwillfindthewaynotpleasant,buthard.

ComeandlookatLot.ComeandmarkLot’shistory.ComeandconsiderLot’s"lingering,"andbewise.

3.Whatreasonsmayaccountforhislingering

Whoisthereamongthereadersofthispresenttextwhofeelssecureandhasnofearoflingering?ComeandlistenwhileItellyouafewpassagesofLot’shistory.Doashedid,anditwillbeamiracle indeedifyoudonotgetintothesamestateofsoulatlast.

OnethingthenIobserveinLotisthis:hemadeawrongchoiceinearlylife.

There was a time when Abraham and Lot lived together. They bothbecamerichandcouldlivetogethernolonger.Abraham,theelderof the

two,inthetruespiritofhumilityandcourtesy,gaveLotthechoiceofthecountrywhentheyresolvedtopartcompany:"Ifyou,"hesaid,"willtakethelefthand,thenIwillgototheright;orifyoudeparttotherighthand,thenIwillgototheleft"(Gen.13:9).

AndwhatdidLotdo?WearetoldhesawthattheplainsofJordan,nearSodom,wererich,fertileandwellwatered.Itwasagoodlandforcattleandfullofpastures.Hehadlargeflocksandherds,anditjustsuitedhisrequirements. And this was the land he chose for a residence, simplybecauseitwasarich,well–wateredland(Gen.13:10).

ItwasnearthetownofSodom!Hecarednotforthat.ThemenofSodom,who would be his neighbors, were wicked! It mattered not. They weresinners before God exceedingly! It made no difference to him. Thepasturewas rich.The landwasgood.Hewantedsuchacountry forhisflocksandherds.And before that argument, all scruples and doubts, ifindeedhehadany,atoncewentdown.

He chose by sight and not by faith. He asked no counsel of God topreservehimfrommistakes.Helookedtothethingsof timeandnot ofeternity. He thought of his worldly profit and not of his soul. Heconsideredonlywhatwouldhelphim in this life.He forgot the solemnbusinessofthelifetocome.Thiswasabadbeginning.

But I observe also that Lot mixed with sinners when there was nooccasionforhisdoingso.

Weare first told thathe "pitchedhis tent towardSodom" (Gen. 13:12).This,asIhavealreadyshown,wasagreatmistake.

Butthenexttimeheismentioned,wefindhimactuallylivinginSodomitself. The Spirit says expressly, "He dwelt in Sodom" (Gen. 14:12).Histents were left. The country was forsaken. He occupied a house in theverystreetsofthatwickedtown.

Wearenot told thereasons for thischange.Wearenotaware thatanyoccasioncouldhavearisenfor it.WearesuretherecouldhavebeennocommandofGod.Perhapshiswifelikedthetownbetterthanthecountry

for thesakeof society. It isplainshehadnograceherself.PerhapsshepersuadedLotitwasneedfulfortheadvantageofhisdaughters,thattheymightmarryandgetsettledinlife.Perhapsthedaughtersurgedlivinginthetownforthesakeofgaycompany;theywereevidentlylight–mindedyoungwomen.PerhapsLotlikedithimselfinordertomakemoreofhisflocksandherds.Menneverwantreasonstoconfirmtheirwills.Butonethingisveryclear:LotdweltinthemidstofSodomwithoutgoodcause.

WhenachildofGoddoesthesetwothingswhichIhavenamed,weneverneedbesurprisedifwehear,byandby,unfavorableaccountsabouthissoul.Weneverneedwonder ifhebecomesdeaf to thewarningvoiceofaffliction,asLotwas(Gen.14:12),andturnsoutalingerer inthedayoftrialanddanger,asLotdid.

Make awrong choice in life, anunscriptural choice, and settle yourselfdownunnecessarilyinthemidstofworldlypeople,andIknownosurerway to damage your own spirituality and to go backward about youreternal concerns. This is the way to make the pulse of your soul beatfeebly and languidly. This is the way tomake the edge of your feelingaboutsinbecomebluntanddull.Thisisthewaytodimtheeyesofyourspiritualdiscernment,untilyoucanscarcelydistinguishgood fromevil,andstumbleasyouwalk.ThisisthewaytobringamoralpalsyonyourfeetandlimbsandmakeyougototteringandtremblingalongtheroadtoZion,asifthegrasshopperwasaburden.Thisisthewaytosellthepasstoyourworstenemy,togivethedevilvantagegroundinthebattle,totieyourarmsinfighting,tofetteryourlegsinrunning,todryupthesourcesof your strength, to crippleyourenergies, to cutoff yourownhair, likeSamson, and give yourself into the hands of the Philistines, to put outyourowneyes,grindatthemill,andbecomeaslave.

Settle these things down in your mind. Do not forget them. Recollectthem in the morning. Recall them to memory at night. Let them sinkdowndeeply into your heart. If ever youwould be safe from lingering,bewareofneedlessminglingwithworldlypeople.BewareofLot’schoice!Ifyouwouldnotsettledownintoadry,dull,sleepy,lazy,barren,heavy,carnal,stupid,torpidstateofsoul,bewareofLot’schoice!

a. Remember this in choosing a dwelling place or residence. It is not

enoughthatthehouseiscomfortable,thesituationgood,theairfine,theneighborhood pleasant, the rent or price small, the living cheap. Thereareother thingsyet tobeconsidered.Youmust thinkofyour immortalsoul.Willthehouseyouthinkofhelpyoutowardheavenorhell?Isthegospelpreachedwithinaneasydistance?IsChristcrucifiedwithinreachofyourdoor?IstherearealmanofGodnear,whowillwatchoveryoursoul?Ichargeyou, ifyou love life,not tooverlookthis.BewareofLot’schoice.

b.Rememberthisinchoosingacalling,aplace,orprofessioninlife.Itisnot enough that the salary is high, thewages good, thework light, theadvantagesnumerous,theprospectsofgettingonmostfavorable.Thinkof your soul, your immortal soul. Will it be fed or starved?Will it beprosperedordrawnback?WillyouhaveyourSundaysfreeandbeabletohaveoneday in theweek foryourspiritualbusiness? Ibeseechyou,bythemercies of God, to take heedwhat you do.Make no rash decision.Lookattheplaceineverylight,thelightofGodaswellasthelightoftheworld.Goldmaybeboughttoodear.BewareofLot’schoice.

c.Rememberthisinchoosingahusbandorwife,ifyouareunmarried.Itisnotenoughthatyoureyeispleased,thatyourtastesaremet,thatyourmindfindscongeniality,thatthereisamiabilityandaffection,thatthereis a comfortable home for life. There needs somethingmore than this.Thereisalifeyettocome.Thinkofyoursoul,yourimmortalsoul.Willitbe helped upwards or dragged downwards by the union you areplanning?Willitbemademoreheavenlyormoreearthly,drawnnearertoChristortotheworld?Willitsreligiongrowinvigor,orwillitdecay?Ipray you, by all your hopes of glory, allow this to enter into yourcalculations. "Think," as old Baxter said, and "think, and think again,"before you commit yourself. "Be not unequally yoked" (2 Cor. 6:14).Matrimony is nowhere named among the means of conversion.RememberLot’schoice.

d.Rememberthis,ifyouareeverofferedasituationonarailway.Itisnotenoughtohavegoodpayandregularemployment,theconfidenceofthedirectors,andthebestchanceofrisingtoahigherpost.Thesethingsareverywell in theirway, but they are not everything.Howwill your soulfareifyouservearailwaycompanythatrunsSundaytrains?Whatdayin

theweekwillyouhaveforGodandeternity?Whatopportunitieswillyouhave forhearing the gospelpreached? I solemnlywarn you to considerthis.Itwillprofityounothingtofillyourpurseifyoubringleannessandpoverty on your soul. Beware of selling your Sabbath for the sake of agoodplace!RememberEsau’smessofpottage.BewareofLot’schoice!

Somereadermayperhapsthink,"Abelieverneednotfear;heisasheepofChrist;hewillneverperish;hecannotcometomuchharm.Itcannotbethatsuchsmallmatterscanbeofgreatimportance."

Well,youmaythinkso.ButIwarnyou,ifyouneglectthesematters,yoursoulwill never prosper. A true believerwill certainly not be cast away,althoughhemaylinger.Butifhedoeslinger,itisvaintosupposethathisreligion will thrive. Grace is a tender plant. Unless you cherish it andnurseitwell, itwillsoonbecomesicklyinthisevilworld.Itmaydroop,though it cannot die. The brightest gold will soon become dim whenexposedtoadampatmosphere.Thehottestironwillsoonbecomecold.Itrequirespainsand toil tobring it toa redheat; it requiresnothingbutlettingaloneoralittlecoldwatertobecomeblackandhard.

Youmaybeanearnest,zealousChristiannow.YoumayfeellikeDavidinhisprosperity:"Ishallneverbemoved"(Ps.30:6).Butbenotdeceived.YouhaveonlygottowalkinLot’sstepsandmakeLot’schoice,andyouwill soon come to Lot’s state of soul. Allow yourself to do as he did,presumetoactasheacted,andbeverysureyouwillsoondiscoveryouhavebecomeawretchedlingererlikehim.Youwillfind,likeSamson,thepresenceof theLord isno longerwithyou.Youwillprove, toyourownshame,anundecided,hesitatingmaninthedayoftrial.Therewillcomeacankeronyourreligionandeatout itsvitalitywithoutyourknowing it.Therewillcomeaslowconsumptiononyourspiritualstrengthandwasteit away insensibly. And at length you will wake up to find your handshardlyabletodotheLord’sworkandyourfeethardlyabletocarryyoualong the Lord’sway and your faith no bigger than a grain ofmustardseed;andthis,perhaps,atsometurningpointinyourlife,atatimewhentheenemyiscominginlikeaflood,andyourneedisthesorest.

Ah,ifyouwouldnotbecomealingererinreligion,considerthesethings!BewareofdoingwhatLotdid!

4.Whatkindoffruithislingeringbroughtforth

Iwouldnotpassoverthispointformanyreasons,andespecially inthepresentday.Therearenotafewwhowillfeeldisposedtosay,"AfterallLotwassaved:hewasjustified;hegottoheaven.Iwantnomore.IfIdobutgettoheaven,Ishallbecontent."Ifthisbethethoughtofyourheart,juststayamomentandlistentomealittlelonger.Iwillshowyouoneortwo things in Lot’s history which deserve attention and may perhapsinduceyoutoalteryourmind.

I think it of first importance to dwell upon this subject. I always willcontend that eminentholiness andeminentusefulness aremost closelyconnected,thathappinessand"followingtheLordfully"gosidebyside,andthatifbelieverswilllinger,theymustnotexpecttobeusefulintheirdayandgenerationortobeverysaintlyandChristlikeortoenjoygreatcomfortandpeaceinbelieving.

a. Let us mark, then that Lot did no good among the inhabitants ofSodom.

LotprobablylivedinSodommanyyears.Nodoubthehadmanypreciousopportunities forspeakingof the thingsofGodandtrying to turn awaysouls from sin. But Lot seems to have effected just nothing at all. Heappears to have had no weight or influence with the people who livedaroundhim.HepossessednoneofthatrespectandreverencewhicheventhemenoftheworldwillfrequentlyconcedetoabrightservantofGod.

NotonerighteouspersoncouldbefoundinallSodom,outsidethewallsofLot’shome.Notoneofhisneighborsbelievedhistestimony.NotoneofhisacquaintanceshonoredtheLordwhomheworshiped.Notoneofhisservants servedhismaster’sGod.Notoneof "all thepeople fromeveryquarter" cared a jot for his opinion when he tried to restrain theirwickedness."Thisonefellowcameintosojourn,"saidthey,"andhewillneedsbeajudge"(Gen.19:9).Hislifecarriednoweight;hiswordswerenotlistenedto;hisreligiondrewnonetofollowhim.

And,truly,Idonotwonder!Asageneralrule,lingeringsoulsdonogoodto theworldandbringnocredit toGod’scause.Theirsalthastoo little

savor to season the corruption around them. They are not "epistles ofChrist"whocanbe"knownandreadofall"(2Cor.3:2).Thereisnothingmagnetic and attractive and Christ–reflecting about their ways. Let usrememberthis.

b. It is also telling that Lot helped none of his family, relatives orconnectionstowardheaven.Wearenottoldhowlargehisfamilywas.Butthisweknow—hehadawifeandtwodaughtersatleastinthedayhewascalledoutofSodom,ifhehadnotmorechildrenbesides.

ButwhetherLot’sfamilywaslargeorsmall,onething,Ithink,isperfectlyclear—therewasnotoneamongthemallthatfearedGod!

Whenhe"wentoutandspokeuntohissons–in–law,whichmarriedhisdaughters," and warned them to flee from the judgments coming onSodom, we are told, "he seemed to them as one that mocked" (Gen.19:14). What fearful words those are! It was as good as saying, "Whocaresforanythingyousay?"Solongastheworldstands,thosethingswillbe a painful proof of the contempt with which a lingerer in religion isregarded.

AndwhatwasLot’swife?Sheleftthecityinhiscompany,butshedidnotgofar.Shehadnotfaithtoseetheneedofsuchaspeedyflight.SheleftherheartinSodomwhenshebegantoflee.Shelookedbackfrombehindherhusband inspiteof theplainestcommandnot todoso(Gen.19:17)andwasatonceturnedintoapillarofsalt.

AndwhatwereLot’stwodaughters?Theyescaped,indeed,butonlytodothedevil’swork.Theybecametheirfather’stempterstowickednessandledhimtocommitthefoulestofsins.

Inshort,Lotseemstohavestoodaloneinhis family!Hewasnotmadethemeansofkeepingonesoulbackfromthegatesofhell!

And I do not wonder. Lingering souls are seen through by their ownfamilies and, when seen through, they are despised. Their nearestrelatives understand inconsistency, if they understand nothing else inreligion.Theydrawthesad,butnotunnaturalconclusion,"Surely, ifhe

believed all he professes to believe, he would not go on as he does."Lingeringparentsseldomhavegodlychildren.Theeyeofthechilddrinksinfarmorethantheear.Achildwillalwaysobservewhatyoudomuchmorethanwhatyousay.Letusrememberthis.

c. Lot left no evidences behind him when he died.We know but littleabout Lot after his flight from Sodom, and all that we do know isunsatisfactory. His pleading for Zoar because it was "a little one," hisdeparturefromZoarafterwards,andhisconductinthecave—all,alltellthesamestory.Allshowtheweaknessof thegracethatwas inhimandthelowstateofsoulintowhichhehadfallen.

Weknownothowlonghelivedafterhisescape.Weknownotwherehedied, or when he died, whether he saw Abraham again, what was themanner of his death, what he said or what he thought. All these arehidden things. We are told of the last days of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,Joseph,David,butnotonewordaboutLot.Oh,whatagloomydeathbedthedeathbedofLotmusthavebeen!

TheScriptureappearstodrawaveilaroundhimonpurpose.There isapainfulsilenceabouthis latterend.Heseemstogoout likeanexpiringlampandtoleaveanillsavorbehindhim.Andhadwenotbeenspeciallytold in theNewTestament thatLotwas "just" and "righteous," I verilybelieveweshouldhavedoubtedwhetherLotwasasavedsoulatall.

ButIdonotwonderathissadend.Lingeringbelieverswillgenerallyreapaccordingastheyhavesown.Theirlingeringoftenmeetsthemwhentheirspirit isdeparting.Theyhavelittlepeaceatthelast.Theyreachheaven,to be sure; but they reach it in poor plight, weary and footsore, inweaknessandtears,indarknessandstorm.Theyaresaved,but"savedsoasbyfire"(1Cor.3:15).

I ask every reader of thismessage to consider the three thingswhich Ihavejustmentioned.Donotmisunderstandmymeaning.Itisamazingtoobserve how readily people catch at the least excuse formisunderstandingthethingsthatconcerntheirsouls!

Refusingto lingerdoesnotautomaticallymakeoneuseful totheworld.

Consider Noah, who preached one hundred and twenty years withouteffect.Norwilltherefusaltolingerguaranteetheconversionoffamilyorfriends. Even many of King David’s children were ungodly. The LordJesuswasnotbelievedbyHisownbrethren.

ButIdosayitisalmostimpossiblenottoseesomeconnectionbetweenLot’sevilchoiceandLot’s lingeringandbetweenLot’s lingeringandhisunprofitablenesstohisfamilyandtheworld.IbelievetheSpiritmeantustoseeit.IbelievetheSpiritmeanttomakehimabeacontoallprofessingChristians.AndIamsurethelessonsIhavetriedtodrawfromthewholehistorydeserveseriousreflection.

AndnowletmeimpartafewpartingthoughtstoallwhocallthemselvesbelieversinChrist.Ihavenowishtomakeyourheartssad.Idonotwantto give you a gloomy viewof theChristian course.Myonly object is togive you friendly warnings. I desire your peace and comfort. I wouldsincerely seeyouhappyaswellas safe,and joyfulaswellas justified.IspeakasIhavedoneforyourgood.

Youliveindayswhenalingering,Lot–likereligionabounds.Thestreamof profession is far broader than it oncewas but far less deep inmanyplaces. A certain kind of Christianity is almost fashionable now. Tobelong to someparty in theChurch ofEngland and show a zeal for itsinterests; to talk about the leading controversies of the day; to buypopular religious books as fast as they come out and lay themon yourtable;toattendmeetings;tosubscribetosocieties;todiscussthemeritsof preachers; to be enthusiastic and excited about every new form ofsensationalreligionwhichcropsup—allthesearenowcomparativelyeasyandcommonattainments.Theynolongermakeapersonsingular.Theyrequirelittleornosacrifice.Theyentailnocross.

ButtowalkcloselywithGod;tobereallyspiritually–minded;tobehavelikestrangersandpilgrims;tobedistinctfromtheworldinemploymentof time, in conversation, in amusements, in dress; to bear a faithfulwitness forChrist in all places; to leave a savor of ourMaster in everysociety;tobeprayerful,humble,unselfish,good–tempered,quiet,easilypleased,charitable,patient,meek;tobejealouslyafraidofallmannerofsin,andtremblinglyalivetoourdangerfromtheworld—these,theseare

stillrarethings!TheyarenotcommonamongthosewhoarecalledtrueChristians;and,worstofall,theabsenceofthemisnotfeltandbewailedasitshouldbe.

Inaday like this I venture tooffer counsel to everybelievingChristianwhohastheearstohear.Donotturnawayfromit.Donotbeangrywithmeforplainspeaking.Ibidyou,"givediligencetomakeyourcallingandelectionsure"(2Pet.1:10).Ibidyounottobeslothful,nottobecareless,nottobecontentwithasmallmeasureofgrace,nottobesatisfiedwithbeinga littlebetter thantheworld. Isolemnlywarnyounot toattemptdoingwhatnevercanbedone—Imean, toserveChrist,andyetkeepinwith theworld. I calluponyouandbeseechyou tobeawhole–heartedChristian, to follow after eminent holiness, to aim at a high degree ofsanctification, to live a consecrated life, to present your body a "livingsacrifice"untoGod,to"walkintheSpirit"(Rom.12:1;Gal.5:25).Ichargeyouandexhortyou,byallyourhopesofheavenanddesiresofglory, ifyouwouldbehappy,ifyouwouldbeuseful,donotbealingeringsoul.

Would you knowwhat the times demand? The shaking of nations, theuprooting of ancient things, the overturning of kingdoms, the stir andrestlessness of men’s minds—what do they say? They all cry aloud,"Christian,donotlinger!"

WouldyoubefoundreadyforChristatHissecondappearing,yourloinsgirded, your lamp burning, yourself bold and prepared to meet Him?Thendonotlinger!

Wouldyouenjoymuchsensiblecomfortinyourreligion,feelthewitnessof the Spirit within you, know whom you have believed, and not be agloomy,complaining,sour,downcastandmelancholyChristian?Thendonotlinger!

Would you enjoy strong assurance of your own salvation, in the day ofsickness, andon thebedofdeath?Would you seewith the eyeof faithheavenopeningandJesusrisingtoreceiveyou?Thendonotlinger!

Wouldyou leavegreatbroadevidencesbehindyouwhenyouaregone?Wouldyoulikeustolayyouinthegravewithcomfortablehopeandtalk

ofyourstateafterdeathwithoutadoubt?Thendonotlinger!

Wouldyoubeusefultotheworldinyourdayandgeneration?Wouldyoudraw men from sin to Christ, adorn your doctrine, and make yourMaster’scausebeautifulandattractiveintheireyes?Thendonotlinger!

Would you help your children and relatives toward heaven and makethem say, "We will go with you," and not make them infidels anddespisersofallreligion?Thendonotlinger!

WouldyouhaveagreatcrowninthedayofChrist’sappearingandnotbethe least and smallest star in glory and not find yourself the last andlowestinthekingdomofGod?Thendonotlinger!

Oh, let not one of us linger! Time does not, death does not, judgmentdoesnot,thedevildoesnot,theworlddoesnot.NeitherletthechildrenofGodlinger.

Doesanyreaderofthisthesisfeelthatheisalingerer?Hasyourheartfeltheavy, and your conscience sore, while you have been reading thesewords?Doessomethingwithinyouwhisper,"Iamtheman"?Thenlistentowhat Iamsaying. It isnotwellwithyoursoul.Awake,and try todobetter.

Ifyouarealingerer,youmustjustgotoChristatonceandbecured.Youmustusetheoldremedy;youmustbatheintheoldfountain.YoumustturnagaintoChristandbehealed.Thewaytodoathingistodoit.Dothisatonce!

Do not think for a moment your case is past recovery. Do not think,becauseyouhavebeenlonglivinginadry,sleepyandheavystateofsoul,thatthereisnohopeofrevival.IsnottheLordJesusChristanappointedPhysicianforallspiritualailments?DidHenotcureeveryformofdiseasewhenHewasuponearth?DidnotHecastouteverykindofdevil?DidHenot raisepoorbackslidingPeterandputanewsong inhismouth?Oh,doubtnot,butearnestlybelieve thatHewill yet reviveHisworkwithinyou!Onlyturnfromlingering,andconfessyourfolly,andcome—comeatoncetoChrist.Blessedarethewordsoftheprophet:"Onlyacknowledge

your iniquity." "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal yourbackslidings"(Jer.3:13,22).

AWomantoBeRemembered

"RememberLot’swife."(Luke17:32).

TherearefewwarningsinScripturemoresolemnthanthatwhichheadsthispage.TheLordJesusChristsaystous,"RememberLot’swife."

Lot’swifewasaprofessorofreligion;herhusbandwasa"righteousman"(2 Pet. 2:8). She left Sodom with him on the day when Sodom wasdestroyed; she looked back toward the city from behind her husband,againstGod’sexpresscommand;shewasstruckdeadatonceandturnedintoapillarofsalt.AndtheLordJesusChristholdsherupasabeacontoHischurch;Hesays,"RememberLot’swife."

It is a solemnwarning, whenwe think of the person Jesus names.Hedoes not bid us remember Abraham or Isaac or Jacob or Sarah orHannahorRuth.No,Hesinglesoutonewhosesoulwaslostforever.Hecriestous,"RememberLot’swife."

Itisasolemnwarning,whenweconsiderthesubjectJesusisupon.HeisspeakingofHisownsecondcomingtojudgetheworld;Heisdescribingthedreadfulstateofunreadiness inwhichmanywillbe found.The lastdaysareonHismindwhenHesays,"RememberLot’swife."

It is a solemnwarning,whenwe think of the personwho gives it. TheLordJesusisfulloflove,mercyandcompassion;Heisonewhowillnotbreakthebruisedreednorquenchthesmokingflax.HecouldweepoverunbelievingJerusalemandprayforthementhatcrucifiedHim;yetevenHethinks itgoodtoremindusof lostsouls.EvenHesays,"RememberLot’swife."

Itisasolemnwarning,whenwethinkofthepeopletowhomitwasfirstgiven. The Lord Jesus was speaking to His disciples; He was notaddressing thescribesandPharisees,whohatedHim,butPeter,JamesandJohnandmanyotherswholovedHim;yeteventothemHethinksitgoodtoaddressacaution.EventothemHesays,"RememberLot’swife."

It is a solemnwarning, whenwe consider themanner in which it wasgiven. He does not merely say, "Beware of following, take heed ofimitating,donotbe likeLot’swife."Heusesadifferentword:He says,"Remember." He speaks as if we were all in danger of forgetting thesubject;Hestirsupour lazymemories;Hebidsuskeepthecasebeforeourminds.Hecries,"RememberLot’swife."

IproposetoexaminethelessonswhichLot’swifeismeanttoteachus.Iamsurethatherhistoryisfullofusefulinstructiontothechurch.Thelastdaysareuponus; thesecondcomingof theLordJesusdrawsnear; thedanger of worldliness is yearly increasing in the church. Let us beprovidedwithsafeguardsandantidotesagainstthediseasethatisaroundusand,notleast,letusbecomefamiliarwiththestoryofLot’swife.

Let us consider now the religious privileges Lot’s wife enjoyed, theparticular sin she committed, and the judgement which God inflicteduponher.

1.ThereligiousprivilegeswhichLot’swifeenjoyed

In the days of Abraham and Lot, true saving religion was scarce uponearth: there were no Bibles, no ministers, no churches, no tracts, nomissionaries. The knowledge of God was confined to a few favoredfamilies; the greater part of the inhabitants of theworldwere living indarkness,ignorance,superstitionandsin.Notoneinahundredperhapshad such good example, such spiritual society, such clear knowledge,suchplainwarningsasLot’swife.Comparedwithmillionsofher fellowcreaturesinhertime,Lot’swifewasafavoredwoman.

Shehadagodlymanforherhusband;shehadAbraham,thefatherofthefaithful, for her uncle by marriage. The faith, the knowledge and theprayersofthesetworighteousmencouldhavebeennosecrettoher.Itis

impossiblethatshecouldhavedweltintentswiththemforanylengthoftimewithoutknowingwhosetheywereandwhomtheyserved.Religionwith themwas nomere formal business; it was the ruling principle oftheirlivesandthemainspringofalltheiractions.AllthisLot’swifemusthaveseenandknown.Thiswasnosmallprivilege.

When Abram first received the promises, it is probable Lot’s wife wasthere.Whenhebuilt his altarbyhis tentbetweenHai andBethel, it isprobable she was there. When her husband was taken captive byChedorlaomeranddeliveredbyGod’sinterference,shewasthere.WhenMelchizedek,kingofSalem,cameforthtomeetAbrahamwithbreadandwine, shewas there.When the angels came to Sodom andwarned herhusbandtoflee,shesawthem;whentheytookthembythehandandledthemoutof thecity,shewasoneof thosewhomtheyhelped toescape.Oncemore,Isay,thesewerenosmallprivileges.

Yetwhatgoodeffecthadall theseprivilegeson theheart ofLot’swife?None at all.Notwithstanding all her opportunities andmeans of grace,notwithstandingallherspecialwarningsandmessagesfromheaven,shelivedanddiedgraceless,godless,impenitentandunbelieving.Theeyesofher understandingwere never opened; her consciencewas never reallyarousedandquickened;herwillwasneverreallybroughtintoastateofobediencetoGod;heraffectionswereneverreallysetuponthingsabove.Theformofreligionwhichshehadwaskeptupforfashion’ssakeandnotfrom feeling; itwasa cloakworn for the sakeofpleasinghercompany,butnotfromanysenseof itsvalue.Shedidasothersdidaroundher inLot’s house; she conformed to her husband’s ways; she made nooppositiontohisreligion;sheallowedherselftobepassivelytowedalonginhiswake;butallthistimeherheartwaswronginthesightofGod.Theworldwasinherheart,andherheartwasintheworld.Inthisstateshelived,andinthisstateshedied.

Inallthisthereismuchtobelearned:Iseealessonherewhichisofthedeepestimportanceinthepresentday.YouliveintimeswhentherearemanypeoplejustlikeLot’swife;comeandhearthelessonwhichhercaseismeanttoteach.

Learn,then,thatthemerepossessionofreligiousprivilegeswillsaveno

one’s soul.Youmayhave spiritual advantagesof everydescription; youmay live in the full sunshine of the richest opportunities andmeans ofgrace;youmayenjoythebestofpreachingandthechoicestinstruction;you may dwell in the midst of light, knowledge, holiness and goodcompany.Allthismaybe,andyetyouyourselfmayremainunconverted,andatlastbelostforever.

Idaresaythisdoctrinesoundshardtosomereaders.Iknowthatmanyfancy they want nothing but religious privileges in order to becomedecidedChristians.Theyarenotwhat theyought tobeatpresent, theyallow;buttheirpositionissohard,theyplead,andtheirdifficultiesaresomany. Give them a godly husband or a godly wife, give them godlycompanions, or a godlymaster, give them the preaching of the gospel,givethemprivileges,andthentheywouldwalkwithGod.

It is all amistake. It is an entire delusion. It requires somethingmorethan privileges to save souls. Joab was David’s captain; Gehazi wasElisha’s servant; Demas was Paul’s companion; Judas Iscariot wasChrist’sdisciple,andLothadaworldlyunbelievingwife.Thesealldiedintheirsins.Theywentdowntothepitinspiteofknowledge,warningsandopportunities;andtheyallteachusthatitisnotprivilegesalonethatmenneed.TheyneedthegraceoftheHolySpirit.

Letusvalue religiousprivileges,but letusnot rest entirelyupon them.Letusdesiretohavethebenefitoftheminallourmovementsinlife,butletusnotput themin theplaceofChrist.Letususe themthankfully ifGodgrantsthemtous,butletustakecarethattheyproducesomefruitinourheart and life. If theydonotdogood, theyoftendopositiveharm:they sear the conscience, they increase responsibility, they aggravatecondemnation.Thesamefirewhichmeltsthewaxhardenstheclay; thesame sunwhichmakes the living tree growdries up the dead tree andpreparesitforburning.Nothingsohardenstheheartofmanasabarrenfamiliaritywithsacredthings.OncemoreIsay,itisnotprivilegesalonewhichmakepeopleChristians,butthegraceoftheHolySpirit.Withoutthatnomanwilleverbesaved.

I ask the members of evangelical congregations in the present day tomarkwellwhat I am saying.Yougo toMr.A’s, orMr.B’s church; you

thinkhimanexcellentpreacher;youdelightinhissermons;youcannothearanyoneelsewith thesamecomfort;youhave learnedmany thingssinceyouattendedhisministry;youconsideritagreatprivilegetobeoneofhishearers!Allthisisverygood.Itisaprivilege.Ishouldbethankfulifministers like yoursweremultiplied a thousandfold.But after all,whathaveyougotinyourheart?HaveyouyetreceivedtheHolySpirit?Ifnot,youarenobetterthanLot’swife.

IasktheservantsofreligiousfamiliestomarkwellwhatIamsaying.Itisa greatprivilege to live in ahousewhere the fearofGod reigns. It is aprivilegetohearfamilyprayersmorningandevening,toheartheWordofGodregularlyexpounded,tohaveaquietSunday,andtobeablealwaystogo tochurch.Theseare the things thatyouought toseekafterwhenyoutrytogetasituation;thesearethethingswhichmakeareallygoodplace.Highwagesandlightworkwillnevermakeupforaconstantroundofworldliness,Sabbath–breakingandsin.Buttakeheedthatyoudonotrestcontentwiththesethings;donotsupposebecauseyouhaveallthesespiritualadvantagesthatyouwillofcoursegotoheaven.Youmusthavegraceinyourownheart,aswellasattendfamilyprayers.Ifnot,youareatpresentnobetterthanLot’swife.

IaskthechildrenofreligiousparentstomarkwellwhatIamsaying.Itisthehighestprivilegetobethechildofagodlyfatherandmotherandtobebroughtupinthemidstofmanyprayers.ItisablessedthingindeedtobetaughtthegospelfromourearliestinfancyandtohearofsinandJesusand theHolySpirit andholinessandheaven from the firstmomentwecan remember anything. But, oh, take heed that you do not remainbarrenandunfruitful inthesunshineofall theseprivileges;beware lestyour heart remains hard, impenitent and worldly, notwithstanding themanyadvantagesyouenjoy.YoucannotenterthekingdomofGodonthecreditofyourparents’religion.Youmusteatthebreadoflifeforyourselfand have the witness of the Spirit in your own heart. You must haverepentanceofyourown,faithofyourownandsanctificationofyourown.Ifnot,youarenobetterthanLot’swife.

I pray God that all professing Christians in these days may lay thesethingstoheart.Mayweneverforgetthatprivilegesalonecannotsaveus.Lightandknowledgeandfaithfulpreachingandabundantmeansofgrace

and the companyofholypeopleareall greatblessingsandadvantages.Happyarethosewhohavethem!But,afterall,thereisonethingwithoutwhichprivilegesareuseless:thatonethingisthegraceoftheHolySpirit.Lot’swifehadmanyprivileges;butLot’swifehadnograce.

2.ThesinwhichLot’swifecommitted

Thehistory of the sinwhichLot’swife committed is givenby theHolySpirit in few and simple words: "She looked back from behind herhusband,andshebecameapillarofsalt."Wearetoldnomorethanthis.Thereisanakedsolemnityaboutthehistory.Thesumandsubstanceofhertransgressionliesinthesethreewords:"Shelookedback."

Doesthatsinseemsmallintheeyesofanyreaderofthismessage?Doesthe fault of Lot’s wife appear a trifling one to be visited with such apunishment?Thisisthefeeling,Idaresay,thatrisesinsomehearts.GivemeyourattentionwhileIreasonwithyouonthesubject.Therewasfarmoreinthatlookthanstrikesyouatfirstsight:itimpliedfarmorethanitexpressed.Listen,andyoushallhear.

a.That lookwasa littlething,but itrevealedthetruecharacterofLot’swife.Little thingswilloftenshowthestateofaman’smindevenbetterthan great ones, and little symptoms are often the signs of deadly andincurablediseases.TheapplethatEveatewasalittlething,butitprovedthat shehad fallen from innocenceandbecomea sinner.A crack inanarchseemsalittlething;butitprovesthatthefoundationisgivingway,and the whole fabric is unsafe. A little cough in a morning seems anunimportant ailment; but it is often an evidence of failing in theconstitution and leads on to decline, consumption and death. A strawmayshowwhichwaythewindblows,andonelookmayshowtherottenconditionofasinner’sheart(Matt.5:28).

b.Thatlookwasalittlething,butittoldofdisobedienceinLot’swife.Thecommandoftheangelwasstraightandunmistakable:"Looknotbehindyou"(Gen.19:17).ThiscommandLot’swiferefusedtoobey.ButtheHolySpiritsaysthat"toobeyisbetterthansacrifice,"andthat"rebellionisasthesinofwitchcraft"(1Sam.15:22,23).WhenGodspeaksplainlybyHisWord,orbyHismessengers,man’sdutyisclear.

c.Thatlookwasalittlething,butittoldofproudunbeliefinLot’swife.SheseemedtodoubtwhetherGodwasreallygoingtodestroySodom:sheappearednottobelievetherewasanydangeroranyneedforsuchahastyflight. Butwithout faith it is impossible to pleaseGod (Heb. 11:6). Themomentamanbegins to thinkheknowsbetter thanGodandthatGoddoesnotmeananythingwhenHethreatens,hissoul is ingreatdanger.WhenwecannotseethereasonofGod’sdealings,ourdutyistoholdourpeaceandbelieve.

d.That lookwas a little thing, but it told of secret love of theworld inLot’swife.Her heartwas in Sodom, though her bodywas outside. Shehad left her affections behind when she fled from her home. Her eyeturnedtotheplacewherehertreasurewas,asthecompassneedleturnstothepole.Andthiswasthecrowningpointofhersin."Thefriendshipoftheworld isenmitywithGod"(James4:4). "Ifanyman love theworld,theloveoftheFatherisnotinhim"(1John2:15).

This aspect of our subject deserves special attention; let us focus ourminds andhearts upon it. I believe it to be the part towhich the LordJesusparticularlyintendstodirectus.IbelieveHewouldhaveusobservethatLot’swifewaslostbylookingbacktotheworld.Herprofessionwasatonetimefairandspecious,butsheneverreallygaveuptheworld.Sheseemedat one time in the road to safety, but even then the lowest anddeepestthoughtsofherheartwerefortheworld.TheimmensedangerofworldlinessisthegrandlessonwhichtheLordJesusmeansustolearn.Oh,thatwemayallhaveaneyetoseeandahearttounderstand!

Ibelievethereneverwasatimewhenwarningsagainstworldlinessweresomuchneededby the churchofChrist as theyareat thepresent day.Everyageissaidtohaveitsownpeculiarepidemicdisease;theepidemicdiseasetowhichthesoulsofChristiansareliablejustnowisthe loveoftheworld. It is a pestilence thatwalks in darkness and a sickness thatdestroysatnoonday.It"hascastdownmanywounded;yes,manystrongmenhavebeenwoundedby it." Iwould sincerely raiseawarningvoiceand try to arouse the slumbering consciences of all who make aprofessionofreligion.Iwouldsincerelycryaloud,"RememberthesinofLot’swife."Shewasnomurderess,noadulteress,nothief;butshewasaprofessorofreligion,andshelookedback.

There are thousands of baptized people in our churcheswho are proofagainst immorality and infidelity and yet fall victims to the love of theworld.Therearethousandswhorunwellforaseasonandseemtobidfairtoreachheaven,butbyandbygiveuptheraceandturntheirbacksonChristaltogether.Andwhathasstoppedthem?HavetheyfoundtheBiblenottrue?HavetheyfoundtheLordJesusfailtokeepHisword?No,notatall.Buttheyhavecaughttheepidemicdisease:theyareinfectedwiththeloveofthisworld.Iappealtoeverytrue–heartedevangelicalministerwho reads this message: I ask him to look around his congregation. Iappeal toeveryold–establishedChristian: Iaskhimto lookaround thecircleofhisacquaintance. Iamsure that Iamspeaking the truth. IamsurethatitishightimetorememberthesinofLot’swife.

a.Howmanychildrenofreligiousfamiliesbeginwellandendill!Inthedaysof theirchildhood theyseemfullof religion.Theycanrepeattextsandhymnsinabundance;theyhavespiritualfeelingsandconvictionsofsin; they profess love to the Lord Jesus and desires after heaven; theytake pleasure in going to church and hearing sermons; they say thingswhicharetreasuredupbytheirfondparentsasindicationsofgrace;theydothingswhichmakerelationssay,"Whatmannerofchildwillthisbe?"But,alas,howoftentheirgoodnessvanisheslikethemorningcloudandlikethedewthatpassesaway!Theboybecomesayoungmanandcaresfor nothing but amusements, field sports, reveling and excess. The girlbecomesayoungwomanandcaresfornothingbutdress,gaycompany,novel reading and excitement. Where is the spirituality which onceappearedtopromisesofair?Itisallgone;itisburied;itisoverflowedbytheloveoftheworld.TheywalkinthestepsofLot’swife.Theylookback.

b.Howmanymarriedpeopledowellinreligion,toallappearance,untiltheir children begin to grow up, and then they fall away! In the earlyyears of their married life they seem to follow Christ diligently and towitness a good confession. They regularly attend the preaching of thegospel; theyare fruitful ingoodworks; theyarenever seen in vain anddissipatedsociety.Theirfaithandpracticearebothsound,andwalkhandinhand.But,alas,howoftenaspiritualblightcomesoverthehouseholdwhenayoungfamilybeginstogrowup,andsonsanddaughtershavetobe brought forward in life. A leaven ofworldliness begins to appear in

theirhabits,dress,entertainmentsandemploymentoftime.Theyarenolonger strict about the company they keep and the places they visit.Whereisthedecidedlineofseparationwhichtheyonceobserved?Whereis the unswerving abstinence from worldly amusements which oncemarked their course? It is all forgotten. It is all laid aside, like an oldalmanac.Achangehascomeoverthem:thespiritoftheworldhastakenpossessionoftheirhearts.TheywalkinthestepsofLot’swife.Theylookback.

c.Howmanyyoungwomenseemto lovedecidedreligionuntil theyaretwentyortwenty–oneandthenloseall!Uptothistimeoftheirlifetheirconduct in religiousmatters is all that could be desired. They keep uphabits of private prayer; they read their Bibles diligently; they visit thepoor,when they have opportunity; they teach in Sunday schools,whenthereisanopening;theyministertothetemporalandspiritualwantsofthepoor;theylikereligiousfriends;theylovetotalkonreligioussubjects;they write letters full of religious expressions and religious experience.But,alas,howoftentheyproveunstableaswaterandare ruinedby theloveof theworld!Littleby little they fall awayand lose their first love.Little by little the "things seen" push out of their minds the "thingsunseen"and,liketheplagueoflocusts,eatupeverygreenthingintheirsouls.Stepbysteptheygobackfromthedecidedpositiontheyoncetookup.Theycease tobe jealousaboutsounddoctrine; theypretend to findout that it is "uncharitable" to thinkonepersonhasmore religion thananother;theydiscoveritis"exclusive"toattemptanyseparationfromthecustomsofsociety.Byandbytheygivetheiraffectionstosomemanwhomakesnopretensetodecidedreligion.AtlasttheyendbygivingupthelastremnantoftheirownChristianityandbecomingthoroughchildrenoftheworld.TheywalkinthestepsofLot’swife.Theylookback.

d.Howmany communicants in our churcheswere at one time zealousand earnest professors and have now become torpid, formal and cold!Timewaswhennoneseemedsomuchaliveinreligionastheywere;noneweresodiligentintheirattendanceonthemeansofgrace;noneweresoanxioustopromote thecauseof thegospelandsoready foreverygoodwork; none were so thankful for spiritual instruction; none wereapparentlysodesiroustogrowingrace.Butnow,alas,everythingseems

altered! The "love of other things" has taken possession of their heartsand choked the good seed of the Word. The money of the world, therewardsoftheworld,theliteratureoftheworld,thehonorsoftheworldhavenowthefirstplaceintheiraffections.Talktothem,andyouwillfindnoresponseaboutspiritualthings.Marktheirdailyconduct,andyouwillseenozealaboutthekingdomofGod.Areligiontheyhaveindeed,butitislivingreligionnomore.ThespringoftheirformerChristianityisdriedupandgone;thefireofthespiritualmachineisquenchedandcold;earthhasputouttheflamewhichonceburnedsobrightly.TheyhavewalkedinthestepsofLot’swife.Theyhavelookedback.

e.Howmanyclergymenworkhardintheirprofessionforafewyearsandthenbecomelazyandindolentfromtheloveofthispresentworld!Attheoutset of their ministry they seem willing to spend and be spent forChrist; they are instant in season and out of season; their preaching islively and their churches are filled.Their congregations arewell lookedafter; cottage lectures, prayer meetings, house–to–house visitation aretheirweeklydelight.But,alas,howoftenafter "beginning in theSpirit"theyend"intheflesh"and,likeSamson,areshornoftheirstrengthinthelapofthatDelilah,theworld!Theyarepreferredtosomerichliving;theymarryaworldlywife;theyarepuffedupwithprideandneglectstudyandprayer.Anippingfrostcutsoffthespiritualblossomswhichoncebadesofair. Their preaching loses its unction and power; their weekday workbecomes less and less; the society theymix in becomes less select; thetoneoftheirconversationbecomesmoreearthly.Theyceasetodisregardtheopinionofman; they imbibeamorbid fearof "extremeviews," andarefilledwithacautiousdreadofgivingoffense.AndatlastthemanwhoatonetimeseemedlikelytobearealsuccessoroftheapostlesandagoodsoldierofChristsettlesdownonhisleesasaclericalgardener,farmer,ordinerout,bywhomnobodyisoffendedandnobodyissaved.Hischurchbecomeshalf empty;his influencedwindlesaway; theworldhasboundhim hand and foot. He has walked in the steps of Lot’s wife. He haslookedback.

Itissadtowriteofthesethings,butit isfarmoresadtoseethem.It issadtoobservehowprofessingChristianscanblindtheir consciencesbyspeciousargumentson this subject andcandefendpositiveworldliness

bytalkingofthe"dutiesoftheirstation,"the"courtesiesoflife"andthenecessityofhavinga"cheerfulreligion."

It issadtoseehowmanyagallantshiplaunchesforthonthevoyageoflifewitheveryprospectofsuccessand,springingthisleakofworldliness,goes downwith all her freight in full view of the harbor of safety. It issaddestofall toobservehowmanyflatterthemselves it isallrightwiththeirsoulswhenitisallwrong,byreasonofthisloveoftheworld.Grayhairs arehere and thereupon them, and they know it not. TheybeganwithJacobandDavidandPeter,andtheyarelikelytoendwithEsauandSaul and Judas Iscariot. They beganwith Ruth andHannah andMaryandPersis,andtheyarelikelytoendwithLot’swife.

Beware of a half–hearted religion.Beware of followingChrist fromanysecondary motive, to please relations and friends, to keep in with thecustomoftheplaceorfamilyinwhichyoureside,toappearrespectableand have the reputation of being religious. Follow Christ for His ownsake,ifyoufollowHimatall.Bethorough,bereal,behonest,besound,bewhole–hearted.Ifyouhaveanyreligionatall,letyourreligionbereal.SeethatyoudonotsinthesinofLot’swife.

Beware of ever supposing that you may go too far in religion and ofsecretlytryingtokeepinwiththeworld.Iwantnoreaderofthismessagetobecomeahermit,amonkoranun:Iwisheveryonetodohisrealdutyinthatstateoflifetowhichheiscalled.ButIdourgeoneveryprofessingChristianwhowishestobehappytheimmenseimportanceofmakingnocompromise between God and the world. Do not try to drive a hardbargain,asifyouwantedtogiveChristaslittleofyourheartaspossible,andtokeepasmuchaspossibleofthethingsofthislife.Bewarelestyouoverreachyourselfandendbylosingall.LoveChristwithallyourheartand mind and soul and strength. Seek first the kingdom of God andbelieve that thenall other things shallbeadded to you.Takeheed thatyou do not prove a copy of the character John Bunyan draws, Mr.Facing–both–ways.For yourhappiness’ sake, for yourusefulness’ sake,foryoursafety’ssake,foryoursoul’ssake,bewareofthesinofLot’swife.Oh,itisasolemnsayingofourLordJesus:"Nomanhavingputhishandto the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke9:62).

3.ThejudgmentwhichGodinflicteduponher

TheScripturedescribestheendofLot’swifeinfewandsimplewords.Itiswritten that "she lookedback andbecameapillar of salt."AmiraclewaswroughttoexecuteGod’sjudgmentonthisguiltywoman.Thesamealmightyhandwhichfirstgaveherlifetookthatlifeawayinthetwinklingofaneye.Fromlivingfleshandblood,shewasturnedintoapillarofsalt.

Thatwasafearfulendforasoultocomelo!Todieatanytimeisasolemnthing.Todieamidkindfriendsandrelations,todiecalmlyandquietlyinone’sbed,todiewiththeprayersofgodlymenstillsoundinginyourears,todiewithagoodhopethroughgraceinthefullAssuranceofsalvation,leaningontheLordJesus,buoyedupbygospelpromises,todieevenso,Isay, is a seriousbusiness.But todie suddenlyand in amoment, in thevery act of sin, to die in full health and strength, to die by the directinterpositionofanangryGod—thisisfearfulindeed.Yetthiswastheendof Lot’s wife. I cannot blame the Prayer Book litany, as some do, forretainingthispetition:"Fromsuddendeath,goodLord,deliverus."

Thatwasahopelessendforasoultocomelo!Therearecaseswhereonehopes,asitwere,againsthope,aboutthesoulsofthoseweseegodowntothegrave.Wetrytopersuadeourselvesthatourpoordepartedbrotherorsistermayhaverepenteduntosalvationatthelastmomentandlaidholdon the hem of Christ’s garment at the eleventh hour.We call to mindGod’smercies;weremembertheSpirit’spower;wethinkonthecaseofthe penitent thief; we whisper to ourselves that saving workmay havegoneonevenonthatdyingbedwhichthedyingpersonhadnotstrengthtotell.Butthereisanendofallsuchhopeswhenapersonissuddenlycutdownintheveryactofsin.Charityitselfcansaynothingwhenthesoulhasbeensummonedawayintheverymidstofwickedness,withoutevenamoment’stimeforthoughtorprayer.SuchwastheendofLot’swife.Itwasahopelessend.Shewenttohell.

But it isgood forusall tomark these things. It isgood tobe remindedthat God can punish sharply those who sin willfully and that greatprivilegesmisusedbringdowngreatwrathonthesoul.PharaohsawallthemiracleswhichMosesworked;Korah,DathanandAbiramhadheard

God speaking from Mount Sinai; Hophni and Phinehas were sons ofGod’shighpriest;Saul lived inthe full lightofSamuel’sministry;AhabwasoftenwarnedbyElijahtheprophet;AbsalomenjoyedtheprivilegeofbeingoneofDavid’schildren;BelshazzarhadDanieltheprophethardbyhisdoor;AnaniasandSapphira joined thechurch in thedayswhentheapostleswereworkingmiracles;JudasIscariotwasachosencompanionofourLordJesusChristHimself.But they all sinnedwith ahighhandagainst light and knowledge, and they were all suddenly destroyedwithoutremedy.Theyhadnotimeorspaceforrepentance.Astheylived,so they died; as theywere, they hurried away tomeetGod. Theywentwithall theirsinsuponthem,unpardoned,unrenewedandutterlyunfitforheaven.Andbeingdead theyyet speak.They tellus, likeLot’swife,thatitisaperilousthingtosinagainstlight,thatGodhatessin,andthatthereisahell.

I feel constrained to speak freely tomy readers on the subject of hell.Sufferme to use the opportunitywhich the end of Lot’swife affords. Ibelievethetimeiscomewhenitisapositivedutytospeakplainlyabouttherealityandeternityofhell.Afloodoffalsedoctrinehaslatelybrokenin upon us. Men are beginning to tell us that God is too merciful topunishsoulsforever,thatthereisaloveofGodlowereventhanhell,andthatallmankind,howeverwickedandungodlysomeofthemmaybe,willsoonerorlaterbesaved.WeareinvitedtoleavetheoldpathsofapostolicChristianity.Wearetoldthattheviewsofourfathersabouthell,andthedevil, and punishment, are obsolete and old–fashioned. We are toembracewhatiscalleda"kindertheology"andtreathellasapaganfableorabugbeartofrightenchildrenandfools.AgainstsuchfalseteachingIdesire, for one, to protest. Painful, sorrowful, distressing as thecontroversymaybe,wemustnotblinkitorrefusetolookthesubjectintheface.I,forone,amresolvedtomaintaintheoldposition,andtoasserttherealityandeternityofhell.

Believeme, this is nomere speculativequestion. It is not tobe classedwith disputes about liturgies and church government. It is not to berankedwithmysteriousproblems,likethemeaningofEzekiel’stempleorthe symbols of Revelation. It is a question which lies at the veryfoundationofthewholegospel.ThemoralattributesofGod,Hisjustice,

Hisholiness,Hispurity,areall involved in it.ThenecessityofpersonalfaithinChrist,andthesanctificationoftheSpirit,areallatstake.Oncelet the old doctrine about hell be overthrown, and thewhole systemofChristianityisunsettled,unscrewed,unpinnedandthrownintodisorder.

Believeme,thequestionisnotoneinwhichweareobligedtofallbackonthetheoriesandinventionsofman.TheScripturehasspokenplainlyandfullyonthesubjectofhell.Iholdittobeimpossibletodealhonestlywiththe Bible and to avoid the conclusions to which it will lead us on thispoint.Ifwordsmeananything,thereissuchaplaceashell.Iftextsaretobeinterpretedfairly,therearethosewhowillbecast intoit.If languagehasanysensebelongingtoit,hellisforever.IbelievethatthemanwhofindsargumentsforevadingtheevidenceoftheBibleonthisquestionhasarrivedatastateofmindinwhichreasoningisuseless.Formyownpart,it seems just as easy toargue thatwedonot exist, as to argue that theBibledoesnotteachtherealityandeternityofhell.

a. Settle it firmly in yourmind that the sameBiblewhich teaches thatGod inmercy and compassion sent Christ to die for sinners does alsoteachthatGodhatessinandmust,fromHisverynature,punishallwhocleave to sin or refuse the salvation He has provided. The very samechapterwhichdeclares,"Godsolovedtheworld,"declaresalso,that"thewrathofGodabides"on theunbeliever (John3:16,36).Thevery samegospelwhichislaunchedintotheearthwiththeblessedtidings,"Hethatbelieves and is baptized shall be saved," proclaims in the same breath,"Hethatbelievesnotshallbedamned"(Mark16:16).

b.SettleitfirmlyinyourmindthatGodhasgivenusproofuponproofintheBiblethatHewillpunishthehardenedandunbelievingandthatHecan take vengeance on His enemies, as well as show mercy on thepenitent. The drowning of the old world by the flood, the burning ofSodomandGomorrah,theoverthrowofPharaohandallhishost intheRed Sea, the judgment on Korah, Dathan and Abiram, the utterdestructionof thesevennationsofCanaan—all teachthesamedreadfultruth.Theyareallgiventousasbeaconsandsignsandwarnings,thatwemay not provoke God. They are all meant to lift up the corner of thecurtainwhichhangsover things tocomeandtoremindus that there issuchathingasthewrathofGod.Theyalltellusplainlythat"thewicked

shallbeturnedintohell"(Ps.9:17).

c. Settle it firmly in yourmind that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself hasspokenmostplainlyabouttherealityandeternityofhell.Theparableofthe rich man and Lazarus contains things which should make mentremble.Butitdoesnotstandalone.Nolipshaveusedsomanywordstoexpresstheawfulnessofhell,asthelipsofHimwhospokeasnevermanspoke, and who said, "The word which you hear is not Mine, but theFather’swhich sentMe" (John 14:24).Hell, hell fire, the damnation ofhell, eternaldamnation, the resurrectionofdamnation, everlasting fire,the place of torment, destruction, outer darkness, theworm that neverdies, the fire that is not quenched, the place of weeping, wailing andgnashing of teeth, everlasting punishment—these, these are the wordswhich theLordJesusChristHimself employs.Awaywith themiserablenonsensewhichpeopletalkinthisday,whotellusthattheministersofthe gospel should never speak of hell! They only show their ownignorance,ortheirowndishonesty,whentheytalkinsuchamanner.NomancanhonestlyreadthefourGospelsandfailtoseethathewhowouldfollowtheexampleofChristmustspeakofhell.

d. Settle it, lastly, in your mind that the comforting ideas which theScripturegivesusofheavenareatanend,ifweoncedenytherealityoreternity of hell. Is there no future separate abode for those who diewickedandungodly?Areallmenafterdeath tobemingled together inoneconfusedmultitude?Why,then,heavenwillbenoheavenatall!Itisutterly impossible for two to dwell happily together except they beagreed.Istheretobeatimewhenthetermofhellandpunishmentwillbeover?Are the wicked after ages ofmisery to be admitted into heaven?Why, then, theneed of the sanctification of the Spirit is cast aside anddespised!Ireadthatmencanbesanctifiedandmademeetforheavenonearth; I read nothing of any sanctification in hell. Away with suchbaseless and unscriptural theories! The eternity of hell is as clearlyaffirmedintheBibleastheeternityofheaven.Onceallowthathellisnoteternal,andyoumayaswellsaythatGodandheavenarenoteternal.Thesame Greek word which is used in the expression "everlastingpunishment"isthewordthatisusedbytheLordJesusintheexpression"life eternal," and by Paul, in the expression "everlasting God" (Matt.

25:46;Rom.16:26).

Iknowthatall thissoundsdreadful inmanyears.Idonotwonder.Buttheonlyquestionwehavetosettleisthis:"Isitscriptural?"Is it true?Imaintain firmly that it is so; and Imaintain that professing Christiansoughttobeoftenremindedthattheymaybelostandgotohell.

Iknowthatitiseasytodenyallplainteachingabouthellandtomakeitodious by invidious names. I have often heard of "narrow–mindedviews,"and"old–fashionednotions,"and"brimstonetheology," and thelike.Ihaveoftenbeentoldthat"broad"viewsarewantedinthepresentday.IwishtobeasbroadastheBible,neitherlessnormore.Isaythatheisthenarrow–mindedtheologianwhoparesdownsuchpartsoftheBibleasthenaturalheartdislikesandrejectsanyportionofthecounselofGod.

Godknows that Inever speakofhellwithoutpainandsorrow. Iwouldgladlyofferthesalvationofthegospeltotheverychiefofsinners.Iwouldwillinglysaytothevilestandmostprofligateofmankindonhisdeathbed,"Repent, andbelieveonJesus, andyoushallbe saved."ButGod forbidthatIshouldeverkeepbackfrommortalmanthatScripturerevealsahellaswellasheavenandthatthegospelteachesthatmenmaybelostaswellassaved.Thewatchmanwhokeepssilencewhenheseesafireisguiltyofgross neglect; the doctorwho tells uswe are gettingwell whenwe aredying is a false friend; and theminister who keeps back hell from hispeopleinhissermonsisneitherafaithfulnoracharitableman.

WhereisthecharityofkeepingbackanyportionofGod’struth?Heisthekindestfriendwhotellsmethewholeextentofmydanger.Whereistheuseofhidingthefuturefromtheimpenitentandtheungodly?Surelyitislikehelping thedevil ifwedonot tell themplainly that, "The soul thatsinsshallsurelydie."Whoknowsbutthewretchedcarelessnessofmanybaptizedpeoplearisesfromthis,thattheyhaveneverbeentoldplainlyofhell?Whocantellbutthousandsmightbeconvertedifministerswouldurge themmore faithfully to flee fromthewrath tocome?Verily, I fearwe are many of us guilty in this matter; there is a morbid tendernessamong us which is not the tenderness of Christ. We have spoken ofmercy, but not of judgment; we have preached many sermons aboutheaven,but fewabouthell;wehavebeencarriedawayby thewretched

fearofbeingthought"low,vulgarandfanatical."WehaveforgottenthatHewho judges us is the Lord and that themanwho teaches the samedoctrinethatChristtaughtcannotbewrong.

IfyouwouldeverbeahealthyscripturalChristian,Ientreatyoutogivehellaplaceinyourtheology.EstablishitinyourmindasafixedprinciplethatGod is aGod of judgment, aswell as ofmercy, and that the sameeverlastingcounselswhichlaidthefoundationoftheblissofheavenhavealso laid the foundationof themiseryofhell.Keep in full view of yourmindthatallwhodieunpardonedandunrenewedareutterlyunfitforthepresence of God and must be lost forever. They are not capable ofenjoying heaven; they could not be happy there. Theymust go to theirownplace:andthatplace ishell.Oh, it isagreat thing inthesedaysofunbelieftobelievethewholeBible!

IfyouwouldeverbeahealthyandscripturalChristian,Ientreatyoutobeware of any ministry which does not plainly teach the reality andeternityofhell.Suchaministrymaybesoothingandpleasant,butitisfarmorelikelytolullyoutosleepthantoleadyoutoChristorbuildyouupin the faith. It is impossible to leave out any portion of God’s truthwithoutspoilingthewhole.ThatpreachingissadlydefectivewhichdwellsexclusivelyonthemerciesofGodandthejoysofheavenandneversetsforththeterrorsoftheLordandthemiseriesofhell.Itmaybepopular,butitisnotscriptural;itmayamuseandgratify,butitwillnotsave.GivemethepreachingwhichkeepsbacknothingthatGodhasrevealed.Youmaycallitsternandharsh;youmaytellusthattofrightenpeopleisnotthewaytodothemgood.Butyouareforgettingthatthegrandobjectofthegospelistopersuademento"fleefromthewrathtocome,"andthatitisvaintoexpectmentofleeunlesstheyareafraid.Wellwoulditbeformany professing Christians if they were more afraid about their soulsthantheynoware!

IfyoudesiretobeahealthyChristian,consideroftenwhatyourownendwillbe.Will itbehappiness,orwill itbemisery?Will itbethedeathoftherighteous,orwill itbeadeathwithouthope, like thatofLot’swife?Youcannot livealways; theremustbeanendoneday.The lastsermonwill one day be heard; the last prayer will one day be prayed; the lastchapter in the Bible will one day be read; meaning, wishing, hoping,

intending,resolving,doubting,hesitating—allwillatlengthbeover.YouwillhavetoleavethisworldandtostandbeforeaholyGod.Oh,thatyouwouldbewise!Oh,thatyouwouldconsideryourlatterend!

Youcannottrifleforever:atimewillcomewhenyoumustbeserious.Youcannot put off your soul’s concerns forever: a daywill comewhen youmust have a reckoning with God. You cannot be always singing anddancingandeatinganddrinkinganddressingandreadingandlaughingandjestingandschemingandplanningandmoneymaking.Thesummerinsectscannotalwayssport inthesunshine.Thecoldchillyeveningwillcomeatlastandstoptheirsportforever.Sowillitbewithyou.Youmayput off religion now and refuse the counsel ofGod’sministers, but thecool of the day is drawing onwhenGodwill comedown to speakwithyou. Andwhatwill your end be?Will it be a hopeless one, like that ofLot’swife?

Ibeseechyou,by themerciesofGod, to look thisquestion fairly in theface.IentreatyounottostifleconsciencebyvaguehopesofGod’smercy,while your heart cleaves to the world. I implore you not to drownconvictions by childish fancies about God’s love, while your dailywaysandhabitsshowplainlythat"theloveoftheFatherisnotinyou."Thereismercy inGod, likeariver,but it is for thepenitentbeliever inChristJesus.There is a love inGod toward sinnerswhich is unspeakable andunsearchable,butitisforthosewhohearChrist’svoiceandfollowHim.Seektohaveaninterestinthatlove.Breakoffeveryknownsin;comeoutboldlyfromtheworld;crymightilytoGodinprayer;castyourselfwhollyandunreservedlyontheLordJesusfortimeandeternity;layasideeveryweight.Clingtonothing,howeverdear,whichinterfereswithyoursoul’ssalvation; give up everything, however precious, which comes betweenyouandheaven.Thisoldshipwreckedworldisfastsinkingbeneathyourfeet;theonethingneedfulistohaveaplaceinthelifeboatandgetsafetoshore. Give diligence tomake your calling and election sure. Whateverhappenstoyourhouseandproperty,seethatyoumakesureofheaven.Oh, better a million times be laughed at and thought extreme in thisworld,thangodowntohellfromthemidstofthecongregation,andendlikeLot’swife!

Let me address the reader particularly here, so I may impress a few

salientquestionsuponyourconscience.YouhaveseenthehistoryofLot’swife—her privileges, her sin and her end. You have been told of theuselessnessofprivilegeswithoutthegiftoftheHolySpirit,ofthedangerofworldlinessandoftherealityofhell.Suffermetowindupallbyafewdirectappealstoyourownheart.Inadayofsomuchlightandknowledgeand profession, I desire to set up a beacon to preserve souls fromshipwreck. Iwouldsincerelymoorabuoy in thechannelofall spiritualvoyagersandpaintuponit,"RememberLot’swife."

a.Are you careless about the second advent of Christ?Alas,many are!TheylivelikethemenofSodomandthemenofNoah’sday:theyeatanddrink and plant and build and marry and are given in marriage andbehaveasifChristwasnevergoingtoreturn.Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

b.Areyoulukewarm,andcoldinyourChristianity?Alas,manyare!Theytry to serve twomasters: they labor tokeep friendsbothwithGod andmammon.Theystrivetobeakindofspiritualbat,neitheronethingnortheother:notquiteathoroughgoingChristian,butnotquitemenoftheworld.Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

c.Areyouhaltingbetweentwoopinionsanddisposedtogobacktotheworld?Alas,manyare!Theyareafraidofthecross;theysecretlydislikethe trouble and reproach of decided religion. They are weary of thewilderness and themanna andwould sincerely return to Egypt if theycould.Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

d.Areyousecretlycherishingsomebesettingsin?Alas,manyare!Theygofarinaprofessionofreligion;theydomanythingsthatarerightandareverylikethepeopleofGod.Butthereisalwayssomedarlingevilhabitwhich they cannot tear from their heart. Hidden worldliness orcovetousnessorluststickstothemliketheirskin.Theyarewillingtoseealltheiridolsbrokenbutthisone.Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

e. Are you trifling with little sins? Alasmany are! They hold the great

essentialdoctrinesofthegospel.Theykeepclearofallgrossprofligacyoropen breach of God’s law, but they are painfully careless about littleinconsistenciesandpainfullyreadytomakeexcusesforthem."Itisonlyalittle temper, or a little levity, or a little thoughtlessness, or a littleforgetfulness," they tell us; "God does not take account of such littlematters.Wearenoneofusperfect;Godwillneverrequireit."Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

f.Areyourestingonreligiousprivileges?Alas,manydo!Theyenjoytheopportunity of hearing the gospel regularly preached and of attendingmanyordinancesandmeansofgrace,andtheysettledownontheirlees.They seem to be "rich, and increased with goods, and have need ofnothing" (Rev. 3:17), while they have neither faith, nor grace, norspiritual–mindedness,norfitnessforheaven.Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

g.Areyoutrustingtoyourreligiousknowledge?Alas,manydo!Theyarenot ignorant, as other men: they know the difference between truedoctrine and false. They can dispute, they can reason, they can argue,theycanquotetexts;butallthistimetheyarenotconverted,andtheyareyetdead in trespassesandsins. If youare suchaone, I say toyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

h. Are youmaking some profession of religion and yet clinging to theworld?Alas,manydo!They aimat being thoughtChristians. They likethecreditofbeingserious,steady,proper,regularchurch–goingpeople;yet all the while their dress, their tastes, their companions, theirentertainmentstellplainlytheyareoftheworld.Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

i.Areyoutrustingthatyouwillhaveadeathbedrepentance?Alas,manydo so!They know they are notwhat they ought to be: they are not yetbornagainandfittodie.Buttheyflatterthemselvesthat,whentheirlastillnesscomes,theyshallhavetimetorepentandlayholdonChristandgooutoftheworldpardoned,sanctifiedandmeetforheaven.Theyforgetthatpeopleoftendieverysuddenlyandthat,astheylive, theygenerallydie. If you are such a one, I say to you thisday, "Take care: rememberLot’swife."

j.Doyoubelongtoanevangelicalcongregation?Manydoand,alas,gonofurther!TheyhearthetruthSundayafterSundayandremainashardasthenethermillstone.Sermonafter sermon sounds in their ears.Monthaftermonththeyareinvitedtorepent,tobelieve,tocometoChristandtobe saved. Year after year passes away, and they are not changed. Theykeep their seat under the teaching of a favoriteminister, and they alsokeeptheirfavoritesins.Ifyouaresuchaone,Isaytoyouthisday,"Takecare:rememberLot’swife."

Oh,maythesesolemnwordsofourLordJesusChristbedeeplyengravedon all our hearts! May they awaken us when we feel sleepy, revive uswhenwefeeldead,sharpenuswhenwefeeldull,warmuswhenwefeelcold!Maytheyproveaspurtoquickenuswhenwearefallingbackandabridle to check uswhenwe are turning aside!May they be a shield todefenduswhenSatancastsasubtletemptationatourheartandaswordto fight with, when he says boldly, "Give up Christ, come back to theworld, and follow me!" Oh, may we say in such hours of trial, "Soul,remember your Savior’s warning! Soul, soul, have you forgotten Hiswords?Soul,soul,rememberLot’swife!"

Christ’sGreatestTrophy

Oneof thecriminalswhohung therehurled insultsathim: "Aren't youtheChrist? Save yourself andus!"But the other criminal rebuked him."Don'tyou fearGod,"hesaid, "sinceyouareunder thesamesentence?Wearepunished justly, forweare gettingwhatourdeedsdeserve.Butthismanhasdonenothingwrong."Thenhesaid,"Jesus,remembermewhenyoucomeintoyourkingdom."Jesusansweredhim,"Itellyouthetruth,todayyouwillbewithmeinparadise."Luke23:39-43

TherearefewpassagesintheNewTestamentwhicharemorefamiliartomen’s ears than the verses which head thismessage. They contain thewellknownstoryof‘thepenitentthief.’

And it is right and good that these verses should bewell known. Theyhavecomfortedmanytroubledminds;theyhavebroughtpeacetomanyuneasy consciences; they have been a healing balm to many woundedhearts; they have been a medicine to many sin–sick souls; they havesmootheddownnotafewdyingpillows.WhereverthegospelofChristispreached,theywillalwaysbehonored,lovedandhadinremembrance.

I wish to say something about these verses. I will try to unfold theLeadinglessonswhichtheyaremeanttoteach.Icannotseethepeculiarmentalstateofanyoneintowhosehandsthismessagemayfall.ButIcanseetruthsinthispassagewhichnomancaneverknowtoowell.HereisthegreatesttrophywhichChristeverwon.

1.Christ’spowerandwillingnesstosavesinners

Thisisthemaindoctrinetobegatheredfromthehistoryofthepenitentthief. It teachesus thatwhichought to bemusic in the ears of allwhohearit:itteachesusthatJesusChristis‘mightytosave’(Isa.63:1).

I ask anyone to say whether a case could look more hopeless anddesperatethanthatofthispenitentthiefoncedid.

Hewasawickedman,amalefactor,athief,ifnotamurderer.Weknowthis,forsuchonlywerecrucified.Hewassufferingajustpunishmentforbreakingthelaws.Andashehadlivedwicked,soheseemeddeterminedtodiewicked,foratfirst,whenhewascrucified,herailedonourLord.

Andhewasadyingman.Hehungthere,nailedtoacross,fromwhichhewasnever to comedownalive.Hehadno longerpower to stirhandorfoot.Hishourswerenumbered;thegravewasreadyforhim.Therewasbutastepbetweenhimanddeath.

Ifever therewasasoulhoveringonthebrinkofhell, itwasthesoulofthis thief. If ever there was a case that seemed lost, gone and pastrecovery, it was his. If ever therewas a child of Adamwhom the devilmadesureofashisown,itwasthisman.

Butseenowwhathappened.Heceasedtorailandblaspheme,ashehad

done at the first; he began to speak in anothermanner altogether.HeturnedtoourblessedLordinprayer.HeprayedJesusto‘rememberhimwhenHecameintoHiskingdom’.Heaskedthathissoulmightbecaredfor,hissinspardonedandhimselfthoughtofinanotherworld.Trulythiswasawonderfulchange!

Andthenmarkwhatkindofanswerhereceived.Somewouldhavesaidhewastoowickedamantobesaved;butitwasnotso.Somewouldhavefancied it was too late, the door was shut, and there was no room formercy;butitprovednottoolateatall.TheLordJesusreturnedhimanimmediateanswer,spokekindly tohim,assuredhimheshouldbewithHim that day in paradise, pardoned him completely, cleansed himthoroughly from his sins, received him graciously, justified him freely,raised him from the gates of hell, gave him a title to glory. Of all themultitudeofsavedsouls,noneeverreceivedsogloriousanassuranceofhisownsalvationasdidthispenitentthief.Gooverthewholelist,fromGenesistoRevelation,andyouwillfindnonewhohadsuchwordsspokentohimasthese‘TodayshallyoubewithMeinparadise.’

IbelievetheLordJesusnevergavesocompleteaproofofHispowerandwill to save, asHedidupon thisoccasion. In thedaywhenHe seemedmostweak,HeshowedthatHewasastrongdeliverer.InthehourwhenHisbodywasrackedwithpain,HeshowedthatHecouldfeeltenderlyforothers.AtthetimewhenHeHimselfwasdying,Heconferredonasinnereternallife.

Now, have I not a right to say, ‘Christ is able to save to the uttermostthemthatcomeuntoGodbyHim?’(Heb.7:25)Beholdtheproofofit.Ifever sinner was too far gone to be saved, it was this thief. Yet he waspluckedasabrandfromthefire.

HaveInotarighttosay,‘ChristwillreceiveanypoorsinnerwhocomestoHimwiththeprayeroffaith,andcastoutnone?’Beholdtheproofofit.If ever therewas one that seemed too bad to be received, thiswas theman.Yetthedoorofmercywaswideopenevenforhim.

HaveInotarighttosay,‘Bygraceyoumaybesavedthroughfaith,notofworksfearnot,onlybelieve?’Beholdtheproofofit.Thisthiefwasnever

baptized;hebelongedtonovisiblechurch;heneverreceivedtheLord’sSupper;heneverdidanyworkforChrist;henevergavemoneytoChrist’scause!Buthehadfaith,andsohewassaved.

HaveInotarighttosay,‘Theyoungestfaithwillsaveaman’ssoul,if itonlybe true,?Behold theproofof it.Thisman’s faithwasonlyonedayold;butitledhimtoChrist,andpreservedhimfromhell.

Whythenshouldanymanorwomandespairwithsuchapassageasthisin theBible? Jesus is a Physicianwho can curehopeless cases.He canquickendeadsouls,andcallthethingswhichbenotasthoughtheywere.

Nevershouldanymanorwomandespair!JesusisstillthesamenowthatHewaseighteenhundredyearsago.ThekeysofdeathandhellareinHishand.WhenHeopensnonecanshut.

Whatthoughyoursinsbemoreinnumberthanthehairsofyourhead?What though your evil habits have grown with your growth, andstrengthenedwithyourstrength?What thoughyouhavehithertohatedgoodandlovedevilallthedaysofyourlife?Thesethingsaresadindeed,butthereishope,evenforyou.Christcanhealyou,Christcanraiseyoufrom your low estate.Heaven is not shut against you. Christ is able toadmityou,ifyouwillhumblycommityoursoulintoHishands.

Are your sins forgiven? If not, I set before you this day a full and freesalvation. I invite you to follow the steps of the penitent thief come toChristandlive.ItellyouthatJesusisverypitiful,andoftendermercy.ItellyouHecandoeverythingthatyoursoulrequires.Thoughyoursinsbeasscarlet,Hecanmakethemwhiteassnow;thoughtheybered likecrimson, theyshallbeaswool.Whyshouldyounotbesavedaswell asanother?ComeuntoChristandlive.

Areyouatruebeliever?Ifyouare,yououghttogloryinChrist.Glorynotin your own faith, your own feelings, your own knowledge, your ownprayers,yourownamendment,yourowndiligence.GloryinnothingbutChrist. Alas! the best of us know but little of thatmerciful andmightySavior.WedonotexaltHimandgloryinHimenough.LetuspraythatwemayseemoreofthefullnessthereisinHim.

Doyouever try todogood toothers?Ifyoudo, remember to tell themaboutChrist.Telltheyoung,tellthepoor,telltheaged,telltheignorant’tell the sick, tell the dying—tell themall aboutChrist. Tell themofHispower,andtellthemofHislove;tellthemofHisdoings,andtellthemofHisfeelings;tellthemwhatHehasdoneforthechiefofsinners;tellthemwhatHeiswillingtodotothelastdayoftime;tellitthemoverandoveragain.NeverbetiredofspeakingofChrist.Saytothembroadlyandfully,freely andunconditionally, unreservedly andundoubtingly, ‘Come untoChrist, as the penitent thief did; come unto Christ, and you shall besaved.’

2.Ifsomearesavedintheveryhourofdeath,othersarenot

Thisisatruththatneveroughttobepassedover,andIdarenotleaveitunnoticed.Itisatruththatstandsoutplainlyinthesadendoftheothermalefactor, and is only too often forgotten.Men forget that therewere‘twothieves.’

Whatbecameoftheotherthiefwhowascrucified?Whydidhenotturnfromhissin,andcallupontheLord?Whydidheremainhardenedandimpenitent?Whywas he not saved? It is useless to try to answer suchquestions.Letusbecontenttotakethefactaswefindit,andseewhatitismeanttoteachus.

We have no rightwhatever to say this thief was aworseman than hiscompanion there isnothing toprove it.Bothplainlywerewickedmen;bothwerereceivingtheduerewardoftheirdeeds;bothhungbythesideofourLordJesusChrist;bothheardHimpray forHismurderers,bothsaw Him suffer patiently. But while one repented, the other remainedhardened;whileonebegantopray,theotherwentonrailing;whileonewasconvertedinhislasthours,theotherdiedabadman,ashehadlived;while one was taken to paradise, the other went to his own place—theplaceofthedevilandhisangels.

Nowthesethingsarewrittenforourwarning.Thereiswarning,aswellascomfortintheseverses,andthatisaverysolemnwarning,too.

They tellme loudly, that thoughsomemayrepentandbeconvertedon

theirdeathbeds, itdoesnotatall follow thatallwill.Adeathbed isnotalwaysasavingtime.

They tellme loudly, that twomenmay have the same opportunities ofgettinggoodfortheirsouls,maybeplacedinthesameposition,seethesamethingsandhearthesamethings,andyetonlyoneofthetwoshalltakeadvantageofthem,repent,believeandbesaved.

Theytellme,aboveall,thatrepentanceandfaitharethegiftsofGodandarenotinaman’sownpower;andthatifanyoneflattershimselfhecanrepent at his own time, choosehis own season, seek theLordwhenhepleasesand,likethepenitentthief,besavedattheverylast,hemayfindatlengthheisgreatlydeceived.

Andit isgoodandprofitabletobearthis inmind.Thereisan immenseamountofdelusionintheworldonthisverysubject.Iseemanyallowinglife toslipaway,quiteunpreparedtodie. Iseemanyallowing that theyought to repent, but always putting off their own repentance. And Ibelieveonegrandreasonis,thatmostmensupposetheycanturntoGodjustwhentheylike!Theywresttheparableofthelaborerinthevineyard,whichspeaksoftheeleventhhour,anduseitasitneverwasmeanttobeused.TheydwellonthepleasantpartoftheversesIamnowconsidering,andforgettherest.Theytalkof thethief thatwenttoparadiseandwassaved,andtheyforgettheonewhodiedashehadlivedandwaslost.

I entreat everyman of common sense who reads thismessage to takeheedthathedoesnotfallintothismistake.

LookatthehistoryofmenintheBible,andseehowoftenthesenotionsIhavebeenspeakingofarecontradicted.Markwellhowmanyproofstherearethattwomenmayhavethesamelightofferedthem,andonlyoneuseit, and that no one has a right to take liberties with God’smercy, andpresumehewillbeabletorepentjustwhenhelikes.

LookatSaulandDavid.Theylivedaboutthesametime;theyrosefromthesamerankinlife;theywerecalledtothesamepositionintheworld;theyenjoyedtheministryofthesameprophet,Samuel;theyreignedthesamenumberofyears!Yetonewassaved,andtheotherlost

Look at Sergius Paulus and Gallio. They were both Roman governors;they were both wise and prudent men in their generation; they bothheard the apostle Paul preach! But one believed andwas baptized, theother‘caredfornoneofthosethings’(Acts18:17).

Look at theworld around you. Seewhat is going on continually underyour eyes.Two sisterswill oftenattend the sameministry, listen to thesametruths,hearthesamesermons,andyetonlyoneshallbeconvertedunto God, while the other remains totally unmoved. Two friends oftenreadthesamereligiousbookoneissomovedbyit,thathegivesupallforChrist, the other sees nothing at all in it, and continues the same asbefore. Hundreds have read Doddridge’s Rise and Progress withoutprofit: with Wilberforce it was one of the beginnings of spiritual life.ThousandshavereadWilberforce’sPracticalViewofChristianityandlaiditdownagainunalteredfromthetimeLeighRichmondreadithebecameanotherman.Nomanhasanywarrantforsaying,‘Salvationisinmyownpower.’

Idonotpretend to explain these things. I onlyput thembeforeyouasgreatfacts;andIaskyoutoconsiderthemwell.

Youmustnotmisunderstandme.Idonotwanttodiscourageyou.Isaythesethings inallaffection, togiveyouwarningofdanger. Idonotsaythemtodriveyouback fromheaven. Isay themrather todrawyouon,andbringyoutoChrist,whileHecanbefound.

I want you to beware of presumption. Do not abuse God’s mercy andcompassion.Donotcontinueinsin,Ibeseechyou,anddoyouthinkcanrepent and believe and be saved, just when you like, when you please,when youwill andwhen you choose. Iwould always set before you anopendoor. Iwouldalways say, ‘While there is life there ishope,’But ifyouwouldbewise,putnothingoffthatconcernsyoursoul.

Iwantyoutobewareoflettingslipgoodthoughtsandgodlyconvictions,ifyouhavethem.Cherishthemandnourishthem,lestyoulosethemforever.Makethemostofthem,lesttheytaketothemselveswingsandfleeaway.Haveyouaninclinationtobeginpraying?Putitinpracticeatonce.HaveyouanideaofbeginningreallytoserveChrist?Setaboutitatonce.

Are you enjoying any spiritual light? See that you live up toyour light.Triflenotwithopportunities,lestthedaycomewhenyouwillwanttousethem,andnotbeable.Lingernot,lestyoubecomewisetoolate.

Youmaysay,perhaps, ‘It isnever too late to repent.’ I answer, ‘That isrightenough;butlaterepentanceisseldomtrue.’AndIsayfurther,youcannotbecertainifyouputoffrepenting,youwillrepentatall.

Youmay say, ‘Why should I be afraid?Thepenitent thiefwas saved.’ Ianswer, ‘That is true;but lookagainat thepassagewhich tellsyouthattheotherthiefwaslost.’

3.TheSpiritalwaysleadssavedsoulsinoneway

Thisisapointthatdeservesparticularattention,andisoftenoverlooked.Menlookatthebroadfactthatthepenitentthiefwassavedwhenhewasdying,andtheylooknofurther.

Theydonotconsidertheevidencesthisthiefleftbehindhim.TheydonotobservetheabundantproofhegaveoftheworkoftheSpiritinhisheart.And theseproofs Iwish to traceout. Iwish toshowyou that theSpiritalways works in one way, and that, whether He converts a man in anhour,asHedidthepenitentthief,orwhetherbyslowdegrees,asHedoesothers,thestepsbywhichHeleadssoulstoheavenarealwaysthesame.

Letmetrytomakethiscleartoeveryonewhoreadsthismessage.Iwanttoputyouonyourguard.Iwantyoutoshakeoffthecommonnotionthatthere is some easy royal road to heaven from a dying bed. I want youthoroughly tounderstand, that every saved soul goes through the sameexperience,andthattheleadingprinciplesofthepenitentthief’sreligionwerejustthesameasthoseoftheoldestsaintthateverlived.

a. See how strong this man’s faith was. He called Jesus ‘Lord.’ HedeclaredhisbeliefthatHewouldhavea ‘kingdom.’HebelievedthatHewas able to give him eternal life and glory, and in this belief prayedtoHim. He maintained His innocence of all the charges brought againstHim.‘ThisMan,’saidhe, ‘hasdonenothingamiss.’OthersperhapsmayhavethoughttheLordinnocent—nonesaidsoopenlybutthispoordying

man.

Andwhendidall thishappen?Ithappenedwhen thewholenationhaddeniedChrist, shouting, ‘CrucifyHim,crucifyHimwehavenoking butCaesar’;whenthechiefpriestsandPhariseeshadcondemnedandfoundHim‘guiltyofdeath’;whenevenHisowndiscipleshadforsakenHimandfled; when He was hanging, faint, bleeding and dying on the cross,numberedwithtransgressors,andaccountedaccursed.Thiswasthehourwhenthe thiefbelieved inChrist, andprayed toHim!Surely such faithwasneverseensincetheworldbegan.

Thediscipleshadseenmightysignsandmiracles.Theyhadseenthedeadraisedwith a word and lepers healedwith a touch, the blind receivingsight, thedumbmade to speak, the lamemade towalk.Theyhad seenthousands fedwitha few loavesand fishes.Theyhadseen theirMasterwalking on thewater as on dry land. They had all of them heardHimspeakasnomaneverspoke,andholdoutpromisesofgoodthingsyettocome.TheyhadsomeofthemhadaforetasteofHisgloryinthemountoftransfiguration.Doubtless their faithwas ‘thegiftofGod,’but still theyhadmuchtohelpit.

ThedyingthiefsawnoneofthethingsIhavementioned.HeonlysawourLord in agony, and inweakness, in suffering and in pain.He sawHimundergoing a dishonorable punishment, deserted, mocked, despised,blasphemed.HesawHimrejectedbyallthegreatandwiseandnobleofHisownpeople,His strengthdriedup likeapotsherd,His lifedrawingneartothegrave(Ps.22:15;88:3).Hesawnoscepter,noroyalcrown,nooutward dominion, no glory, nomajesty, no power, no signs ofmight.Andyetthedyingthiefbelieved,andlookedforwardtoChrist’skingdom.

WouldyouknowifyouhavetheSpirit?ThenmarkthequestionIputtoyouthisday:whereisyourfaithinChrist?

b.Seewhatarightsenseofsinthethiefhad.Hesaystohiscompanion,‘We receive the due reward of our deeds.’ He acknowledges his ownungodliness,andthejusticeofhispunishment.Hemakesnoattempttojustifyhimself,orexcusehiswickedness.Hespeakslikeamanhumbledandself–abasedby the remembranceofpast iniquities.This iswhatall

God’schildrenfeel.Theyarereadytoallowtheyarepoorhell–deservingsinners.Theycansaywiththeirheartsaswellaswiththeirlips‘Wehaveleft undone the things that we ought to have done, and we have donethosethingsthatweoughtnottohavedone,andthereisnohealthinus.’

WouldyouknowifyouhavetheSpirit?Thenmarkmyquestiondoyoufeelyoursins?

c.Seewhatbrotherlylovethethiefshowedtohiscompanion.Hetriedtostophisrailingandblaspheming,andbringhimtoabettermind. ‘Doesnot you fearGod’,he says, ‘seeingyouare in the same condemnation?’Thereisnosurermarkofgracethanthis!Graceshakesamanoutofhisselfishness, and makes him feel for the souls of others. When theSamaritanwomanwasconverted,she leftherwaterpot,andran to thecity,saying, ‘Come,seeamanwhichtoldmeallthingsthateverIdidisnot this the Christ?’ (John 4:28, 29). When Saul was converted,immediatelyhewenttothesynagogueatDamascus,andtestifiedtohisbrethrenofIsraelthat‘ChristwastheSonofGod’(Acts9:20).

WouldyouknowifyouhavetheSpirit?Thenwhere isyourcharityandlovetosouls?

In oneword, you see in the penitent thief a finishedwork of theHolySpirit.Everypartofthebeliever’scharactermaybetracedinhim.Shortashislifewasafterconversion,hefoundtimetoleaveabundantevidencethat he was a child of God. His faith, his prayer, his humility, hisbrotherly love, are unmistakable witnesses of the reality of hisrepentance.Hewasnotapenitentinnameonly,butindeedandintruth.

Let noman therefore think, because the penitent thief was saved, thatmencanbesavedwithout leavinganyevidenceof theSpirit’swork.Letsuchanoneconsiderwellwhatevidencesthismanleftbehind,andtakecare.

It ismournful to hearwhat people sometimes say aboutwhat they calldeathbed evidences. It is perfectly fearful to observe how little satisfiessome people, and how easily they can persuade themselves that theirfriendshavegonetoheaven.Theywilltellyouwhentheirrelativeisdead

and gone, that ‘he made such a beautiful prayer one day’, or that ‘hetalkedsowell’,orthat‘hewassosorryforhisoldways,andintendedtolive so differently if he got better’, or that ‘he craved nothing in thisworld’,or that ‘he likedpeople toreadtohim,andpraywithhim’.Andbecausetheyhavethistogoupon,theyseemtohaveacomfortablehopethatheissaved!Christmayneverhavebeennamed,thewayofsalvationmayneverhavebeenintheleastmentioned.Butitmattersnot;therewasalittletalkofreligion,andsotheyarecontent!

Now I have no desire to hurt the feelings of anyone who reads thismessage,butImustandwillspeakplainlyuponthissubject.

Onceforall,letmesay,thatasageneralrule,nothingissounsatisfactoryas deathbed evidences. The things thatmen say, and the feelings theyexpresswhensickandfrightened,arelittletobedependedon.Often,toooften,theyaretheresultoffear,anddonotspringfromthegroundoftheheart.Often,toooften,theyarethingssaidbyrote,caughtfromthelipsofministersandanxiousfriends,butevidentlynotfelt.Andnothingcanprove all this more clearly than the well–known fact, that the greatmajorityofpeoplewhomakepromisesofamendmentonasickbed,andthenforthefirst timetalkaboutreligion, if theyrecover,gobacktosinandtheworld.

When a man has lived a life of thoughtlessness and folly, I wantsomething more than a few fair words and good wishes to satisfy meabouthissoul,whenhecomestohisdeathbed.It isnotenoughformethathewillletmereadtheBibletohim,andpraybyhisbedside,thathesays,hehas‘notthoughtsomuchasheoughtofreligion,andhethinkshe shouldbeadifferentman ifhegotbetter.’All thisdoesnot contentme;itdoesnotmakemefeelhappyabouthisstate.Itisverywellasfarasitgoes,butitisnotconversion.Itisverywellinitsway,butitisnotfaithinChrist.UntilIseeconversion,andfaithinChrist,Icannotanddarenotfeel satisfied. Others may feel satisfied if they please, and after theirfriend’sdeathsay, theyhopehe isgonetoheaven.FormypartIwouldratherholdmytongueandsaynothing.Iwouldbecontentwiththeleastmeasure of repentance and faith in a dyingman, even though it be nobiggerthanagrainofmustardseed.Buttobecontentwithanythinglessthanrepentanceandfaithseemstomenextdoortoinfidelity.

Whatkindofevidencedoyoumeantoleavebehindastothestateofyoursoul?Takeexamplebythepenitentthief,andyouwilldowell.

Whenwehavecarriedyoutoyournarrowbed,letusnothavetohuntupstraywordsandscrapsofreligion,inordertomakeoutthatyouwereatruebeliever.Letusnothavetosayinahesitatingwayonetoanother,‘Itrustheishappy;hetalkedsonicelyoneday,andheseemedsopleasedwith a chapter in the Bible on another occasion, and he liked such aperson,whoisagoodman.’Letusbeabletospeakdecidedlyastoyourcondition. Let us have some solid proof of your repentance, your faithandyourholiness, so thatnone shallbeable for amoment toquestionyourstate.Dependonit,withoutthis,thoseyouleavebehindcanfeelnosolidcomfortaboutyour soul.Wemayuse the formof religionatyourburial,andexpresscharitablehopes.Wemaymeetyouatthechurchyardgate,andsay,‘BlessedarethedeadthatdieintheLord.’Butthiswillnotalter your condition! If you die without conversion to God, withoutrepentance,andwithout faith,your funeralwillonlybe the funeralofalostsoul;youhadbetterneverhavebeenborn.

4.BelieversinChristwhentheydiearewiththeLord

Wearemeant,inthenextplace,tolearnfromtheseverses,thatbelieversinChristwhentheydiearewiththeLord.

This youmay gather fromourLord’swords to the penitent thief: ‘ThisdayshallyoubewithMeinparadise.’AndyouhaveanexpressionverylikeitintheEpistletothePhilippines,wherePaulsayshehasadesireto‘departandbewithChrist’(Phil.1:23).

Ishallsaybutlittleonthissubject.Iwouldsimplylay itbeforeyou, foryourownprivatemeditations.Tomyownminditisveryfullofcomfortandpeace.

Believers after death are ‘with Christ.’ That answers many a difficultquestion,which otherwisemight puzzleman’s busy, restlessmind. Theabodeofdeadsaints, their joys, their feelings, theirhappiness,allseemmetbythissimpleexpression—theyare‘withChrist.’

Icannotenterintofullexplanationsabouttheseparatestateofdepartedbelievers. It isahighanddeepsubject,suchasman’smindcanneithergrasp nor fathom. I know their happiness falls short of what it will bewhentheirbodiesareraisedagain,intheresurrectionatthelastday,andJesus returns to earth.Yet I knowalso they enjoyablessed rest, a restfromlaborarestfromsorrow,arestfrompain—andarestfromsin.Butit does not follow because I cannot explain these things, that I amnotpersuadedtheyarefarhappierthantheyeverwereonearth.Iseetheirhappinessinthisverypassagetheyare‘withChrist,’andwhenIseethatIseeenough.

IfthesheeparewiththeShepherd,ifthemembersarewiththeHead,ifthechildrenofChrist’sfamilyarewithHimwholovedthemandcarriedthemallthedaysoftheirpilgrimageonearth,allmustbewell,allmustberight.

I cannot describe what kind of place paradise is, because I cannotunderstandtheconditionofasoulseparatefromthebody.ButIasknobrighterviewofparadisethanthis—thatChrististhere.Allotherthings,in the picturewhich imaginationdraws of the state betweendeath andresurrection,arenothingincomparisonofthis.HowHeisthere,andinwhatwayHeisthere,Iknownot.LetmeonlyseeChristinparadisewhenmyeyescloseindeath,andthatsufficesme.Welldoesthepsalmistsay,‘InYourpresence is fullnessof joy’ (Ps. 16:11). Itwasa truesayingofadying girl, when her mother tried to comfort her by describing whatparadisewouldbe. ‘There,’shesaidtothechild, ‘thereyouwillhavenopains,andnosickness;thereyouwillseeyourbrothersandsisters,whohavegonebefore you, andwill be always happy.’ ‘Ah,mother,’was thereply, ‘but there is one thing better than all, and that is, Christwill bethere!’

Itmaybeyoudonot thinkmuchabout your soul. ItmaybeyouknowlittleofChrist as yourSavior. andhavenever tastedby experiencethatHeisprecious.Andyetperhapsyouhopetogotoparadisewhenyoudie.Surelythispassageisonethatshouldmakeyouthink.ParadiseisaplacewhereChristis.Thencanitbeaplacethatyouwouldenjoy?

Itmaybeyouareabeliever,andyettrembleatthethoughtofthegrave.

It seems cold and dreary. You feel as if all before you was dark andgloomyandcomfortless.Fearnot,butbeencouragedbythistext.Youaregoingtoparadise,andChristwillbethere.

5.Theeternalportionofeveryman’ssoulisclosetohim

‘Today,’saysourLordtothepenitentthief,‘todayshallyoubewithMeinparadise.’Henamesnodistantperiod;HedoesnottalkofHisenteringintoastateofhappinessasa thing ‘faraway.’Hespeaksof today—‘thisverydayinwhichyouarehangingonthecross.’

Hownearthatseems!Howawfullynearthatwordbringsoureverlastingdwelling–place! Happiness or misery, sorrow or joy, the presence ofChristorthecompanyofdevils—allareclosetous.‘Thereisbutastep,’saysDavid,‘betweenmeanddeath’(1Sam.20:3).Thereisbutastep,wemaysay,betweenourselvesandeitherparadiseorhell.

Wenoneofusrealizethisasweoughttodo.Itishightimetoshakeoffthedreamystateofmindinwhichweliveonthismatter.Weareapttotalkandthink,evenaboutbelievers,asifdeathwasalongjourney,asifthe dying saint had embarked on a long voyage. It is all wrong, verywrong!Theirharborandtheirhomeiscloseby,andtheyhaveenteredit.

Someofus knowbybitter experiencewhat a longandweary time it isbetweenthedeathofthoseweloveandthehourwhenweburythemoutofoursight.Suchweeksaretheslowest,saddest,heaviestweeksinallourlives..But,blessedbeGod,thesoulsofdepartedsaintsarefreefromtheverymoment their lastbreath isdrawn.Whileweareweeping,andthecoffinispreparing,andthemourningbeingprovided,andthelastpainfularrangements beingmade, the spirits of our beloved ones are enjoyingthe presence of Christ. They are freed forever from the burden of theflesh. They are ‘where thewicked cease troubling, and theweary be atrest’(Job3:17).

Theverymoment thatbelieversdie theyare inparadise.Theirbattle isfought;theirstrifeisover.Theyhavepassedthroughthatgloomyvalleywemustonedaytread;theyhavegoneoverthatdarkriverwemustonedaycross.Theyhavedrunkthatlastbittercupwhichsinhasmingledfor

man;theyhavereachedthatplacewheresorrowandsighingarenomore.Surely we should not wish them back again! We should not weep forthem,butforourselves.

Wearewarringstill,buttheyareatpeace.Wearelaboring,buttheyareat rest. We are watching, but they are sleeping. We are wearing ourspiritualamour,but theyhave foreverput itoff.Wearestill at sea,buttheyaresafeinharborWehavetears,buttheyhavejoy.Wearestrangersandpilgrims,butasforthemtheyareathome.Surely,betterarethedeadinChristthantheliving!Surelytheveryhourthepoorsaintdies,heisatoncehigherandhappierthanthehighestuponearth.

Ifearthereisavastamountofdelusiononthispoint.Ifearthatmany,who are not RomanCatholics, and profess not to believe in purgatory,have, notwithstanding, some strange ideas in their minds about theimmediateconsequencesofdeath.

Ifearthatmanyhaveasortofvaguenotionthatthereissomeintervalorspaceoftimebetweendeathandtheireternalstate.Theyfancytheyshallgothroughakindofpurifyingchange,andthatthoughtheydieunfitforheaven,theyshallyetbefoundmeetforitafterall!

Butthisisanentiremistake.Thereisnochangeafterdeath;thereisnoconversioninthegrave;thereisnonewheartgivenafterthelastbreathisdrawn.Theverydaywego,welaunchforever;thedaywegofromthisworld,webeginaneternalcondition.Fromthatdaythereisnospiritualalteration,nospiritualchange.Aswedie,soweshallreceiveourportionafterdeath;asthetreefalls,soitmustlie.

If you are an unconvertedman, this ought tomake you think. Do youknowyouareclosetohell?Thisverydayyoumightdie;andifyoudiedoutofChrist,youwouldopenyoureyesatonceinhell,andintorment.

IfyouareatrueChristian,youarefarnearerheaventhanyouthinkThisverydayiftheLordshouldtakeyou,youwouldfindyourselfinparadise.The good land of promise is near to you. The eyes that you closed inweakness and pain would open at once on a glorious rest, such asmytonguecannotdescribe.

Andnowletmesayafewwordsinconclusion:

1. This message may fall into the hands of some humble–hearted andcontritesinner.Areyouthatman?Thenhereisencouragementforyou.Seewhatthepenitentthiefdid,anddolikewise.Seehowheprayed;seehowhecalledontheLordJesusChrist;seewhatananswerofpeaceheobtained.Brotherorsister,whyshouldnotyoudothesame?Whyshouldnotyoualsobesaved?

2.Thismessagemayfallintothehandsofsomeproudandpresumptuousman of theworld. Are you thatman? Then takewarning. See how theimpenitentthiefdiedashehadlivedandbewarelestyoucometoalikeend.Oh,erringbrotherorsister,benottooconfident,lestyoudieinyoursins!SeektheLordwhileHemaybefound.Turnyou,turn;whywillyoudie?

3. Thismessagemay fall into the hands of some professing believer inChrist.Areyousuchanone?Thentakethepenitentthief’sreligionasameasure bywhich to prove your own. See that you know something oftrue repentance and saving faith, of real humility and fervent charity.Brother or sister, do not be satisfied with the world’s standard ofChristianity.Beofonemindwiththepenitentthief,andyouwillbewise.

4.Thismessagemayfallintothehandsofsomeonewhoismourningoverdeparted believers. Are you such an one? Then take comfort from thisScripture. See how your beloved ones are in the best of hands Theycannot be better off. They neverwere sowell in their lives as they arenow. They are with Jesus, whom their souls loved on earth. Oh, ceasefrom your selfish mourning! Rejoice rather that they are freed fromtrouble,andhaveenteredintorest.

5. And this message may fall into the hands of some aged servant ofChrist.Areyousuchanone?Thenseefromtheseverseshownearyouareto home. Your salvation is nearer than when you first believed. A fewmoredaysoflaborandsorrow.andtheKingofkingsshallsendforyou,andinamomentyourwarfareshallbeatend,andallshallbepeace.

TheRuleroftheWaves

A furious squall cameup,and thewavesbrokeover theboat, so that itwasnearlyswamped.Jesuswasinthestern,sleepingonacushion.Thedisciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if wedrown?"Hegotup,rebukedthewindandsaidtothewaves,"Quiet!Bestill!"Thenthewinddieddownanditwascompletelycalm.He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have nofaith?"Mark4:37-40

ItwouldbewellifprofessingChristiansinmoderndaysstudiedthefourGospelsmorethantheydo.NodoubtallScriptureisprofitable.ItisnotwisetoexaltonepartoftheBibleattheexpenseofanother.ButIthinkitwouldbegood for somewhoarevery familiarwith theEpistles, if theyknewalittlemoreaboutMatthew,Mark,LukeandJohn.

Now,whydoIsaythis?Isay itbecauseIwantprofessingChristians toknowmoreaboutChrist.Itiswelltobeacquaintedwithallthedoctrinesand principles of Christianity. It is better to be acquainted with ChristHimself.Itiswelltobefamiliarwithfaithandgraceandjustificationandsanctification.Theyareallmatters"pertainingtotheKing."Butit isfarbettertobefamiliarwithJesusHimself,toseetheKing’sownface,andtobeholdHisbeauty.Thisisonesecretofeminentholiness.HethatwouldbeconformedtoChrist’simage,andbecomeaChrist–likeman,mustbeconstantlystudyingChristHimself.

Now the Gospels were written tomake us acquaintedwith Christ. TheHolySpirithastoldusthestoryofHislifeanddeath,HissayingsandHisdoings, four times over. Four different inspired hands have drawn thepictureof theSaviorHisways,Hismanners,His feelings,Hiswisdom,Hisgrace,Hispatience,Hislove,Hispoweraregraciouslyunfoldedtousby fourdifferentwitnesses.Oughtnot thesheep tobe familiarwith the

Shepherd?OughtnotthepatienttobefamiliarwiththePhysician?OughtnotthebridetobefamiliarwiththeBridegroom?OughtnotthesinnertobefamiliarwiththeSavior?Beyonddoubtitoughttobeso.TheGospelswerewrittentomakemenfamiliarwithChrist,andthereforeIwishmentostudytheGospels.

OnwhommustwebuildoursoulsifwewouldbeacceptedwithGod?WemustbuildontheRock,Christ.FromwhommustwedrawthatgraceoftheSpiritwhichwedailyneedinordertobefruitful?Wemustdrawfromthe Vine, Christ. To whom must we look for sympathy when earthlyfriendsfailusordie?WemustlooktoourelderBrother,Christ.Bywhommustourprayersbepresented,iftheyaretobeheardonhigh?TheymustbepresentedbyourAdvocate,Christ.Withwhomdowehope tospendthe thousand years of glory, and the after eternity? With the King ofkings,Christ.SurelywecannotknowthisChristtoowell!Surelythereisnotaword,noradeed,noraday,norastep,norathoughtintherecordofHis life,whichoughtnot tobeprecious tous.Weshould labor tobefamiliarwitheverylinethatiswrittenaboutJesus.

Come now, and let us study a page in our Master’s history. Let usconsiderwhatwemaylearnfromtheversesofScripturewhichstandattheheadofthismessage.YouthereseeJesuscrossingthelakeofGalilee,in a boatwithHis disciples. You see a sudden storm arisewhileHe isasleep.Thewavesbeatintotheboatandfillit.Deathseemstobecloseathand.The frighteneddisciples awake theirMaster and cry forhelp.Hearisesandrebukesthewindandthewaves,andatoncethereisacalm.HemildlyreprovesthefaithlessfearsofHiscompanions,andallisover.Suchisthepicture.Itisonefullofdeepinstruction.Comenow,andletusexaminewhatwearemeanttolearn.

1.FollowingChristwillnotpreventourhavingearthlysorrowsandtroubles

Here are the chosen disciples of the Lord Jesus in great anxiety. Thefaithfullittleflock,whichbelievedwhenpriestsandscribesandPhariseeswere all alike unbelieving, is allowed by the Shepherd to be muchdisturbed.Thefearofdeathbreaksinuponthemlikeanarmedman.Thedeepwaterseemslikelytogoovertheirsouls.Peter,JamesandJohn,the

pillars of the Church about to be planted in the world, are muchdistressed.

Perhaps they had not reckoned on all this. Perhaps they had expectedthatChrist’sservicewouldatanyrateliftthemabovethereachofearthlytrials.Perhapstheythought thatHe,whocouldraise thedeadandhealthesickandfeedmultitudeswithafewloavesandcastoutdevilswithaword, He would never allow His servants to be sufferers upon earth.Perhaps they had supposed He would always grant them smoothjourneys, fine weather, an easy course and freedom from trouble andcare.

If the disciples thought so, they were muchmistaken. The Lord JesustaughtthosewhoamanmaybeoneofHischosenservants,andyethavetogothroughmanyananxiety,andenduremanyapain.

Itisgoodtounderstandthisclearly.ItisgoodtounderstandthatChrist’sserviceneverdidsecureamanfromalltheillsthat flesh isheir to,andneverwill.Ifyouareabeliever,youmustreckononhavingyourshareofsickness andpain, of sorrowand tears, of losses and crosses, of deathsand bereavements, of partings and separations, of vexations anddisappointments,solongasyouareinthebody.Christneverundertakesthat you shall get to heavenwithout these.He has undertaken that allwhocome toHimshallhaveall thingspertaining to life and godliness;butHehasneverundertakenthatHewillmakethemprosperous,orrich,orhealthy,andthatdeathandsorrowshallnevercometotheirfamily.

IhavetheprivilegeofbeingoneofChrist’sambassadors.InHisnameIcanoffereternallifetoanyman,womanorchildwhoiswillingtohaveit.InHisnameIdoofferpardon,peace,grace,glory,toanysonordaughterofAdamwhoreadsthismessage.ButIdarenotofferthatpersonworldlyprosperityaspartandparceloftheGospel.Idarenotofferhimlonglife,anincreasedincomeandfreedomfrompain.IdarenotpromisethemanwhotakesupthecrossandfollowsChristthatinfollowingHimheshallnevermeetwithastorm.

Iknowwellthatmanydonotliketheseterms.TheywouldpreferhavingChristandgoodhealth,Christandplentyofmoney,Christandnodeaths

in their family, Christ and no wearing cares, Christ and a perpetualmorningwithoutclouds.ButtheydonotlikeChristandthecross,Christand tribulation, Christ and the conflict, Christ and the howling wind,Christandthestorm.

Isthisthesecretthoughtofanyonewhoisreadingthismessage?Believeme, if it is,youareverywrong.Listentome,andIwill trytoshowyouhaveyetmuchtolearn.

HowshouldyouknowwhoaretrueChristians,iffollowingChristwasthewaytobefreefromtrouble?Howshouldwediscernthewheatfromthechaff, if it were not for the winnowing of trial? How should we knowwhethermenservedChrist forHisownsakeor fromselfishmotives, ifHisservicebroughthealthandwealthwithitasamatterofcourse?Thewindsofwintersoonshowuswhichofthetreesareevergreenandwhicharenot.Thestormsofafflictionandcareareusefulinthesameway.Theydiscover whose faith is real and whose is nothing but profession andform.

Howwouldthegreatworkofsanctificationgooninamanifhehadnotrial?Trouble isoften theonly firewhichwillburnaway thedross thatclings to our hearts. Trouble is the pruning–knife which the greatHusbandman employs in order tomake us fruitful in goodworks. TheharvestoftheLord’sfieldisseldomripenedbysunshineonly.Itmustgothroughitsdaysofwindandrainandstorm.

IfyoudesiretoserveChristandbesaved,IentreatyoutotaketheLordonHisownterms.Makeupyourmindtomeetwithyourshareofcrossesand sorrows, and then you will not be surprised. For want ofunderstanding this,many seem to runwell for a season, and then turnbackindisgust,andarecastaway.

IfyouprofesstobeachildofGod,leavetotheLordJesustosanctifyyouinHisownway.RestsatisfiedthatHenevermakesanymistakes.BesurethatHedoesallthingswell.Thewindsmayhowlaroundyou,andwatersswell.Butfearnot,"Heisleadingyoubytherightway,thatHemaybringyoutoacityofhabitation"(Ps.107:7).

2.JesusChrististrulyandreallyMan

Therearewordsusedinthislittlehistorywhich,likemanyotherpassagesintheGospels,bringoutthistruthinaverystrikingway.Wearetoldthatwhenthewavesbegantobreakontheship,Jesuswasinthehinderpart,"asleep on a pillow." He was weary, and who can wonder at it, afterreadingtheaccountgiven inthe fourthchapterofMark?After laboringall day to do good to souls—after preaching in the open air to vastmultitudes,Jesuswasfatigued.Surelyifthesleepofthelaboringmanissweet,muchmoresweetmusthavebeenthesleepofourblessedLord!

Letussettledeeply inourminds thisgreat truth, thatJesusChristwasverilyandindeedMan.HewasequaltotheFatherinallthings,andtheeternalGod.ButHewasalsoMan,andtookpartoffleshandblood,andwasmadelikeuntousinallthings,sinonlyexcepted.Hehadabodylikeour own. Like us, He was born of a woman. Like us, He grew andincreasedinstature.Likeus,Hewasoftenhungryandthirsty,andfaintand weary. Like us, He ate and drank, rested and slept. Like us, Hesorrowedandweptandfelt.Itisallverywonderful,butsoitis.HethatmadetheheavenswenttoandfroasapoorwearyManonearth!Hethatruledoverprincipalities and powers in heavenly places, took onHim afrail body like our own. He thatmight have dwelt forever in the glorywhichHehadwiththeFather,amidthepraisesoflegionsofangels,camedown to earth and dwelt as aMan among sinful men. Surely this factaloneisanamazingmiracleofcondescension,grace,pityandlove.

Ifindadeepmineofcomfortinthisthought,thatJesusisperfectMannolessthanperfectGod.HeinwhomIamtoldbyScripturetotrustisnotonly a great High Priest, but a feeling High Priest. He is not only apowerfulSaviorbutasympathizingSavior.HeisnotonlytheSonofGod,mightytosave,buttheSonofmanabletofeel.

Whodoesnotknowthatsympathyisoneofthesweetestthingslefttousin this sinfulworld? It isoneof thebright seasons inour dark journeyherebelow,whenwecanfindapersonwhoentersintoourtroublesandgoes alongwith us in our anxieties,who canweepwhenweweep, andrejoicewhenwerejoice.

Sympathyisfarbetterthanmoney,andfarrarertoo.Thousandscangivewhoknownotwhatitistofeel.Sympathyhasthegreatestpowertodrawusandtoopenourhearts.Properandcorrectcounseloftenfallsdeadanduselessonaheavyheart.Coldadviceoftenmakesusshutup,shrinkandwithdraw into ourselves, when tendered in the day of trouble. Butgenuinesympathyinsuchadaywillcalloutallourbetterfeelings,ifwehaveany,andobtainaninfluenceoveruswhennothingelsecan.Givemethe friend who, though poor in gold and silver, has always ready asympathizingheart.

OurGodknowsallthiswell.Heknowstheverysecretsofman’sheart.Heknows thewaysbywhich thatheart ismosteasilyapproached, and thesprings by which that heart is most readily moved. He has wiselyprovidedthattheSavioroftheGospelshouldbefeelingaswellasmighty.Hehasgivenusonewhohasnotonlyastronghandtopluckusasbrandsfrom the burning, but a sympathizing heart onwhich the laboring andheavyladenmayfindrest.

IseeamarvelousproofofloveandwisdomintheunionoftwonaturesinChrist’sperson.ItwasmarvelousloveinourSaviortocondescendtogothroughweakness and humiliation for our sakes, ungodly rebels as weare. Itwasmarvelouswisdom to fitHimself in thisway to be the veryFriendoffriends,whocouldnotonlysaveman,butmeethimonhisownground.Iwantoneabletoperformallthingsneedfultoredeemmysoul.ThisJesuscando, forHe is theeternalSonofGod. Iwantoneable tounderstandmyweaknessandinfirmities,andtodealgentlywithmysoul,whiletiedtoabodyofdeath.ThisagainJesuscando,forHewastheSonofman,andhadfleshandbloodlikemyown.HadmySaviorbeenGodonly, Imight perhaps have trusted Him, but I never could have comenear toHimwithout fear.HadmySaviorbeenManonly, ImighthavelovedHim,butInevercouldhavefeltsurethatHewasabletotakeawaymysins.But,blessedbeGod,mySaviorisGodaswellasMan,andManaswellasGod—God,andsoabletodeliverme—Man,andsoabletofeelwithme.AlmightypoweranddeepestsympathyaremettogetherinonegloriousPerson,JesusChrist,myLord.SurelyabelieverinChristhasastrongconsolation.Hemaywelltrust,andnotbeafraid.

Ifanyreaderofthismessageknowswhatitistogotothethroneofgrace

formercyandpardon,lethimneverforgetthattheMediatorbywhomhedrawsneartoGodistheManChristJesus.

Yoursoul’sbusinessis inthehandofaHighPriestwhocanbetouchedwiththefeelingofyourinfirmities.Youhavenottodowithabeingofsohighandgloriousanature, that yourmindcan innowise comprehendHim.YouhavetodowithJesus,whohadabodylikeyourown,andwasaManuponearth likeyourself.Hewellknows thatworld throughwhichyouarestruggling, forHedwelt inthemidstof it thirtythreeyears.Hewell knows "the contradiction of sinners," which so often discouragesyou, forHeendured itHimself (Heb. 12:3).Hewell knows theare andcunningofyour spiritual enemy, thedevil, forHewrestledwithhim inthewilderness.Surelywithsuchanadvocateyoumaywellfeelbold.

IfyouknowwhatitistoapplytotheLordJesusforspiritualcomfortinearthlytroubles,youshouldwellrememberthedaysofHisflesh,andHishumannature.

YouareapplyingtoOnewhoknowsyourfeelingsbyexperience,andhasdrunk deep of the bitter cup, for He was "a Man of sorrows, andacquaintedwith grief" (Isa. 53:3). Jesus knows the heart of aman, thebodilypainsofaman,thedifficultiesofaman,forhewasaManHimself,andhadfleshandblooduponearth.HesatweariedbythewellatSychar.Heweptover thegraveofLazarusatBethany.He sweat greatdropsofbloodatGethsemane.HegroanedwithanguishatCalvary.

He is no stranger to your sensations.He is acquaintedwith everythingthatbelongstohumannature,sinonlyexcepted.

a.Areyoupoorandneedy?SoalsowasJesus.Thefoxeshadholesandthebirdsoftheairhadnests,buttheSonofmanhadnowheretolayHishead.Hedweltinadespisedcity.Menusedtosay,"CananygoodthingcomeoutofNazareth?"(John1:46).Hewasesteemedacarpenter’sson.Hepreachedinaborrowedboat,rodeintoJerusalemonaborrowedcoltandwasburiedinaborrowedtomb.

b.Areyoualoneintheworld,andneglectedbythosewhooughtto loveyou?SoalsowasJesus.HecameuntoHisown,and theyreceivedHim

not.HecametobeaMessiahtothelostsheepofthehouseofIsrael,andtheyrejectedHim.TheprincesofthisworldwouldnotacknowledgeHim.ThefewthatfollowedHimwerepublicansandfishermen.AndeventheseatthelastforsookHim,andwerescatteredeverymantohisownplace.

c.Areyoumisunderstood,misrepresented,slanderedandpersecuted?Soalsowas Jesus.Hewas called a glutton and awine–bibber, a friend ofpublicans,aSamaritan,amadmanandadevil.Hischaracterwasbelied.FalsechargeswerelaidagainstHim.AnunjustsentencewaspasseduponHimand, though innocent,Hewas condemnedas amalefactor, andassuchdiedonthecross.

d.DoesSatantemptyou,andofferhorridsuggestionstoyourmind?Soalso did he tempt Jesus. He bade Him to distrust God’s fatherlyprovidence:"Commandthesestonestobemadebread."HeproposedtoHim to tempt God by exposing Himself to unnecessary danger: "CastYourselfdown"fromthepinnacleofthetemple.HesuggestedtoHimtoobtain the kingdoms of the world for His own, by one little act ofsubmission to himself "All these things will I give You, if You will falldownandworshipme"(Matt.4:1–10).

e. Do you ever feel great agony and conflict of mind? Do you feel indarkness,asifGodhadleftyou?SodidJesus.WhocantelltheextentofthesufferingsofmindHewentthroughinthegarden?WhocanmeasurethedepthofHissoul’spainwhenHecried,"MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveYouforsakenMe?"(Matt.27:46).

It is impossible to conceive aSaviormore suited to thewants ofman’sheart thanourLordJesusChrist, suitednotonlybyHispower, but byHissympathy,suitednotonlybyHisdivinity,butbyHishumanity.laborI beseech you, to get firmly impressed on your mind that Christ, therefugeofsouls,isManaswellasGod.HonorHimasKingofkings,andLordoflords.Butwhileyoudothis,neverforgetthatHehadabody,andwasaMan.Grasp this truth,andnever let itgo.TheunhappySocinianerrsfearfullywhenhesaysthatChristwasonlyMan,andnotGod.Butletnot the rebound from that errormake you forget thatwhileChristwasveryGodHewasalsoveryMan.

Listen not for a moment to the wretched argument of the RomanCatholic,whenhetellsyouthattheVirginMaryandthesaintsaremoresympathizing than Christ. Answer him that such an argument springsfromignoranceoftheScripturesandofChrist’struenature.AnswerhimthatyouhavenotsolearnedChrist,astoregardHimonlyasanaustereJudge,andabeingtobefeared.AnswerhimthatthefourGospelshavetaughtyoutoregardHimasthemostlovingandsympathizingoffriends,aswellasthemightiestandmostpowerfulofsaviors.Answerhim,thatyou want no comfort from saints and angels, from the VirginMary orfromGabriel, so longasyoucan repose yourweary soulupon theManChristJesus.

3.Theremaybemuchweaknessand infirmity,even ina trueChristian

You have a striking proof of this in the conduct of the disciples hererecordedwhenthewavesbrokeovertheship.TheyawokeJesusinhaste.They said to Him, in fear and anxiety, "Master, care You not that weperish?"

Therewas impatience.Theymighthavewaiteduntil theirLordthoughtfittoarisefromHissleep.

Therewasunbelief.TheyforgotthattheywereinthekeepingofOnewhohadallpowerinHishand."Weperish."

Therewasdistrust.Theyspokeas if theydoubted theirLord’s careandthoughtfulness for their safety and well–being: "Care You not that weperish?"

Poorfaithlessmen!Whatbusinesshadtheytobeafraid?TheyhadseenproofuponproofthatallmustbewellsolongastheBridegroomwaswiththem. They hadwitnessed repeated examples ofHis love and kindnesstowardsthem,sufficienttoconvincethosewhoHewouldneverletthemcometorealharm.Butallwasforgotteninthepresentdanger.Senseofimmediate peril often makes men have a bad memory. Fear is oftenunabletoreasonfrompastexperience.Theyheardthewinds.Theysawthe waves. They felt the cold waters beating over them. They fancied

deathwas close at hand. They couldwait no longer in suspense. "CareYounot,"saidthey,"thatweperish?"

But,afterall,letusunderstandthisisonlyapictureofwhatisconstantlygoing on among believers in every age. There are toomanydisciples, Isuspect,atthisveryday,likethosewhoareheredescribed.

ManyofGod’s children get on verywell so long as theyhave no trials.TheyfollowChristverytolerablyinthetimeoffairweather.Theyfancythey are trusting Him entirely. They flatter themselves they have castevery care on Him. They obtain the reputation of being very goodChristians.

Butsuddenlysomeunlooked–fortrialassailsthem.Theirpropertymakesitselfwings,andfliesaway.Theirownhealthfails.Deathcomesupintotheirhouse.Tribulationorpersecutionarises,becauseoftheWord.Andwhere now is their faith?Where is the strong confidence they thoughttheyhad?Whereistheirpeace,theirhope,theirresignation?Alas,theyaresoughtforandnotfound.Theyareweighedinthebalancesandfoundwanting.Fearanddoubtanddistressandanxietybreakinuponthemlikea flood, and they seem at their wits’ end. I know that this is a saddescription. I only put it to the conscience of every real Christian,whetheritisnotcorrectandtrue.

Theplaintruth is that there isno literalandabsoluteperfectionamongtrueChristians,solongastheyareinthebody.ThebestandbrightestofGod’ssaintsisbutapoormixedbeing.Converted,renewedandsanctifiedthoughhebe,heisstillcompassedwithinfirmity.Thereisnotajustmanupon earth, that always does good, and sins not. In many things weoffendall.Amanmayhavetruesavingfaith,andyetnothaveitalwayscloseathandandreadytobeused(Eccl.7:20;James3:2).

Abrahamwas the father of the faithful.By faithhe forsook his countryandhiskindred,andwentoutaccordingtothecommandofGodtoalandhe had never seen. By faith he was content to dwell in the land as astranger,believingthatGodwouldgiveittohimforaninheritance.Andyet thisveryAbrahamwasso farovercomebyunbelief, thatheallowedSarah tobe calledhis sister, andnothiswife, through the fearofman.

Here was great infirmity. Yet there have been few greater saints thanAbraham.

DavidwasamanafterGod’sownheart.HehadfaithtogoouttobattlewiththegiantGoliathwhenhewasbutayouth.HepubliclydeclaredhisbeliefthattheLord,whodeliveredhimfromthepawofthelionandbear,would deliver him from this Philistine. He had faith to believe God’spromisethatheshouldonedaybeKingofIsrael,thoughhewasownedby a few followers, though Saul pursued him like a partridge on themountains, and there often seemedbut a step betweenhimanddeath.And yet this very David at one time was so far overtaken by fear andunbelief,thathesaid,"IshallonedayperishbythehandofSaul"(1Sam.27:1).HeforgotthemanywonderfuldeliveranceshehadexperiencedatGod’s hand. He only thought of his present danger, and took refugeamongtheungodlyPhilistines.Surelyherewasgreatinfirmity.YettherehavebeenfewstrongerbelieversthanDavid.

Iknowitiseasyforamantoreply,"Allthisisverytrue,butitdoesnotexcusethefearsofthedisciples.TheyhadJesusactuallywiththem.Theyoughtnottohavebeenafraid.Ishouldneverhavebeensocowardlyandfaithless as they were!" I tell theman who argues in that way that heknows little of his own heart. I tell him no one knows the length andbreadthofhisowninfirmitiesifhehasnotbeentempted.Noonecansayhow much weakness might appear in himself if he was placed incircumstancestocallitforth.

DoesanyreaderofthismessagethinkthathebelievesinChrist?Doyoufeelsuch loveandconfidence inHimthatyoucannotunderstandbeinggreatlymovedbyanyeventthatcouldhappen?Itisallwell.Iamgladtohearit.Buthasthisfaithbeentried?Hasthisconfidencebeenputtothetest?Ifnot,takeheedofcondemningthesediscipleshastily.Benothigh–minded, but fear. Do not think because your heart is in a lively framenow,thatsuchaframewillalwayslast.Saynot,becauseyourfeelingsarewarmand fervent today, "Tomorrow shall be as today, andmuchmoreabundant."Saynot,becauseyourheartisliftedupjustnowwithastrongsenseofChrist’smercy,"Ishallnever forgetHimas longas I live."Oh,learntoabatesomethingofthisflatteringestimateofyourself.Youdonotknow yourself thoroughly. There are more things in your inward man

than you are at present aware of. The Lord may leave you as He didHezekiah,toshowyouallthatisinyourheart(2Chron.32:31).Blessedishe that is "clothedwithhumility." "Happy ishe that fearsalways.""Lethimthatthinkshestandstakeheedlesthefall"(1Peter5:5;Prov.28:14;1Cor.10:12).

Why do I dwell on this? Do I want to apologize for the corruptions ofprofessing Christians, and excuse their sins? God forbid! Do I want tolowerthestandardofsanctification,andcountenanceanyoneinbeingalazy,idlesoldierofChrist?Godforbid!DoIwanttowipeoutthebroadline of distinction between the converted and the unconverted, and towinkatinconsistencies?OncemoreIsay,‘Godforbid’Iholdstronglythatthere is a mighty difference between the true Christian and the false,betweenthebelieverandtheunbeliever,betweenthechildrenofGodandthechildrenoftheworld.Iholdstronglythatthisdifferenceisnotmerelyoneoffaith,butoflife;notonlyoneofprofession,butofpractice.Iholdstronglythatthewaysofthebelievershouldbeasdistinctfromthoseoftheunbelieverasbitterfromsweet,lightfromdarkness,heatfromcold.

ButIdowantyoungChristianstounderstandwhattheymustexpecttofindinthemselves.Iwanttopreventtheirbeingstumbledandpuzzledbythe discovery of their ownweakness and infirmity. I want them to seethattheymayhavetruefaithandgrace,inspiteofallthedevil’swhispersto the contrary, though they feelwithinmanydoubts and fears. IwantthemtoobservethatPeterandJamesandJohnandtheirbrethrenweretruedisciples,andyetnotsospiritualbutthattheycouldbeafraid.Idonot tell them to make the unbelief of the disciples an excuse forthemselves.ButIdotellthosewhoitshowsplainlythat,solongastheyareinthebody,theymustnotexpectfaithtobeabovethereachoffear.

Aboveall, IwantallChristians tounderstandwhat theymust expect inotherbelievers.Youmustnothastily conclude thatamanhasnogracemerelybecauseyousee inhimsomecorruption.Therearespotsonthefaceofthesun,andyetthesunshinesbrightlyandenlightensthewholeworld.ThereisquartzanddrossmixedupwithmanyalumpofgoldthatcomesfromAustralia,andyetwhothinksthegoldonthataccountworthnothing at all? There are flaws in some of the finest diamonds in theworld,andyettheydonotpreventtheirbeingratedatapricelessvalue.

Away with this morbid squeamishness, which makes many ready toexcommunicateamanifheonlyhasafewfaults!Letusbequicktoseegrace,andmoreslowtoseeimperfections!Letusknowthat,ifwecannotallowthere isgracewhere there is corruption,weshall findnograce intheworld.Weareyetinthebody.Thedevil isnotdead.Wearenotyetliketheangels.Heavenhasnotyetbegun.The leprosy isnotoutof thewallsofthehouse,howevermuchwemayscrapethem,andneverwillbeuntil thehouse is takendown.Ourbodiesare indeed the templeof theHoly Spirit, but not a perfect temple, until they are raised or changed.Graceisindeedatreasure,butatreasureinearthenvessels.Itispossiblefor a man to forsake all for Christ’s sake, and yet to be overtakenoccasionallywithdoubtsandfears.

I beseech every reader of thismessage to remember this. It is a lessonworthattention.TheapostlesbelievedinChrist,lovedChristandgaveupalltofollowChrist.Andyetyouseeinthisstormtheapostleswereafraid.Learntobecharitableinyourjudgmentofthem.Learntobemoderateinyour expectations from your own heart. Contend to the death for thetruth, thatnomanisatrueChristianwhoisnotconvertedand isnotaholyman.Butallowthatamanmaybeconverted,haveanewheartandbeaholyman,andyetbeliabletoinfirmity,doubtsandfears.

4.TheLordJesusChristispowerful

YouhaveastrikingexampleofHispowerinthehistoryuponwhichIamnowdwelling.Thewaveswerebreaking into the shipwhere Jesuswas.The terrified disciples awoke Him and cried for help. "He arose andrebuked thewind,andsaidunto the sea, ‘Peace,be still!’And thewindceased, and therewas a great calm."Thiswas awonderfulmiracle.NoonecoulddothisbutOnewhowasalmighty.ThesameOnewhospokeandbroughtforththecreateduniverse,hererevealsHimselfbyspeakingandshowingthathehasultimatecontroloverit.Thisispower!Hewhohasthepowertobringintobeingmatterandtheseasandthewind,alsohas theunbounded energy to harness thewind and calm the seaswithwhatseemsamereword,proceedingwithauthorityfromHislips.

ItisgoodforallmentohaveclearviewsoftheLordJesusChrist’spower.LetthesinnerknowthatthemercifulSavior,towhomheisurgedtoflee,

andinwhomheisinvitedtotrust,isnothinglessthantheAlmighty,andhaspoweroverallfleshtogiveeternallife(Rev.1:8;John17:2).Lettheanxious inquirer understand that if he will only venture on Jesus, andtakeupthecross,heventuresonOnewhohasallpower inheavenandearth (Matt. 28:18). Let the believer remember as he journeys throughthe wilderness, that his Mediator and Advocate and Physician andShepherd and Redeemer is Lord of lords and King of kings, and thatthroughHimallthingsmaybedone(Rev.17:14;Phil.4:13).Letallstudythesubject,foritdeservestobestudied.

a.Studyit inHisworksofcreation."All thingsweremadebyHim,andwithout Him was not any thing made that was made" John 1:3). Theheavensandalltheirglorioushostofinhabitants,theearthandallthatitcontains,theseaandallthatisinit—allcreation,fromthesunonhightothe leastwormbelow,was theworkofChrist.Hespokeand theycameintobeing.Hecommandedandtheybegantoexist.ThatveryJesus,whowasbornofapoorwomanatBethlehem,andlivedinacarpenter’shouseatNazareth,hadbeentheFormerofallthings.Wasnotthispower?

b.StudyitinHisworksofprovidence,andtheorderlycontinuanceofallthingsintheworld."ByHimallthingsconsist"(Col.1:17).Sun,moonandstarsrollroundinaperfectsystem.Spring,summer,autumnandwinterfollow one another in regular order. They continue to this day and failnot,accordingtotheordinanceofHimwhodiedonCalvary(Ps.119:91).Thekingdomsofthisworldriseandincrease,anddeclineandpassaway.Therulersoftheearthplanandschemeandmakelawsandchangelawsandwarandpulldownoneandraiseupanother.ButtheylittlethinkthattheyruleonlybythewillofJesus,andthatnothinghappenswithoutthepermission of the Lamb ofGod. They do not know that they and theirsubjectsareallasadropofwater inthehandof thecrucifiedOne,andthatHeincreasesthenationsanddiminishesthenations,justaccordingtoHismind.Isnotthispower?

c.Study thesubjectnot least in themiraclesworkedbyourLordJesusChristduringthethreeyearsofHisministryuponearth.LearnfromthemightyworkswhichHe did, that the thingswhich are impossiblewithman are possible with Christ. Regard every one of His miracles as anemblemandfigureofspiritualthings.SeeinitalovelypictureofwhatHe

isabletodoforyoursoul.Hethatcouldraisethedeadwithawordcanjustaseasilyraisemanfromthedeathofsin.Hethatcouldgivesighttothe blind, hearing to the deaf and speech to the dumb can also makesinners tosee thekingdomofGod,hear the joyfulsoundof theGospel,andspeakforththepraiseofredeeminglove.Hethatcouldhealleprosywithatouchcanhealanydiseaseofheart.HethatcouldcastoutdevilscanbideverybesettingsinyieldtoHisgrace.Oh,begintoreadChrist’smiraclesinthislight!Wickedandbadandcorruptasyoumayfeel,takecomfort in the thought that you are not beyondChrist’s power to heal.Remember that in Christ there is not only a fullness of mercy, but afullnessofpower.

d.Studythesubjectinparticularasplacedbeforeyouthisday.Idarebesureyourhearthassometimesbeentossedtoandfrolikethewavesinastorm.Youhavefounditagitatedlikethewatersofthetroubledseawhenitcannotrest.ComeandhearthisdaythatthereisOnewhocangiveyourest.Jesuscansaytoyourheart,whatevermaybeitsailment,"Peace,bestill!"

You have doubts? You think yourself in a unique circumstance? CanChristconqueranyman’sheart,evenyours,andgiveanyonerest,evenyou?CanHe?Evenifyourconsciencewithinislashedbytherecollectionofcountlesstransgressions,andtornbyeverygustoftemptation?Evenifthe remembrance of past hideous immorality is grievousuntoyou, andthe burden intolerable? Even if your heart seems full of evil, and sinappears todragyouwhere itwill likeaslave?Even if thedevil rides toandfrooveryoursoullikeaconqueror,andtellsyouitisvaintostruggleagainsthim,andthatthereisnohopeforyou?ItellyouthereisOnewhocangive evenyoupardonandpeace.MyLordandMaster JesusChristcanrebukethedevil’sraging,cancalmevenyoursoul’smisery,andsayeventoyou,"Peace,bestill!"Hecanscatterthatcloudofguiltwhichnowweighsyoudown.Hecanbiddespairdepart.Hecandrivefearaway.Hecanremovethespiritofbondage,andfillyouwiththespiritofadoption.Satanmayholdyoursoullikeastrongmanarmed,butJesusisstrongerthanhe,andwhenHecommands,theprisonersmustgofree.Oh,ifanytroubledreaderwantsacalmwithin,lethimgothisdaytoJesusChrist,andallshallyetbewell!

Butwhat ifyourheartberightwithGod,andyetyouarepresseddownwithaloadofearthlytrouble?Whatifthefearofpovertyistossingyoutoand fro, and seems likely to overwhelm you?What if pain of body beracking you todistractionday after day?What if you are suddenly laidasidefromactiveusefulnessandcompelledbyinfirmitytositstillanddonothing?What ifdeathhascome intoyourhome,and takenawayyourRachelorJosephorBenjaminandleftyoualone,crushedtothegroundwith sorrow? What if all this has happened? Still there is comfort inChrist.Hecanspeakpeacetowoundedheartsaseasilyascalmtroubledseas.Hecanrebukerebelliouswillsaspowerfullyasragingwinds.Hecanmakestormsofsorrowabate,andsilencetumultuouspassions,assurelyas He stopped the Galilean storm. He can say to the heaviest anxiety,"Peace, be still!"The floods of care and tribulationmay bemighty, butJesussitsuponthewaterfloods,andismightierthanthewavesofthesea(Ps.93:4).Thewindsof troublemayhowlfiercelyroundyou,butJesusholds them in His hand, and can stay them when He lists. Oh, if anyreaderofthismessageisbroken–heartedandcare–wornandsorrowful,let him go to Jesus Christ, and cry to Him and he shall be refreshed."ComeuntoMe,"Hesays,"allyouthatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest"(Matt.11:28).

IinviteallwhoprofesstocallthemselvesChristianstotakelargeviewsofChrist’spower.Doubtanythingelse ifyouwill,butneverdoubtChrist’spower.Whetheryoudonotsecretly lovesin,maybedoubtful.Whetheryouarenotprivatelyclingingtotheworld,maybedoubtful.Whethertheprideofyournatureisnotrisingagainsttheideaofbeingsavedasapoorsinnerbygrace,maybedoubtful.Butonethingisnotdoubtfulandthatis,thatChristis"abletosavetotheuttermost,"andwillsaveyou,ifyouwillletHim(Heb.7:25).

5. Let us learn, in the last place, how tenderly and patiently theLordJesusdealswithweakbelievers

We see this truth brought out inHis words toHis disciples, when thewind ceased and there was a calm. Hemight well have rebuked themsharply.HemightwellhaveremindedthemofallthegreatthingsHehaddoneforthem,andreprovedthemfortheircowardiceandmistrust,butthere is nothing of anger in the Lord’s words. He simply asks two

questions:"Whyareyousofearful?Howisitthatyouhavenofaith?"

ThewholeofourLord’sconducttowardsHisdisciplesonearthdeservesclose consideration. It throws a beautiful light on the compassion andpatiencethatthereisinHim.NomastersurelyeverhadscholarssoslowtolearntheirlessonsasJesushadintheapostles.Noscholarssurelyeverhad so patient and forbearing a teacher as the apostles had in Christ.GatherupalltheevidenceonthissubjectthatliesscatteredthroughtheGospels,andseethetruthofwhatIsay.

AtnotimeofourLord’sministrydidthedisciplesseemtocomprehendfully the object of His coming into the world. The humiliation, theatonement, the crucifixion, were hidden things to them. The plainestwords and clearest warnings from their Master of what was going tobefallHimseemedtohavehadnoeffectontheirminds.Theyunderstoodnot.Theyperceivednot.Itwashidfromtheireyes.OncePetereventriedtodissuadeourLordfromsuffering"Be it far fromYou,Lord,"hesaid,"thisshallnotbeuntoYou"(Matt.16:22;Luke18:34;9:45).

Frequentlyyouwillseethingsintheirspiritanddemeanorwhicharenotat all to be commended. One day we are told they disputed amongthemselves who should be greatest (Mark 9:34). Another day theyconsiderednotHismiracles,andtheirheartswerehardened(Mark6:52).Once twoof themwished to calldown fire fromheavenuponavillage,becauseitdidnotreceivethem(Luke9:54).InthegardenofGethsemanethethreebestofthemsleptwhentheyshouldhavewatchedandprayed.InthehourofHisbetrayaltheyallforsookHimandfledand,worstofall,Peter,themostforwardofthetwelve,deniedhisMasterthreetimeswithanoath.

Even after the resurrection, you see the sameunbelief and hardness ofheart cling to them; though they saw their Lord with their eyes, andtouchedHimwith their hands, even then somedoubted. Soweakweretheyinfaith!Soslowofheartweretheyto"believeallthattheprophetshadspoken"(Luke24:25).SobackwardweretheyinunderstandingthemeaningofourLord’swordsandactionsandlifeanddeath.

Butwhat do you see in our Lord’s behavior towards these disciples all

throughHisministry?Youseenothingbutunchangingpity,compassion,kindness,gentleness,patience,longsufferingandlove.Hedoesnotcastthemofffortheirstupidity.Hedoesnotrejectthemfortheirunbelief.Hedoesnotdismissthemforeverforcowardice.Heteachesthemastheyareable to bear.He leads themon step by step, as a nurse does an infantwhenitfirstbeginstowalk.HesendsthemkindmessagesassoonasHeisrisenfromthedead."Go,"Hesaidtothewomen,"GotellmybrethrenthattheygointoGalilee,andthereshalltheyseeMe"(Matt.28:10).Hegathers them roundHimself oncemore.He restoresPeter tohis place,andbidshim "feedHis sheep" John21:17).He condescends to sojournwiththemfortydaysbeforeHefinallyascends.Hecommissionsthemtogo forth asHismessengers, and preach theGospel to theGentiles.Heblessestheminparting,andencouragesthemwiththatgraciouspromise"I amwith you always, even unto the end of theworld" (Matt. 28:20).Truly thiswas a love that passes knowledge. This is not themanner ofman.

LetalltheworldknowthattheLordChrist isverypitiful,andoftendermercy.Hewillnotbreakthebruisedreed,norquenchthesmokingflax.Asa fatherpitieshischildren, soHepities thosewho fearHim.Asonewhomhismothercomforts, sowillHecomfortHispeople (James5:11;Matt.12:20;Ps.103:13;Isa.66:13).HecaresforthelambsofHisflockaswellasfortheoldsheep.HecaresforthesickandfeebleonesofHisfoldas well as for the strong. It is written that He will carry them in Hisbosom,ratherthanletoneof thembe lost(Isa.40:11).Hecaresfortheleastmember ofHis body, aswell as for the greatest.He cares for thebabes of His family as well as the grown–up men. He cares for thetenderestlittleplantsinHisgardenaswellasforthecedarofLebanon.AllareinHisbookoflife,andallareunderHischarge.AllaregiventoHim in an everlasting covenant, andHehas undertaken, in spite of allweaknesses, tobringeveryonesafehome.Only letasinner layholdonChristbyfaith,andthen,howeverfeeble,Christ’swordispledgedtohim,"Iwillneverleaveyounorforsakeyou."Hemaycorrecthimoccasionallyinlove.Hemaygentlyreprovehimattimes.ButHewillnever,nevergivehimup.ThedevilshallneverpluckhimfromChrist’shand.

Let all the world know that the Lord Jesus will not cast away His

believing people because of shortcomings and infirmities. The husbanddoesnotputawayhiswifebecausehe finds failings inher.Themotherdoesnot forsakeher infantbecause it isweak, feebleandignorant.AndtheLordChristdoesnotcastoffpoorsinnerswhohavecommittedtheirsouls into His hands because He sees in them blemishes andimperfections.Oh,no,itisHisglorytopassoverthefaultsofHispeople,andheal their backslidings, tomakemuchof theirweak graces, and topardon their many faults. The eleventh of Hebrews is a wonderfulchapter. It is marvelous to observe how the Holy Spirit speaks of theworthymenwhosenamesarerecorded in thatchapter.The faithof theLord’s people is there brought forward, and held in remembrance. Butthefaultsofmanyofthem,whichmighteasilyhavebeenbroughtupalso,areleftalone,andnotmentionedatall.

Whoistherenowamongthereadersofthismessagethatfeelsdesiresforsalvation, but is afraid to become decided, lest later on he should fallaway?Consider,Ibeseechyou,thetendernessandpatienceof theLordJesus,andbeafraidnomore.Fearnottotakeupthecross,andcomeoutboldly from the world. That same Lord and Savior who bore with thedisciples is ready andwilling to bearwith you. If you stumble,Hewillraiseyou.Ifyouerr,Hewillgentlybringyouback.Ifyoufaint,Hewillreviveyou.HewillnotleadyououtofEgypt,andthenallowyoutoperishinthewilderness.Hewillconductyousafeintothepromisedland.Onlycommit yourself toHis guidance and then,my soul for yours,He shallcarryyousafehome.OnlyhearChrist’svoice,and followHim,andyoushallneverperish.

Whoisthereamongthereadersofthismessagethathasbeenconverted,and desires to do his Lord’s will? Take as an example, this day, yourMaster’s gentleness and long–suffering, and learn to be tenderheartedandkindtoothers.Dealgentlywithyoungbeginners.Donotexpectthemtoknoweverythingandunderstandeverythingallatonce.Takethembythehand.Leadthemonandencouragethem.Believeallthings,andhopeall things, rather thanmake that heart sadwhich Godwould not havemadesad.Dealgentlywithbacksliders.Donotturnyourbackonthemasiftheircasewashopeless.Useverylawfulmeanstorestorethemtotheirformerplace.Consideryourself,andyourofteninfirmities,anddoasyou

wouldbedoneby.Alas, there isapainfulabsenceof theMaster’smindamong many of His disciples. There are few Churches, I fear, in thepresentday,whichwouldhavereceivedPeterintocommunionagainformanyalongyear,afterdenyinghisLord.TherearefewbelieversreadytodotheworkofBarnabas—willingtotakeyoungconvertsbythehand,andencouragethemattheirfirstbeginnings.VerilywewantanoutpouringoftheSpirituponbelieversalmostasmuchasupontheworld.

Bear with me a few moments, while I say a few words toimpressthethingsyouhavebeenreadingmoredeeplyonyourheart.

1. Thismessage will very likely be read by somewho know nothing ofChrist’sservicebyexperience,orofChristHimself.

There are only too many who take no interest whatever in the thingsabout which I have been writing. Their treasure is all below. They arewhollytakenupwiththethingsoftheworld.Theycarenothingaboutthebeliever’sconflictandstrugglesandinfirmitiesanddoubtsandfears.

TheycarelittlewhetherChristisManorGod.TheycarelittlewhetherHedidmiraclesornot.Itisallamatterofwordsandnamesandformsaboutwhichtheydonottroublethemselves.TheyarewithoutGodintheworld.

Ifperhapsyouaresuchamanasthis,Icanonlywarnyousolemnly,thatyourpresentcoursecannotlast.Youwillnotliveforever.Theremustbean end. Gray hairs, age, sickness, infirmities, death—all, all are beforeyou,andmustbemetoneday.Whatwillyoudowhenthatdaycomes?

Remembermywords this day.Youwill findno comfortwhen sick anddying, unless Jesus Christ is your Friend. You will discover, to yoursorrowandconfusion,thathowevermuchmenmaytalkandboast,theycannot do without Christ when they come to their deathbed. Youmaysend for ministers, and get them to read prayers, and give you thesacrament.YoumaygothrougheveryformandceremonyofChristianity.Butifyoupersistinlivingacarelessandworldlylife,anddespisingChristin themorningofyourdays, youmustnotbe surprised ifChrist leavesyoutoyourselfinyourlatterend.Alas,thesearesolemnwords,andare

oftensadlyfulfilled:"Iwilllaughatyourcalamity;Iwillmockwhenyourfearcomes"(Prov.1:26).

Comethen,thisday,andbeadvisedbyonewholovesyoursoul.Ceasetodo evil. Learn to do well. Forsake the foolish, and go in the path ofunderstanding.Castawaythatpridewhichhangsaboutyourheart,andseektheLordJesuswhileHemaybefound.Castawaythatspiritualslothwhichispalsyingyoursoul,andresolvetotaketroubleaboutyourBible,yourprayersandyourSundays.Breakofffromaworldwhichcanneverreally satisfy you, and seek that treasure which alone is trulyincorruptible.Oh, that theLord’sownwordsmight findaplace inyourconscience!"Howlong,yousimpleones,willyoulovesimplicity,andthescornersdelightintheirscorning,andfoolshateknowledge?TurnyouatmyreproofbeholdIwillpouroutmySpirituntoyou,Iwillmakeknownmywordsuntoyou"(Prov.1:22,23).IbelievethecrowningsinofJudasIscariotwasthathewouldnotseekpardon,andturnagaintohisLord.Bewarelestthatbeyoursinalso.

2. Thismessagewill probably fall into thehands of somewho love theLordJesus,andbelieveinHim,andyetdesiretoloveHimbetter.Ifyouaresuchaman,sufferthewordofexhortation,andapplyittoyourheart.Keepbeforeyourmind,asanever–presenttruth,thattheLordJesus isanactuallivingPerson,anddealwithHimassuch.

IamafraidthatmanywhoprofessChristinourdayhavelostsightofourLord’s person. They talk more about salvation than about their onlySavior, and more about redemption than the one true Redeemer, andmoreaboutChrist’swork thanChristHimself.This isagreat fault,onethat accounts for the dry and shriveled spirit that infuses the religiouslivesofmanywhoprofessfaith.

As ever youwould grow in grace, and have joy and peace in believing,beware of falling into this error. Cease to regard the Gospel as amerecollectionofdrydoctrines.LookatitratherastherevelationofamightylivingBeing inwhose sightyouaredaily to live.Cease to regard itasameresetofabstractpropositionsandabstruseprinciplesandrules.LookatitastheintroductiontoagloriouspersonalFriend.ThisisthekindofGospelthattheapostlespreached.Theydidnotgoabouttheworldtelling

menofloveandmercyandpardonintheabstract.Theleadingsubjectofall their sermonswas the lovingheartofanactual livingChrist.This isthekindofGospelwhichismostcalculatedtopromotesanctificationandfitnessforglory.Nothing,surely,issolikelytoprepareusforthatheavenwhereChrist’spersonalpresencewillbeall,andthatglorywhereweshallmeetChristfacetoface,astorealizecommunionwithChrist,asanactualliving Person here on earth. There is all the difference in the worldbetweenanideaandaperson.

Try to keep before yourmind, as an ever–present truth, that the LordJesus isutterlyunchanged.ThatSavior, inwhomyoutrust, is thesameyesterday, todayand forever.Heknowsnovariableness,nor shadowofturning.ThoughhighinheavenatGod’srighthand,Heisjustthesamein heart thatHe was eighteen hundred years ago on earth. Rememberthis,andyouwilldowell.

FollowHimall throughHis journeys toand fro inPalestine.MarkhowHereceivedallthatcametoHimandcastoutnone.MarkhowHehadaneartolistentoeverytaleofsorrow,ahandtohelpeverycaseofdistress,ahearttofeelforallwhoneededsympathy.Andthensaytoyourself,"ThissameJesusisHewhoismyLordandSavior.PlaceandtimehavemadenodifferenceinHim.WhatHewas,Heis,andwillbeforevermore."

Surelythisthoughtwillgivelifeandrealitytoyourdailyreligion.Surelythis thoughtwill give substance and shape to your expectation of goodthingstocome.Surelyitismatterforjoyfulreflection,thatHewhowasthirty–threeyearsuponearth,andwhose lifewereadintheGospels, istheverySaviorinwhosepresenceweshallspendeternity.

Thelastwordofthismessageshallbethesameasthefirst.Iwantmentoread the fourGospelsmore than theydo. Iwantmen tobecomebetteracquaintedwithChrist.IwantunconvertedmentoknowJesus,thattheymayhaveeternallifethroughHim.IwantbelieverstoknowJesusbetter,that they may becomemore happy, more holy andmoremeet for theinheritanceofthesaintsinlight.HewillbetheholiestmanwholearnstosaywithPaul,"TometoliveisChrist"(Phil.1:21).

TheChurchWhichChristBuilds

"Upon this rock Iwill buildMyChurch, and the gates of hell shallnotprevailagainstit"(Matt.16:18).

DowebelongtotheChurchwhichisbuiltuponarock?Arewemembersof the onlyChurch inwhich our souls can be saved?These are seriousquestions.Theydeserve serious consideration. I ask theattentionof allwho read thismessage,while I try to show the one true, holy, catholicChurch, and to guide men’s feet into the only safe fold. What is thisChurch?Whatisitlike?Whatareitsmarks?Whereisittobefound?OnallthesepointsIhavesomethingtosay.IamgoingtounfoldthewordsofourLordJesusChrist,whichstandattheheadofthispage.Hedeclares,"Upon this rock Iwill buildMyChurch, and the gates of hell shall notprevailagainstit."

Letusconsiderthisinmoredetail:

1.We have, firstly,aBuildingmentioned in the text. The Lord JesusChristspeaksof"MyChurch."

NowwhatisthisChurch?Fewinquiriescanbemadeofmoreimportancethanthis.Forwantofdueattentiontothissubject, theerrorsthathavecreptintotheworldareneitherfewnorsmall.

TheChurchofourtextisnomaterialbuilding.Itisnotemplemadewithhandsofwoodorbrickorstoneormarble. It isacompanyofmenandwomen.It isnoparticularvisibleChurchonearth.It isnot theEasternChurch or theWestern Church. It is not the Church of England or theChurchofScotland.Aboveall,itcertainlyisnottheChurchofRome.TheChurchofourtextisonethatmakesfarlessshowthananyvisibleChurchintheeyesofman,butisoffarmoreimportanceintheeyesofGod.

TheChurchofourtextismadeupofalltruebelieversintheLordJesusChrist,ofallwhoarereallyholyandconvertedpeople.Itcomprehendsallwhohaverepentedofsin,andfledtoChristbyfaith,andbeenmadenewcreaturesinHim.ItcomprisesallGod’select,allwhohavereceivedGod’sgrace, all who have been washed in Christ’s blood, all who have beenclothed in Christ’s righteousness, all who have been born again andsanctifiedbyChrist’sSpirit.Allsuch,ofeverynameandrankandnationandpeopleandtongue,composetheChurchofourtext.ThisisthebodyofChrist.ThisistheflockofChrist.Thisisthebride.ThisistheLamb’swife. This is "the holy catholic and apostolic Church," of the Apostles’CreedandtheNiceneCreed.Thisis"theblessedcompanyofallfaithfulpeople" spokenof in the communion serviceof theChurchofEngland.Thisis"theChurchontheRock."

ThemembersofthisChurchdonotallworshipGodinthesameway,oruse the same form of government. Some of them are governed bybishops, and someof themby elders. Someof themuse a prayer bookwhen they meet for public worship, and some of them use none. Thethirty–fourthArticleoftheChurchofEnglandmostwiselydeclares,"Itisnotnecessarythatceremoniesshouldbeinallplacesoneandalike."Butthemembers of this Church all come to one throne of grace. They allworshipwithoneheart.TheyareallledbyoneSpirit.Theyareallreallyandtrulyholy.Theycanallsay,"Alleluia,"andtheycanallreply,"Amen."

This is thatChurch, towhichall visibleChurchesonearthare servantsand handmaidens. Whether they are Episcopalian, Independent, orPresbyterian,theyallservetheinterestsoftheonetrueChurch.Theyarethescaffoldingbehindwhichthegreatbuildingiscarriedon.Theyarethehusk, under which the living kernel grows. They have their variousdegreesofusefulness.ThebestandworthiestofthemisthatwhichtrainsupmostmembersforChrist’strueChurch.ButnovisibleChurchhasanyrighttosay,"WearetheonlytrueChurch.Wearethemen,andwisdomshalldiewithus."NovisibleChurchshouldeverdare tosay, "Weshallstandforever.Thegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstme."

This is that Church to which belong the Lord’s gracious promises ofpreservation, continuance, protection and final glory. "Whatever," saysHooker, "we read in Scripture, concerning the endless love and saving

mercy,whichGodshowstowardsHisChurches,theonlypropersubjectthereof is this Church, which we properly term the mystical body ofChrist."SmallanddespisedasthetrueChurchmaybeinthisworld,itispreciousandhonorableinthesightofGod.ThetempleofSolomoninallits glory wasmean and contemptible, in comparison with that Churchwhichisbuiltuponarock.

ItrustthethingsIhavejustbeensayingwillsinkdownintothemindsofall who read thismessage. See that you hold sound doctrine upon thesubject of "theChurch."Amistakeheremay lead on to dangerous andsoul–ruiningerrors.TheChurchwhichismadeupoftruebelievers,istheChurchforwhichwe,whoareministers,arespeciallyordainedtopreach.TheChurchwhichcomprisesallwhorepentandbelievethegospel,istheChurchtowhichwedesireyoutobelong.Ourworkisnotdone,andourhearts are not satisfied, until you are made a new creature, and are amemberoftheonetrueChurch.OutsideoftheChurchwhichis"builtontherock"therecanbeNoSalvation.

2. Our text contains not merely a building, but a Builder. The LordJesusChristdeclares,"IwillbuildMyChurch."ThetrueChurchofChrististenderlycaredforbyallthethreePeopleoftheblessedTrinity.Intheplan of salvation revealed in the Bible, beyond doubt, God the Fatherchooses,God theSon redeemsandGod theHolySpirit sanctifies everymemberofChrist’smysticalbody.GodtheFather,GodtheSonandGodtheHolySpirit,threePeopleandoneGod,cooperateforthesalvationofevery saved soul. This is truth, which ought never to be forgotten.Nevertheless,thereisapeculiarsenseinwhichthehelpoftheChurchislaid on the Lord Jesus Christ. He is peculiarly and pre–eminently theRedeemer and Savior of the Church. Therefore it is, that we findHimsayinginourtext,"Iwillbuild—theworkofbuildingisMyspecialwork."

It isChristwhocalls themembersof theChurch indue time.Theyare"the calledof JesusChrist" (Rom. 1:6). It isChristwhoquickens them."TheSonquickenswhomHewill" (John5:21). It isChristwhowashesaway their sins.He "has lovedus, andwashedus fromour sins inHisownblood" (Rev.1:5). It isChristwhogives thempeace. "PeaceI leavewithyou,MypeaceIgiveuntoyou"(John14:27).It isChristwhogivesthem eternal life. "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never

perish"(John10:28).ItisChristwhograntsthemrepentance."HimhasGod exalted . . . to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance" (Acts5:31). It is Christ who enables them to become God’s children. "To asmany as receivedHim, to them gaveHe power to become the sons ofGod"(John1:12).ItisChristwhocarriesontheworkwithinthemwhenit isbegun."BecauseI live,youshall livealso"(John14:19).Inshort, ithas "pleased the Father that in Christ should all fullness dwell" (Col.1:19).HeistheAuthorandFinisheroffaith.Heisthelife.Heisthehead.FromHimeveryjointandmemberof themysticalbodyofChristians issupplied.ThroughHimtheyarestrengthenedforduty.ByHimtheyarekept from falling.Heshallpreserve them to the end, andpresent themfaultless before the Father’s throne with exceeding great joy. He is allthingsinallbelievers.

ThemightyagentbywhomtheLordJesusChristcarriesoutthisworkinthemembersofHisChurch, is,withoutdoubt, theHolySpirit.He it iswho applies Christ and His benefits to the soul. He it is who is everrenewing, awakening, convincing, leading to the cross, transforming,taking out of theworld stone after stone and adding it to themysticalbuilding.ButthegreatchiefBuilder,whohasundertakentoexecutethework of redemption and bring it to completion, is the Son of God, the"Wordwhowasmadeflesh."ItisJesusChristwho"builds."

In building the true Church, the Lord Jesus condescends to usemanysubordinate instruments. Theministry of the gospel, the circulation ofthe Scriptures, the friendly rebuke, the word spoken in season, thedrawing influence of afflictions—all, all are means and appliances bywhichHis work is carried on, and the Spirit conveys life to souls. ButChrist is thegreatsuperintendingArchitect,ordering,guiding,directingall that is done. Paul may plant and Apollos water, but God gives theincrease (1Cor.3:6).Ministersmaypreach, andwritersmaywrite,butthe Lord JesusChrist alone can build. And exceptHe builds, theworkstandsstill.

GreatisthewisdomwithwhichtheLordJesusChristbuildsHisChurch!Allisdoneattherighttime,andintherightway.Eachstoneinitsturnisputinitsrightplace.SometimesHechoosesgreatstones,andsometimesHe chooses small stones. Sometimes the work goes on fast, and

sometimesitgoesonslowly.Manisfrequentlyimpatient,andthinksthatnothingisdoing.Butman’stimeisnotGod’stime.Athousandyears inHissightarebutasasingleday.ThegreatBuildermakesnomistakes.HeknowswhatHeisdoing.Heseestheendfromthebeginning.Heworksbyaperfect,unalterableandcertainplan.Themightiest conceptionsofarchitects,likeMichelangeloandWren,aremeretriflingandchild’splay,incomparisonwithChrist’swisecounselsrespectingHisChurch.

Great is thecondescensionandmercywhichChristexhibits inbuildingHisChurch!Heoftenchoosesthemostunlikelyandrougheststones,andfitsthemintoamostexcellentwork.Hedespisesnone,andrejectsnone,on account of former sins and past transgressions. He often makesPhariseesandpublicansbecomepillarsofHishouse.Hedelightstoshowmercy.Heoftentakesthemostthoughtlessandungodly,andtransformsthemintopolishedcornersofHisspiritualtemple.

Great is the power which Christ displays in building His Church! HecarriesonHisworkinspiteofoppositionfromtheworld, theflesh andthedevil.Instorm,intempest,throughtroubloustimes,silently,quietly,withoutnoise,withoutstir,withoutexcitement,thebuildingprogresses,likeSolomon’stemple."Iwillwork,"Hedeclares,"andwhoshallletit?"(Isa.43:13).

ThechildrenofthisworldtakelittleornointerestinthebuildingofthisChurch.Theycarenothingfortheconversionofsouls.Whatarebrokenspiritsandpenitentheartstothem?Whatisconvictionofsin,orfaithintheLordJesustothem?Itisall"foolishness"intheireyes.Butwhilethechildren of this world care nothing, there is joy in the presence of theangelsofGod.ForthepreservingofthetrueChurch,thelawsofnaturehave often times been suspended. For the good of that Church, all theprovidentialdealingsofGodinthisworldareorderedandarranged.Forthe elect’s sake, wars are brought to an end, and peace is given to anation. Statesmen, rulers, emperors, kings, presidents, heads ofgovernments, have their schemes and plans, and think them of vastimportance. But there is another work going on of infinitely greatermoment,forwhichtheyareonlythe"axesandsaws"inGod’shands(Isa.10:15).ThatworkistheerectionofChrist’sspiritualtemple,thegatheringinoflivingstonesintotheonetrueChurch.

Weoughttofeeldeeplythankful thatthebuildingof thetrueChurch islaidontheshouldersofOnethatismighty.Iftheworkdependedonman,itwouldsoonstandstill.But,blessedbeGod,theworkisinthehandsofa Builder who never fails to accomplish His designs! Christ is thealmightyBuilder.HewillcarryonHiswork, thoughnationsandvisibleChurchesmaynotknowtheirduty.Christwillneverfail.ThatwhichHehasundertakenHewillcertainlyaccomplish.

3.TheLordJesusChristtellsus,"UponthisrockwillIbuildMyChurch."ThisistheFoundationuponwhichtheChurchisbuilt.WhatdidtheLordJesusChristmean,whenHespokeof this foundation?DidHemeantheapostlePeter,towhomHewasspeaking?Ithinkassuredlynot.Icanseenoreason, ifHemeantPeter,whyHedidnotsay, "Uponyouwill I buildMyChurch." IfHe hadmeant Peter,Hewould surely havesaid,"IwillbuildMyChurchonyou,"asplainlyasHesaid,"ToyouwillIgivethekeys."No,itwasnotthepersonoftheapostlePeter,butthegoodconfessionwhichtheapostlehadjustmade!ItwasnotPeter,theerring,unstable man, but the mighty truth which the Father had revealed toPeter. It was the truth concerning Jesus ChristHimself whichwas therock. ItwasChrist’smediatorship, andChrist’sMessiahship. Itwas theblessedtruththatJesuswasthepromisedSavior,thetrueSurety,therealIntercessor between God and man. This was the rock, and this thefoundation,uponwhichtheChurchofChristwastobebuilt.

The foundation of the true Church was laid at a mighty cost. It wasnecessarythattheSonofGodshouldtakeournatureuponHim,andinthatnaturelive,sufferanddie,notforHisownsins,butforours.ItwasnecessarythatinthatnatureChristshouldgotothegrave,andriseagain.ItwasnecessarythatinthatnatureChristshouldgouptoheaven,tositattherighthandofGod,havingobtainedeternalredemptionforallHispeople.Nootherfoundationcouldhavemetthenecessitiesoflost,guilty,corrupt,weak,helplesssinners.

Thatfoundation,onceobtained,isverystrong.Itcanbeartheweightofthesinsofalltheworld.Ithasbornetheweightofallthesinsofallthebelieverswhohavebuilt on it. Sinsof thought, sinsof the imagination,sinsoftheheart,sinsofthehead,sinswhicheveryonehasseen,andsins

whichnomanknows,sinsagainstGod,andsinsagainstman,sinsofallkindsanddescriptions—thatmightyrockcanbeartheweightofallthesesins, and not give way. The mediatorial office of Christ is a remedysufficientforallthesinsofalltheworld.

TothisonefoundationeverymemberofChrist’strueChurchisjoined.Inmanythingsbelieversaredisunitedanddisagreed.Inthematteroftheirsoul’s foundation they are all of one mind. Whether Episcopalians orPresbyterians, Baptists or Methodists, believers all meet at one point.Theyareallbuilton therock.Askwhere theyget theirpeaceand hopeandjoyfulexpectationofgoodthingstocome.Youwillfindthatallflowsfromthatonemightysource,ChristtheMediatorbetweenGodandman,andtheofficethatChristholdsastheHighPriestandSuretyofsinners.

Look to your foundation, if you would knowwhether or not you are amember of the one true Church. It is a point that may be known toyourself.Yourpublicworshipwecansee;butwecannotseewhetheryouarepersonallybuiltupontherock.YourattendanceattheLord’stablewecansee;butwecannotseewhetheryouarejoinedtoChrist,andonewithChrist,andChristinyou.Takeheedthatyoumakenomistakeaboutyourownpersonalsalvation.Seethatyourownsoulisupontherock.Withoutthis,allelse isnothing.Without this,youwillneverstand in thedayofjudgment.Better a thousand times in thatday tobe found in a cottage"upontherock,"thaninapalaceuponthesand!

4. I proceed in the fourthplace to speakof the implied trials of theChurch,towhichourtextrefers.Thereismentionmadeof"thegatesofhell." By that expressionwe aremeant to understand the power of theprinceofhell,eventhedevil.(ComparePs.9:13;107:18;Isa.38:10).

ThehistoryofChrist’s trueChurchhasalwaysbeenoneof conflict andwar.Ithasbeenconstantlyassailedbyadeadlyenemy,Satan,theprinceofthisworld.ThedevilhatesthetrueChurchofChristwithanundyinghatred.He is ever stirringupopposition against all itsmembers.He isever urging the children of thisworld to do hiswill, and to injure andharassthepeopleofGod.Ifhecannotbruisethehead,hewillbruisetheheel.Ifhecannotrobbelieversofheaven,hewillvexthembytheway.

Warfare with the powers of hell has been the experience of the wholebodyofChristforsixthousandyears.Ithasalwaysbeenabushburning,though not consumed, a woman fleeing into the wilderness, but notswallowed up (Ex. 3:2; Rev. 12:6, 16). The visible Churches have theirtimesofprosperityandseasonsofpeace,butneverhastherebeenatimeof peace for the true Church. Its conflict is perpetual. Its battle neverends.

Warfare with the powers of hell is the experience of every individualmemberofthetrueChurch.Eachhastofight.Whatarethelivesofallthesaints, but records of battles?Whatwere suchmen as Paul and Jamesand Peter and John and Polycarp and Chrysostom and Augustine andLuther and Calvin and Latimer and Baxter, but soldiers engaged in aconstantwarfare?Sometimesthepeopleofthesaintshavebeenassailed,and sometimes their property. Sometimes they have been harassed bycalumniesandslanders,andsometimesbyopenpersecution.ButinonewayoranotherthedevilhasbeencontinuallywarringagainsttheChurch.The"gatesofhell"havebeencontinuallyassaultingthepeopleofChrist.

We who preach the gospel can hold out to all who come to Christ"exceeding great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4). We can offerboldly to you, in ourMaster’s name, thepeace ofGodwhichpasses allunderstanding. Mercy, free grace and full salvation are offered toeveryonewhowill come toChrist,andbelieveonHim.Butwepromiseyou no peace with the world, or with the devil. We warn you, on thecontrary,thattheremustbewarfare,solongasyouareinthebody.Wewouldnotkeepyouback,ordeteryoufromChrist’sservice.Butwewouldhave you "count the cost," and fully understand what Christ’s serviceentails(Luke14:28).

a.Marvelnotattheenmityofthegatesofhell."Ifyouwereoftheworld,theworldwould lovehisown"(John15:19).So longas theworld is theworld, and the devil the devil, so long there must be warfare, andbelievers in Christ must be soldiers. The world hated Christ, and theworldwillhatetrueChristians,as longastheearthstands.AsthegreatReformer Luther said, "Cain will go onmurdering Abel so long as theChurchisonearth."

b.Bepreparedfortheenmityofthegatesofhell.PutonthewholearmorofGod.ThetowerofDavidcontainsathousandbucklers,allreadyfortheuse of God’s people. The weapons of our warfare have been tried bymillionsofpoorsinnerslikeourselves,andhaveneverbeenfoundtofail.

c. Be patient under the enmity of the gates of hell. It is all workingtogetherforyourgood.Ittendstosanctify.Itwillkeepyouawake.Itwillmakeyouhumble.ItwilldriveyounearertotheLordJesusChrist.Itwillweanyoufromtheworld.Itwillhelptomakeyoupraymore.Aboveall,itwillmakeyoulongforheaven.Itwillteachyoutosaywithheartaswellaslips,"Come,LordJesus.Yourkingdomcome."

d.Benotcastdownbytheenmityofhell.ThewarfareofthetruechildofGodisasmuchamarkofgraceastheinwardpeacewhichheenjoys.Nocross, no crown!No conflict, no saving Christianity! "Blessed are you,"said our Lord Jesus Christ, "whenmen shall revile you, and persecuteyou,andsayallmannerofevilagainstyoufalsely,forMysake."Ifyouareneverpersecuted for religion’s sake,andallmenspeakwellofyou,youmaywelldoubtwhether youbelong to "theChurchon the rock" (Matt.5:11;Luke6:26).

5.Thereremainsonethingmoretobeconsidered:theSecurityofthetrueChurchofChrist.ThereisagloriouspromisegivenbytheBuilder,"Thegatesofhellshallnotprevail."

HewhocannotliehaspledgedHisword,thatallthepowersofhellshallneveroverthrowHisChurch.Itshallcontinueandstand,inspiteofeveryassault. It shall never be overcome.All other created thingsperish andpassaway,butnottheChurchwhichisbuiltontherock.

Empires have risen and fallen in rapid succession. Egypt, Assyria,Babylon, Persia, Tyre, Carthage, Rome, Greece, Venice—where are allthesenow?Theywereall thecreationsofman’shand,andhavepassedaway.ButthetrueChurchofChristliveson.

The mightiest cities have become heaps of ruins. The broad walls ofBabylon have sunk to the ground. The palaces of Nineveh are coveredwithmounds of dust. Thehundred gates ofThebes are onlymatters of

history. Tyre is a placewhere fishermen hang their nets. Carthage is adesolation.YetallthistimethetrueChurchstands.Thegatesofhelldonotprevailagainstit.

TheearliestvisibleChurcheshave inmanycasesdecayedandperished.WhereistheChurchofEphesusandtheChurchofAntioch?WhereistheChurchofAlexandriaandtheChurchofConstantinople?WherearetheCorinthian,andPhilippian,andThessalonianChurches?Where,indeed,are theyall?Theydeparted fromtheWordofGod.Theywereproudoftheir bishops and synods and ceremonies and learning and antiquity.TheydidnotgloryinthetruecrossofChrist.Theydidnotholdfastthegospel.Theydidnot give theLord JesusHis rightful office, or faith itsrightful place. They are now among the things that have been. Theircandlestickhasbeen taken away. But all this time the trueChurch haslivedon.

Has the true Church been oppressed in one country? It has fled toanother.Hasitbeentrampledonandoppressedinonesoil?Ithastakenroot and flourished in some other climate. Fire, sword, prisons, fines,penalties,haveneverbeenabletodestroyitsvitality.Itspersecutorshavedied and gone to their own place, but theWord of God has lived andgrownandmultiplied.WeakasthistrueChurchmayappeartotheeyeofman,itisananvilwhichhasbrokenmanyahammerintimespast,andperhapswillbreakmanymorebeforetheend.HethatlayshandsonitistouchingtheappleofHiseye(Zech.2:8).

The promise of our text is true of the whole body of the true Church.Christwillneverbewithoutawitnessintheworld.Hehashadapeopleintheworstoftimes.HehadseventhousandinIsraeleveninthedaysofAhab.Therearesomenow,Ibelieve,inthedarkplacesoftheRomanandGreekChurcheswho,inspiteofmuchweakness,areservingChrist.Thedevilmay ragehorribly.TheChurch in somecountriesmaybebroughtexceedinglylow.Butthegatesofhellshallneverentirely"prevail."

ThepromiseofourtextistrueofeveryindividualmemberoftheChurch.SomeofGod’speoplehavebeensomuchcastdownanddisturbed,thattheyhavedespairedoftheirsafety.Somehavefallensadly,asDavidandPeterdid.Somehavedepartedfromthefaithforatime,likeCranmerand

Jewell.Manyhavebeentriedbycrueldoubtsandfears.Butallhavegotsafehomeatlast,theyoungestaswellastheoldest,theweakestaswellasthestrongest.Andso itwillbe to theend.Canyouprevent tomorrow’ssun from rising? Can you prevent the tide in the Bristol Channel fromebbing and flowing? Can you prevent the planets moving in theirrespectiveorbits?Then,andthenalone,canyoupreventthesalvationofanybeliever, however feeble, the final safety of any living stone in thatChurchwhichisbuiltupontherock,howeversmallorinsignificantthatstonemayappear.

ThetrueChurchisChrist’sbody.Notoneboneinthatmysticalbodyshalleverbebroken.ThetrueChurchisChrist’sbride.ThosewhomGodhasjoined in everlasting covenant shall never be put asunder. The trueChurch is Christ’s flock. When the lion came and took a lamb out ofDavid’sflock,Davidaroseanddeliveredthelambfromhismouth.Christwill do the same. He is David’s greater Son. Not a single sick lamb inChrist’s flockshallperish.Hewill say toHisFather in the lastday, "OfthosewhoYougaveMeIhavelostnone"(John18:9).ThetrueChurchisthewheat of the earth. Itmay be sifted,winnowed, buffeted, tossed toand fro. But not one grain shall be lost. The tares and chaff shall beburned. Thewheat shall be gathered into the barn. The trueChurch isChrist’sarmy.TheCaptainofoursalvationlosesnoneofHissoldiers.Hisplansareneverdefeated.Hissuppliesnever fail.Hismuster–roll is thesame at the end as it was at the beginning. Of the men that marchedgallantlyoutofEnglandafewyearsagointheCrimeanwar,howmanynever cameback!Regiments thatwent forth, strong and cheerful,withbandsplayingandbannersflying,laidtheirbonesinaforeignland,andneverreturnedtotheirnativecountry.ButitisnotsowithChrist’sarmy.Not one of His soldiers shall be missing at last. He Himself declares,"Theyshallneverperish"(John10:28).

ThedevilmaycastsomeofthemembersofthetrueChurchintoprison.Hemaykill andburnand tortureandhang.Butafterhehaskilled thebody, there is nothing more that he can do. He cannot hurt the soul.When theFrench troops tookRomea fewyearsago, they foundon thewallsofaprisoncell,undertheInquisition,thewordsofaprisoner.Whohewas,weknownot.Buthiswordsareworthyofremembrance."Though

dead, he yet speaks." He had written on the walls, very likely after anunjust trial, and a still more unjust excommunication, the followingstriking words "Blessed Jesus, they cannot cast me out of Your trueChurch."That record is true!Notall thepowerofSatancancastoutofChrist’strueChurchonesinglebeliever.

I trust thatnoreaderof thismessagewilleverallowfear topreventhisbeginning to serve Christ. He to whom you commit your soul has allpowerinheavenandearth,andHewillkeepyou.Hewillneverletyoubecast away.Relativesmayoppose.Neighborsmaymock.Theworldmayslanderandridiculeandjestandsneer.Fearnot!Fearnot!Thepowersofhell shall never prevail against your soul.Greater isHe that is for you,thanalltheythatareagainstyou.

Fear not for the Church of Christ, when ministers die, and saints aretaken away. Christ can ever maintain His own cause. He will raise upbetter servants and brighter stars. The stars are all in His right hand.Leaveoffallanxiousthoughtaboutthefuture.Ceasetobecastdownbythe measures of statesmen, or the plots of wolves in sheep’s clothing.ChristwilleverprovideforHisownChurch.Christwilltakecarethat"thegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit."Allisgoingonwell,thoughoureyes may not see it. The kingdoms of this world shall yet become thekingdomsofourGod,andofHisChrist.

I will now conclude this message with a few words of practicalapplication.

1. My first word of application shall be a question. What shall thatquestion be?What shall I ask? I will return to the point with which Ibegan. I will go back to the first sentence with which I opened mymessage.Iaskyou,whetheryouareamemberoftheonetrueChurchofChrist?Areyouinthehighest,thebestsense,a"Churchman"inthesightof God? You know nowwhat Imean. I look far beyond the Church ofEngland.Iamnotspeakingofchurchorchapel. Ispeakof"theChurchbuiltupontherock."Iaskyou,withallsolemnity,areyouamemberofthat Church? Are you joined to the great Foundation? Are you on therock?Have you received the Holy Spirit? Does the Spirit witness withyourspirit,thatyouareonewithChrist,andChristwithyou?Ibeseech

you, in thenameofGod, to lay toheart thesequestions,andtoponderthemwell.Ifyouarenotconverted,youdonotyetbelongtothe"Churchontherock."

Leteveryreaderofthismessagetakeheedtohimself,ifhecannotgiveasatisfactoryanswertomyinquiry.Takeheed,takeheed,thatyoudonotmake shipwreck of your soul to all eternity. Take heed, lest at last thegatesofhellprevailagainstyou,thedevilclaimyouashisown,andyoubecastawayforever.Takeheed,lestyougodowntothepitfromthelandofBibles,andinthefull lightofChrist’sgospel.Takeheed, lestyouarefound at the left hand of Christ at last, a lost Episcopalian or a lostPresbyterian,alostBaptistoralostMethodist,lostbecause,withallyourzealforyourownpartyandyourowncommuniontable,youneverjoinedtheonetrueChurch.

2.My secondwork of application shall be an invitation. I address it toeveryonewho isnotyeta truebeliever. I say toyou,comeandjointheonetrueChurchwithoutdelay.ComeandjoinyourselftotheLordJesusChristinaneverlastingcovenantnottobeforgotten.

Consider well what I say. I charge you solemnly not to mistake themeaning ofmy invitation. I do not bid you leave the visible Church towhich you belong. I abhor all idolatry of forms and parties. I detest aproselytizingspirit.ButIdobidyoucometoChristandbesaved.Thedayof decision must come some time. Why not this very hour? Why nottoday,while it is called today?Whynot this very night, before the sunrises tomorrow morning? Come to Him, who died for sinners on thecross,andinvitesallsinnerstocometoHimbyfaithandbesaved.CometomyMaster, Jesus Christ. Come, I say, for all things are now ready.Mercy is ready for you. Heaven is ready for you. Angels are ready torejoice over you. Christ is ready to receive you. Christ will receive yougladly, and welcome you among His children. Come into the ark. ThefloodofGod’swrathwill soonbreakupon theearth.Come into thearkandbesafe.

Come into the lifeboatof theone trueChurch.Thisoldworldwill soonbreakintopieces!Hearyounotthetremblingsof it?Theworld isbutawreck hard upon a sandbank. The night is far spent, the waves are

beginningtorise,thewindisgettingup,thestormwillsoonshattertheold wreck. But the lifeboat is launched, and we, the ministers of thegospel,beseechyoutocomeintothe lifeboatandbesaved.WebeseechyoutoariseatonceandcometoChrist.

Doyouask,"HowcanIcome?Mysinsaretoomany.Iamtoowickedyet.I dare not come." Away with the thought! It is a temptation of Satan.CometoChristasasinner.Comejustasyouare.Hearthewordsof thatbeautifulhymn:

"JustasIam,withoutoneplea,ButthatYourbloodwasshedforme,AndthatYoubid’stmecometoThee,OLambofGod,Icome."

ThisisthewaytocometoChrist.Youshouldcome,waitingfornothing,and tarrying for nothing. You should come, as a hungry sinner, to befilled;asapoorsinner,tobeenriched;asabad,undeservingsinner, tobeclothedwithrighteousness.Socoming,Christwouldreceiveyou."Himthat comes" toChrist,He "will innowisecastout."Oh,come,cometoJesusChrist!ComeintothetrueChurchbyfaithandbesaved.

3.Lastofall,letmegiveawordofexhortationtoallbelieversintowhosehandsthismessagemayfall.

Strivetoliveaholylife.WalkworthyoftheChurchtowhichyoubelong.Livelikecitizensofheaven.Letyourlightshinebeforemen,sothattheworldmay profit by your conduct. Let them knowwhose you are, andwhomyouserve.BeepistlesofChrist,knownandreadofallmen,writteninsuchclear letters,thatnonecansayofyou,"Iknownotwhetherthisman be a member of Christ or not." He that knows nothing of real,practicalholinessisnomemberoftheChurchontherock.

Strive to live a courageous life. Confess Christ before men. Whateverstation you occupy, in that station confess Christ. Why should you beashamedofHim?Hewasnotashamedofyouonthecross.Heisreadytoconfess you now before His Father in heaven. Why should you beashamedofHim?Bebold.Beverybold.Thegoodsoldierisnotashamed

ofhisuniform.ThetruebelieveroughtnevertobeashamedofChrist.

Strivetoliveajoyfullife.Livelikemenwholookforthatblessedhope—the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is the prospect to which weshouldalllookforward.Itisnotsomuchthethoughtofgoingtoheaven,asofheaven coming tous, that should fill ourminds. "There is a goodtimecoming"forallthepeopleofGod,agoodtimeforalltheChurchofChrist, agood time forallbelievers—abad time for the impenitentandunbelieving,butagoodtimefortrueChristians.Forthatgoodtime,letuswaitandwatchandpray.

The scaffolding will soon be taken down. The last stone will soon bebrought out. The top stone will be placed upon the edifice. Yet a littletime,andthefullbeautyoftheChurchwhichChristisbuildingshallbeclearlyseen.

The great Master Builder will soon come Himself. A building shall beshowntoassembledworlds,inwhichthereshallbenoimperfection.TheSavior and the saved shall rejoice together. The whole universe shallacknowledge, that in the building of Christ’s Church allwaswell done."Blessed," it shall be said in that day, if it was never said before,"BLESSED ARE ALL WHO BELONG TO THE CHURCH ON THEROCK!"

VisibleChurchesWarned

‘Hewhohasanear,lethimhearwhattheSpiritsaysuntotheChurches’(Rev.3:22).

I suppose I may take it for granted that every reader of this messagebelongs tosomevisiblechurchofChrist. IdonotasknowwhetheryouareanEpiscopalian,oraPresbyterian,oranIndependent.Ionlysupposethatyouwouldnotliketobecalledanatheistoraninfidel.Youattendthe

publicworshipofsomevisible,particularornationalbodyofprofessingChristians.

Now, whatever the name of your church may be, I invite your specialattention to the verse of Scripture before your eyes. I charge you torememberthatthewordsofthatverseconcernyourself.Theyarewrittenforyourlearning,andforallwhocallthemselvesChristians.‘Hethathasanear,lethimhearwhattheSpiritsaysuntothechurches’.

Thisverseisrepeatedseventimesoverinthesecondandthirdchaptersof the book of Revelation. Seven different letters does the Lord JesustheresendbythehandofHisservantJohntothesevenchurchesofAsia.SeventimesoverHewindsupHisletterbythesamesolemnwords:‘Hethathasanear,lethimhearwhattheSpiritsaysuntothechurches’.

NowtheLordGodisperfectinallHisworks.Hedoesnothingbychance.He causednopart of theScriptures to bewrittenby chance. In allHisdealingsyoumaytracedesign,purposeandplan.Therewasdesigninthesizeandorbitofeachplanet.Therewasdesignintheshapeandstructureoftheleastfly’swing.TherewasdesignineveryverseoftheBible.Therewasdesign in every repetition of a verse,wherever it took place. Therewasdesigninthesevenfoldrepetitionoftheversebeforeoureyes.Ithadameaning,andwewereintendedtoobserveit.

ThisverseappearstometocallthespecialattentionofalltrueChristiansto the seven ‘epistles to the churches’. I believe it wasmeant tomakebelievers take particular notice of the thingswhich these sevenepistlescontain.

Letmetrytopointoutcertainleadingtruthswhichthesesevenepistlesseemtometoteach.Theyaretruths for thetimeswe live in, truthsforthe latter days, truths which we cannot know too well, truths which itwouldbegoodforusalltoknowandfeelfarbetterthanwedo.

1. Iaskmyreaders toobserve thattheLordJesus, inall thesevenepistles, speaks of nothing but matters of doctrine, practice,warningandpromise.

Iaskyoutolookoverthesesevenepistlestothechurches,quietlyandatyourleisure,andyouwillsoonseewhatImean.

You will observe that the Lord Jesus sometimes finds fault with falsedoctrinesandungodlyinconsistentpractices,andrebukesthemsharply.

YouwillobservethatHesometimespraisesfaith,patience,work, labor,perseveranceandbestowsonthesegraceshighcommendation.

Youwill sometimes findHimenjoiningrepentance,amendment,returntothefirstlove,renewedapplicationtoHimself,andthelike.

But Iwantyou toobserve thatyouwillnot find theLord, inanyof theepistles, dwelling upon church government or ceremonies. He saysnothing about sacraments or ordinances. He makes no mention ofliturgies or forms. He does not instruct John to write one word aboutbaptism,ortheLord’sSupper,ortheapostolicalsuccessionofministers.In short, the leading principles ofwhatmay be called ‘the sacramentalsystem’arenotbroughtforwardinanyoneofthesevenepistlesfromfirsttolast.

NowwhydoIdwellonthis?IdoitbecausemanyprofessingChristiansinthepresentdaywouldhaveusbelievethesethingsareoffirst,ofcardinal,ofparamountimportance.

Therearenotafewwhoseemtoholdthattherecanbenochurchwithoutabishop,andnogodlinesswithoutaliturgy.Theyappeartobelievethattoteachthevalueofthesacramentsisthefirstworkofaminister,andtokeeptotheirparishchurchthefirstbusinessofapeople.

NowletnomanmisunderstandmewhenIsaythis.Donotrunawaywiththe notion that I see no importance in sacraments. On the contrary, Iregardthemasgreatblessingstoallwhoreceivethem ‘rightly,worthilyandwithfaith’.DonotfancythatIattachnovaluetoepiscopacy,aliturgyandtheparochialsystem.Onthecontrary,Iconsiderthatachurchwelladministered,whichhasthesethreethings,andanevangelicalministry,isafarmorecompleteandusefulchurchthanoneinwhichtheyarenottobefound.

ButthisIsay,thatsacraments,churchgovernment,theuseofa liturgy,theobservanceofceremoniesandforms,areallasnothingcomparedtofaith, repentance and holiness. And my authority for so saying is thewholetenorofourLord’swordstothesevenchurches.

Inevercanbelieve, ifacertain formofchurchgovernmentwassoveryimportantassomesay,thatthegreatHeadofthechurchwouldhavesaidnothingabout ithere. I shouldhave expected tohave found somethingsaidaboutittoSardisandLaodicea.ButIfindnothingatall.AndIthinkthatsilenceisagreatfact.

IcannothelpremarkingjustthesamefactinPaul’spartingwordstotheEphesianelders(Acts20:27–35).Hewasthenleavingthemforever.Hewasgivinghislastchargeonearth,andspokeasonewhowouldseethefacesofhishearersnomore.Andyet there isnotaword in the chargeabout the sacraments and church government. If ever therewas a timeforspeakingofthem,itwasthen.Buthesaysnothingatall,andIbelieveitwasanintentionalsilence.

Now here lies one reason why we who, rightly or wrongly, are calledevangelicalclergy,donotpreachaboutbishops,andthePrayerBook,andordinancesmorethanwedo.It isnotbecausewedonotvaluethem, intheirplace,proportionandway.Wedovaluethemasreallyandtrulyasany,andare thankful for them.Butwebelieve that repentance towardsGod, faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ and a holy conversation aresubjects of farmore importance tomen’s souls.Without these nomancanbesaved.Thesearethefirstandmostweightymatters,andthereforeonthesewedwell.

Hereagainliesonereasonwhywesooftenurgeonmennottobecontentwiththemereoutwardpartofreligion.Youmusthaveobservedthatweoftenwarnyounottorestonchurchmembershipandchurchprivileges.WetellyounottobesatisfiedallisrightbecauseyoucometochurchonSunday,andcomeuptotheLord’stable.Weoftenurgeyoutoremember,thathe isnotaChristianwho isoneoutwardly, thatyoumustbe ‘bornagain,’thatyoumusthavea‘faiththatworksbylove,’thattheremustbea‘newcreation’bytheSpiritinyourheart.WedoitbecausethisseemstousthemindofChrist.ThesearethekindofthingsHedwellsupon,when

writing seven timesover to sevendifferent churches.We feel that ifwefollowHimwecannotgreatlyerr.

Iamawarethatmenchargeuswithtaking‘lowviews’ofthesubjectstowhichIhaveadverted.Itisasmallthingthatourviewsarethought‘low,’solongasourconsciencestellustheyarescriptural.Highground,asitiscalled,isnotalwayssafeground.WhatBalaamsaidmustbeouranswer‘WhattheLordsays,thatwillIspeak’(Num.24:13).

The plain truth is, there are two distinct and separate systems ofChristianity inEnglandatthepresentday.It isuselesstodenyit.Theirexistenceisagreatfactandonethatcannotbetooclearlyknown.

Accordingtoonesystem,religionisamerecorporatebusiness.Youaretobelongtoacertainbodyofpeople.Byvirtueofyourmembershipofthisbody,vastprivileges,bothfortimeandeternity,areconferreduponyou.It matters little what you are and what you feel. You are not to tryyourself by your feelings. You are a member of a great ecclesiasticalcorporation.Thenallitsprivilegesandimmunitiesareyourown.Doyoubelongtotheonetruevisibleecclesiasticalcorporation?Thatisthegrandquestion.

Accordingtotheothersystem,religioniseminentlyapersonalbusinessbetweenyourselfandChrist.Itwillnotsaveyoursoultobeanoutwardmember of any ecclesiastical body whatever, however sound that bodymay be. Such membership will not wash away one sin, or give youconfidenceinthedayofjudgment.TheremustbepersonalfaithinChrist,personal dealings between yourself and God, personal felt communionbetween your own heart and the Holy Spirit. Have you this personalfaith?HaveyouthisfeltworkoftheSpiritinyoursoul?Thisisthegrandquestion.Ifnotyouwillbelost.

This last system is the system which those who are called evangelicalministerscleavetoandteach.Theydoso,becausetheyaresatisfiedthatitisthesystemofHolyScripture.Theydoso,becausetheyareconvincedthatanyothersystemisproductiveofmostdangerousconsequences,andcalculated to delude men fatally as to their actual state. They do sobecausetheybelieveittobetheonlysystemofteachingwhichGodwill

bless, and that no church will flourish so much as that in whichrepentance, faith, conversion and the work of the Spirit are the grandsubjectsoftheminister’ssermon.

2. I askmy readers toobserve that ineveryepistle theLordJesussays,‘Iknowyourworks’.Thatrepeatedexpressionisverystriking.Itisnotfornothingthatwereadthesewordsseventimesover.

ToonechurchtheLordJesussays, ‘Iknowyour laborandpatience’, toanother, ‘your tribulation and poverty’, to a third, ‘your charity andservice and faith’.But to allHeuses thewords Inowdwell on ‘I knowyour works’. It is not ‘I know your profession, your desires, yourresolutions,yourwishes’,but‘yourworks’.‘Iknowyourworks’.

TheworksofaprofessingChristianareofgreatimportance.Theycannotsaveyoursoul.Theycannotjustifyyou.Theycannotwipeoutyoursins.They cannot deliver you from thewrath ofGod. But it does not followbecausetheycannotsaveyou,thattheyareofnoimportance.Takeheedandbewareofsuchanotion.Themanwhothinkssoisfearfullydeceived.

IoftenthinkIcouldwillinglydieforthedoctrineofjustificationbyfaithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw.ButImustearnestlycontend,asageneralprinciple,thataman’sworksaretheevidenceofaman’sreligion.Ifyoucall yourself aChristian, youmust show it inyourdailywaysanddailybehavior. Call to mind that the faith of Abraham and of Rahab wasprovedbytheirworks(James2:21–25).Rememberitavailsyouandmenothing toprofessweknowGod, if inworkswedenyHim(Titus 1:16).RememberthewordsoftheLordJesus:‘Everytreeisknownbyitsownfruit’(Luke6:44).

Butwhatever theworksof aprofessingChristianmaybe, Jesus says, ‘Iknowthem!’Hiseyesareineveryplace,beholdingtheevilandthegood(Prov.15:3).Youneverdidanaction,howeverprivate,butJesussawit.Younever spokeaword,no,not even in awhisper, but Jesusheard it.Youneverwrotea letter, even toyourdearest friend,butJesus read it.Youneverthoughtathought,howeversecret,butJesuswasfamiliarwithit.Hiseyesareasaflamingfire.ThedarknessisnodarknesswithHim.All things are open andmanifest before Him. He says to every one, ‘I

knowyourworks’.

a. The Lord Jesus knows the works of all impenitent and unbelievingsouls, andwill onedaypunish them.They arenot forgotten inheaven,thoughtheymaybeuponearth.Whenthegreatwhitethroneisset,andthebooksareopened,thewickeddeadwillbejudged‘accordingtotheirworks’.

b.TheLordJesusknowstheworksofHisownpeople,andweighsthem.‘ByHim actions areweighed’ (1 Sam. 2:3).He knows thewhy and thewhereforeofthedeedsofallbelievers.Heseestheirmotivesineverysteptheytake.HediscernshowmuchisdoneforHissake,andhowmuchisdoneforthesakeofpraise.Alas,notafewthingsaredonebybelievers,whichseemverygoodtoyouandme,butareratedverylowbyChrist.

c.TheLordJesusknowstheworksofallHisownpeople,andwillonedayrewardthem.Heneveroverlooksakindword,orakinddeeddoneinHisname.Hewillowntheleastfruitoffaith,anddeclareitbeforetheworldinthedayofHisappearing.IfyoulovetheLordJesus,andfollowHim,youmaybesureyourworkandlaborshallnotbeinvainintheLord.TheworksofthosethatdieintheLord‘shallfollowthem’(Rev.14:13).Theyshallnotgobeforethem,noryetbytheirside,buttheyshallfollowthem,andbeownedinthedayofChrist’sappearing.Theparableofthepoundsshallbemadegood. ‘Everymanshallreceivehisownreward,accordingtohisownlabor’(1Cor.3:8).Theworldknowsyounot,foritknowsnotyourMaster.ButJesusseesandknowsall.‘Iknowyourworks’.

Thinkwhatasolemnwarningthereisheretoallworldlyandhypocriticalprofessors of religion. Let all such read, mark and digest thesewords.Jesussaystoyou,‘Iknowyourworks’.Youmaydeceivemeoranyotherminister;itiseasytodoso.Youmayreceivethebreadandwinefrommyhands,andyetbecleavingtoiniquityinyourhearts.Youmaysitunderthepulpitofanevangelicalpreacher,weekafterweek,andhearhiswordswithaseriousface,butbelievethemnot.But,rememberthis,youcannotdeceive Christ. He who discovered the deadness of Sardis and thelukewarmness of Laodicea, sees you through and through, and willexposeyouatthelastday,exceptyourepent.

Oh,believeme,hypocrisyisalosinggame.Itwillneveranswertoseemone thing and be another; to have the name of Christian, and not thereality.Besure,ifyourconsciencesmitesyouandcondemnsyouinthismatter,besureyoursinwill findyouout.TheeyethatsawAchanstealthe goldenwedge and hide it is upon you. The book that recorded thedeedsofGehaziandAnaniasandSapphiraisrecordingyourways.Jesusmercifully sends you a word of warning today. He says, ‘I know yourworks’.

But think also,what encouragement there is here for every honest andtrue–heartedbeliever.Toyoualso,Jesussays, ‘Iknowyourworks’.Youseenobeautyinanyactionthatyoudo.Allseemsimperfect,blemishedanddefiled.Youareoften sick atheart of yourown shortcomings. Youoften feel that yourwhole life is onegreat arrear, and thateveryday iseitherablankorablot.Butknownow,thatJesuscanseesomebeautyineverythingthatyoudofromaconscientiousdesiretopleaseHim.HiseyecandiscernexcellenceintheleastthingwhichisafruitofHisownSpirit.He can pick out the grains of gold from amid the dross of yourperformances,andsiftthewheatfromamidthechaffinallyourdoings.Your tears are all put into His bottle. Your endeavors to do good toothers, however feeble, are written in His book of remembrance. Theleastcup of coldwater given inHis name shall not lose its reward.Hedoesnotforgetyourworkandlaboroflove,howeverlittletheworldmayregardit.

It is verywonderful, but so it is. Jesus loves to honor the work ofHisSpiritinHispeople,andtopassovertheirfrailties.HedwellsonthefaithofRahab,butnotonher lie.HecommendsHisapostles forcontinuingwithHiminHistemptations,andpassesovertheirignoranceandwantoffaith(Luke22:28).‘Likeasafatherpitieshischildren,sotheLordpitiesthemthatfearHim’(Ps.103:13).Andasafatherfindsapleasureintheleastactsofhischildren,ofwhichastrangerknowsnothing,soIsupposetheLordfindsapleasureinourpoorfeebleeffortstoserveHim.

Icanwellunderstandtherighteousinthedayofjudgmentsaying,‘Lord,whensawweYouanhungry,andfedYou,orthirsty,andgaveYoudrink?When sawweYou a stranger, and tookYou in?Or naked, and clothedYou?OrwhensawweYousickorinprison,andcameuntoYou?’(Matt.

25:37–39).Itmaywellseemincredibleandimpossiblethattheycanhavedoneanythingworthnaminginthegreatday!Yetsoitis.Letallbelieverstake the comfort of it. The Lord says, ‘I know yourworks.’ It ought tohumbleyou.Butitoughtnottomakeyouafraid.

3. I askmyreaders toobserve that ineveryepistle theLordJesusmakes a promise to theman that overcomes. Seven times overJesusgivestothechurchesexceedinggreatandpreciouspromises.Eachisdifferent,andeachfullofstrongconsolation:buteachisaddressedtotheovercomingChristian.Itisalways‘hethatovercomes’,or‘tohimthatovercomes’.Iaskyoutotakenoticeofthis.

Every professing Christian is the soldier of Christ. He is bound by hisbaptismto fightChrist’sbattleagainstsin, theworldandthedevil.Themanthatdoesnotdothisbreakshisvow.Heisaspiritualdefaulter.Hedoesnotfulfilltheengagementsmadeforhim.Themanthatdoesnotdothis is practically renouncing his Christianity. The very fact that hebelongs to a church, attends a Christian place of worship, and callshimselfaChristian,isapublicdeclarationthathedesirestobereckonedasoldierofJesusChrist.

ArmorisprovidedfortheprofessingChristian,ifhewillonlyuseit.‘Takeuntoyou’,saysPaultotheEphesians, ‘thewholearmorofGod’. ‘Stand,havingyourloinsgirtaboutwithtruth,andhavingonthebreastplateofrighteousness’.‘Takethehelmetofsalvation,andtheswordoftheSpirit,whichistheWordofGod’.‘Aboveall,taketheshieldoffaith’(Eph.6:13–17).And,notleast,theprofessingChristianhasthebestofleaders:JesustheCaptainofsalvation,throughwhomhemaybemorethanconqueror;the best of provisions, the bread andwater of life, and the best of paypromisedtohim,aneternalweightofglory.

All theseareancient things. Iwillnotbedrawnoff frommysubject, inordertodwellonthemnow.

TheonepointIwanttoimpressuponyoursouljustnowisthis,thatthetrue believer is not only a soldier, but a victorious soldier.Henot onlyprofessestofightonChrist’ssideagainstsin,theworldandthedevil,buthedoesactuallyfightandovercome.

NowthisisonegranddistinguishingmarkoftrueChristians.Othermen,perhaps, like tobenumbered in the ranksofChrist’s army.Othermenmayhavelazywishesandlanguiddesiresafterthecrownofglory.ButitisthetrueChristianalonewhodoestheworkofasoldier.Healonefairlymeets the enemies of his soul, really fightswith themand in that fightovercomesthem.

One great lesson Iwantmen to learn from these seven epistles is this,thatifyouwouldproveyouarebornagainandgoingtoheaven,youmustbeavictorioussoldierofChrist.Ifyouwouldmakeitclearthatyouhaveany title toChrist’spreciouspromises, youmust fight the good fight inChrist’scause,andinthatfightyoumustconquer.

Victory is theonlysatisfactoryevidence thatyouhaveasavingreligion.You like good sermons perhaps. You respect the Bible, and read itoccasionally.You say yourprayersnight andmorning.Youhave familyprayers,andgivetoreligioussocieties.IthankGodforthis.Itisallverygood.Buthowgoesthebattle?Howdoesthegreatconflictgoonallthistime?Areyouovercomingtheloveoftheworldandthefearofman?Areyouovercomingthepassions, tempersandlustsofyourownheart?Areyouresisting thedevilandmakinghim flee fromyou?How is it in thismatter? Youmust either rule or serve sin and the devil and theworld.Thereisnomiddlecourse.Youmusteitherconquerorbelost.

Iknowwell it isahardbattle thatyouhave to fight,andIwantyou toknowit,too.Youmustfightthegoodfightoffaithandendurehardshipsif youwould layholdof eternal life.Youmustmakeupyourmind toadaily struggle if youwould reach heaven. Theremay be short roads toheaven invented byman, but ancientChristianity, the good oldway, isthewayofthecross,thewayofconflict.Sin,theworldandthedevilmustbeactuallymortified,resistedandovercome.

Thisistheroadthatsaintsofoldhavetroddenin,andlefttheirrecordonhigh.

a.WhenMosesrefusedthepleasuresofsininEgypt,andchoseafflictionwith the people of God, this was overcoming he overcame the love ofpleasure.

b. When Micaiah refused to prophesy smooth things to king Ahab,thoughheknewhewouldbepersecuted if he spoke the truth, thiswasovercomingheovercametheloveofease.

c.WhenDaniel refused to give up praying, thoughhe knew the den oflionswaspreparedforhim,thiswasovercomingheovercamethefearofdeath.

d.WhenMatthewrosefromthereceiptofcustomatourLord’sbidding,leftall and followedHim, thiswasovercomingheovercame the loveofmoney.

e.WhenPeterandJohnstoodupboldlybeforethecouncilandsaid,‘Wecannot but speak the things we have seen and heard,’ this wasovercoming;theyovercamethefearofman.

f.WhenSaulthePhariseegaveupallhisprospectsofprefermentamongthe Jews, andpreached that very Jesuswhomhehad once persecuted,thiswasovercomingheovercametheloveofman’spraise.

The same kind of thing which these men did youmust also do if youwould be saved. Theyweremen of like passionswith yourself, and yettheyovercame.Theyhadasmanytrialsasyoucanpossiblyhave,andyettheyovercame.Theyfought.Theywrestled.Theystruggled.Youmustdothesame.

Whatwasthesecretoftheirvictory?Theirfaith.TheybelievedonJesusand,believing,weremadestrong.TheybelievedonJesusand,believing,wereheldup. Inall theirbattles, theykept theireyesonJesus,andHenever left them nor forsook them. ‘They overcame by the blood of theLamb,andbythewordoftheirtestimony,’andsomayyou(Rev.12:11).

Isetthesewordsbeforeyou.Iaskyoutolaythemtoheart.Resolve,bythegraceofGod,tobeanovercomingChristian.

I fearmuch formanyprofessingChristians. I seeno signof fighting inthem,much less of victory. Theynever strike one stroke on the side ofChrist. They are at peacewithHis enemies. They have no quarrelwith

sin.Iwarnyou,thisisnotChristianity.Thisisnotthewaytoheaven.

Ioftenfearmuchforthosewhohearthegospelregularly.Ifear,lestyoubecome so familiarwith the sound of its doctrines, that insensibly youbecomedeadtoitspower.Ifear,lestyourreligionshouldsinkdownintoa little vague talk about your ownweakness and corruption, and a fewsentimental expressions about Christ, while real practical fighting onChrist’ssideisaltogetherneglected.Oh,bewareofthisstateofmind.‘Bedoersoftheword,andnothearersonly’.Novictory—nocrown!Fightandovercome!(James1:22).

Youngmenandwomen,andspeciallythosewhohavebeenbroughtupinreligiousfamilies,Ifearmuchforyou.Ifearlestyougetahabitofgivingwaytoeverytemptation.Ifearlestyoubecomeafraidofsaying,‘No!’tothe world and the devil and, when sinners entice you, think it leasttrouble to consent. Beware, I do beseech you, of giving way. Everyconcession will make you weaker. Go into the world resolved to fightChrist’sbattle,andfightyourwayon.

BelieversintheLordJesus,ofeverychurchandrankinlife,Ifeelmuchforyou.Iknowyourcourseishard.Iknowitisasorebattleyouhavetofight. I know you are often tempted to say, ‘It is of no use,’ and to laydownyourarmsaltogether.

Cheerup,dearbrothersandsisters.Takecomfort,Ientreatyou.Lookatthebright sideof yourposition.Be encouraged to fight on.The time isshort.TheLordisathand.Thenightisfarspent.Millionsasweakasyouhavefoughtthesamefight.Notoneofallthosemillionshasbeenfinallyled captivebySatan.Mighty are your enemies, but theCaptainof yoursalvationismightierstill.Hisarm,HisgraceandHisSpiritshallholdyouup.Cheerup.Benotcastdown.

Whatthoughyouloseabattleortwo?Youshallnotloseall.Whatthoughyoufaintsometimes?Youshallnotbequitecastdown.Whatthoughyoufallseventimes?Youshallnotbedestroyed.Watchagainstsin,andsinshallnothavedominionoveryou.Resistthedevil,andheshallfleefromyou.Comeoutboldlyfromtheworld,andtheworldshallbeobligedtoletyougo.Youshall findyourselves in theendmorethanconquerors;you

shall‘overcome’.

Consideringtherelevancyofthiswholesubject,letuslookintohowthiswholedoctrinetouchesuponusinpracticalterms:

1.Foronething,letmewarnallwhoarelivingonlyfortheworld,totakeheedwhattheyaredoing.YouareenemiestoChrist,thoughyoumaynotknow it.Hemarks yourways, though you turn your back onHim andrefuse to give Him your hearts. He is observing your daily life, andreading your daily ways. There will yet be a resurrection of all yourthoughts,wordsandactions.Youmayforgetthem,butGoddoesnot.Youmaybecarelessabout them,but theyarecarefullymarkeddown in thebookofremembrance.Oh,worldlyman,thinkofthis!Tremble,trembleandrepent.

2.Letmewarnallformalistsandself–righteouspeopletotakeheedthatthey are not deceived. You fancy youwill go to heaven because you goregularly to church. You indulge an expectation of eternal life, becauseyouarealwaysattheLord’stable,andarenevermissinginyourpew.Butwhereisyourrepentance?Whereisyourfaith?Whereareyourevidencesofanewheart?WhereistheworkoftheSpirit?Whereareyourevidencesofregeneration?Oh,formalChristian,considerthesequestions!Tremble,trembleandrepent.

3.Letmewarnallcarelessmembersofchurchestobewarelesttheytrifletheirsoulsintohell.Youliveonyearafteryearasiftherewasnobattletobe fought with sin, the world and the devil. You pass through life asmiling,laughing,gentleman–like,orlady–likeperson,andbehaveas iftherewas no devil, no heaven and no hell.Oh, careless churchman, orcarelessDissenter, carelessEpiscopalian, carelessPresbyterian, carelessIndependent,carelessBaptist,awaketoseeeternalrealitiesintheirtruelight!AwakeandputonthearmorofGod!Awakeandfighthardforlife!Tremble,trembleandrepent.

4.Letmewarneveryonewhowantstobesaved,nottobecontentwiththeworld’sstandardofreligion.SurelynomanwithhiseyesopencanfailtoseethattheChristianityoftheNewTestamentissomethingfarhigherand deeper than the Christianity of most professing Christians. That

formal, easy–going, do–little thing,whichmost people call ‘religion’, isevidentlynotthereligionoftheLordJesus.ThethingsthatHepraisesinthese seven epistles are not praised by the world. The things that Heblamesarenotthingsinwhichtheworldseesanyharm.Oh,ifyouwouldfollow Christ, be not content with the world’s Christianity! Tremble,trembleandrepent.

5.Lastly,letmewarneveryonewhoprofessestobeabelieverintheLordJesus,nottobecontentwithalittlereligion.

OfallsightsinthechurchofChrist,Iknownonemorepainfultomyowneyes, thanaChristiancontentedandsatisfiedwitha littlegrace,a littlerepentance, a little faith, a little knowledge, a little charity and a littleholiness. I do beseech and entreat every believing soul that reads thistractnottobethatkindofman.Ifyouhaveanydesiresafterusefulness,if you have any wishes to promote your Lord’s glory, if you have anylongingsaftermuchinwardpeace,benotcontentwithalittlereligion.

Let us rather seek, every yearwe live, tomakemore spiritual progressthanwehavedone, togrow ingrace,and in theknowledgeof theLordJesus;togrowinhumilityandself–acquaintance;togrowinspiritualityand heavenly–mindedness; to grow in conformity to the image of ourLord.

Let us beware of leaving our first love like Ephesus, of becominglukewarm like Laodicea, of tolerating false practices like Pergamos, oftamperingwithfalsedoctrinelikeThyatira,ofbecominghalfdead,readytodie,LikeSardis.

Letusrathercovet thebestgifts.LetusaimateminentholinessLetusendeavor tobe likeSmyrna andPhiladelphia.Let ushold fastwhatwehave already, and continually seek to have more. Let us labor to beunmistakableChristians.Let itnotbeourdistinctivecharacter, thatwearemenofscience,ormenofliteraryattainments,ormenoftheworld,ormenofpleasure,ormenofbusiness,but ‘menofGod’.Letusso livethatallmayseethattousthethingsofGodarethefirstthings,andthegloryofGodthefirstaiminourlives,tofollowChristourgrandobjectintimepresent,tobewithChristourgranddesireintimetocome.

Letusliveinthisway,andweshallbehappy.Letusliveinthisway,andweshalldogoodtotheworld.Letusliveinthisway,andweshallleavegoodevidencebehinduswhenweareburied.Letusliveinthisway,andtheSpirit’swordtothechurcheswillnothavebeenspokentousinvain.

DoyouloveMe?

"DoyouloveMe?"(John21:16)

Adisposition to lovesomebody isoneof thecommonest feelingswhichGod has implanted in human nature. Too often, unhappily, people settheiraffectiononunworthyobjects. Iwant thisday toclaimaplaceforHimwhoalone isworthyofallourhearts’best feelings. Iwantmen togive some of their love to that divine Person who loved us, and gaveHimself forus. Inall their loving Iwouldhave themnot forget toLoveChrist.

Thequestionwhichheads thismessagewas addressedbyChrist to theapostlePeter.Amore important question couldnot be asked.Eighteenhundredyearshavepassedawaysincethewordswerespoken.Buttothisverydaytheinquiryismostsearchinganduseful.

Suffermetopressthismightysubjectupontheattentionofeveryreaderof thismessage. This is nomatter formere enthusiasts and fanatics.ItdeservestheconsiderationofeveryreasonableChristianwhobelievestheBible.Ourverysalvationisboundupwithit.Lifeordeath,heavenorhell,dependonourabilitytoanswerthesimplequestion"DoyouloveChrist?"

There are two pointswhich Iwish to bring forward in opening up thissubject.

1. Letme show thepeculiar feeling of a trueChristian towardsChrist—he lovesHim.A trueChristian is not amere baptizedman orwoman.He is somethingmore.He isnot a personwhoonly goes, as amatterofform,toachurchorchapelonSundays,andlivesalltherestoftheweekas if therewasnoGod.Formality isnotChristianity.Ignorantlipworshipisnottruereligion.TheScripturespeaksexpressly:"TheyarenotallIsraelwhichareofIsrael"(Rom.9:6).Thepracticallessonofthosewordsisclearandplain.AllarenottrueChristianswhoaremembersofthevisiblechurchofChrist.

ThetrueChristianisonewhosereligionisinhisheartandlife.Itisfeltbyhimselfinhisheart.Itisseenbyothersinhisconductandlife.Hefeelshissinfulness,guiltandbadness,andrepents.HeseesJesusChristtobethatdivineSaviorwhomhissoulneeds,andcommitshimselftoHim.Heputsofftheoldmanwithhiscorruptandcarnalhabits,andputsonthenewman. He lives a new and holy life, fighting habitually against theworld, the flesh and the devil. ChristHimself is the cornerstone of hisChristianity.Ask him inwhat he trusts for the forgiveness of hismanysins, and he will tell you, in the death of Christ. Ask him in whatrighteousness he hopes to stand innocent at the judgment day, and hewilltellyouitistherighteousnessofChrist.Askhimbywhatpatternhetriestoframehislife,andhewilltellyouthatitistheexampleofChrist.

But, beside all this, there is one thing in a true Christian which iseminentlypeculiartohim.ThatthingislovetoChrist.Knowledge,faith,hope, reverence,obedienceareallmarked features ina trueChristian’scharacter. But his picture would be very imperfect if you omitted his"love"tohisdivineMaster.Henotonlyknows,trustsandobeys.Hegoesfurtherthanthis—heloves.

This peculiarmark of a trueChristian is onewhichwe findmentionedseveral times in the Bible. "Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ" is anexpression which many Christians are familiar with. Let it never beforgotten that love ismentioned by theHoly Spirit in almost as strongterms as faith. Great as the danger is of him "that believes not," thedanger of him that "loves not" is equally great. Not believing and notlovingarebothstepstoeverlastingruin.

Hearwhat Paul says to the Corinthians "If anyman love not the LordJesusChrist,lethimbeAnathemaMaranatha"(1Cor.16:22).PaulallowsnowayofescapetothemanwhodoesnotloveChrist.Heleaveshimnoloophole or excuse.Amanmay lack clear head–knowledge, and yet besaved.Hemayfail incourage,andbeovercomebythefearofman,likePeter.Hemayfall tremendously, likeDavid,andyetriseagain.But ifaman does not love Christ, he is not in theway of life. The curse is yetuponhim.Heisonthebroadroadthatleadstodestruction.

HearwhatPaulsaystotheEphesians:"Gracebewithallthosewholove

our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity" (Eph. 6:24). The apostle is heresendinghisgoodwishes,anddeclaringhisgoodwilltoalltrueChristians.Manyof them,nodoubt,hehadneverseen.Manyof them in theearlychurches,wemay be very sure,wereweak in faith and knowledge andself–denial.How, then, shallhedescribe them in sendinghismessage?Whatwordscanheusewhichwillnotdiscourage theweakerbrethren?He chooses a sweeping expression which exactly describes all trueChristians under one common name. All had not attained to the samedegree,whetherindoctrineorpractice.ButalllovedChristinsincerity.

HearwhatourLordJesusChristHimselfsaystotheJews:"IfGodwereyour Father, you would love Me" (John 8:42). He saw His misguidedenemiessatisfiedwiththeirspiritualcondition,ontheonesinglegroundthat theywere children of Abraham.He saw them, likemany ignorantChristians of our ownday, claiming to beGod’s children, for no betterreasonsthanthis:thattheywerecircumcisedandbelongedtotheJewishchurch.HelaysdownthebroadprinciplethatnomanisachildofGod,whodoesnot loveGod’s onlybegottenSon.Nomanhas a right to callGod "Father" who does not love Christ. Well would it be for manyChristiansiftheyweretorememberthatthismightyprincipleappliestothemaswellastotheJews.NolovetoChrist—thennosonshiptoGod!

Hear oncemore what our Lord Jesus Christ said to the Apostle Peter,after He rose from the dead. Three times He asked him the question,"Simon, sonof Jonas,Doyou loveMe?" (John21:15–17).Theoccasionwas remarkable. He meant gently to remind His erring disciple of histhrice–repeatedfall.Hedesiredtocall forthfromhimanewconfessionof faith, before publicly restoring to him his commission to feed thechurch.Andwhatwas thequestion thatHeaskedhim?Hemighthavesaid,"Believeyou?""Areyouconverted?""AreyoureadytoconfessMe?""WillyouobeyMe?"Heusesnoneoftheseexpressions.Hesimplysays,"DoyouloveMe?"Thisisthepoint,Hewouldhaveusknow,onwhichaman’sChristianityhinges. Simple as thequestion sounded, itwasmostsearching.Plainandeasy tobeunderstoodby themostunlearnedpoorman, it contains matter which tests the reality of the most advancedapostle.IfamantrulylovesChrist,allisright;ifnot,alliswrong.

WouldyouknowthesecretofthispeculiarfeelingtowardsChristwhich

distinguishes thetrueChristian?Youhave it in thewordsofJohn: "WeloveHim, becauseHe first loved us" (1 John 4:19). That text no doubtappliesspeciallytoGodtheFather.ButitisnolesstrueofGodtheSon.

AtrueChristianlovesChristforallHehasdoneforhim.Hehassufferedinhisstead,anddied forhimonthecross.Hehasredeemedhimfromthe guilt, the power and the consequences of sin byHis blood.He hascalledhimbyHisSpirit to self–knowledge, repentance, faith,hopeandholiness.Hehasforgivenallhismanysinsandblottedthemout.Hehasfreedhimfromthecaptivityoftheworld,thefleshandthedevil.Hehastakenhimfromthebrinkofhell,placedhiminthenarrowway,andsethis face towards heaven. He has given him light instead of darkness,peace of conscience instead of uneasiness, hope instead of uncertainty,lifeinsteadofdeath.CanyouwonderthatthetrueChristianlovesChrist?

AndhelovesHimbesides,forallthatHeisstilldoing.HefeelsthatHeisdailywashingawayhismanyshortcomingsandinfirmities,andpleadinghissoul’scausebeforeGod.Heisdailysupplyingalltheneedsofhissoul,and providing himwith an hourly provision ofmercy and grace.He isdaily leadinghimbyHisSpirit toacityofhabitation,bearingwithhimwhenheisweakandignorant,raisinghimupwhenhestumblesandfalls,protectinghimagainsthismanyenemies,preparinganeternalhomeforhiminheaven.CanyouwonderthatthetrueChristianlovesChrist?

Does the debtor in Jail love the friend who unexpectedly andundeservedlypaysallhisdebts,supplieshimwithfreshcapital,andtakeshimintopartnershipwithhimself?Doestheprisonerinwarlovethemanwho,attheriskofhisownlife,breaksthroughtheenemies’lines,rescueshim and sets him free? Does the drowning sailor love the man whoplungesintothesea,divesafterhim,catcheshimbythehairofhisheadandbyamightyeffortsaveshimfromawaterygrave?Averychildcananswersuchquestionsasthese.Justinthesameway,anduponthesameprinciples,atrueChristianlovesJesusChrist.

a.ThislovetoChrististheinseparablecompanionofsavingfaith.Afaithofdevils,amereintellectualfaith,amanmayhavewithoutlove,butnotthat faith which saves. Love cannot usurp the office of faith. It cannotjustify. It does not join the soul to Christ. It cannot bring peace to the

conscience. But where there is real justifying faith in Christ, there willalwaysbeheartlovetoChrist.Hethatisreallyforgivenisthemanwhowill really love (Luke7:47). If amanhasno love toChrist, youmaybesurehehasnofaith.

b.LovetoChrististhemainspringofworkforChrist.ThereislittledoneforHiscauseonearthfromsenseofduty,orfromknowledgeofwhatisright and proper. The heart must be interested before the hands willmove and continue moving. Excitement may galvanize the Christian’shands into a fitful and spasmodic activity. But therewill be no patientcontinuance in well–doing, no unwearied labor in missionary work athomeorabroad,without love.Thenurse inahospitalmaydoherdutyproperlyandwell,maygivethesickmanhismedicineattherighttime,mayfeedhim,ministertohimandattendtoallhiswants.Butthereisavastdifferencebetweenthatnurseandawife tending thesick–bedofabelovedhusband,oramotherwatchingoveradyingchild.Theoneactsfromasenseofduty;theotherfromaffectionandlove.Theonedoesherduty because she is paid for it; the other iswhat she is because of herheart.ItisjustthesameinthematteroftheserviceofChrist.Thegreatworkers of the church, the men who have led forlorn hopes in themission–field, and turned the world upside down, have all beeneminentlyloversofChrist.

Examine the charactersofOwenandBaxter, ofRutherfordandGeorgeHerbert, of Leighton and Hervey, of Whitefield and Wesley, of HenryMartyn and Judson, of Bickersteth and Simeon, of Hewitson andMCCHEYNE,ofStowellandM’Neile.Thesemenhaveleftamarkontheworld. Andwhatwas the common feature of their characters? They alllovedChrist.Theynotonlyheldacreed.They lovedaPerson,even theLordJesusChrist.

c.LovetoChrististhepointwhichweoughtspeciallytodwellupon, inteaching religion to children. Election, imputed righteousness, originalsin, justification, sanctification and even faith itself are matters whichsometimes puzzle a child of tender years. But love to Jesus seems farmorewithin reach of their understanding. ThatHe loved them even toHis death, and that they ought to loveHim in return, is a creedwhichmeetsthespanoftheirminds.Howtrueit isthat"outofthemouthsof

babesand sucklingsYouhasperfectedpraise"! (Matt. 21:16).TherearemyriadsofChristianswhoknoweveryarticleof theAthanasian,NiceneandApostolicCreeds,andyetknowlessofrealChristianitythana littlechildwhoonlyknowsthathelovesChrist.

d. Love to Christ is the common meeting point of believers of everybranch of Christ’s church on earth. Whether Episcopalian orPresbyterian, Baptist or Independent, Calvinist orArminian,MethodistorMoravian, Lutheran orReformed, Established or Free—here at leasttheyareagreed.Aboutformsandceremonies,aboutchurchgovernmentandmodesofworship,theyoftendifferwidely.Butononepoint,atanyrate,theyareunited.TheyhaveallonecommonfeelingtowardsHimonwhomtheybuildtheirhopeofsalvation.They"lovetheLordJesusChristin sincerity" (Eph 6:24). Many of them, perhaps, are ignorant ofsystematicdivinity,andcouldarguebutfeeblyindefenseoftheircreed.ButtheyallknowwhattheyfeeltowardsHimwhodiedfortheirsins."Icannot speak much for Christ, sir," said an old uneducated Christianwoman toDr.Chalmers, "but if I cannot speak forHim, I coulddie forHim!"

e. Love to Christ will be the distinguishing mark of all saved souls inheaven.Themultitudewhichnomancannumberwillallbeofonemind.Old differences will be merged in one common feeling. Old doctrinalpeculiarities,fiercelywrangledforuponearth,willbecoveredoverbyonecommon sense of debt to Christ. Luther and Zwingli will no longerdispute.Wesley and Toplady will no longer waste time in controversy.ChurchmenandDissenterswillno longerbiteanddevouroneanother.Allwillfindthemselvesjoiningwithoneheartandvoiceinthathymnofpraise:"UntoHimthatlovedus,andwashedusfromoursinsinHisownblood, and hasmade us kings and priests untoGod and his Father; toHimbegloryanddominionforeverandever.Amen"(Rev.1:5–6).

ThewordswhichJohnBunyanputsinthemouthofMr.Standfast,ashestood in the river of death, are very beautiful.He said, "This river hasbeenaterrortomany;yes,thethoughtsof italsohaveoftenfrightenedme.ButnowmethinksIstandeasy:myfootisfixeduponthatonwhichthe feet of the priests that bear the ark stood while Israel went overJordan. Thewaters indeed are to the palate bitter, and to the stomach

cold;yetthethoughtsofwhatIamgoingto,andoftheconvoythatwaitsformeon theotherside, lieasaglowingcoalatmyheart. I seemyselfnowattheendofmyjourney;mytoilsomedaysareended.Iamgoingtosee thatheadwhichwas crownedwith thorns, and that facewhichwasspituponforme.Ihaveformerlylivedbyhearingandfaith,butnowIgowhereIshalllivebysight,andbewithHiminwhosecompanyIdelightmyself.IhavelovedtohearmyLordspokenof;andwhereverIhaveseentheprintofHisshoeintheearth,thereIhavecovetedtosetmyfoot,too.Hisnamehasbeentomeacivet–box;yes,sweeterthanallperfumes!Hisvoice to me has been most sweet; and His countenance I have moredesired than those who have desired the light of the sun!" Happy arethosewhoknowsomethingofthisexperience!HethatwouldbeintuneforheavenmustknowsomethingoflovetoChrist.Hethatdiesignorantofthatlovehadbetterneverhavebeenborn.

2. Letme show, in the second place, the peculiarmarks bywhichlovetoChristmakesitselfknown.

Thepointisoneofvastimportance.Ifthereisnosalvationwithoutloveto Christ, if he that does not love Christ is in peril of eternalcondemnation,itbecomesusalltofindoutverydistinctlywhatweknowabout thismatter. Christ is in heaven, andwe are upon earth. InwhatwayshallthemanbediscernedthatlovesHim?

Happily thepoint isonewhich it isnot veryhard to settle.Howdoweknow whether we love any person here upon earth? In what way andmanner does love show itself between people in this world, betweenhusbandandwife,betweenparentandchild,betweenbrotherandsister,betweenfriendandfriend?Letthesequestionsbeansweredbycommonsenseandobservation,andIasknomore.Letthesequestionsbehonestlyanswered, and the knot before us is untied. How does affection showitselfamongourselves?

a.Ifweloveaperson,weliketothinkabouthim.Wedonotneedtobereminded of him.We do not forget his name or his appearance or hischaracterorhisopinionsorhis tastesorhispositionorhisoccupation.He comes up before our mind’s eye many a time in the day. Thoughperhapsfardistant,heisoftenpresentinourthoughts.Well,itisjustso

betweenthetrueChristianandChrist!Christ"dwellsinhisheart,"andisthoughtofmoreorlesseveryday(Eph.3:17).ThetrueChristiandoesnotneed tobe reminded thathehas a crucifiedMaster.Heoften thinksofHim.HeneverforgetsthatHehasaday,acauseandapeople,andthatofHis people he is one. Affection is the real secret of a goodmemory inreligion.Noworldlyman can thinkmuchaboutChrist, unlessChrist ispresseduponhisnotice,becausehehasnoaffection forHim.The trueChristianhas thoughtsaboutChristeveryday thathe lives, for thisonesimplereasonthathelovesHim.

b.Ifwe loveaperson,we liketohearabouthim.Wefindapleasure inlistening to those who speak of him.We feel an interest in any reportwhichothersmakeofhim.Weareall attentionwhenothers talkabouthim,anddescribehisways,hissayings,hisdoingsandhisplans.Somemay hear him mentioned with utter indifference, but our own heartsboundwithinusattheverysoundofhisname.Well,itisjustsobetweenthe true Christian and Christ. The true Christian delights to hearsomethingabouthisMaster.HelikesthosesermonsbestwhicharefullofChrist. He enjoys that society most in which people talk of the thingswhichareChrist’s.IhavereadofanoldWelshbeliever,whousedtowalkseveralmileseverySundaytohearanEnglishclergymanpreach,thoughshedidnotunderstandawordofEnglish.Shewasaskedwhyshedidso.Shereplied,thatthisclergymannamedthenameofChristsoofteninhissermons,thatitdidhergood.ShelovedeventhenameofherSavior.

c.Ifweloveaperson,weliketoreadabouthim.Whatintensepleasurealetterfromanabsenthusbandgivestoawife,oraletterfromanabsentsontohismother.Othersmaysee littleworthnotice in the letter.Theycanscarcely take the trouble to read it through.But thosewho love thewriter see something in the letterwhich no one else can. They carry itaboutwiththemasatreasure.Theyreaditoverandoveragain.Well,itisjustsobetweenthetrueChristianandChrist!ThetrueChristiandelightstoreadtheScriptures,becausetheytellhimabouthisbelovedSavior.Itisnowearisometaskwithhimtoreadthem.HerarelyneedsremindingtotakehisBiblewithhimwhenhegoesa journey.Hecannotbehappywithoutit.Andwhyisallthis?ItisbecausetheScripturestestifyofHimwhomhissoulloves,evenChrist.

d.Ifwe loveaperson,we liketopleasehim.Wearegladtoconsulthistastes andopinions, to act uponhis advice anddo the thingswhich heapproves.Weevendenyourselvestomeethiswishes,abstainfromthingswhichweknowhedislikesandlearnthingstowhichwearenotnaturallyinclined, because we think it will give him pleasure.Well, it is just sobetween the true Christian and Christ! The true Christian studies topleaseHim,bybeingholybothinbodyandspirit.Showhimanythinginhis daily practice that Christ hates, and he will give it up. Show himanythingthatChristdelights in,andhewill followafter it.Hedoesnotmurmur at Christ’s requirements as being too strict and severe, as thechildren of the world do. To him Christ’s commandments are notgrievous,andChrist’sburdenislight.Andwhyisallthis?SimplybecausehelovesHim.

e. Ifwe love a person,we likehis friends.We are favorably inclined tothem,evenbeforeweknowthem.Wearedrawntothembythecommontieofcommonlovetooneandthesameperson.Whenwemeetthemwedo not feel that we are altogether strangers. There is a bond of unionbetween us. They love the person that we love, and that alone is anintroduction.Well,itisjustsobetweenthetrueChristianandChrist!ThetrueChristianregardsallChrist’s.friendsashisfriends,membersofthesame body, children of the same family, soldiers in the same army,travelersto the samehome.Whenhemeets them,he feelsas ifhehadlongknownthem.Heismoreathomewiththeminafewminutes,thanhe is withmanyworldly people after an acquaintance of several years.Andwhatisthesecretofallthis?ItissimplyaffectiontothesameSaviorandlovetothesameLord.

f. Ifwe loveaperson,weare jealousabouthisnameandhonor.Wedonot like to hear him spoken against, without speaking up for him anddefending him. We feel bound to maintain his interests and hisreputation.Weregardthepersonwhotreatshimillwithalmostasmuchdisfavor as if he had ill–treated us.Well, it is just so between the trueChristianandChrist!ThetrueChristianregardswithagodlyjealousyalleffortstodisparagehisMaster’sword,orname,orchurch,orday.Hewillconfess Him before princes, if need be, and be sensitive of the leastdishonor put upon Him. He will not hold his peace, and suffer his

Master’scausetobeputtoshame,withouttestifyingagainstit.Andwhyisallthis?SimplybecausehelovesHim.

g.Ifweloveaperson,weliketotalktohim.Wetellhimallourthoughts,and pour out all our heart to him.We find no difficulty in discoveringsubjects of conversation. However silent and reserved we may be toothers,wefinditeasytotalktoamuch–lovedfriend.Howeveroftenwemaymeet,weareneveratalossformattertotalkabout.Wehavealwaysmuch to say, much to ask about, much to describe, much tocommunicate.Well, it is just so between the trueChristian andChrist!ThetrueChristianfindsnodifficultyinspeakingtohisSavior.Everydayhehassomethingto tellHim,andhe isnothappyunlesshetells it.HespeakstoHiminprayereverymorningandnight.HetellsHimhiswantsand desires, his feelings and his fears. He asks counsel of Him indifficulty.HeaskscomfortofHimintrouble.Hecannothelpit.HemustconversewithhisSaviorcontinually,orhewould faintby theway.Andwhyisthis?SimplybecausehelovesHim.

h.Finally, ifwe loveaperson,we like tobealwayswithhim.Thinkingandhearingandreadingandoccasionallytalkingareallwellintheirway.Butwhenwereallylovepeoplewewantsomethingmore.Welongtobealwaysintheircompany.Wewishtobecontinuallyintheirsociety,andtoholdcommunionwiththemwithoutinterruptionorfarewell.Well,itisjust so between the true Christian and Christ! The heart of a trueChristian longs for thatblesseddaywhenhewill seehisMaster face toface, and go out no more. He longs to have done with sinning andrepentingandbelievingandtobeginthatendlesslifewhenheshallseeashehasbeenseen,andsinnomore.Hehasfounditsweettolivebyfaith,and he feels it will be sweeter still to live by sight. He has found itpleasanttohearofChristandtalkofChristandreadofChrist.HowmuchmorepleasantwillitbetoseeChristwithhisowneyes,andnevertoleavehim any more! "Better," he feels, "is the sight of the eyes than thewanderingofthedesire"(Eccl.6:9).Andwhyisallthis?SimplybecausehelovesHim.

Suchare themarksbywhich true lovemaybediscovered.Theyareallplain,simpleandeasytobeunderstood.Thereisnothingdark,abstruseandmysteriousaboutthem.Usethemhonestly,andhandlethemfairly,

andyoucannotfailtogetsomelightonthesubjectofthismessage.

Perhapsyouhadabelovedson in theduringa timeofwar.Perhapshewasactively engaged in thatwar, and in theverymidstof the struggle.Cannot you remember how strong and deep and anxious your feelingswereaboutthatson?Thatwaslove!

Perhapsyouhaveknownwhatitistohaveabelovedhusbandinthenavy,often called from home by duty, often separated from you for manymonths and even years.Cannot you recollect your sorrowful feelingsatthattimeofseparation?Thatwaslove!

Perhapsyouhaveatthismomentabelovedbrotherwhohasmovedtoalarge community, launched for the first timeamid the temptationsof agreatcity,inordertomakehiswayineducationorbusiness.Howwillheturnout?Howwillhegeton?Willyoueverseehimagain?Doyounotknowthatyouoftenthinkaboutthatbrother?Thatisaffection!

Perhapsyouareengaged tobemarried toapersoneveryway suited toyou.Butprudencemakes itnecessarytodeferthemarriagetoadistantperiod,anddutymakesitnecessarytobeatadistancefromtheoneyouhavepromisedtomakeyourwife.Mustyounotconfessthatsheisofteninyourthoughts?Mustyounotconfessthatyouliketohearofher,andhearfromher,andthatyoulongtoseeher?Thatisaffection!

All of this is familiar to everyone, and I need not elaborate. There ishardly a branch of Adam’s family that is ignorant of what it means tolove.Then let itneverbe said thatwe cannotknow if aChristian lovesChrist.Itmaybediscovered,itcanbeknown,theproofsareallreadytoyourhand.LovetotheLordJesusChristisnohidden,secret,impalpablething. It is like light and soundandheat; it is seen andheard and felt.Wherethereisnoevidenceforlove,lovedoesnotexist.

Itistimeformetodrawthismessagetoaconclusion.ButIcannotendwithoutanefforttopressitssubjecthometotheindividualconscienceofeachintowhosehands ithas fallen. Ido it inall loveandaffection.Myheart’sdesireandprayertoGod,inwritingthismessage,istodogoodtosouls.

1.Letmeaskyouto lookthequestioninthefacewhichChristaskedofPeter, and try toanswer it foryourself.Lookat it seriously.Examine itcarefully.Weighitwell.AfterreadingallthatIhavesaidaboutit,canyouhonestlysaythatyouloveChrist?

It isnoanswer to tellme thatyoubelieve the truthofChristianity,andhold the articles of the Christian faith. Such religion as this will neversaveyour soul.Thedevilsbelieve ina certainway,and tremble(James2:19).TruesavingChristianity isnot themerebelievingacertain setofopinions, and holding a certain set of notions. Its essence is knowing,trustingand lovinga certain livingPersonwhodied forus, evenChristtheLord.TheearlyChristians,likePhoebeandPersisandTryphenaandTryphosa and Gaius and Philemon, knew little probably of dogmatictheology.Buttheyallhadthisgrandleadingfeatureintheirreligion:theylovedChrist.

Itisnoanswertotellmethatyoudisapproveofareligionoffeelings.Ifyoumean by that that you dislike a religion consisting of nothing butfeelings, I agreewith you entirely.But if youmean to shut out feelingsaltogether, you can know little of Christianity. The Bible teaches usplainlythatamanmayhavegoodfeelingswithoutanytruereligion.Butit teaches us no less plainly that there can be no true religionwithoutsomefeelingtowardsChrist.

It isvain toconceal that, ifyoudonot loveChrist,yoursoul is ingreatdanger.Youcanhavenosavingfaithnowwhileyoulive.Youareunfitforheavenifyoudie.HethatliveswithoutlovetoChristcanbesensibleofnoobligationtoHim.HethatdieswithoutlovetoChristcouldneverbehappy in thatheavenwhereChrist isall,and inall.Awake toknowtheperilofyourposition.Openyoureyes.Consideryourways,andbewise.Icanonlywarnyouasafriend.ButIdoitwithallmyheartandsoul.MayGodgrantthatthiswarningmaynotbeinvain!

2.IfyoudonotloveChrist,letmetellyouplainlywhatisthereason.YouhavenosenseofdebttoHim.YouhavenofeelingofobligationtoHim.YouhavenoabidingrecollectionofhavinggotanythingfromHim.Thisbeingthecase,itisnotlikely,itisnotprobable,itisnotreasonablethatyoushouldloveHim.

There is but one remedy for this state of things. That remedy is self–knowledge and the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The eyes of yourunderstanding must be opened. You must find out what you are bynature.Youmustdiscoverthatgrandsecret,yourguiltandemptinessinGod’ssight.

Perhaps you never read your Bible at all, or only read an occasionalchapter as a mere matter of form, without interest, understanding, orself–application.Takemyadvicethisday,andchangeyourplan.Begintoread the Bible like aman in earnest, and never rest until you becomefamiliarwithit.ReadwhatthelawofGodrequires,asexpoundedbytheLord Jesus in the fifth of Matthew. Read how Paul describes humannatureinthefirsttwochaptersofhisEpistletotheRomans.Studysuchpassages as these with prayer for the Spirit’s teaching, and then saywhetheryouarenotadebtor toGod,andadebtor inmightyneedofafriendlikeChrist.

Perhaps you are one who has never known anything of real, hearty,business–likeprayer.Youhavebeenusedtoregardreligionasanaffairofchurches, chapels, forms, services and Sundays, but not as a thingrequiring the serious heartfelt attention of the inward man. Take myadvice this day, and change your plan. Begin the habit of real earnestpleadingwithGodaboutyoursoul.AskHimforlight,teachingandself–knowledge.BeseechHimtoshowyouanythingyouneedtoknowforthesavingofyoursoul.Dothiswithallyourheartandmind,andIhavenodoubtbeforelongyouwillfeelyourneedofChrist.

TheadviceIoffermayseemsimpleandold–fashioned.Donotdespiseiton that account. It is the good old way in whichmillions have walkedalready, and found peace to their souls. Not to love Christ is to be inimminent danger of eternal ruin. To see your need of Christ and youramazing debt to Christ is the first step towards loving Him. To knowyourselfandfindoutyourrealconditionbeforeGodistheonlywaytoseeyourneed.To searchGod’sbookandaskGod for light inprayer is therightcoursebywhichtoattainsavingknowledge.DonotbeabovetakingtheadviceIoffer.Takeitandbesaved.

3.Lastly, ifyoureallyknowanythingof lovetowardsChrist, accept two

partingwordsofcomfortandcounsel.TheLordgrant theymaydoyougood.

First,ifyouloveChristindeedandtruth,rejoiceinthethoughtthatyouhavegoodevidenceaboutthestateofyoursoul.Love,Itellyouthisday,isanevidenceofgrace.

Whatthoughyouaresometimesperplexedwithdoubtsandfears?Whatthough you find it hard to say whether your faith is genuine and yourgrace real?What thoughyoureyesareoftensodimmedwith tears thatyou cannot clearly see your calling and election of God? Still there isgroundforhopeandstrongconsolation,ifyourheartcantestifythatyouloveChrist.Wherethereistruelovethereisfaithandgrace.Youwouldnot loveHimifHehadnotdonesomethingforyou.Yourvery love isatokenforgood.

Secondly, if you love Christ, never be ashamed to let others see it andknowit.SpeakforHim.WitnessforHim.LiveforHim.WorkforHim.IfHehaslovedyouandwashedyoufromyoursinsinHisownblood,youneverneedshrinkfromlettingothersknowthatyoufeelit,andloveHiminreturn.

"Man,"saidathoughtless,ungodlyEnglishtraveler,toaNorthAmericanIndian convert, "Man, what is the reason that you make so much ofChrist,andtalksomuchaboutHim?WhathasthisChristdoneforyou,thatyoushouldmakesomuchadoaboutHim?"

TheconvertedIndiandidnotanswerhiminwords.Hegatheredtogethersomedryleavesandmossandmadearingwiththemontheground.Hepickedupa livewormandput it in themiddleof the ring.Hestruckalightand set themossand leaveson fire.The flamesoon rose, and theheatscorchedtheworm.Itwrithedinagony,andaftertrying invaintoescapeoneveryside,curleditselfupinthemiddle,as ifabouttodie indespair.AtthatmomenttheIndianreachedforthhishand,tookuptheworm gently and placed it on his bosom. "Stranger," he said to theEnglishman,"doyouseethatworm?Iwasthatperishingcreature.Iwasdyinginmysins,hopeless,helplessandonthebrinkofeternalfire.ItwasJesusChristwhoputforththearmofHispower.ItwasJesusChristwho

deliveredmewiththehandofHisgrace,andpluckedmefromeverlastingburnings. ItwasJesusChristwhoplacedme, apoor sinfulworm,nearthe heart of His love. Stranger, that is the reason why I talk of JesusChrist, andmakemuchofHim. I amnot ashamedof it, because I loveHim."

IfweknowanythingoflovetoChrist,maywehavethemindofthisNorthAmerican Indian!Maywenever think thatwe can loveChrist toowell,livetoHimtoothoroughly,confessHimtooboldly,layourselvesoutforHimtooheartily!Ofallthethingsthatwillsurpriseusintheresurrectionmorning,thisIbelievewillsurpriseusmost:thatwedidnotloveChristmorebeforewedied.

WithoutChrist

"YouwerewithoutChrist"(Eph.2:12).

The textwhichheads thismessagedescribes the stateof theEphesiansbeforetheybecameChristians.Butthatisnotall.Itdescribesthestateofeveryman andwoman in Englandwho is not yet converted to God. Amoremiserablestatecannotbeconceived!Itisbadenoughtobewithoutmoneyorwithouthealthorwithouthomeorwithoutfriends.Butitisfarworsetobe"withoutChrist."

Letusexaminethetextthisday,andseewhat itcontains.WhocantellbutitmayproveamessagefromGodtosomereaderofthismessage?

1.Letusconsiderwhenitcanbesaidofamanthatheis"withoutChrist."

The expression "without Christ," is not one of my own invention. Thewordswerenotfirstcoinedbyme,butwerewrittenundertheinspirationof theHolySpirit.TheywereusedbyPaulwhenhewas reminding the

EphesianChristianswhat their formerconditionwas,before theyheardthe gospel and believed. Ignorant and dark no doubt they had been,buriedinidolatryandheathenism,worshipersofthefalsegoddessDiana.Butallthishepassesovercompletely.Heseemstothinkthatthiswouldonlypartiallydescribetheirstate.Sohedrawsapicture,ofwhichtheveryfirst feature is theexpressionbeforeus: "At that timeyouwerewithoutChrist"(Eph.2:12).Nowwhatdoestheexpressionmean?

a. Aman is "without Christ"when be has no head–knowledge ofHim.Millions,nodoubt,are in thiscondition.TheyneitherknowwhoChristis,norwhatHehasdone,norwhatHetaught,norwhyHewascrucified,nor where He is now, nor what He is to mankind. In short, they areentirelyignorantofHim.Theheathen,ofcourse,whoneveryetheardthegospel,comefirstunderthisdescription.Butunhappilytheydonotstandalone.Thereare thousandsofpeople living inEnglandat thisveryday,who have hardly any clearer ideas about Christ than the very heathen.AskthemwhattheyknowaboutJesusChrist,andyouwillbeastoundedat the gross darkness which covers their minds. Visit them on theirdeathbeds,andyouwillfindthattheycantellyounomoreaboutChristthanaboutMohammed.Thousandsareinthisstateincountryparishes,andthousandsintowns.Andaboutallsuchpeoplebutoneaccountcanbegiven.Theyare"withoutChrist."

IamawarethatsomemoderndivinesdonottaketheviewwhichIhavejust stated. They tell us that all mankind have a part and interest inChrist,whethertheyknowHimornot.Theysaythatallmenandwomen,however ignorant while they live, shall be taken by Christ’s mercy toheavenwhentheydie!Suchviews,Ifirmlybelieve,cannotbereconciledwithGod’sWord.Itiswritten"Thisislifeeternal,thattheymightknowYou the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" (John17:3). It is one of the marks of the wicked, on whom God shall takevengeance at the last day, that they "knownotGod" (2 Thess. 1:8). AnunknownChristisnoSavior.Whatshallbethestateoftheheathenafterdeath; how the savage who never heard the gospel shall be judged; inwhatmannerGodwilldealwiththehelplesslyignorantanduneducated—all these are questions which we may safely let alone. We may restassuredthat"theJudgeofalltheearthwilldoright"(Gen.18:25).Butwe

mustnotflyinthefaceofScripture.IfBiblewordsmeananything,tobeignorantofChrististobe"withoutChrist."

b.But this isnot all.Aman is "withoutChrist"whenhehasnoheart–faith inHimashisSavior. It isquitepossible toknowall aboutChrist,andyetnottoputourtrustinHim.Therearemultitudeswhoknoweveryarticleof thebelief, andcan tell youglibly thatChristwas "born of theVirgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead andburied." They learned it at school. They have it sticking fast in theirmemories.But theymakenopracticaluseof theirknowledge.Theyputtheirtrust insomethingwhich isnotChrist.Theyhope togo toheavenbecause they are moral and well–conducted, because they say theirprayersandgotochurch,becausetheyhavebeenbaptizedandgototheLord’stable.ButastoalivelyfaithinGod’smercythroughChrist—areal,intelligent confidence in Christ’s blood and righteousness andintercession—theyarethingsofwhichtheyknownothingatall.AndofallsuchpeopleIcanseebutonetrueaccount.Theyare"withoutChrist."

I amaware thatmanydonot admit the truth ofwhat I have just said.SometellusthatallbaptizedpeoplearemembersofChristbyvirtueoftheir baptism. Others tell us that where there is a head knowledgewehaveno right toquestionaperson’s interest inChrist.To theseviews Ihaveonlyoneplainanswer.TheBible forbidsustosaythatanymanisjoinedtoChristuntilhebelieves.BaptismisnoproofthatwearejoinedtoChrist.SimonMaguswasbaptized,andyetwasdistinctlytoldthathehad "no part or lot in thismatter" (Acts 8:21). Head–knowledge is noproof thatweare joined toChrist.ThedevilsknowChristwell enough,buthavenoportioninHim.Godknows,nodoubt,whoareHisfromalleternity. But man knows nothing of anyone’s justification until hebelieves.Thegrandquestion is: "Dowebelieve?" It iswritten, "He thatbelieves not the Son shall not see life; but thewrath of God abides onhim.""Hethatbelievesnotshallbedamned"(John3:36;Mark16:16).IfBiblewordsmeananything,tobewithoutfaithistobe"withoutChrist."

c.ButIhaveyetonethingmoretosay.Amanis"withoutChrist"whentheHolySpirit’sworkcannotbeseeninhislife.Whocanavoidseeing,ifheuseshis eyes, thatmyriadsofprofessingChristiansknownothingofinward conversion of heart? They will tell you that they believe the

Christian religion; they go to their places of worship with tolerableregularity;theythinkitaproperthingtobemarriedandburiedwithallthe ceremonies of the church; they would be much offended if theirChristianityweredoubted.ButwhereistheHolySpirittobeseenintheirlives?Whataretheirheartsandaffectionssetupon?Whoseistheimageandsuperscription that standsout in their tastes andhabits andways?Alas, therecanonlybeonereply!Theyknownothingexperimentallyoftherenewing, sanctifyingwork of theHoly Spirit. They are yet dead toGod.Andof all such only one account canbe given. They are "withoutChrist."

Iamwellaware that fewwilladmit this.Thevastmajoritywill tell youthat it is extreme and wild and extravagant to require so much inChristians,and topressoneveryoneconversion.Theywill say that it isimpossible to keep up the high standardwhich I have just referred to,without going out of the world, and that we may surely go to heavenwithoutbeingsuchverygreatsaints.Toallthis,Icanonlyreply,"WhatsaystheScripture?WhatsaystheLord?"Itiswritten,"Exceptamanbeborn again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." "Except you beconverted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into thekingdomofheaven.""HethatsaysheabidesinChrist,oughthimselfalsosotowalk,evenasHewalked.""IfanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,he is none of His" (John 3:3; Matt 18:3;1 John 2:6; Rom. 8:9). TheScripturecannotbebroken.IfBiblewordsmeananything,tobewithouttheSpiritistobe"withoutChrist."

IcommendthethreepropositionsIhave just laiddowntoyour seriousandprayerfulconsideration.Markwellwhattheycometo.Examinethemcarefully on every side. In order to have a saving interest in Christ,knowledge,faithandthegraceoftheHolySpiritareabsolutelynecessary.Hethatiswithoutthemis"withoutChrist."

How painfully ignorant are many! They know literally nothing aboutreligion.Christ and theHoly Spirit and faith and grace and conversionandsanctificationaremere"wordsandnames"tothem.Theycouldnotexplain what they mean, if it were to save their lives. And can suchignorance as this take anyone to heaven? Impossible! Withoutknowledge,"withoutChrist!"

How painfully self–righteous are many! They can talk complacentlyabout having "done their duty," and being "kind to everybody," andhavingalways"kepttotheirchurch,"andhaving"neverbeensoverybad"assome,andthereforetheyseemtothinktheymustgotoheaven!Andasto deep sense of sin and simple faith in Christ’s blood and sacrifice, itseems to have no place in their religion. Their talk is all of doing andneverofbelieving.Andwillsuchself–righteousnessasthis landanyoneinheaven?Never!Withoutfaith,"withoutChrist!"

How painfully ungodly are many! They live in the habitual neglect ofGod’s Sabbath, God’s Bible, God’s ordinances and God’s sacraments.TheythinknothingofdoingthingswhichGodhasflatlyforbidden.Theyare constantly living in ways which are directly contrary to God’scommandments.Andcansuchungodlinessendinsalvation?Impossible!WithouttheHolySpirit,"withoutChrist!"

Iknowwellthatatfirstsightthesestatementsseemhardandsharpandroughandsevere.Butafterall,aretheynotGod’struthasrevealedtousinScripture?Iftruth,oughttheynottobemadeknown?Ifnecessarytobeknown,oughttheynottobeplainlylaiddown?IfIknowanythingofmyownheart,IdesireaboveallthingstomagnifytherichesofGod’slovetosinners.Ilongtotellallmankindwhatawealthofmercyandloving-kindness there is laid up in God’s heart for all who will seek it. But Icannot find anywhere that ignorant and unbelieving and unconvertedpeople have any part in Christ! If I am wrong, I shall be thankful toanyonewhowillshowmeamoreexcellentway.ButuntilIamshownit,Imust stand fast on the positions I have already laid down. I dare notforsakethem,lestIbefoundguiltyofhandlingGod’sWorddeceitfully.Idarenotbesilentabout them, lest thebloodofsoulsberequiredatmyhands.Themanwithoutknowledge,withoutfaith,andwithouttheHolySpirit,isamanwithoutChrist!

2.WhatistheactualconditionofamanwithoutChrist?Thisisabranch of our present subject that demands very special attention.Thankful indeedshouldIbe if I couldexhibit it in its truecolors. Icaneasily imagine some reader saying to himself, "Well, suppose I amwithoutChrist,whereisthemightyharm?IhopeGodwillbemerciful.I

amnoworsethanmanyothers.Itrustallwillberightatlast."Listentome and, by God’s help, I will try to show that you are sadly deceived."WithoutChrist,"allwillnotberight,butalldesperatelywrong.

a.Foronething,tobe"withoutChrist"istobewithoutGod.TheApostleSt.PaultoldtheEphesiansasmuchasthis inplainwords.Heendsthefamous sentence which begins, "You were without Christ," by saying,"YouwerewithoutGodintheworld."Andwhothatthinkscanwonder?Thatmancanhavevery lowideasofGodwhodoesnotconceiveHimamostpureandholyandgloriousandspiritualBeing.Thatmanmustbeveryblindwhodoesnotseethathumannatureiscorruptandsinfulanddefiled. How then can such a worm as man draw near to God withcomfort?HowcanhelookuptoHimwithconfidenceandnotfeelafraid?How can he speak to Him, have dealings with Him, look forward todwellingwithHim,withoutdreadandalarm?TheremustbeamediatorbetweenGodandman,andthereisbutonethatcanfilltheoffice.ThatOneisChrist.

Who are you to talk of God’smercy andGod’s love separate from andindependent of Christ? There is no such love and mercy recorded inScripture. Know this day that God out of Christ is "a consuming fire"(Heb.12:29).MercifulHeis,beyondallquestionrichinmercy,plenteousinmercy.ButHismercyis inseparablyconnectedwiththemediationofHisbelovedSonJesusChrist.ItmustflowthroughHimastheappointedchannel,oritcannotflowatall.Itiswritten"HethathonorsnottheSon,honorsnottheFatherwhichhassentHim.""Iamtheway,thetruthandthe life noman comes unto the Father, but byMe" (John 5:23; 14:6)."WithoutChrist"wearewithoutGod.

b.Moreover,tobe"withoutChrist"istobewithoutpeace.Everymanhasaconsciencewithinhim,whichmustbesatisfiedbeforehecanbe trulyhappy.Solongasthisconscienceisasleeporhalfdead,solong,nodoubt,he gets alongprettywell. But as soon as aman’s consciencewakesup,and he begins to think of past sins and present failings and futurejudgment, at once he finds out that he needs something to give himinward rest. But what can do it? Repenting and praying and Biblereading, and church going, and sacrament receiving, and self–mortificationmaybetried,andtriedinvain.Theyneveryettookoffthe

burdenfromanyone’sconscience.Andyetpeacemustbehad!

Thereisonlyonethingcangivepeacetotheconscience,andthat is thebloodofJesusChristsprinkledonit.AclearunderstandingthatChrist’sdeathwas anactualpaymentof ourdebt toGod, and that themerit ofthatdeath ismadeover tomanwhenhebelieves, is thegrandsecretofinward peace. It meets every craving of conscience. It answers everyaccusation.Itcalmseveryfear.Itiswritten"ThesethingsIhavespokenunto you, that inMe youmight have peace." "He is our peace." "Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist"(John16:33;Eph.2:14;Rom.5:1).Wehavepeace through thebloodofHiscross:peacelikeadeepmine—peacelikeanever–flowingstream.But"withoutChrist"wearewithoutpeace.

c. To be "without Christ" is to be without hope. Hope of some sort orotheralmosteveryonethinkshepossesses.Rarelyindeedwillyoufindamanwhowillboldlytellyouthathehasnohopeatallabouthissoul.Buthowfewtherearethatcangive"areasonofthehopethatisinthem"!(1Pet.3:15).Howfewcanexplainit,describeitandshowitsfoundations!Howmanyahopeisnothingbetterthanavagueemptyfeeling,whichtheday of sickness and the hour of death will prove to be utterly useless,impotentaliketocomfortortosave.

Thereisbutonehopethathasroots,life,strengthandsolidity,andthatisthehopewhich is built on the great rockofChrist’swork andoffice asman’s Redeemer. "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,whichisJesusChrist"(1Cor.3:11).Hethatbuildsonthiscorner–stone"shall not be confounded."About this hope there is reality. Itwill bearlookingatandhandling.Itwillmeeteveryenquiry.Searchitthroughandthrough,andyouwillfindnoflawwhateverinit.Allotherhopesbesidethisareworthless.Likesummer–driedfountains,theyfailmanjustwhenhis need is the sorest. They are like unsound ships,which lookwell solong as they lie quiet in harbor, but when the winds and the waves ofocean begin to try them, their rotten condition is discovered and theysinkbeneaththewaters.There isnosuchthingasagoodhopewithoutChrist,and"withoutChrist"istohave"nohope"(Eph.2:12).

d.Tobe"withoutChrist"istobewithoutheaven.InsayingthisIdonot

merely mean that there is no entrance into heaven, but that "withoutChrist" there could be no happiness in being there. A man without aSaviorandRedeemercouldneverfeelathomeinheaven.Hewouldfeelthathehadno lawfulrightortitle tobethere;boldnessandconfidenceandeaseofheartwouldbeimpossible.Amidpureandholyangels,undertheeyesofapureandholyGod,hecouldnotholduphishead;hewouldfeelconfoundedandashamed. It is theveryessenceofall trueviewsofheaventhatChrististhere.

Who are you that dreams of a heaven in which Christ has no place?Awake to know your folly. Know that in every description of heavenwhichtheBiblecontains,thepresenceofChrist isoneessentialfeature."Inthemidstofthethrone,"saysSt.John,"stoodaLambasithadbeenslain."Theverythroneofheaveniscalledthe"throneofGodandoftheLamb.""TheLambisthelightofheaven,andthetempleofit."Thesaintswho dwell in heaven are to be "fed by the Lamb," and "led to livingfountains ofwaters."Themeeting of the saints inheaven is called "themarriage supper of theLamb" (Rev. 5:6; 22:3; 21:22, 23; 7:17; 19:9).Aheaven "without Christ" would not be the heaven of the Bible. To be"withoutChrist"istobewithoutheaven.

Imight easily add to these things. Imight tell you that to be "withoutChrist" is to be without life, without strength, without safety, withoutfoundation,without a friend inheaven,without righteousness.None sobadlyoffasthosethatarewithoutChrist!

WhatthearkwastoNoah,whatthePassoverlambwastoIsraelinEgypt,whatthemanna,thesmittenrock,thebronzeserpent,thepillarofcloudandfire, thescapegoat,weretothetribes inthewilderness—all thistheLordJesusismeanttobetoman’ssoul.NonesodestituteasthosethatarewithoutChrist!

Whattherootistothebranches,whattheairistoourlungs,whatfoodand water are to our bodies, what the sun is to creation—all this andmuch more Christ is intended to be to us. None so helpless, none sopitiableasthosethatarewithoutChrist!

Igrantthatiftherewerenosuchthingsassicknessanddeath,ifmenand

womennevergrewoldandlivedonthisearthforever,thesubjectofthismessagewouldbe of no importance.But youmust know that sickness,deathandthegravearesadrealities.

If this life were all—if there were no judgment, no heaven, no hell, noeternity—it would bemere waste of time to trouble yourself with suchinquiriesasthistractsuggests.Butyouhavegotaconscience.Youknowwellthatthereisareckoningdaybeyondthegrave.Thereisajudgmentyettocome.

Surely the subject of this message is no light matter. It is not a smallthing, and one that does not signify. It demands the attention of everysensibleperson.Itliesattheveryrootofthatall–importantquestion,thesalvationofoursouls.Tobe"withoutChrist"istobemostmiserable.

1.AndnowIaskeveryonewhohasreadthismessagethroughtoexaminehimselfandfindouthisownprecisecondition.AreyouwithoutChrist?

Donotallow life topassawaywithoutsomeserious thoughtsandself–inquiry.Youcannotalwaysgoonasyoudonow.Adaymustcomewheneating and drinking and sleeping and dressing andmakingmerry andspendingmoneywillhaveanend.Therewill beadaywhenyourplacewillbeempty,andyouwillbeonlyspokenofasonedeadandgone.Andwherewillyoubethen,ifyouhavelivedanddiedwithoutthoughtaboutyoursoul,withoutGod,andwithoutChrist?Oh,remember,itisbetterathousandtimestobewithoutmoneyandhealthandfriendsandcompanyandgoodcheerthantobewithoutChrist!

2.IfyouhavelivedwithoutChristhitherto,Iinviteyouinallaffectiontochangeyourcoursewithoutdelay.SeektheLordJesuswhileHecanbefound.CalluponHimwhileHeisnear.HeissittingatGod’srighthand,abletosavetotheuttermosteveryonewhocomestoHim,howeversinfulandcarelesshemayhavebeen.HeissittingatGod’srighthand,willingto hear the prayer of everyonewho feels that his past life has been allwrong,andwantstobesetright.SeekChrist,seekChristwithoutdelay.Acquaint yourselfwithHimDo not be ashamed to apply toHim.OnlybecomeoneofChrist’sfriendsthisyear,andyouwillsayoneday,itwasthehappiestyearthatyoueverhad.

3.IfyouhavebecomeoneofChrist’sfriendsalready,Iexhortyoutobeathankfulman.AwaketoadeepersenseoftheinfinitemercyofhavinganalmightySavior, a title toheaven, ahome that is eternal, aFriend thatneverdies!A fewmoreyearsandallour familygatheringswillbeover.What a comfort to think thatwe have inChrist something thatwe canneverlose!

Awaketoadeepersenseofthesorrowfulstateofthosewhoare"withoutChrist." We are often reminded of the many who are without food orclothingorschoolorchurch.Letuspitythem,andhelpthem,asfaraswecan.Butletusneverforgetthattherearepeoplewhosestateisfarmorepitiable.Whoarethey?Thepeople"withoutChrist!"

Have we relatives without Christ? Let us feel for them, pray for them,speakto theKingabout them,strive torecommendthegospel tothem.LetusleavenostoneunturnedinoureffortstobringthemtoChrist.

Havewe neighbors without Christ? Let us labor in every way for theirsoul’ssalvation.Thenightcomeswhennonecanwork.HappyishewholivesundertheabidingconvictionthattobeinChristispeace,safety,andhappiness; and that to be "without Christ" is to be on the brink ofdestruction.

ThirstRelieved

OnthelastandgreatestdayoftheFeast,Jesusstoodandsaidinaloudvoice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoeverbelievesinme,astheScripturehassaid,streamsoflivingwaterwillflowfromwithinhim."John7:37-38

Thetextwhichheadsthismessagecontainsoneofthosemightysayings

ofChristwhichdeserve to be printed in letters of gold.All the stars inheaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that one starexcelsanother inglory.AllScripture isgivenby inspirationofGod;butthat heartmust indeed be cold and dullwhich does not feel that someversesarepeculiarlyrichandfull.Ofsuchverses,thistextisone.

Inordertoseethewholeforceandbeautyofthetext,wemustremembertheplace,thetimeandtheoccasionwhenitcomesin.

The place, then, was Jerusalem, the metropolis of Judaism, and thestronghold of priests and scribes, of Pharisees and Sadducees. Theoccasionwas theFeast ofTabernacles, oneof thosegreat annual feastswheneveryJew,ifhecould,wentuptothetemple,accordingtothelaw.The time was ‘the last day of the feast’, when all the ceremoniesweredrawing toa close,when thewaterdrawn from the fountainofSiloam,accordingtotraditionalcustom,hadbeensolemnlypouredonthealtar,andnothingremainedforworshipersbuttoreturnhome.

At this critical moment our Lord Jesus Christ ‘stood’ forward on aprominentplaceandspoketotheassembledcrowds.IdoubtnotHereadtheir hearts. He saw them going away with aching consciences andunsatisfied minds, having got nothing from their blind teachers thePharisees and Sadducees, and carrying away nothing but a barrenrecollectionofpompousforms.Hesawandpitiedthemandcriedaloud,likeaherald, ‘Ifanymanthirst, lethimcomeuntoMeanddrink.’Thatthis was all our Lord said on this memorable occasion I take leave todoubt.IsuspectitisonlythekeynoteofHisaddress.Butthis,Iimagine,was the firstsentence that fell fromHis lips: ‘Ifanymanthirst, lethimcome untoMe. If any one wants living, satisfying water, let him comeuntoMe.’

Letme remindmy readers, in passing, that no prophet or apostle evertookonhimselftousesuchlanguageasthis.‘Comewithus,’saidMosesto Hobab (Num. 10:29); ‘Come to the waters,’ says Isaiah (Isa. 55:1);‘Behold the Lamb,’ says John the Baptist (John 1:29); ‘Believe on theLordJesusChrist,’saysSt.Paul(Acts16:31).ButnooneexceptJesusofNazareth ever said, ‘Come tome.’ That fact is very significant.He thatsaid,‘CometoMe,’knewandfeltwhenHesaiditthatHewastheeternal

SonofGod,thepromisedMessiah,theSavioroftheworld.

ThisgreatsayingofourLord’sbringsoutthreemainpoints:

1. A case supposed. Our Lord says, ‘If anyman thirst.’ Bodily thirst isnotoriouslythemostpainfulsensationtowhichtheframeofmortalmanis liable. Read the story of the miserable sufferer in the black hole atCalcutta.Askanyonewhohastraveledoverdesertplainsunderatropicalsun. Hear what any old soldier will tell you is the chief want of thewoundedonabattlefield.Rememberwhatthecrewsofshipslostinmid–ocean, tossed for days in boats without water, go through. Mark thedreadfulwordsoftherichmanintheparable‘SendLazarusthathemaydipthetipofhisfingerinwatertocoolmytongueforIamtormentedinthisflame’(Luke16:24).Thetestimonyisunvarying.Thereisnothingsoterribleandhardtobearasthirst.

Butifbodilythirstissopainful,howmuchmorepainfulisthirstofsoul?Physicalsufferingisnottheworstpartofeternalpunishment.Itisalightthing, even in this world, compared to the suffering of the mind andinwardman.Toseethevalueofoursoulsandfindouttheyareindangerof eternal ruin; to feel the burden of unforgiven sin and not to knowwheretoturnforrelief;tohaveaconsciencesickandillateaseandtobeignorantoftheremedy;todiscoverthatwearedying,dyingdaily,andyetunprepared tomeetGod; tohave someclearviewofourownguilt andwickedness,andyettobeinutterdarknessaboutabsolution;this is thehighest degree of pain—the pain which drinks up soul and spirit andpierces jointsandmarrow!Andthisnodoubt is the thirstofwhichourLord is speaking. It is thirst after pardon, forgiveness, absolution andpeacewithGod.Itisthecravingofareallyawakenedconscience,wantingsatisfactionandnotknowingwheretofindit,walkingthroughdryplaces,andunabletogetrest.

ThisisthethirstwhichtheJewsfelt,whenPeterpreachedtothemonthedayofPentecost.Itiswrittenthattheywere"piercedintheirheart,andsaid,‘Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?’"(Acts2:37).

This is the thirst which the Philippian jailer felt, when he awoke toconsciousnessofhisspiritualdanger,andfelttheearthquakemakingthe

prisonreelunderhis feet.It iswrittenthathe ‘cametrembling,andfelldownbeforePaulandSilas,andbroughtthemout,andsaid,"Sirs,whatmustIdotobesaved?’"(Acts16:30).

ThisisthethirstwhichmanyofthegreatestservantsofGodseemtohavefelt, when light first broke in on their minds. Augustine seeking restamong theManichean heretics and finding none, Luther groping aftertruth amongmonks inErfurtMonastery, JohnBunyan agonizing amiddoubts and conflicts in his Elstow cottage, GeorgeWhitefield groaningunder self–imposed austerities, for want of clear teaching, when anundergraduate at Oxford—all have left on record their experience. IbelievetheyallknewwhatourLordmeantwhenHespokeof‘thirst’.

And surely it is not too much to say that all of us ought to knowsomethingofthisthirst,ifnotasmuchasAugustine,Luther,BunyanorWhitefield.Livingaswedoinadyingworld;knowing,aswemustdo, ifwewillconfess it, that there isaworldbeyondthegrave,andthatafterdeathcomesthejudgment;feeling,aswemustdoinourbettermoments,whatpoor,weak,unstable,defectivecreaturesweallare,andhowunfittomeetGod;consciousaswemustbeinourinmostheartofhearts,thatonour use of time depends our place in eternity, we ought to feel and torealizesomethinglike‘thirst’,forasenseofpeacewiththelivingGod.Butalas, nothing proves so conclusively the fallen nature of man as thegeneral, commonwant of spiritual appetite! Formoney, for power, forpleasure, for rank, for honor, for distinction—for all these the vastmajority are now intensely thirsting. To lead forlorn hopes, to dig forgold,tostormabreach,totrytohewawaythroughthick–ribbedicetotheNorthPole, forall theseobjects there isno lackofadventurersandvolunteers.Fierceandunceasingisthecompetitionforthesecorruptiblecrowns!Butfewindeed,bycomparison,arethosewhothirstaftereternallife. No wonder that the naturalman is called in Scripture ‘dead’, and‘sleeping’, and ‘blind’, and ‘deaf’. No wonder that he is said to need asecond birth and a new creation. There is no surer symptom ofmortification in the body than the loss of all feeling. There is nomorepainful sign of an unhealthy state of soul than an utter absence ofspiritualthirst.WoetothatmanofwhomtheSaviorcansay,‘Youknownot that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and

naked’(Rev.3:17).

Butwhoisthereamongthereadersofthismessagethatfeelstheburdenof sin, and longs forpeacewithGod?Who is there that really feels thewordsofourPrayerBookconfession‘Ihaveerredandstrayedlikealostsheep,thereisnohealthinme,Iamamiserableoffender’?Whoistherethatentersintothefullnessofourcommunionservice,andcansaywithtruth,‘Theremembranceofmysinsisgrievous,andtheburdenofthemisintolerable’?YouarethemanthatoughttothankGod.Asenseofsin,guiltandpovertyofsoulisthefirststonelaidbytheHolySpirit,whenHebuilds a spiritual temple.He convinces of sin. Lightwas the first thingcalledintobeinginthematerialcreation(Gen.1:3).Lightaboutourownstateisthefirstworkinthenewcreation.Thirstingsoul,Isayagain,youarethepersonthatoughttothankGod.ThekingdomofGodisnearyou.Itisnotwhenwebegintofeelgood,butwhenwefeelbad,thatwetakethe first step towards heaven. Who taught you that you west naked?Whencecamethisinwardlight?Whoopenedyoureyesandmadeyouseeandfeel?Knowthisdaythatfleshandbloodhasnotrevealedthesethingsunto you, but our Father which is in heaven. Universities may conferdegrees, and schools may impart knowledge of all mysteries, but theycannotmake men feel sin. To realize our spiritual need, and feel truespiritualthirst,istheABCinsavingChristianity.

ItisagreatsayingofElihu,inthebookofJob‘Godlooksuponmen,andif any say, "I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and itprofitedmenot,"hewilldeliverhissoulfromdeath,andhislifeshallseethelight’(Job33:28).Lethimthatknowsanythingofspiritual‘thirst’notbeashamed.Rather lethimliftuphisheadandbegintohope.LethimpraythatGodwouldcarryontheworkHehasbegun,andmakehimfeelmore.

2. A remedy proposed. ‘If anyman thirst,’ says our blessed Lord JesusChrist,‘lethimcomeuntoMe,anddrink.’

Thereisagrandsimplicityaboutthislittlesentencewhichcannotbetoomuchadmired.There isnotaword in itofwhichthe literalmeaningisnot plain to a child. Yet, simple as it appears, it is rich in spiritualmeaning.Like theKoh–i–noordiamond,whichyoumaycarrybetween

finger and thumb, it is of unspeakable value. It solves that mightyproblem which all the philosophers of Greece and Rome could neversolve‘HowcanmanhavepeacewithGod?’PlaceitinyourmemorysidebysidewithsixothergoldensayingsofyourLord;‘Iamthebreadoflife:hethatcomestoMeshallneverhunger;andhethatbelievesonMeshallneverthirst.’‘IamthelightoftheworldhethatfollowsMeshallnotwalkindarkness,butshallhavethelightoflife.’‘Iamthedoor,byMe,ifanymanenterin,heshallbesaved.’‘Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelifenomancomesuntotheFatherbutbyMe.’‘ComeuntoMe,allyouthatlaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.’‘HimthatcomestoMeIwillinnowisecastout.’Addtothesesixtextstheonebeforeyoutoday.Getthewholesevenbyheart.Rivet themdown inyourmind,andnever letthemgo.Whenyourfeettouchthecoldriver,onthebedofsicknessandinthehourofdeath,youwillfindtheseseventextsaboveallprice(John6:35;8:12;10:9;14:6;Matt.11:28;John6:37).

For what is the sum and substance of these simple words? It is this.ChrististhatFountainoflivingwaterwhichGodhasgraciouslyprovidedforthirstingsouls.FromHim,asoutoftherocksmittenbyMoses,thereflows an abundant stream for all who travel through the wilderness ofthisworld.InHim,asourRedeemerandSubstitute,crucifiedforoursinsandraisedagainforourjustification,thereisanendlesssupplyofallthatmen can need pardon, absolution, mercy, grace, peace, rest, relief,comfortandhope.

This rich provision Christ has bought for us at the price of His ownpreciousblood.ToopenthiswondrousfountainHesufferedforsin, thejustfortheunjust,andboreoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree.Hewasmade sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made therighteousnessofGod inHim(1Peter2:24;3:18;2Cor.5:21).AndnowHeissealedandappointedtobetheRelieverofallwhoarelaboringandheavyladen,andtheGiveroflivingwatertoallwhothirst.ItisHisofficetoreceivesinners.ItisHispleasuretogivethempardon,lifeandpeace.AndthewordsofthetextareaproclamationHemakestoallmankind‘Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntoMe,anddrink.’

The efficacy of amedicinedepends in greatmeasure on themanner inwhich it isused.Thebestprescriptionof thebestphysician isuseless if

werefusetofollowthedirectionswhichaccompanyit.Sufferthewordofexhortation,whileIoffersomecautionandadviceabouttheFountainoflivingwater.

a.HethatthirstsandwantsreliefmustcometoChristHimself.HemustnotbecontentwithcomingtoHischurchandHisordinances,ortotheassembliesofHispeople forprayerandpraise.Hemustnot stop shortevenatHisholytable,orrestsatisfiedwithprivatelyopeninghishearttoHis ordainedministers. Oh, no! He that is content with only drinkingthesewaters ‘shallthirstagain’(John4:13).Hemustgohigher, further,much further than this. He must have personal dealings with ChristHimselfallelse inreligion isworthlesswithoutHim.TheKing’spalace,theattendantservants,therichlyfurnishedhouse,theverybanquetitself—allarenothingunlesswespeakwiththeKing.Hishandalonecantakethe burden off our backs andmake us feel free. The hand ofmanmaytakethestonefromthegraveandshowthedead;butnonebutJesuscansay to the dead, ‘Come forth and live’ (John 11:41–43). We must dealdirectlywithChrist.

b.HethatthirstsandwantsrelieffromChristmustactuallycometoHim.It isnotenoughtowishandtalkandmeanand intendandresolveandhope. Hell, that dreadful reality, is truly said to be paved with goodintentions. Thousands are yearly lost in this fashion, and perishmiserably just outside the harbor. Meaning and intending they live;meaningandintendingtheydie.Oh,no!Wemust‘ariseandcome’!Iftheprodigalsonhadbeencontentwithsaying,‘Howmanyhiredservantsofmy fatherhavebreadenoughand to spare, and Iperishwithhunger! Ihopesomedaytoreturnhome,’hemighthaveremainedforeveramongtheswine.Itwaswhenhearoseandcametohisfatherthathisfatherrantomeethim,andsaid,‘Bringforththebestrobeandputitonhim....Letuseatandbemerry’(Luke15:20–23).Likehim,wemustnotonly‘cometoourselves’andthink,butwemustactuallycometotheHighPriest,toChrist.WemustcometothePhysician.

c.HethatthirstsandwantstocometoChristmustrememberthatsimplefaithistheonethingrequired.Byallmeanslethimcomewithapenitent,brokenand contriteheart; but lethimnotdreamof restingon that foracceptance.Faithistheonlyhandthatcancarrythelivingwatertoour

lips. Faith is the hinge on which all turns in the matter of ourjustification.Itiswrittenagainandagainthat‘whoeverbelievesshallnotperish,buthaveeternallife’(John3:15,16).‘Tohimthatworksnot,butbelieves on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted forrighteousness’(Rom.4:5).Happyishethatcanlayholdontheprinciplelaiddowninthatmatchlesshymn:

"JustasIam,withoutoneplea,

SavethatYourbloodwasshedforme,

AndthatYoubid’stmecometoYou,

OLambofGod,Icome!"

How simple this remedy for thirst appears! But oh, how hard it is topersuadesomepeopletoreceiveit!Tellthemtodosomegreatthing, tomortify theirbodies, togoonpilgrimage, togiveall theirgoods to feedthepoorandsotomeritsalvation,andtheywilltrytodoastheyarebid.Tellthemtothrowoverboardallideaofmerit,workingordoing,andtocome to Christ as empty sinners,with nothing in their hands and, likeNaaman, theyareready to turnaway indisdain (2Kings5:12).Humannature isalways thesame ineveryage.Therearestill somepeople justliketheJews,andsomeliketheGreeks.TotheJews,Christcrucifiedisstillastumbling–block,andtotheGreeksfoolishness.Theirsuccession,atanyrate,hasneverceased!NeverdidourLordsayatruerwordthanthatwhichHespoketotheproudscribesintheSanhedrin ‘YouwillnotcomeuntoMethatyoumighthavelife’(John5:40).

But,simpleasthisremedyforthirstappears,itistheonlycureforman’sspiritual disease, and the only bridge from earth to heaven. Kings andtheir subjects, preachers and hearers, masters and servants, high andlow, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, allmust alike drink of thiswateroflife,anddrinkinthesameway.Foreighteencenturiesmenhavelaboredtofindsomeothermedicineforwearyconsciences,buttheyhavelaboredinvain.Thousands,afterblisteringtheirhands,andgrowinggrayinhewingout‘brokencisternswhichcanholdnowater’(Jer.2:13),havebeenobligedtocomebackatlasttotheoldFountain,andhaveconfessed

intheirlatestmomentsthathere,inChristalone,istruepeace.

Andsimpleastheoldremedyforthirstmayappear,itistherootoftheinwardlifeofallGod’sgreatestservantsinallages.Whathavethesaintsandmartyrsbeen in every eraof churchhistory,butmenwho cametoChrist daily by faith and found ‘His flesh meat indeed, and His blooddrink indeed’? (John6:55).Whathave theyallbeenbutmenwho livedthelifeoffaithintheSonofGod,anddrankdailyoutofthefullnessthereisinHim?(Gal.2:20).Here,atallevents,thetruestandbestChristians,whohavemadeamarkontheworld,havebeenofonemind.HolyfathersandReformers, holy Anglican divines and Puritans, holy Episcopaliansand Nonconformists, have all in their best moments borne uniformtestimonytothevalueoftheFountainoflife.Separatedandcontentiousastheymaysometimeshavebeenintheirlives,intheirdeathstheyhavenotbeendivided.Intheirlaststrugglewiththekingofterrorstheyhavesimply clung to the cross of Christ, and gloried in nothing but the‘preciousblood,’andtheFountainopenforallsinanduncleanness.

How thankful we ought to be that we live in a land where the greatremedy for spiritual thirst isknown, ina landofopenBibles,preachedgospel, and abundant means of grace, in a land where the efficacy ofChrist’ssacrificeisstillproclaimed,withmoreorlessfullness,intwentythousand pulpits every Sunday! We do not realize the value of ourprivileges.Thevery familiarityof themannamakesus think littleof it,justasIsraelloathed‘thelightbread’inthewilderness(Num.21:5).Butturn to thepagesofaheathenphilosopher like the incomparablePlato,and see how he groped after light like one blindfolded, and weariedhimself to find the door. The humblest peasant who grasps the fourcomfortable words, of our beautiful communion service, in the PrayerBook,knowsmoreofthewayofpeacewithGodthantheAtheniansage.Turntotheaccountswhichtrustworthytravelersandmissionariesgiveofthe state of the heathenwho have never heard the gospel. Read of thehumansacrifices inAfrica,andtheghastlyself–imposedtorturesof thedevotees of Hindostan, and remember they are all the result of anunquenchedthirstandablindandunsatisfieddesiretogetneartoGod.Andthenlearntobethankfulthatyourlotiscastinalandlikeyourown.Alas,IfearGodhasacontroversywithusforourunthankfulness!

3.Apromiseheldout.‘HethatbelievesonMe,astheScripturehassaid,outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater.’

The subject of Scripture promises is a vast andmost interesting one. Idoubtwhether it receives theattentionwhich itdeserves in thepresentday.Clarke’sScripturePromisesisanoldbookwhichisfar lessstudiednow, I suspect, than it was in the days of our fathers. Few Christiansrealize the number and length and breadth and depth and height andvariety of the precious ‘shalls’ and ‘wills’ laid up in the Bible for thespecialbenefitandencouragementofallwhowillusethem.

Yetpromiseliesatthebottomofnearlyallthetransactionsofmanwithman in the affairs of this life. The vastmajority of Adam’s children ineverycivilizedcountryareactingeverydayonthefaithofpromises.ThelaboreronthelandworkshardfromMondaymorningtoSaturdaynight,because he believes that at the end of the week he shall receive hispromisedwages.Thesoldierenlistsinthearmy,andthesailorentershisnameon the ship’s books in the navy, in the full confidence that thoseunderwhomtheyservewillatsomefuturetimegivethemtheirpromisedpay.Thehumblestmaidservantinafamilyworksonfromdaytodayather appointed duties, in the belief that her mistress will give her thepromised wages. In the business of great cities, amongmerchants andbankersandtradesmen,nothingcouldbedonewithoutincessantfaithinpromises. Every man of sense knows that cheques and bills andpromissorynotesaretheonlymeansbywhichthe immensemajorityofmercantile affairs can possibly be carried on. Men of business arecompelled to act by faith and not by sight. They believe promises, andexpecttobebelievedthemselves.Infact,promises,andfaithinpromises,andactionsspringingfromfaithinpromises,arethebackboneofnine–tenths of all the dealings of man with his fellow men throughoutChristendom.

Nowpromises,inlikemanner,inthereligionoftheBible,areonegrandmeansbywhichGodispleasedtoapproachthesoulofman.ThecarefulstudentofScripturecannotfailtoobservethatGodiscontinuallyholdingoutinducementstomantolistentoHim,obeyHimandserveHim;andundertaking to do great things, ifmanwill only attend and believe. Inshort,asPetersays, ‘Therearegiventousexceedinggreatandprecious

promises’(2Peter1:4).He,whohasmercifullycausedallHolyScripturetobewrittenforourlearning,hasshownHisperfectknowledgeofhumannaturebyspreadingoverthebookaperfectwealthofpromises,suitabletoeverykindofexperienceandeveryconditionoflife.Heseemstosay,‘Wouldyouknowwhat Iundertake todo foryou?Doyouwant tohearMyterms?TakeuptheBibleandread.’

But there is one grand difference between the promises of Adam’schildrenandthepromisesofGod,whichoughtnevertobeforgotten.Thepromises ofman are not sure to be fulfilled.With the bestwishes andintentions,hecannotalwayskeephisword.Diseaseanddeathmaystepinlikeanarmedman,andtakeawayfromthisworldhimthatpromises.Warorpestilenceor famineor failure of crops orhurricanesmay striphim of his property, and make it impossible for him to fulfill hisengagements. The promises of God, on the contrary, are certain to bekept.Heisalmighty;nothingcanpreventHisdoingwhatHehassaid.Henever changes; He is always ‘of one mind,’ and with Him there is ‘novariableness or shadow of turning’ (Job 23:13; James 1:17). He willalwayskeepHisword.Thereisonethingwhich,asalittlegirloncetoldherteacher,tohersurprise,Godcannotdo‘ItisimpossibleforGodtolie’(Heb. 6:18). The most unlikely and improbable things, when God hasoncesaidHewilldothem,havealwayscometopass.Thedestructionofthe old world by a flood, and the preservation of Noah in the ark, thebirthofIsaac,thedeliveranceofIsraelfromEgypt,theraisingofDavidtothe throne of Saul, the miraculous birth of Christ, the resurrection ofChrist,thescatteringoftheJewsallovertheearth,andtheircontinuedpreservation as a distinct people—who could imagine events moreunlikelyandimprobablethanthese?YetGodsaidtheyshouldbe,andinduetimetheyallcametopass.Intruth,withGoditisjustaseasytodoathingastosayit.WhateverHepromises,Heiscertaintoperform.

ConcerningthevarietyandrichesofScripturepromises,farmoremightbesaidthanitispossibletosayinashortmessagelikethis.Theirnameislegion. The subject is almost inexhaustible. There is hardly a step inman’s life, fromchildhoodtooldage,hardlyanypositioninwhichmancan be placed, for which the Bible has not held out encouragement toeveryonewhodesirestodorightinthesightofGod.Thereare‘shalls’and

‘wills’inGod’streasuryforeverycondition.

There are an abundance of promises supplied by God in the Word,revealingofHischaracter,especiallyHisinfinitemercyandcompassion.There are promises regarding His willingness to forgive, pardon andabsolvethechiefofsinners; thereareencouragementstoprayandhearthegospelanddrawneartothethroneofgrace;therearepromisesthathewillgivestrengthforduty,comfortintrouble,guidanceinperplexity,help in sickness, consolation in death, support under bereavement,happiness beyond the grave, reward in glory. His promises are soabundantthatwefailtoevenconceiveofthem.

The promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, which heads this message, issomewhatpeculiar.Itissingularlyrichinencouragementtoallwhofeelspiritual thirst and come to Him for relief, and therefore it deservespeculiar attention. Most of our Lord’s promises refer specially to thebenefitofthepersontowhomtheyareaddressed.Thepromisebeforeustakesafarwiderrange:itseemstorefertomanyothersbesidethosetowhom He spoke. For what says He? ‘He that believes on Me, as theScripturehassaid’ (andeverywhere teaches), ‘outofhisbellyshall flowriversof livingwater.’But this spokeHeof theSpirit,which thosewhobelieveonHimshouldreceive.Figurativeundoubtedlyare thesewords,figurative, like the earlier words of the sentence, figurative, like ‘thirst’and ‘drinking’. But all the figures of Scripture contain great truth; andwhatthefigurebeforeuswasmeanttoconveyIwillnowtrytoshow.

1. I believe our Lord meant that he who comes to Him by faith shallreceiveanabundantsupplyofeverythingthathecandesireforthereliefofhisownsoul’swants.TheSpirit shall convey tohimsuchanabidingsenseofpardon,peaceandhope,thatitshallbeinhisinwardmanlikeawell–spring, never dry. He shall feel so satisfied with ‘the things ofChrist,’which theSpirit shall showHim(John16:15), thatheshall restfromspiritualanxietyaboutdeath,judgmentandeternity.Hemayhavehis seasons of darkness and doubt, through his own infirmities or thetemptationsofthedevil.But,speakinggenerally,whenhehasoncecometoChristbyfaith,heshallfindinhisheartofheartsanunfailingfountainof consolation. This, let us understand, is the first thing which thepromise before us contains. ‘Only come toMe, poor anxious soul,’ our

Lordseemstosay, ‘onlycometoMe,andyourspiritualanxietyshallberelieved.Iwillplaceinyourheart,bythepoweroftheHolySpirit,suchasenseofpardonandpeace,throughMyatonementandintercession,thatyoushallnever completely thirst again.Youmayhave yourdoubts andfearsandconflictswhile you are in the body.But once having come toMe,andtakenMe foryourSavior,youshallnever feelyourselfentirelyhopeless. The condition of your inward man shall be so thoroughlychanged, that you shall feel as if therewaswithin you an ever–flowingspringofwater.’

Whatshallwesaytothesethings?Ideclaremyownbelief,thatwheneveraman orwoman really comes to Christ by faith, he finds this promisefulfilled.Hemay possibly beweak in grace, andhavemanymisgivingsabout his own condition. He may possibly not dare to say that he isconverted,justified,sanctifiedandmeetfortheinheritanceofthesaintsin light. But, for all that, I am bold to say, the humblest and feeblestbelieverinChristhasgotsomethingwithinhimwhichhewouldnotpartwith, though he may not yet fully understand it. And what is that‘something’?It is just that ‘riverof livingwater,’whichbegins torun intheheartofeverychildofAdamassoonashecomestoChristanddrinks.InthissenseIbelievethiswonderfulpromiseofChristisalwaysfulfilled.

2. But is this all that is contained in the promise which heads thismessage?Bynomeans.Thereyetremainsmuchbehind.Thereismoretofollow.IbelieveourLordmeantustounderstandthathewhocomestoHimbyfaithshallnotonlyhaveanabundantsupplyofeverythingwhichheneeds forhisownsoul,butshallalsobecomeasourceofblessingtothe souls of others. The Spirit who dwells in him shall make him afountainofgoodtohis fellowmen,sothatat the lastdaythereshallbefoundtohaveflowedfromhim‘riversoflivingwater.’

This is a most important part of our Lord’s promise, and opens up asubjectwhichisseldomrealizedandgraspedbymanyChristians.Butitisoneofdeep interest, anddeserves farmoreattention than it receives.Ibelieve it tobea truthofGod. Ibelieve that just as ‘noman lives untohimself’ (Rom. 14:7), so also noman is converted only for himself andthat the conversion of one man or woman always leads on, in God’swonderful providence, to the conversion of others. I do not say for a

momentthatallbelieversknowit.Ithinkitfarmorelikelythatmanyliveanddieinthefaith,whoarenotawarethattheyhavedonegoodtoanysoul.ButIbelievetheresurrectionmorningandthejudgmentday,whenthe secret history of all Christians is revealed, will prove that the fullmeaningofthepromisebeforeushasneverfailed.Idoubtiftherewillbeabelieverwhowillnothavebeen to someoneorothera ‘riverof livingwater,’ a channel through whom the Spirit has conveyed saving grace.Eventhepenitentthief,shortashistimewasafterherepented,hasbeenasourceofblessingtothousandsofsouls!

a.Somebelieversareriversof livingwaterwhile they live.Theirwords,theirconversation,theirpreaching,theirteaching,areallmeansbywhichthewateroflifehasflowedintotheheartsoftheirfellowmen.Such,forexample,weretheapostles,whowrotenoEpistles,andonlypreachedtheWord. Such were Luther andWhitefield andWesley and Berridge andRowlands and thousands of others, of whom I cannot now speakparticularly.

b.Somebelieversareriversoflivingwaterwhentheydie.Theircourageinfacingthekingofterrors,theirboldnessinthemostpainfulsufferings,their unswerving faithfulness to Christ’s truth even at the stake, theirmanifest peace on the edge of the grave—all this has set thousandsthinking,andledhundredstorepentandbelieve.Such,forexample,weretheprimitivemartyrs,whomtheRomanEmperorspersecuted.SuchwereJohnHussandJeromeofPrague.SuchwereCranmer,Ridley,Latimer,HooperandthenoblearmyofMarianmartyrs.Theworkthattheydidattheir deaths, like Samson, was far greater then the work done in theirlives.

c. Somebelievers are riversof livingwater longafter theydie.Theydogoodbytheirbooksandwritingsineverypartoftheworld,longafterthehands which held the pen aremouldering in the dust. SuchmenwereBunyan and Baxter and Owen and George Herbert and RobertMCCHEYNE.Theseblessed servantsofGoddomoregoodprobablybytheirbooksatthismomentthantheydidbytheirtongueswhentheywerealive.Beingdeadtheyyetspeak(Heb.11:4).

d.Finally,therearesomebelieverswhoareriversof livingwaterbythe

beautyoftheirdailyconductandbehavior.Therearemanyquiet,gentle,consistentChristians,whomakenoshowandnonoiseintheworld,andyetinsensiblyexerciseadeepinfluenceforgoodonallaroundthem.They‘win without the Word’ (1 Peter 3:1). Their love, their kindness, theirsweet temper, their patience, their unselfishness, tell silently on awidecircle,andsowseedsofthoughtandself–inquiryinmanyminds.Itwasafinetestimonyofanoldladywhodiedingreatpeace,sayingthatunderGodsheowedhersalvationtoMr.Whitefield

‘Itwasnotanysermonthathepreached;itwasnotanythingthatheeversaidtome.Itwasthebeautifulconsistencyandkindnessofhisdailylife,in the house where he was staying, when I was a little girl. I said tomyself, "If I ever have any religion, Mr. Whitefield’s God shall be myGod."’

LetusalllayholdonthisviewofourLord’spromise,andneverforgetit.Donotthinkforamomentthatyourownsoulistheonlysoulthatwillbesaved, if you come to Christ by faith and follow Him. Think of theblessednessofbeinga riverof livingwater toothers.Whocan tell thatyoumaynotbethemeansofbringingmanyotherstoChrist?Liveandactandspeakandprayandworkkeepingthiscontinuallyinview.Iknewafamily, consisting of a father, mother and ten children, in which truereligion beganwith one of the daughters, andwhen it began she stoodalone,andalltherestofthefamilywereintheworld.Andyet,beforeshedied,shesawbothherparentsandallherbrothersandsistersconvertedtoGod,andallthis,humanlyspeaking,beganfromherinfluence!Surely,inthefaceofthis,weneednotdoubtthatabelievermaybetoothersariveroflivingwater.Conversionsmaynotbeinyourtime,andyoumaydiewithoutseeingthem.Butneverdoubtthatconversiongenerallyleadsto conversions, and that few go to heaven alone. When Grimshaw ofHaworth, the apostle of the north, died, he left his son graceless andgodless. Afterwards the son was converted, never having forgotten hisfather’sadviceandexample.Andhislastwordswere, ‘Whatwillmyoldfathersaywhenheseesmeinheaven?’Letustakecourageandhopeon,believingChrist’spromise.

1.Andnow,beforeIclosethismessage,letmeaskyouaplainquestion.Doyouknowanythingofspiritualthirst?Haveyoueverfeltanythingof

genuine deep concern about your soul? I fear thatmany knownothingabout it. I have learned, by the painful experience of the third of acentury,thatpeoplemaygoonforyearsattendingGod’shouse,andyetnever feel their sins, or desire to be saved.The cares of thisworld, thelove of pleasure, the ‘lust of other things’ choke the good seed everySunday,andmakeitunfruitful.Theycometochurchwithheartsascoldasthestonepavementonwhichtheywalk.Theygoawayasthoughtlessandunmovedastheoldmarblebustswhichlookdownonthemfromthemonumentsonthewalls.Well, itmaybeso;butIdonotyetdespairofanyone, so long as he is alive. That grand old bell in Paul’s Cathedral,London,whichhasstruckthehours forsomanyyears, isseldomheardbymanyduringthebusinesshoursoftheday.Theroaranddinoftrafficinthestreetshaveastrangepowertodeadenitssound,andpreventmenhearing it. Butwhen the dailywork is over, and desks are locked, anddoorsareclosed,andbooksareputaway,andquiet reigns in thegreatcity,thecaseisaltered.Astheoldbellatnightstrikeselevenandtwelveandoneandtwoandthree,thousandshearitwhoneverhearditduringtheday.AndsoIhopeitwillbewithmanyaoneinthematterofhissoul.Now, in theplenitudeofhealth and strength, in thehurry andwhirl ofbusiness, I fear the voice of your conscience is often stifled, and youcannothear it.Butthedaymaycomewhenthegreatbellofconsciencewillmake itself heard, whether you like it or not. The timemay comewhen,laidasideinquietness,andobligedbyillnesstositstill,youmaybeforcedtolookwithin,andconsideryoursoul’sconcerns.Andthen,whenthe great bell of awakened conscience is sounding in your ears, I trustthatmanyamanwhoreadsthismessagemayhearthevoiceofGodandrepent,may learnto thirst,and learntocometoChrist forrelief.Yes,IprayGodyoumayyetbetaughttofedbeforeitbetoolate!

2. But do you feel anything at this very moment? Is your conscienceawakeandworking?Areyousensibleofspiritualthirst,andlongingforrelief?Thenhear the invitationwhich Ibringyou inmyMaster’snamethisday:‘Ifanyman,’nomatterwhohemaybe,ifanyman,highorlow,rich or poor, learned or unlearned, ‘if anyman thirst, let him come toChristanddrink.’Hearandacceptthatinvitationwithoutdelay.Waitfornothing. Wait for nobody. Who can tell that you may not wait for ‘aconvenientseason’untilitbetoolate?ThehandofalivingRedeemeris

nowheldoutfromheaven;butitmaybewithdrawn.Thefountainisopennow;butitmaysoonbeclosedforever. ‘Ifanymanthirst, lethimcomeanddrink’withoutdelay.Thoughyouhavebeenagreatsinner,andhaveresisted warnings, counsel and sermons yet come. Though you havesinned against light and knowledge, against a father’s advice and amother’s tears, though you have lived for years without a Sabbath andwithoutprayer,yetcome.Saynot thatyouknownothowtocome, thatyoudonotunderstandwhatitistobelieve,thatyoumustwaitformorelight.Willatiredmansaythatheistootiredtoliedown,oradrowningman,thatheknowsnothowtolayholdonthehandstretchedouttohelphim, or the shipwrecked sailor, with a lifeboat alongside the strandedhulk, that he knows not how to jump in? Oh, cast away these vainexcuses!Arise, andcome!Thedoor isnot shut.The fountain isnot yetclosed. TheLord Jesus invites you. It is enough that you feel thirsting,and desire to be saved Come: come to Christ without delay.Who evercametothefountainforsinandfounditdry?Whoeverwentunsatisfiedaway?

3. But have you come to Christ already, and found relief? Then comenearer, nearer still. The closer your communion with Christ, themorecomfortyouwillfeel.Themoreyoudailylivebythesideofthefountainthe more you shall feel in yourself ‘a well of water springing up intoeverlastinglife’(John4:14).Youshallnotonlybeblessedyourself,butbeasourceofblessingtoothers.

Inthisevilworldyoumaynotperhaps feelall thesensible comfort youcould desire. But remember you cannot have two heavens. Perfecthappinessisyettocome.Thedevilisnotyetbound.Thereisagoodtimecoming forallwhofeel theirsinsandcometoChrist,andcommit theirthirsting souls to His keeping. When He comes again they will becompletelysatisfied.Theywillrememberallthewaybywhichtheywereled,andsee theneed–beofeverything thatbefell them.Aboveall, theywillwonderthattheycouldeverlivesolongwithoutChrist,andhesitateaboutcomingtoHim.

There is a pass in Scotland calledGlencroe, which supplies a beautifulillustrationofwhatheavenwillbetothesoulswhocome toChrist.Theroad through Glencroe carries the traveler up a long and steep ascent,

withmanyalittleturnandwindinginitscourse.Butwhenthetopofthepass is reached,astone isseenby thewaysidewith thesesimplewordsinscribed upon it: ‘Rest, and be thankful.’ Those words describe thefeelings with which every thirsting one who comes to Christ will enterheaven.The summitof thenarrowwaywill at lengthbeours.Weshallcease from our weary journeyings, and sit in the kingdom of God.Weshalllookbackonallthewayofourliveswiththankfulness,andseetheperfectwisdomofeverystepinthesteepascentbywhichwewereled.Weshall forget the toilof theupward journey in theglorious rest.Here, inthis world, our sense of rest in Christ at best is feeble and partial: wehardlyseemattimestotastefullythelivingwater.Butwhenthatwhichisperfect iscome, thenthatwhich is imperfectshallbedoneaway.WhenweawakeupafterHislikenessweshallbesatisfied(Ps.17:15).WeshalldrinkoutoftheriverofHispleasuresandthirstnomore!

UnsearchableRiches

"Untome,whoamlessthawtheleastofallsaints,isthisgracegiven,thatI should preach among theGentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."(Eph.3:8).

Ifweheardthatsentencereadforthefirsttime,Ithinkweshouldallfeelitwasaveryremarkableone,eventhoughwedidnotknowbywhomitwaswritten.Itisremarkableonaccountoftheboldandstrikingfiguresof speech which it contains. "Less than the least of all saints;""unsearchablerichesofChrist;" theseare indeed"thoughtsthatbreatheandwordsthatburn."

But the sentence is doubly remarkablewhenwe consider themanwhowroteit.ThewriterwasnoneotherthanthegreatapostleoftheGentiles,Paul, the leaderof thatnoble littleJewisharmy,whichwent forthfromPalestineeighteencenturiesago,andturnedtheworldupsidedown,thatgoodsoldierofChristwholeftadeepermarkonmankindthananyborn

ofwoman, except his sinlessMaster—amarkwhich abides to this veryday.Surelysuchasentencefromthepenofsuchamandemandspeculiarattention.

1.LetusnoticewhatPaulsaysofhimself."Untome,whoamlessthawtheleastofallsaints."

The language he uses is singularly strong. The founder of famousChurches,thewriteroffourteeninspiredEpistles,themanwhowas"notbehind the very chief apostles," "in labors more abundant, in stripesabovemeasure,inprisonsmorefrequent,indeathsoften,"—themanwho"spent and was spent," for souls, and "counted all things but loss forChrist,"themanwhocouldtrulysay,"TometoliveisChrist,andtodieisgain,"—whatdowefindhimsayingofhimself?Heemploysanemphaticcomparative and superlative. He says, "I am less than the least of allsaints."Whatapoorcreatureistheleastsaint!YetPaulsays,"Iamlessthanthatman."

Such language as this, I suspect, is almost unintelligible to many whoprofess and call themselves Christians. Ignorant alike of the Bible andtheir own hearts, they cannot understandwhat a saintmeanswhen hespeakssohumblyofhimselfandhisattainments."Itisamerefashionofspeaking,"theywilltellyou,"itcanonlymeanwhatPaulusedtobe,whenhewasanovice, and firstbegan to serveChrist."So true it is that "thenaturalmanreceivesnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod"(1Cor.2:14).Theprayers, the praises, the conflicts, the fears, the hopes, the joys, thesorrows of the true Christian, the whole experience of the seventh ofRomans—all, all are "foolishness" to theman of theworld. Just as theblindman is no judge of a Reynolds or a Gainsborough, and the deafcannot appreciate Handel’s Messiah, so the unconverted man cannotfullyunderstandanapostle’slowlyestimateofhimself.

ButwemayrestassuredthatwhatPaulwrotewithhispen,hereallyfeltin his heart. The language of our text does not stand alone. It is evenexceededinotherplaces.TothePhilippianshesays,"Ihavenotattained,noramIalreadyperfect:Ifollowafter."TotheCorinthianshesays,"Iamtheleastoftheapostles,whichamnotmeettobecalledanapostle."ToTimothy he says, "I am chief of sinners." To the Romans he cries,

"Wretchedman that I am!Who shall deliverme from the body of thisdeath?"(Phil.3:12;1Cor.15:9;1Tim.1:15;Rom.7:24.)Theplaintruth isthatPaulsawinhisownheartofheartsfarmoredefectsandinfirmitiesthanhesawinanyoneelse.Theeyesofhisunderstandingweresofullyopened by the Holy Spirit of God, that he detected a hundred thingswronginhimself,whichthedulleyesofothermenneverobservedatall.Inshort,possessinggreatspirituallight,hehadgreatinsightintohisownnatural corruption, andwas clothed fromhead to footwith humility (1Peter5:5).

NowletusclearlyunderstandthathumilitylikePaul’swasnotapeculiarcharacteristic of the great apostle of theGentiles.On the contrary, it isoneleadingmarkofallthemosteminentsaintsofGodineveryage.Themorerealgracemenhaveintheirhearts,thedeeperistheirsenseofsin.Themore light theHolySpiritpours into their souls, themoredo theydiscern their own infirmities, defilements and darkness. The dead soulfeelsandseesnothing;with lifecomesclearvision,a tenderconscienceand spiritual sensibility. Observe what lowly expressions Abraham andJacob andJob andDavid andJohn theBaptist used about themselves.Study the biographies ofmodern saints like Bradford andHooker andGeorgeHerbertandBeveridgeandBaxterandMcCheyne.Markhowonecommon featureof character belongs to themall—a very deep sense ofsin.

Superficialandshallowprofessors in thewarmthof their first lovemaytalk, iftheywill,of"perfection."Thegreatsaints, ineveryeraofchurchhistory, from Paul down to this day, have always been "clothed withhumility."

Hethatdesires tobesaved,amongthereadersof thismessage, lethimknowthisdaythatthefirststepstowardsheavenareadeepsenseofsinandalowlyestimateofourselves.Lethimcastawaythatweakandsillytraditionthatthebeginningofreligionistofeelourselves‘good.’Lethimrathergraspthatgrandscripturalprinciple,thatwemustbeginbyfeeling‘bad’andthat,untilwereallyfeel‘bad’weknownothingoftruegoodnessorsavingChristianity.HappyishewhohaslearnedtodrawneartoGodwith the prayer of the tax-collector "God be merciful to me a sinner"(Luke18:13).

Letusallseekhumility.Nogracesuitsmansowell.Whatarewethatweshould be proud? Of all creatures born into the world none is sodependentasthechildofAdam.Physicallylookedat,whatbodyrequiressuch care and attention, and is such a daily debtor to half creation forfoodandclothing,asthebodyofman?Mentallylookedat,howlittledothewisestmenknow(andtheyarebut few),andhowignorant thevastmajority ofmankind are, andwhatmisery do they create by their ownfolly!"Wearebutofyesterday"saysthebookofJob,"andknownothing"(Job 8:9). Surely there is no created being on earth or in heaven thatoughttobesohumbleasman.

Let us seek humility. There is no grace which so befits an Englishchurchman. Our matchless Prayer Book, from first to last, puts thehumblestlanguageintothemouthsofallwhouseit.Thesentencesatthebeginning ofmorning and evening prayer, the General Confession, theLitany, the Communion service—all, all are replete with lowly-mindedand self–abasing expressions. All, with one harmonious voice, supplyChurch of England worshipers with clear teaching about our rightpositioninthesightofGod.

Letusallseekmorehumility,ifweknowanythingofitnow.Themorewehaveof it, themoreChrist–likeweshallbe. It iswrittenofourblessedMaster(thoughinHimtherewasnosin)that"beingintheformofGodHethoughtitnotrobberytobeequalwithGodbutmadeHimselfofnoreputation,andtookuponHimthe formofaservant,andwasmade inthe likenessofmen:andbeing found in fashionasaman,HehumbledHimself, andbecameobedientuntodeath, even thedeathof the cross"(Phil.2:6–8).Andletusrememberthewordswhichprecedethatpassage"Letthismindbe inyouwhichwasalso inChristJesus."Dependon it,thenearermendrawtoheaven,themorehumbledotheybecome.Inthehourofdeath,withonefoot inthegrave,withsomethingof the lightofheaven shining down upon them, hundreds of great saints and churchdignitaries—such men as Selden, Bishop Butler, Archbishop Longley—have lefton record their confession, thatneveruntil thathourdid theyseetheirsinssoclearly,andfeelsodeeplytheirdebttomercyandgrace.Heavenalone,Isuppose,willfullyteachushowhumbleweoughttobe.Thenonly,whenwestandwithintheveil,andlookbackonallthewayof

lifebywhichwewereled,thenonlyshallwecompletelyunderstandtheneedandbeautyofhumility.StronglanguagelikePaul’swillnotappeartoustoostronginthatday.No,indeed!Weshallcastourcrownsbeforethe throne, and realize what a great divinemeant, when he said, "Theantheminheavenwillbe,WhathasGodwrought!"

2.LetusnoticewhatPaulsaysofhisministerialoffice.

There isagrandsimplicity intheapostle’swordsaboutthissubject.Hesays,"GraceisgivenuntomethatIshouldpreach."Themeaningof thesentenceisplain:"Tomeisgrantedtheprivilegeofbeingamessengerofgoodnews.Ihavebeencommissionedtobeaheraldofgladtidings."Ofcourse we cannot doubt that Paul’s conception of the minister’s officeincluded the administration of the sacraments, and the doing all otherthingsneedfulfortheedifyingofthebodyofChrist.Buthere,asinotherplaces,itisevidentthattheleadingideacontinuallybeforehismindwas,that the chief business of a minister of the New Testament is to be apreacher, an evangelist, God’s ambassador, God’s messenger and theproclaimerofGod’sgoodnewstoafallenworld.Hesaysinanotherplace,"Christsentmenottobaptize,buttopreachthegospel"(1Cor.1:17).

I fail to see that Paul ever supports the favorite theory, that there wasintended to be a sacerdotal ministry, a sacrificing priesthood in thechurchofChrist.ThereisnotawordintheActsorinhisEpistlestothechurches to warrant such a notion. It is nowherewritten "God has setsomeinthechurch,firstapostles,thenpriests,"(1Cor.12:28).ThereisaconspicuousabsenceofthetheoryinthePastoralEpistlestoTimothyandTitus, where, if anywhere, we might have expected to find it. On thecontrary, intheseveryEpistles,wereadsuchexpressionsasthese"Godhas manifested His Word through preaching;" "I am appointed apreacher.""Iamordainedapreacher.""Thatbymethepreachingmightbefullyknown," (Titus 1:3;2Tim. 1:11;1Tim.2:7;2Tim.4:17).And, tocrown all, one of his last injunctions to his friend Timothy, when heleaves him in charge of an organized church, is this pithy sentence"PreachtheWord,"(2Tim.4:2). Inshort, IbelievePaulwouldhaveusunderstand that, however various the works for which the Christianminister is set apart,his first, foremost andprincipalwork is to be thepreacherandproclaimerofGod’sWord.

But,whilewerefusetoallowthatasacrificingpriesthoodhasanywarrantof Scripture, let us beware in these days that we do not rush into theextreme of undervaluing the office which the minister of Christ holds.There issomedanger in thisdirection.Letusgrasp firmlycertainfixedprinciplesabouttheChristianministryand,howeverstrongourdislikeofpriesthoodandaversiontoRomanism, letnothingtemptus to let theseprinciples slip out of our hands. Surely there is solid middle groundbetween a groveling idolatry of sacerdotalism on one hand, and adisorderlyanarchyontheother.Surelyitdoesnotfollow,becausewewillnot be papists in this matter of the ministry, that we must needs beQuakersorPlymouthBrethren.

This,atanyrate,wasnotthemindofPaul.

a. Let us settle it firmly in our minds that the ministerial office is ascripturalinstitution.Ineednotwearyyouwithquotationstoprovethispoint.IwillsimplyadviseyoutoreadtheEpistlestoTimothyandTitusand judge for yourselves. If these Epistles do not authorize aministry,thereis,tomymind,nomeaninginwords.Takeajuryofthefirsttwelveintelligent, honest, unselfish, unprejudiced men you can find, and setthem down with a New Testament to examine this question bythemselves"IstheChristianministryascripturalthingornot?"Ihavenodoubtwhattheirverdictwouldbe.

b.Letussettle it inourminds that theministerialoffice isamostwiseand useful provision of God. It secures the regular maintenance of allChrist’s ordinances and means of grace. It provides an undyingmachineryforpromotingtheawakeningofsinnersandtheedificationofsaints. All experience proves that everybody’s business soon becomesnobody’sbusiness;andifthisistrueinothermatters,itisnolesstrueinthematterofreligion.OurGodisaGodoforder,andaGodwhoworksbymeans, and we have no right to expect His cause to be kept up byconstantmiraculousinterpositions,whileHisservantsstandidle.Fortheuninterrupted preaching of the Word and administration of thesacraments, no better plan can be devised than the appointment of aregular order of men who shall give themselves wholly to Christ’sbusiness.

c. Let us settle it firmly in our minds that the ministerial office is anhonorableprivilege.Itisanhonortobetheambassadorofakingtheverypersonofsuchanofficerofstateisrespected,andcalledlegallysacred.ItisanhonortobearthetidingsofavictorysuchasTrafalgarandWaterloobeforetheinventionoftelegraphsitwasahighlycoveteddistinction.ButhowmuchgreaterhonorisittobetheambassadoroftheKingofkings,andtoproclaimthegoodnewsof theconquestachievedonCalvary!Toservedirectly suchaMaster, to carry suchamessage, toknow that theresults of our work, if God shall bless it, are eternal, this is indeed aprivilege. Other laborers may work for a corruptible crown, but theministerofChristforanincorruptible.Neverisalandinworseconditionthan when the ministers of religion have caused their office to beridiculedanddespised.ItisatremendouswordinMalachi:"Ihavemadeyoucontemptibleandbasebeforeall thepeople,according as youhavenotkeptmyways."(Mal.2:9).But,whethermenwillhearorforbear,theofficeofafaithfulambassadorishonorable.Itwasafinesayingofanoldmissionaryonhisdeathbed,whodiedattheageofninety–six:"Theverybestthingthatamancandoistopreachthegospel."

Letme leave thisbranchofmy subjectwith an earnest request that allwho pray will never forget to make supplications and prayers andintercessionfortheministersofChrist,thattherenevermaybewantingadue supplyof themathomeand in themission field, that theymaybekept sound in the faith and holy in their lives, and that theymay takeheedtothemselvesaswellastothedoctrine(1Tim.4:16).

Oh,rememberthatwhileourofficeishonorable,usefulandscriptural,itisalsooneofdeepandpainfulresponsibility!Wewatchforsoulsasthosewhomustgiveaccountatthejudgmentday(Heb.13:17).Ifsoulsarelostthroughourunfaithfulness, theirbloodwillberequiredatourhands.Ifwe had only to read services and administer sacraments, to wear apeculiardressandgothrougharoundofceremoniesandbodilyexerciseandgesturesandpostures,ourpositionwouldbecomparativelylight.Butthisisnotall.WehavegottodeliverourMaster’smessage,tokeepbacknothingthatisprofitable,todeclareallthecounselofGod.Ifwetellourcongregationslessthanthetruthormorethanthetruth,wemayruinforever immortal souls. Life and death are in the power of the preacher’s

tongue."Woeisuntousifwepreachnotthegospel!"(1Cor.9:16.)

Once more I say, pray for us. Who is sufficient for these things?Remember the old saying of the fathers: "None are in more spiritualdanger thanministers." It iseasy tocriticizeand find faultwithus.Wehave a treasure in earthen vessels. We are men of like passions withyourselves, and not infallible. Pray for us in these trying, tempting,controversialdays, thatour churchmaynever lackbishops,priests anddeaconswhoaresoundinthefaith,boldaslions,"wiseasserpents,andyetharmlessasdoves."(Matt.10:16).Theverymanwhosaid,"Grace isgivenmetopreach," is thesamemanwhosaid, inanotherplace,"Prayforus,thattheWordoftheLordmayhavefreecourse,andbeglorified...andthatwemaybedeliveredfromunreasonableandwickedmenforallmenhavenotfaith."(2Thess.3:1,2).

3.Lastly,letusnownoticewhatPaulsaysofthegreatsubjectofhispreaching.Hecallsit"theunsearchablerichesofChrist."

ThattheconvertedmanofTarsusshouldpreach"Christ"isnomorethanwemightexpect fromhisantecedents.Having foundpeace through thebloodofthecrosshimself,wemaybesurehewouldalwaystellthestoryofthecrosstoothers.Heneverwastedprecioustimeinexaltingamererootless morality, in descanting on vague abstractions and emptyplatitudes–suchas"thetrue,"and"thenoble,"and"theearnest,"andthe"beautiful," and "thegermsofgoodness inhumannature"and the like.He alwayswent to the root of thematter, and showedmen their greatfamilydisease, theirdesperate state as sinners, and the greatPhysicianneededbyasin-sickworld.

Thathe shouldpreachChrist among "theGentiles," again is inkeepingwithallweknowofhislineofactioninallplacesandamongallpeople.Wherever he traveled and stoodup to preach—atAntioch, at Lystra, atPhilippi, at Athens, at Corinth, at Ephesus, among Greeks or Romans,among learnedorunlearned, amongStoics andEpicureans,before richor poor, barbarians, Scythians, bond, or free—Jesus and His vicariousdeath, Jesus and His resurrection, was the keynote of his sermons.Varyinghismodeofaddressaccordingtohisaudience,ashewiselydid,thepithandheartofhispreachingwasChristcrucified.

But in the text before us, you will observe, he uses a very peculiarexpression, an expression which unquestionably stands alone in hiswritings: "the unsearchable riches of Christ." It is the strong burninglanguageofonewhoalwaysrememberedhisdebttoChrist’smercyandgrace,andlovedtoshowhowintenselyhefelt itbyhiswords.Paulwasnot a man to act or speak by halves. He never forgot the road toDamascus, the house of Judas in the street called Straight, the visit ofgood Ananias, the scales falling from his eyes and his own marvelouspassagefromdeathtolife.Thesethingsarealwaysfreshandgreenbeforehismind,andsohe isnot content to say, "Grace isgivenme topreachChrist."No,heamplifieshissubject.Hecallsit"theunsearchablerichesofChrist."

Butwhatdidtheapostlemeanwhenhespokeof"unsearchableriches"?This is a hard question to answer. No doubt he saw in Christ such aboundlessprovisionforallthewantsofman’ssoulthatheknewnootherphrase to convey his meaning. From whatever standpoint he beheldJesus,hesawinHimfarmorethanmindcouldconceive,ortonguecouldtell. What he precisely intended must necessarily be a matter ofconjecture.Butitmaybeusefultosetdownindetailsomeofthethingswhichmost probably were in hismind. Itmay, itmust, it ought to beuseful. For after all, let us remember, these riches of Christ are richeswhichyouand Ineed inEngland just asmuchasPaul and,bestof all,theserichesare treasuredup inChrist foryouandmeasmuchas theywere eighteen hundred years ago. They are still there. They are stilloffered freely to all who are willing to have them. They are still thepropertyof everyonewho repents and believes. Let us glance briefly atsomeofthem.

a.Setdown,firstandforemost,inyourmindsthatthereareunsearchableriches in Christ’s person. That miraculous union of perfect Man andperfectGodinourLordJesusChristisagreatmystery,nodoubt,whichwehavenolinetofathom.Itisahighthing;andwecannotattaintoit.But, mysterious as that union may be, it is a mine of comfort andconsolation to all who can rightly regard it. Infinite power and infinitesympathyaremettogetherandcombinedinourSavior.IfHehadbeenonlyMan,Hecouldnothavesavedus.IfHehadbeenonlyGod(Ispeak

withreverence),Hecouldnothavebeen"touchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,"nor"sufferedHimselfbeingtempted."(Heb.4:15;2:18).AsGod,Heismightytosave;asMan,HeisexactlysuitedtobeourHead,RepresentativeandFriend.Letthosewhoneverthinkdeeply,tauntus,iftheywill, with squabbling about creeds and dogmatic theology. But letthoughtful Christians never be ashamed to believe and hold fast theneglecteddoctrineoftheIncarnation,andtheunionoftwonaturesinourSavior.It isarichandprecioustruththatourLordJesusChrist isboth"GodandMan."

b.Setdown,next,inyourmindsthatthereareunsearchablerichesintheworkwhichChristaccomplishedforus,whenHelivedonearth,diedandroseagain.Trulyandindeed,HefinishedtheworkwhichHisFathergaveHim to do (John 17:4)—the work of atonement for sin, the work ofreconciliation,theworkofredemption,theworkofsatisfaction,theworkofsubstitutionas"thejustfortheunjust."Itpleasessomemen,Iknow,to call these short phrases "man–made theological terms, humandogmas," and the like. But they will find it hard to prove that each ofthesemuch–abusedphrasesdoesnothonestly contain the substanceofplain texts of Scripture, which, for convenience sake, like the word"Trinity,"divineshavepackedintoasingleword.Andeachphraseisveryrich.

c.Setdown,next,inyourmindsthatthereareunsearchablerichesintheofficeswhichChrist at thismoment fills, asHe lives for us at the righthandofGod.He isatonceourMediator,ourAdvocate, ourPriest, ourIntercessor, our Shepherd, ourBishop, our Physician, our Captain, ourKing, our Master, our Head, our Forerunner, our Elder Brother, theBridegroomof our souls.No doubt these offices areworthless to thosewhoknownothingofvitalreligion.Buttothosewholivethelifeoffaith,andseekfirstthekingdomofGod,eachofficeispreciousasgold.

d.Setdown,next,inyourmindsthatthereareunsearchablerichesinthenames and titles which are applied to Christ in the Scriptures. Theirnumber isverygreat,everycarefulBible readerknows, and I cannotofcoursepretendtodomorethanselectafewofthem.ThinkforamomentofsuchtitlesastheLambofGod,theBreadoflife,theFountainoflivingwaters,theLightoftheworld,theDoor,theWay,theVine,theRock,the

Corner–stone, the Christian’s Robe, the Christian’s Altar. Think of allthesenames,Isay,andconsiderhowmuchtheycontain.Tothecareless,worldlyman they aremere "words," andnothingmore; but to the trueChristian each title, if beaten out and developed,will be found to havewithinitsbosomawealthofblessedtruth.

e. Setdown, lastly, in yourminds that there areunsearchable riches inthe characteristic qualities, attributes, dispositions and intentions ofChrist’s mind towards man, as we find them revealed in the NewTestament. InHim there are riches ofmercy, love and compassion forsinners; riches of power to cleanse, pardon, forgive, and to save to theuttermost;richesofwillingnesstoreceiveallwhocometoHimrepentingandbelieving;richesofabilitytochangebyHisSpiritthehardestheartsandworstcharacters;richesoftenderpatiencetobearwiththeweakestbeliever;richesofstrengthtohelpHispeopletotheend,notwithstandingevery foe without and within; riches of sympathy for all who are castdown and bring their troubles toHim and, last but not least, riches ofglory toreward,whenHecomesagaintoraise thedeadandgatherHispeople tobewithHiminHiskingdom.Whocanestimate theseriches?The children of this worldmay regard themwith indifference, or turnawayfromthemwithdisdain;butthosewhofeelthevalueoftheirsoulsknowbetter.Theywillsaywithonevoice,"TherearenoricheslikethosewhicharelaidupinChristforHispeople."

For, best of all, these riches are unsearchable. They are amine which,howeverlongitmaybeworked,isneverexhausted.Theyareafountainwhich,howevermanydrawitswaters,neverrunsdry.Thesuninheavenaboveushasbeenshiningforsixthousandyears,andgivinglightandlifeandwarmthandfertilitytothewholesurfaceoftheglobe.ThereisnotatreeoraflowerinEurope,Asia,AfricaorAmericawhichisnotadebtortothesun.Andstillthesunshinesonforgenerationaftergeneration,andseasonafterseason,risingandsettingwithunbrokenregularity,givingtoall,takingfromnone,andtoallordinaryeyesthesameinlightandheatthat it was in the day of creation, the great common benefactor ofmankind.Justsoitis,ifanyillustrationcanapproachthereality,justsoit is with Christ. He is still "the Sun of righteousness" to all mankind(Mal.4:2).MillionshavedrawnfromHimindaysgoneby,andlookingto

Him have lived with comfort, and with comfort died. Myriads at thismoment are drawing from Him daily supplies of mercy, grace, peace,strength and help, and find "all fullness" dwelling inHim.And yet thehalf of the riches laid up in Him for mankind, I doubt not, is utterlyunknown! Surely the apostle might well use that phrase, "theunsearchablerichesofChrist."

Let me now conclude this message with three words of practicalapplication. For convenience sake I shall put them in the form ofquestions, and I invite each reader of this volume, to examine themquietly,andtrytogivethemananswer.

1. First then letme ask you,what do you think of yourself?What Paulthoughtofhimselfyouhaveseenandheard.Now,whatareyourthoughtsaboutyourself?Haveyoufoundoutthatgrandfoundationtruththatyouareasinner,aguiltysinnerinthesightofGod?

Thecryformoreeducationinthisdayisloudandincessant.Ignoranceisuniversally deplored. But, you may depend, there is no ignorance socommon and so mischievous as ignorance of ourselves. Yes, men mayknow all arts and sciences and languages, and political economy andstatecraft, and yet bemiserably ignorant of their own hearts and theirownstatebeforeGod.

Be very sure that self–knowledge is the first step towards heaven. ToknowGod’sunspeakableperfection,andourownimmenseimperfection,toseeourownunspeakabledefectivenessandcorruption, is theABCinsavingreligion.Themorerealinwardlightwehave,themorehumbleandlowly–mindedweshallbe,andthemoreweshallunderstandthevalueofthatdespisedthing,thegospelofChrist.HethatthinksworstofhimselfandhisowndoingsisperhapsthebestChristianbeforeGod.Wellwouldit be for many if they would pray, night and day, this simple prayer:"Lord,showmemyself."

2.WhatdoyouthinkoftheministersofChrist?Strangeasthatquestionmayseem,Iverilybelievethatthekindofansweramanwouldgivetoit,ifhespeakshonestly,isveryoftenafairtestofthestateofhisheart.

Observe,Iamnotaskingwhatyouthinkofanidle,worldly,inconsistentclergyman,asleepingwatchmanandfaithlessshepherd.No! IaskwhatyouthinkofthefaithfulministerofChrist,whohonestlyexposessin,andpricksyourconscience?Mindhowyouanswerthatquestion.Toomanynowadayslikeonlythoseministerswhoprophesysmooththingsandlettheirsinsalone,whoflattertheirprideandamusetheirintellectualtaste,butwhoneversoundanalarm,andnevertell themofawrathtocome.WhenAhab sawElijah, said, "Have you foundme,Omine enemy?" (1Kings21:20.)WhenMicaiahwasnamed toAhab,he cried, "I hatehimbecausehedoesnotprophesygoodofme,butevil."(1Kings22:8).Alas,therearemanylikeAhabinthenineteenthcentury!Theylikeaministrywhich does notmake them uncomfortable, and send them home ill atease.Howis itwithyou?Oh,believeme,he is thebest friendwhotellsyouthemosttruth!ItisanevilsigninthechurchwhenChrist’switnessesaresilenced,orpersecuted,andmenhatehimwhoreproves(Isa.29:21).ItwasasolemnsayingoftheprophettoAmaziah"NowIknowthatGodhas determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and nothearkenedtomycounsel."(2Chron.25:16).

3.Lastofall,whatdoyouthinkofChristHimself?IsHegreatorlittleinyoureyes?DoesHecomefirstorsecondinyourestimation?IsHebeforeor behind His church, His ministers, His sacraments, His ordinances?WhereisHeinyourheartandyourmind’seye?

After all, this is the question of questions! Pardon, peace, rest ofconscience,hope indeath,heaven itself—allhingeuponouranswer. ToknowChristislifeeternal.TobewithoutChrististobewithoutGod."HethathastheSonhaslife,andhethathasnottheSonofGodhasnotlife."(1 John 5:12). The friends of purely secular education, the enthusiasticadvocatesofreformandprogress,theworshipersofreasonandintellectandmindandscience,maysaywhattheyplease,anddoall theycantomend theworld. But theywill find their labor is in vain if they do notmakeallowancefortheFallofman,ifthereisnoplaceforChristintheirschemes.Thereisasorediseaseattheheartofmankind,whichwillbafflealltheireffortsanddefeatalltheirplans,andthatdiseaseissin.Oh,thatpeoplewouldonlyseeandrecognizethecorruptionofhumannature,andtheuselessnessofalleffortstoimprovemanwhicharenotbasedonthe

remedialsystemofthegospel!Yes,theplagueofsinisintheworld,andno waters will ever heal that plague except those which flow from thefountainforallsin—acrucifiedChrist.

But, to wind up all, where is boasting? As a great divine said on hisdeathbed,"Weareallofusonlyhalfawake."ThebestChristianamongusknows but little of his glorious Savior, even after he has learned tobelieve. We see through a glass darkly. We do not realize the"unsearchable riches" there are in Him. When we awake after Hislikeness in another world, we shall be amazed that we knew Him soimperfectly,andlovedHimsolittle.LetusseektoknowHimbetternow,andliveinclosercommunionwithHim.Solivingweshallfeelnoneedofhuman priests and earthly confessionals.We shall feel, "I have all andabound; Iwantnothingmore. Christ dying forme on the cross, ChristeverintercedingformeatGod’srighthand,Christdwellinginmyheartby faith, Christ soon coming again to gather me and all His peopletogethertopartnomore—Christisenoughforme.HavingChrist,Ihave‘unsearchableriches.’"

"ThegoodIhaveisfromHisstoressupplied,TheillisonlywhatHedeemsthebest;HeformyFriend,I’mrichwithnothingbeside,AndpoorwithoutHim,thoughofallpossessed:Changesmaycome,ItakeorIresign,ContentwhileIamHis,andHeismine."

"Whilehere,alas,IknowbuthalfHislove,ButhalfdiscernHim,andbuthalfadore;ButwhenImeetHimintherealmsabove,IhopetoloveHimbetter,praiseHimmore,Andfeel,andtell,amidthechoirdivine,HowfullyIamHis,andHeismine."

NeedsoftheTimes

"Menthathadunderstandingofthetimes"(1Chron.12:32).

Thesewordswerewrittenabout the tribeof Issachar, in thedayswhenDavidfirstbegantoreignoverIsrael.ItseemsthatafterSaul’sunhappydeath, some of the tribes of Israel were undecidedwhat to do. "Underwhich king?" was the question of the day in Palestine. Men doubtedwhethertheyshouldclingtothefamilyofSaul,oracceptDavidastheirking.Somehungback, andwouldnot commit themselves;others cameforwardboldly,anddeclared forDavid.Amongthese lastweremanyofthechildrenofIssachar;andtheHolySpiritgivesthemaspecialwordofpraise.Hesays,"Theywerementhathadunderstandingofthetimes."

I cannot doubt that this sentence, like every sentence in Scripture,waswritten for our learning. Thesemen of Issachar are set before us as apattern to be imitated, and an example to be followed; for it is amostimportant thing tounderstand the times inwhichwe live, and toknowwhatthosetimesrequire.ThewisemeninthecourtofAhasuerusknewthetimes(Esther1:13).OurLordJesusChristblamestheJews,becausethey"knewnotthetimeoftheirvisitation,"anddidnot"discernthesignsofthetimes"(Luke19:44;Matt.16:3).Letustakeheedlestwefall intothe same sin. The man who is content to sit ignorantly by his ownfireside,wrappedupinhisownprivateaffairs,andhasnopubliceyeforwhatisgoingoninthechurchandtheworld,isamiserablepatriot,andapoorstyleofChristian.NexttoourBiblesandourownhearts,ourLordwouldhaveusstudyourowntimes.

1. First and foremost, the times require of us a bold andunflinching maintenance of the entire truth of Christianity,andthedivineauthorityoftheBible.

Our lot is cast inanageofaboundingunbelief, skepticismand, I fear Imustadd, infidelity.Never,perhaps, since thedaysofCelsus,PorphyryandJulian,wasthetruthofrevealedreligionsoopenlyandunblushinglyassailed, and never was the assault so speciously and plausiblyconducted. ThewordswhichBishopButlerwrote in 1736 are curiously

applicable toourowndays"It iscometobe takenforgrantedbymanypeople,thatChristianityisnotevenasubjectofinquiry,butthatitisnowatlengthdiscoveredtobefictitious.Andaccordinglytheytreatitasif,inthe present age, this was an agreed point among all people ofdiscernment,andnothingremainedbuttosetitupasaprincipalsubjectofmirthandridicule,asitwerebywayofreprisalsforitshavingsolonginterrupted the pleasures of the world." I often wonder what the goodbishopwouldhavenowsaid,ifhehadlivedin1879.

Inreviews,magazines,newspapers,lectures,essaysandsometimesevenin sermons, scores of cleverwriters are incessantlywagingwar againstthe very foundations of Christianity. Reason, science, geology,anthropology,moderndiscoveries,freethought,areallboldlyassertedtobeon their side.Noeducatedperson,weareconstantly toldnowadays,canreallybelievesupernaturalreligion,ortheplenaryinspirationoftheBible,orthepossibilityofmiracles.SuchancientdoctrinesastheTrinity,thedeityofChrist,thepersonalityoftheHolySpirit,theatonement,theobligation of the Sabbath, the necessity and efficacy of prayer, theexistenceofthedevilandtherealityoffuturepunishment,arequietlyputon the shelf as useless old almanacs, or contemptuously thrownoverboardas lumber!Andall this isdonesocleverly,andwithsuchanappearance of candor and liberality, andwith such compliments to thecapacity and nobility of human nature, that multitudes of unstableChristiansarecarriedawayasbyaflood,andbecomepartiallyunsettled,iftheydonotmakecompleteshipwreckoffaith.

The existence of this plague of unbelief must not surprise us for amoment.Itisonlyanoldenemyinanewdress,anolddiseaseinanewform.SincethedaywhenAdamandEvefell,thedevilhasneverceasedtotemptmennot tobelieveGod,andhassaid,directlyor indirectly,"Youshallnotdieevenifyoudonotbelieve."Inthelatterdaysespeciallywehave warrant of Scripture for expecting an abundant crop of unbelief"WhentheSonofmancomes,shallHefindfaithontheearth?""Evilmenandseducersshallwaxworseandworse," "Thereshall come in the lastdays scoffers" (Luke 18:8; 2 Tim. 3:13; 2 Peter 3:3). Here in Englandskepticism is that natural rebound from semi–popery and superstitionwhichmanywisemenhave longpredicted and expected. It is precisely

thatswingofthependulumwhichfar–sightedstudentsofhumannaturelookedfor;andithascome.

ButasItellyounottobesurprisedatthewidespreadskepticismofthetimes,soalsoImusturgeyounottobeshakeninmindbyit,ormovedfromyoursteadfastness.Thereisnorealcauseforalarm.ThearkofGodis not in danger, though the oxen seem to shake it. Christianity hassurvived the attacks of Hume and Hobbes and Tindal, of Collins andWoolston and Bolingbroke and Chubb, of Voltaire and Payne andHolyoake. These men made a great noise in their day, and frightenedweak people, but they produced no more effect than idle travelersproduce by scratching their names on the great pyramid of Egypt.Dependon it,Christianity in likemannerwill survive theattacksof theclever writers of these times. The startling novelty of many modernobjectionstorevelation,nodoubt,makesthemseemmoreweightythanthey really are. It does not follow, however, that hard knots cannot beuntiedbecauseour fingerscannotuntie them,or formidabledifficultiescannot be explained because our eyes cannot see through or explainthem.When you cannot answer a skeptic, be content to wait formorelight;butneverforsakeagreatprinciple.Inreligion,asinmanyscientificquestions, said Faraday, "The highest philosophy is often a judicioussuspense of judgment." He that believes shall not make haste: he canaffordtowait.

Whenskepticsandinfidelshavesaidalltheycan,wemustnotforgetthattherearethreegreatbroadfactswhichtheyhaveneverexplainedaway,andIamconvincedtheynevercan,andneverwill.Letmetellyoubrieflywhat they are. They are very simple facts, and any plain man canunderstandthem.

a.ThefirstfactisJesusChristHimself.IfChristianityisamereinventionofman, and the Bible is not fromGod, how can infidels explain JesusChrist?Hisexistenceinhistorytheycannotdeny.Howisitthatwithoutforce or bribery, without arms or money, He has made such animmenselydeepmarkon theworld asHe certainlyhas?WhowasHe?WhatwasHe?WheredidHecomefrom?Howisitthatthereneverhasbeen one like Him, neither before nor after, since the beginning ofhistorical times?They cannot explain it.Nothing can explain it but the

great foundationprincipleofrevealedreligion, thatJesusChrist isGod,andHisgospelisalltrue.

b.ThesecondfactistheBibleitself.IfChristianityisamereinventionofman, and the Bible is of nomore authority than any other uninspiredvolume,howisitthatthebookiswhatitis?HowisitthatabookwrittenbyafewJewsinaremotecorneroftheearth,writtenatdistantperiodswithoutconsortorcollusionamongthewriters;writtenbymembersofanationwhich,comparedtoGreeksandRomans,didnothingforliterature—howisitthatthisbookstandsentirelyalone,andthereisnothingthateven approaches it, for high views of God, for true views of man, forsolemnityofthought,forgrandeurofdoctrine,andforpurityofmorality?Whataccountcantheinfidelgiveofthisbook,sodeep,sosimple,sowise,so free fromdefects?Hecannot explain its existenceandnatureonhisprinciples.Weonly cando thatwhohold that thebook is supernaturalandofGod.

c. The third fact is the effect which Christianity has produced on theworld.IfChristianityisamereinventionofman,andnotasupernatural,divinerevelation,howisitthatithaswroughtsuchacompletealterationin the state of man kind? Any well–read man knows that the moraldifference between the condition of the world before Christianity wasplantedand sinceChristianity took root is thedifferencebetweennightandday,thekingdomofheavenandthekingdomofthedevil.

Whenever you are tempted to be alarmed at the progress of infidelity,lookat the three facts Ihave justmentioned, andcast your fearsaway.Take up your position boldly behind the ramparts of these three facts,andyoumaysafelydefytheutmosteffortsofmodernskeptics.Theymayoften ask you a hundred questions you cannot answer, and startingeniousproblemsaboutvariousreadings,orinspiration,orgeology,ortheoriginofman,ortheageoftheworld,whichyoucannotsolve.Theymayvexandirritateyouwithwildspeculationsandtheories,ofwhichatthetimeyoucannotprovethefallacy,thoughyoufeelit.Butbecalmandfear not. Remember the three great facts I have named, and boldlychallenge skeptics to explain themaway. The difficulties ofChristianitynodoubtaregreat;but,dependonit,theyarenothingcomparedtothedifficultiesofinfidelity.

2.ThetimesrequireatourhandsdistinctanddecidedviewsofChristian doctrine. I cannot withhold my conviction that theprofessingchurchisasmuchdamagedbylaxityandindistinctnessaboutmattersofdoctrinewithin, as it is by skeptics andunbelieverswithout.Myriads of professing Christians nowadays seem utterly unable todistinguish things thatdiffer.Likepeopleafflictedwith colorblindness,they are incapable of discerningwhat is true andwhat is false,what issoundandwhat isunsound. If apreacherof religion isonly cleverandeloquentandearnest,theyappeartothinkheisallright,howeverstrangeand heterogeneous his sermonsmay be. They are destitute of spiritualsense,apparently,andcannotdetecterror.PoperyorProtestantism, anatonement or no atonement, a personal Holy Spirit or no Holy Spirit,future punishment or no future punishment, "high" church or "low"church or "broad" church, Trinitarianism, Arianism, or Unitarianism,nothingcomesamisstothem:theycanswallowall,iftheycannotdigestit! Carried away by a fancied liberality and charity, they seem to thinkeverybody is right andnobody iswrong, every clergyman is sound andnoneareunsound,everybodyisgoingtobesavedandnobodyisgoingtobelost.Theirreligionismadeupofnegatives;andtheonlypositivethingaboutthem is, that they dislike distinctness, and think all extreme anddecidedandpositiveviewsareverynaughtyandverywrong!

Thesepeopleliveinakindofmistorfog.Theyseenothingclearly,anddonotknowwhat theybelieve.Theyhavenotmadeup theirminds aboutanygreatpointinthegospel,andseemcontenttobehonorarymembersofallschoolsofthought.Fortheirlivestheycouldnottellyouwhattheythink is truthabout justificationorregenerationorsanctificationor theLord’s Supper or baptism or faith or conversion or inspiration or thefuturestate.Theyareeatenupwithamorbiddreadofcontroversyandanignorantdislikeof "partyspirit,"andyet theyreallycannotdefinewhattheymeanbythesephrases.Theonlypointyoucanmakeoutisthattheyadmire earnestness and cleverness and charity, and cannotbelieve thatanyclever,earnest,charitablemancaneverbeinthewrong!Andsotheyliveonundecided;andtoooftenundecidedtheydriftdowntothegrave,withoutcomfortintheirreligionand,Iamafraid,oftenwithouthope.

Theexplanationof thisboneless,nerveless, jellyfishconditionof soul is

notdifficult to find.Tobeginwith, theheart ofman isnaturally in thedark about religion, has no intuitive sense of truth and really needsinstructionandillumination.Besidethis,thenaturalheart inmostmenhates exertion in religion and cordially dislikes patient painstakinginquiry.Aboveall, thenaturalheartgenerally likes thepraiseofothers,shrinksfromcollisionandlovestobethoughtcharitableandliberal.Thewholeresult is thatakindofbroadreligious"agnosticism" justsuitsanimmensenumber of people, and specially suits young people. They arecontenttoshovelasidealldisputedpointsasrubbish,andifyouchargethemwithindecision,theywilltellyou,"Idonotpretendtounderstandcontroversy;Ideclinetoexaminecontrovertedpoints.Idaresayit isallthesame in the longrun."Whodoesnotknowthatsuchpeopleswarmandaboundeverywhere?

NowIdobeseechallwhoreadthismessagetobewareofthisundecidedstateofmindinreligion.Itisapestilencewhichwalksindarkness,andadestruction that kills in noonday. It is a lazy, idle frame of soulwhich,doubtless,savesmenthetroubleofthoughtandinvestigation;butitisaframeof soul forwhich there isnowarrant in theBible,nor yet in theArticles or PrayerBook of theChurch of England. For your own soul’ssake dare to make up your mind what you believe, and dare to havepositivedistinctviewsof truthanderror.Never,neverbeafraidtoholddecideddoctrinalopinions;andletnofearofmanandnomorbiddreadofbeing thoughtparty–spirited,narroworcontroversial,makeyou restcontented with a bloodless, boneless, tasteless, colorless, lukewarm,undogmaticChristianity.

MarkwhatIsay.Ifyouwanttodogoodinthesetimes,youmustthrowasideindecision,andtakeupadistinct,sharplycut,doctrinalreligion.Ifyoubelievelittle,thosetowhomyoutrytodogoodwillbelievenothing.The victories of Christianity, wherever they have been won, have beenwon by distinct doctrinal theology, by telling men roundly of Christ’svicarious death and sacrifice, by showing themChrist’s substitution onthecrossandHispreciousblood,byteachingthemjustificationbyfaithandbiddingthembelieveonacrucifiedSavior,bypreachingruinbysin,redemptionbyChrist,regenerationbytheSpirit,byliftingupthebronzeserpent, by telling men to look and live, to believe, repent and be

converted. This, this is the only teaching which for eighteen centuriesGodhashonoredwithsuccess,andishonoringatthepresentdaybothathome and abroad. Let the clever advocates of a broad and undogmatictheology—the preachers of the gospel of earnestness and sincerity andcoldmorality—letthem,Isay,showusatthisdayanyEnglishvillageorparish or city or town or district, which has been evangelized without"dogma," by their principles. They cannot do it, and they never will.Christianity without distinct doctrine is a powerless thing. It may bebeautifultosomeminds,butitischildlessandbarren.Thereisnogettingoverfacts.Thegoodthatisdoneintheearthmaybecomparativelysmall.Evilmayaboundandignorantimpatiencemaymurmur,andcryoutthatChristianity has failed. But, depend on it, if wewant to "do good" andshaketheworld,wemustfightwiththeoldapostolicweapons,andstickto "dogma". No dogma, no fruits! No positive evangelical doctrine, noevangelization!

MarkoncemorewhatIsay.ThemenwhohavedonemostfortheChurchofEngland,andmadethedeepestmarkontheirdayandgenerationhavealwaysbeenmenofmostdecidedanddistinctdoctrinal views. It is thebold, decided outspoken man, like Capel Molyneux, or our grand oldProtestantchampionHughMcNeile,whomakesadeepimpression,andsetspeoplethinking,and"turnstheworldupsidedown".Itwas"dogma"in the apostolic ages which emptied the heathen temples, and shookGreece and Rome. It was "dogma" which awoke Christendom from itsslumbers at the time of the Reformation, and spoiled the pope of onethirdofhissubjects.Itwas"dogma"whichonehundredyearsagorevivedthe Church of England in the days of Whitefield, Wesley, Venn andRomaine,andblewupourdyingChristianity intoaburning flame. It is"dogma"at thismomentwhichgivespowertoeverysuccessfulmission,whether at home or abroad. It is doctrine—doctrine, clear ringingdoctrine—which, like the ram’s horns at Jericho, casts down theoppositionof thedevil and sin.Letus cling todecideddoctrinal views,whateversomemaypleasetosayinthesetimes,andweshalldowellforourselves,well for others,well for theChurch ofEngland, andwell forChrist’scauseintheworld.

3.Thetimesrequireofusanawakenedandliveliersenseofthe

unscripturalandsoul–ruiningcharacterofRomanism.

This is a painful subject, but it imperatively demands some plainspeaking.

The facts of the case are very simple. There is no longer that generaldislike,dreadandaversiontopopery,whichwasoncealmostuniversalinthisrealm.TheedgeoftheoldBritishfeelingaboutProtestantismseemsblunted and dull. Some profess to be tired of all religious controversy,andarereadytosacrificeGod’struthforthesakeofpeace.SomelookonRomanism as simply one among many English forms of religion, andneither worse nor better than others. Some try to persuade us thatRomanismischanged,andnotnearlysobadasitusedtobe.SomeboldlypointtothefaultsofProtestants,andloudlycrythatRomanistsarequiteasgoodasourselves.Somethink it fineand liberal tomaintain thatwehaveno right to thinkanyonewrongwho is inearnestabouthis creed.Andyetthetwogreathistoricalfacts,

(a) that ignorance, immorality and superstition, reigned supreme inEnglandfourhundredyearsagounderpopery,

(b)thattheReformationwasthegreatestblessingGodevergavetothisland—both these are facts which no one but a papist ever thought ofdisputing fifty years ago! In the present day, alas, it is convenient andfashionabletoforgetthem!Inshort,attheratewearegoing,IshallnotbesurprisedifitissoonproposedtorepealtheActofSettlement,andtoallowthecrownofEnglandtobewornbyapapist.

Thecausesofthismelancholychangeoffeelingarenothardtodiscover.

a.ItarisespartlyfromtheuntiringzealoftheRoman"Catholic"churchherself.Heragentsneverslumberorsleep.Theycompassseaandlandtomake one proselyte. They creep in everywhere, like theEgyptian frogs,andleavenostoneunturned,inthepalaceortheworkhouse,topromotetheircause.

b. Ithasbeen furthered immenselyby theproceedingsof the ritualisticpartyintheChurchofEngland.Thatenergeticandactivebodyhasbeen

vilifyingtheReformationandsneeringatProtestantismformanyyears,with only too much success. It has corrupted, leavened, blinded andpoisonedthemindsofmanychurchmen,byincessantmisrepresentation.It has gradually familiarized peoplewith every distinctive doctrine andpractice ofRomanism the real presence, themass, auricular confessionand priestly absolution, the sacerdotal character of the ministry, themonastic system and a histrionic, sensuous, showy style of publicworship;andthenaturalresultis,thatmanysimplepeopleseenomightyharm in downright genuine popery! Last, but not least, the spuriousliberality of the day we live in helps on the Romeward tendency. It isfashionablenowtosaythatallsectsshouldbeequal,thatthestateshouldhavenothingtodowithreligion,thatallcreedsshouldberegardedwithequalfavorandrespect,andthatthereisasubstratumofcommontruthat the bottom of all kinds of religion, whether Buddhism,Mohammadanism or Christianity! The consequence is that myriads ofignorantfolksbegintothinkthereisnothingpeculiarlydangerousinthetenets of papists any more than in the tenets of Methodists,Independents, Presbyterians or Baptists, and that we ought to letRomanism alone, and never expose its unscriptural and Christdishonoringcharacter.

Theconsequencesofthischangedtoneoffeeling,Iamboldtosay,willbemost disastrous and mischievous, unless it can be checked. Once letpoperygetherfootagainontheneckofEngland,andtherewillbeanendofallournationalgreatness.Godwillforsakeus,andweshallsinktothelevelofPortugalandSpain.WithBiblereadingdiscouraged,withprivatejudgmentforbidden,withthewaytoChrist’scrossnarrowedorblockedup, with priestcraft re–established, with auricular confession set up ineveryparish,withmonasteriesandnunneriesdottedovertheland,withwomeneverywherekneelinglikeserfsandslavesatthefeetofclergymen,withmen casting off all faith, andbecoming skeptics,with schools andcollegesmadeseminariesofJesuitism,withfreethoughtdenouncedandanathematized, with all these things the distinctive manliness andindependenceoftheBritishcharacterwillgraduallydwindle,wither,pineawayandbedestroyed,andEnglandwillberuined.Andallthesethings,I firmly believe, will come unless the old feeling about the value ofProtestantismcanberevived.

Iwarn allwho read thismessage, and Iwarnmy fellow churchmen inparticular, that the times require you to awake and be on your guard.Beware of Romanism, and beware of any religious teaching which,wittinglyorunwittingly,pavesthewaytoit.Ibeseechyoutorealizethepainful fact that the Protestantism of this country is gradually ebbingaway,andIentreatyou,asChristiansandpatriotstoresistthegrowingtendencytoforgettheblessingsoftheEnglishReformation.

ForChrist’ssake, for thesakeof theChurchofEngland, for thesakeofourcountry,forthesakeofourchildren,letusnotdriftbacktoRoman"Catholic" ignorance, superstition, priestcraft and immorality. OurfatherstriedPopery longago, forcenturies,andthrewitoffat lastwithdisgust and indignation. Let us not put the clock back and return toEgypt. Let us havenopeacewithRomeuntilRome abjures her errors,andisatpeacewithChrist.UntilRomedoesthat,thevauntedreunionofWesternchurches,whichsometalkof,andpressuponournotice, isaninsulttoChristianity.

Read your Bibles and store your minds with scriptural arguments. ABible–reading laity is a nation’s surest defense against error. I have nofearforEnglishProtestantismiftheEnglishlaitywillonlydotheirduty.ReadyourThirty–nineArticlesandJewell’sApology,andseehowthoseneglected documents speak of Roman "Catholic" doctrines. Weclergymen, I fear, are often sadly to blame. We break the first canon,whichbidsuspreachfourtimeseveryyearagainstthepope’ssupremacy!Toooftenwebehaveas if"GiantPope"wasdeadandburied,andnevernamehim.Toooften, for fearofgivingoffense,weneglect to showourpeopletherealnatureandevilofpopery.

Ientreatmyreaders,beside theBibleandArticles, to readhistory, andseewhatRomedidindaysgoneby.Readhowshetrampledonliberties,plundered your forefathers pockets, and kept the whole nation ofEngland ignorant, superstitious and immoral. Read how ArchbishopLaudruinedchurchandstate,andbroughthimselfandKingCharlestothe scaffold by his foolish, obstinate, and God displeasing effort tounprotestantizetheChurchofEngland.ReadhowthelastpopishKingofEngland, James II, lost his crown by his daring attempt to put downProtestantism and reintroduce popery. And do not forget that Rome

neverchanges.Itisherboastandglorythatsheisinfallible,andalwaysthesame.

Readfacts,standingoutatthisminuteonthefaceoftheglobe,ifyouwillnot read history.What hasmade Italy and Sicily what they were untilverylately?Popery.WhathasmadetheSouthAmericanstateswhattheyare?Popery.WhathasmadeSpainandPortugalwhattheyare?Popery.WhathasmadeIrelandwhatsheisinMunster,LeinsterandConnaught?Popery.Whatmakes Scotland, theUnited States, and our ownbelovedEnglandthepowerful,prosperouscountriestheyare,andIprayGodtheymaylongcontinue?Ianswer,unhesitatingly,Protestantism,afreeBibleand the principles of the Reformation. Oh, think twice before you castasidetheprinciplesoftheReformation!ThinktwicebeforeyougivewaytotheprevailingtendencytofavorpoperyandgobacktoRome.

TheReformation foundEnglishmensteeped in ignoranceand left themin possession of knowledge; found them without Bibles and placed aBible in every parish; found them in darkness and left them incomparativetight; foundthempriest–riddenandleft themenjoyingtheliberty which Christ bestows; found them strangers to the blood ofatonement, to faithandgrace and real holiness, and left themwith thekeytothesethingsintheirhands;foundthemblindandleftthemseeing,found them slaves and left them free. Forever let us thankGod for theReformation! It lighted a candle which we ought never to allow to beextinguishedor toburndim.Surely Ihavea right to say that the timesrequire of us a renewed sense of the evils of Romanism, and of theenormousvalueoftheProtestantReformation!

4. The times require of us a higher standard of personalholiness, and an increased attention to practical religion indailylife.

I must honestly declare my conviction that, since the days of theReformation,thereneverhasbeensomuchprofessionofreligionwithoutpractice,somuchtalkingaboutGodwithoutwalkingwithHim,somuchhearingGod’swordswithoutdoing them,as there is inEnglandat thispresentdate.Neverweretheresomanyemptytubsandtinklingcymbals!Neverwastheresomuchformalityandsolittlereality.Thewholetoneof

men’s minds on what constitutes practical Christianity seems lowered.TheoldgoldenstandardofthebehaviorwhichbecomesaChristianmanor woman appears debased and degenerated. You may see scores ofreligiouspeople(so–called)continuallydoingthingswhichindaysgonebywouldhavebeenthoughtutterlyinconsistentwithvitalreligion.Theysee no harm in such things as card–playing, theater–going, dancing,incessant novel reading and Sunday traveling, and they cannot in theleast understand what you mean by objecting to them! The ancienttenderness of conscience about such things seems dying away andbecoming extinct, like the dodo; andwhen you venture to remonstratewithyoungcommunicantswhoindulgeinthem,theyonlystareatyouasanold–fashionednarrow–minded,fossilizedperson,andsay,"Whereistheharm?"Inshort,laxityofideasamongyoungmen,and"fastness"andlevityamongyoungwomen,areonly toocommoncharacteristicsof therisinggenerationofChristianprofessors.

Now in saying all this Iwouldnotbemistaken. I disclaim the slightestwishtorecommendanasceticreligion.Monasteries,nunneries,completeretirement from theworld , and refusal todoourduty in it, all these Iholdtobeunscripturalandmischievousnostrums.NorcanIeverseemyway clear tourging onmen an ideal standardof perfection forwhich IfindnowarrantinGod’sWord,astandardwhichisunattainableinthislife,andhandsoverthemanagementoftheaffairsofsocietytothedeviland thewicked.No, I alwayswish topromoteagenial, cheerful,manlyreligion,suchasmenmaycarryeverywhere,andyetglorifyChrist.

Thepathway toahigher standardofholiness,which I commend to theattentionofmyreaders, isaverysimpleone,sosimplethatIcanfancymany smiling at it with disdain. But, simple as it is, it is a path sadlyneglected andovergrownwithweeds, and it is high time todirectmeninto it.Weneed then toexaminemore closelyourgoodold friends theTenCommandments.Beatenout,andproperlydevelopedastheywerebyBishop Andrews and the Puritans, the two tables of God’s law are aperfectmineof practical religion. I think it an evil signof ourday thatmanyclergymenneglecttohavethecommandmentsputupintheirneworrestored,churches,andcoolly tellyou,"Theyarenotwantednow!"Ibelieve they never were wanted so much! We need to examine more

closely suchportionsofourLordJesusChrist’s teachingas the sermononthemount.Howrichisthatwonderfuldiscourseinfoodforthought!What a striking sentence that is "Except your righteousness exceed therighteousnessofthescribesandPharisees,youshallinnocaseenterthekingdomofheaven!"(Matt.5:20).Alas,thattextisrarelyused.Last,butnotleast,weneedtostudymorecloselythelatterpartofnearlyallPaul’sEpistles to the churches. They are far too much slurred over andneglected.ScoresofBiblereaders,Iamafraid,arewellacquaintedwiththe first eleven chapters of the Epistle to the Romans, but knowcomparatively little of the five last.WhenThomasScott expounded theEpistle to the Ephesians at the old Lock Chapel, he remarked that thecongregationsbecamemuchsmallerwhenhereachedthepracticalpartof that blessed book! Once more I say you may think myrecommendationsverysimple.IdonothesitatetoaffirmThatattentionto them would, by God’s blessing, be most useful to Christ’s cause. Ibelieve it would raise the standard of English Christianity about suchmatters as home religion, separation from the world, diligence in thedischarge of relative duties, unselfishness, good temper and generalspiritual–mindedness,toapitchwhichitseldomattainsnow.

Thereisacommoncomplaintintheselatterdaysthatthereisawantofpower in modern Christianity, and that the true church of Christ, thebodyofwhichHeistheHead,doesnotshaketheworldinthenineteenthcenturyas itused todo in formeryears.Shall I tell you inplainwordswhat is thereason?It is the lowtoneof lifewhich is sosadlyprevalentamong professing believers.Wewantmoremen andwomenwhowalkwithGodandbeforeGod,likeEnochandAbraham.Thoughournumbersat thisdate far exceed thoseofourevangelical forefathers, IbelievewefallfarshortoftheminourstandardofChristianpractice.Whereistheself–denial, the redemption of time, the absence of luxury and self–indulgence, the unmistakable separation from earthly things, themanifestairofbeingalwaysaboutourMaster’sbusiness,thesinglenessof eye, the simplicity of home life, the high tone of conversation insociety,thepatience,thehumility,theuniversalcourtesy,whichmarkedsomanyofourforerunnersseventyoreightyyearsago?Yes,whereisitindeed?Wehaveinheritedtheirprinciplesandweweartheirarmor,butIfearwehavenot inherited theirpractice.TheHolySpirit sees it,and is

grieved; and the world sees it, and despises us. The world sees it, andcareslittleforourtestimony.Itislife,life—aheavenly,godly,Christ–likelife—dependon it,which influences theworld. Let us resolve, byGod’sblessing,toshakeoffthisreproach.Letusawaketoaclearviewofwhatthe times require of us in this matter. Let us aim at a much higherstandard of practice. Let the time past suffice us to have been contentwithahalf–and–halfholiness.For the timetocome, letusendeavor towalkwithGod,tobethorough,andunmistakableinourdailylife,andtosilence,ifwecannotconvert,asneeringworld.

5. Finally, the times require of us more regular and steadyperseveranceintheoldways,ofgettinggoodforoursouls.

IthinknointelligentEnglishmancanfailtoseethattherehasbeenoflateyears an immense increase of what I must call, for want of a betterphrase, public religion in the land. Services of all sorts are strangelymultiplied.Placesofworshipare thrownopenforprayerandpreachingand administration of theLord’s Supper, at least ten times asmuch astheywere fifty years ago.Services in cathedralnaves,meetings in largepublic rooms like the Agricultural Hall and Mildmay ConferenceBuilding, mission services carried on day after day and evening afterevening—allthesehavebecomecommonandfamiliarthings.Theyare,infact,establishedinstitutionsoftheday,andthecrowdswhoattendthemsupplyplainproofthattheyarepopular.Inshort,wefindourselvesfaceto facewith the undeniable fact that the last quarter of the nineteenthcenturyisanageofanimmenseamountofpublicreligion.

NowIamnotgoingtofindfaultwiththis.Letnoonesupposethatforamoment.Onthecontrary,IthankGodforrevivaloftheoldapostolicplanof"aggressiveness"inreligion,andtheevidentspreadofadesire"byallmeans to save some" (1Cor. 9:22). I thankGod for shortened services,home missions and evangelistic movements like that of Moody andSankey.Anything isbetter thantorpor,apathyand inaction.IfChrist ispreached I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice (Phil. 1:18). Prophets andrighteousmeninEnglandoncedesiredtoseethesethings,andneversawthem. IfWhitefield andWesley had been told in their day that a timewould come when English archbishops and bishops would not onlysanctionmission services, but take anactivepart in them, I canhardly

think they would have believed it. Rather, I suspect, they would havebeentemptedtosay,liketheSamaritannoblemaninElisha’stime,"iftheLordwouldmakewindowsinheaven,mightthisthingbe"(2Kings7:2).

But while we are thankful for the increase of public religion, wemustneverforgetthat,unlessitisaccompaniedbyprivatereligion,it isofnoreal solid value, and may even produce most mischievous effects.Incessant running after sensational preachers, incessant attendance athot crowdedmeetings, protracted to late hours, incessant craving afterfreshexcitementandhighlyspicedpulpitnovelties—allthiskindofthingis calculated to produce a very unhealthy style of Christianity and, inmanycasesIamafraid,theendisutterruinofsoul.For,unhappily,thosewho make public religion everything are often led away by meretemporary emotions, after some grand display of ecclesiastical oratory,intoprofessingfarmorethantheyreallyfeel.Afterthis,theycanonlybekeptuptothemark,whichtheyimaginetheyhavereached,byaconstantsuccessionofreligiousexcitements.Byandby,aswithopium–eatersanddram–drinkers,therecomesatimewhentheirdoselosesitspower,andafeeling of exhaustion and discontent begins to creep over their minds.Toooften,Ifear,theconclusionofthewholematterisarelapseintoutterdeadnessandunbelief,andacompletereturntotheworld.Andallresultsfrom having nothing but a public religion! Oh, that people wouldrememberthatitwasnotthewind,orthefire,ortheearthquake,whichshowed Elijah the presence of God, but "the still small voice" (1Kings19:12).

NowIdesire to liftupawarningvoiceonthissubject. Iwanttoseenodecrease of public religion, remember; but I do want to promote anincreaseofthatreligionwhichisprivate—privatebetweeneachmanandhisGod.Therootofaplantortreemakesnoshowaboveground.Ifyoudigdowntoitandexamineit,itisapoor,dirty,coarse–lookingthingandnotnearly sobeautiful to theeyeas the fruitor leafor flower.But thatdespisedroot,nevertheless,isthetruesourceofallthelife,health,vigorandfertilitywhichyoureyessee,andwithout it theplantor treewouldsoondie.NowprivatereligionistherootofallvitalChristianity.Withoutitwemaymakeabraveshowinthemeetingorontheplatform,andsingloud, and shedmany tears, and have a name to live and the praise of

man.Butwithout itwehavenoweddinggarment,andare"deadbeforeGod". I tell my readers plainly that the times require of us all moreattentiontoourprivatereligion.

a.Letuspraymoreheartilyinprivate,andthrowourwholesoulsmoreinto our prayers. There are live prayers and there are dead prayers;prayers that cost us nothing, and prayers which often cost us strongcrying and tears. What are yours? When great professors backslide inpublic,andthechurchissurprisedandshocked,thetruthisthattheyhadlong ago backslidden on their knees. They had neglected the throne ofgrace.

b. Let us read our Bibles in private more, and with more pains anddiligence.IgnoranceofScriptureistherootofallerror,andmakesamanhelpless in the hand of the devil. There is less private Bible reading, Isuspect,thantherewasfiftyyearsago.InevercanbelievethatsomanyEnglishmenandwomenwouldhavebeen"tossedtoandfrowitheverywind of doctrine," some falling into skepticism, some rushing into thewildestandnarrowestfanaticism,andsomegoingovertoRome,iftherehad not grown up a habit of lazy, superficial, careless, perfunctoryreadingofGod’sWord. "Youdoerrnotknowing theScriptures" (Matt.22:29).TheBibleinthepulpitmustneversupersedetheBibleathome.

c.Letus cultivate thehabitof keepingupmoreprivatemeditation andcommunion with Christ. Let us resolutely make time for getting aloneoccasionally, for talkingwith our own souls likeDavid, for pouring outourheartstoourgreatHighPriest,Advocate,andConfessorattherighthandofGod.Wewantmoreauricular confession—butnot toman.Theconfessionalwewantisnotinaboxinthevestry,butthethroneofgrace.I see some professing Christians always running about after spiritualfood,alwaysinpublic,andalwaysoutofbreathandinahurry,andneverallowingthemselvesleisuretositdownquietlytodigest,andtakestockoftheir spiritual condition. I amnever surprised if suchChristianshaveadwarfish,stuntedreligionanddonotgrowandif,likePharaoh’sleankin,they looknobetter for their public religious feasting, but ratherworse.Spiritual prosperity depends immensely on our private religion, andprivatereligion cannot flourishunlesswedetermine thatbyGod’shelpwe will make time, whatever trouble it may cost us, for thought, for

prayer,fortheBible,andforprivatecommunionwithChrist.Alas!ThatsayingofourMasterissadlyoverlooked:"Enterintoyourclosetandshutthedoor"(Matt.6:6).

Ourevangelical forefathershadfar fewermeansandopportunitiesthanwe have. Full religious meetings and crowds, except occasionally at achurchorinafield,whensuchmenasWhitefieldorWesleyorRowlandspreached, these were things of which they knew nothing. Theirproceedingswereneitherfashionablenorpopular,andoftenbroughtonthemmorepersecutionandabusethanpraise.Butthefewweaponstheyused,theyusedwell.Withlessnoiseandapplausefrommantheymade,Ibelieve,a fardeepermarkforGodontheirgenerationthanwedo,withall our conferences, and meetings, and mission rooms, and halls, andmultiplied religious appliances. Their converts, I suspect, like the old–fashioned cloths and linens, wore better, and lasted longer, and fadedless,andkeptcolor,andweremorestableandrootedandgroundedthanmanyof thenewbornbabesof thisday.Andwhatwas thereasonofallthis? Simply, I believe, because they gave more attention to privatereligionthanwegenerallydo.TheywalkedcloselywithGodandhonoredHiminprivate,andsoHehonoredtheminpublic.Oh,letusfollowthemastheyfollowedChrist!Letusgoanddolikewise.

Let me now conclude this message with a few words of practicalapplication.

1.Doyouwanttounderstandwhatthetimesrequireofyouinreferencetoyourownsoul?Listen,andIwilltellyou.Youliveintimesofpeculiarspiritualdanger.Neverperhapsweretheremoretrapsandpitfallsintheway toheaven;nevercertainlywere those trapssoskillfullybaited, andthosepitfallssoingeniouslymade.Mindwhatyouareabout.Lookwelltoyourgoings.Ponder thepathsof your feet.Takeheed lest you come toeternalgrief,andruinyourownsoul.Bewareofpracticalinfidelityunderthe specious name of free thought. Beware of a helpless state ofindecision about doctrinal truth under the plausible idea of not beingparty–spirited, and under the baneful influence of so–called liberalityand charity.Beware of frittering away life inwishing andmeaning andhopingfor thedayofdecision,until thedoor isshut,andyouaregivenovertoadeadconscience,anddiewithouthope.Awaketoasenseofyour

danger.Ariseandgivediligence tomakeyourcallingandelectionsure,whatever else you leave uncertain. The kingdom of God is very near.ChristthealmightySavior,Christthesinner’sFriend,Christandeternallife,arereadyforyouifyouwillonlycometoChrist.Ariseandcastawayexcuses; this very day Christ calls you. Wait not for company if youcannot have it; wait for nobody. The times, I repeat, are desperatelydangerous.Ifonlyfewareinthenarrowwayoflife,resolvethatbyGod’shelpyouatanyratewillbeamongthefew.

2.DoyouwanttounderstandwhatthetimesrequireofallChristiansinreference to the souls of others? Listen, and Iwill tell you. You live intimesofgreatlibertyandaboundingopportunitiesofdoinggood.Neverweretheresomanyopendoorsofusefulness,somanyfieldswhitetotheharvest.Mindthatyouusethoseopendoors,andtrytoreapthosefields.Trytodoalittlegoodbeforeyoudie.Strivetobeuseful.DeterminethatbyGod’shelpyouwill leavetheworldabetterworld inthedayofyourburial than it was in the day you were born. Remember the souls ofrelatives, friends and companions; remember that God often works byweakinstruments,andtrywithholyingenuitytoleadthemtoChrist.Thetimeisshortthesandisrunningoutoftheglassofthisoldworld;thenredeemthetime,andendeavornottogotoheavenalone.Nodoubtyoucannot command success. It is not certain that your efforts to do goodwillalwaysdogoodtoothersbutit isquitecertainthattheywillalwaysdogoodtoyourself.Exercise,exercise,isonegrandsecretofhealth,bothforbodyandsoul."Hethatwatersshallbewateredhimself"(Prov.11:25).ItisadeepandgoldensayingofourMaster’s,butseldomunderstoodinitsfullmeaning"Itismoreblessedtogivethantoreceive"(Acts20:35).

3.Inthelastplace,wouldyouunderstandwhatthetimesrequireofyouinreferencetotheChurchofEngland?Listentome,andIwilltellyou.No doubt you live in dayswhen our time–honored church is in a veryperilous, distressing and critical position.Her rowers have brought herinto troubled waters. Her very existence is endangered by papists,infidels,andliberationistswithout.Herlife–bloodisdrainedawaybythebehavioroftraitors,falsefriendsandtimidofficerswithin.Nevertheless,solongastheChurchofEnglandsticksfirmlytotheBible,theArticles,and the principles of the Protestant Reformation, so long I advise you

stronglytosticktothechurch.WhentheArticlesarethrownoverboard,andtheoldflagishauleddown,then,andnotuntilthen,itwillbetimeforyouandmetolaunchtheboatsandquitthewreck.Atpresent,letussticktotheoldship.

CHRISTISALL

"Christisall"(Col.3:11).

The words of the text which heads this page are few, short and soonspoken;buttheycontaingreatthings.Likethosegoldensayings,"Tometo live is Christ," "I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me," they aresingularlyrichandsuggestive(Phil.1:21;Gal.2:20).

These threewordsare the essenceand substanceofChristianity. If ourheartscanreallygoalongwiththem,itiswellwithoursouls.Ifnot,wemaybesurewehaveyetmuchtolearn.

LetmetrytosetbeforemyreadersinwhatsenseChristisall,andletmeaskthem,astheyread,toJudgethemselveshonestly,thattheymaynotmakeshipwreckinthejudgmentofthelastday.

I purposely close this volume with a message on this remarkable text.Christ is themainspring both of doctrinal and practical Christianity. Aright knowledge of Christ is essential to a right knowledge ofsanctification aswell as justification.He that follows after holinesswillmakenoprogressunlesshegivestoChristHisrightfulplace.Ibeganthevolumewithaplain statementabout sin.Letmeend itwithanequallyplainstatementaboutChrist.

1.ChristisallinthecounselsofGod

a.Therewasatimewhenthisearthhadnobeing.Solidasthemountainslook,boundlessastheseaappears,highasthestarsinheavenlook,they

once did not exist. Andman,with all the high thoughts he nowhas ofhimself,wasacreatureunknown.

AndwherewasChristthen?

Even then Christ was "with God" and "was God" and was "equal withGod" (John 1:1; Phil. 2:6). Even then He was the beloved Son of theFather"YoulovedMe,"Hesays,"beforethefoundationoftheworld.""Ihad glory with You before the world began." "I was set up fromeverlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earthwas" (John 17:5, 24;Prov. 8:23). Even then He was the Savior if "foreordained before thefoundation of the world" (1 Pet. 1:20), and believers were "chosen inHim"(Eph.1:4).

b. There came a timewhen this earthwas created in its present order.Sun,moonandstars,sea,landandalltheirinhabitantswerecalled intobeing, andmade out of chaos and confusion.And, last of all,manwasformedoutofthedustoftheground.

AndwherewasChristthen?

HearwhattheScripturesays:"AllthingsweremadebyHim,andwithoutHimwasnotanythingmadethatwasmade"(John1:3)."ByHimwereallthingscreated,thatareinheavenandthatareinearth"(Col.1:16)."AndYou,Lord,inthebeginninghavelaidthefoundationoftheearth;andtheheavens are theworksofYourhands" (Heb. 1:10). "WhenHepreparedthe heavens, I was there:whenHe set a compass upon the face of thedepth:whenHeestablishedthecloudsabove:whenHestrengthenedthefoundations of the deep:whenHe gave to the seaHis decree, that thewaters should not pass His commandment: when He appointed thefoundationsoftheearththenIwasbyHim,asonebroughtupwithHim"(Prov.8:27–30).Canwewonder that theLordJesus, inHispreaching,shouldcontinuallydrawlessonsfromthebookofnature?WhenHespokeofthesheep,thefish,theravens,thecorn,thelilies,thefigtree,thevine,HespokeofthingswhichHeHimselfhadmade.

c.Therecameadaywhensinenteredtheworld.AdamandEveatetheforbidden fruit, and fell. They lost that holy nature inwhich theywere

firstformed.TheyforfeitedthefriendshipandfavorofGod,andbecameguilty,corrupt,helpless,hopelesssinners.Sincameasabarrierbetweenthemselves and their holy Father in heaven. Had He dealt with themaccordingtotheirdeserts,therehadbeennothingbeforethembutdeath,hellandeverlastingruin.

AndwherewasChristthen?

In that very dayHewas revealed to our trembling parents as the onlyhopeofsalvation.Theverydaytheyfell, theyweretoldthattheseedofthewomanshouldyetbruisetheserpent’shead, thataSaviorbornofawomanshouldovercomethedevil,andwinforsinfulmananentrancetoeternallife(Gen.3:15).Christwasheldupasthetruelightoftheworld,in the verydayof theFall; andneverhas anynamebeenmadeknownfrom thatdaybywhich souls couldbe saved, exceptingHisByHimallsaved souls have entered heaven, fromAdam downwards; andwithoutHimnonehaveeverescapedhell.

d. There came a time when the world seemed sunk and buried inignorance of God. After four thousand years the nations of the earthappeared to have clean forgotten the God that made them. Egyptian,Assyrian, Persian, Grecian and Roman empires had done nothing butspread superstition and idolatry. Poets, historians, philosophers hadproved that, with all their intellectual powers, they had no rightknowledgeofGod,andthatman,lefttohimself,wasutterlycorrupt."Theworld,bywisdom,knewnotGod"(1Cor.1:21).ExceptingafewdespisedJewsinacorneroftheearth,thewholeworldwasdeadinignoranceandsin.

AndwhatdidChristdothen?

HeleftthegloryHehadhadfromalleternitywiththeFather,andcamedown into the world to provide a salvation. He took our nature uponHim,andwasbornasaman.AsamanHedidthewillofGodperfectly,whichweallhadleftundone;asamanHesufferedonthecrossthewrathof God which we ought to have suffered. He brought in everlastingrighteousnessforus.Heredeemedusfromthecurseofabrokenlaw.Heopeneda fountain forall sinanduncleanness.Hedied foroursins.He

rose again for our justification. He ascended to God’s right hand, andtheresatdown,waitinguntilHisenemiesshouldbemadeHisfootstool.And thereHe sits now, offering salvation to allwhowill come toHim,interceding for all who believe in Him, and managing by God’sappointmentallthatconcernsthesalvationofsouls.

e. There is a time coming when sin shall be cast out from this world.Wickednessshallnotalwaysflourishunpunished,Satanshallnotalwaysreign,creationshallnotalwaysgroan,beingburdened.Thereshallbeatimeofrestitutionofall things.Thereshallbeanewheavenandanewearth, wherein dwells righteousness, and the earth shall be full of theknowledgeoftheLordasthewaterscoverthesea(Rom.8:22;Acts3:21;2Pet.3:13;Isa.11:9).

AndwhereshallChristbethen?AndwhatshallHedo?

ChristHimselfshallbeKing.Heshallreturntothisearth,andmakeallthingsnew.Heshallcomeinthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreatglory,andthekingdomsoftheworldshallbecomeHis.TheheathenshallbegiventoHimforHisinheritance,andtheuttermostpartsoftheearthforHispossession.ToHimeverykneeshallbow,andeverytongueshallconfessthatHeisLord.Hisdominionshallbeaneverlastingdominion,which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not bedestroyed(Matt.24:30;Rev.11:15;Ps.2:8;Phil.2:10,11;Dan.7:14).

f.Thereisadaycomingwhenallmenshallbejudged.Theseashallgiveupthedeadwhichareinit,anddeathandhellshalldeliverupthedeadwhichareinthem.Allthatsleepinthegraveshallawakeandcomeforth,andallshallbejudgedaccordingtotheirworks(Rev.20:13;Dan.12:2).

AndwherewillChristbethen?

ChristHimselfwillbetheJudge."TheFather. . .hasall judgmentuntotheSon.""WhentheSonofmanshallcomeinHisglory:thenshallHesitupon the throne of His glory and before Him shall be gathered allnations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherddivides the sheep from the goats." "We must all appear before thejudgmentseatofChrist;thateveryonemayreceivethethingsdoneinhis

body, according to that he has done,whether it be good or bad" (John5:22;Matt.25:31,32;2Cor.5:10).

NowifanyreaderofthismessagethinkslittleofChrist,lethimknowthisday that he is very unlike God! You are of one mind, and God is ofanother. You are of one judgment, andGod is of another. You think itenoughtogiveChristalittlehonor,alittlereverence,alittlerespect.Butin all the eternal counsels of God the Father, in creation, redemption,restitutionandjudgment—inallthese,Christis"all".

Surelyweshalldowelltoconsiderthesethings.Surelyitisnotwritteninvain"Hethathonorsnot theSonhonorsnot theFatherwhichhassentHim"(John5:23).

2.ChristisallintheBible

In every part of both Testaments Christ is to be found—dimly andindistinctlyatthebeginning,moreclearlyandplainlyinthemiddle,fullyandcompletelyattheend—butreallyandsubstantiallyeverywhere.

Christ’ssacrificeanddeathforsinners,andChrist’skingdomandfutureglory, are the lightwemust bring to bear on any book of Scriptureweread.Christ’scrossandChrist’scrownarethecluewemustholdfast, ifwewould find ourway throughScripturedifficulties.Christ is the onlykey thatwillunlockmanyof thedarkplacesof theWord.Somepeoplecomplain that theydonotunderstand theBible.And thereason isverysimple. They do not use the key. To them the Bible is like thehieroglyphicsinEgypt.Itisamystery,justbecausetheydonotknowandemploythekey.

a. It was Christ crucified who was set forth in every Old Testamentsacrifice. Every animal slain and offered on an altar was a practicalconfession that a Savior was looked for who would die for sinners—aSavior who should take awayman’s sin, by suffering, as his SubstituteandSin–bearer,inhisstead(1Peter3:18).Itisabsurdtosupposethatanunmeaningslaughterofinnocentbeasts,withoutadistinctobjectinview,couldpleasetheeternalGod!

b. ItwasChrist towhomAbel lookedwhenheofferedabettersacrificethanCain.NotonlywastheheartofAbelbetterthanthatofhisbrother,but he showed his knowledge of vicarious sacrifice and his faith in anatonement.Heofferedthe firstlingsofhis flock,withthebloodthereof,andinsodoingdeclaredhisbeliefthatwithoutsheddingofbloodthereisnoremission(Heb.11:4).

c. It was Christ of whom Enoch prophesied in the days of aboundingwickednessbeforetheflood"Behold,"hesaid,"theLordcomeswithtenthousandsofHissaints,toexecutejudgmentuponall"(Jude14,15).

d.ItwasChristtowhomAbrahamlookedwhenhedweltintentsinthelandofpromise.Hebelievedthatinhisseed,inonebornofhisfamily,allthenationsof theearthshouldbeblessed.By faithhesawChrist’sday,andwasglad(John8:56).

e. It was Christ of whom Jacob spoke to his sons, as he lay dying. Hemarkedout the tribeoutofwhichHewouldbeborn, and foretoldthat"gathering together" unto Him which is yet to be accomplished. "ThesceptershallnotdepartfromJudah,noralawgiverfrombetweenhisfeet,until Shiloh come, and untoHim shall the gathering of the people be"(Gen.49:10).

f.ItwasChristwhowasthesubstanceoftheceremoniallawwhichGodgavetoIsraelbythehandofMoses.Themorningandeveningsacrifice,the continual shedding of blood, the altar, the mercy–seat, the highpriest,thepassover,thedayofatonement,thescapegoat—alltheseweresomanypictures, types andemblemsofChrist andHiswork.GodhadcompassionupontheweaknessofHispeople.HetaughtthemChrist,lineuponline,and,aswe teach little children,by similitudes. Itwas in thissenseespeciallythat"thelawwasaschoolmastertoread"theJews"untoChrist"(Gal.3:24).

g. ItwasChrist towhomGoddirected theattentionof Israel by all thedailymiracleswhichweredonebefore theireyes in thewilderness. Thepillarofcloudandfirewhichguidedthem,themannafromheavenwhicheverymorningfedthem,thewaterfromthesmittenrockwhichfollowedthem—all and each were figures of Christ The bronze serpent, on that

memorable occasion when the plague of fiery serpents was sent uponthem,wasanemblemofChrist(1Cor.10:4;John3:14).

h.ItwasChristofwhomallthejudgesweretypes.JoshuaandDavidandGideonandJephthahandSamson,andalltherestwhomGodraisedupto deliver Israel from captivity—all were emblems of Christ.Weak andunstableandfaultyassomeofthemwere,theyweresetforexamplesofbetterthingsinthedistantfuture.AllweremeanttoremindthetribesofthatfarhigherDelivererwhowasyettocome.

i.ItwasChristofwhomDavidthekingwasatype.Anointedandchosenwhenfewgavehimhonor,despisedandrejectedbySaulandallthetribesofIsrael,persecutedandobligedtofleeforhislife,amanofsorrowallhislife,andyetatlengthaconqueror—inallthesethingsDavidrepresentedChrist.

j. ItwasChristofwhomall theprophets fromIsaiah toMalachi spoke.Theysawthroughaglassdarkly.TheysometimesdweltonHissufferings,andsometimesonHisglorythatshouldfollow(1Pet.1:11).TheydidnotalwaysmarkoutforusthedistinctionbetweenChrist’sfirstcomingandChrist’s second coming. Like two candles in a straight line, one behindthe other, they sometimes saw both the advents at the same time, andspokeof them inonebreath.Theywere sometimesmovedby theHolySpirittowriteofthetimesofChristcrucified,andsometimesofChrist’skingdom in the latterdays.But Jesusdying, or Jesus reigning,was thethoughtyouwilleverfinduppermostintheirminds.

k. It isChrist, Ineedhardly say,ofwhom thewholeNewTestament isfull.TheGospelsareChristliving,speakingandmovingamongmen.TheActs are Christ preached, published and proclaimed. The Epistles areChristwrittenof,explainedandexalted.Butallthrough,fromfirsttolast,thereisonenameaboveeveryother,andthatisthenameofChrist.

IchargeeveryreaderofthismessagetoaskhimselffrequentlywhattheBibleistohim.IsitaBibleinwhichyouhavefoundnothingmorethangoodmoralpreceptsandsoundadvice?OrisitaBibleinwhichyouhavefoundChrist?IsitaBibleinwhichChristisall?Ifnot,Itellyouplainly,youhave hitherto used yourBible to very little purpose. Youare like a

manwhostudiesthesolarsystem,andleavesoutinhisstudiesthesun,which is the center of all. It is nowonder if you find your Bible a dullbook!

3.ChristisallinthereligionofalltrueChristians.

Insayingthis,Iwishtoguardmyselfagainstbeingmisunderstood.Iholdthe absolute necessity of the election of God the Father, and thesanctification of God the Spirit, in order to effect the salvation ofeveryonethatissaved.Iholdthatthereisaperfectharmonyandunisonin the actionof the threePeople of theTrinity, inbringing anyman toglory, and that all three cooperate and work a joint work in hisdeliverancefromsinandhell.SuchastheFatheris,suchistheSon,andsuch is theHoly Spirit. TheFather ismerciful, the Son ismerciful, theHolySpiritismerciful.ThesameThreewhosaidatthebeginning,"Letuscreate," said also, "Let us redeem and save." I hold that everyonewhoreaches heavenwill ascribe all the glory of his salvation toFather, SonandHolySpirit,threePeopleinoneGod.

But,atthesametime,IseeclearproofinScripture,thatitismindoftheblessedTrinitythatChristshouldbeprominentlyanddistinctlyexalted,in thematter of saving souls. Christ is set forth as theWord, throughwhom God’s love to sinners is made known. Christ’s incarnation andatoningdeathonthecrossarethegreatcorner–stoneonwhichthewholeplan of salvation rests. Christ is the way and door, by which aloneapproachestoGodaretobemade.Christistherootintowhichallelectsinnersmust be grafted.Christ is the onlymeeting–placebetweenGodandman, betweenheaven and earth, between theHolyTrinity and thepoorsinful childofAdam. It isChristwhomGod theFatherhassealedandappointedtoconvey lifetoadeadworld(John6:27).It isChrist towhomtheFatherhasgivenapeopletobebroughttoglory.ItisChristofwhomtheSpirittestifies,andtowhomHealwaysleadsasoulforpardonandpeace.Inshort,ithas"pleasedtheFatherthaninChristallfullnessshould dwell" (Col. 1:19).What the sun is in the skies of heaven, thatChristisintrueChristianity.

I say these things by way of explanation. I wantmy readers clearly tounderstand,thatinsaying,"Christ isall,"Idonotmeantoshutoutthe

workoftheFatherandoftheSpirit.NowletmeshowwhatIdomean.

a.Christisallinasinner’sjustificationbeforeGod.

ThroughHimalonewecanhavepeacewithaholyGod.ByHimalonewecanhaveadmissionintothepresenceoftheMostHigh,andstandtherewithoutfear."Wehaveboldnessandaccesswithconfidencebythefaithof Him." InHim alone can God be just, and justify the ungodly (Eph.3:12;Rom.3:26).

WithwhichcananymortalmancomebeforeGod?Whatcanwebringasa plea for acquittal before that glorious Being, in whose eyes the veryheavensarenotclean?

Shallwe say thatwe have done our duty toGod? Shallwe say thatwehavedoneourdutytoourneighbor?Shallwebringforwardourprayers,ourregularity,ourmorality,ouramendments,ourchurchgoing?Shallweasktobeacceptedbecauseofanyofthese?

Whichof these thingswill stand the searching inspectionofGod’s eye?Whichofthemwillactuallyjustifyus?Whichofthemwillcarryusclearthroughjudgmentandlandussafeinglory?

None,none,none!Takeanycommandmentoftheten,andletusexamineourselvesbyit.Wehavebrokenitrepeatedly.WecannotanswerGodoneofathousand.Takeanyofus,andlooknarrowlyintoourways,andweare nothing but sinners. There is but one verdict we are all guilty, alldeservehell,alloughttodie.WithwhichcanwecomebeforeGod?

We must come in the name of Jesus, standing on no other ground,pleading no other plea than this: "Christ died on the cross for theungodly,andI trust inHim.Christdied forme,andIbelieveonHim."ThegarmentofourElderBrother,therighteousnessofChrist,thisistheonly robe which can cover us, and enable us to stand in the light ofheavenwithoutshame.

ThenameofJesusistheonlynamebywhichweshallobtainanentrancethrough the gate of eternal glory. If we come to that gate in our own

names,wearelost,weshallnotbeadmitted,weshallknockinvain.IfwecomeinthenameofJesus,itisapassportandshibboleth,andweshallenterandlive.

Themarkof thebloodofChrist is theonlymark thatcansaveus fromdestruction.WhentheangelsareseparatingthechildrenofAdaminthelast day, if we are not found marked with that atoning blood, we hadbetterneverhavebeenborn.

Oh,letusneverforgetthatChristmustbealltothatsoulwhowouldbejustified!Wemustbecontent togo toheavenasbeggars, savedbyfreegrace,simplyasbelieversinJesus,orweshallneverbesavedatall.

Is there a thoughtless,worldly soul among the readers of this book? Isthereonewhothinkstoreachheavenbysayinghastilyatthelast,"Lordhavemercy onme,"without Christ? Friend, you are sowingmisery foryourself,andunlessyoualter,youwillawaketoendlesswoe.

Is there a proud, formal soul among the readers of this book? Is thereanyonethinkingtomakehimselffitforheaven,andgoodenoughtopassmusterbyhisowndoings?Brother,youarebuildingaBabel,andyouwillneverreachheaveninyourpresentstate.

Butistherealaboring,heavy–ladenoneamongthereadersofthisbook?Isthereonewhowantstobesaved,andfeelsavilesinner?Isaytosuchanone,"CometoChrist,andHeshallsaveyou.CometoChrist,andcasttheburdenofyoursoulonHim.Fearnotonlybelieve."

Doyoufearwrath?Christcandeliveryoufromthewrathtocome.Doyoufeelthecurseofabrokenlaw?Christcanredeemyoufromthecurseofthe law.Doyou feel faraway?Christhas suffered, tobringyounear toGod.Doyoufeelunclean?Christ’sbloodcancleanseallsinaway.Doyoufeelimperfect?YoushallbecompleteinChrist.Doyoufeelasifyouwerenothing? Christ shall be all in all to your soul. Never did saint reachheavenwithanytalebutthis"IwaswashedandmadewhiteinthebloodoftheLamb"(Rev.7:14).

b.Christ isnotonlyall in the justificationofa trueChristian,butHeis

alsoallinhissanctification.Iwouldnothaveanyonemisunderstandme.IdonotmeanforamomenttoundervaluetheworkoftheSpirit.ButthisIsay,thatnomaniseverholyuntilhecomestoChristandisunitedtoHim.Untilthenhisworksaredeadworks,andhehasnoholinessatall.FirstyoumustbejoinedtoChrist,andthenyoushallbeholy."WithoutHim,separatefromHim,youcandonothing"(John15:5).

AndnomancangrowinholinessexceptheabidesinChrist.Christisthegreat root from which every believer must draw his strength to goforward.TheSpiritisHisspecialgift,HispurchasedgiftforHispeople.Abelievermustnotonly"receiveChristJesustheLord"but"walkinHim,andberootedandbuiltupinHim"(Col.2:6,7).

Would you be holy? ThenChrist is themanna youmust daily eat, likeIsraelinthewildernessofold.Wouldyoubeholy?ThenChristmustbetherockfromwhichyoumustdailydrinkthelivingwater.Wouldyoubeholy?ThenyoumustbeeverlookinguntoJesus,lookingatHiscross,andlearningfreshmotivesforacloserwalkwithGod,lookingatHisexample,andtakingHimforyourpattern.LookingatHim,youwouldbecomelikeHim. Looking atHim, your face would shine without your knowing it.LooklessatyourselfandmoreatChrist,andyouwillfindbesettingsinsdroppingoffandleavingyou,andyoureyesenlightenedmoreandmoreeveryday(Heb.12:2;2Cor.3:18).

Thetruesecretofcomingupoutofthewildernessistocomeupleaningon the Beloved (Song 8:5). The true way to be strong is to realize ourweakness, and to feel that Christmust be all. The trueway to grow ingraceistomakeuseofChristasafountainforeveryminute’snecessities.WeoughttoemployHimastheprophet’swifeemployedtheoil—notonlytopayourdebts,but to liveonalso.Weshouldstrivetobeabletosay,"ThelifethatInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedme,andgaveHimselfforme"(2Kings4:7;Gal.2:20).

Ipity thosewho try tobeholywithoutChrist!Your labor is all invain.Youareputtingmoneyinabagwithholes.Youarepouringwaterintoasieve. You are rolling a huge round stoneuphill. You arebuildingup awallwithuntemperedmortar.Believeme,youarebeginningatthewrongend.YoumustcometoChristfirst,andHeshallgiveyouHissanctifying

Spirit.YoumustlearntosaywithPaul,"IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhichstrengthensme"(Phil.4:13).

c.ChristisnotonlyallinthesanctificationofatrueChristian,butallinhis comfort in time present. A saved soul hasmany sorrows.He has abodylikeothermen,weakandfrail.Hehasaheart likeothermen,andoftenamoresensitiveonetoo.Hehastrialsandlossestobearlikeothers,and often more. He has his share of bereavements, deaths,disappointments,crosses.Hehastheworldtoopposeaplaceinlifetofillblamelessly,unconvertedrelativestobearwithpatiently,persecutionstoendureandadeathtodie.

Andwho is sufficient for these things?What shall enable a believer tobearallthis?NothingbuttheconsolationthereisinChrist(Phil.2:1).

JesusisindeedtheBrotherbornforadversity.HeistheFriendthatstickscloser thanabrother,andHealonecancomfortHispeople.He canbetouched with the feeling of their infirmities, for He suffered Himself(Heb.4:15).Heknowswhatsorrowis,forHewasaManofsorrows.Heknowswhat an aching body is, forHis bodywas rackedwith pain.Hecried,"Allmybonesareoutofjoint"(Ps.22:14).Heknowswhatpovertyandwearinessare,forHewasoftenweariedandhadnotwheretolayHishead.Heknowswhatfamilyunkindnessis,forevenHisbrethrendidnotbelieveHim.HehadnohonorinHisownhouse.

AndJesusknowsexactlyhowtocomfortHisafflictedpeople.Heknowshowtopourinoilandwineintothewoundsofthespirit,howtofillupgapsinemptyhearts,howtospeakawordinseasontotheweary,howtohealthebrokenheart,howtomakeallourbedinsickness,howtodrawnearwhenwe are faint, and say, "Fear not I am your salvation" (Lam.3:57).

We talk of sympathy being pleasant. There is no sympathy like that ofChrist.InallourafflictionsHeisafflicted.Heknowsoursorrows.InallourpainHeispained,andlikethegoodphysician,Hewillnotmeasureouttousonedropofsorrowtoomuch.Davidoncesaid,"Inthemultitudeofmythoughtswithinme,Yourcomfortsdelightmysoul" (Ps.104:19).Manyabeliever,Iamsure,couldsayasmuch."IftheLordHimselfhad

not stood byme, the deep waters would have gone overmy soul" (Ps.124:5).

Howabelievergetsthroughallhistroublesappearswonderful.flowheiscarried through the fire and water he passes through seems pastcomprehension.But the trueaccountof it is just this, thatChrist isnotonlyjustificationandsanctification,butconsolationalso.

Oh,youwhowantunfailingcomfort, IcommendyoutoChrist! InHimalone there is no failure.Richmen are disappointed in their treasures.Learnedmenaredisappointedintheirbooks.Husbandsaredisappointedin their wives. Wives are disappointed in their husbands. Parents aredisappointed in their children. Statesmen are disappointed when, aftermanyastruggle,theyattainplaceandpower.Theyfindout,totheircost,thatitismorepainthanpleasure,thatitisdisappointment,annoyance,incessant trouble,worry, vanity andvexationof spirit.ButnomanwaseverdisappointedinChrist.

d.ButasChristisallinthecomfortsofatrueChristianintimepresent,so Christ is all in his hopes for time to come. Fewmen and women, Isuppose,aretobefoundwhodonotindulgeinhopesofsomekindabouttheir souls. But the hopes of the vast majority are nothing but vainfancies.Theyarebuiltonnosolidfoundation.Nolivingmanbuttherealchild of God—the sincere, thorough–going Christian—can give areasonable account of the hope that is in him. No hope is reasonablewhichisnotscriptural.

AtrueChristianhasagoodhopewhenhelooksforward;theworldlymanhasnone.AtrueChristianseeslightinthedistance;theworldlymanseesnothingbutdarkness.AndwhatisthehopeofatrueChristian?ItisjustthisthatJesusChrist iscomingagain,comingwithoutsin,comingwithall His people, coming to wipe away every tear, coming to raise Hissleepingsaintsfromthegrave,comingtogathertogetherallHisfamily,thattheymaybeforeverwithHim.

Whyisabelieverpatient?Becausehe looks for thecomingof theLord.Hecanbearhardthingswithoutmurmuring.Heknowsthetimeisshort.HewaitsquietlyfortheKing.

Why is hemoderate in all things?Becausehe expectshisLord soon toreturn.His treasure is in heaven, his good things are yet to come. Theworldisnothisrest,butaninn;andaninnisnothome.Heknowsthat"Hethatshallcomewillsooncome,andwillnottarry."Christiscoming,andthatisenough(Heb.10:37).

This is indeed a "blessed hope!" (Titus 2:13.) Now is the school–time,then the eternal holiday. Now is the tossing on the waves of atroublesomeworld,thenthequietharbor.Nowisthescattering,thenthegathering. Now is the time of sowing, then the harvest. Now is theworkingseason,thenthewages.Nowisthecross,thenthecrown.

Peopletalkoftheir"expectations"andhopesfromthisworld.Nonehavesuch solid expectationsas a saved soul.He can say, "My soul,wait youonlyuponGod;myexpectationisfromHim"(Ps.62:5).

InalltruesavingreligionChristisallinjustification,allinsanctification,all in comfort, all inhope.Blessed is thatmother’s child that knows it,and farmoreblessed is he that feels it, too.Oh, thatmenwould provethemselves,andseewhattheyknowofitfortheirownsouls!

4.Christwillbeallinheaven

I cannot dwell long on this point. I havenot power, if I had spaceandroom. I can illdescribe thingsunseenandaworldunknown.But this Iknow,thatallmenandwomenwhoreachheavenwillfindthateventherealsoChristisall.

Like the altar in Solomon’s temple, Christ crucified will be the grandobject inheaven.Thataltar struck theeyeofeveryonewhoentered thetemplegates.Itwasagreatbronzealtar,twentycubitsbroad,asbroadasthe frontof the temple itself (2Chron.3:4;4:1).So in likemannerwillJesusfilltheeyesofallwhoenterglory.Inthemidstofthethrone,andsurrounded by adoring angels and saints, therewill be "the Lamb thatwas slain." And "the Lamb shall be the light, of the place" (Rev. 5:6;21:23).

ThepraiseoftheLordJesus,willbetheeternalsongofalltheinhabitants

ofheaven.Theywillsaywithaloudvoice,"WorthyistheLambthatwasslain....Blessing,andhonor,andglory,andpower,beuntoHimthatsitsuponthethrone,anduntotheLambforeverandever"(Rev.5:12,13).

The service of the Lord Jesus will be one eternal occupation of all theinhabitantsofheaven.Weshall"serveHimdayandnightinHistemple"(Rev.7:15).BlessedisthethoughtthatweshallatlengthattendonHimwithoutdistraction,andworkforHimwithoutweariness.

ThepresenceofChristHimselfshallbeoneeverlastingenjoymentoftheinhabitants of heaven. We shall see His face, and hear His voice, andspeakwithHimas friendwith friend (Rev. 22:4). Sweet is the thoughtthatwhoevermaybewarningatthemarriagesupper,theMasterHimselfwillbethere.Hispresencewillsatisfyallourwants(Ps.17:15).

WhatasweetandglorioushomeheavenwillbetothosewhohavelovedtheLordJesusChristinsincerity!HerewelivebyfaithinHim,andfindpeace,thoughweseeHimnot.ThereweshallseeHimfacetoface,andfindHe isaltogether lovely. "Better, indeedwillbe thesightof the eyesthanthewanderingofthedesire!"(Eccl.6:9.)

Butalas,howlittlefitforheavenaremanywhotalkofgoingtoheaven,when they die, while theymanifestly have no saving faith and no realacquaintance with Christ. You give Christ no honor here. You have nocommunionwithHim.YoudonotloveHim.Alas,whatcouldyoudoinheaven?Itwouldbenoplaceforyou.Itsjoyswouldbenojoysforyou.Itshappiness would be a happiness into which you could not enter. Itsemployments would be a weariness and a burden to your heart. Oh,repentandchangebeforeitbetoolate!

I trust I have now shown how deep are the foundations of that littleexpression"Christisall".

I might easily add to the things I have said, if space permitted. Thesubjectisnotexhausted.Ihavebarelywalkedoverthesurfaceofit.Thereareminesofprecioustruthconnectedwithit,whichIhaveleftunopened.

I might show how Christ ought to be all in a visible church. religious

buildings, numerous religious services, gorgeous ceremonies, troops ofordainedmen,all,allarenothing in thesightofGod, if theLordJesusHimself in all His offices is not honored, magnified and exalted. ThatchurchisbutadeadcarcassinwhichChristisnotall.

Imight show howChrist ought to be all in aministry. The greatworkwhichordainedmenareintendedtodoistoliftupChrist.Wearetobelikethepoleonwhichthebronzeserpentwashung.Weareusefulsolongasweexalt thegreatobjectof faith,butusefulno further.WearetobeambassadorstocarrytidingstoarebelliousworldabouttheKing’sSon,and ifwe teachmen to thinkmore about us and our office than aboutHim,wearenotfitforourplace.TheSpiritwillneverhonorthatministerwhodoesnottestifyofChrist,whodoesnotmakeChristall.

Imightshowhow languageseemsexhausted in theBible, indescribingChrist’svariousoffices.Imightdescribehowfiguresseemendless,whichare employed in unfolding Christ’s fullness. The High Priest, theMediator, the Redeemer, the Savior, the Advocate, the Shepherd, thePhysician,theBridegroom,theHead,theBreadofLife,theLightoftheworld, theWay, theDoor, theVine, theRock, theFountain, theSunofRighteousness,theForerunner,theSurety,theCaptain,thePrinceoflife,theAmen, theAlmighty, theAuthor andFinisher of faith, theLambofGod,theKingofsaints, theWonderful, theMightyGod, theCounselor,theBishopofsouls—allthese,andmanymore,arenamesgiventoChristinScripture.Each isa fountainof instructionandcomfort foreveryonewhoiswillingtodrinkofit.Eachsuppliesmatterforusefulmeditation.

But I trust I have said enough to throw light on the point I want toimpress on theminds of all who read thismessage. I trust I have saidenoughtoshowtheimmenseimportanceofthepracticalconclusionswithwhichInowdesiretofinishthesubject.

1. Is Christ all? Then let us learn the utter uselessness of a Christlessreligion. There are only too many baptized men and women whopracticallyknownothingatallaboutChrist.Their religionconsists inafewvaguenotionsandemptyexpressions.They"trusttheyarenoworsethan others." They "keep to their church". They "try to do their duty".They"donobodyanyharm."They"hopeGodwillbemerciful tothem".

They"trusttheAlmightywillpardontheirsins,andtakethemtoheavenwhentheydie".Thisisaboutthewholeoftheirreligion!

But what do these people know practically about Christ? Nothing,nothing at all! What experimental acquaintance have they with Hisoffices and work, His blood, His righteousness, His mediation, Hispriesthood,Hisintercession?None,noneatall!Askthemaboutasavingfaith,askthemaboutbeingbornagainoftheSpirit,askthemaboutbeingsanctifiedinChristJesus.Whatanswerwillyouget?Youareabarbariantothem.YouhaveaskedthemsimpleBiblequestions.ButtheyknownomoreaboutthemexperimentallythanaBuddhistoraTurk.Andyetthisis the religion of hundreds and thousands of people who are calledChristiansallovertheworld!

Ifanyreaderofthismessageisamanofthiskind,IwarnhimplainlythatsuchChristianitywillnevertakehimtoheaven.Itmaydoverywellintheeyeofman.Itmaypassmusterverydecentlyatthevestrymeeting,intheplaceofbusiness,intheHouseofCommons,orinthestreets.Butitwillnevercomfortyou.Itwillneversatisfyyourconscience.Itwillneversaveyoursoul.

IwarnyouplainlythatallnotionsandtheoriesaboutGodbeingmercifulwithoutChrist,andexceptingthroughChrist,arebaselessdelusionsandemptyfancies.Suchtheoriesareaspurelyanidolofman’s inventionastheidolofJuggernaut.Theyarealloftheearth,earthy.Theynevercamedownfromheaven.TheGodofheavenhassealedandappointedChristastheoneonlySaviorandwayoflife,andallwhowouldbesavedmustbecontenttobesavedbyHim,ortheywillneverbesavedatall.

Leteveryreader takenotice. Igiveyoufairwarningthisday.AreligionwithoutChristwillneversaveyoursoul.

2.Letmesayanotherthing:IsChristall?Thenlearntheenormousfollyof joining anything with Christ in the matter of salvation. There aremultitudesofbaptizedmenandwomenwhoprofesstohonorChrist,butinrealitydoHimgreatdishonor.TheygiveChristacertainplaceintheirsystem of religion, but not the place which God intended Him to fill.Christaloneisnotallinalltotheirsouls.No!ItiseitherChristandthe

church, or Christ and the sacraments, or Christ and His ordainedministers, orChrist and their own repentance, orChrist and their owngoodness, or Christ and their own prayers, or Christ and their ownsincerityandcharity,onwhichtheypracticallyresttheirsouls.

IfanyreaderofthismessageisaChristianofthiskind,Iwarnhimalsoplainly,thathisreligionisanoffensetoGod.YouarechangingGod’splanofsalvationintoaplanofyourowndevising.YouareineffectdeposingChristfromHisthrone,bygivingthegloryduetoHimtoanother.

I care notwho it is that teaches such religion, and onwhosewordyoubuild.Whether he be pope or cardinal, archbishop or bishop, dean orarchdeacon,presbyterordeacon,EpiscopalianorPresbyterian,BaptistorIndependent,WesleyanorPlymouthbrother,whoeveraddsanything toChrist,teachesyouwrong.

IcarenotwhatitisthatyouaddtoChrist.WhetheritbethenecessityofjoiningthechurchofRome,orofbeinganEpiscopalian,orofbecomingafreechurchman,orofgivinguptheliturgy,orofbeingdipped—whateveryoumaypracticallyaddtoChristinthematterofsalvation,youdoChristaninjury.

Takeheedwhatyouaredoing.BewareofgivingtoChrist’sservantsthehonorduetononebutChrist.BewareofgivingtheLord’sordinancesthehonordueunto theLord.Bewareof resting theburdenofyoursoulonanythingbutChrist,andChristalone.

3. Letme say another thing. Is Christ all? Then let allwhowant to besaved,applydirecttoChrist.TherearemanywhohearofChristwiththeearandbelieveall theyare toldaboutHim.Theyallowthat there isnosalvation excepting in Christ. They acknowledge that Jesus alone candeliverthemfromhell,andpresentthemfaultlessbeforeGod.

But they seemnever to get beyond this general acknowledgment. Theynever fairly lay hold on Christ for their own souls. They stick fast in astateofwishingandwantingandfeelingandintending,andnevergetanyfurther.Theyseewhatwemean;theyknowitisalltrue.Theyhopeoneday to get the full benefit of it, but at present they get no benefit

whatever.TheworldistheirallPoliticsaretheirall.Pleasureistheirall.Businessistheirall.ButChristisnottheirall.

If any reader of this message is a man of this kind, I warn him alsoplainly,heisinabadstateofsoul.Youareastrulyinthewaytohellinyour present condition, as Judas Iscariot or Ahab or Cain. Believe me,theremustbeactualfaithinChrist,orelseChristdiedinvain,sofarasyou are concerned. It is not looking at the bread that feeds the hungryman,buttheactualeatingofit.Itisnotgazingonthelifeboatthatsavesthe shipwrecked sailor, but the actual getting into it. It is not knowingandbelievingthatChristisaSaviorthatcansaveyoursoul,unlessthereareactualtransactionsbetweenyouandChrist.Youmustbeabletosay,"ChristismySavior,becauseIhavecometoHimbyfaith,andtakenHimformyown.""Muchofreligion,"saidLuther,"turnsonbeingabletousepossessivepronouns.Takefrommetheword‘my,’andyoutakefrommeGod!"

HeartheadviceIgiveyouthisday,andactuponitatonce.Standstillnolonger,waitingforsomeimaginaryframesandfeelingswhichwillnevercome.HesitatenolongerundertheideathatyoumustfirstofallobtaintheSpirit,andthencometoChrist.AriseandcometoChristjustasyouare.Hewaitsforyou,andisaswillingtosaveasHeismighty.HeistheappointedPhysicianforsin–sicksouls.DealwithHimasyouwouldwithyour doctor about the cure of a disease of your body. Make a directapplicationtoHimandtellHimallyourwants.Takewithyouwordsthisday,andcrymightilytotheLordJesusforpardonandpeace,asthethiefdid on the cross. Do as thatman did cry, "Lord, rememberme" (Luke23:42).TellHimyouhaveheard thatHereceivessinners,and thatyouaresuch.TellHimyouwanttobesaved,andaskHimtosaveyou.Restnotuntilyouhaveactually tasted foryourself that theLord isgracious.Do this, andyou shall find, sooneror later, if youare really in earnest,thatChristisall.

4.Onemore thing letme add. IsChrist all? Then let allHisconvertedpeopledealwithHimasiftheyreallybelievedit.LetthemleanonHimand trust Him far more than they have ever done yet. Alas, there aremanyof theLord’speoplewholivefarbelowtheirprivileges!Therearemany truly Christian soulswho rob themselves of their own peace and

forsaketheirownmercies.Therearemanywhoinsensiblyjointheirownfaith,ortheworkoftheSpiritintheirownhearts,toChrist,andsomissthefullnessofgospelpeace.Therearemanywhomakelittleprogressintheirpursuitofholinessandshinewithaverydimlight.Andwhy isallthis?Simplybecause innineteen cases out of twentymendonotmakeChristallinall.

Now I call on every readerof thismessagewho is abeliever, I beseechhimforhisownsake,tomakesurethatChristisreallyandthoroughlyhisallinall.BewareofallowingyourselftomingleanythingofyourownwithChrist.

Haveyoufaith?Itisapricelessblessing.HappyindeedaretheywhoarewillingandreadytotrustJesus.ButtakeheedyoudonotmakeaChristofyourfaith.Restnotonyourownfaith,butonChrist.

IstheworkoftheSpiritinyoursoul?ThankGodforit.Itisaworkthatshallneverbeoverthrown.Butoh,bewarelest,unawarestoyourself,youmakeaChristoftheworkoftheSpirit!RestnotontheworkoftheSpirit,butonChrist.

Haveyouanyinwardfeelingsofreligion,andexperienceofgrace?ThankGod for it.Thousandshavenomore religious feeling thanacatordog.But oh, beware lest youmake aChrist of your feelings and sensations!Theyarepoor,uncertainthingsandsadlydependentonourbodiesandoutwardcircumstances.Restnotagrainofweightonyourfeelings.RestonlyonChrist.

Learn,Ientreatyou,to lookmoreandmoreat thegreatobjectof faith,Jesus Christ, and to keep your mind dwelling on Him. So doing youwouldfindfaithandalltheothergracesgrow,thoughthegrowthatthetimemight be imperceptible to yourself.He thatwould prove a skillfularchermustlooknotatthearrow,butatthemark.

Alas,Ifearthereisagreatpieceofprideandunbeliefstillstickinginthehearts of many believers! Few seem to realize how much they need aSavior. Few seem to understand how thoroughly they are indebted toHim.FewseemtocomprehendhowmuchtheyneedHimeveryday.Few

seemtofeelhowsimplyandlikeachildtheyoughttohangtheirsoulsonHim. Few seem to be aware how full of love He is to His poor, weakpeople,andhowreadytohelpthem!Andfewthereforeseemtoknowthepeaceandjoyandstrengthandpowertoliveagodlylife,whichistobehadinChrist.

Changeyourplan,reader,ifyourconsciencetellsyouareguilty;changeyourplan,andlearntotrustChristmore.Physicianslovetoseepatientscoming to consult them; it is their office to receive the sickly, and ifpossible to effect cures. The advocate loves to be employed; it is hiscalling.Thehusbandloveshiswifetotrusthimandleanuponhim;itishisdelighttocherishherandpromotehercomfort.AndChristlovesHispeopletoleanonHim,torestinHim,tocallonHim,toabideinHim.

Letusalllearnandstrivetodosomoreandmore.LetusliveonChrist.LetusliveinChrist.LetuslivewithChrist.LetuslivetoChrist.Sodoing,weshallprove thatwe fully realize thatChrist isall.Sodoing,weshallfeelgreatpeace,andattainmoreofthatholinesswithoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord(Hebrews12:14).

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