" would do well to remember that another apostle says, that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. And that the Saviour himself says, But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither and slay them before me. The character here given of the Lord's people is, that they are saved from their sins. And this is what every truly awakened soul desires. A Therefore II. Here is relief and consolation for those who are sensible of the evil of sin, and are asking, what must I do to be saved? Though deliverance appears so unspeakably desirable, you feel that you are wholly unable to accomplish it yourselves. Nothing in your sufferings, or doings can wash away the pollution or subdue the influence of sin. But such despair as this makes way for the hope of the gospel. The convictions which you feel so painful and alarming, are necessary to enable you to perceive the meaning, and to feel the importance of this glorious dispensation. And these also prepare you to welcome the approach of such a peculiar Saviour. So that to you it is not only faithful saying, but worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ is come into the world to save sinners. Open then your 1 hearts and let me pour into them the delightful messageUnto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord! He is come to seek and to save that which was lost. He is come that you might have life and that you might have more abundantly. The sun of righteousness is arisen with healing under his wings. Endeavour to exercise faith, upon him. Believe that in him there is plenteous redemption, and that he is now asking, Wilt thou be made whole? 8 Let not the nature, or the number of your transgressions keep you from him-for what is he come-but to save us from our sins? If you do not think yourselves too good, he does not think you too bad to be saved by him, Throw yourselves at his feet and beg him to undertake a very pressing case-Save me and I shall be saved; heal me and I shall be healed, for thou art my praise. Finally, what should be the feelings of those who are already saved by him?-To you all this is more than speculation; it is experience. You were once in the bondage of corruption, but the Son has made you free and you are free indeed. Not that you are freed from all service and obedience but you now obey and serve a master whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. From such an obligation you do not wish to be delivered. You can never forget what great things he has done for you. You acknowledge his goodness in saving you from indigence, from accidents, from diseases, from wicked and unreasonable men- but above all you bless him for turning you away from your iniquities. Thus delivered out of the hand of your enemies, see that you serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of your life. O feel your engagements to him. Let the impressions of gratitude become every day more powerful. And to a wondering, or a despising world, say with the apostle, The love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 1 DISCOURSE XXIV. THE UNION OF PRAYER AND WATCHFULNESS. Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God, IN this mode of defence we have an example And such a union as this is equally pleasing and useful. It forms the man, and the christian. It blends duty and privilege together. It keeps our devotion from growing up into rank enthusiasm ; and our diligence from sinking into the wisdom of the world, which is foolishness with God. Let us not imagine that the force of this example is inapplicable to us. What did our ६ |