StartlingQuestions

byJ.C.Ryle

TableofContents

WhereArtThou?AreYouanHeir?ShallYouBeSaved?HowReadestThou?WhatThinkYouoftheCross?HaveYouAssurance?

WhereArtThou?

“Makemetoknowmytransgressionandmysin.”—Job13:22

“Cleansemefrommysin.”—Psalm51:2

>“ThebloodofJesusChrist,HisSon,cleansethusfromallsin.”—1John1:7

<“ChristJesus,whomGodhathsetforthtobeapropitiation,throughfaithinHisblood.”—Romans3:25

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READER,—

Thequestionwhichformsthetitleofthistractoughttostirupmanythoughtsinyourheart.Itconcernseverymanandwomanbornintotheworld.Yououghtnevertoresttillyoucangiveitasatisfactoryanswer.—“WHEREAREYOURSINS?”

Iaskyouthisdaytolookthisquestionintheface.Iaskyoutogivemeyourattentionfor a fewminutes, while I try to enforce it on your conscience. A time draws nighwhenthequestionmustbeanswered.Thehourcomethwhenallotherquestionsshallseem like a dropofwater in comparisonwith this.We shall not say, “Where ismymoney?”—or,“Wherearemylands?”—or,“Whereismyproperty?”Ouronlythoughtwillbe,“Mysins!mysins!—Wherearemysins?”

Reader,Iamgoingtoofferyouafewremarks,whichmayhelptothrowlightonthemightyquestionwhichisbeforeyoureyes.Myheart’sdesireandprayertoGodisthis,thatthistractmaybegreatlyusefultoyoursoul.Ientreatyoutogiveitfairreading.Donotput it inthefire;donottear it inpieces.Readit:readit!Readit totheend!WhocantellbuttheHolyGhostmayemploythistractforthesavingofyoursoul

I.Myfirstremarkisthis.Youhavemanysins.Isaythisboldly,andwithouttheleasthesitation.

Iknownotwhoyouare,orhowthetimepastofyourlifehasbeenspent.ButIknow,fromtheWordofGod,thateverysonanddaughterofAdamisagreatsinner inthesightofGod.There isnoexception: it is thecommondiseaseof thewholefamilyofAdam,ineveryquarteroftheglobe.Fromthekingonhisthrone,tothebeggarbytheroadside,—fromthelandlordinhishall,tothelabourerinhiscottage,—fromthefinelady in her drawing-room, to the humblest maid-servant in the kitchen,—from theclergymaninthepulpit,tothelittlechildintheSunday-school,—weareallbynatureguilty, guilty: guilty in the sight of God. “Inmany things we offend all.”—“There isnonerighteous:no,notone.”—“Allhavesinned,” “Ifwesay thatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus.”(Jamesiii.2;Rom.10;v.12;1Johni.8.)Itisuselesstodenyit.Wehaveallsinnedmanysins!

Reader,doyoudoubtthetruthofthesewords?ThengoandexaminethelawofGod,asexpoundedbytheSonofGodHimself.ReadwithattentionthefifthchapterofSt.Matthew’sGospel.SeehowthecommandmentsofGodapplytoourwordsaswellastoouractions,andtoour thoughtsandmotives,aswellas toourwords.Knowthat“theLord seeth not asman seeth:man looketh at the outward appearance, but theLord looketh at the heart.” InHis sight the very “thought of foolishness is sin.” (1Sam.xvi.7;Prov.xxiv.9.)

Andnowturntothehistoryofyourownlife,andtryitbythestandardof’ thisholylaw.Thinkofthedaysofyourchildhood,andallyourwaywardness,andselfishness,andeviltempers,andperversity,andbackwardnesstothatwhichisgood.—Rememberthe days of your youth,—your self-will, your pride, your worldly inclinations, yourimpatienceofcontrol,yourlongingafterforbiddenthings.—Calltomindyourconductsinceyoucametoman'sestate,andthemanydeparturesfromtherightway,ofwhichyouhavebeenguiltyeveryyear.—Surely,inthefaceofyourlife’shistory,youwillnotstandupandsay,“Ihavenotsinned!”

Andthenturntothehistoryofyourownheart.Considerhowmanyevilthingshavegonethroughit,ofwhichtheworldknowsnothingatall.—Rememberthethousandsof sinful imaginations, and corrupt ideas, which your heart has entertained, evenwhile youroutward conducthasbeen correct,moral, and respectable.—Thinkof thevile thoughts, and deceitful intentions, and false motives, and malicious, envious,

spiteful feelings,whichhavewalked up and down in your inwardman,while thosenearest toyouneverdreamedorguessedwhatwasgoingon.—Surely, in the faceofyourheart’shistory,youwillnotstandupandsay,“Ihavenotsinned!”

Reader,oncemoreIaskyou,DoyoudoubtwhatIamsaying?Doyoudoubtwhetheryou have sinned many sins?—Then go and examine the twenty-fifth chapter of St.Matthew’sGospel.Read the concludingportionof that chapter,whichdescribes theproceedingsofthejudgmentday.Notecarefullythegroundsonwhichthewicked,atthe left hand, are condemned to everlasting fire.Nomention ismade of great openacts of wickedness which they have committed. They are not charged with havingmurdered, or stolen, or borne false witness, or committed adultery. They arecondemned for sins of omission! The mere fact that they have left undone thingswhich theyought to havedone, is sufficient to ruin their souls for ever. In short, aman’ssinsofemissionaloneareenoughtosinkhimintohell!

Andnow lookat yourself by the light of thiswonderfulpassageof Scripture.Try torememberthecountlessthingsyouhaveleftundone,whichyoumighthavedone,andhave leftunsaid, thatyoumighthave said.Theactsof self-denyingkindness,whichyoumight have performed, but have neglected,—howmany they are! The good youmighthavedone,and thehappinessyoumighthave caused, at very little trouble toyourself,—how vast is the amount of it! Surely, in the face of our Lord’s teachingaboutsinsofomission,youwillnotstandupandsay,“Ihavenotsinned!”

Reader,oncemoreIask,DoyoudoubtthetruthofwhatIamsaying?Ithinkitquitepossible that you do. I know something of man’s exceeding blindness to his ownnatural state. Listen to me once more, whilst I ply your conscience with anotherargument.Oh,thatGodmayopenyoureyes,andshowyouwhatyouare!

Sitdown,andtakepenandpaper,andcountupthesinsthatyouhaveprobablysinnedsince you first knew good from evil. Sit down, I say, andmake a sum.Grant for amoment that there have been, on an average, fifteen hours in every twenty-fourduringwhichyouhavebeenawake,andanactiveandaccountablebeing.—Grantforamomentthatineachoneofthesefifteenhoursyouhavesinnedonlytwosins.Surelyyouwillnotsaythatthisisanunfairsupposition.Remember,wemaysinagainstGodinthought,word,ordeed.Irepeat,itcannotbethoughtanextremethingtosupposethatineachwakinghouryouhave,inthought,orword,ordeed,sinnedtwosins.Andnowaddupthesinsofyourlife,andseetowhatsumtheywillamount.

Attherateoffifteenwakinghoursinaday,youhavesinnedeverydaythirtysins!—Atthe rate of seven days in a week, you have sinned two hundred and ten sins everyweek!—Attherateoffourweeksineverymonth,youhavesinnedeighthundredandfortysinseverymonth!—Attherateoftwelvemonthsineveryyear,youhavesinnedten thousand and eighty sins every year!—And, in short, not to go furtherwith the

calculation,every tenyearsofyour lifeyouhave sinned,at the lowest computation,morethanONEHUNDREDTHOUSANDSINS!

Reader, I do beseech you to look calmly at this sum. I defy you to disprove itscorrectness.Iaskyou,onthecontrary,whetherIhavenotentirelyunderstatedyourcase?Iappealtoyou,asanhonestperson,whetheritbenottrue,thatmanyanhour,and many a day in your life, you have sinned incessantly? I ask you confidently,whetherthesumwouldnotbefarmorecorrect if thetotalnumberofyoursinswasmultiplied ten-fold?—Oh, cease from your self-righteousness! Lay aside this proudaffectationof“notbeingsoverybad,”inwhichyouaretryingtowrapyourselfup.Beboldenough toconfess the truth.Listennot to thatold liar, thedevil. Surely in thefaceofthatdamningsumwhichIhavejustcastup,youwillnotdaretodenythat“youhavemanysins.”

Ileavethispartofmysubjecthere,andpasson.Isadlyfearthatmanyareaderwillrunhis eyeoverwhat Ihavebeen saying, and remainunconvinced andunmoved. Ihave learned by mournful experience that the last thing a man finds out andunderstands,ishisownstateinthesightofGod.WellsaiththeHolyGhost,thatweareallbynature“blind,”and“deaf,”and“dumb,”and“asleep,”and“besideourselves,”and“dead!”Nothing,nothing,nothingwilleverconvincemanofsinbutthepoweroftheHolyGhost.Showhimhell,andhewillnotfleefromit;showhimheaven,andhewill not seek it; silence him with warnings, and yet he will not stir; prick hisconscience,andyethewillremainhard.Powerfromonhighmustcomedownanddothework.Toshowmanwhathereallyis,needstheHolySpiritofGod.

Reader,ifyouhaveanyfeelingofyourownsinfulness,yououghttothankGodforit.Thatverysenseofweakness,wickedness,andcorruption,whichperhapsmakesyouuncomfortable, is in reality a token for good, and a cause for praise. The first steptowardsbeingreallygood,istofeelbad.Thefirstpreparationforheaven, istoknowthatwedeservenothingbuthell.Beforewecanbecountedrighteouswemustknowourselves to bemiserable sinners.Beforewe can have inward happiness and peacewith God, we must learn to be ashamed and confounded because of our manifoldtransgressions.Beforewecanrejoiceinawell-groundedhope,wemustbe taught tosay,“Unclean!unclean!God,bemercifultomeasinner!”

Reader, if you love your soul, bewareof checking and stifling this inward feelingofyourownsinfulness. Ibeseechyou,by themerciesofGod,donot trampleon it,donotcrushit,donottakeitbythethroatandrefusetogiveityourattention.Bewareoftaking the advice of worldly men about it. Treat it not as a case of low-spirits,disorderedhealth,oranythingof thekind.Bewareof listening to thedevil’scounselaboutit.Donottrytodrownitindrinkandrevelling;donottrytodriveoveritwithhorses, and dogs, and carriages, and field-sports; do not try to purge it away by acourse of card-parties, andballs, and concerts.Oh, reader, if you love your soul, do

not, do not treat the first sense of sin in this miserable fashion. Do not commitspiritualsuicide,—donotmurderyoursoul!

GoratherandprayGodtoshowyouwhatthisfeelingofsinmeans.AskHimtosendtheHolySpirittoteachyouwhatyouare,andwhatHewouldhaveyoutodo.GoandreadyourBible,andseewhetherthereisnotjustcauseforyourbeinguncomfortable,andwhetherthissenseofbeing“wickedandbad”isnotjustwhatyouhavearighttoexpect.Who can tell but it is a seed from heavenwhich is one day to bear fruit inParadiseinyourcompletesalvation?WhocantellbutitisasparkfromheavenwhichGodmeanstoblowupintoasteadyandshininglight?Whocantellbutit isastonefromabovebeforewhichthedevil’skingdominyourheartistogodown,andastonewhichshallprovethefirstfoundationofaglorioustempleoftheHolyGhost?—Happyindeedisthatmanorwomanwhocangoalongwithmyfirstremark,andsay,“ITISTRUE:IHAVEMANYSINS.”

II.Mysecondremarkisthis.Itisoftheutmostimportancetohaveoursinscleansedaway.

I say this boldly and confidently. I am aware of themultitude of things which arethought“important” in theworld,andreceive the firstandbestofmen’sattentions.ButIknowwellwhatIamsaying.IamboldtosaythatmyMaster’sbusinessdeservestobeplacedbeforeallotherbusiness;andIlearnfrommyMaster’sbookthatthereisnothingofsuchimportancetoamanastohavehissinsforgivenandcleansedaway.

Remember,reader,thereisaGodaboveyou.YouseeHimnotinthecity.Hurryandbustle, tradeandcommerce,appeartoswallowupmen’sminds.YouseeHimnot inthecountry.Farmingandlabouringgooninregularcourse,andseedtimeandharvestnever fail. But all this time there is an eternal Eye looking down from heaven andseeingallthatmando:aneyethatneverslumbers,andneversleeps.Yes!thereisnotonly aQueen, and a government, and a landlord, and amaster, to be remembered:thereisOnehigher, farhigher thanall these,whoexpectsHisdues tobepaid.ThatOneisthemosthighGod.

ThisGodisaGodofinfiniteholiness.Heisofpurereyesthantolookuponiniquity,andcannotbearthatwhichisevil.Heseesdefectsandinfirmitieswhereyouseenone.InHis sight theveryheavensarenot clean.—He isaGodof infiniteknowledge.Heknowseverythought,andword,andactionofeverysonofAdam’schildren:thereareno secrets hid from Him. All that we think, and say, and do, is noted down andrecordedinthebookofHisremembrance.—HeisaGodofinfinitepower.Hemadeallthingsatthebeginning.HeordersallthingsaccordingtoHiswill.HecastsdowntheKings of thisworld in amoment.None can stand againstHimwhenHe is angry.—Aboveall,HeisaGodinwhosehandsareourlivesandallourconcerns.Hefirstgaveusbeing.Hehaskeptusalivesincewewereborn.HewillremoveuswhenHeseesfit,

andreckonwithusaccordingtoourways.SuchistheGodwithwhomwehavetodo.

Reader,thinkofthesethings.Surelywhenyouconsideryouwillbeafraid.Surelyyouwillseeitisoftheutmostimportancetohaveyoursinscleansedaway.Surelyyouwillinquire,“HowdomattersstandbetweenmeandGod?”

Remember,furthermore,thatdeathisbeforeyou.Youcannotlivealways.Theremustbe an end, oneday, of all your scheming andplanning, andbuying and selling, andworkingand toiling.A visitorwill come to yourhousewhowill takenodenial. Thekingofterrorswilldemandadmission,andserveyouwithnotice toquit.Wherearetherulersandkingswhogovernedmillionsahundredyearsago?Wherearetherichmenwhomadefortunesandfoundedhouses?Wherearethelandlordswhoreceivedrents, andadded field to field?Whereare the labourerswhoploughed the landandreapedthecorn?Wherearetheclergymenwhoreadservicesandpreachedsermons?Where are the childrenwho played in the sunshine as if theywould never be old?Wherearetheoldmenwholeanedontheirsticksandgossipedaboutthedayswhentheywereyoung?Thereisbutoneanswer.Theyarealldead:dead,dead!Strong,andbeautiful,andactiveastheyoncewere, theyarealldustandashesnow.Mightyandimportant as they all thought their business, it all came to an end. And we aretravellinginthesameway!Afewmoreyears,andwealsoshallbelyinginourgraves!

Reader, thinkofthesethings.Surelywhenyouconsideryour latterendyouwillnotthink the cleansingawayof sin a lightmatter. Surely youwill see something in thequestion,“Whereareyoursins?”Surelyyouwillconsider,“HowamIgoingtodie?”

Remember, furthermore, thatresurrectionand judgment await you.All is not overwhenthe lastbreathisdrawnandyourbodybecomesa lumpofcoldclay.No:all isnotover!Therealitiesofexistencethenbegin.Theshadowswillhavepassedawayforever.Thetrumpetshallonedaysound,andcallyouforthfromyournarrowbed;thegravesshallberentasunder,andtheirtenantsshallbesummonedforthtomeetGod;the ears that would not obey the church going bell shall be obliged to obey thatsummons; the proud wills that would not submit to listen to sermons shall becompelled to listen to the judgmentofGod.Thegreatwhite throneshallbeset: thebooksshallbeopened.Everyman,woman,andchild,shallbearraignedatthatgreatassize.Everyoneshallbejudgedaccordingtohisworks.Thesinsofeveryoneshallbeanswered for.And every one shall receivehis eternal portion either inheavenor inhell!

Reader,thinkofthesethings.Surelyinremembranceofthatdayyoumustallowthatthe subject I am upon deserves attention. Surely youmust confess that it is of theutmost importance tohaveyour sins cleansedaway.Surely youwill consider, “HowamIgoingtobejudged?”

Imustspeakoutwhatisuponmymind.Ifeelgreatsorrowandtroubleofheartaboutmany men and women in the world. I fear for many who live in this so calledChristianland;IfearformanywhoprofessandcallthemselvesChristians;IfearformanywhogotochurchorchapeleverySundayandhaveadecentformofreligion;Ifearthattheydonotseetheimmenseimportanceofhavingtheirsinscleansedaway.Icanseeplainlythattherearemanyotherthingswhichtheythinkfarmoreimportant.Money,andland,andfarms,andhorses,andcarriages,anddogs,andmeat,anddrink,andclothes, and houses, andmarriages, and families, and business, and pleasure,—these,thesearethesortofthingswhichmanyevidentlythinkthe“first things.”Andasfortheforgivenessandcleansingawayof theirsins, it isamat terwhichhasonlythesecondplaceintheirthoughts.

Seethemanofbusiness,asheporesoverhisledgerandaccountbooks,andrunshiseyeoverthecolumnsoffigures.Seethemanofpleasure,ashetearsoverthecountrywithhishorsesanddogs,orrushesafterexcitementattheraces,thetheatre,thecardparty,ortheball.Seethepoorthoughtlesslabourer,ashecarriesoffhishard-earnedwagestothepublichouse,andwastestheminruiningbothbodyandsoul.Seethemall,howthoroughlytheyareinearnest!Seethemall,howtheythrowtheirheartsintowhat they are doing!—And then mark them all at church next Sunday: listless,careless,yawning,sleepy,and indifferent,as if therewerenoGod,andnodevil,andnoChrist,andnoheaven,andnohell!Markhowevidentitisthattheyhavelefttheirhearts outside the church! Mark how plain it is that they have no real interest inreligion! And then say whether it be not true that many know nothing of theimportanceofhavingtheirsinscleansedaway.Oh,reader, takeheedlest thisbethecasewithyou!

Reader,doyoufeelanythingoftheimportanceofbeingforgiven?Then,inthenameofGod,IcalluponyoutoencouragethatfeelingmoreandmoreThis isthepointtowhichwedesiretobringallpeople’ssouls.Wewantyoutounderstandthatreligiondoes not consist in professing certain outward duties, and going through certainoutwardforms.ItconsistsinbeingreconciledtoGod,andenjoyingpeacewithHim.Itconsists in having our sins cleansed away, and knowing that they are cleansed. ItconsistsinbeingbroughtbackintofriendshipwiththeKingofkings,andlivinginthesunshineofthatfriendship.—Listennottothosewhowouldfainpersuadeyouthatifyouonly“go to church” regularlyyouwillof coursego toheaven.Settle it rather inyourmind,thattruesavingreligion,suchastheBibleteaches,isanotherkindofthingaltogether. The very foundation of real Christianity is to know that you havemanysins,anddeservehell,—andtofeeltheimportanceofhavingthesesinscleansedaway,inorderthatyoumaygotoheaven.

Happy,saystheworld,aretheywhohaveplentyofpropertyandfinehouses!Happyare they who have carriages, and horses, and servants, and large balances at theirbankers, and great troops of friends!Happy are theywho are clothed in purple and

finelinen,andfaresumptuouslyeveryday,whohavenothingtodobuttospendtheirmoneyandenjoythemselves!—Yetwhatistherealvalueofsuchhappiness?Itgivesno solid, real satisfaction, even at the time of enjoyment. It endures but for a fewyears.Itonlylaststilldeathcomesin,likethehandatBelshazzar’sfeast,andbreaksup all. And then, in too many cases, this so-called happiness is exchanged forETERNALMISERYINHELL.

“Blessed,”saystheWordofGod,“arethosewhoseiniquitiesareforgiven,andwhosesins are covered! Blessed is theman untowhom the Lord imputeth not iniquity!—Blessedare thepoor in spirit, for theirs is thekingdomofheaven!Blessed are theythatmourn,fortheyshallbecomforted!Blessedaretheythathungerandthirstafterrighteousness, for they shall be filled!” (Psalm xxxii. 1, 2; Matt. v. 2, &e.)—Theirblessednessshallnevercometoanend:theirhappinessisnosummer-driedfountain,justfailingwhenneedisthesorest;theirfriendsarenosummerswallows,forsakingthem, like Adonijah’s guests, the firstmoment that the trumpet sounds. Their sunshallnevergodown.Their joy shallbud in time,andbloom ineternity.Theirs, inaword,istruehappiness,foritisforevermore.

Reader,do youbelievewhat I am saying? It is all true.Youwill see onedaywhosewordsshallstand,thewordsofmanortheWordofGod.Bewiseintime.Settleitinyourheartthisveryhour,thatthemostimportantthingthatmancanattendtoisthecleansingandforgivenessofhissins.

III.Mythirdremarkisthis.Youcannotcleanseawayyourownsins.

I make this statement boldly and confidently. Startling as it sounds to the naturalheart, I lay it down as a piece of undeniable Scriptural truth. In spite of all thePharisees, andRomanCatholics, andSocinians, andDeists, and idolaters of humanreason and human power, I unhesitatingly repeat my assertions.—Man’s sins aremany and great. It is of the utmost importance that these sins should be cleansedaway.Man’sguiltinthesightofGod,isenormous.Man’sdangerofhell,afterhedies,is imminent and tremendous. And yetman cannot cleanse away his own sins. It iswritten,anditistrue,“Bydeedsofthelawshallnofleshbejustified.”(Rom.iii.20.)

Itwillnotcleanseawayyoursinstobesorryforthem.Youmaymournoveryourpastwickedness, and humble yourself in sackcloth and ashes. You may shed floods oftears,andacknowledgeyourownguiltanddanger.Youmay,—youmust,—yououghttodothis.ButyouwillnotbysodoingwipeoutyourtransgressionsfromthebookofGod.SORROWCANNOTMAKEATONEMENTFORSIN.

Theconvictedcriminalinacourtofjusticeisoftensorryforhisoffences.Heseesthemisery and ruin they have brought upon him. He mourns over his folly in notlisteningtoadviceandingivingwaytotemptation.Butthejudgedoesnotlethimoff

becauseheissorry.Thedeedhasbeendone:thelawhasbeenbroken;thepenaltyhasbeen incurred. The punishment must be inflicted, notwithstanding the criminal’stears.—Reader,thisispreciselyyourpositioninthesightofGod.Yoursorrowisright,andgood,andproper.Butyoursorrowhasnopowerwhatever tocleanseawayyoursins.Itneedssomethingmorethanpenitencetotaketheburdenoffyourheart.

Itwillnotcleanseawayyoursins tomendyour life.Youmay reformyour conduct,andturnoveranewleaf:youmaybreakoffmanyevilhabits,andtakeupmanygoodones;youmaybecome, inshort,analteredman inall youroutwardbehaviour.Youmay,—youmust,—youought,todoso.Withoutsuchchangenosouleverwassaved.But you will not, by so doing, wipe away one particle of your guilt in God’s sight.REFORMATIONMAKESNOATONEMENTFORSIN.

Thebankrupttradesman,whoowestenthousandpoundsandhasnottenshillingstopay,mayresolvetobecomeareformedcharacter.Afterwastinghiswholesubstanceinriotousliving,hemaybecomesteady,temperate,andrespectable.Itisallrightandproperthatheshouldbeso:butthiswillnotsatisfytheclaimsofthosetowhomheowesmoney.OncemoreIsay,thisispreciselyyourcasebynatureinthesightofGod.Youowehimtenthousandtalents,andhavenothingtopay.To-day’samendmentsareall very well, but they do not wipe away yesterday’s debts.—It requires somethingmore than amendment and reformation to give you a light heart and to set yourconsciencefree.

It will not cleanse away your sins to become diligent in the use of the forms andordinancesofreligion.YoumayalteryourhabitsaboutSunday,andattendservicesfrommorningtonight:youmaytakepainstohearpreachingonweek-days,aswellasonSundays;youmayreceive theLord’sSupperoneverypossibleoccasion,andgivealms,andkeepfasts.Itisallverywellasfarasitgoes.Itisarightandproperthingtoattendtoyourreligiousduties.Butall themeansofgrace intheworldwillneverdoyou any good so long as you trust in them as saviours. They will not bind up thewounds of your heart, and give you inward peace. FORMALITY CANNOT MAKEATONEMENTFORSIN.

Alanternonadarknightisaveryusefulthing.Itcanhelpthetravellertofindhiswayhome;itcanpreservehimfromlosinghispath,andkeephimfromfallingintodanger.Butthelanternitselfisnotthetraveller’sfireside.Themanwhoiscontenttositdownin the road by the side of his lantern, must never be surprised if he dies of cold.Reader, if you try to satisfy your consciencewith a formal attendance onmeans ofgrace,youarenowiserthanthistraveller.Itneedssomethingmorethanformalitytotaketheburdenfromyourconscience,andtogiveyoupeacewithGod.

Itwillnotcleanseawayyoursinstolooktomanforhelp.ItisnotinthepowerofanychildofAdam to saveanother’s soul.Nobishop,nopriest, no ordainedmanof any

Church or denomination has power to forgive sins: no human absolution, howeversolemnlyconferred,canpurgethatconsciencewhichisnotpurgedbyGod.ItiswelltoaskthecounseloftheministersoftheGospelwhentheconscienceisperplexed.Itistheirofficetohelpthelabouringandheavy-laden,andtoshowthemthewayofpeace.Butit isnot in thepowerofanyminister todeliveranymanfromhisguilt.Wecanonlyshow thepath thatmustbe followed:we canonlypointout thedoor atwhichevery onemust knock. It requires a hand far stronger than that ofman to take thechainsoffconscience,andsettheprisonerfree.

Thebankruptwhoasksabankrupttosethimupinbusinessagainisonlylosingtime;thepauperwho travels off to aneighbourpauper, andbegs him to help himout ofdifficulties, is only troubling himself in vain. The prisoner does not beg his fellow-prisoner to set him free; the shipwrecked sailor does not call on his shipwreckedcomradetoplacehimsafeashore.Helpinallthesecasesmustcomefromsomeotherquarter:relief inall thesecasesmustbesought fromsomeotherhand.Reader, it isjustthesameinthematterofcleansingawayyoursins.So longasyouseek it fromman, whether man ordained or man not ordained, you seek it where it cannot befound. You must go further: you must look higher. You must turn elsewhere forcomfort.Itisnotinthepowerofanymanonearthorinheaventotaketheburdenofsinfromoffabrother’ssoul.“Nonecanbyanymeansredeemhisbrother,norgivearansomforhim.”(Psalmxlix.7.)

Reader,thousandsineveryagehavetriedtocleansethemselvesfromtheirsinsinthewaysIhavenowdescribed,andhavetriedinvain.Thousands,Idoubtnot,aretryingatthisverymoment,andfindthemselves“nothingbettered,butratherworse.”Theyareclimbingupasteepprecipiceofice,toilinghardandyetslippingbackwardsasfastastheyclimb.—Theyarepouringwaterintoacaskfullofholes,labouringbusily,andyetnonearer theendof theirwork thanwhen theybegan.—Theyare rowingaboatagainstarapidstream,plyingtheoardiligently,andyetinrealitylosinggroundeveryminute.—Theyaretryingtobuildupawallofloosesand,wearingthemselvesoutwithfatigue,andyetseeingtheirworkrolldownonthemasfastastheythrowitup.—Theyarestrivingtopumpdryasinkingship:thewatergainsonthemandtheywillsoonbedrowned.—Such is the experience, in every part of the world, of all who think tocleansethemselvesfromtheirsins.Reader,bewarnedto-day.Donotbeoneofthem.

Beware, I do entreat you, of quackmedicines in religion. Beware of supposing thatpenitence, and reformation, and formality, and priest-craft, can ever give you peacewithGod.Theycannotdo it. It isnot in them.Themanwhosays theycanmustbeignorantoftwothings.Hecannotknowthelengthandbreadthofhumansinfulness:he cannot understand the height and depth of the holiness of God. There neverbreathedthemanorwomanonearthwhotriedtocleansehimselffromhissins,andinsodoingobtainedrelief.

Reader, if you have found out this truth by experience, be diligent to impart it toothers.Showthemasplainlyasyoucantheirguiltanddangerbynature.Tell them,with no less plainness, the immense importance of having their sins forgiven andcleansed away. But thenwarn them not towaste time in seeking to be cleansed inunlawful fashions.Warn themagainst the specious advice of “Mr. Legality” andhiscompanions, so vividly described in “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Warn them against falseremedies and sham medicines for the soul. Send them to the old wicket-gate,describedinScripture,howeverhardandroughthewaymayseem.Tellthemitis“theold path and the goodway,” and that,whatevermenmay say, it is the onlyway toobtaincleansingofoursins.

IV.The fourthremarkIhave tomake is this.Thebloodof JesusChrist cancleanseawayallyoursins.

Reader, I enteron thispartofmy tractwitha thankfulheart. IblessGod thataftersettingbeforeyoutheawfulnatureofyourspiritualdisease, Iamable tosetbeforeyou an almighty remedy. But I feel it needful to dwell upon this remedy for a fewminutes. A thing of such wondrous efficacy as this blood ought to be clearlyunderstood: there should beno vagueness ormystery in your ideas about it.Whenyou hear of the “blood of Christ” you ought thoroughly to comprehend what theexpressionmeans

ThebloodofChrististhatlife-bloodwhichJesusshedwhenHediedforsinnersuponthe cross. It is thebloodwhich flowed so freely fromHisheadpiercedwith thorns,andHishandsandfeetpiercedwithnails,andHissidepiercedwithaspear,inthedaywhenHewascrucifiedandslain.Thequantityofthatbloodmayverylikelyhavebeensmall;theappearanceofthatbloodwasdoubtlesslikethatofourown:butneversincethedaywhenAdamwasfirstformedoutofthedustoftheground,hasanybloodbeenshedofsuchdeepimportancetothewholefamilyofmankind.

Itwasbloodthathadbeenlongcovenantedandpromised.Inthedaywhensincameintotheworld,Godmercifullyengagedthat“theSeedofthewomanshouldbruisetheserpent’shead.”Onebornofwomanshouldappearoneday,anddeliverthechildrenofAdamfromSatan’spower.ThatSeedofthewomanwasourLordJesusChrist.Inthe day that He suffered on the cross, He triumphed over Satan and accomplishedredemptionformankind.WhenJesusshedHislife-bloodonthecross,theheadoftheserpentwasbruised,andtheancientpromisewasfulfilled.

It was blood that had been long typified and prefigured. Every sacrifice that wasoffered up by patriarchs, was a testimony of their faith in a greater sacrifice yet tocome; every shedding of the blood of lambs and goats under the Mosaic law wasmeanttoforeshadowthedyingofthetrueLambofGodforthesinoftheworld.WhenChrist was crucified, these sacrifices and types received their full accomplishment.

Thetruesacrifice forsinwasat lengthoffered; the realatoningbloodwasat lengthshed. From that day the offerings of theMosaic law were no longer needed. Theirworkwasdone.Theymightbelaidaside.

ItwasbloodwhichwasofinfinitemeritandvalueinthesightofGod.Itwasnotthebloodofonewhowasnothingmorethanasingularlyholyman,butofonewhowasGod’s own fellow, very God of very God. It was not the blood of one who diedinvoluntarily, as amartyr to truth, but of one who voluntarily undertook to be theSubstituteandProxyformankind,tobeartheirsinsandcarrytheiriniquities.Itmadeatonementforman’stransgressions;itpaidman’senormousdebttoGod;itprovidedawayof righteousreconciliationbetweensinfulmanandhisholyMaker; itmadearoadfromheaventoearth,bywhichGodcouldcomedowntoman,andshowmercy;itmadearoadfromearthtoheaven,bywhichmancoulddrawneartoGod,andyetnotfeelafraid.Withoutittherecouldhavebeennoremissionofsin.ThroughitGodcanbe justandyetthe justifierof theungodly.Fromita fountainhasbeen formed,whereinsinnerscanwashandbecleantoalleternity.

Reader, this wondrous blood of Christ, applied to your conscience, can cleanse youfromall sin. Itmatters nothingwhat your sinsmayhave been, “Though they be asscarlet theymay bemade like snow. Though they be red like crimson they can bemade like wool.” (Isaiah i. 18.) From sins of youth and sins of age,—from sins ofignoranceandsinsofknowledge,—fromsinsofopenprofligacyandsinsofsecretvice,—from sins against law and sins againstGospel,—from sins of head, andheart, andtongue, and thought, and imagination,—from sins against each and all of the tencommandments,—fromallthesethebloodofChristcansetusfree.Tothisendwasitappointed;forthiscausewasitshed;forthispurposeitisstillafountainopentoallmankind.That thingwhichyoucannotdo foryourself canbedone inamomentbythispreciousfountain.YOUCANHAVEALLYOURSINSCLEANSEDAWAY.

Inthisbloodallthedeadsaintshavebeencleansedhitherto,whoarenowwaitingtheresurrectionofthejust.FromAbel,thefirstofwhomweread,downtothelastwhohas fallenasleep to-day, theyhaveall “washed their robes, andmade themwhite inthebloodoftheLamb.”(Rev.vii.14.)Notonehasenteredintorestbyhisownworksanddeservings;notonehasmadehimselfcleanbeforeGodbyhisowngoodnessandhisownstrength.Theyhaveall “overcomeby thebloodof theLamb.” (Rev.xii. 11.)And their testimony in Paradise is clear and distinct: “Thou wast slain, and hastredeemedustoGodbyThyblood,outofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation.”(Rev.v.9)

By thisbloodall the living saintsofGodhavepeace andhopenow;by it theyhaveboldnesstoenterintotheholiest;byittheyarejustifiedandmadenightoGod;byittheir consciences are daily purged and filled with holy confidence. About it allbelieversareagreed,howevermuchtheymaydifferonothermatters.Episcopalians

andPresbyterians,BaptistsandMethodists,—allareagreedthatthebloodofChrististhat only thing that can cleanse the soul.—All are agreed that in ourselves we are“wretchedandmiserable,andpoor,andblind,andnaked.”Butallareagreedthat inthebloodofChristthechiefofsinnerscanbemadeclean.

Reader,wouldyouliketoknowwhatweministersoftheGospelareordainedtodo?We are not set apart for no other end than to read services, and administersacraments, andmarry people, and bury the dead.We are notmeant to do nothingmorethanshowyouthechurch,orourselves,orourparty.WearesetfortheworkofshowingmenthebloodofChrist;andexceptwearecontinuallyshowingit,wearenotrueministersoftheGospel.

Reader,wouldyouliketoknowwhatisourheart’sdesireandprayerforthesoulstowhomweminister?WewanttobringthemtothebloodofChrist.Wearenotcontentto see our churches filled, and our ordinances well attended, our congregationsnumerous, and our cause outwardly flourishing. We want to see men and womencoming to thegreatFountain for sinanduncleanness,andwashing their souls in itthattheymaybeclean.Hereonlyisrestfortheconscience.Hereonlyispeacefortheinwardman.HereonlyisacureforspiritualdiseasesHereonlyisthesecretofalightandhappyheart.Nodoubtwehavewithinusa fountainofevilandcorruption;but,blessedbeGod, there is anotherFountainof greaterpower still,—even thepreciousbloodof theLamb:and,washingdaily in thatotherFountain,weare clean fromallsin.

V.Thefifth,andlastremarkIhavetomake,isthis.Faithisabsolutelynecessary,andthe only thingnecessary, in order to give youan interest in the cleansing blood ofChrist.

Reader,Iaskyourspecialattentiontothispoint.Amistakehereisoftenruinoustoaman’ssoul.It isagreattearattherootofyourChristianity ifyoudonotclearlyseethetruewayofunionbetweenChristandthesoul.—Thatwayisfaith.

Church-membership and reception of the sacraments are no proof that you arewashedinChrist’sblood.ThousandsattendaChristianplaceofworship,andreceivethe Lord’s Supper from the hands of Christianministers, and yet show plainly thattheyarenotcleansedfromtheirsins.Bewareofdespisingmeansofgrace,ifyouhaveanydesiretobesaved.Butnever,neverforgetthatChurch-membershipisnotfaith.

Faith is the one thing needful in order to give you the benefit of Christ’s cleansingblood.He iscalleda“propitiation through faith inHisblood.” “He thatbelievethonHim hath everlasting life.” “By Him all that believe are justified from all things.”“BeingjustifiedbyfaithwehavepeacewithGod,throughourLordJesusChrist.”Thewisdomofthewholeworldwillneverprovideabetteranswertoananxiousinquirer

thanthatwhichPaulgavetothePhilippianjailer:“BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbe saved.”—“Art thou convincedof sin?” says theGospel. “Dost thoureallyseethatthouhastmanysins,andartdeservingofhell?Dostthourenounceallhopeof cleansing thyself from thy sinsby thineownpower?Then thouart just themanforwhomtheGospelprovidescomfort.BeholdtheatoningbloodofChrist!Onlytrust in it, and this day thou shalt be freely pardoned. Only believe, and this verymoment thy sins shall be cleansed away.”—It is only “Believe and have.” It is only“Believeandbeclean.”Let thosewhowill call suchdoctrine rantandenthusiasm. Iamboldtocallitbyanothername.Itisthe“gloriousGospel”ofthegraceofGod.

Reader,Iaskyounottomisunderstandmymeaninginthusspeakingoffaith.Idonottellyouthatfaithistheonlymarkofthemanwhosesinsarecleansedaway.IdonotsaythatthefaithwhichgivesamananinterestinChrist’satoningblood,iseverfoundalone.Savingfaithisnobarren,solitarygrace.Itisalwaysaccompaniedbyrepentanceandpersonalholiness.—ButthisIsayconfidently,thatinthematterofgivingthesoulan interest in Christ, faith is the only thing required. In thematter of justificationbeforeGod, faith,Irepeatemphatically,standsentirelyalone.Faith is thehandthatlaysholdonChrist.Faithbegins,faithcarrieson,faithkeepsuptheclaimwhichthesinnermakesontheSaviour.Byfaithwearejustified.Byfaithwebatheoursoulsinthe great Fountain for sin. By faithwe go on obtaining fresh supplies of pardoningmercyallthroughourjourney.Byfaithwelive,andbyfaithwestand.

Reader,nothing whatever besides this faith is required, in order to your completejustificationandcleansingfromallsin.Letthissinkdeeplyintoyourmind.WhereisthemanthatdesirestoenjoyrealcomfortfromtheGospel?Seek,Idoentreatyou,tohaveclearandsimpleviewsof thenatureofsaving faith.Bewareof thosedark,andconfused,andmuddynotionsoffaith,bywhichsomanydistresstheirsouls.Dismissfromyourmind the idea that faith is amere act of the intellect. It is not assent todoctrinesorarticles;itisnotbeliefof“Paley’sEvidences”or“PearsonontheCreed.”It is simply the grasp of a contrite heart on the outstretched hand of an AlmightySaviour,—thereposeofawearyheadonthebosomofanAlmightyFriend.—Castawayall ideaofwork,ormerit,ordoing,orperforming,orpaying,orgiving,orbuying,orlabouring, in the act of believing onChrist.Understand that faith is not giving, buttaking,—notpaying,butreceiving,—notbuying,butbeingenriched. It is theeye thatlookstothebrazenserpent,andlookingobtains lifeandhealth; it is themouththatdrinksdowntherevivingmedicine,anddrinkingreceivesstrengthandvigourforthewholebody;itisthehandofthedrowningmanwhichlaysholdontheropethrowntohim,andlayingholdenableshimtobedrawnupfromthedeepwatersafeandsound.This,andnothingmorethanthis,isthetrueideaofsavingfaith.This,andthisonly,isthefaiththatisrequiredtogiveyouaninterestinthebloodofChrist.Believeinthisway,andyoursinsareatoncecleansedaway!

Reader,nothingwhatever except this faithwill ever give you an interest in Christ’s

atoningblood.YoumaygodailytoChrist’schurch;youmayoftenuseChrist’sname;youmaybowtheheadatthenameofJesus;youmayeatofthebreadandwinewhichChrist commanded tobe received.But all this time,without faith, youhaveneitherpartnor lot inChrist:without faith, so far as you are concerned,Christ’s bloodhasbeenshedinvain.

Idesiretoentermysolemnprotestagainstthemodernnotionswhichprevailonthissolemnsubject.Iprotestagainsttheopinionwhichmanynowmaintain,thatanyaresaved by Christ excepting those who believe. There is much vague talk in somequarters about theFatherhoodofGod and the love ofGod, as ifwewho are called“Evangelical”deniedtheseglorioustruths.Wedonotdenythematall:weholdthemasstronglyasany.Wegiveplace tonoman in thismatter.Butweutterlydeny thatGod is the spiritual Father of any excepting thosewho areHis children by faith inChrist Jesus.We utterly deny thatmen have a right to take comfort inGod’s love,except theybelieveonHim throughwhom that lovehas beenmanifested, evenHisdearSon.Theatoningbloodof theSonofGod is thegrandexhibitionofGod’s lovetowardssinners.Thesinnerwhodesirestobesaved,musthavepersonaldealingswithHimwhoshedthatblood.Bypersonalfaithhemustwashinit;bypersonalfaithhemustdrinkof it;bypersonal faithhemustput inhisownclaim toall itsblessings:withoutthisfaiththerecanbenosalvation.

Reader, would you know the main objects that we ministers have in view in ourpreaching?Wepreach that youmaybelieve.Faith is the thing thatwedesire to seeproduced in your souls; faith is the thing that, once produced, we desire to seegrowing.WerejoicetoseeyoucomingregularlytoheartheGospel;werejoicetoseean orderly, well-behaved congregation of worshippers: but faith, faith, faith,—is thegrand result which we long to see in your souls. Without faith we cannot feelcomfortableaboutyou;withoutfaithyouareinimminentdangerofhell.Accordingtoyour faithwill be the strength of your Christianity; according to the degree of yourfaithwillbetheincreaseofyourpeaceandhope,andtheclosenessofyourwalkwithGod.Reader,youwillnotwonder that there isnothingwecare forsomuchasyourbelieving.

Ihastentobringmyremarkstoaconclusion.Ihavetriedtoshowyoufivethings,andhaveendeavouredtosetthembeforeyouinplainlanguage

(1)Ihavetoldyouthatyouhavemanysins.(2)Ihavetoldyouthatitisoftheutmostimportance to have these sins cleansed away. (3). I have told you that you cannotcleanse away your own sins. (4) I have told you that the blood of Christ cleansethfromallsin. (5)Ihavetoldyouthat faithonly isneedful,butabsolutelyneedful, togiveyouanyinterestinChrist’sblood;IhavetoldyouwhatIamfirmlypersuadedisGod’sowntruth,—thetruthonwhichIdesiremyselftoliveanddie.IprayGodthattheHolyGhostmayapplythistruthwithmightypowertomanysouls.

Reader,Iwillwindupallthissubjectbythreewordsofpartingapplication.Ouryearsarepassingquicklyaway.Thenightcometh,whennomancanwork.Yetalittletimeandourplaceinanotherworldwillbesettledtoalleternity.Afewmoreyears,andweshallbeeitherinheavenorinhell.Surelythisfactaloneoughttosetusthinking.BearwithmewhileItrytoturnyourthoughtsinaprofitabledirection;bearwithmewhile,asafriendandbrother,Itrytotalktoyouaboutyoursoul.

1.Myfirstwordofapplicationshallbeaquestion.Iaddressittoallintowhosehandsthis tractmay fall,withoutdistinctionor exception. It is a questionwhich concernsdeeplyeveryman,woman,andchildintheworld,whateverbetheirrankorstation;itisthequestionwhichformsthetitleofthistract

“Whereareyoursins?”

Reader,remember,Idonotaskyouwhatyoucallyourselfinreligion;Idonotaskyouwhere yougo,—orwhomyouhear,—or towhatparty youbelong,—orwhat are yourpeculiaropinionsaboutChurchorDissent.Ileavesuchmattersalone.Iamwearytosee the enormouswaste of time ofwhichmultitudes are yearly guilty in respect tothesematters:IamfortherealitiesandsubstanceofChristianity;Iwanttofixyourattentiononthethingswhichwilllookimportantinthehourofdeathandatthelastday.AndIsayboldly,thatoneofthefirstquestionswhichdemandyournotice,isthequestionofmytract:—“Whereareyoursins?”

I am not asking what you intend, or mean, or hope, or resolve to aim at, at somefuture time; I leave all that to children and fools. To-morrow is the devil’s day, buttoday isGod’s.Andhere, as inGod’s sight, this veryday,while you are readingmytract,Iaskyoutofindananswertomyquestion:“Whereareyoursins?”

Reader, I ask you to mark what I am going to say. I say it calmly, deliberately,advisedly, andwith consideration: I tell you thatat thismoment there are only twoplaces inwhich your sins can be, and I defy thewisdomof theworld to find out athird. Either your sins are UPON YOURSELF, unpardoned, unforgiven, uncleansed,unwashed away,—sinking you daily nearer to hell! Or else your sins are UPONCHRIST, taken away, forgiven, pardoned, blotted out and cleansed away by Christ’spreciousblood!Iamutterlyunabletoseeanythirdplace inwhichaman’ssinscanpossibly be; I am utterly unable to discover any third alternative. Forgiven orunforgiven,—pardoned or not pardoned,—cleansed away or not cleansed,—this,accordingtotheBible,istheexactpositionofeveryone’ssins.Reader,howisitwithyou?“Whereareyoursins?”

I do pray you to lay this question to heart, and never to rest till you can give it ananswer; I do entreat you to examine your own state,—to prove your own spiritualcondition,—andtofindouthowmattersstandbetweenyouandGod.Letthetimepast

sufficefortriflingandindecisionaboutyoursoul.

Giveitup,—giveitup,—giveitupforever.Letthetimepastsufficeforamereformal,aimless,meaningless,comfortlessreligion.Layitaside,—layitaside,—layitasideforever.Bereal;be thorough;be inearnest.Dealwithyoursoulasareasonablebeing;dealwithitasonewhofeelsthateternalinterestsareatstake;dealwithitasonewhohasmadeuphismind,and isdetermined to live in suspenseno longer.Oh, resolvethisveryday to findananswer tomyquestion:“Whereareyoursins?”Are theyonyourself,oraretheyonChrist?

2.My secondword of application shall bean invitation. I address it to allwho feelunabletogiveasatisfactoryanswertothequestionofmytract;Iaddressittoallwhofeelsinful,andlost,andcondemned,andunfittodie.Itisthatinvitationwhichistheglory of the Gospel. I say to you, “Come to Christ, and be cleansed in His bloodwithoutdelay.”

I knownotwhat youmayhave been in your past life: itmatters nothing. Youmayhave broken every commandment under heaven; youmay have sinned with a highhandagainst lightandknowledge;youmayhavedespiseda father’swarningsandamother’stears;youmayhaverungreedilyintoeveryexcessofriot,andplungedintoeverykindofabominableprofligacy;youmayhaveturnedyourbackentirelyonGod,Hisday,Hishouse,Hisministers,Hisword, I sayagain, itmattersnothing.Doyoufeel your sins?Are you sick of them?Are you ashamed of them?Are youweary ofthem?ThencometoChristjustasyouare,andChrist’sbloodshallmakeyouclean.

Iseeyou lingering,anddoubting,and fancying thenews toogood tobe true; Ihearthedevilwhisperinginyourear,“Youaretoobad;youaretoowickedtobesaved.”Ichargeyou, inGod’sname,not togiveway tosuchdoubts. I remindyou thatSatanalwayswasaliar.Onetimehetoldyouitwas“toosoon”forreligion:andnowhetellsyou it is “too late.” I tell you confidently, that Jesus Christ is able to save to theuttermostallwhocometoGodbyHim;I tellyouconfidently, thatHehasreceived,cleansed, and pardoned thousands as bad as you: He never changes. Only come toHim,andHisbloodshallcleanseyoufromallsin.

Icanwellfancythatyoufeelataloss,andknownotwhattodo;Icanwellbelievethatyoudonotseewhichwaytoturn,orwhatsteptotake,or inwhatmannerto followoutmycounsel.IbidyougoandsaysototheLordJesusChrist!Ibidyouseeksomequietsolitaryplace,andpouroutyourheartbeforeHim:tellHimthatyouareapoormiserablesinner;tellHimthatyouknownothowtopray,orwhattosay,orwhattodo.ButtellHimthatyouhaveheardsomethingaboutHisbloodcleansingamanfromallsin,andentreatHimtothinkonyou,andcleanseyoursoul.Oh,reader,takethisadvice,—andwhocantellbutyoumaysayoneday,“ThebloodofChristdoesindeedcleanseamanfromallsin.”

Reader, for the last time I offermy invitation. I stand in the life-boat alongside thewrecktowhichyouareclinging,andIentreatyoutocomein.Thedayisfarspent;thenightiscomingon;thecloudsaregathering;thewavesarerising.Yetalittletimeandtheoldwreckofthisworldwillgotopieces.Comeintothelife-boat;comeinandbesafe: come to the blood of Christ; wash, and be clean: come with all your sins toChrist,andcastthemonHimHewillbearthemaway;Hewillcleansethen;Hewillpardonthem.Onlybelieveandbesaved.

3.Mylastwordshallbeanexhortation.IaddressittoallwhohavebeentaughtbytheSpirit to feel their sins, and have fled to the hope set before them in theGospel; Iaddressittoallwhohavediscoveredthegrandtruththattheyareguiltysinners,andhavewashed in the blood of Christ in order to have their sins cleansed away. Thatexhortationshallbeshortandsimple.Ibidthem“clingtoChrist.”

ClingtoChrist,Isay:andneverforgetyourdebttoHim.Sinnersyouwere,whenyouwerefirstcalledbytheHolyGhost,andfledtoJesus.Sinnersyouhavebeen,evenatyourbed, from thedayof your conversion.Sinners youwill find yourselves to yourdyinghour,havingnothingtoboastofinyourselves.ThenclingtoChrist.

ClingtoChrist,Isay:andmakeuseofHisatoningbloodeveryday.GotoHimeverymorningasyourmorningsacrifice,andconfessyourneedofHissalvation.GotoHimeverynight, after thebustle of theday, andplead for fresh absolution.Wash in thegreatFountaineveryevening,afterall thedefilementofcontactwith theworld. “Hethat is washed, needeth not save to wash his feet.” But his feet he needs to wash.(Johnxiii.10.)

ClingtoChrist,Isay:andshowtheworldhowyouloveHim.ShowitbyobediencetoHis commandments. Show it by conformity toHis image. Show it by followingHisexample. Make your Master’s cause lovely and beautiful before men, by your ownholiness of temper and conversation. Let all the world see, that he who is muchforgivenisthemanwholovesmuch,andthathewholovesmostisthemanwhodoesmostforChrist.(Lukevii.47.)

Cling toChrist, I say: andhavehigh thoughts of the atonementmade byHis blooduponthecross.ThinkhighlyofHisincarnationandHisexample,—thinkhighlyofHismiracles and His words,—think highly of His resurrection, and intercession, andcomingagain.ButthinkhighestofallofChrist’ssacrificeandthepropitiationmadebyHisdeath.Contendearnestly for theold faith concerningHis atonement. See, inthe old doctrine that He died as a substitute for sinners, the only solution of athousandpassagesintheOldTestament,andahundredpassagesintheNew.Never,neverbeashamedtoletmenknowthatyouderiveallyourcomfortfromtheatoningbloodofChrist,andfromHissubstitutionforyouonthecross.

ClingtoChrist,Isay lastly:andmakemuchoftheoldfoundation truthsconcerningsalvationbyHisblood.Thesearetheoldfriendstowhichoursoulswillturnatlastinthehourofourdeparture.Thesearetheancientdoctrinesonwhichweshallleanbackour aching heads, when life is ebbing away and death is in sight.We shall not askourselvesthenwhetherwehavebeenEpiscopaliansorPresbyterians,ChurchmenorDissenters. We shall not find comfort then in new-fangled notions and humaninventions,—inbaptismandchurchmembership,—insectsandparties,—inceremoniesandforms.NothingwilldousgoodthenbutthebloodofChrist.NothingwillsupportusthenbutthewitnessoftheSpirit,thatinthebloodofJesuswehavewashed,andbythatbloodhavebeenmadeclean.

Reader,Icommendthesethingstoyournotice.Ifyouneverknewthesethingsbefore,mayyousoonbecomeacquaintedwith them!Ifyouhaveknownthemin timepast,mayyouknowthembetter for time tocome!Wecanneverknow toowell the rightanswertothemightyquestion,—“Whereareyoursins?”

AreYouanHeir?

"ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,thesearechildrenofGod.Foryoudidn'treceivethespiritofbondageagaintofear,butyoureceivedtheSpiritofadoption,bywhomwecry,"Abba!Father!"TheSpirithimself testifieswithourspirit thatwearechildrenofGod;andifchildren,thenheirs;heirsofGod,andjointheirswithChrist;ifindeedwesufferwithhim,thatwemayalsobeglorifiedwithhim."(Romans8:14-17)

As soon as you have read the verses of Scripture before your eyes, I invite you toconsideraverysolemnquestion—Areyouanheirofglory?

Markwell what I am asking. I am not speaking ofmatterswhich only concern therich,thegreat,andthenoble.Idonotaskwhetheryouareanheirtomoneyorlands.Ionlyaskwhetheryouareanheirofglory.

The inheritanceIspeakof is theonly inheritancereallyworthhaving.Allothersareunsatisfyinganddisappointing.Theybringwith themmanycares.Theycannotcureanachingheart.Theycannotlightenaheavyconscience.Theycannotkeepofffamilytroubles.Theycannotpreventsicknesses,bereavements,separations,anddeaths.Butthereisnodisappointmentamongtheheirsofglory.

TheinheritanceIspeakofistheonlyinheritancewhichcanbekeptforever.Allothersmustbeleftinthehourofdeath,iftheyhavenotbeentakenawaybefore.Theowners

ofmillions can carrynothingwith thembeyond the grave.But it is not sowith theheirsofglory.Theirinheritanceiseternal.

The inheritanceIspeakof is theonly inheritancewhich iswithineverybody'sreach.Mostmencanneverobtainrichesandgreatness,thoughtheylaborhardforthemalltheir lives.Butglory,honor,andeternal life,areoffered toeverymanfreely,who iswillingtoacceptthemonGod'sterms."Whoeverwill,"maybeanheirofglory.

Reader, if youwish tohaveaportionof this inheritance, youmustbeamemberofthat one family on earth to which it belongs, and that is the family of all trueChristians. Youmust become one of God's children on earth, if you desire to havegloryinheaven.IwritetopersuadeyoutobecomeachildofGodthisday,ifyouarenotonealready.Iwrite topersuadeyoutomake itsureworkthatyouareone, ifatpresentyouhaveonlyavaguehope,andnothingmore.NonebuttrueChristiansarethe children ofGod.Nonebut the children ofGod are heirs of glory.Giveme yourattention,whileItrytounfoldtoyouthesethings,andtoshowyouthelessonswhichtheversesyouhavealreadyreadcontain.

I.LetmeshowyoutherelationofalltrueChristianstoGod.Theyare"sonsofGod."

II.Letmeshowyouthespecialevidencesofthisrelation.TrueChristiansare"ledbytheSpirit."Theyhave"theSpiritofadoption."Theyhave the"witnessof theSpirit."They"sufferwithChrist."

III.Letmeshowyoutheprivilegesofthisrelation.TrueChristiansare"heirsofGod,andjointheirswithChrist,"andshallbe"glorifiedtogether"withHim.

I. First let me show you the relation of all true Christians to God. They are God's"SONS."

I know no higher andmore comfortable word that could have been chosen. To beservants of God—to be subjects, soldiers, disciples, friends—all these are excellenttitles.ButtobethesonsofGod,isastephigherstill.WhatsaystheScripture?"Theservantabidesnotinthehouseforover—butthesonabidesever."(John8:35.)

Tobesonoftherichandnobleinthisworld—tobesonoftheprincesandkingsoftheearth—this is reckonedaprivilege.But tobeasonof theKingofkings,andLordoflords—tobeasonoftheHighandHolyOne,whoinhabitseternity—thisissomethinghigherstill.AndyetthisistheportionofeverytrueChristian.

Thesonofanearthlyparentlooksnaturallytohisfatherforaffection,maintenance,provision,andeducation.Thereisahomealwaysopentohim.Thereisalovewhichnobadconductcancompletelyextinguish.Allthesearethingsbelongingeventothesonshipof thisworld.Think thenhowgreat is theprivilegeof thatpoorsinnerwho

cansayofGod,"HeismyFather."

ButHOWcansinfulmenlikeyouandIbecomesonsofGod?Whendotheyenterintothisgloriousrelationship?WearenotthesonsofGodbynature.Wearenotbornsowhenwecomeintotheworld.NomanhasanaturalrighttolooktoGodashisFather.Itisavileheresytosaythathehas.Menaresaidtobebornpoetsandpainters—butmenareneverbornsonsofGod.TheEpistletotheEphesianstellsus,"Youwerebynaturechildrenofwrath,evenasothers."(Ephes.2:3.)TheEpistleofJohnsays,"thechildren of God are manifest, and the children of the devil—whoever does notrighteousnessisnotofGod."(1John3:10.)TheCatechismoftheChurchofEnglandwiselyfollowsthedoctrineoftheBible,andteachesustosay,"Bynatureborninsin,and childrenofwrath."Yes!we are all rather childrenof thedevil, than childrenofGod.Sinis indeedhereditary,andrunsinthefamilyofAdam.Graceisanythingbuthereditary, andholymenhavenot, asamatterof course,holy sons.How then,andwhendoes thismighty change and translation comeuponmen?Whenand inwhatmannerdosinnersbecomethesonsanddaughtersoftheLordAlmighty?

Men become sons ofGod in the day that the Spirit leads them to believe on JesusChristforsalvation,andnotbefore.WhatsaystheEpistletotheGalatians?"YouareallthechildrenofGodbyfaithinChristJesus."(Gal.3:36.)WhatsaystheEpistletotheCorinthians?"OfhimareyouinChristJesus."(1Cor.1:30.)WhatsaystheGospelofJohn?"AsmanyasreceivedChrist,tothemgavethepower(orprivilege)tobecomethesonsofGod,eventothosewhobelieveonHisname."(John1:12.)FaithunitesthesinnertotheSonofGod,andmakeshimoneofHismembers.Faithmakeshimoneof those inwhomtheFatherseesnospot,and iswellpleased.FaithmarrieshimtothebelovedSonofGod,andentitleshimtobereckonedamongthesons.FaithgiveshimfellowshipwiththeFatherandtheSon.FaithgraftshimintotheFather'sfamily,and opens up to him a room in the Father's house. Faith gives him life instead ofdeath,andmakeshiminsteadofbeingaservant,ason.ShowmeamanwhohasthisfaithinChrist,andwhateverbehisChurch,ordenomination,IsaythatheisasonofGod.

Reader,thisisoneofthosepointsyoushouldneverforget.YouandIknownothingofa man's sonship until he believes. No doubt the sons of God are foreknown andchosenfromalleternity,andpredestinatedtoadoption.(Ephes.1:5.)But,remember,itisnotuntiltheyarecalledinduetime,andbelieve—itisnotuntilthenthatyouandIcanbecertaintheyaresonsofGod.Itisnotuntiltheyrepentandbelieve,thattheangelsofGodrejoiceover them.Theangels cannot read thebookofGod'selection.TheyknownotwhoareHishiddenonesintheearth.Theyrejoiceovernomanuntilhebelieves.Butwhentheyseesomepoorsinnerrepentingandbelieving,thenthereisjoyamongthem—joythatonemorebrandispluckedfromtheburning,andonemoresonandheirbornagaintotheFatherinheaven.ButoncemoreIsay,youandIknownothingcertainaboutaman'ssonshiptoGoduntilhebelievesonChrist.

Reader,Iwarnyoutobewareofthedelusivenotion,thatallmenandwomenarealikechildren ofGod,whether they have faith inChrist or not. It is awild theorywhichmanyareclingingtointhesedays—butonewhichcannotbeprovedoutoftheWordofGod.Itisaperilousdream,withwhichmanyaretryingtosoothethemselves—butonefromwhichtherewillbeafearfulwakingupatthelastday.

ThatGod,inacertainsense,istheuniversalFatherofallmankind,Idonotpretendtodeny.HeistheGreatFirstCauseofallthings.HeistheCreatorofallmankind,andinHim alone, allmen,whether Christians or heathens, live andmove, and have theirbeing.Allthisisunquestionablytrue.InthissensePaultoldtheAthenians,apoetoftheirownhadtrulysaid,"WeareHisoffspring."(Acts17:28.)Butthissonshipgivesnomanatitletoheaven.Thesonshipwhichwehavebycreation,isonewhichbelongstostones,trees,beasts,oreventothedevils—asmuchastous.

ThatGod loves allmankindwith a love of pity and compassion, I do not deny.HistendermerciesareoverallHisworks.He isnotwilling thatanyshouldperish—butthatallshouldcometorepentance.Hehasnopleasureinthedeathofhimthatdies.All this I admit to the full. In this sense ourLord Jesus tells us, "God so loved theworld, thathegaveHisonlybegottenSon, thatwhoeverbelieves inhimshouldnotperish—buthaveeverlastinglife."(John3:16.)

ButthatGodisareconciledandpardoningFathertoanybutthemembersofHisSonJesusChrist,andthatanyaremembersofJesusChristwhodonotbelieveonHimforsalvation—thisisadoctrinewhichIutterlydeny.TheholinessandjusticeofGodarebothagainst thedoctrine.Theymake it impossible for sinfulmen to approachGod,exceptingthroughamediator.TheytellusthatoutsideofChrist,Godisaconsumingfire. The whole system of the New Testament is against the doctrine. That systemteaches that noman can claim interest in Christ, unless hewill receiveHim as hisMediator, and believe onHim as his Savior.Where there is no faith in Christ, it ispresumptuousfollytosaythatamanmaytakecomfortinGodasHisFather.GodisareconciledFathertononebutthemembersofChrist.

It isnonsense to talkof theviewIamnowupholdingasnarrow-mindedandharsh.TheGospel sets an opendoor before everyman. Its promises arewide and full. Itsinvitationsareearnestandtender.Itsrequirementsaresimpleandclear.Onlybelieveon the Lord Jesus Christ, andwhoever you are, you shall be saved. But to say thatproudmen,whowillnotbowtheirneckstotheeasyyokeofChrist,andworldlymen,whoaredeterminedtohavetheirownwayandtheirsins—tosaythatsuchmenhavearight to claim an interest in Christ, and a right to call themselves sons of God, isabsurdity indeed. God offers to be their Father—but He does it on certain distinctterms—theymustdrawneartoHimthroughChrist.ChristofferstobetheirSavior—but indoing itHemakesonesimple requirement—theymustcommit their souls toHim,andgiveHimtheirhearts.Theyrefusetheterms,andyetdaretocallGodtheir

Father!Theyscorntherequirement,andyetdaretohopethatChristwillsavethem!GodistobetheirFather—butontheirownterms!ChrististobetheirSavior—butontheir conditions!What canbemoreunreasonable?What canbemoreproud?Whatcan be more unholy than such a doctrine as this? Beware of it, reader, for it is acommon doctrine in these latter days. Beware of it, for it is often speciously putforward, and sounds beautiful and charitable in the mouths of poets, novelists,sentimentalists,and tender-heartedwomen.Bewareof it,unlessyoumean to throwasideyourBiblealtogether,andsetupyourselftobewiserthanGod.StandfastontheoldScripturalground.NosonshiptoGodwithoutChrist!NointerestinChristwithoutfaith!

Iwishtherewasnotsomuchcauseforgivingwarningsofthiskind.Ihavereasontothink theyneed to be given clearly andunmistakably.There is a school of theologyrising up in this day, which appears to me most eminently calculated to promoteinfidelity,tohelpthedevil,andtoruinsouls.ItcomestouslikeJoabtoAmasa,withthe highest professions of charity, liberality, and love. God is all mercy and love,according to this theology—Hisholinessand justiceare completely leftoutof sight!Hellisneverspokenofinthistheology—itstalkisallofheaven!Damnationisnevermentioned—itistreatedasanimpossiblething—allmenandwomenaretobesaved!Faith,andtheworkoftheSpirit,arerefinedawayintonothingatall!Everybodywhobelievesanythinghasfaith!EverybodywhothinksanythinghastheSpirit!Everybodyisright!Nobodyiswrong!Nobodyistoblameforanyactionhemaycommit!Itistheresultofhisposition!It is theeffectofcircumstances!Heisnotaccountableforhisopinions,anymorethanforthecolorofhisskin!Hemustbewhatheis!TheBibleofcourseisaveryimperfectbook!Itisold-fashioned!Itisobsolete!Wemaybelievejustas much of it as we please, and nomore! Reader, of all this theology, I warn yousolemnlytobeware.Inspiteofbigswellingwordsabout"liberality,"and"charity,"and"broadviews,"and"newlights,"and"freedomfrombigotry,"andsoforth,Idobelieveittobeatheologythatleadstohell.

Factsaredirectlyagainsttheteachersofthistheology.Letthemclimbtothetopsofmountains,andmarkthetracesofNoah'sflood.LetthemgototheshoresoftheDeadSea,andlookdownintoitsmysteriousbitterwaters.LetthemobservethewanderingJews,scatteredoverthefaceoftheworld.Andthenletthemtellus,iftheydare,thatGodissoentirelyaGodofmercyandlove,thatheneverdoes,andneverwillpunishsin.

Theconscienceofmanisdirectlyagainsttheseteachers.Letthemgotothebedsideofsomedyingchildoftheworld,andtrytocomforthimwiththeirdoctrines.Letthemseeiftheirvauntedtheorieswillcalmhisgnawing,restlessanxietyaboutthefuture,and enable him to depart in peace. Let them show us, if they can, a few well-authenticated cases of joy and happiness in deathwithout Bible promises—withoutconversion—andwithout that faith in thebloodofChrist,whichScriptural theology

enjoins.Alas,whenmenare leaving theworld, consciencemakes sadworkof thesenewsystems.Conscienceisnoteasilysatisfiedinadyinghour,thatthereisnosuchthingashell.

Every reasonable conception that we can form of a future state is directly againsttheseteachers.Imagineaheavenwhichwouldcontainallmankind!Imagineaheavenin which holy and unholy, pure and impure, good and bad, would be all gatheredtogether in one confused mass! What point of union would there be in such acompany?Whatcommonbondofsympathyandbrotherhood?Whatcommondelightin a common service?What concord, what harmony, what peace, what oneness ofspirit couldexist?Surely themind revolts from the ideaofaheaven inwhich therewouldbenodistinctionbetweentherighteousandthewicked—betweenPharaohandMoses,betweenAbrahamandtheSodomites,betweenPaulandNero,betweenPeterandJudas Iscariot,between themanwhodies in theactofmurderordrunkennessand men like Baxter, Wilberforce, and M'Cheyne! Surely an eternity in such amiserable, confused crowd, would be worse than annihilation itself! Surely such aheavenwouldbenobetterthanhell!

Theinterestsofallholinessandmoralityaredirectlyagainsttheseteachers.IfallmenandwomenalikeareGod'schildren,whateveristhedifferencebetweenthemintheirlives, and all are alike going to heaven, however different they may be from oneanother here in theworld—where is the use of laboring after holiness at all?Whatmotive remains for living soberly, righteously, and godly?What does itmatter howmenconductthemselves,ifallgotoheaven,andnobodygoestohell?Surelytheveryheathen ofGreece andRome could teach us something better andwiser than this?Surely a doctrine which is subversive of holiness and morality, and takes away allmotivestoexertion,carriesonthefaceofitthestampofitsorigin.Itisofearth—andnotofheaven.Itisofthedevil—andnotofGod.

The Bible is against these teachers all through. Hundreds and thousands of textsmightbequotedwhicharediametricallyopposedtotheir theories.Thesetextsmustbe rejected summarily, if the Bible is to square with their views. Theremay be noreasonwhytheyshouldberejected—buttosuitthetheologyIspeakof,theymustbethrownaway.AtthisratetheauthorityofthewholeBibleissoonatanend.Andwhatdotheygiveusinitsplace?Nothing—nothingatall!Theyrobusofthebreadoflife,anddonotgiveusinitssteadsomuchasastone!

Reader,oncemoreIwarnyoutobewareofthistheology.IchargeyoutoholdfastthedoctrinewhichIhavebeenendeavoringtoupholdinthesepages.RememberwhatIhave said, and never let it go. No inheritance of glory without sonship to God! NosonshiptoGodwithoutaninterestinChrist!NointerestinChristwithoutyourownpersonalfaith!ThisisGod'struth.Neverforsakeit.

Whonowamong the readersof thisvolumedesires toknowwhetherhe isa sonofGod?Askyourself thisday—andask itas inGod'ssight,whetheryouhaverepentedand believed. Ask yourself whether you are experimentally acquainted with Christ,andunitedtoHiminheart.Ifnot,youmaybeverysureyouarenosonofGod.Youarenotyetbornagain.Youarestillinyoursins.YourFatherincreation,Godmaybe—butyourreconciledandpardoningFather,Godisnot.Yes,thoughchurchandworldmayagreetotellyoutothecontrary—thoughclergyandlaityuniteinflatteringyou!TheiropinionsareworthnothinginthesightofGod.LetGodbetrueandeverymanaliar.WithoutfaithinChristyouarenosonofGod—youarenotbornagain.

Whoisthereamongthereadersofthisvolume,whodesirestobecomeasonofGod?Let thatpersonseehis sin,and flee toChrist for salvation,and thisdayhe shallbeplacedamongthechildren.Onlyacknowledgeyouriniquity,andlayholdofthehandthatJesusholdsouttoyouthisday,andsonship,withallitsprivileges,isyourown.Only confess your sins, andbring themuntoChrist, andGod is faithful and just toforgive you your sins, and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. This very day oldthingsshallpassaway,andallthingsbecomenew.Thisverydayyoushallbeforgiven,pardoned,acceptedinthebeloved.Thisverydayyoushallhaveanewnamegiventoyouinheaven.Youdidtakeupthisbookachildofwrath.Youshallliedowntonightachild ofGod.Mark this, if yourprofesseddesire after sonship is sincere—if you aretrulywearyofyoursins,andhavereallysomethingmorethanalazywishtobefree—thereisrealcomfortforyou.Itisalltrue.ItisallwritteninScripture,evenasIhavewrittenitdown.IdarenotraisebarriersbetweenyouandGod.ThisdayIsay,BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andyoushallbeason,andbesaved.

Whoisthereamongthereadersofthisvolume,thatisasonofGodindeed?Rejoice,Isay,andbeexceedinggladofyourprivileges.Rejoice, foryouhavegoodcause tobethankful.RememberthewordsofthebelovedApostle—"Beholdwhatmanneroflovethefatherhasbestoweduponus,thatweshouldbecalledthesonsofGod."(1John3:1.) How wonderful, that heaven should look down on earth—that the holy GodshouldsetHisaffectionsonsinfulman,andadmithimintoHisfamily!Whatthoughtheworlddoesnotunderstandyou!Whatthoughthemenofthisworldlaughatyou,andcastoutyournameasevil!Letthemlaugh,iftheywill.GodisyourFather.Youhave no need to be ashamed. The Queen can create a nobleman. The bishops canordainclergymen.ButQueen,Lords,andCommons—bishops,priests,anddeacons—alltogethercannot,oftheirownpower,makeonesonofGod,oroneofgreaterdignitythanasonofGod.ThemanthatcancallGodhisFather,andChristhiselderBrother—thatmanmaybepoorandlowly,yetheneverneedbeashamed.

II. Let me show you, in the second place, the special EVIDENCES of the trueChristian'srelationtoGod.

Howshallamanmakesureworkofhisownsonship?Howshallhefindoutwhether

heisonethathascometoChristbyfaithandbeenbornagain?Whatarethemarks,and signs, and tokens,bywhich the sonsofGodmaybeknown?This is aquestionwhichallwholoveeternallifeoughttoask.ThisisaquestiontowhichtheversesofScriptureIamaskingyoutoconsider,likemanyothers,supplyananswer.

1.ThesonsofGod,foronething,areallledbyHisSpirit.WhatsaystheScripture?"AsmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,theyarethesonsofGod."(Rom.8:14.)

They are all under the leading and teaching of a power which is Almighty, thoughunseen—even thepowerof theHolySpirit.Theyno longer turn everymanhis ownwayandwalkeverymaninthe lightofhisowneyes,andfolloweverymanhisownnatural heart's desire. The Spirit leads them. The Spirit guides them. There is amovementintheirhearts,lives,andaffections,whichtheyfeel,thoughtheymaynotbe able to explain, and a movement which is always more or less in the samedirection.

Theyareledawayfromsin—awayfromself-righteousness—awayfromtheworld.Thisis the road by which the Spirit leads God's children. Those whom God adopts Heteachesandtrains.Heshowstothemtheirownheart.Hemakesthemwearyoftheirownways.Hemakesthemlongforinwardpeace.

TheyareledbyChrist.TheyareledtotheBible.Theyareledtoprayer.Theyareledtoholiness.This is thebeatenpathalongwhichtheSpiritmakesthemtotravel.ThosewhomGodadoptsHealwayssanctifies.Hemakessinverybittertothem.Hemakesholinessverysweet.

ItistheSpiritwholeadsthemtoSinai,andfirstshowsthemthelaw,thattheirheartsmaybebroken. It isHewho leads them toCalvary, andshows them thecross, thattheirheartsmaybeboundupandhealed.ItisHewholeadsthemtoPisgah,andgivesthemdistantviewsofthepromisedland,thattheirheartsmaybecheered.Whentheyaretakenintothewilderness,andtaughttoseetheirownemptiness,itistheleadingof theSpirit.When they are carriedup toTabor, and liftedupwith glimpses of theglorytocome, it istheleadingoftheSpirit.EachoneofGod'ssonsisthesubjectoftheseleadings.Eachoneyieldshimselfwillinglytothem.Andeachoneisledbytherightway,tobringhimtoacityofhabitation.

Reader, settle this down in your heart, and do not let it go. The sons of God are apeople ledby theSpirit ofGod, andalways ledmoreor less in the sameway.Theirexperience will tally wonderfully when they compare notes in heaven. This is onemarkofsonship.

2.Furthermore,allthesonsofGodhavethefeelingsofadoptedchildrentowardstheirFather in heaven. What says the Scripture? "For you did not receive the spirit of

slaverytofallbackintofear,butyouhavereceivedtheSpiritofadoptionassons,bywhomwecry,Abba!Father!"(Rom.8:15.)

ThesonsofGodaredeliveredfromthatslavishfearofGod,whichsinbegets inthenaturalheart.Theyare redeemed from that feelingof guilt,whichmadeAdamhidehimselfinthetreesofthegarden,andCaingooutfromthepresenceoftheLord.TheyarenolongerafraidofGod'sholiness,andjustice,andmajesty.TheynolongerfeelasiftherewasagreatgulfandbarrierbetweenthemselvesandGod—andasifGodwasangry with them, andmust be angry with them, because of their sins. From thesechainsandfettersofsoul,thesonsofGodaredelivered.

TheirfeelingstowardsGodarenowthoseofpeaceandconfidence.TheyseeHimasaFatherreconciledinChristJesus.TheylookonHimasaGodwhoseattributesareallsatisfied by their greatMediator and Peacemaker, the Lord Jesus—as aGodwho isjust, andyet the justifierof everyone thatbelievesonJesus.AsaFather, theydrawnear toHimwithboldness.As aFather, they can speak toHimwith freedom.Theyhaveexchangedthespiritofbondageforthatofliberty,andthespiritoffearforthatoflove.TheyknowthatGodisholy—buttheyarenotafraid.Theyknowthattheyaresinners—but they are not afraid. Though holy, they believe that God is completelyreconciled.Though sinners, theybelieve theyare clothedall overwithJesusChrist.SuchisthefeelingofthesonsofGod.

Iallowthatsomeof themhave this feelingmorevividly thanothers.Someof themcarryaboutscrapsandremnantsoftheoldspiritofbondagetotheirdyingday.Manyofthemhavefitsandparoxysmsoffearreturninguponthematintervals.VeryfewofthesonsofGodcouldbefoundwhowouldnotsay,ifcross-examined,thatsincetheyknewChrist theyhavehadverydifferent feelings towardsGod, fromwhat theyeverhadbefore.TheyfeelasifsomethingliketheoldRomanformofadoptionhadtakenplacebetween themselvesand theirFather inheaven.They feelas ifHehadsaid toeachoneofthem,"Willyoubemyson?"andasiftheirheartshadreplied,"Iwill."

Reader,trytograspthisalso,andholditfast.ThesonsofGodareapeoplewhofeeltowardsGodinawaythatthechildrenoftheworlddonot.TheyfeelnomoreslavishfeartowardsHim.TheyfeeltowardsHimasareconciledparent.Thisthenisanothermarkofsonship.

3.Butagain,thesonsofGodhavethewitnessoftheSpiritintheirconscience.Whatsays the Scripture? "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we arechildrenofGod."(Rom.8:16.)

They have all got something within their hearts, which tells them there is arelationshipbetweenthemselvesandGod.Theyfeelsomethingwhichtellsthemthatoldthingsarepassedaway,andallthingsbecomenew—thatguiltisgone—thatpeace

isrestored—thatheaven'sdoorisopened,andhell'sdoorisshut.Theyhave,inshort,whatthechildrenoftheworldhavenot—afelt,positive,reasonablehope.TheyhavewhatPaulcallsthe"seal"and"pledge"oftheSpirit.(2Cor.1:22;Ephes.1:13.)

Reader, I do not for a moment deny that this witness of the spirit is exceedinglyvariousintheextenttowhichthesonsofGodpossessit.Withsomeitisaloud,clear,ringing, distinct testimony of conscience—"I am Christ's and Christ is mine."Withothers it is a little feeble, stammeringwhisper, which the devil and the flesh oftenprevent being heard. Some of the children of God speed on their course towardsheavenunderthefullsailsofassurance.Othersaretossedtoandfroalltheirvoyage,andwillscarcelybelievetheyhavegottruefaith.ButtaketheleastandlowestofthesonsofGod.Askhim ifhewill giveup the littlebit of religioushopewhichhehasattained?Askhim ifhewill exchangehisheart,withall itsdoubtsandconflicts, itsfightings, and fears—ask him if he will exchange that heart for the heart of thedownrightworldlyandcarelessman?Askhim ifhewouldbecontent to turnroundand throwdown the things he has got hold of, and go back to theworld?Who candoubtwhattheanswerwouldbe?"Icannotdothat,"hewouldreply."Idonotknowwhether Ihave faith—Idonot feel sure Ihave got grace—but Ihave got somethingwithinmeIwouldnotliketopartwith."Andwhatisthat"something"?Iwilltellyou.ItisthewitnessoftheSpirit.

Reader,trytounderstandthisalso.ThesonsofGodhavethewitnessoftheSpiritintheirconsciences.Thisisanothermarkofsonship.

4.Onethingmoreletmeadd.AllthesonsofGodtakepart insufferingwithChrist.Whatsays theScripture?"And if children, thenheirs—heirsofGodand fellowheirswithChrist,providedwesufferwithHim."(Rom.8:17.)

AllthechildrenofGodhaveacrosstocarry.Theyhavetrials,troubles,andafflictionstogothroughfortheGospel'ssake.Theyhavetrialsfromtheworld—trialsfromtheflesh—andtrialsfromthedevil.Theyhavetrialsoffeelingfromrelationsandfriends—hard words, hard conduct, and hard judgment. They have trials in the matter ofcharacter—slander, misrepresentation, mockery, insinuation of false motives—alltheseoftenrain thickupon them.Theyhave trials in thematterofworldly interest.Theyhaveoftentochoosewhethertheywillpleaseman,andloseglory;orgaingloryand offendman. They have trials from their own hearts. They have each generallytheirownthornintheflesh—theirownhome-devil,whoistheirworstfoe.ThisistheexperienceofthesonsofGod.

Someofthemsuffermore,andsomeless.Someofthemsufferinoneway,andsomeinanother.Godmeasuresouttheirportionslikeawisephysician,andcannoterr.Butnever,Ibelieve,wasthereonechildofGodwhoreachedparadisewithoutacross.

SufferingisthedietoftheLord'sfamily."WhomtheLordlovesHechastens.""Ifyoubewithoutchastisement,thenareyouillegitimatechildren,andnotsons.""Throughmuch tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God." (Heb. 12:6, 8; Acts 14:22.)When Bishop Latimer was told by his landlord that he had never had a trouble,"Then,"saidhe,"Godcannotbehere."

Suffering is a part of the process bywhich the sons ofGod are sanctified. They arechastenedtoweanthemfromtheworld,andmakethempartakersofGod'sholiness.TheCaptainof theirsalvationwasmadeperfect throughsufferings,andsoare they.There never yet was a great saint who had not either great afflictions or greatcorruptions. Well said Philip Melancthon, "Where there are no cares, there willgenerallybenoprayers."

Reader,trytosettlethisdownintoyourheartalso.ThesonsofGodhavealltobearacross. A suffering Savior has suffering disciples. The Bridegroom was a man ofsorrows.Thebridemustnotbeawomanofpleasures,andunacquaintedwithgrief.Blessedarethosewhomourn.Letusnotmurmuratthecross.Thisalso isasignofsonship.

Reader, Iwarnyounever tosuppose thatyouareasonofGodunlessyouhave theScriptural marks of sonship. Beware of a sonship without evidences. Again I say,Beware.WhenamanhasnoleadingoftheSpirittoshowme—noSpiritofadoptiontotellof—nowitnessoftheSpiritinhisconscience—nocrossinhisexperience—isthisasonofGod?GodforbidthatIshouldsayso!HisspotisnotthespotofGod'schildren.Heisnoheirofglory.

Tellmenot thatyouhavebeenbaptizedand taught theCatechismof theChurchofEngland,and thereforemustbeachildofGod. I tellyou that the 'parishregister' isnotthebookoflife.ItellyouthattobestyledachildofGod,andcalledregenerateininfancybythefaithandcharityofthePrayer-book,isonething—buttobeachildofGodindeed,anotherthingaltogether.GoandreadthatCatechismagain.Itisa"deathunto sin and a new birth unto righteousness,"whichmakesmen children of grace.Unlessyouknowthesebyexperience,youarenosonofGod.

TellmenotthatyouareamemberoftheChurch,andsomustbeason.Ianswerthatthesonsof theChurcharenotnecessarily thesonsofGod.Suchsonship isnot thesonshipoftheeighthofRomans.Thatisthesonshipyoumusthave,ifyouaretobesaved.

Andnow,IdoubtnotsomereaderofthesepageswillwanttoknowifhemaynotbesavedwithoutthewitnessoftheSpirit.

Ianswer,ifyoumeanbythewitnessoftheSpirit,thefullassuranceofhope,youmay

besosavedwithoutquestion.But ifyouwant toknowwhetheramancanbesavedwithoutanyinwardsense,orknowledge,orhopeofsalvation,Ianswerthatordinarilyhecannot.Iwarnyouplainlytocastawayall indecisionastoyourstatebeforeGod,andtomakeyourcallingsure.Clearupyourpositionandrelationship.Donotthinkthere is anything praiseworthy in always doubting. Leave that to thePapist.Donotimagine itwise tobe ever livingon "debatable ground." "Assurance," saidoldDodd,the Puritan, "may be attained, and what have we been doing all our lives since webecameChristiansifwehavenotattainedit?"

I doubt not some trueChristianswho read this volumewill think their evidence ofsonshipistoosmalltobegood,andwillwritebitterthingsagainstthemselves.Letmetrytocheerthem.Whogaveyouthefeelingsyoupossess?Whomadeyouhatesin?Whomade you loveChrist?Whomade you long and labor to beholy?Whencedidthese feelings come?Did they come from nature? There are no such products in anatural man's heart. Did they come from the devil? He would gladly stifle suchfeelingsaltogether.Cheerup,andtakecourage.Fearnot,neitherbecastdown.Pressforward, and go on. There is hope for you after all. Strive. Labor. Seek.Ask.Knock.Followon.YoushallyetseethatyouarethesonsofGod.

III. Let me show you, in the last place, the PRIVILEGES of the true Christian'srelationtoGod.

Nothingcanbe conceivedmoreglorious than theprospectsof the sonsofGod.ThewordsofScripturewhichheadthistract,containarichmineofgoodandcomfortablethings."Ifwearechildren,"saysPaul,"weareheirs;heirsofGodandjoint-heirswithChrist—tobeglorifiedtogetherwithHim."(Rom.8:17.)

TrueChristians,then,are"heirs,"—somethingispreparedforthemallwhichisyettoberevealed.

They are "heirs of God." To be heirs of the rich on earth is something.HowmuchmorethenisittobesonandheiroftheKingofkings!

They are "joint-heirswithChrist."They shall share inHismajesty, and takepart inHisglory.TheyshallbeglorifiedtogetherwithHim.

Andthis,remember, is forall the 'children'.Abrahamtookcaretoprovideforallhischildren—andGodtakescaretoprovideforHis.Noneofthemaredisinherited.Nonewillbecastout.Nonewillbecutoff.Eachshallstandinhislot,andhaveaportioninthedaywhentheLordbringsmanysonstoglory.

Reader,whocantellthefullnatureoftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight?Whocandescribetheglorywhichisyettoberevealed,andgiventothechildrenofGod?Wordsfailus.Language falls short.Mindcannotconceive fully,and tonguecannotexpress

perfectly—thethingswhicharecomprisedinthegloryyettocomeuponthesonsanddaughtersoftheLordAlmighty.Oh,itisindeedatruesayingoftheApostleJohn!"Itdoesnotyetappearwhatweshallbe."(1John3:2.)

TheveryBibleitselfonlyliftstheveilalittlewhichhangsoverthissubject.Howcoulditdomore?Wecouldnotthoroughlyunderstandmoreifmorehadbeentoldus.Ourconstitution is, as yet, too earthly—our understanding is, as yet, too carnal toappreciatemore, ifwehad it.TheBiblegenerallydealswith the subject in 'negativeterms', and not in positive assertions. It describes what there will not be in theglorious inheritance, that thuswemay get some faint idea ofwhat therewill be. Itpaints the absence of certain things, in order that we may drink in a little theblessedness of things present. It tells us that the inheritance is incorruptible,undefiled,andfadesnotaway.Ittellsusthatthecrownofgloryfadesnotaway.Ittellsusthatthedevilistobebound,thatthereshallbenomorenight,andnomorecurse,thatdeathshallbecastintothelakeoffire,thatalltearsshallbewipedaway,andthatthe inhabitant shall nomore say, "I am sick." And these things are glorious thingsindeed!Nocorruption!Nofading!Nowithering!Nodevil!Nocurseofsin!Nosorrow!Notears!Nosickness!Nodeath!SurelythecupofthechildrenofGodwillindeedrunover!

But, reader, there are 'positive things' told us about the glory yet to comeupon theheirsofGod,whichoughtnot tobekeptback.Therearemanysweet,pleasant,andunspeakablecomforts intheirfutureinheritance,whichall trueChristianswoulddowell to consider. There are cordials for fainting pilgrims in many words andexpressionsofScripture,whichyouandIoughttolayupagainsttimeofneed.

IsKNOWLEDGEpleasant tousnow? Is the little thatweknowofGod, andChrist,and the Bible, precious to our souls, and do we long for more? We shall have itperfectly in glory.What says the Scripture? "Then shall I know, even as also I amknown." (1Cor. 13:12.)BlessedbeGod, therewillbenomoredisagreementsamongbelievers! Episcopalians and Presbyterians—Calvinists and Arminians—MillenariansandAnti-millenarians—friendsofEstablishmentsandfriendsofthevoluntarysystem—advocates of infant baptism and advocates of adult baptism—allwill at length seeeyetoeye.Theformerignorancewillhavepassedaway.Weshallmarveltofindhowchildishandblindwehavebeen.

IsHOLINESSpleasanttousnow?Issintheburdenandbitternessofourlives?Dowelong for entire conformity to the image ofGod?We shall have it perfectly in glory.WhatsaystheScripture?ChristgaveHimselffortheChurch,"thatHemightpresentittoHimselfagloriousChurch,havingnospot,orwrinkle,oranysuchthing."(Ephes.5:27.)Oh,theblessednessofaneternalgood-byetosin!Oh,howlittlethebestofusdoatpresent!Oh,whatunutterablecorruptionsticks, liketar, toallourmotives,allour thoughts, all ourwords, all our actions!Oh,howmanyof us, likeNaphtali, are

goodly in our words—but, like Reuben, unstable in our works! Thank God, all thisshallbechanged!

IsRESTpleasanttousnow?Doweoftenfeelfaint,thoughpursuing?Dowelongforaworld in which we need not be always watching and warring? We shall have itperfectly in glory.What says the Scripture? "There remains a rest for the people ofGod." (Heb. 4:9.) The daily, hourly conflictwith theworld, the flesh, and the devil,shallatlengthbeatanend.Theenemyshallbebound.Thewarfareshallbeover.Thewickedshallat lastcease fromtroubling.Thewearyshallat lengthbeat rest.Thereshallbeagreatcalm.

IsSERVICEpleasanttousnow?DowefinditsweettoworkforChrist,andyetgroan,being burdened by a feeble body? Is our spirit often willing—but hampered andcloggedbythepoorweakflesh?HaveourheartsburnedwithinuswhenwehavebeenallowedtogiveacupofcoldwaterforChrist'ssake,andhavewesighedtothinkwhatunprofitableservantsweare?Letustakecomfort.Weshallbeabletoserveperfectlyinglory, andwithoutweariness.What says theScripture? "They serveHimdayandnightinHistemple."(Rev.7:15.)

IsSATISFACTIONpleasanttousnow?Dowefindtheworldempty?Dowelongforthefillingupofeveryvoidplaceandgapinourhearts?Weshallhaveitperfectly inglory.Weshallno longerhave tomournovercracks inallourearthenvessels—andthorns on all our roses—and bitter dregs in all our sweet cups.We shall no longerlamentwithJonahoverwitheredgourds.WeshallnolongersaywithSolomon,"Allisvanityandvexationofspirit."WeshallnolongercrywithagedDavid,"Ihaveseenanendofallperfection."WhatsaystheScripture?"IshallbesatisfiedwhenIawakewithYourlikeness."(Psalm17:15.)

Is COMMUNIONWITH THE SAINTS pleasant to us now? Do we feel that we areneversohappyaswhenwearewiththeexcellentoftheearth?Areweneversomuchat home as in their company? We shall have it perfectly in glory. What says theScripture? "The Son ofMan shall sendHis angels, and they shall gather out ofHiskingdom all things that offend, and themwhichwork iniquity." "He shall sendHisangelswithagreatsoundofatrumpet,andtheyshallgathertogetherHiselectfromthe fourwinds." (Matt. 13:41; 24:31.) Praised beGod!We shall see all the saints ofwhomwehavereadintheBible,andinwhosestepswehavetriedtowalk.Weshallseeapostles,prophets,patriarchs,martyrs,reformers,missionaries,andministers,ofwhomtheworldwasnotworthy.WeshallseethefacesofthosewehaveknownandlovedinChristonearth,andoverwhosedepartureweshedbittertears.Weshallseethemmorebrightandgloriousthantheyeverwerebefore.Andbestofall,weshallseethemwithouthurryandanxiety,andwithoutfeelingthatweonlymeettopartagain.Inglorythereisnodeath,noparting,nofarewell!

IsCOMMUNIONWITHCHRISTpleasanttousnow?DowefindHisnameprecioustous?DowefeelourheartsburnwithinusatthethoughtofHisdyinglove?Weshallhave perfect communion with Him in glory. "We shall ever be with the Lord." (1Thess.4:17.)WeshallbewithHiminparadise.WeshallseeHisfaceinthekingdom.Theseeyesofourswillbeholdthosehandsandfeetwhichwerepiercedwithnails,andthatheadwhichwascrownedwiththorns.WhereHeis,therewillthesonsofGodbe.WhenHecomes,theywillcomewithHim.WhenHesitsdowninHisglory,theywillsitdownbyHisside.Blessedprospectindeed!

I am a dyingman in a dyingworld! All beforeme is dark! Theworld to come is aharborunknown!ButChrist is there, and that is enough.Surely if there is rest andpeaceinfollowingHimbyfaithonearth,therewillbefarmorerestandpeacewhenweseeHimfacetoface.Ifwehavefounditgoodtofollowthepillarofcloudandfireinthewilderness,weshall finditathousandtimesbettertositdowninoureternalinheritancewithourJoshuainthepromisedland.

Ah,reader,ifyouarenotyetamongthesonsandheirs,Idopityyouwithallmyheart.Howmuchyouaremissing!Howlittletruecomfortyouareenjoying!Thereyouare,struggling on, and toiling in the fire, andwearying yourself formere earthly ends—seeking rest, and finding none—chasing shadows, and never catching them—wondering why you are not happy, and yet refusing to see the cause—hungry andthirsty,andempty,andyetblind to theplentywithinyour reach.Oh, thatyouwerewise!Oh,thatyouwouldhearthevoiceofJesus,andlearnofHim!

Reader, ifyouareoneof thosewhoaresonsandheirs,youmaywell rejoiceandbehappy.Youmaywellwait,liketheboyPatienceinPilgrim'sProgress.Yourbestthingsareyettocome.Youmaywellbearcrosseswithoutmurmuring.Yourlightafflictionisbutforamoment.Thesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthytobecomparedwith the glorywhich is to be revealed.WhenChrist our life appears, then you alsoshall appear with Him in glory. You may well not envy the transgressor and hisprosperity.Youarethetrulyrich!Wellsaidadyingbelieverinmyownparish,"Iammore rich than I everwas inmy life." Youmay say, in the spirit ofMephibosheth,whenDavidreturnedtoJerusalem,"Lettheworldtakeall,myKingiscomingagaininpeace."YoumaysayasAlexandersaidwhenhegaveallhisrichesaway,andwasaskedwhathekeptforhimself,"Ihavehope."

Youneednotbecastdownbysickness.Theeternalpartofyou issafeandprovidedfor,whateverhappens to yourbody.Youmaywell look calmly ondeath. It opens adoorbetweenyouandyourinheritance.Youmaywellnotsorrowexclusivelyoverthethings of the world—over partings and bereavements—over losses and crosses. Theday of gathering is before you. Your treasure is beyond reach of harm. Heaven isbecomingeveryyearmorefullofthoseyoulove,andearthmoreempty.Gloryinyourinheritance. It is all yours if you are a son ofGod. "Ifwe are children, thenwe are

heirs."

Andnow,reader,inconcludingthissubject,letmeaskyou,Whosechildareyou?Areyou the child of nature, or the child of grace?Are you the child of the devil, or thechildofGod?Youcannotbebothatonce.Whichareyou?

Settle thequestion,reader, foryoumustdieat lasteitheroneor theother.Settle it,reader,foritcanbesettled,anditisfollytoleaveitdoubtful.Settleit,forthetimeisshort,andtheworldisgettingold,andyouarefastdrawingneartothejudgmentseatofChrist.Settleit,fordeathisnear,theLordisathand;andwhocantellwhatadaymaybringforth?Oh,thatyouwouldneverrestuntilthequestionissettled!Oh,thatyoumayneverfeelsatisfieduntilyoucansay,"Ihavebeenbornagain.IamasonofGod."

Reader,ifyouarenotasonandheirofGod,letmeentreatyoutobecomeonewithoutdelay. Would you be rich? There are unsearchable riches in Christ. Would you benoble?Youshallbeaking.Wouldyoubehappy?Youshallhaveapeacewhichpassesunderstanding, andwhich theworld cannever give, andnever take away.Oh, comeout,andtakeupthecross,andfollowChrist!Comeoutfromamongthethoughtlessandworldly,andheartheWordoftheLord—"Iwillreceiveyou,andwillbeaFatheruntoyou,andyoushallbemysonsanddaughters, says theLordAlmighty." (2Cor.6:18.)

Reader,ifyouareasonofGod,IbeseechyoutowalkworthyofyourFather'shouse.Icharge you solemnly to honor Him in your life—and above all to honor Him byimplicitobediencetoallHiscommands,andheartylovetoallHischildren.LabortotravelthroughtheworldlikeachildofGod,andheirofglory.Letmenbeabletotracea family likeness between you and Him that begat you. Live a heavenly life. Seekthingsthatareabove.Donotseemtobebuildingyournestbelow.Behavelikeamanwho seeks a city out of sight, whose citizenship is in heaven, and who would becontentwithmanyhardshipsuntilhegetshome.

LabortofeellikeasonofGodineveryconditioninwhichyouareplaced.NeverforgetyouareonyourFather'sgroundsolongasyouarehereonearth.NeverforgetthataFather'shandsendsallyourmerciesandcrosses.CasteverycareonHim.Behappyand cheerful inHim.Why indeed are you ever sad if you are the King's son?Whyshouldmeneverdoubtwhentheylookatyou,whetheritisapleasantthingtobeoneofGod'schildren?

LabortobehavetowardsotherslikeasonofGod.Beblamelessandharmlessinyourday and generation. Be a peacemaker among all you know. Seek for your children,sonship to God above everything else. Seek for them an inheritance in heaven,whateverelseyoudoforthem.Nomanleaveshischildrensowellprovidedfor,ashe

wholeavesthemsonsandheirsofGod.

Persevere inyourChristiancalling, ifyouareasonofGod,andpress forwardmoreandmore.Becareful to layasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichmosteasilybesetsyou.Keep your eyes steadily fixed on Jesus.Abide inHim.Remember thatwithoutHimyoucandonothing,andwithHimyoucandoallthings.Watchandpraydaily.Besteadfast,unmoveable,andalwaysaboundingintheworkoftheLord.Settleitdowninyourheart,thatnotacupofcoldwatergiveninthenameofadisciple,shallloseitsreward,andthateveryyearyouaresomuchnearerhome.

YetalittletimeandHethatshallcomewillcome,andwillnottarry.Thenshallbetheglorious liberty,and the fullmanifestationof the sonsofGod.Thenshall theworldacknowledgethattheywerethetrulywise.ThenshallthesonsofGodatlengthcomeofage.Thenshalltheynolongerbeheirsinexpectancy—butheirsinpossession.Andthenshalltheyhearwithexceedingjoy,thosecomfortablewords,"Come,youblessedofmyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld!"(Matt.25:34.)Surelythatdaywillmakeamendsforall!

That allwho read thesepagesmay see the valueof the inheritanceof glory, andbefoundatlengthinpossessionofit—ismyheart'sdesireandprayer.

ShallYouBeSaved?

"Lord, are only a fewpeople going to be saved?"He said to them, "Make everyefforttoenterthroughthenarrowdoor,becauseItellyou,manywilltrytoenterandwon'tbeable."Luke13:23-24

"Enterinbythenarrowgate;forwideisthegateandbroadisthewaythatleadstodestruction,andmanyarethosewhoenterinbyit.Hownarrowisthegate,andrestrictedisthewaythatleadstolife!Fewarethosewhofindit."Matthew7:13-14

ItakeitforgrantedthateveryreaderofthispapercallshimselfaChristian.Youwouldnot like to be reckoned a deist, or an infidel. You profess to believe theBible to betrue. The birth of Christ the Savior—the death of Christ the Savior—the salvationprovided by Christ the Savior, all these are facts which you have probably neverdoubted.But,afterall,willChristianitylikethisprofityouanythingatlast?Willitdoyoursoulanygoodwhenyoudie?Inoneword—Shallyoubesaved?

It may be you are now young, healthy and strong. Perhaps you never had a day'sillness in your life, and scarcely know what it is to feel weakness and pain. Youschemeandplanforfutureyears,andfeelasifdeathwasfaraway,andoutofsight.

Yet,remember,deathsometimescutsoffyoungpeopleinthefloweroftheirdays.Thestrong and healthy of the family do not always live the Longest. Your sunmay godownbeforeyourlifehasreacheditsmid-day.Yetalittlewhile,andyoumaybelyinginanarrow,silenthome,andthedaisiesmaybegrowingoveryourgrave!Andthen,consider—Shallyoubesaved?

Itmay be you are rich and prosperous in thisworld. You havemoney, and all thatmoney can command. You have "honor, love, obedience, troops of friends." But,remember,"richesarenotforever."Youcannotkeepthemlongerthanafewyears."Itisappointeduntopeopleoncetodie,andafterthisthejudgment."(Prov.27:24;Heb.9:27.)Andthen,consider—Shallyoubesaved?

It may be you are poor and needy. You have scarcely enough to provide food andraimentforyourselfandfamily.Youareoftendistressedfor lackofcomforts,whichyouhavenopowertoget.LikeLazarus,youseemtohave"badthings"only,andnotgood.But,nevertheless,youtakecomfortinthethoughtthattherewillbeanendofall this. There is a world to come, where poverty and need shall be unknown. Yet,consideramoment—Shallyoubesaved?

Itmaybeyouhaveaweakandsicklybody.Youhardlyknowwhatitistobefreefrompain.Youhave so longparted companywithhealth, that youhave almost forgottenwhatitislike.Youhaveoftensaidinthemorning,"WouldGoditwereevening,"—andintheevening,"WouldGoditweremorning."TherearedayswhenyouaretemptedbyverywearinesstocryoutwithJonah,"Itisbetterformetodiethantolive."(Jonah4:3.)But,remember,deathisnotall.Thereissomethingelsebeyondthegrave!Andthen,consider—Shallyoubesaved?

Ifitwasaneasythingtobesaved,IwouldnotwriteasIdointhisvolume.Butisitso?Letussee.

If the common opinion of people of the world as to the number of the saved wascorrect,Iwouldnottroublepeoplewithsearchingandhardquestions.Butisitso?Letussee.

IfGodhadneverspokenplainlyintheBibleaboutthenumberofthesaved,Imightwellbesilent.Butisitso?Letussee.

Ifexperienceandfactsleft itdoubtfulwhethermanyorfewwouldbesaved,Imightholdmypeace.Butisitso?Letussee.

TherearefourpointswhichIproposetoexamineinconsideringthesubjectbeforeus.

I.Letmeexplainwhatitistobesaved.

II.Letmepointoutthemistakeswhicharecommonintheworldaboutthenumberofthesaved.

III.LetmeshowwhattheBiblesaysaboutthenumberofthesaved.

IV.Letmebringforwardsomeplainfactsastothenumberofthesaved.

Acalmexaminationof these fourpoints, inadayofwide-spreadcarelessnessaboutvitalreligion,willbefoundofvastimportancetooursouls.

I.Firstofallletmeexplainwhatitistobesaved.Thisisamatterthatmustbeclearedup.Untilweknowthis,weshallmakenoprogress.Bybeing"saved"Imaymeanonething, and youmaymean another. Letme show youwhat theBible says it is to be"saved," and then therewill be nomisunderstanding. To be saved, is notmerely toprofess and call ourselves Christians. We may have all the outward parts ofChristianity,andyetbelostafterall.WemaybebaptizedintoChrist'sChurch—gotoChrist's table—have Christian knowledge—be reckonedChristianmen andwomen—and yet be dead souls all our lives, and at last, in the judgment day, be found onChrist'slefthand,amongthegoats!No—thisisnotsalvation!Salvationissomethingfarhigheranddeeperthanthis.Nowwhatisit?

(a)Tobesaved,istobedeliveredinthispresentlifefromtheGUILTofsin,byfaithinJesusChrist,theSavior.Itistobepardoned,justified,andfreedfromeverychargeofsin,byfaithinChrist'sbloodandmediation.WhoeverwithhisheartbelievesontheLordJesusChrist,isasavedsoul.Heshallnotperish.Heshallhaveeternallife.Thisisthefirstpartofsalvation,andtherootofalltherest.Butthisisnotall.

(b)Tobesaved,istobedeliveredinthispresentlifefromthePOWERofsin,bybeingborn again, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It is to be freed from the hatefuldominionofsin,theworld,andthedevil,byhavinganewnatureputinusbytheHolySpirit.Whoever is thus renewed in the spirit of hismind, and converted, is a savedsoul.Heshallnotperish.HeshallenterintothegloriouskingdomofGod.Thisisthesecondpartofsalvation.Butthisisnotall.

(c) To be saved, is to be delivered in the day of judgment, from all the awfulCONSEQUENCES of sin. It is to be declared blameless, spotless, faultless, andcompleteinChrist,whileothersarefoundguilty,andcondemnedforever.Itistohearthose comfortable words, "Come, you who are blessed!" While others are hearingthosefearfulwords,"Depart,youwhoarecursed!"(Matt.25:34,41.)Itistobeownedand confessed byChrist, as one ofHis dear children and servants,while others aredisowned and cast off forever. It is to be pronounced free from the portion of thewicked—the worm which never dies, the fire which is not quenched—the weeping,wailing,andgnashingofteeth,whichneverends.Itistoreceivetherewardprepared

for the righteous, in the day of Christ's second coming—the glorious body—thekingdomthatisincorruptible—thecrownthatfadesnotaway—andthejoythatisforevermore. This is complete salvation. This is the "redemption" for which trueChristiansarebidtolookandlong.(Luke21:28.)Thisistheheritageofallmenandwomenwhobelieveandarebornagain.Byfaiththeyaresavedalready.IntheeyeofGodtheirfinalsalvationisanabsolutelycertainthing.Theirnamesareinthebookoflife.Theirmansions inheavenareevennowprepared.Butstill there isa fullnessofredemptionandsalvationwhichtheydonotattaintowhiletheyareinthebody.Theyaresavedfromtheguiltandpowerofsin—butnotfromthenecessityofwatchingandprayingagainst it.Theyaresavedfromthe fearand loveof theworld—butnot fromthenecessityofdailyfightingwithit.Theyaresavedfromtheserviceofthedevil—buttheyarenotsaved frombeingvexedbyhis temptations.ButwhenChristcomes thesalvationofbelieversshallbecomplete.Theypossessitalreadyinthebud.Theyshallseeitthenintheflower.

Suchissalvation.Itistobesavedfromtheguilt,power,andconsequencesofsin.Itistobelieveandbesanctifiednow,andtobedeliveredfromthewrathofGodinthelastday. He who has the first part in the life that now is, shall undoubtedly have thesecondpart in the life tocome.Bothpartsof ithangtogether.WhatGodhas joinedtogether, letnomandare toput asunder.Letnonedreamhe shall everbe saved atlast,ifheisnotbornagainfirst.Letnonedoubt,ifheisbornagainhere,thatheshallassuredlybesavedhereafter.

Let it never be forgotten that the chief object of aminister of the Gospel is to setforwardthesalvationofsouls.Ilayitdownasacertainfactthatheisnotrueministerwho does not feel this. Talk not of a man's ordination! All may have been donecorrectly,andaccordingtorule.Hemaywearablackcoat,andbecalleda"reverend"man. But if the saving of souls is not the grand interest—the ruling passion—theabsorbingthoughtofhisheart—heisnotrueministeroftheGospel—heisahireling,andnotashepherd.Congregationsmayhavecalledhim—buthe isnotcalledby theHolySpirit.Bishopsmayhaveordainedhim;butnotChrist.

Forwhatpurposedopeoplesupposethatministersaresentforth?Isitmerelytowearecclesiastical vestments—and read the services—and preach a certain number ofsermons? Is it merely to administer the sacraments, and officiate at weddings andfunerals?Isitmerelytogetacomfortableliving,andbeinarespectableprofession?No, indeed!weare sent forth forotherends than these.Weare sent to turnpeoplefrom darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. We are sent topersuadepeopletofleefromthewrathtocome.Wearesenttodrawpeoplefromtheservice of the world to the service of God—to awaken the sleeping, to arouse thecareless—and"byallmeanstosavesome."(1Cor.9:22.)

Thinknotthatallisdonewhenwehavesetupregularservices,andpersuadedpeople

toattendthem.Thinknotthatallisdone,whenfullcongregationsaregathered,andtheLord's table is crowded,and theparishschool is filled.Wewant toseemanifestworkof theSpirit amongpeople—anevident senseof sin—a lively faith inChrist—adecidedchangeofheart—adistinctseparationfromtheworld—aholywalkwithGod.In one word, we want to see souls saved! And we are fools and impostors—blindleadersoftheblind,ifwerestsatisfiedwithanythingless.

Afterallthegrandobjectofhavingareligionistobesaved.Thisisthegreatquestionthatwehave to settlewithour consciences.Thematter forour consideration isnotwhether we go to church or chapel—whether we go through certain forms andceremonies—whether we observe certain days, and perform a certain number ofreligiousduties.Thematteriswhether,afterall,weshallbe"saved."Withoutthisallourreligiousdoingsarewearinessandlaborinvain.

Never,never letusbe contentwithanything shortof a saving religion.Surely tobesatisfiedwithareligionwhichneithergivespeaceinlife,norhopeindeath,norgloryintheworldtocome—ischildishfolly.

II. Letme, in the secondplace, point out theMISTAKESwhich are common in theworldaboutthenumberofthesaved.

Ineednotgofarforevidenceonthissubject.Iwillspeakofthingswhicheverymanmayseewithhisowneyes,andhearwithhisownears.

Iwill try toshowthat there isawide-spreaddelusionabroadabout thismatter,andthatthisverydelusionisoneofthegreatestdangerstowhichoursoulsareexposed.

(a)Whatthendopeoplegenerallythinkaboutthespiritualstateofotherswhiletheyare alive? What do they think of the souls of their relatives, and friends, andneighbors,andacquaintances?Letusjustseehowthatquestioncanbeanswered.

Theyknow thatall around themaregoing todie, and tobe judged.Theyknow thattheyhavesoulstobelostorsaved.Andwhat,toallappearance,dotheyconsidertheirendislikelytobe?

Dotheythinkthosearoundthemareindangerofhell?Thereisnothingwhatevertoshowtheythinkso.Theyeatanddrinktogether;theylaugh,andtalk,andwalk,andwork together. They seldom or never speak to one another of God and eternity—ofheavenandofhell.Iaskanyone,whoknowstheworld,asinthesightofGod,isitnotso?

Willtheyallowthatanybodyiswickedorungodly?Never,hardly,whatevermaybehiswayoflife.HemaybeabreakeroftheSabbath;hemaybeaneglecteroftheBible;hemay be utterlywithout evidence of true religion.His friendswill often tell you, "It

doesnotmatter!Hehasagoodheartatthebottom,andisnotagrosslywickedman."

Iaskanyone,whoknowstheworld,asinGod'ssight,isitnotso?Andwhatdoesallthis prove? It proves that people flatter themselves there is no great difficulty ingettingtoheaven.Itprovesplainlythatpeopleareofopinionthatmostpeoplewillbesaved.

(b)Butwhatdopeoplegenerallythinkaboutthespiritualstateofothersaftertheyaredead?Letusjustseehowthisquestioncanbeanswered.

People allow, if they are not infidels, that all who die have gone to a place ofhappiness,orofmisery.Andtowhichof thesetwoplacesdotheyseemtothinkthegreaterpartofpeoplego,whentheyleavethisworld?

I say, without fear of contradiction, that there is an unhappily common fashion ofspeaking well of the condition of all who have departed this life. It matters little,apparently, how aman has behavedwhile he lived.Hemay have given no signs ofrepentance,orfaithinChrist;hemayhavebeenignorantoftheplanofsalvationsetforth in the Gospel; he may have shown no evidence whatever of conversion orsanctification;hemayhave livedanddied likeacreaturewithoutasoul.Andyet,assoonasthismanisdead,peoplewilldaretosaythatheis"probablyhappierthaneverhe was in his life." They will tell you complacently, that "he has gone to a betterworld."Theywillshaketheirheadsgravely,andsaythey"hopeheisinheaven."Theywill follow him to the grave without fear and trembling, and speak of his deathafterwards as "ablessed change forhim."Theymayhavedislikedhim, and thoughthimabadmanwhilehewasalive;butthemomentheisdeadtheyturnroundintheiropinions and say they trust he is gone to heaven! I have no wish to hurt anyone'sfeelings.Ionlyaskanyone,whoknowstheworld—Isitnottrue?

And what does it all prove? It just supplies one more awful proof that people aredeterminedtobelieveitisaneasybusinesstogettoheaven.Peoplewillhaveitthatmostpeoplearesaved.

(c) But again, what do people generally think of ministers who preach fully thedoctrinesoftheNewTestament?Letusseehowthisquestioncanbeanswered.

Sendaclergymanintoaparishwhoshall"declareallthecounselofGod,"and"keepback nothing that is profitable." Let him be one who shall clearly proclaimjustificationbyfaith—regenerationbytheSpirit—andholinessoflife.Lethimbeonewho shall draw the line distinctly between the converted and the unconverted, andgivebothtosinnersandtosaintstheirportion.LethimfrequentlyproduceoutoftheNewTestamentaplain,unanswerabledescriptionofthetrueChristian'scharacter.Lethimshowthatnomanwhodoesnotpossessthatcharactercanhaveanyreasonable

hopeofbeingsaved.Lethimconstantlypressthatdescriptionontheconsciencesofhis hearers, and urge upon them repeatedly that every soul who dies without thatcharacterwillbelost.Lethimdothis,ablyandaffectionately,andafterall,whatwilltheresultbe?

Theresultwillbe,thatwhilesomefewrepentandaresaved,thegreatmajorityofhishearerswillnotreceiveandbelievehisdoctrine.Theymaynotopposehimpublicly.Theymayevenesteemhim,andrespecthimasanearnest,sincere,kind-heartedman,whomeanswell.Buttheywillgonofurther.HemayshowthemtheexpresswordsofChristandHisApostles;hemayquote textupon text, andpassageuponpassage—itwillbetonopurpose.Thegreatmajorityofhishearerswillthinkhim"toostrict,"and"tooclose,"and"tooparticular."Theywillsayamongthemselves,thattheworldisnotso bad as the minister seems to think—and that people cannot be so good as theministerwantsthemtobe—andthatafterall,theyhopetheyshallbeallrightatthelast! Iappeal toanyministerof theGospel,whohasbeenany lengthof time in theministry,whetherIamnotstatingthetruth.Arenotthesethingsso?

And what does it prove? It just makes one more proof that people generally areresolved to think that salvation is not a very hard business, and that after allmostpeoplewillbesaved.

Nowwhatsolidreasoncanpeopleshowus for thesecommonopinions?UponwhatScripturedotheybuildthisnotion,thatsalvationisaneasybusiness,andthatmostpeoplewillbesaved?WhatrevelationofGodcantheyshowus,tosatisfyusthattheseopinionsaresoundandtrue?

Theyhavenone—literallynoneatall.Theyhavenota textofScripturewhich, fairlyinterpreted,supportstheirviews.Theyhavenotareasonwhichwillbearexamination.Theyspeaksmooththingsaboutoneanother'sspiritualstate,justbecausetheydonotlike to admit that there is danger. They build up one another into an easy, self-satisfiedstateofsoul,inordertosoothetheirconsciencesandmakethingspleasant.Theycry"Peace,peace,"overoneanother'sgraves,becausetheywantittobeso,andwould gladly persuade themselves that so it is. Surely against such hollow,foundationlessopinionsasthese,aministeroftheGospelmaywellprotest.

The plain truth is that the world's opinion is worth nothing inmatters of religion.Aboutthepriceofanox,orahorse,orafarm,orthevalueoflabor—aboutwagesandwork—about money, cotton, coals, iron and corn—about arts, and sciences, andbusiness—about railways, and commerce, and trade, and politics—about all suchthingsthepeopleoftheworldmaygiveacorrectopinion.Butwemustbeware,ifwelovelife,ofbeingguidedbyman'sjudgmentinthethingsthatconcernsalvation."ThenaturalmanreceivesnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod,fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim."(1Cor.2:14.)

Letusremember,aboveall,thatitneverwilldotothinkasothersdo,ifwewanttogettoheaven.Nodoubtitiseasyworkto"gowiththecrowd"inreligiousmatters.Itwillsave usmuch trouble to swimwith the stream and tide.We shall be sparedmuchridicule—weshallbefreedfrommuchunpleasantness.Butletusremember,onceforall,thattheworld'smistakesaboutsalvationaremanyanddangerous.Unlessweareonourguardagainstthemweshallneverbesaved.

III. Let me show, in the third place, what the Bible says about the number of thesaved.

There is only one standard of truth and error to which we ought to appeal. ThatstandardistheHolyScripture.Whateveristherewrittenwemustreceiveandbelieve;whatevercannotbeprovedbyScriptureweoughttorefuse.

Cananyreaderofthispapersubscribetothis?Ifhecannot,thereislittlechanceofhisbeingmovedbyanywordsofmine.Ifhecan,lethimgivemehisattentionforafewmoments,andIwilltellhimsomesolemnthings.

Letuslook,then,foronething,atonesingletextofScripture,andexamineitwell.WeshallfinditinMatthew7:13,14."Enterinbythenarrowgate;forwideisthegateandbroadisthewaythatleadstodestruction,andmanyarethosewhoenterinbyit.Hownarrowisthegate,andrestrictedisthewaythatleadstolife!Fewarethosewhofindit."NowthesearethewordsofourLordJesusChrist.TheyarethewordsofHimwhowasveryGod,andwhosewordsshallneverpassaway.TheyarethewordsofHimwhoknewwhatwas inman—whoknew things tocome,and thingspast—whoknew thatHeshouldjudgeallpeopleatthelastday.Andwhatdothosewordsmean?AretheywordswhichnomancanunderstandwithoutaknowledgeofHebreworGreek?No—theyarenot!Are theyadark,unfulfilledprophecy, like thevisions inRevelation,orthe description of Ezekiel's temple? No—they are not! Are they a deep mysterioussaying,whichnohumanintellectcanfathom?No—theyarenot!Thewordsareclear,plain,andunmistakable.Askanylaboringmanwhocanread,andhewilltellyouso.There is only one meaning which can be attached to them. Their meaning is, thatmanypeoplewillbelost—andfewwillbesaved.

Letuslook,inthenextplace,atthewholehistoryofmankindasrespectsreligion,aswehaveitgivenintheBible.Letusgothroughthewholefourthousandyears,overwhichthehistoryoftheBiblereaches.Letusfind,ifwecan,onesingleperiodoftimeatwhichgodlypeopleweremany,andungodlypeoplewerefew.

How was it in the days of Noah? The earth we are told expressly was "filled withviolence."The imaginationofman'sheartwasonly"evilcontinually."(Gen.6:5,12.)"Allfleshhadcorruptedhisway."Thelossofparadisewasforgotten.ThewarningsofGod, by Noah's mouth, were despised. And at length, when the flood came on the

world and drowned every living thing, there were but eight people who had faithenough to flee for refuge to theark!Andwere theremanysaved in thosedays?LetanyhonestreaderoftheBiblegiveananswertothatquestion.Therecanbenodoubtwhattheanswermustbe.

HowwasitinthedaysofAbraham,andIsaac,andLot?Itisevidentthatinthematterofreligiontheystoodverymuchalone.Thefamilyfromwhichtheyweretakenwasafamilyofidolaters.Thenationsamongwhomtheylivedweresunkingrossdarknessand sin. When Sodom and Gomorrah were burned there were not five righteouspeopletobefoundinthefourcitiesoftheplain.WhenAbrahamandIsaacdesiredtofindwivesfortheirsons,therewasnotawomaninthelandwheretheysojournedtowhom they could wish to see themmarried. And were there many saved in thosedays?LetanyhonestreaderoftheBiblegiveananswertothatquestion.Therecanbenodoubtwhattheanswermustbe.

HowwasitwithIsraelinthedaysoftheJudges?NoonecanreadthebookofJudges,andnotbe struckwith the sadexamplesofman's corruptionwhich it affords.TimeaftertimewearetoldofthepeopleforsakingGod,andfollowingidols.Inspiteoftheplainestwarnings, they joinedaffinitywith theCanaanites,and learned theirworks.Time after timewe read of their being oppressed by foreign kings, because of theirsins, and then miraculously delivered. Time after time we read of the deliverancebeingforgotten,andofthepeoplereturningtotheirformersins, likethesowthatiswashedtoherwallowinginthemire.Andweretheremanysavedinthosedays?LetanyhonestreaderoftheBiblegiveananswertothatquestion.Therecanbenodoubtwhattheanswermustbe.

Howwas itwith Israel in thedaysof theKings?FromSaul, the first king,down toZedekiah, the last king, their history is a melancholy account of backsliding, anddeclension,and idolatry—witha fewbrightexceptionalperiods.Evenunder thebestkingsthereseemstohavebeenavastamountofunbeliefandungodliness,whichonlylayhid for a season, andburst out at the first favorable opportunity.Over andoveragain we find that under the most zealous kings "the high places were not takenaway."MarkhowevenDavidspeaksofthestateofthingsaroundhim,"Help,Lord,forthegodlymanceases; for the faithful fail fromamong thechildrenofmen." (Psalm12:1.)MarkhowIsaiahdescribes theconditionofJudahandJerusalem, "Thewholeheadissick,andthewholeheartfaint.Fromthesoleofthefoot,evenuntothecrownofthehead,thereisnosoundnessinit.""ExcepttheLordofArmieshadleftuntousavery small remnant,wewouldhavebeenasSodom,andwouldhavebeen likeuntoGomorrah." (Isaiah 1:5-9.)Mark how Jeremiah describes his time, "Run to and frothroughthestreetsofJerusalem,andseenow,andknow,andseekinthebroadplacesthereof,ifyoucanfindaman,iftherebeanythatexecutesjudgment,thatseeksthetruth,and Iwillpardon it." (Jer.5:1.)MarkhowEzekiel speaksof thepeopleofhistimes,"ThewordoftheLordcameuntome,saying,Sonofman,thehouseofIsraelis

tomebecomedross—alltheyarebrass,andiron,andtinandleadinthemidstofthefurnace—theyareeventhedrossofsilver."(Ezek.22:17,18.)Markwhathesaysinthesixteenthandtwenty-thirdchaptersofhisprophecyaboutthekingdomsofJudahandIsrael.Andweretheremanysavedinthosedays?LetanyhonestreaderoftheBiblegiveananswertothatquestion.Therecanbenodoubtwhattheanswermustbe.

Howwas itwith the Jewswhen ourLord JesusChristwas on earth?Thewords ofSaintJohnarethebestaccountof theirspiritualstate,"HecameuntoHisown,andHisownreceivedHimnot."(John1:11.)Helivedasnoonebornofwomanhadeverlived before—a blameless, harmless, holy life. "He went about doing good." (Acts10:38.)Hepreachedasnooneeverpreachedbefore.Eventheofficersofhisenemiesconfessed,"Nevermanspokelikethisman."(John7:46.)HedidmiraclestoconfirmHisministry,which, at first sight,wemighthave fanciedwouldhave convinced themosthardened.But,notwithstandingallthis,thevastmajorityoftheJewsrefusedtobelieveHim.FollowourLordinallHistravelsoverPalestine,andyouwillalwaysfindthesamestory.FollowHimintothecity,andfollowHimintothewilderness;followHim toCapernaumandNazareth, and followHim toJerusalem; followHimamongScribesandPharisees,andfollowHimamongSadduceesandHerodians—everywhereyouwillarriveatthesameresult.Theywereamazed—theyweresilenced—theywereastonished—theywondered—butveryfewbecamedisciples!Theimmenseproportionof thenationwouldhavenoneofHisdoctrine,andcrownedall theirwickednessbyputting Him to death. And were there many saved in those days? Let any honestreaderof theBiblegiveananswer to thatquestion.Therecanbenodoubtwhat theanswermustbe.

HowwasitwiththeworldinthedaysoftheApostles?Ifevertherewasaperiodwhentrue religion flourished it was then. Never did the Holy Spirit call into the fold ofChrist so many souls in the same space of time. Never were there so manyconversionsunder thepreachingof theGospelaswhenPaulandhis fellow-laborerswere the preachers. But still, it is plain from the Acts of the Apostles, that trueChristianitywas"everywherespokenagainst."(Acts28:22.)Itisevidentthatineverycity,eveninJerusalemitself,trueChristianswereasmallminority.WereadofperilsofallkindswhichtheApostleshadtogothrough—notonlyperilsfromwithout—butperilsfromwithin—notonlyperilsfromtheheathen—butperilsfromfalsebrethren.WehardlyreadofasinglecityvisitedbyPaulwherehewasnotindangerfromopenviolenceandpersecution.Weseeplainly,bysomeofhisepistles,thattheprofessingChurchesweremixedbodies,inwhichthereweremanyrottenmembers.Wefindhimtelling the Philippians a painful part of his experience, "Manywalk, of whom I tellyou, even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end isdestruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mindearthlythings."(Philip.3:18,19.)Andweretheremanysavedinthosedays?LetanyhonestreaderoftheBiblegiveananswertothisquestion.Therecanbenodoubtwhatthatanswermustbe.

Iaskanyhonest-mindedunprejudicedreaderofthevolumetoweighwellthelessonsof theBiblewhichIhave justbrought forward.Surely theyareweightyandsolemn,anddeserveseriousattention.

LetnoonethinktoevadetheirforcebysayingthattheBibleonlytellsthestoryoftheJews. Think not to comfort yourself by saying that "perhaps the Jews were morewicked than other nations, and many people were probably saved among othernations,thoughfewweresavedamongtheJews."Youforgetthatthisargumentgoesagainstyou.YouforgetthattheJewshadlightandprivilegeswhichtheGentileshadnot, and with all their sins and faults, were probably the holiest and most moralnation upon earth. As to the moral state of people among the Assyrians, andEgyptians,andGreeks,andRomans,itisfearfultothinkwhatitmusthavebeen.Butthiswemaybesureof,thatifmanywereungodlyamongtheJews,thenumberwasfargreateramong theGentiles. If fewwere saved in thegreen tree,alas,howmuchfewermusthavebeensavedinthedry!

Thesumofthewholematteristhis—theBibleandthepeopleoftheworld,speakverydifferentlyaboutthenumberofthesaved.AccordingtotheBible,fewwillbesaved—accordingtothepeopleoftheworld,many.Accordingtothepeopleoftheworldfeware going to hell—according to the Bible few are going to heaven. According to thepeople of theworld salvation is an easybusiness—according to theBible theway isnarrowandthegateisstrait.Accordingtothepeopleoftheworldfewwillbefoundatlastseekingadmissionintoheavenwhentoolate—accordingtotheBiblemanywillbeinthatsadcondition,andwillcryinvain,"Lord,Lord,opentous."YettheBiblewasnever wrong yet. The most unlikely and improbable prophecies about Tyre, Egypt,Babylon,andNineveh,haveallcometruetotheletter.Andasinothermatters,soitwillbeaboutthenumberofthesaved.TheBiblewillprovequiterightandthepeopleoftheworldquitewrong.

IV.Letmeshow,inthelastplace,someplainfactsaboutthenumberofthesaved.

I ask particular attention to this part of the subject. I knowwell that people flatterthemselvesthattheworldisfarbetterandwiserthanitwas1800yearsago.Wehavechurches,andschools,andbooks.Wehavecivilization,andliberty,andgoodlaws.Wehaveafarhigherstandardofmorality insocietythanthatwhichonceprevailed.Wehave the power of obtaining comforts and enjoyments which our forefathers knewnothingof.Steam,andgas,andelectricity,andchemistry,haveeffectedwonders forus.Allthisisperfectlytrue.Iseeit,andIamthankful.Butallthisdoesnotdiminishtheimportanceofthequestion—Aretherefewormanyofuslikelytobesaved?

Iamthoroughlysatisfiedthattheimportanceofthisquestionispainfullyoverlooked.Iampersuadedthattheviewsofmostpeopleaboutthequantityofunbeliefandsinin

theworld,areutterlyinadequateandincorrect.Iamconvincedthatveryfewpeople,whetherministersorprivateChristians,atallrealizehowfewthereareinawaytobesaved.Iwanttodrawattentiontothesubject,andIwillthereforebringforwardafewplainfactsaboutit.

Butwhere shall I go for these facts? Imight easily turn to themillionsofheathen,whoinvariouspartsoftheworldareworshipingtheyknownotwhat.ButIshallnotdo so. I might easily turn to themillions ofMuhammadans who honor the KoranmorethantheBible,andthefalseprophetofMeccamorethanChrist.ButIshallnotdo so. Imight easily turn to themillions of Roman Catholics who aremaking theWordofGodofnoeffectbytheirtraditions.ButIshallnotdoso.Ishalllooknearerhome.IshalldrawmyfactsfromthelandinwhichIlive,andthenaskeveryhonestreaderwhetheritbenotstrictlytruethatfewaresaved.

I invite any intelligent reader of these pages to imagine himself in any parish inProtestantEnglandorScotlandatthisday.Choosewhichyouplease,atownparish,oracountryparish—agreatparishorasmallone.LetustakeourNewTestamentsinourhands.Letussift theChristianityof the inhabitantsof thisparish, familyby family,and man by man. Let us put on one side anyone who does not possess the NewTestament evidence of being a trueChristian. Let us deal honestly and fairly in theinvestigation,andnotallowthatanyoneisatrueChristian,whodoesnotcomeuptotheNewTestamentstandardoffaithandpractice.Letuscounteverymanasavedsoulin whom we see something of Christ—some evidence of true repentance—someevidenceof saving faith in Jesus, someevidenceof real evangelicalholiness.Letusrejecteverymaninwhom,onthemostcharitableconstruction,wecannotseetheseevidences, as one "weighed in the balances, and found lacking." Let us apply thissiftingprocesstoanyparishinthisland,andseewhattheresultwouldbe.

(a)Letussetaside,firstofall,thosepeopleinaparishwhoarelivinginanykindofopensin.BytheseImeansuchasfornicators,andadulterers,andliars,andthieves,anddrunkards, and cheats, and revilers, and extortioners.About these I think therecanbenodifferenceofopinion.TheBiblesaysplainly,that"thosewhodosuchthings,shallnotinheritthekingdomofGod."(Gal.5:21)Nowwillthesepeoplebesaved?Theansweriscleartomyownmind—Intheirpresentconditiontheywillnot.

(b)Letussetaside,inthenextplace,thosepeoplewhoareSabbath-breakers.Imeanbythisexpression,thosewhoseldomornevergotoaplaceofworship, thoughtheyhavethepower,thosewhodonotgivetheSabbathtoGod—buttothemselves—thosewhothinkofnothingbutdoingtheirownways,andfindingtheirownpleasureuponSundays.Theyshowplainlythattheyarenotfitforheaven!Theinhabitantsofheavenwould be company they could not like. The employments of heaven would be awearinesstothem,andnotajoy.Nowwillthesepeoplebesaved?Theansweriscleartomymind—Intheirpresentconditiontheywillnot.

(c) Let us set aside, in the next place, all those people who are careless andthoughtless professors. I mean by this expression, those who attend many of theoutward ordinances of religion—but showno signs of taking any real interest in itsdoctrinesandsubstance.TheycarelittlewhethertheministerpreachestheGospelornot.Theycarelittlewhethertheyhearagoodsermonornot.TheywouldcarelittleifalltheBiblesintheworldwereburned.TheywouldcarelittleifanActofParliamentwerepassedforbiddinganyonetopray.Inshort,religionisnotthe"onethingneedful"withthem.Theirtreasure isonearth.Theyare just likeGallio, towhomitmatteredlittle whether people were Jews or Christians—he "cared for none of these things."(Acts18:17.)Nowwillthesepeoplebesaved?TheansweriscleartomyownmindIntheirpresentconditiontheywillnot.

(d)Letussetaside,inthenextplace,allthosewhoareformalistsandself-righteous.Imeanby thisexpression, thosewhovalue themselveson theirownregularity in theuseoftheformsofChristianity,anddependeitherdirectlyorindirectlyontheirowndoingsfortheiracceptancewithGod.ImeanallwhoresttheirsoulsonanyworkbuttheworkofChrist,oranyrighteousnessbuttherighteousnessofChrist.OfsuchtheApostlePaulhasexpressly testified,"Bythedeedsof the lawshallnoflesh livingbejustified.","Otherfoundationcannomanlaythanthatislaid,whichisJesusChrist."(Rom.3:20;1Cor.3:11.)Anddarewesay,inthefaceofsuchtexts,thatsuchasthesewillbesaved?Theanswer isplain tomyownmind—Intheirpresentcondition theywillnot.

(e)Letussetaside,inthenextplace,allthosewhoknowtheGospelwiththeirheads—butdonotobeyitwiththeirhearts.Thesearethoseunhappypeoplewhohaveeyestoseethewayoflife—buthavenotwillorcouragetowalkinit.Theyapprovesounddoctrine.Theywillnot listen topreachingwhichdoesnotcontain it.But the fearofman, or the cares of the world, or the love of money, or the dread of offendingrelations,perpetuallyholdsthemback.Theywillnotcomeoutboldly,andtakeupthecross, and confess Christ before people. Of these also the Bible speaks expressly,"Faith,if ithasnotworks,isdead,beingalone.""Tohimthatknowstodogood,anddoesitnot,tohimit issin.""IfanymanisashamedofMeandofmywords,ofhimwill the Son ofman be ashamedwhenHe shall come inHis own glory, and inHisFather's,andoftheholyangels."(James2:17;4:17;Luke9:26.)Shallwesaythatsuchas these will be saved? The answer is clear to my own mind—In their presentconditiontheywillnot.

(f)Letussetaside,inthelastplace,allthosewhoarehypocriticalprofessors.Imeanbythatexpression,allthosewhosereligionconsistsintalkandhighprofession,andinnothing besides. These are they ofwhom the prophetEzekiel speaks, saying, "Withtheir mouth they show much love—but their heart goes after their covetousness.""TheyprofessthattheyknowGod—butinworkstheydenyHim.""Theyhaveaformofgodliness—buttheyhavenotthepowerofit."(Ezek.33:31;Titus1:16;2Tim.3:5.)

They are saints at church, and saints to talk to in public.But they arenot saints inprivate,andintheirownhomes;andworstofall, theyarenotsaintsinheart.Therecanbenodisputeaboutsuchpeople.Shallwesaythattheywillbesaved?Therecanonlybeoneanswer—Intheirpresentconditiontheywillnot.

Andnow,aftersettingaside theseclasseswhichIhavedescribed,IaskanysensiblethinkingreadertotellmehowmanypeopleinanyparishinEnglandwilltherebeleftbehind?Howmany, after sifting a parish thoroughly andhonestly—howmanymenandwomenwillremainwhoareinawaytobesaved?Howmanytruepenitents—howmanyrealbelieversinChrist,howmanytrulyholypeoplewilltherebefound?Iputitto theconscienceofevery readerof thisvolume togiveanhonestanswer,as in thesight ofGod. I ask youwhether, after sifting a parishwith theBible in the fashiondescribed,youcancometoanyconclusionbutthis,thatfewpeople—sadlyfewpeople,areinawaytobesaved?

It is apainful conclusion to arrive at—but I knownothow it canbeavoided. It is afearfulandtremendousthought,thatthereshouldbesomanychurchmeninEngland,and so many dissenters, so many seat-holders, and so many pew-renters, so manyhearers,andsomanycommunicants—andyet,afterall,sofewinawaytobesaved!Buttheonlyquestion is, Is itnot true?It isvaintoshutoureyesagainst facts.It isuselesstopretendnottoseewhatisgoingonaroundus.ThestatementsoftheBibleand the factsof theworldwe live inwill leadus to the sameconclusion—Manyarebeinglost,andfewbeingsaved!

(a)IknowwellthatmanydonotbelievewhatIamsaying,becausetheythinkthereisan immense quantity of death-bed repentance. They flatter themselves thatmultitudes who do not live religious lives will yet die religious deaths. They takecomfort in the thought thatvastnumbersofpeople turn toGod in their last illnessand are saved at the eleventh hour. I will only remind such people that all theexperienceofministersisutterlyagainstthetheory.Peoplegenerallydiejustastheyhave lived. True repentance is never too late—but repentance deferred to the lasthoursof life isseldomtrue.Aman's life is thesurestevidenceofhisspiritualstate,andiflivesaretobewitnesses,thenfewarelikelytobesaved.

(b)IknowwellthatmanydonotbelievewhatIamsaying,becausetheyimaginethatitcontradicts themercyofGod.Theydwellon the love tosinnerswhich theGospelreveals.TheypointtotheoffersofpardonandforgivenesswhichaboundintheBible.Theyaskusifwemaintain,inthefaceofallthis,thatonlyfewpeoplewillbesaved.Ianswer,IwillgoasfarasanyoneinexaltingGod'smercyinChrist—butIcannotshutmyeyesagainstthefactthatthismercyprofitsnomansolongasitiswilfullyrefused.Iseenothinglacking,onGod'spart,forman'ssalvation.Iseeroominheavenforthechiefofsinners.IseewillingnessinChristtoreceivethemostungodly.IseepowerintheHoly Spirit to renew themost ungodly. But I see, on the other hand, desperate

unbeliefinman—hewillnotbelievewhatGodtellshimintheBible.Iseedesperatepride inman—hewillnotbowhisheart to receive theGospel as a little child. I seedesperateslothinman—hewillnottakethetroubletoariseandcalluponGod.Iseedesperateworldlinessinman—hewillnotloosehisholdonthepoorperishablethingsof time, and consider eternity. In short, I see the words of our Lord continuallyverified, "You will not come unto Me, that you might have life" (John 5:40), andthereforeIamdriventothesorrowfulconclusionthatfewarelikelytobesaved.

(c) Iknowwell thatmanywillnotbelievewhat Iamsaying,because they refuse toobservetheevil there is in theworld.They live inthemidstofa littlecircleofgoodpeople—theyknowlittleofanythingthatgoesonintheworldoutsidethatcircle.Theytellustheworldisaworldwhichisrapidlyimprovingandgoingontoperfection.Theycountupon their fingers thenumberof goodministerswhom theyhaveheardandseeninthelastyear.Theycallourattentiontothenumberofreligioussocieties,andreligiousmeetings, to themoneywhich issubscribed, to theBiblesandtractswhicharebeingconstantlydistributed.Theyaskusifwereallydaretosay,inthefaceofallthis, that feware in theway tobe saved. In reply, Iwill only remind these amiablepeople, that there are other people in the world besides their own little circle, andother men and women besides the chosen few whom they know in their owncongregation. I entreat them to open their eyes, and see things as they really are. Iassure them there are things going on in this country of ours of which they are atpresentinhappyignorance.IaskthemtosiftanyparishorcongregationinEngland,with the Bible, before they condemn me hastily. I tell them, if they will do thishonestly,theywillsoonfindthatIamnotfarwrong,whenIsaythatfewarelikelytobesaved.

(d)Iknowwellthatmanywillnotbelieveme,becausetheythinksuchadoctrineverynarrow-mindedandexclusive.Iutterlydenythecharge.Idisclaimanysympathywiththose Christians who condemn everybody outside their own church, and appear toshut the door of heaven against everybody who does not see everything with theireyes.WhetherRomanCatholics,orEpiscopalians,orFreeChurchmen,orBaptists,orPlymouth Brethren—whoever does anything of this kind, I reckon him a narrow-mindedman.Ihavenodesiretoshutupthekingdomofheavenagainstanyone.AllIsayis,thatnonewillenterthatkingdom,exceptconverted,believing,andholysouls;andall I takeonmyself to assert is, thatboth theBibleand facts combine toprovethatsuchpeoplearefew.

(e)Iknowwell thatmanywillnotbelievewhatIamsaying,becausetheythink itagloomy, uncharitable doctrine. It is easy to make vague, general assertions of thiskind. It is not so easy to show that any doctrine deserves to be called "gloomy anduncharitable" which is scriptural and true. There is a spurious charity, I am afraid,which dislikes all strong statements in religion, a charitywhichwould have no oneinterfered with—charity which would have everyone let alone in his sins—a charity

which, without evidence, takes for granted that everybody is going to be saved—acharitywhichneverdoubtsthatallpeoplearegoingtoheaven,andseemstodenytheexistence of such a place as hell. But such charity is not the charity of the NewTestament,anddoesnotdeservethename.GivemethecharitywhichtrieseverythingbythetestoftheBible,andbelievesnothingandhopesnothingthatisnotsanctionedbytheWord.GivemethecharitywhichPauldescribestotheCorinthians—thecharitywhich is not blind, and deaf, and stupid—but has eyes to see and senses to discernbetweenhimthat fearsGodandhimthat fearsHimnot.Suchcharitywillrejoice innothingbut"thetruth,"andwillconfesswithsorrowthatItellnothingbutthetruthwhenIsaythatfewarelikelytobesaved.

(f)Iknowwellthatmanywillnotbelieveme,becausetheythinkitpresumptuoustohaveanyopinionatallaboutthenumberofthesaved.Butwill thesepeopledaretotellus that theBiblehasnot spokenplainlyas to thecharacterof savedsouls?AndwilltheydaretosaythatthereisanystandardoftruthexcepttheBible?Surelytherecanbenopresumption in asserting thatwhich is agreeable to theBible. I tell themplainly that the charge of presumption does not lie atmydoor. I say that he is thetruly presumptuous man who, when the Bible has said a thing clearly andunmistakably,refusestoreceiveit.

(g) Iknow, finally, thatmanywillnotbelieveme,because they thinkmystatementextravagant,andunwarrantable.Theyregard itasapieceof fanaticism,unworthyoftheattentionofarationalman.Theylookonministerswhomakesuchassertions,asweak-minded people, and lacking in common sense. I can bear such imputationsunmoved.IonlyaskthosewhomakethemtoshowmesomeplainproofthattheyarerightandIamwrong.Letthemshowme,iftheycan,thatanybodyislikelytogettoheavenwhoseheartisnotrenewed,whoisnotabelieverinJesusChrist,whoisnotaspiritually-mindedandholyman.Let themshowme, if theycan, thatpeopleof thisdescriptionaremany,comparedwiththosewhoarenot.Letthem,inoneword,pointtoanyplaceonearthwherethegreatmajorityofthepeoplearenotungodly,andthetrulygodlyarenotalittleflock.Letthemdothis,andIwillgranttheyhavedonerightto disbelieve what I have said. Until they do this, I must maintain the sorrowfulconclusion—thatfewpeoplearelikelytobesaved.

And now it only remains to make some practical application of the subject of thispaper.IhavesetforthasplainlyasIcanthecharacterofsavedpeople.Ihaveshownthe painful delusions of the world as to the number of the saved. I have broughtforwardtheevidenceoftheBibleonthesubject.IhavedrawnfromtheworldaroundusplainfactsinconfirmationofthestatementsIhavemade.MaytheLordgrantthatallthesesolemntruthsmaynothavebeenexhibitedinvain!

Iamquiteaware that Ihavesaidmany things in thispaperwhichare likely togiveoffence. I know it. Itmust be so. The pointwhich it handles is far too serious and

heart-searching tobeotherwise thanoffensive to some.But I have longhad adeepconviction that the subject has been painfully neglected, and that few things are solittle realized as the comparative numbers of the lost and saved. All that I havewritten,IhavewrittenbecauseIfirmlybelieveittobeGod'struth.AllthatIhavesaid,Ihavesaid,notasanenemybutasaloverofsouls.Youdonotcounthimanenemywhogivesyouabittermedicinetosaveyourlife.Youdonotcounthimanenemywhoshakesyouroughly fromyoursleepwhenyourhouse ison fire.Surelyyouwillnotcountme an enemy because I tell you strong truths for the benefit of your soul. Iappeal,asafriend,toeverymanorwomanintowhosehandsthisvolumehascome.Bearwithme,forafewmoments,whileIsayafewlastwordstoimpressthewholesubjectonyourconscience.

(a)Are there fewsaved?Then, shallyoubeoneof the few?Oh, thatyouwouldseethatsalvationistheonethingneedful!Health,andriches,andtitles,arenotneedfulthings.Amanmaygainheavenwithoutthem.Butwhatshallthemandowhodiesnotsaved!Oh,thatyouwouldseethatyoumusthavesalvationnow,inthispresentlife,and layholdupon it foryourownsoul!Oh, thatyouwouldsee that "saved"or "notsaved"isthegrandquestioninreligion!HighChurchorLowChurch,ChurchmanorDissenter,allthesearetriflingquestionsincomparison.WhatamanneedsinordertogettoheavenisanactualpersonalinterestinChrist'ssalvation.Surely,ifyouarenotsaved,itwillbebetteratlastnevertohavebeenborn!

(b)Aretherefewsaved?Then,ifyouarenotoneofthefewalready,strivetobeonewithoutdelay.Iknownotwhoandwhatyouare—butIsayboldly,CometoChristandyoushallbesaved.Thegatethatleadstolifemaybestrait—butitwaswideenoughtoadmitManasseh,andSaulofTarsus—andwhynotyou?Thewaythatleadstolifemaybenarrow—butitismarkedbythefootstepsofthousandsofsinnerslikeyourself.Allhave found it a good way. All have persevered, and got safely home at last. JesusChrist invitesyou.Thepromisesof theGospelencourageyou.Oh,strive toenter inwithoutdelay!

(c)Are there few saved?Then, if you are doubtfulwhether you are one of the few,makesureworkatonce,andbedoubtfulnomore.Leavenostoneunturnedinordertoascertainyourownspiritualstate.Benotcontentwithvaguehopesandtrusts.Restnotonwarm feelings and temporarydesires afterGod.Givediligence tomakeyourcallingandelectionsure.Oh,giveme leave tosay, that ifyouarecontent to liveonuncertainaboutsalvation,youlivethemaddestlifeintheworld!Thefiresofhellarebeforeyou—andyouareuncertainwhetheryoursoulissaved.Thisworldbelowmustsoonbeleft—andyouareuncertainwhetheryouhaveamansionpreparedtoreceiveyouintheworldabove.Thejudgmentwillsoonbeset—andyouareuncertainwhetheryou have an Advocate to plead your cause. Eternity will soon begin—and you areuncertainwhetheryouarepreparedtomeetGod.Oh,sitdownthisday,andstudythesubjectofsalvation!GiveGodnorestuntiluncertaintyhasdisappeared,andyouhave

gotholdofareasonablehopethatyouaresaved.

(d)Are there fewsaved?Then, ifyouareoneof thesaved,be thankful.ChosenandcalledofGod—whilethousandsaroundyouaresunkinunbelief;seeingthekingdomof God—whilemultitudes around you are utterly blind; delivered from this presentevilworld—while crowdsareovercomeby its loveand fear; taught toknowsin,andGod,andChrist—whilenumbers, toallappearanceasgoodasyou, live in ignoranceanddarkness!Oh,youhavereasoneverydaytoblessandpraiseGod!Whencecamethissenseof sin,whichyounowexperience?Whencecamethis loveofChrist—thisdesire after holiness—this hungering after righteousness—this delight in theWord?Hasnotfreegracedoneit,whilemanyacompanionofyouryouthstillknowsnothingabout it, or has been cut off in his sins? You ought indeed to bless God! SurelyWhitefieldmightwellsay,thatoneanthemamongthesaintsinheavenwillbe"Whyme,Lord?WhydidYouchooseme?"

(e) Are there few saved? Then, if you are one, do not wonder that you often findyourself standing alone. I dare believe you are sometimes almost brought to astandstill,bythecorruptionandwickednessthatyouseeintheworldaroundyou.Yousee falsedoctrineabounding.Youseeunbeliefandungodlinessofeverydescription.Youaresometimestemptedtosay,"CanIreallybeintherightinmyreligion?Canitreallybethatallthesepeopleareinthewrong?"Bewareofgivingwaytothoughtslikethese. Remember, you are only having practical proof of the truth of yourMaster'ssayings.Thinknot thatHispurposesarebeingdefeated.Thinknot thatHiswork isnotgoingforwardintheworld.HeisstilltakingoutapeopletoHispraise.HeisstillraisingupwitnessestoHimself,hereandthere,allovertheworld.Thesavedwillyetbefoundtobea"multitudethatnomancannumber,"whenallaregatheredtogetherat last. (Rev. 7:9.) The earth will yet be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. AllnationsshallserveHim—allkingsshallyetdelighttodoHimhonor.Butthenightisnotyetspent.ThedayoftheLord'spowerisyettocome.InthemeantimeallisgoingonasHeforetold1800yearsago—manyarebeinglostandfewsaved.

(f) Are there few saved? Then, if you are one, do not be afraid of having toomuchgodliness. Settle it down in your mind that you will aim at the highest degree ofholiness, and spiritual-mindedness, and consecration to God—that you will not becontentwithany lowdegreeofsanctification.Resolvethat,bythegraceofGod,youwillmakeChristianitybeautifulintheeyesoftheworld.Rememberthatthechildrenoftheworldhavebutfewpatternsoftruereligionbeforethem.Endeavor,asfarasinyoulies,tomakethosefewpatternsrecommendtheserviceofyourMaster.Oh,thatevery trueChristianwould recollect that he is set as a lighthouse in themidst of adarkworld,andwouldlaborsotolivethateverypartofhimmayreflectlight,andnosidebedim!

(g)Are there fewsaved?Then, if youareone,useeveryopportunityof trying todo

goodtosouls.Settleitdowninyourmindthatthevastmajorityofpeoplearoundyouareindreadfuldangerofbeinglostforever.WorkeveryengineforbringingtheGospelto bear upon them. Help every Christian enterprise for plucking brands from theburning. Give liberally to every Society which has for its object, the spread theeverlastingGospel.Throwallyourinfluenceheartilyandunreservedlyintothecauseofdoinggood tosouls.Live likeonewho thoroughlybelieves that time is shortandeternity near—the devil strong and sin abounding—the darkness very great and thelight very small—the ungodly verymany and the godly very few—the things of theworldmeretransitoryshadows,andheavenandhellthegreatsubstantialrealities.

Alas, indeed, for the lives that many believers live! How cold are many, and howfrozen—howslow tododecided things in religion,andhowafraidofgoing too far—howbackwardtoattemptanythingnew—howreadytodiscourageagoodmovement—howingeniousindiscoveringreasonswhyitisbesttositstill—howunwillingevertoallow that "the time" for active exertion is come—how wise in finding fault—howshiftlessindevisingplanstomeetgrowingevils!Trulyamanmightsometimesthink,whenhelooksatthewaysofmanywhoarecountedbelievers,thatalltheworldwasgoingtoheaven,andhellwasnothingbutalie.

Letus all bewareof this state ofmind!Whetherwe like tobelieve it ornot, hell isfillingfast.Christ isdailyholdingoutHishandtoadisobedientpeople.Manyareinthebroadwaythat leadstodestruction!Feware inthewaythat leadsto life!Many,manyarelikelytobelost.Few,fewarelikelytobesaved.

OncemoreIaskeveryreader,asIaskedatthebeginningofthispaper—Shallyoubesaved?Ifyouarenotsavedalready,myheart'sdesireandprayertoGodis, thatyoumayseeksalvationwithoutdelay.Ifyouaresaved,mydesireisthatyoumaylivelikeasavedsoul—andlikeonewhoknowsthatsavedsoulsarefew.

"Enter inby thenarrowgate; forwide is thegateandbroad is theway that leads todestruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, andrestrictedisthewaythatleadstolife!Fewarethosewhofindit."Matthew7:13-14

HowReadestThou?

"StudytheScriptures"(John5:39).

"Howdoyoureadit?"(Luke10:26).

Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading.God hasmercifully given us a book which is "able tomake [us] wise for salvationthrough faith inChrist Jesus" (2Timothy3:15).By reading thatbookwemay learnwhattobelieve,whattobe,andwhattodo;howtolivewithcomfort,andhowtodie

inpeace.Happy is thatmanwhopossessesaBible!Happierstill ishewhoreads it!Happiestofall ishewhonotonlyreads it,butobeys it,andmakes it theruleofhisfaithandpractice!

NeverthelessitisasorrowfulfactthatmanhasasadabilitytoabuseGod’sgifts.Hisprivileges, andpower, and abilities, are all ingeniouslyperverted to other ends thanthose for which they were bestowed. His speech, his imagination, his intellect, hisstrength,histime,hisinfluence,hismoney—insteadofbeingusedasinstrumentsforglorifyinghisMaker—aregenerallywasted,oremployedforhisownselfishends.Andjustasmannaturallymakesabaduseofhisothermercies fromGod,sohedoesofthe written Word. One sweeping charge may be brought against the whole ofChristendom,andthatchargeisneglectandabuseoftheBible.

To prove this chargewe have no need to look elsewhere: the proof lies at our owndoors.IhavenodoubtthattherearemoreBiblesinourcountryatthismomentthanthereeverweresincetheworldbegan.ThereismoreBiblebuying—andBibleselling—moreBibleprintingandBibledistributing—thaneverwassincewewereanation.WeseeBibles ineverybookstore,Biblesofeverysize,price,andstyle—largeBibles,andsmallBibles—Bibles for therich,andBibles for thepoor.ThereareBibles inalmosteveryhouseintheland.ButallthistimeIfearweareindangerofforgetting,thatto"have"theBibleisonethingandto"read"itquiteanother.

This neglected Book is the subject about which I address the readers of this papertoday.SurelyitisnosmallthingwhatyouaredoingwiththeBible.Surely,whentheplagueisspreadinginotherlands,youshouldsearchandseewhethertheplague-spotison you.Giveme your attentionwhile I supply youwith a fewplain reasonswhyeveryonewhocaresforhissouloughttovaluetheBiblehighly,tostudyitregularly,andtomakehimselfthoroughlyacquaintedwithitscontents.

I. In the firstplace,"there isnoknowledgeabsolutelyneedful toaman’ssalvation, except a knowledgeof the thingswhich are tobe found in theBible."

WeliveindayswhenthewordsofDanielarefulfilledbeforeoureyes:"Manywillgohere and there to increase knowledge" (Daniel 12:4). Schools aremultiplying everywhereyoulook.Newcollegesaresetup.OldUniversitiesarereformedandimproved.Newbooksarecontinuallycomingout.Moreisbeingtaught—moreisbeinglearned—moreisbeingreadthanthereeverwassincetheworldbegan.Itisallgood.Irejoiceatit. An ignorant population is a perilous and expensive burden to any nation. It is areadyprey to the firstwhomayarise toentice it todoevil.But this I say—wemustnever forget that all educationaman’sheadcan receivewillnot save his soul fromhell,unlessheknowsthetruthsoftheBible.

Aman"mayhaveimmenselearningandyetneverbesaved."Hemaybemasterofhalfthe languagesspokenaround theglobe.Hemaybeacquaintedwith thehighestanddeepestthingsinheavenandearth.Hemayhavereadbookstillhe is likeawalkingencyclopedia.Hemaybe familiarwith the starsofheaven—thebirdsof theair—thebeasts of the earth, and the fishes of the sea. He may be able, like Solomon, to"describeplantlife,fromthecedarofLebanontothehyssopthatgrowsoutofwalls,andalsoteachaboutanimalsandbirds,reptilesandfish"(1Kings4:33).Hemaybeable to lecture on all the secrets of fire, air, earth, and water. And yet, if he diesignorant of Bible truths, he dies a destituteman!Chemistry never silenced a guiltyconscience.Mathematics never healed a broken heart. All the sciences in theworldneversoothed a dyingman.No earthly philosophy ever supplied hope in death.Nonatural theology ever gave peace in the prospect of meeting a holy God. All thesethingsareof theearthandcannever raiseamanabove theearth’s level.Theymayenable a man to strut and fret his little time here on earth with a more dignifiedmannerofwalking thanhis fellow-mortals, but they cannever givehimwings, andenablehimtosoartowardsheaven.Hethathasthelargestshareofthem,willfindintimethatwithoutBibleknowledgehehasnolastingpossession.Deathwillmakeanendofallhisattainments,andafterdeaththeywilldohimnogoodatall.

Aman"maybeavery ignorantman,andyetbesaved."Hemaybeunable toreadaword,orwritealetter.Hemayknownothingofgeographybeyondtheboundsofhisowncityorcounty,andbeutterlyunabletosaywhichisnearesttoEngland,ParisorNewYork.Hemayknownothingofarithmetic,andnotseeanydifferencebetweenamillionanda thousand.Hemayknownothingofhistory,notevenofhisown land,andbequiteignorantwhetherhiscountryisheadedupbyaTribalChieforbyQueenElizabeth.Hemayknownothing of science and its discoveries—andwhether JuliusCaesarwonhisvictorieswithgunpowder,ortheapostleshadaprintingpress,orthesunorbitsaroundtheearth—maybemattersaboutwhichhehasnotanidea.Andyet,ifthatverymanhasheardBibletruthwithhisearsandbelieveditwithhisheart,heknowsenoughtosavehissoul.Hewillbe found in theendwithLazarus inheaven,whilehisscientificfellow-creature,whohasdiedunconverted,islostforever.

There is much talk in these days about science and "useful knowledge." But aknowledgeof theBible is theoneknowledge that isneedful and eternallyuseful.Amanmaygettoheavenwithoutmoney,learning,health,orfriends,butwithoutBibleknowledgehewillnevergetthereatall.Amanmayhavethemightiestofminds,andamemorystoredwithallthatstrongmindcangrasp—andyet,ifhedoesnotknowthethingsoftheBible,hissoulisdamnedforever.Woe!woe!woetothemanwhodiesinignoranceoftheBible!

ThisistheBookaboutwhichIamaddressingthereadersofthesepagestoday.Itisnolight matter "what you do with such a book." It concerns the life of your soul. Isummonyou, I charge you to give anhonest answer tomyquestion.What are you

doingwiththeBible?Doyoureadit?Howdoyoureadit?

II. In the second place, "there is no book in existence written in such amannerastheBible."

TheBible is "God-breathed" (2Timothy 3:16). In this respect it is utterly unlike allother writings. God taught the writers of it what to say. God put into their mindsthoughtsandideas.Godguidedtheirpensinwritingdownthosethoughtsandideas.Whenyoureadit,youarenotreadingtheself-taughtcompositionsofpoorimperfectmen like yourself, but thewords of the eternalGod.When youhear it, you arenotlisteningtotheerringopinionsofshort-livedmortals,buttotheunchangingmindofthe King of kings. The men who were employed to write the Bible did not speakthemselves.They"spoke fromGodas theywerecarriedalongby theHolySpirit" (2Peter1:21).All otherbooks in theworld,however goodanduseful in theirway, aremoreorlessdefective.Themoreyoulookatthemthemoreyouseetheirdefectsandblemishes. The Bible alone is absolutely perfect. From beginning to end it is "theWordofGod."

Iwillnotwaste timebyattemptingany longand laboredproofof this. I sayboldly,that the Book itself is the best witness of its own inspiration. It is the greateststandingmiracleintheworld.HethatdarestosaytheBibleisnotinspiredmustgiveanexplanationwhyhebelievesthis,ifhecan.LethimexplainthepeculiarnatureandcharacteroftheBookinawaythatwillsatisfyanymanofcommonsense.Theburdenofproofseemstomymindtolieonhim.

It provesnothing against inspiration, as somehave asserted, that thewriters of theBiblehaveeachdifferentstyle.IsaiahdoesnotwritelikeJeremiah,andPauldoesnotwritelikeJohn.Thisisperfectlytrue,andyettheworksofthesemenarenotabitlessequallyinspired.Thewatersoftheseahavemanydifferentshades.Inoneplacetheylook blue, and in another green. And yet the difference is due to the depth orshallownessofthepartwesee,ortothenatureofthebottom.Thewaterineverycaseisthesamesaltsea.Thebreathofamanmayproducedifferentsoundsaccordingtothe character of the instrument on which he plays. The flute, the bagpipe, and thetrumpet,haveeachtheirpeculiarnote.Andyetthebreaththatcallsforththenotesisineachcaseoneandthesame.Thelightoftheplanetsweseeinheavenisextremelyvarious.Mars,andSaturn,andJupiter,eachhaveaindividualcolor.Andyetweknowthatthelightofthesun,whicheachplanetreflects,isineachcaseoneandthesame.JustinthesamewaythebooksoftheOldandNewTestamentsareallinspiredtruth,andyettheaspectofthattruthvariesaccordingtothemindthroughwhichtheHolySpiritmakes it flow.Thehandwritingandstyleof thewritersdifferenoughtoprovethat each had a distinct individual being; but the Divine Guide who dictates anddirectsthewholeisalwaysone.Allareinspired.Everychapter,andverse,andword,isfromGod.

Oh, thatmenwho are troubledwith doubts, and thoughts about inspiration,wouldcalmlyexaminetheBible for themselves!Oh, that theywouldtaketheadvicewhichwasthefirststeptoAugustine’sconversion,"Pickitupandreadit!Pickitupandreadit!"Howmanydifficultiesandobjectionswouldvanishawayatoncelikemistbeforetherisingsun!Howmanywouldsoonconfess,"ThefingerofGodishere!Godis inthisBook,andIdidnotknowit."

ThisistheBookaboutwhichIaddressthereadersofthispaper.Surelyitisnolightmatter"whatyouaredoingwiththisBook."ItisnolightthingthatGodshouldhavecausedthisBooktobe"writtentoteachus,"andthatyoushouldhavebeforeyou"theverywordsofGod"(Romans3:2;15:4).Ichargeyou,Isummonyoutogiveanhonestanswer tomy questions.What are you doingwith theBible?Do you read it at all?Howdoyoureadit?

III. In the third place, "no book in existence contains such importantmatterastheBible."

Timewould failme if Iwere to enter fully into all the great thingswhich are tobefound in theBible, andonly in theBible. It isnotbyany sketchoroutline that thetreasuresoftheBiblecanbedisplayed.Itwouldbeeasytofillavolumewithalistoftheexceptionaltruthsitreveals,andyetthehalfofitsricheswouldbeleftuntold.

How glorious and soul-satisfying is the description it gives us of God’s plan ofsalvation,andthewaybywhichoursinscanbeforgiven!ThecomingintotheworldofJesusChrist,theGod-man,tosavesinners—theredemptionHehasaccomplishedformanbyHissuffering,inourplace,thejustfortheunjust—thecompletepaymentHehasmadeforoursinsbyHisownblood—thejustificationofeverysinnerwhosimplybelieves on Jesus—the readiness of Father, Son, andHoly Spirit, to receive, pardon,and save to the uttermost—how unspeakably grand and comforting are all thesetruths!WewouldknownothingofthemwithouttheBible.

HowcomfortingistheaccountitgivesusofthegreatMediatoroftheNewTestament—themanChrist Jesus!Four timesoverHispicture is graciouslydrawnbefore oureyes. Four separatewitnesses tell us ofHismiracles andHisministry—His sayingsandHisactions—His lifeandHisdeath—HispowerandHis love—Hiskindness andHis patience—His ways, His words, His works, His thoughts, His heart. Blessed beGod,thereisonethingintheBiblewhichthemostprejudicedreadercanhardlyfailtounderstand,andthatisthecharacterofJesusChrist!

How encouraging are the examples the Bible gives us of good people! It tells us ofmany who were of like passions with ourselves—men and women who had cares,crosses, families, temptations, afflictions, diseases, like ourselves—and yet "throughfaithandpatienceinheritedwhathasbeenpromised,"andgotsafelyhome(Hebrews

6:12). It keeps back nothing in the history of these people. Their mistakes, theirweaknesses, theirconflicts, theirexperience, theirprayers, theirpraises, theirusefullives,theirhappydeaths—allarefullyrecorded.AndittellsustheGodandSaviorofthese men and women is still the same today as yesterday, and still waits to begracious.

HowinstructivearetheexamplestheBiblegivesusofbadpeople!Ittellsusofmenandwomenwho had light and knowledge and opportunities like ourselves, and yethardenedtheirhearts,lovedtheworld,clungtotheirsins,wouldhavetheirownway,despisedreproof, and ruined their own souls forever. And itwarns us that theGodwho punished Pharaoh, and Saul, and Ahab, and Jezebel, and Judas, is a God whoneverchanges,andthatthereisarealhell.

HowpreciousarethepromiseswhichtheBiblecontainsfortheuseofthosewholoveGod!Thereishardlyanypossibleemergencyorconditionforwhichitdoesnothaveaword of hope and encouragement. And it tells men that God loves to be put inremembranceof these promises, and that ifHe has saidHewill do something,Hispromisewillcertainlybefulfilled.

HowblessedarethehopeswhichtheBibleholdsouttothebelieverinChristJesus!Peace in the hour of death—rest and happiness on the other side of the grave—agloriousbody in themorningof theresurrection—a fulland triumphantacquittal inthe day of judgment—an everlasting reward in the kingdom of Christ—a joyfulmeetingwiththeLord’speopleinthedayofgatheringtogether—these,thesearethefutureprospectsofeverytrueChristian.Theyareallwritteninthebook—inthebookwhichisalltrue.

HowstrikingisthelightwhichtheBiblethrowsonthecharacterofman!Itteachesuswhatmenmaybe expected tobe anddo in everyposition andoccupationof life. Itgivesusthedeepestinsightintothesecretspringsandmotivesofhumanactions,andtheordinarycourseofeventsunderthecontrolofhumanagents.Itisthetrue"judgeofthethoughtsandattitudesof theheart" (Hebrews4:12).Howdeep is thewisdomcontainedinthebooksofProverbsandEcclesiastics!IcancorrectlyunderstandanoldChristiansaying,"GivemeacandleandaBibleandshutmeupinadarkdungeon,andIwilltellyoueverythingthatthewholeworldisdoing."

All thesearethingswhichmencouldfindnowhereexcept intheBible.Weprobablydonothavetheleastideahowlittlewewouldknowaboutthesethingsifwedidnothave theBible.Wehardly know the valueof the airwebreathe, and the sunwhichshinesonus,becausewehaveneverknownwhatitistobewithoutthem.WedonotvaluethetruthsonwhichIhavebeenjustnowdwelling,becausewedonotrealizethedarknessofmentowhomthesetruthshavenotbeenrevealed.Surelynotonguecanfully tell the value of the treasures this one volume contains.Wellmight old John

Newtonsaythatsomebookswerecopperbooks inhisestimation,someweresilver,andafewweregoldbuttheBiblealonewaslikeabookallmadeupofbank-notes.

ThisistheBookaboutwhichIaddressthereaderofthispaperthisday.SurelyitisnolightmatterwhatyouaredoingwiththeBible.It isnolightmatterinwhatwayyouareusingthistreasure.Ichargeyou,Isummonyoutogiveanhonestanswertomyquestion—Whatareyoudoingwiththe

Bible?Doyoureadit?Howdoyoureadit?

IV.Inthefourthplace,"nobookinexistencehasproducedsuchwonderfuleffectsonmankindatlargeastheBible."

(a)ThisistheBookwhosedoctrinesturnedtheworldupsidedowninthedaysoftheApostles.

ManycenturieshavenowpassedawaysinceGodsentforthafewJewsfromaremotecorner of the earth to do a work which according to man’s judgment, must haveseemed impossible. He sent them out at a time when the whole world was full ofsuperstition,cruelty,lust,andsin.Hesentthemouttoproclaimthattheestablishedreligionsoftheearthwerefalseanduseless,andmustbeforsaken.Hesentthemouttopersuadementogiveupoldhabitsandcustoms,andtolivedifferentlives.Hesentthem out to do battle with the most perverted idolatry, with the vilest and mostdisgustingimmorality,withabigotedpriesthood,withsneeringphilosophers,withanignorant population, with bloody-minded emperors, with the whole influence ofRome. Never was there an enterprise for all appearancesmore unrealistic and lesslikelytosucceed!

AndhowdidHearmthemforthisbattle?Hegavethemnoworldlyweapons.Hegavethemnoworldlypowertocompelagreement,andnoworldlyrichestobribebelief.Hesimplyput theHolySpirit into theirhearts, and theScriptures into theirhands.Hesimply commanded them to expound and explain, to require compliance and topublishthedoctrinesoftheBible.ThepreacherofChristianityinthefirstcenturywasnotamanwithaswordandanarmytofrightenpeople,oramanwithalicensetobesensual,toallurepeople,likethepriestsoftheshamefulidolsoftheHindus.No,hewasnothingmorethanoneholymanwithoneholybook.

And how did these men of one book prosper? In a few generations they entirelychangedthefaceofsocietybythedoctrinesoftheBible.Theyemptiedthetemplesoftheheathengods. They starved out idolatry and left it high and dry like a strandedship.Theybrought into theworld a higher condition ofmorality betweenman andman.Theyraised thecharacterandpositionofwoman.Theyaltered thestandardofpurityanddecency.Theyputanendtoman’scruelandbloodycustoms,suchasthe

gladiatorial fights—there was no stopping the change. Persecution and oppositionwereuseless.Onevictoryafteranotherwaswon.Onebadthingafteranothermeltedaway.Whethermenlikeditornot,theywereslowlyaffectedbythemovementofthenewreligionanddrawnwithinthewhirlpoolofitspower.

Theearthshook,andtheirrottensheltersfelltotheground.Thefloodrose,andtheyfoundthemselvesobligedtorisewithit.ThetreeofChristianityswelledandgrew,andthechainstheyhadthrownaroundittoarrestitsgrowth,snappedlikestring.Andallthiswasdonebythedoctrinesof theBible!Talkaboutgreatvictories!Whatarethevictories of Alexander, and Caesar, and Napoleon, compared with those I have justmentioned?Formagnitude, for completeness, for results, forpermanence, therearenovictorieslikethevictoriesoftheBible.

(b)ThisistheBookwhichturnedEuropeupsidedowninthedaysofthegloriousProtestantReformation.

NomancanreadthehistoryofChristendomasitwasfivehundredyearsago,andnotseethatdarknesscoveredthewholeprofessingChurchofChrist,evenadarknessthatcould be felt. So greatwas the changewhich had come over Christianity, that if anapostle had risen from the dead he would not have recognized it, and would havethought that heathenism had revived again. The doctrines of the Gospel lay buriedunderadensemassofhumantraditions.Penances,andpilgrimages,andindulgences,relic-worship,andimage-worship,andsaint-worship,andworshipoftheVirginMary,formed the sum and substance ofmost people’s religion. The Churchwasmade anidol.ThepriestsandministersoftheChurchusurpedtheplaceofChrist.Andbywhatmeanswas all thismiserable darkness cleared away?By simply bringing forth oncemoretheBible.

It was not merely the preaching of Luther and his friends, which establishedProtestantism inGermany. The greatweaponwhich overthrew theRomanCatholicChurch’spowerinthatcountry,wasLuther’stranslationoftheBibleintotheGermantongue. It was not merely the writings of English Reformers which threw downRomanCatholicisminEngland.TheseedsoftheworkcarriedforwardwerefirstsownbyWycliffe’stranslationoftheBiblemanyyearsbefore.Itwasnotmerelythequarrelof Henry VIII and the Pope of Rome, which loosened the Pope’s hold on Englishminds.ItwastheroyalpermissiontohavetheBibletranslatedandsetupinchurches,sothateveryonewhowantedmightreadit.Yes!itwasthereading,andcirculationofthe Scripture which mainly established the cause of Protestantism in England, inGermany, and Switzerland.Without it the people would probably have returned totheir formerbondagewhen the first reformersdied.Butby the readingof theBiblethepublicmindbecamegraduallyleavenedwiththeprinciplesoftruereligion.Men’seyes became thoroughly open. Their spiritual understandings became thoroughlyenlarged. The abominations of Roman Catholicism became distinctly visible. The

excellenceofthepureGospelbecamearootedideaintheirhearts.ItwastheninvainforPopestothunderforthexcommunications.ItwasuselessforKingsandQueenstoattempttostopthecourseofProtestantismbyfireandsword.Itwasalltoolate.Thepeople knew toomuch. They had seen the light. They had heard the joyful sound.They had tasted the truth. The sun had risen on theirminds. The scales had fallenfrom their eyes.TheBiblehaddone its appointedworkwithin them, and thatworkwasnottobeoverthrown.ThepeoplewouldnotreturntoEgypt.Theclockcouldnotbepushedbackagain.Amentalandmoralrevolutionhadbeeneffected,andmainlyeffectedbyGod’sWord.ThosearethetruerevolutionswhichtheBibleeffects.Whatare all the revolutions which France and England have gone through, compared tothese?No revolutions are sobloodless, none so satisfactory, none so rich in lastingresults,astherevolutionsaccomplishedbytheBible!

This is the book uponwhich thewell-being of nations has always hinged, andwithwhichthebest interestsofeveryone inChristendomat thismomentare inseparablytied. By the same proportion that the Bible is honored or not, light or darkness,moralityorimmorality, truereligionorsuperstition, libertyortyranny,goodlawsorbad,willbefoundinanation.Comewithmeandopenthepagesofhistory,andyouwillreadtheproofsintimespast.

Read it in thehistoryof Israelunder theKings.Howgreatwas thewickedness thatthenprevailed!Butwhocanwonder?The lawof theLordhadbeen completely lostsightof,andwasfoundinthedaysofJosiahthrownasideinacornerofthetemple.(2Kings22:8).Read it in thehistoryof theJews inourLordJesusChrist’s time.Howawful thepictureofScribesandPharisees, and their religion!Butwhocanwonder?TheScripturewas"nullifiedforthesakeofman’stradition"(Matthew15:6).Readitinthehistoryof theChurchofChrist in themiddleages.What canbeworse than theaccountswehaveofitsignoranceandsuperstition?Butwhocanwonder?Thetimeswereverydark,whenmendidnothavethelightoftheBible.

ThisistheBooktowhichthecivilizedworldisindebtedformanyofitsbestandmostpraiseworthy institutions. Few probably are aware howmany good things thatmenhaveadopted for thepublicbenefit,ofwhich theoriginmaybeclearly traced to theBible. It has left lasting marks wherever it has been received. From the Bible aredrawnmany of the best laws bywhich society is kept in order. From theBible hasbeenobtainedthestandardofmoralityabouttruth,honesty,andtherelationsofmanand wife, which prevails among Christian nations, and which—however feeblyrespected in many cases—makes so great a difference between Christians andheathen.To theBibleweare indebted for thatmostmercifulprovision for thepoorworkingman, theLord’sDayof rest—Sunday.To the influenceof theBibleweowenearly every humane and charitable institution in existence. The sick, the poor, theaged,theorphan,theinsane,theretarded,theblind,wereseldomorneverthoughtofbefore the Bible influenced the world. You may search in vain for any record of

institutions for theiraid in thehistoriesofAthensorofRome.Yes! therearemanywhosneerat theBible,andsay theworldwouldgetonwellenoughwithout it,whodon’tthinkhowgreataretheirownobligationstotheBible.Littledoestheunbelieverthink, as he lies sick in some of our great hospitals, that he owes all his presentcomforts to theverybookhedespises.Had itnotbeen for theBible,hemight havedied in misery, uncared for, unnoticed and alone. Truly the world we live in isunconsciousofitsdebts.Thedayofjudgment,Ibelieve,willrevealthefullamountofbenefitconferreduponmankindbytheBible.

ThiswonderfulbookisthesubjectaboutwhichIaddressthereaderofthispaperthisday. Surely it is no light matter what you are doing with the Bible. The swords ofconqueringGenerals—theshipinwhichNelsonledthefleetsofEnglandtovictory—thehydraulicpresswhich raised the tubularbridgeat theMenai; eachandevery oftheseareobjectsof interestas instrumentsofgreatpower.TheBookIspeakof thisday is an instrument a thousand-fold mightier still. Surely it is no light matterwhether you are paying it the attention it deserves. I charge you, I summon you togivemeanhonestanswerthisday—WhatareyoudoingwiththeBible?Doyoureadit?Howdoyoureadit?

V. In the fifthplace, "nobook inexistencecandosomuch foreveryonewhoreadsitwithanopenheart,astheBible."

TheBible doesnot profess to teach thewisdomof thisworld. Itwasnotwritten toexplain geology or astronomy. It will neither instruct you in mathematics, nor innaturalphilosophy.Itwillnotmakeyouadoctor,oralawyer,oranengineer.

Butthereisanotherworldtobethoughtofbesidesthatworldinwhichmannowlives.Thereareotherendsforwhichmanwascreated,besidesmakingmoneyandworking.Thereare other interestswhichhe ismeant to attend to, besides thoseofhis body,andthoseinterestsaretheinterestsofhissoul.ItistheinterestsoftheimmortalsoulwhichtheBibleisespeciallyabletopromote.Ifyouwanttoknowlaw,youmaystudyBlackstone or Sugden. If you would know astronomy or geology, you may studyHerschel andLyell. But if youwould knowhow to have your soul saved, youmuststudythewrittenWordofGod.

The Bible is "able tomake youwise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2Timothy 3:15). It can show you the way which leads to heaven. It can teach youeverything youneed to know,point out everything youneed tobelieve, and explaineverythingyouneedtodo.Itcanshowyouwhatyouare—asinner.Itcanshowyouwhat God is—perfectly holy. It can show you the great giver of pardon, peace, andgrace—JesusChrist.IhavereadofanEnglishmanwhovisitedScotlandinthedaysofBlair, Rutherford, and Dickson, three famous preachers, and heard all three insuccession.HesaidthatthefirstshowedhimthemajestyofGod—thesecondshowed

himthebeautyofChrist—andthethirdshowedhimeverythinginhisheart.ItisthegloryandbeautyoftheBiblethatitisalwaysteachingthesethreethingsmoreorless,fromthefirstchapterofittothelast.

TheBibleapplied to theheartby theHolySpirit, "is thegrand instrumentbywhichsoulsarefirstconvertedtoGod."Thatmightychangeisgenerallybegunbysometextordoctrineof theWord,broughthometoaman’sconscience. In thisway the Biblehasworkedmoralmiraclesbythethousands.Ithasmadedrunkardsbecomesober—immoral people become pure—thieves become honest and violent-tempered peoplebecomemeek.Ithaswhollyalteredthecourseofmen’slives.Ithascausedtheiroldthingstopassaway,andmadealltheirwaysnew.IthastaughtworldlypeopletoseekfirstthekingdomofGod.IthastaughtloversofpleasuretobecomeloversofGod. Ithas taught the stream of men’s affections to run upwards instead of runningdownwards.Ithasmadementhinkofheaven,insteadofalwaysthinkingofearth,andlivebyfaith,insteadoflivingbysight.Ithasdoneallthisineverypartoftheworld.Itis still all being accomplished.What are the Roman Catholic miracles which weakmenbelieve, compared to all this, even if theywere true?Those are the truly greatmiracleswhichareconstantlybeingworkedbytheWord.

TheBibleappliedtotheheartbytheHolySpirit,is"thechiefmeansbywhichmenarebuiltupandstrengthenedinthefaith,"aftertheirconversion.Itisabletomakethempure,tosanctifythem,totraintheminrighteousness,andtothoroughlyequip themfor every good work. (Psalm 119:9; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Spiritordinarilydoes these thingsby thewrittenWord; sometimesby theWordread,andsometimesby theWordpreached, but seldom, if ever,without theWord.TheBiblecanshowabelieverhowtowalk in thisworldsoas topleaseGod. Itcan teachhimhowtoglorifyChristinalltherelationshipsoflife,andcanmakehimagoodleader,employee,subordinate,husband,father,orson.Itcanenablehimtobearmisfortunesandlosswithoutmurmuring,andsay,"Itiswell."Itcanenablehimtolookdownintothegrave,andsay,"Iwillfearnoevil"(Psalm23:4).Itcanenablehimtothinkaboutjudgment and eternity, and not feel afraid. It can enable him to bear persecutionwithoutflinchingandtogiveuplibertyandliferatherthandenyChrist’struth.

Ishewearyinsoul?Itcanawakenhim.

Ishemourning?Itcancomforthim.

Isheerring?Itcanrestorehim.

Isheweak?Itcanmakehimstrong.

Isheinthecompanyoftheunbeliever?Itcankeephimfromevil.

Ishealone?Itcantalkwithhim.(Psalm6:22).

AllthistheBiblecandoforallbelievers—fortheleastaswellasthegreatest—fortherichestaswellasthepoorest.Ithasdoneitforthousandsalready,andisdoingitforthousandseveryday.

ThemanwhohastheBible,andtheHolySpiritinhisheart,haseverythingwhichisabsolutely necessary tomake him spiritually wise.He needs no priest to break thebreadof life forhim.Heneedsnoancient traditions,nowritingsof theFathers,novoiceoftheChurch,toguidehimintoalltruth.Hehasthewelloftruthopenbeforehim,andwhatmorecanhewant?Yes!thoughhebeshutupaloneinaprison,orcastonadesert island—thoughheneverseesachurch,orministeragain—ifheonlyhastheBible,hehasgottheinfallibleguide,andneedsnoother.IfheonlyhasthewilltoreadthatBibleproperly,itwillcertainlyteachhimtheroadthatleadstoheaven.Itisherealonethatinfallibilityresides.ItisnotintheChurch.ItisnotintheCouncils.Itisnotinministers.ItisonlyinthewrittenWord.

(a) I knowwell thatmany say theyhave foundno savingpower in theBible.

Theytellustheyhavetriedtoreadit,andhavelearnednothingfromit.Theycanseein it nothing but burdensome and abstract things. They ask us what we mean bytalkingofitspower.

Ianswer,thattheBiblenodoubtcontainssomedifficultthings,orelseitwouldnotbethebookofGod.Itcontainsthingshardtocomprehend,butonlyhardbecausewedonothave the understanding ofmind to comprehend them. It contains things aboveour reasoning powers, but nothing that might not be explained if the eyes of ourunderstandingwere not feeble and dim. But is not an acknowledgment of our ownignorance the very cornerstone and foundation of all knowledge? Must not manythingsbetakenforgrantedinthebeginningofeveryscience,beforewecanproceedonesteptowardsacquaintancewithit?Dowenotrequireourchildrentolearnmanythingsofwhichtheycannotseethemeaningatfirst?Andoughtwenotthentoexpecttofind"deepthings"whenwebeginstudyingtheWordofGod,andyettobelievethatifwepersevereinreadingitthemeaningofmanyofthemwillonedaybemadeclear?Nodoubtweoughtso toexpect,andsotobelieve.Wemustreadwithhumility.Wemust takemuch on trust.Wemust believe that what we don’t know now, we willknowlater,somepartinthisworld,andallintheworldtocome.

ButIaskthatmanwhohasgivenupreadingtheBiblebecauseitcontainshardthings,whetherhedidnot findmany things in it easyandplain? Iput it tohis consciencewhetherhedidnotseegreatlandmarksandprinciplesinitallthewaythrough?Iaskhimwhetherthethingsneedfultosalvationdidnotstandoutboldlybeforehiseyes,likelighthouses.Whatshouldwethinkofthecaptainofasteamerwhocame,atnight,

intotheentranceoftheChannel,andclaimedthathedidnotknoweveryparish,andvillage, and creek, along the British coast? Shouldwe not think him a lazy coward,when the lights on the Lizard, and Eddystone, and the Start, and Portland, and St.Catherine’s,andBeachyHead,andDungeness,andtheForelands,wereshiningforthlikesomanylamps,toguidehimuptotheriver?Shouldwenotsay,Whydidyounotsteerbythegreatleadinglights?AndwhatshouldwetosaytothemanwhogivesupreadingtheBiblebecauseitcontainshardthings,whenhisownstate,andthepathtoheaven,andthewaytoserveGod,areallwrittendownclearlyandunmistakably,aswith a sunbeam?Surelyweought to tell thatman that his objections areno betterthanlazyexcuses,anddonotdeservetobeheard.

(b) I knowwell thatmany raise the objection, that thousands read theBibleandarenotabitthebetterfortheirreading.

Andtheyaskus,whenthisisthecase,whatbecomesoftheBible’sboastedpower?

Ianswer,thatthereasonwhysomanyreadtheBiblewithoutanybenefitisplainandsimple—theydonotreaditintherightway.Thereisgenerallyarightwayandawrongwayofdoingeverythingintheworld;andjustasitiswithotherthings,soitisinthematterofreadingtheBible.TheBibleisnotsoentirelydifferentfromallotherbooksastomakeitofnoimportanceinwhatspiritandmanneryoureadit.Itdoesnotdoanygood,asamatterofcourse,bymerelyrunningoureyesovertheprint,anymorethanBaptismandtheLord’sSupperdoanygoodbythemerevirtueofourreceivingthem.Itdoesnotordinarilydoanygood,unless it isreadwithhumilityandearnestprayer.Thebestenginethatwaseverbuiltisuselessifamandoesnotknowhowtooperateit.Thebestsundialthatwaseverconstructedwillnottellitsownerthetimeofdayifheissoignorantastoputitintheshade.Justasitiswiththatengine,andthatsundial,soitiswiththeBible.Whenmenreaditwithoutbenefit,"thefaultisnotintheBook,butinthemselves."

I tell themanwhodoubts thepowerof theBible,becausemany read it, andarenobetterforthereading,thattheabuseofathingisnoargumentagainsttheuseofit.Itellhimboldly,thatneverdidmanorwomanreadthatbookinachildlikeperseveringspirit—like the Ethiopian eunuch, and the Bereans (Acts 8:28; 17:11), andmiss thewaytoheaven.Yes,manywillbeexposedtoshameinthedayofjudgment;buttherewillnotriseuponesoulwhowillbeable tosay, thathewent thirstingto theBible,andfoundinitnolivingwater—hesearchedfortruthintheScriptures,andsearchingdidnotfindit.ThewordswhicharespokenofWisdomintheProverbsarestrictlytrueof theBible: "If you call out for insight and cry aloud forunderstanding, and if youlook for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you willunderstandthefearoftheLORDandfindtheknowledgeofGod"(Proverbs2:3-5).

ThiswonderfulBookisthesubjectaboutwhichIaddressthereadersofthispaperthis

day.Surelyitisnolightmatter"whatyouaredoingwiththeBible."Whatshouldyouthinkof themanwho in timeof choleradespiseda sureprescription forpreservingthe health of his body?Whatmust be thought of you if you despise the only sureprescriptionfortheeverlastinghealthofyoursoul?Ichargeyou,Ientreatyou,togivean honest answer tomy question.What do you dowith theBible?Do you read it?Howdoyoureadit?

VI.Inthesixthplace,"theBibleistheonlystandardbywhichallquestionsofdoctrineorofdutycanbetested."

TheLordGodknowstheweaknessandinfirmitiesofourpoorfallenunderstandings.He knows that, even after conversion, our perceptions of right and wrong areextremelyvague.HeknowshowartfullySatancanoverlayerrorwithanappearanceoftruth, and can dress up wrong with plausible arguments, till it looks like right.Knowing all this,Hehasmercifully provided uswith an unerring standard of truthanderror,rightandwrong,andhastakencaretomakethatstandardawrittenbook—theScripture.

Noonecanlookaroundtheworld,andnotseethewisdomofsuchaprovision.Noonecanlivelong,andnotfindoutthatheisconstantlyinneedofacounselorandadviser—ofaruleoffaithandpractice,onwhichhecandepend.Unlessheliveslikeabeast,withoutasoulandconscience,hewillfindhimselfconstantlyassailedbydifficultandpuzzlingquestions.Hewillbeoftenaskinghimself,Whatmust Ibelieve?andwhatmustIdo?

(a)Theworldisfullofdifficultiesaboutpointsofdoctrine.Thehouseoferrorliesclosealongsidethehouseoftruth.Thedoorofoneissolikethedooroftheotherthatthereiscontinualriskofmistakes.

Does a man read or travel much? He will soon find the most opposite opinionsprevailing among those who are called Christians. He will discover that differentpersonsgivethemostdifferentanswerstotheimportantquestion,WhatmustIdotobesaved?TheRomanCatholic,theProtestant,andtheMormoneachwillassertthathealonehasthetruth.Eachwilltellhimthatsafetyisonlytobefoundinhisparty.Eachsays,"Comewithus."Allthisispuzzling.Whatwillamando?

Doeshesettledownquietlyinsomechurchhereathome?Hewillsoonfindthateveninourownlandthemostconflictingviewsareheld.Hewillsoondiscoverthatthereare serious differences among Christians as to the comparative importance of thevarious parts and articles of the faith. One man thinks of nothing but Churchgovernment—another of nothing but sacraments, services, and forms—a third ofnothingbutpreachingtheGospel.Doesheapplytoministersforasolution?Hewillperhaps find one minister teaching one doctrine, and another another. All this is

puzzling.Whatwillamando?

Thereisonlyoneanswertothisquestion.AmanmustmaketheBiblealonehisrule.HemustreceivenothingandbelievenothingwhichisnotaccordingtotheWord.Hemust try all religious teaching by one simple test—Does it square with the Bible?WhatdoestheScripturesay?

IpraytoGodthattheeyesoftheChristiansofthiscountryweremoreopenonthissubject. Ipray toGodthat theywould learn toweighsermons,books,opinions,andministers, inthescalesoftheBible,andtovalueallaccordingtotheirconformitytotheWord.IpraytoGodthattheywouldseethatitmatterslittlewhosaysathing.Thequestionis—IsthethingsaidScriptural?Ifitis,itoughttobereceivedandbelieved.Ifit is not, it ought to be refused and cast aside. I fear the consequences of thatsubmissiveacceptanceofeverythingwhich"thepreacher"says,whichissocommonamongmanyChristians. I fear lest theybe ledwhere theyknownotwhere, like theblinded Syrians, and awake some day to find themselves in the power of Rome. (2Kings6:20).Oh,thatmenwouldonlyrememberforwhatpurposetheBiblewasgiventothem!

I tellChristians that it isnonsense to say, as somedo, that it is arrogant to judgeaminister’steachingbytheWord.Whenonedoctrineisproclaimedinonechurch,andanotherinanother,peoplemustreadandjudgeforthemselves.Bothdoctrinescannotberight,andbothoughttobetriedbytheWord.Ichargethem,aboveallthings,nevertosupposethatanytrueministerof theGospelwilldislikehispeoplemeasuringallheteachesbytheBible.Onthecontrary,themoretheyreadtheBible,andproveallhesaysbytheBible,thebetterhewillbepleased.Afalseministermaysay,"Youhavenoright to use your private judgment: leave theBible to uswho are ordained."A trueministerwillsay"SearchtheScriptures,andifIdonotteachyouwhatisScriptural,donotbelieveme."Afalseministermaycry,"ListentotheChurch,"and"Listentome."Atrueministerwillsay,"ListentotheWordofGod."

(b)Buttheworldisnotonlyfullofdifficultiesaboutpointsofdoctrine,itisequallyfullofdifficultiesaboutpointsof"practice."

EveryprofessingChristian,whowishestoactconscientiously,mustknowthatitisso.The most puzzling questions are continually arising. He is tried on every side bydoubtsastothelineofduty,andcanoftenhardlyseewhatistherightthingtodo.

Heistriedbyquestionsconnectedwiththemanagementofhis"worldlycalling,"ifheis in business or in trade. He sometimes sees things going on that are of a verydoubtfulcharacter—thingsthatcanhardlybecalledfair,straightforward,truthful,andthings that you would not want done to you. But then everybody in business doesthese things. They have always been done in the most respectable houses. There

wouldbenocarryingonofaprofitablebusiness if theywerenotdone.TheyarenotthingsdistinctlynamedandprohibitedbyGod.Allthisisverypuzzling.Whatisamantodo?

He is tried by questions about worldly amusements. Horse Races, and balls, andoperas,andtheaters,andcardparties,areallverydoubtfulmethodsofspendingtime.But thenhe sees numbers of great people taking part in them.Are all these peoplewrong?Cantherereallybesuchmightyharminthesethings?Allthisisverypuzzling.Whatisamantodo?

Heistriedbyquestionsabouttheeducationofhischildren.Hewishestotrainthemup morally and religiously, and to remember their souls. But he is told by manysensiblepeople, that young personswill be young—that it is not right to check andrestrainthemtoomuch,andthatheoughttoattendshows,andchildren’sparties,andgive children’s balls himself.He is informed that this noble person, or that lady ofrank,alwaysdoesso,andyettheyareconsideredreligiouspeople.Surelyitcannotbewrong.Allthisisverypuzzling.Whatishetodo?

Thereisonlyoneanswertoallthesequestions.AmanmustmaketheBiblehisruleofconduct. He must make its leading principles the compass by which he steers hiscoursethroughlife.BytheletterorspiritoftheBiblehemusttesteverydifficultpointand question. "To the law and to the testimony!What does the Scripture say?"Heoughttocarenothingforwhatotherpeoplemaythinkright.Heoughtnottosethiswatchbytheclockofhisneighbor,butbythewatchoftheWord.

IchargemyreaderssolemnlytoactonthemaximIhavejustlaiddown,andtoadhereto it rigidly all thedays of their lives. Youwill never repent of it.Make it a leadingprinciplenevertoactcontrarytotheWord.Donotcareforthechargeofbeingoverlystrict,andapersonofneedlessprecision.RememberyouserveastrictandholyGod.Donotlistentothecommonobjectionthattheruleyouhavelaiddownisimpossible,andcannotbeobservedinsuchaworldasthis.Letthosewhomakesuchanobjectionspeakoutplainly,andtellusforwhatpurposetheBiblewasgiventoman.LetthemrememberthatbytheBiblewewillallbejudgedatthelastday,andletthemlearntojudge themselvesby it here, lest they be judged and condemnedby it on JudgmentDay.

Thismighty rule of faith and practice is the book aboutwhich I am addressing thereadersofthispaperthisday.Surelyitisnolightmatter"whatyouaredoingwiththeBible." Surely when danger is near on the right hand and on the left, you shouldconsiderwhatyouaredoingwiththesafeguardwhichGodhasprovided.Ichargeyou,I beg you, to give an honest answer to my question.What are you doing with theBible?Doyoureadit?Howdoyoureadit?

VII.Intheseventhplace,"theBibleisthebookwhichalltrueservantsofGodhavealwayslivedbyandloved."

Every living thingwhichGodcreates requires food.The life thatGod impartsneedssustainingandnourishing.Itistruewithanimalandvegetablelife—withbirds,beasts,fishes,reptiles,insects,andplants.Itisequallytruewithspirituallife.WhentheHolySpirit raises aman from the death of sin andmakes him a new creature in ChristJesus, thenewprinciple in thatman’sheart requires food, and theonly foodwhichwillsustainitistheWordofGod.

Thereneverwasamanorwomantrulyconverted, fromoneendof theworldtotheother,whodidnot love therevealedwillofGod.Justasachildborn into theworldnaturallydesires themilkprovided for itsnourishment, sodoesa soul "bornagain"desirethesinceremilkoftheWord.ThisisacommonmarkofallthechildrenofGod—they"delightinthelawoftheLORD"(Psalm1:2).

ShowmeapersonwhodespisesBiblereading,orthinkslittleofBiblepreaching,andIhold it tobea certain fact thathe isnotyet "bornagain."Hemaybe zealousaboutformsandceremonies.Hemaybediligent inattendingchurchandthetakingoftheLord’sSupper.But if these thingsaremoreprecious tohimthantheBible, Icannotbelieve that he is a converted man. Tell me what the Bible is to a man and I willgenerallytellyouwhatheis.Thisisthepulsetotry—thisisthebarometertolookat—ifwewouldknowthestateof theheart. Ihavenonotionof theSpiritdwelling in amanandnotgivingclearevidenceofHispresence.AndIbelieveittobeclearevidenceoftheSpirit’spresencewhentheWordisreallyprecioustoaman’ssoul.

LoveoftheWordisoneofthecharacteristicsweseeinJob.LittleasweknowofthisPatriarchandhisagethis,at least,standsoutclearly.Hesays,"IhavetreasuredthewordsofHismouthmorethanmydailybread"(Job23:12).

LoveoftheWordisashiningfeatureinthecharacterofDavid.Notehowitappearsallthrough thatwonderfulpartofScripture, the 119thPsalm.Hemightwellhave said,"Oh,howIloveyourlaw!"(Psalm119:97).

Loveof theWord is a strikingpoint in the characterofPaul.Whatwereheandhiscompanions but men mighty in the Scriptures? What were his sermons butexpositionsandapplicationsoftheWord?

LoveoftheWordappearspreeminentlyinourLordandSaviorJesusChrist.Hereaditpublicly.Hequoteditcontinually.Heexpoundeditfrequently.HeadvisedtheJewsto"search" it. He used it as His weapon to resist the devil. He said repeatedly, "TheScripturemust be fulfilled." Almost the last thingHe didwas to "open theirminds[Disciples] so they could understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45). I am afraid that

mancannotbeatrueservantofChrist,whohasnotsomethingofhisMaster’smindandfeelingtowardstheBible.

Love of theWord has been a prominent feature in the history of all the saints, ofwhom we know anything, since the days of the Apostles. This is the lamp whichAthanasiusandChrysostomandAugustinefollowed.Thisisthecompasswhichkeptthe Vallenses and Albigenses frommaking shipwreck of the faith. This is the wellwhichwasreopenedbyWycliffeandLuther,afterithadbeenlongstoppedup.ThisistheswordwithwhichLatimer,andJewell,andKnoxwon theirvictories.This is themanna which fed Baxter and Owen, and the noble host of the Puritans, andmadethem strong in battle. This is the armory from whichWhitefield andWesley drewtheir powerful weapons. This is the mine from which Bickersteth and M’Cheynebroughtforthrichgold.

Differingastheseholymendidinsomematters,ononepointtheywereallagreed—theyalldelightedintheWord.

Loveof theWordisoneof thefirst thingsthatappears intheconvertedheathen,atthe variousMissionary stations throughout theworld. Inhot climates and in cold—amongsavagepeopleandamongcivilized—inNewZealand,intheSouthSeaIslands,inAfrica,inHindostan—itisalwaysthesame.Theyenjoyhearingitread.Theylongtobe able to read it themselves. Theywonderwhy Christians did not send it to thembefore.HowstrikingisthepicturewhichMoffatdrawsofAfricaner,thefierceSouthAfrican chieftain, when first brought under the power of theGospel! "Often have Iseen him," he says, under the shadowof a great rock nearly thewhole day, eagerlyperusingthepagesoftheBible."HowtouchingistheexpressionofapoorconvertedBlack,speakingof theBible!Hesaid,"It isneveroldandnevercold."Howaffectingwas the languageofanotheroldBlackman,whensomewouldhavediscouragehimfromlearningtoread,becauseofhisoldage."No!"hesaid,"IwillnevergiveituptillIdie.Itisworthallthelabortobeabletoreadthatoneverse,"GodsolovedtheworldthathegavehisoneandonlySon,thatwhoeverbelievesinhimshallnotperishbuthaveeternallife"(John3:16).

Loveof theBible isoneof thegrandpointsof agreementamongall convertedmenandwomeninourownland.People frommanyEvangelicaldenominationsalluniteinhonoringtheBible,assoonastheyarerealChristians.Thisisthemannawhichallthe tribesofournewIsrael feedupon,and findsatisfying food.This is the fountainaroundwhichallthevariousportionsofChrist’sflockmeettogether,andfromwhichnosheepgoesawaythirsty.

Oh, that believers in this countrywould learn to cleavemore closely to thewrittenWord! Oh, that they would see that themore the Bible, and the Bible only, is thesubstance ofmen’s religion, themore they agree! It is probable thereneverwas an

uninspiredbookmoreuniversallyadmiredthan

Bunyan’s "Pilgrim’s Progress." It is a book which all denominations of Christiansdelighttohonor.Ithaswonpraisefromallparties.Nowwhatastrikingfactitis,thattheauthorwaspreeminentlyamanofonebook!HehadreadhardlyanythingbuttheBible.

Itisablessedthoughtthattherewillbe"manypeople"inheavenintheend.Fewasthe Lord’s people undoubtedly are at any one given time or place, yet all gatheredtogether in the end, they will be "a great multitude that no one could count"(Revelation 7:9; 19:1). They will be of one heart and mind. They will have passedthrough the same experience. They will all have repented, believed, lived holy,prayerful, and humble lives. They will all have washed their robes andmade themwhite in the blood of the Lamb. But one thing besides all this they will have incommon: theywill all love the texts anddoctrines of theBible. TheBiblewill havebeentheirfoodanddelightinthedaysoftheirpilgrimageonearth.AndtheBiblewillbe a common subject of joyful meditation and retrospect, when they are gatheredtogetherinheaven.

ThisBook,whichall trueChristians liveuponand love, is thesubjectaboutwhichIamaddressingthereadersofthispaperthisday.Surelyitisnolightmatterwhatyouare doingwith the Bible. Surely it ismatter for serious inquiry, whether you knowanythingofthisloveoftheWord,andhavethismarkoffollowing"inthetracksofthesheep" (Song of Solomon 1:8). I charge you, I entreat you to give me an honestanswer.WhatareyoudoingwiththeBible?Doyoureadit?Howdoyoureadit?

VIII.Inthelastplace,"theBibleistheonlybookwhichcancomfortamaninthelasthoursofhislife."

Deathisaneventwhichinallprobabilityisbeforeusall.Thereisnoavoidingit.Itistheriverwhicheachofusmustcross.Iwhowrite,andyouwhoread,havetodieoneday.Itisgoodtorememberthis.Weareallsadlyapttoputawaythesubjectfromus."Eachman thinks eachmanmortal buthimself." Iwant everyone todohisduty inlife,butIalsowanteveryonetothinkofdeath.IwanteveryonetoknowhowtolivebutIalsowanteveryonetoknowhowtodie.

Death is a solemn event to everyone. It is the winding up of all earthly plans andexpectations. It is a separation from all we have loved and live with. It is oftenaccompaniedbymuchbodilypainanddistress.Itbringsustothegrave,themaggot,andcorruption.Itopensthedoortojudgmentandeternity—toheavenortohell.Itisaneventafterwhichthereisnochange,orspaceforrepentance.Othermistakesmaybecorrectedorretrieved,butnotamistakeonourdeathbeds.Asthetreefalls,thereitmustlie.Noconversioninthecoffin!Nonewbirthafterwehaveceasedtobreathe!

Anddeathisbeforeusall.Itmaybecloseathand.Thetimeofourdepartureisquiteuncertain. But sooner or later we must each lie down alone and die. All these areseriousconsiderations.

DeathisasolemneventeventothebelieverinChrist.Forhimnodoubtthe"stingofdeath" is takenaway. (1Corinthians15:55).Deathhasbecomeoneofhis privileges,forheisChrist’sLivingordying,heistheLord’s.Ifhelives,Christlivesinhim;andifhe dies, he goes to live with Christ. To him, "to live is Christ and to die is gain"(Philippians 1:21). Death frees him frommany trials—from a weak body, a corruptheart,atemptingdevil,andanensnaringorpersecutingworld.Deathadmitshimtothe enjoyment of many blessings. He rests from his labors—the hope of a joyfulresurrectionischangedintoacertainty:hehasthecompanyofholyredeemedspirits—he is "withChrist." All this is true, and yet, even to a believer, death is a solemnthing.Fleshandbloodnaturallyshrinkfromit.Topartfromallwelove,isastrainandtrial to the feelings. Theworldwe go to is aworld unknown, even though it is ourhome.Friendlyandharmlessasdeathistoabeliever,itisnotaneventtobetreatedlightly.Itmustalwaysbeaverysolemnthing.

Itisgoodforeverythoughtfulandsensiblemantoconsidercalmlyhowheisgoingtomeetdeath.Bestrong,likeaman,andlookthesubjectintheface.ListentomewhileItellyouafewthingsabouttheendtowhichwearecomingto.

Thegoodthingsoftheworldcannotcomfortamanwhenhedrawsneardeath.Allthegold of California and Australia will not provide light for the dark valley of death.Moneycanbuythebestmedicaladviceandattendanceforaman’sbody;butmoneycannotbuypeaceforhisconscience,heart,andsoul.

Relatives, lovers, friends and coworkers cannot comfort amanwhenhe drawsneardeath.Theymayminister affectionately tohisbodilywants.Theymaywatchbyhisbedside tenderly, and anticipate his every wish. They may smooth down his dyingpillow, and support his sinking frame in their arms. But they cannot "minister to aminddiseased."Theycannotstoptheachingsofatroubledheart.TheycannotscreenanuneasyconsciencefromtheeyeofGod.

The pleasures of the world cannot comfort a man when he draws near death. Thebrilliant ballroom—themerry dance—themidnight frolic-the party at the races—thecard table—theboxat theopera—thevoicesof singingmenand singingwomen—allthese are finally distasteful things. To hear of hunting and shooting engagementsgiveshimnopleasure.Tobeinvitedtofeasts,andregattas,andfancyfairs,giveshimnoease.Hecannothidefromhimselfthatthesearehollow,empty,powerlessthings.They are noise to the ear of his conscience. They are out of harmony with hiscondition.Theycannot stoponegap inhisheart,when the last enemy is coming inlikeaflood.TheycannotmakehimcalmintheprospectofmeetingaholyGod.

Books andnewspapers cannot comfort amanwhenhedrawsnear death.Themostbrilliantwritings of Dickens will be gloom to his ear. The most able article in theTimeswillfailtointeresthim.TheEdinburghandQuarterlyReviewswillgivehimnopleasure. The Illustrated News, and the latest new novel, will lie unopened andunheeded.Theirtimewillbepast.Theircallingwillbegone.Whatevertheymaybeinhealth,theyareuselessinthehourofdeath.

Thereisbutonefountainofcomfortforamandrawingneartohisend,andthatistheBible.ChaptersoutoftheBible—textsoutoftheBible—statementsoftruthtakenoutof theBible—bookscontainingmatterdrawnfromtheBible—theseareaman’sonlychanceofcomfortwhenhecomestodie.IdonotsaythattheBiblewilldogood,asamatterofcourse,toadyingman,ifhehasnotvalueditbefore.Iknow,unhappily,toomuchofdeath-beds tosay that. Idonotsaywhether it isprobable thathewho hasbeen unbelieving and neglectful of the Bible in life, will at once believe and getcomfortfromitindeath.ButIdosaypositively,thatnodyingmanwillevergetrealcomfort, except from the contents of theWord of God. All comfort from any othersourceisahousebuiltuponsand.

Ilaythisdownasaruleofuniversalapplication.Imakenoexceptioninfavorofanyclass on earth. Kings and poor men, learned and unlearned—all are equal in thismatter.Thereisnotabitofrealconsolationforanydyingman,unlesshegetsitfromthe Bible. Chapters, passages, texts, promises, and doctrines of Scripture heard,received,believed,andrestedon—thesearetheonlycomfortersIdarepromisetoanyone,whenheleavestheworld.Takingcommunionwilldoamannomoregoodthanthe Roman Catholic sacrament of "extreme unction," so long as the Word is notreceivedandbelieved.TheRomanCatholicPriest’sabsolutionwillnomoreeasetheconsciencethantheincantationsofaheathenmagician,ifthepoordyingsinnerdoesnotreceiveandbelieveBibletruth.Itelleveryonewhoreadsthispaper,thatalthoughmenmayseemtogetoncomfortablywithout theBiblewhile they live, theymaybesure thatwithout theBible they cannot comfortablydie. Itwasa true confessionofthelearnedSelden,"ThereisnobookuponwhichwecanrestinadyingmomentbuttheBible."

ImighteasilyconfirmallIhavejustsaid,byexamplesandillustrations.ImightshowyouthedeathbedsofmenwhohavedespisedtheBible.ImighttellyouhowVoltaireand Paine, the famous atheists died inmisery, bitterness, rage, fear, and despair. ImightshowyouthehappydeathbedsofthosewhohavelovedtheBibleandbelievedit,andtheblessedeffectthesightoftheirdeathbedshadonothers.Cecil,aministerwhose praise ought to be in all churches, says, "I will never forget standing by thebedside ofmydyingmother. ‘Are you afraid to die?’ I asked. ‘No!’ she replied. ‘Butwhy does the uncertainty of another state give you no concern?’ ‘Because God hassaid, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you passthroughtherivers,theywillnotsweepoveryou’"(Isaiah43:2).Imighteasilymultiply

illustrationsof thiskind.ButI think itbetter toconclude thispartofmysubjectbygivingtheresultofmyownobservationsasaminister.

Ihaveseenmanydyingpersons inmy time. Ihaveseengreatvarietiesof characterand behavior among them. I have seen some die bad-tempered, silent, andcomfortless. I have seen others die ignorant, unconcerned, and apparently withoutmuch fear. I have seen some die so wearied out with a long illness that they werequitewillingtodepart,andyettheydidnotseemtomeatallinafitstatetogobeforeGod.IhaveseenothersdiewithprofessionsofhopeandtrustinGod,withoutleavingsatisfactory evidences that they were on the rock. I have seen others die who, Ibelieve,were"inChrist,"andsafe,andyettheyneverseemedtoenjoymuchtangiblecomfort. I have a few dying in the full assurance of hope, and like Bunyan’s"Standfast," givingglorious testimony toChrist’s faithfulness, even in the river.Butone thingIhaveneverseen. Inever sawanyoneenjoywhat Iwouldcall real, solid,calm,reasonablepeaceonhisdeathbed,whodidnotdrawhispeace fromtheBible.And this I am bold to say, that themanwho thinks to go to his deathbed withouthaving the Bible for his comforter, his companion, and his friend, is one of thegreatestmadmenintheworld.TherearenocomfortsforthesoulbutBiblecomforts,and hewho does not have a hold of these, does not have a hold of anything at all,unlessitbeabrokenreed.

Theonly comforter for adeathbed is thebookaboutwhich I address the readersofthis paper this day. Surely it is no lightmatter whether you read that book or not.Surely adyingman, in adyingworld, should seriously considerwhetherhehas gotanythingtocomforthimwhenhisturncomestodie.Ichargeyou,Ientreatyou,forthelasttime,togiveanhonestanswertomyquestion.WhatareyoudoingwiththeBible?Doyoureadit?Howdoyoureadit?

IhavenowgiventhereasonswhyIpressoneveryreaderthedutyandimportanceofreadingtheBible.IhaveshownthatnobookiswritteninsuchamannerastheBible,

—thatknowledgeoftheBibleisabsolutelynecessarytosalvation

—thatnobookcontainssuchmatter

—thatnobookhasdonesomuchfortheworldgenerally

—thatnobookcandosomuchforeveryonewhoreadsit

—thatthisBookistheonlyruleoffaithandpractice

—thatitis,andalwayshasbeen,thefoodofalltrueservantsofGod

—andthatitistheonlyBookwhichcancomfortmenwhentheydie.

Alltheseareancientthings.Idonotpretendtotellanythingnew.Ihaveonlygatheredtogetheroldtruths,andtriedtomoldthemintoanewshape.Letmefinisheverythingbyaddressingafewplainwordstotheconscienceofeverygroupofreaders.

(1)Thispapermayfallintothehandsofsomewho"canread,butneverdoreadtheBibleatall."

Areyouoneofthem?Ifyouare,Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou.Icannotcomfortyouinyourpresentstateofmind.Itwouldbemockeryanddeceittodoso.Icannotspeaktoyouofpeaceandheaven,whileyoutreattheBibleasyoudo.Youareindangeroflosingyoursoul.

Youareindanger,because"yourneglectedBibleisplainevidencethatyoudonotloveGod."Thehealthofaman’sbodymaygenerallybeknownbyhisappetite.Thehealthofaman’ssoulmaybeknownbyhistreatmentoftheBible.Nowyouaremanifestlylivingwithaseriousdisease.Willyounotrepent?

IknowIcannotreachyourheart.Icannotmakeyouseeandfeelthesethings.IcanonlyentermysolemnprotestagainstyourpresenttreatmentoftheBible,andlaythatprotestbeforeyourconscience. Idosowithallmysoul.Oh,beware lestyourepenttoolate!BewarelestyouputoffreadingtheBibletillyousendforthedoctorinyourlastillness,andthenfindtheBibleasealedbook,anddark,asthecloudbetweenthehostsofIsraelandEgypt,toyouranxioussoul!Bewarelestyougoonsayingallyourlife,"MengetalongverywellwithoutallthisBible-reading"andfindintime,toyourcost, thatmenwithout theBibledoverypoorly,andendup inhell!Beware lest thedaycomewhenyouwillfeel,"HadIbuthonoredtheBibleasmuchasIhavehonoredthenewspaper,Ishouldnothavebeen leftwithoutcomfort inmylasthours!"Bibleneglectingreader,Igiveyouaplainwarning.Judgmentisoutsideyourdoorreadytocomeinanddestroyyou.TheLordhavemercyuponyoursoul!

(2)Thispapermayfallintothehandsofsomeonewhois"willingtobeginreadingtheBible,butwantsadviceonhowtobegin."

Areyouthatman?Listentome,andIwillgiveafewshorthints.

(a)Foronething,"beginreadingyourBiblethisveryday."

Thewaytodoathingistodoit,andthewaytoreadtheBibleisactuallytoreadit.Itisnotmeaning,orwishing,orresolving,orintending,orthinkingaboutit,whichwillnot advance you one step. Youmust positively read. There is no royal road in thismatter,anymorethaninthematterofprayer.Ifyoucannotreadyourself,youmustpersuadesomebodyelsetoreadtoyou.Butonewayoranother,througheyesorears,thewordsofScripturemustactuallypassbeforeyourmind.

(b)Foranotherthing"readtheBiblewithanearnestdesiretounderstandit."

Donotthinkforamomentthatthegreatobject is toturnoveracertainquantityofprinted paper, and that itmatters nothingwhether you understand it or not. Someignorantpeopleseemtofancythatallisdoneiftheyreadsomanychapterseveryday,thoughtheymaynothavean ideawhat theyareall about,andonlyknow that theyhavepushedon theirbookmark somanypages.This is turningBible-reading into amereform.ItisalmostasbadastheRomancatholichabitofbuyingindulgences,bysaying an almost incrediblenumber of "HailMary’s" and "Our Fathers." Settle it inyourmindasageneralprinciple, thataBiblenotunderstood isaBible thatdoesnogood.Saytoyourselfoftenasyouread,"Whatisallthisabout?"Digforthemeaninglikeanmandiggingforgold.Workhard,anddonotgiveuptheworkinahurry.

(c)Foranotherthing,"readtheBiblewithchildlikefaithandhumility."

Open your heart as you open your book, and say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant islistening."Resolvetobelieveimplicitlywhateveryoufindthere,howevermuchitmayrun counter to your own prejudices. Resolve to receive heartily every statement oftruth,whetheryoulikeitornot.

BewareofthatmiserablehabitofmindintowhichsomereadersoftheBiblefall.Theyreceive some doctrines because they like them: they reject others because they arecondemning to themselves, or to some lover, or relation, or friend. At this rate theBible isuseless.Arewe tobe judgesofwhatought tobe in theWord?Doweknowbetter thanGod?Settle it in yourmind that youwill receive everything andbelieveeverything,andthatwhatyoucannotunderstandyouwill takeon trust.Remember,whenyoupray,youarespeakingtoGodandGodhearsyou.But,remember,whenyouread,Godisspeakingtoyou,andyouarenotto"talkback"buttolisten.

(d)Foranotherthing,"readtheBibleinaspiritofobedienceandself-application.

Sitdowntothestudyitwithadailydeterminationthat"you"willlivebyitrules,reston its statements, and act on its commands. Consider, as you travel through everychapter,"Howdoesthisaffect"my"-viewandcourseofconduct?Whatdoesthisteach"me?" It is improper to read the Bible from mere curiosity, and for speculativepurposes, in order to fill your head and yourmindwith opinions,while you do notallow thebook to influenceyourheartand life.ThatBible is readbestwhich is putintopracticeinourdailylives.

(e)Foranotherthing,"readtheBibleeveryday."

Makeitapartofeveryday’sbusinesstoreadandmeditateonsomeportionofGod’sWord.Privatemeansofgracearejustasneedfuleverydayforoursoulsasfoodandclothing are for our bodies. Yesterday’s meal will not feed the worker today, and

today’s meal will not feed the worker tomorrow. Do as the Israelites did in thewilderness.Gather yourmanna fresh everymorning. Choose your own periods andhours.Donothurryyourreading.GiveyourBiblethebestandnottheworstpartofyourtime.Butwhateverplanyoupursue,letitbearuleofyourlifetovisitthethroneofgraceandtheBibleeveryday.

(f)Foranotherthing,"readalltheBible,andreaditinanorderlyway."

IfeartherearemanypartsoftheWordwhichsomepeopleneverreadatall.Thisisavery arrogant habit. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching" (2Timothy 3:16). To this habit may be traced that want of broad, well-proportionedviews of truth, which is so common in this day. Some people’s Bible-reading is asystemofperpetualdippingandpicking.Theydonotseemtohaveanideaofregularlygoing through the whole book. This is also a great mistake. No doubt in times ofsickness and affliction it is allowable to search out seasonable portions. But thisexception,IbelieveitisbyfarthebestplantobegintheOldandNewTestamentsatthesametime,toreadeachstraightthroughtotheend,andthenbeginagain.Thisisamatter inwhicheveryonemustbepersuaded inhisownmind. I canonly say ithasbeenmyownplanfornearlyfortyyears,andIhaveneverseencausetoalterit.

(g)Foranotherthing,"readtheBiblefairlyandhonestly."

Determine to take everything in its plain, obvious meaning, and regard all forcedinterpretationswithgreatsuspicion.Asageneral rule,whateveraverseof theBibleseems tomean, it doesmean. Cecil’s rule is a very valuable one, "The rightway ofinterpretingScriptureistotakeitaswefindit,withoutanyattempttoforceitintoanyparticular system." Well said Hooker, "I hold it for a most infallible rule in theexpositionofScripture,thatwhentheliteralconstructionwillstand,thefurthestfromtheliteraliscommonlytheworst."

(h)Inthelastplace,"readtheBiblewithChristcontinuallyinview."

TheprimaryobjectofallScriptureistotestifyaboutJesus:

OldTestamentceremoniesareshadowsofChrist.

OldTestamentjudgesanddeliverersaretypesofChrist.

OldTestamenthistoryshowstheworld’sneedofChrist.

OldTestamentpropheciesarefullofChrist’ssufferings.

OldTestamentpropheciesarefullofChrist’sgloryyettocome.

Thefirstcomingandthesecond.

TheLord’shumiliation.

TheLord’skingdom.

TheLord’scrossandcrown.

AlltheseshinefortheverywhereintheBible.Rememberthisclue,ifyouwouldreadtheBibleright.

Imighteasilyadd to thesehints, if spacepermitted.Fewandshortas theyare,youwill find them worth your attention. Act upon them, and I firmly believe you willneverbeallowed tomiss theway toheaven.Actupon them, andyouwill find lightcontinuallyincreasinginyourmind.NobookofevidencecanbecomparedwiththatinternalevidencewhichheobtainswhodailyusestheWordintherightway.Suchamandoesnotneedthebooksoflearnedmen—hehasthewitnessinhimself.Thebooksatisfiesandfeedshissoul.ApoorChristianwomanoncesaidtoanunbeliever,"Iamnoscholar.Icannotarguelikeyou.ButIknowthathoneyishoney,becauseitleavesasweettasteinmymouth.AndIknowtheBibletobeGod’sbook,becauseofthetasteitleavesinmyheart."

(3)Thispapermayfallintothehandsofsomeonewho"lovesandbelievestheBible,andyetreadsitonlyalittle."

Ifeartherearemanysuchpeopleinthisday.Itisadayofhustleandhurry.Itisadayoftalking,andcommitteemeetings,andpublicwork.Thesethingsareallverywellintheirway,butIfearthattheysometimesclipandcutshorttheprivatereadingoftheBible.DoesyourconsciencetellyouthatyouareoneofthepersonsIspeakof?Listentome,andIwillsayafewthingswhichdeserveyourseriousattention.

Youare theman that is likely to "get little comfort fromtheBible in timeofneed."Trialscomeatvarioustimes.Afflictionisasearchingwind,whichstripstheleavesoffthe trees, and exposes the birds’ nests. Now I fear that your stores of Bibleconsolationsmayonedayrunverylow.Ifearlestyoushouldfindyourselfatlastonveryshortallowance,andcomeintotheharborweak,wornandthin.

You are theman that is likely "never to be established in the truth." I will not besurprised tohear that you are troubledwithdoubts andquestions about assurance,grace, faith,perseverance,and the like.Thedevil isanoldandcunningenemy.LiketheBenjamites,hecan"slingastoneatahairandnotmiss"(Judges20:16).Hecanquote Scripture easily enoughwhen he pleases. Now you are not sufficiently readywithyourweaponstobeabletofightagoodfightwithhim.Yourarmordoesnotfitwell.Yourswordsitslooselyinyourhand.

Youarethemanthatislikelyto"makemistakesinlife."IwillnotwonderifIamtoldthatyouhaveerredaboutyourownmarriage—erredaboutyourchildren’seducationof spiritual things—erred about the conduct of your household—erred about thecompanyyoukeep.Theworldyousteerthroughis fullofrocks,andreefs,andsandbars.Youarenotsufficientlyfamiliareitherwiththesearchlightsoryourcharts.

Youarethemanthatislikelyto"becarriedawaybysomedeceptivefalseteacherforatime." Itwill not surpriseme if those clever, eloquentmen,who can "make the lieappear to be the truth," is leading you into many foolish notions. You are out ofbalance.Nowonderifyouaretossedtoandfrom,likeacorkonthewaves.

All theseareuncomfortablethings.Iwanteveryreaderofthispapertoescapethemall.TaketheadviceIofferyouthisday.DonotmerelyreadyourBible"a little,"butreaditagreatdeal."LetthewordofChristdwellinyourichly"(Colossians3:16).Donot be amere babe in spiritual knowledge. Seek to become "well instructed in thekingdom of heaven," and to be continually adding new things to old. A religion offeelingisanuncertainthing.Itislikethetide,sometimeshigh,andsometimeslow.Itis like the moon, sometimes bright, and sometimes dim. A religion of deep Bibleknowledge,isafirmandlastingpossession.Itenablesamannotmerelytosay,"IfeelhopeinChrist,"but"IknowwhomIhavebelieved"(2Timothy1:12).

(4)Thispapermayfallintothehandsofsomeonewho"readstheBiblealot,andyetbelievesheisnobetterbecauseofhisreading."

Thisisacraftytemptationofthedevil.Atonestagehesays,"donotreadtheBibleatall." At another he says, "Your reading does you no good: give it up." Are you thatman?Ifeelforyoufromthebottomofmysoul.Letmetrytodoyougood.

DonotthinkyouaregettingnogoodfromtheBible,merelybecauseyoudonotseethatgooddaybyday.Thegreatesteffectsareoftensilent,quiet,andhardtodetectatthetimetheyarebeingproduced.Thinkoftheinfluenceofthemoonupontheearth,andoftheairuponthehumanlungs.

Rememberhowsilentlythedewfalls,andhowunperceptivelythegrassgrows.TheremaybefarmoregoingonthanyouthinkinyoursoulbyyourBible-reading.

TheWordmaybegraduallyproducingdeep"impressions"onyourheart,ofwhichyouarenotpresentlyaware.Oftenwhenthememoryisretainingnofacts,thecharacterofa man is receiving some everlasting impression. Is sin becoming every year morehateful to you? IsChrist becoming every yearmoreprecious? Isholinessbecomingeveryyearmorelovelyanddesirableinyoureyes?Ifthesethingsareso,takecourage.TheBibleisdoingyougood,thoughyoumaynotbeabletotraceitoutdaybyday.

TheBiblemay be restraining you from some sin or delusion intowhich youwouldotherwiserun.Itmaybedailykeepingyouback,andhedgingyouup,andpreventingmanyafalsestep.Yes,youmightsoonfindthisouttoyourhurt,ifyouweretoceasereadingtheWord!Theveryfamiliarityofblessingssometimesmakesusinsensibletotheirvalue.Resistthedevil.Settleitinyourmindasanestablishedrule,that,whetheryoufeelitatthemomentornot,youareinhalingspiritualhealthbyreadingtheBible,andunknowinglybecomingmorestrong.

(5)Thispapermayfallintothehandsofsomewho"reallylovetheBible,liveupontheBible,andreaditregularly."

Areyouoneofthese?Givemeyourattention,andIwillmentionafewthingswhichwewilldowelltolaytoheartfortimetocome.

Letusresolveto"readtheBiblemoreandmore"everyyearwelive.Letustrytogetitrooted in our memories, an engraved into our hearts. Let us be thoroughly wellprovisionedwith itagainst thevoyageofdeath.Whoknowsbutwemayhaveaverystormypassage?Sightandhearingmayfailus,andwemaybeindeepwaters.Oh,tohavetheWord"hidinourhearts"insuchanhourasthat!(Psalm119:11).

Letusresolvetobe"morewatchfuloverourBible-reading"everyyearthatwelive.Letusbejealouslycarefulaboutthetimewegivetoit,andthemannerthattimeisspent.Let us beware of omitting our daily readingwithout sufficient cause. Let us not begaping, and yawning and dozing over our book, while we read. Let us read like aLondon merchant studying the city article in the Times—or like a wife reading ahusband’s letter from a distant land. Let us be very careful thatwe never exalt anyminister,orsermon,orbook,ortract,orfriendabovetheWord.Cursedbethatbook,ortract,orhumancounsel,whichcreeps inbetweenusandtheBible,andhidestheBiblefromoureyes!OncemoreIsay, letusbeverywatchful.ThemomentweopentheBiblethedevilsitsdownbyourside.Oh,toreadwithahungryspirit,andasimpledesireforedification!

Letusresolveto"honortheBiblemore inour families."Letusread itmorningandeveningtoourchildrenandspouses,andnotbeashamedtoletmenseethatwedoso.Let us not be discouraged by seeing no good arise from it. The Bible-reading in afamilyhaskeptmanyaonefromthejailandtheprison,andfromtheeternalfiresofhell.

Letusresolveto"meditatemoreontheBible."Itisgoodtotakewithustwoorthreetextswhenwe go out into theworld, and to turn themover and over in ourmindswheneverwehavealittleleisure.Itkeepsoutmanyvainthoughts.Ittightensthenailofdailyreading.Itpreservesoursoulsfromstagnatingandbreedingcorruptthings.It

sanctifiesandquickensourmemories,andpreventsthembecominglikethosepondswherethefrogslivebutthefishdie.

Letusresolveto"talkmoretobelieversabouttheBible"whenwemeetthem.Sorrytosay, the conversation of Christians,when they domeet, is often sadly unprofitable!Howmany frivolous,and trifling,anduncharitable thingsare said!Letusbring outtheBiblemore,anditwillhelptodrivethedevilaway,andkeepourhearts intune.Oh,thatwemayallstrivesotowalktogetherinthisevilworld,thatJesusmayoftendrawnear,andgowithus,asHewentwiththetwodisciplesjourneyingtoEmmaus!

Lastofall,lotusresolve"tolivebytheBiblemoreandmore"everyyearwelive.Letus frequently take account of all our opinions and practices—of our habits andtempers—of our behavior in public and in private—in the world, and in our ownhomes.LetusmeasureeverythingbytheBible,andresolve,byGod’shelp,toconformtoit.Ohthatwemaylearnincreasinglyto"keepourwaypure?BylivingaccordingtotheWord."(Psalm119:9).

I commend all these thing to the serious and prayerful attention of every one intowhose hands this papermay fall. Iwant theministers ofmy beloved country to beBible-reading ministers—the congregations, Bible-reading congregations—and thenation,aBible-readingnation.TobringaboutthisdesirableendIcastinmyresourcesintoGod’streasury.TheLordgrantthatitmayprovenottohavebeeninvain!

WhatThinkYouoftheCross?

"Farbeitfrommetoboast,exceptinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist,throughwhichtheworldhasbeencrucifiedtome,andItotheworld."Galatians6:14

WhatdowethinkandfeelaboutthecrossofChrist?WeliveinaChristianland.WeprobablyattendtheworshipofaChristianchurch.Wehave,mostofus,beenbaptizedinthenameofChrist.WeprofessandcallourselvesChristians.All this iswell—it ismorethancanbesaidofmillionsintheworld.ButwhatdowethinkandfeelaboutthecrossofChrist?

IwanttoexaminewhatoneofthegreatestChristianswhoeverlived,thoughtofthecrossofChrist.Hehaswrittendownhisopinion—hehasgivenhisjudgmentinwordsthat cannotbemistaken.Theman Imean is theApostlePaul.Theplacewhereyouwillfindhisopinion,isintheletterwhichtheHolySpiritinspiredhimtowritetotheGalatians.Thewordsinwhichhisjudgmentissetdown,arethese,"Butfarbeitfrommetoboast,exceptinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist."

NowwhatdidPaulmeanbysayingthis?Hemeanttodeclarestrongly,thathetrustedinnothingbut"JesusChristcrucified"forthepardonofhissinsandthesalvationofhissoul.Letothers,iftheywould,lookelsewhereforsalvation;letothers,iftheyweresodisposed, trust inother things forpardonandpeace—forhispart theapostlewasdetermined to rest on nothing, lean on nothing, build his hope on nothing, placeconfidenceinnothing,boastinnothing,"exceptinthecrossofJesusChrist."

Iwishtosaysomethingabout"thecross"tothereadersof thisvolume.Believeme,thesubjectisoneofthedeepestimportance.Thisisnomerequestionofcontroversy.It is not one of those points on which people may agree to differ, and feel thatdifferenceswillnotshutthemoutofheaven.Amanmustberightonthissubject,orhe is lost forever. Heaven or hell, happiness or misery, life or death, blessing orcursinginthelastday—allhingesontheanswertothisquestion,"WhatdoyouthinkaboutthecrossofChrist?"

I.Letmeshowyou,firstofall,whattheApostlePauldidNOTboastin.

TherearemanythingsthatPaulmighthaveboastedin,ifhehadthoughtassomedointhisday.Ifevertherewasoneonearthwhohadsomethingtoboastofinhimself,thatmanwasthegreatapostleoftheGentiles.Nowifhedidnotdaretoboast,whoshall?

Heneverboastedinhisnationalprivileges.HewasaJewbybirth,and,ashetellsushimself,"AHebrewoftheHebrews."(Phil.3:5.)Hemighthavesaid,likemanyofhis brethren, "I have Abraham for my forefather I am not a dark unenlightenedheathen;IamoneofthefavoredpeopleofGod—IhavebeenadmittedintocovenantwithGodbycircumcision.Iamafarbettermanthanthe ignorantGentiles."Butheneversaidso.Heneverboastedinanythingofthiskind.Never,foronemoment!

Heneverboastedinhisownworks.NoneeverworkedsohardforGodashedid.Hewas"moreabundantinlabors"thananyoftheapostles.(2Cor.11:23.)Nomaneverpreached so much, traveled so much, and endured so many hardships for Christ'scause.Nonewasevermadethemeansofconvertingsomanysouls,didsomuchgoodtotheworld,andmadehimselfsousefultomankind.NoFatheroftheearlyChurch,noReformer,noPuritan,noMissionary,nominister,nolayman—noonemancouldeverbenamed,whodidsomanygoodworksastheApostlePaul.Butdidheeverboastin them, as if they were in the least meritorious, and could save his soul? Never!Neverforonemoment!

Heneverboastedinhisknowledge.Hewasamanofgreatgiftsnaturally,and,afterhe was converted, the Holy Spirit gave him greater gifts still. He was a mightypreacher,andamightyspeaker,andaweightywriter.Hewasasgreatwithhispenas

he was with his tongue. He could reason equally well with Jews and Gentiles. Hecould argue with infidels at Corinth, or Pharisees at Jerusalem, or self-righteouspeople inGalatia.Heknewmanydeepthings.Hehadbeen in thethirdheaven,and"heardunspeakablewords."(2Cor.12:4.)Hehadreceivedthespiritofprophecy,andcouldforetellthingsyettocome.Butdidheeverboastinhisknowledge,asifitcouldjustifyhimbeforeGod?Never—never!Neverforonemoment!

Heneverboastedinhisgraces.Ifevertherewasonewhoaboundedingraces,thatmanwasPaul.Hewasfulloflove.Howtenderlyandaffectionatelyheusedtowrite!Hecouldfeelforsouls likeamotheroranursefeelingforherchild.Hewasaboldman.Hecarednotwhomheopposedwhentruthwasatstake.Hecarednotwhatrisksheranwhensoulsweretobewon.Hewasaself-denyingman—inhungerandthirstoften, incoldandnakedness, inwatchingsandfastings.Hewasahumbleman.Hethought himself less than the least of all saints, and the chief of sinners.Hewas aprayerfulman.Seehow it comesoutat thebeginningofallhisEpistles.Hewasathankfulman.His thanksgivingsandhisprayerswalkedsidebyside.Butheneverboastedinallthis,nevervaluedhimselfonit—neverrestedhissoul'shopesonit.Oh,no—neverforamoment!

HeneverboastedinhisChurchmanship.IfevertherewasagoodChurchman,thatmanwasPaul.Hewashimselfachosenapostle.Hewasafounderofchurches,andanordainer of ministers—Timothy and Titus, and many elders, received their firstcommissionfromhishands.Hewasthebeginnerofservicesandsacramentsinmanyadarkplace.Manyanonedidhebaptize;manyanonedidhe receive to the Lord'sTable;manyameeting forprayer,andpraise,andpreaching,didhebeginandcarryon.HewasthesetterupofdisciplineinmanyayoungChurch.Whateverordinances,andrules,andceremonieswereobservedinmanyChurches,werefirstrecommendedbyhim.ButdidheeverboastinhisofficeandChurchstanding?DoesheeverspeakasifhisChurchmanshipwouldsavehim, justifyhim,putawayhissins,andmakehimacceptablebeforeGod?Oh,no!Never—never!Neverforamoment!

Now if the apostle Paul never boasted in any of these things, who in all theworld,fromone end to the other—whohas any right to boast in them in our day? If Paulsaid,"GodforbidthatIshouldboastinanythingwhateverexceptthecross,"whoshalldaretosay,"Ihavesomethingtoboastof—IamabettermanthanPaul"?

Whoisthereamongthereadersofthispaperthattrustsinanygoodnessofhisown?Who is there that is resting on his own amendments—his own morality—his ownchurchmanship—his own works and performances of any kind whatever? Who isthere that is leaning theweightofhis soulonanythingwhateverofhisown, in thesmallestpossibledegree?Learn,Isay,thatyouareveryunliketheapostlePaul.Learnthatyourreligionisnotapostolicreligion.

Whoisthereamongthereadersofthispaperthattrustsinhisreligiousprofessionforsalvation?Who is there that is valuinghimself onhisbaptism,orhis attendanceattheLord'stable—hischurch-goingonSundays,orhisdailyservicesduringtheweek—andsayingtohimself,"WhatmoredoIlack?"Learn,Isay,thisday,thatyouareveryunlike Paul. Your Christianity is not the Christianity of the New Testament. Paulwouldnotboastinanythingbut"thecross."Neitheroughtyou.

Oh, let us beware of self-righteousness! Open sin kills its thousands ofsouls. Self-righteousness kills its tens of thousands!Go and study humilitywith thegreat apostleof theGentiles.Goand sitwithPaul at the foot of the cross.Give up your secret pride. Cast away your vain ideas of your own goodness. Bethankful if you have grace—but never boast in it for amoment.Work for God andChrist,withheartandsoulandmindandstrength—butneverdreamforasecondofplacingconfidenceinanyworkofyourown.

Think,youwhotakecomfortinsomefanciedideasofyourowngoodness—think,youwhowrapupyourselves in thenotion,"allmustberight, if Ikeep tomyChurch,"—think for a moment what a sandy foundation you are building upon! Think howmiserablydefectiveyourhopesandpleaswilllookinthehourofdeath,andinthedayof judgment!Whateverpeoplemaysayof theirowngoodnesswhile theyare strongand healthy, they will find but little to say of it when they are sick and dying.Whatevermerittheymayseeintheirownworkshereinthisworld,theywilldiscovernoneinthemwhentheystandbeforethetribunalofChrist.Thelightofthatgreatdayofjudgementwillmakeawonderfuldifferenceintheappearanceofalltheirdoings.Itwill stripoff the tinsel, shrivelup the complexion, expose the rottenness ofmany adeedthatisnowcalledgood.Theirwheatwillprovenothingbutchaff—theirgoldwillbe foundnothingbutdross.Millions of so-called 'goodworks'will turn out to havebeen utterly defective and graceless. They passed current, and were valued amongmen—theywillprovelightandworthlessinthebalanceofGod.Theywillbefoundtohavebeenlikethewhitenedsepulchersofold—fairandbeautifulontheoutside—butfullofcorruptionontheinside.Alas,forthemanwhocanlookforwardtothedayofjudgment,andleanhissoulinthesmallestdegreeonanythingofhisownnow!

"Howsoeverpeoplewhen they sit at ease,dovainly tickle their ownheartswith thewanton conceit of I know not what proportionable correspondence between theirmeritsandtheirrewards,which in the tranceof theirhighspeculations, theydreamthat God has measured and laid up as it were in bundles for them—we seenotwithstandingbydailyexperienceinanumberevenofthem,thatwhenthehourofdeathapproaches,whentheysecretlyhearthemselvessummonedtoappearandstandat the bar of that Judge, whose brightness causes the eyes of angels themselves todazzle,all those idle imaginationsdo thenbegin tohide their faces.Tonamemeritsthenistolaytheirsoulsupontherack.Thememoryoftheirowndeedsisloathsomeuntothem.Theyforsakeallthingswhereintheyhaveputanytrustandconfidence.No

staff to lean upon, no rest, no ease, no comfort then—but only in ChristJesus."—RichardHooker.1585.

OncemoreIsay,letusbewareofself-righteousnessineverypossibleshapeandform.Somepeoplegetasmuchharmfromtheirfanciedvirtuesasothersdofromtheirsins.Restnot,restnotuntilyourheartbeatsintunewithPaul's.Restnotuntilyoucansaywithhim,"farbeitfrommetoboast,exceptinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist!"

II.Letmeexplain,inthesecondplace,whatwearetounderstandby"thecrossofChrist."

The'cross'isanexpressionthatisusedinmorethanonemeaningintheBible.Whatdid Paulmean when he said, "I boast in the cross of Christ," in the Epistle to theGalatians?ThisisthepointInowwishtoexaminecloselyandmakeclear.

Thecrosssometimesmeansthatwoodencross,onwhichtheLordJesusChristwasnailedandputtodeathonCalvary.ThisiswhatPaulhadinhismind'seye,whenhetold thePhilippians thatChrist "becameobedientuntodeath, even thedeathof thecross."(Phil.2:8.)ThisisnotthecrossinwhichPaulboasted.Hewouldhaveshrunkwithhorror from the idea of boasting in amere piece ofwood. I have no doubt hewould have denounced the Roman Catholic adoration of the crucifix, as profane,blasphemous,andidolatrous.

The cross sometimes means the afflictions and trialswhich believers in Christhavetogothrough,iftheyfollowChristfaithfully,fortheirreligion'ssake.ThisisthesenseinwhichourLordusesthewordwhenHesays,"HewhotakesnothiscrossandfollowsafterMe,cannotbemydisciple." (Matt. 10:38.)Thisalso isnot thesense inwhichPaulusesthewordwhenhewritestotheGalatians.Heknewthatcrosswell—hecarrieditpatiently.Butheisnotspeakingofithere.

But the cross also means, in some places, the doctrine that Christ died forsinnersuponthecross—theatonementthatHemadeforsinners,byHissufferingforthemonthecross—thecompleteandperfectsacrificeforsinwhichHeofferedup,whenHegaveHisownbodytobecrucified.Inshort,thisoneword,"thecross,"standsfor Christ crucified, the only Savior. This is the meaning in which Paul uses theexpression,whenhetellstheCorinthians,"thepreachingofthecrossistothosewhoperish foolishness." (1 Cor. 1:18.) This is the meaning in which he wrote to theGalatians, "God forbid that Ishouldboast,except in thecross."Hesimplymeant, "IboastinnothingbutChristcrucified,asthesalvationofmysoul."

"By the cross of Christ the Apostle understands the all-sufficient, expiatory, andsatisfactorysacrificeofChristuponthecross,withthewholeworkofourredemption;

inthesavingknowledgeofwhereofheprofesseshewillgloryandboasts."—CudworthonGalatians.1613.

"Touching these words, I do not find that any expositor, either ancient ormodern,Popish,orProtestant,writingonthisplace,doesexpoundthecrossherementionedofthe signof the cross—butof theprofessionof faith inHimwhowashangedon thecross."—Mayer'sCommentary.1631.

"ThisisrathertobeunderstoodofthecrosswhichChristsufferedforus,thanofthatwesufferforHim."—Leigh'sAnnotations.1650.

JesusChristcrucifiedwasthejoyanddelight,thecomfortandthepeace,thehopeandtheconfidence,thefoundationandtheresting-place,thearkandtherefuge,thefoodandthemedicineofPaul'ssoul.Hedidnot thinkofwhathehaddonehimself, andsuffered himself. He did not meditate on his own goodness, and his ownrighteousness.HelovedtothinkofwhatChristhaddone,andChristhadsuffered—ofthedeathofChrist,therighteousnessofChrist,theatonementofChrist,thebloodofChrist,thefinishedworkofChrist.Inthishedidboast.Thiswasthesunofhissoul.

Thisisthesubjecthelovedtopreachabout.Hewasamanwhowenttoandfroon the earth, proclaiming to sinners that the Son of God had shedHis own heart'sbloodtosavetheirsouls.HewalkedupanddowntheworldtellingpeoplethatJesusChristhadlovedthem,anddiedfortheirsinsuponthecross.MarkhowhesaystotheCorinthians, "I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how thatChristdiedforoursins."(1Cor.15:3.)"IdeterminednottoknowanythingamongyouexceptJesusChrist,andHimcrucified."(1Cor.2:2.)He,ablaspheming,persecutingPharisee,hadbeenwashedinChrist'sblood.Hecouldnotholdhispeaceaboutit.Hewasneverwearyoftellingthestoryofthecross.

Thisisthesubjecthelovedtodwelluponwhenhewrotetobelievers. It iswonderfultoobservehowfullhisepistlesgenerallyareofthesufferingsanddeathofChrist—how they runoverwith "thoughts that breathe andwords that burn," aboutChrist'sdying loveandpower.Hisheart seems fullof the subject.Heenlargeson itconstantly—hereturnsto itcontinually. It is thegoldenthreadthatrunsthroughallhis doctrinal teaching and practical exhortations. He seems to think that the mostadvancedChristiancanneverheartoomuchaboutthecross.

"ChristcrucifiedisthesumoftheGospel,andcontainsalltherichesofit.PaulwassomuchtakenwithChrist,thatnothingsweeterthanJesuscoulddropfromhispenandlips. It is observed that he has the word "Jesus" five hundred times in hisEpistles."—Charnock.1684.

Thisiswhatheliveduponallhislife, fromthe timeofhisconversion.Hetells

theGalatians,"ThelifethatInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgaveHimself forme."(Galat.2:20.)Whatmadehimsostrongtolabor? What made him so willing to work? What made him so unwearied inendeavoringtosavesome?Whatmadehimsoperseveringandpatient?Iwilltellyouthesecretofitall.HewasalwaysfeedingbyfaithonChrist'sbodyandChrist'sblood.Jesuscrucifiedwasthefoodanddrinkofhissoul.

AndwemayrestassuredthatPaulwasright.Dependuponit,thecrossofChrist—the death of Christ on the cross to make atonement for sinners—is thecenter truth in thewholeBible. This is the truthwe beginwithwhenwe openGenesis. The seed of the woman bruising the serpent's head is nothing else but aprophecy of Christ crucified. This is the truth that shines out, though veiled, allthroughthelawofMoses,andthehistoryoftheJews.Thedailysacrifice,thepassoverlamb, the continual shedding of blood in the tabernacle and temple, all these wereemblems of Christ crucified. This is the truth thatwe see honored in the vision ofheavenbeforeweclosethebookofRevelation."Inthemidstofthethroneandofthefourbeasts,"wearetold,"andinthemidstoftheelders,stoodaLambasithadbeenslain."(Rev.5:6.)EveninthemidstofheavenlyglorywegetaviewofChristcrucified.Take away the cross of Christ, and the Bible is a dark book. It is like the Egyptianhieroglyphicswithoutthekeythatinterpretstheirmeaning—curiousandwonderful—butofnorealuse.

LeteveryreaderofthispapermarkwhatIsay.YoumayknowagooddealabouttheBible. Youmay know the outlines of the histories it contains, and the dates of theevents described, just as a man knows the history of England. You may know thenamesofthemenandwomenmentionedinit,justasamanknowsCaesar,AlexandertheGreat,orNapoleon.Youmayknowtheseveralpreceptsof theBible,andadmirethem,justasamanadmiresPlato,Aristotle,orSeneca.Butifyouhavenotyetfoundout thatChrist crucified is the foundationof thewholevolume, youhave readyourBible hitherto to very little profit. Your religion is a heavenwithout a sun, an archwithoutakey-stone,acompasswithoutaneedle,aclockwithoutspringorweights,alampwithoutoil.Itwillnotcomfortyou.Itwillnotdeliveryoursoulfromhell.

Markwhat I say again. Youmay know a good deal about Christ, by a kind of headknowledge.YoumayknowwhoHewas,andwhereHewasborn,andwhatHedid.Youmay knowHismiracles,His sayings,His prophecies, andHis ordinances. YoumayknowhowHelived,andhowHesuffered,andhowHedied.ButunlessyouknowthepowerofChrist'scrossbyexperience—unlessyouknowandfeelwithinthatthebloodshedonthatcrosshaswashedawayyourownparticularsins—unlessyouarewillingtoconfessthatyoursalvationdependsentirelyontheworkthatChristdiduponthecross—unless this be the case, Christ will profit you nothing. The mere knowingChrist'snamewillnever saveyou.YoumustknowHis cross, andHisblood,or elseyouwilldieinyoursins.

"Ifour faithstops inChrist's life,anddoesnot fastenuponHisblood, itwillnotbejustifying faith. His miracles, which prepared the world for His doctrines; Hisholiness,whichfittedHimselfforHissufferings,hadbeeninsufficientforuswithouttheadditionofthecross."Charnock.1684.

Aslongasyoulive,bewareofareligioninwhichthereisnotmuchofthecross.Youlive in times when the warning is sadly needful. Beware, I say again, of a religionwithoutthecross.

There are hundreds of places of worship, in this day, in which there is everythingalmost except the cross. There is carved oak, and sculptured stone; there is stainedglass, and brilliant painting; there are solemn services, and a constant round ofordinances;buttherealcrossofChristisnotthere.Jesuscrucifiedisnotproclaimedin thepulpit.TheLambofGod isnot liftedup,andsalvationby faith inHim isnotfreelyproclaimed.Andhencealliswrong.Bewareofsuchplacesofworship.Theyarenotapostolic.TheywouldnothavesatisfiedPaul.

"PauldeterminedtoknownothingelsebutJesusChristandHimcrucified.Butmanymanagetheministryasiftheyhadtakenupacontrarydetermination—eventoknowanythingexceptJesusChristandHimcrucified."—Traill.1690.

There are thousands of religious books published in our times, in which there iseverythingexceptthecross.Theyarefullofdirectionsaboutsacraments,andpraisesof the Church. They abound in exhortations about holy living, and rules for theattainment of perfection. They have plenty of fonts and crosses, both inside andoutside.ButtherealcrossofChristisleftout.TheSavior,andHisworkofatonementand complete salvation, are either notmentioned, ormentioned in an unscripturalway. And hence they are worse than useless. Beware of such books. They are notapostolic.TheywouldneverhavesatisfiedPaul.

Paulboastedinnothingbutthecross.Strivetobe likehim.SetJesuscrucified fullybefore the eyes of your soul. Listen not to any teaching which would interposeanythingbetweenyouandHim.DonotfallintotheoldGalatianerror—thinknotthatanyoneinthisdayisabetterguidethantheapostles.Donotbeashamedofthe"oldpaths,"inwhichmenwalkedwhowereinspiredbytheHolySpirit.Letnotthevaguetalkofmodernteachers,whospeakgreatswellingwordsabout"catholicity,"and"thechurch,"disturbyourpeace,andmakeyoulooseyourhandsfromthecross.Churches,ministers, and sacraments, are all useful in their way—but they are not Christcrucified.DonotgiveChrist'shonortoanother."Hewhoboasts,lethimboastintheLord."(1Cor.1:1.)

III.Let me show, lastly,why all Christians ought to boast in the cross ofChrist.

IfeelthatImustsaysomethingonthispoint,becauseoftheignorancethatprevailsaboutit.IsuspectthatmanyseenopeculiargloryandbeautyinthesubjectofChrist'scross.Onthecontrary,theythinkitpainful,humbling,anddegrading.Theydonotseemuchprofit in the storyofHisdeathand sufferings.They rather turn from it asanunpleasantthing.

NowIbelievethatsuchpeoplearequitewrong.Icannotholdwiththem.Ibelieveitisanexcellent thing forusall tobecontinuallydwellingon thecrossofChrist. It isagood thing to be often reminded how Jesuswas betrayed into the hands of wickedmen—howtheycondemnedHimwithmostunjustjudgment—howtheyspitonHim,scourgedHim,beatHim,andcrownedHimwiththorns—howtheyledHimforthasalambtotheslaughter,withoutHismurmuringorresisting—howtheydrovethenailsthroughHis hands and feet, and setHim up on Calvary between two thieves—howtheypiercedHissidewithaspear,mockedHiminHissufferings,and letHimhangthere naked and bleeding until He died. Of all these things, I say, it is good to bereminded.ItisnotfornothingthatthecrucifixionisdescribedfourtimesoverintheNewTestament.ThereareveryfewthingsthatallfourwritersoftheGospeldescribe.Generally speaking, if Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell a thing in our Lord's history,Johndoesnot tell it.But there isone thing thatall the fourgiveusmost fully, andthatonethingisthestoryofthecross.Thisisatellingfact,andnottobeoverlooked.

People seem to forget that all Christ's sufferings on the cross were fore-ordained.TheydidnotcomeonHimbychanceoraccident—theywereallplanned,counseled, and determined from all eternity. The cross was foreseen in all theprovisionsof the everlastingTrinity for the salvation of sinners. In the purposes ofGodthecrosswassetup fromeverlasting.Notone throbofpaindidJesus feel,notonepreciousdropof blooddid Jesus shed,whichhadnot been appointed long ago.Infinite wisdom planned that redemption should be by the cross. Infinite wisdombroughtJesustothecrossinduetime.Hewascrucified"bythedeterminatecounselandforeknowledgeofGod."(Acts2:23.)

PeopleseemtoforgetthatallChrist'ssufferingsonthecrosswerenecessaryforman'ssalvation.Hehadtobearoursins, if ever theywere tobeborneatall.WithHisstripesalonecouldwebehealed.ThiswastheonepaymentofourdebtthatGodwouldaccept—thiswasthegreatsacrificeonwhichoureternallifedepended.IfChrist had not gone to the cross and suffered in our stead, the just for the unjust,therewouldnothavebeena sparkofhope forus.Therewouldhavebeen amightygulfbetweenourselvesandGod,whichnomanevercouldhavepassed.

"InChrist'shumiliationstandsourexaltation;inHisweaknessstandsourstrength;inHisignominyourglory;inHisdeathourlife."—Cudworth.1613.

"Theeyeof faithregardsChristsittingonthesummitof thecrossas ina triumphal

chariot; thedevilboundtothe lowestpartof thesamecross,andtroddenunder thefeetofChrist."—DavenantonColossians.1627.

PeopleseemtoforgetthatallChrist'ssufferingswereenduredvoluntarily,andofHisownfreewill.Hewasundernocompulsion.OfHisownchoiceHe laiddownHislife—ofHisownchoiceHewenttothecrossinordertofinishtheworkHecametodo.Hemighteasilyhave summoned legionsofangelswithaword,andscatteredPilateandHerod,andalltheirarmies,likechaffbeforethewind.ButHewasawillingsufferer.His heart was set on the salvation of sinners.Hewas resolved to open "afountainforallsinanduncleanness,"bysheddingHisownblood.(Zech.13:1.)

WhenIthinkofallthis,IseenothingpainfulordisagreeableinthesubjectofChrist'scross.Onthecontrary,Iseeinitwisdomandpower,peaceandhope,joyandgladness,comfort and consolation. The more I keep the cross in my mind's eye, the morefullnessIseemtodiscern in it.The longer Idwellon thecross inmy thoughts, themore I am satisfied that there ismore tobe learnedat the footof the crossthananywhereelseintheworld.

(a)WouldIknowthelengthandbreadthofGodtheFather'slovetowardsasinfulworld?WhereshallIseeitmostdisplayed?ShallIlookatHisglorioussun,shiningdowndailyontheunthankfulandevil?ShallIlookatseed-timeandharvest,returninginregularyearlysuccession?Oh,no!Icanfindastrongerproofoflovethananything of this sort. I look at the cross of Christ. I see in it not the cause of theFather'slove—buttheeffect.ThereIseethatGodsolovedthiswickedworld,thatHegaveHis only begotten Son—gaveHim to suffer and die—that "whoever believes inHim should not perish—but have eternal life." (John 3:16.) I know that the Fatherloves us, because He did not withhold from us His Son, His only Son. I mightsometimesfancythatGodtheFatheristoohighandholytocareforsuchmiserable,corruptcreaturesasweare!ButIcannot,mustnot,darenotthinkit,whenIlookatthecrossofChrist.

"Theworldweliveinwouldhavefallenuponourheads,haditnotbeenupheldbythepillarofthecross;hadnotChriststeppedinandpromisedasatisfactionforthesinofman.Bythisallthingsconsist—notablessingweenjoybutmayputusinmindofit;theywereallforfeitedbysin—butmeritedbyHisblood.IfwestudyitwellweshallbesensiblehowGodhatedsinandlovedaworld."—Charnock.

(b)Would I know how exceedingly sinful and abominable sin is in thesight ofGod?Where shall I see that most fully brought out? Shall I turn to thehistoryoftheflood,andreadhowsindrownedtheworld?Shall Igo to theshoreoftheDeadSea,andmarkwhat sinbroughtonSodomandGomorrah?Shall I turn tothewandering Jews, and observe how sin has scattered them over the face of theearth?No!Icanfindaclearerproofstill!IlookatthecrossofChrist.ThereIseethat

sinissoblackanddamnable,thatnothingbutthebloodofGod'sownSoncanwashitaway.ThereIseethatsinhassoseparatedmefrommyholyMaker,thatalltheangelsinheavencouldneverhavemadepeacebetweenus.Nothingcouldreconcileus,shortof the death of Christ. If I listened to the wretched talk of proud people, I mightsometimesfancysinwasnotsoverysinful!ButIcannotthinklittleofsin,whenIlookatthecrossofChrist.

(c)WouldIknowthefullnessandcompletenessofthesalvationGodhasprovidedforsinners?WhereshallIseeitmostdistinctly?ShallIgotothegeneraldeclarationsintheBibleaboutGod'smercy?Shall I rest in thegeneral truth thatGod is a "Godoflove"?Oh,no!IwilllookatthecrossofChrist.Ifindnoevidencelikethat.Ifindnobalmforasoreconscienceandatroubledheart,likethesightofJesusdyingformeontheaccursedtree.ThereIseethatafullpaymenthasbeenmadeforallmyenormousdebts.Thecurseof that lawwhichIhavebrokenhascomedownonOnewhotheresuffered inmy stead. The demands of that law are all satisfied. Payment has beenmadeforme,eventotheuttermostfarthing.Itwillnotberequiredtwiceover.Ah,Imight sometimes imagine I was too bad to be forgiven! My own heart sometimeswhispersthatIamtoowickedtobesaved.ButIknowinmybettermomentsthisisallmyfoolishunbelief.IreadananswertomydoubtsinthebloodshedonCalvary.Ifeelsure that there is away to heaven for the very vilest of people, when I look at thecross.

(d)WouldIfindstrongreasonsforbeingaholyman?WhereshallIturnforthem?ShallIlistentothetencommandmentsmerely?ShallIstudytheexamplesgivenmeintheBibleofwhatgracecando?ShallImeditateontherewardsofheaven,andthepunishmentsofhell?Istherenostrongermotivestill?Yes!IwilllookatthecrossofChrist!There I see the love ofChrist constrainingme to "livenot untomyself—butuntoHim."ThereIseethatIamnotmyownnow—Iam"boughtwithaprice."(2Cor.5:15; 1Cor.6:20.) I amboundby themost solemnobligations to glorify Jesuswithbodyandspirit,whichareHis.ThereIseethatJesusgaveHimselfforme,notonlytoredeemmefromalliniquity—butalsotopurifyme,andtomakemeoneofa"peculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks."(Titus2:14.)HeboremysinsinHisownbodyonthetree,"thatIbeingdeaduntosinshouldliveuntorighteousness."(1Pet.2:24.)ThereisnothingsosanctifyingasaclearviewofthecrossofChrist!Itcrucifiestheworlduntous,andusuntotheworld.Howcanwelovesin,whenwerememberthatbecauseofoursinsJesusdied?SurelynoneoughttobesoholyasthedisciplesofacrucifiedLord.

(e)WouldIlearnhowtobecontentedandcheerfulunderallthecaresandconcernsof life?What school shall I go to?Howshall I attain this state ofmindmosteasily?ShallIlookatthesovereigntyofGod,thewisdomofGod,theprovidenceofGod,the loveofGod?It iswell todoso.ButIhaveabetterargumentstill. IwilllookatthecrossofChrist.Ifeelthat"HewhosparednotHisonly-begottenSon—but

deliveredHimuptodieforme,willsurelywithHimgivemeallthings"thatIreallyneed.(Rom.8:32.)Hewhoenduredsuchagony,sufferings,andpainformysoul,willsurelynotwithholdfrommeanythingthatisreallygood.Hewhohasdonethegreaterthingsforme,willdoubtlessdothelesserthingsalso.HewhogaveHisownbloodtoprocuremeahome inheaven,will unquestionably supplymewith all that is reallyprofitableformebytheway.Thereisnoschoolforlearningcontentmentthatcanbecomparedwiththefootofthecross!

(f)WouldIgatherargumentsforhopingthatIshallneverbecastaway?WhereshallIgotofind them?Shall I lookatmyowngracesandgifts?Shall I takecomfortinmyownfaith,andlove,andpenitence,andzeal,andprayer?ShallIturntomyownheart, and say, "this sameheartwillneverbe falseandcold"?Oh,no! Godforbid!IwilllookatthecrossofChrist.Thisismygrandargument.Thisismymainstay.IcannotthinkthatHewhowentthroughsuchsufferingstoredeemmysoul,willletthatsoulperishafterall,whenithasoncecastitselfonHim.Oh,no!whatJesuspaidfor,Jesuswillsurelykeep.Hepaiddearlyforit.Hewillnot let iteasilybelost.HecalledmetoHimselfwhenIwasadarksinner—HewillneverforsakemeafterIhavebelieved.When Satan tempts us to doubtwhetherChrist's peoplewill be keptfromfalling,weshouldtellSatantolookatthecross.

"Thebelieverissofreedfrometernalwrath,thatifSatanandconsciencesay,'Youareasinner,andunderthecurseofthelaw,'hecansay,'Itistrue,Iamasinner;butIwashangedonatreeanddied,andwasmadeacurseinmyHeadandLawgiverChrist,andHis payment and suffering is my payment and suffering.'"—Rutherford's ChristDying.1647.

Andnow,willyoumarvel that IsaidallChristiansought toboast in thecross?Willyounotratherwonderthatanycanhearofthecrossandremainunmoved?IdeclareIknowno greater proof ofman's depravity, than the fact that thousands of so-calledChristiansseenothinginthecross.Wellmayourheartsbecalledstony—wellmaytheeyesofourmindbecalledblind—wellmayourwholenaturebecalleddiseased—wellmaywe all be called dead, when the cross of Christ is heard of and yet neglected.Surelywemay takeup thewordsof theprophet,andsay, "Hear,Oheavens, andbeastonishedOearth;anastoundingandahorriblethingisdone,"—Christwascrucifiedforsinners,andyetmanyChristiansliveasifHewasnevercrucifiedatall!

(a) The cross is the grand peculiarity of the Christian religion.Otherreligions have laws and moral precepts, forms and ceremonies, rewards andpunishments.Butotherreligionscannot tellusofadyingSavior.Theycannotshowus thecross.This is the crownandglory of theGospel.This is that special comfortwhichbelongstoitalone.MiserableindeedisthatreligiousteachingwhichcallsitselfChristian,andyetcontainsnothingofthecross.Amanwhoteachesinthisway,mightaswellprofesstoexplainthesolarsystem,andyettellhishearersnothingaboutthe

sun.

(b)Thecrossisthestrengthofaminister.Iforonewouldnotbewithoutitforall theworld.Ishouldfeel likeasoldierwithoutweapons—likeanartistwithouthisbrush—likeapilotwithouthiscompass—likealaborerwithouthistools.Letothers,iftheywill,preachthelawandmorality;letothersholdforththeterrorsofhell,andthejoys of heaven; let others drench their congregations with teachings about thesacramentsandthechurch;givemethecrossofChrist!This is theonly leverwhichhaseverturnedtheworldupsidedownhitherto,andmadepeopleforsaketheirsins.Andifthiswillnot,nothingwill.AmanmaybeginpreachingwithaperfectknowledgeofLatin,Greek,andHebrew;buthewilldolittleornogoodamonghishearersunlessheknowssomethingof thecross.Neverwas thereaministerwhodidmuch for theconversionofsoulswhodidnotdwellmuchonChristcrucified.Luther,Rutherford,Whitefield, M'Cheyne, were all most eminently preachers of the cross. This is thepreaching that theHolySpiritdelights tobless.He loves tohonor thosewhohonorthecross.

(c)Thecrossisthesecretofallmissionarysuccess.Nothingbutthishasevermovedtheheartsof theheathen.Justaccordingas thishasbeen liftedupmissionshaveprospered.Thisistheweaponwhichhaswonvictoriesoverheartsofeverykind,in every quarter of the globe. Greenlanders, Africans, South-Sea Islanders, Hindus,Chinese, all have alike felt its power. Just as that huge iron tubewhich crosses theMenai Straits, ismore affected and bent by half-an-hour's sunshine than by all thedead weight that can be placed in it, so in likemanner the hearts of savages havemeltedbeforethecross,wheneveryotherargumentseemedtomovethemnomorethan stones. "Brethren," said aNorth-American Indian after his conversion, "I havebeen a heathen. I know how heathens think. Once a preacher came and began toexplaintousthattherewasaGod;butwetoldhimtoreturntotheplacefromwhencehecame.Anotherpreachercameandtoldusnottolie,norsteal,nordrink;butwedidnotheedhim.Atlastanothercameintomyhutonedayandsaid,'IamcometoyouinthenameoftheLordofheavenandearth,HesendstoletyouknowthatHewillmakeyouhappy,anddeliveryoufrommisery.ForthisendHebecameaman,gaveHislifearansom,andshedHisbloodforsinners.'Icouldnotforgethiswords.I toldthemtothe other Indians, and an awakening began among us." I say, therefore, preach thesufferings and death of Christ, our Savior, if youwish yourwords to gain entranceamong the heathen.Never indeed did the devil triumph so thoroughly, aswhen hepersuadedtheJesuitmissionariesinChinatokeepbackthestoryofthecross!

(d)ThecrossisthefoundationofaChurch'sprosperity.NoChurchwilleverbehonored inwhich Christ crucified is not continually lifted up—nothingwhatevercanmakeupforthelackofthecross.Withoutitallthingsmaybedonedecentlyandin order; without it there may be splendid ceremonies, beautiful music, gorgeouschurches, learned ministers, crowded communion tables, huge collections for the

poor.Butwithoutthecrossnogoodwillbedone;darkheartswillnotbeenlightened,proud hearts will not be humbled,mourning hearts will not be comforted, faintinghearts will not be cheered. Sermons about the Church and an apostolic ministry—sermons about baptism and the Lord's supper—sermons about unity and schism—sermons about fasts and communion—sermons about fathers and saints—suchsermons will nevermake up for the absence of sermons about the cross of Christ.They may amuse some—they will feed none. A gorgeous banqueting room, andsplendidgoldplateonthe table,willnevermakeuptoahungrymanfor the lackoffood.ChristcrucifiedisGod'sordinancefordoinggoodtopeople.WheneveraChurchkeepsbackChrist crucified,orputsanythingwhatever in that foremostplacewhichChristcrucifiedshouldalwayshave,fromthatmomentaChurchceasestobeuseful.WithoutChristcrucifiedinherpulpits,achurchislittlebetterthanacumbereroftheground,adeadcarcase,awellwithoutwater,abarrenfigtree,asleepingwatchman,asilent trumpet, a speechless witness, an ambassador without terms of peace, amessenger without tidings, a lighthouse without fire, a stumbling-block to weakbelievers, a comfort to infidels, a hot-bed for formalism, a joy to the devil, and anoffencetoGod.

(e) The cross is the grand center of union among true Christians. Ouroutwarddifferencesaremany,withoutdoubt.OnemanisanEpiscopalian,anotherisaPresbyterian—oneisanIndependent,anotheraBaptist—oneisaCalvinist,anotheran Arminian—one is a Lutheran, another a Plymouth Brother—one is a friend toEstablishments,anotherafriendtothevoluntarysystem—oneisafriendtoliturgies,anotherafriendtoextemporeprayer.But,afterall,whatshallwehearaboutmostofthese differences, in heaven? Nothing, most probably—nothing at all.Does a manreally and sincerely boast in the cross of Christ? That is the grand question. If hedoes,heismybrother—wearetravelingonthesameroad;wearejourneyingtowardsahomewhereChristisall,andeverythingoutwardinreligionwillbeforgotten.Butifhedoesnotboast in thecrossofChrist, I cannot feel comfortabouthim.Uniononoutward points only, is union only for a time—union about the cross is union foreternity.Erroronoutwardpointsisonlyaskin-deepdisease—erroraboutthecrossisdiseaseattheheart.Unionaboutoutwardpoints isamereman-madeunion—unionaboutthecrossofChristcanonlybeproducedbytheHolySpirit.

Iknownotwhatyouthinkofallthis.IfeelasifIhadsaidnothingcomparedtowhatmightbesaid.IfeelasifthehalfofwhatIdesiretotellyouaboutthecrosswereleftuntold.ButIdohopethatIhavegivenyousomethingtothinkabout.IdotrustthatIhave shown you that I have reason for the questionwithwhich I began this paper,"Whatdoyou thinkand feelabout thecrossofChrist?"Listen tomenow fora fewmoments,whileIsaysomethingtoAPPLYthewholesubjecttoyourconscience.

(a)Areyoulivinginanykindofsin?Areyoufollowingthecourseofthisworld,andneglectingyoursoul?Hear,Ibeseechyou,whatIsaytoyouthisday,"Beholdthe

Cross of Christ." See there how Jesus loved you! See there what Jesus suffered toprepareforyouawayofsalvation.Yes—carelessmenandwomen,foryouthatbloodwas shed!For you thosehands and feetwerepiercedwithnails! For you that bodyhunginagonyonthecross!YouarethosewhomJesusloved,andforwhomHedied!Surelythatloveoughttomeltyou.Surelythethoughtofthecrossshoulddrawyoutorepentance.Oh,thatitmightbesothisveryday!Oh,thatyouwouldcomeatoncetothatSaviorwhodied foryou,and iswilling to save!Come,andcry toHimwith theprayeroffaith,andIknowthatHewilllisten.Come,andlayholduponthecross,andIknowthatHewillnotcastyouout.Come,andbelieveonHimwhodiedonthecross,andthisverydayyoushallhaveeternallife.Howwillyoueverescapeifyouneglectsogreatsalvation?Nonesurelywillbesodeepinhellasthosewhodespisethecross!

(b)Areyouinquiringthewaytowardheaven?Areyouseekingsalvation—butdoubtfulwhetheryoucanfindit?AreyoudesiringtohaveaninterestinChrist—butdoubtingwhetherChristwillreceiveyou?ToyoualsoIsaythisday,"BeholdthecrossofChrist."Hereisencouragement ifyoureallywant it.Drawnear to theLordJesuswithboldness,fornothingneedkeepyouback.Hisarmsareopentoreceiveyou—Hisheartisfulloflovetowardsyou.HehasmadeawaybywhichyoumayapproachHimwithconfidence.Thinkofthecross.Drawnear,andfearnot.

(c)Areyouanunlearnedman?Areyoudesiroustogettoheaven,andperplexedandbroughttoastand-stillbydifficulties intheBiblewhichyoucannotexplain?ToyoualsoIsaythisday,"BeholdthecrossofChrist."ReadtheretheFather'sloveandtheSon's compassion.Surely theyarewritten ingreatplain letters,whichnone canwellmistake.Whatthoughyouarenowperplexedbythedoctrineofelection?Whatthough at present you cannot reconcile your own utter corruption and your ownresponsibility?Look, I say, at the cross.Doesnot that cross tell you that Jesus is amighty,loving,readySavior?Doesitnotmakeonethingplain,andthatisthatitisallyourownfaultifyouarenotsaved?Oh,getholdofthattruth,andholditfast!

(d)Areyouadistressedbeliever?Isyourheartpresseddownwithsickness,triedwithdisappointments,overburdenedwith cares?Toyoualso I say thisday, "Beholdthe crossofChrist."Thinkwhosehand it is that chastensyou; thinkwhosehand ismeasuringtoyouthecupofbitternesswhichyouarenowdrinking.ItisthehandofHimwhowascrucified!Itisthesamehandwhichinlovetoyoursoulwasnailedtothe accursed tree. Surely that thought should comfort and hearten you. Surely youshouldsaytoyourself,"AcrucifiedSaviorwillneverlayuponmeanythingthatisnotformygood.Thereisaneedsbe.Itmustbewell."

(e)Areyouabelieverthatlongstobemoreholy?Areyouonethat findshishearttooreadytoloveearthlythings?ToyoualsoIsay,"BeholdthecrossofChrist."Lookatthecross,thinkofthecross,meditateonthecross,andthengoandsetyour

affectionsontheworldifyoucan.Ibelievethatholinessisnowherelearnedsowellason Calvary. I believe you cannot look much at the cross without feeling your willsanctified, and your tastes made more spiritual. As the sun gazed upon makeseverythingelselookdarkanddim,sodoesthecrossdarkenthefalsesplendorofthisworld.Ashoneytastedmakesallotherthingsseemtohavenotasteatall,sodoesthecrossseenbyfaithtakeall thesweetnessoutof thepleasuresof theworld.KeeponeverydaysteadilylookingatthecrossofChrist,andyouwillsoonsayoftheworld,asthepoetdoes—

Itspleasuresnownolongerplease,Nomorecontentafford;Farfrommyheartbejoyslikethese,NowIhaveseentheLord.

AsbythelightofopeningdayThestarsareallconcealed,SoearthlypleasuresfadeawayWhenJesusisrevealed.

(f)Areyouadyingbeliever?Haveyougone to thatbed fromwhich somethingwithintellsyouyouwillnevercomedownalive?Areyoudrawingneartothatsolemnhour,whensoulandbodymustpartforaseason,andyoumustlaunchintoaworldunknown?Oh, look steadilyat the crossofChristby faith, andyou shall be kept inpeace! Fix the eyes of yourmind firmly, not on aman-made crucifix—but on Jesuscrucified,andHeshalldeliveryoufromallyourfears.Thoughyouwalkthroughdarkplaces,Hewillbewithyou.Hewillneverleaveyou—neverforsakeyou.Situndertheshadowofthecrosstotheverylast,anditsfruitshallbesweettoyourtaste."Ah,"saidadyingmissionary,"thereisbutonethingneedfulonadeath-bed,andthatistofeelone'sarmsaroundthecross!"

Ilaythesethoughtsbeforeyourmind.WhatyouthinknowaboutthecrossofChrist,Icannottell.ButIcanwishyounothingbetterthanthis—thatyoumaybeabletosaywiththeApostlePaul,beforeyoudieormeettheLord,"GodforbidthatIshouldboast—exceptinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist!

HaveYouAssurance?

BeingThoughtson2Tim.4:6-8

"Grace with assurance is no less than heaven let down into the soul." - BishopHopkins.1680.

"ForI amnow ready tobeoffered, and the timeofmydeparture is athand. I havefoughtagoodfight,Ihavefinishedmycourse,Ihavekeptthefaith:Henceforththereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord,therighteousjudge,shallgive me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love hisappearing."(2Tim.4:6-8)

READER,

InthewordsofScripture,whichheadthispage,youseetheApostlePaullookingthreeways: downward, backward, forward.Downward to the grave,—backward to his ownministry,—forwardtothatgreatday,thedayofjudgment.

IinviteyouthisdaytostandbytheApostle’ssideafewminutes,andmarkthewordsheuses.HappyisthatsoulwhocanlookwherePaullooked,andthenspeakasPaulspoke!

Helooksdownwardtothegrave,andhedoesitwithoutfear.Hearwhathesays.

"Iamreadytobeoffered."Iamlikeananimalbroughttotheplaceofsacrifice,andboundwithcordstotheveryhornsofthealtar.Thewineandoilhavebeenpouredonmyhead,accordingtothecustom.Thelastceremonieshavebeengonethrough.Everypreparationhasbeenmade.Itonlyremainstoreceivethedeath-blow,andthenallisover.

"The timeofmydeparture isathand." Iam likeashipabout tounmoorandput tosea.Allonboardisready.Ionlywaittohavethemooringscastoffthatfastenmetotheshore,andIshallthensetsailandbeginmyvoyage.

Reader, these are glorious words to come from the lips of a child of Adam likeourselves.Deathisasolemnthing,andneversomuchsoaswhenweseeitcloseathand.Thegraveisachilling,heart-sickeningplace,anditisvaintopretendithasnoterrors. Yet here is a mortal man who can look calmly into the narrow houseappointedforallliving,andsay,whilehestandsuponthebrink,"Iseeitall,andamnotafraid."

Letus listen tohimagain.He looksbackward tohisministerial life, andhedoes itwithoutshame.Hearwhathesays.

"I have fought a good fight." There he speaks as a soldier. I have fought that goodbattlewith theworld, the flesh,andthedevil, fromwhichsomanyshrinkanddraw

back.

"Ihave finishedmycourse."Therehespeaksasonewhohasrun foraprize. Ihaverun the race marked out for me: I have gone over the ground appointed for me,however rough and steep. I have not turned aside because of difficulties, nor beendiscouragedbythelengthoftheway.Iamatlastineightofthegoal.

"I have kept the faith." Therehe speaks as a steward. I haveheld fast that gloriousGospelwhichwascommittedtomytrust.Ihavenotmingleditwithman’straditions,nor spoiled its simplicity by adding my own inventions, nor allowed others toadulterate it without withstanding them to the face. "As a soldier,—a runner,—asteward,"heseemstosay,"Iamnotashamed."

Reader,thatChristianishappywho,ashequitsthisworld,canleavesuchtestimonybehindhim.Agoodconsciencewillsavenoman,—washawaynosin,—notliftusonehair’sbreadthtowardheaven.Yet,agoodconsciencewillbefoundapleasantvisitoratour bed-side in a dying hour. Do you remember that place in "Pilgrim’s Progress"which describes Old Honest’s passages across the river of death? "The river," saysBunyan,"atthattimeoverfloweditsbanksinsomeplaces;butMr.Honest,inhislife-time,hadspokentoone,GoodConscience,tomeethimthere:thewhichhealsodid,andlenthimhishand,andsohelpedhimover."Believeme,thereisamineoftruthinthatpassage.

LetusheartheApostleoncemore.Helooksforwardtothegreatdayofreckoning,andhedoesitwithoutdoubt.Markhiswords.

"Henceforth there is laid up forme a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, therighteousJudge,shallgivemeatthatday;andnottomeonly,butuntoallthemalsothat loveHisappearing."Agloriousreward,heseemstosay, is readyand laidup instoreforme:eventhatcrownwhichisonlygiventotherighteous.InthegreatdayofjudgmenttheLordshallgivethiscrowntome,andtoallbesidemewhohave lovedHimasanunseenSaviour,and longedtoseeHimface to face.Myworkonearth isover.Thisonethingnowremainsformetolookforwardto,andnothingmore.

Reader,observethattheApostlespeakswithoutanyhesitationordistrust.Heregardsthecrownasasurething:ashisownalready.HedeclareswithunfalteringconfidencehisfirmpersuasionthattherighteousJudgewillgiveittohim.Paulwasnostrangertoallthecircumstancesandaccompanimentsofthatsolemndaytowhichhereferred.Thegreatwhitethrone,—theassembledworld,—theopenbooks,—therevealingofallsecrets,—thelisteningangels,—theawfulsentence,—theeternalseparationofthelostand saved,—all these were things with which he was well acquainted. But none ofthesethingsmovedhim.Hisstrongfaithover-leapedthemall,andonlysawJesus,hisall-prevailingAdvocate,andthebloodofsprinkling,andsinwashedaway."Acrown,"

hesays,"islaidupforme.""TheLordHimselfshallgiveittome."Hespeaksasifhesawitallwithhisowneyes.

Such are the main things which these verses contain. Of most of them I cannotpretendtospeak,forspacewouldnotallowme.Ishallonlytrytosetbeforeyouonepoint in the passage, and that is "the assured hope" with which the Apostle looksforwardtohisownprospectsinthedayofjudgment.

Ishalldothisthemorereadily,becauseofthegreatimportancewhichIfeelattachestothesubjectofassurance,andthegreatneglectwithwhich,Ihumblyconceive,itisoftentreatedinthisday.

ButIshalldoitatthesametimewithfearandtrembling.IfeelthatIamtreadingonvery difficult ground, and that it is easy to speak rashly and unscripturally in thismatter. The road between truth and error is here especially a narrow pass, and if Ishall be enabled to do good to somewithout doing harm to others, I shall be verythankful.

Reader,therearefourthingsIwishtobringbeforeyouinspeakingofthesubjectofassurance,anditmayclearourwayifInamethemtoyouatonce.

I.First,then,Iwilltrytoshowyouthatanassuredhope,suchasPaulhereexpresses,isatrueandScripturalthing.

II.Secondly,Iwillmakethisbroadconcession,—thatamanmayneverarriveat thisassuredhope,andyetbesaved.

III. Thirdly, Iwill give you some reasonswhy an assured hope is exceedingly to bedesired.

IV. Lastly, I will try to point out some causes why an assured hope is so seldomattained.

I.First,then,IwilltrytoshowyouthatanassuredhopeisatrueandScripturalthing.

Assurance,suchasPaulexpresses in theverseswhichhead this tract, isnotamerefancyorfeeling.Itisnottheresultofhighanimalspirits,orasanguinetemperamentofbody. It isapositivegiftof theHolyGhost,bestowedwithout reference tomen’sbodilyframesorconstitutions,andagiftwhicheverybelieverinChristoughttoaimatandseekafter.

TheWord of God appears to me to teach that a believer may arrive at an assuredconfidencewithregardtohisownsalvation.

I would lay it down fully and broadly, that a true Christian, a convertedman,mayreachthatcomfortabledegreeof faith inChrist, that ingeneralheshall feelentirelyconfident as to the pardon and safety of his soul,—shall seldom be troubled withdoubts,—seldom be distracted with hesitation,—seldom be distressed by anxiousquestionings,—and,inshort,thoughvexedbymanyaninwardconflictwithsin,shalllookforwardtodeathwithouttrembling,andtojudgmentwithoutdismay.1

Suchismyaccountofassurance.Iwillaskyoutomarkitwell.IsayneitherlessnormorethanIhaveherelaiddown.

Now,suchastatementasthisisoftendisputedanddenied.Manycannotseethetruthofitatall.

The Church of Rome denounces assurance in the most unmeasured terms. TheCouncil of Trent declares roundly, that a "believer’s assurance of the pardon of hissins is a vain and ungodly confidence;" and Cardinal Bellarmine, the well-knownchampionofRomanism,callsit"aprimeerrorofheretics."

Thevastmajorityoftheworldlyamongourselvesopposethedoctrineofassurance.Itoffendsandannoysthemtohearofit.Theydonotlikeotherstofeelcomfortableandsure,becausetheyneverfeelsothemselves.Thattheycannotreceiveitiscertainlynomarvel.

But there are also some true believerswho reject assurance, or shrink from it as adoctrinefraughtwithdanger.Theyconsideritbordersonpresumption.Theyseemtothink it a proper humility never to be confident, and to live in a certain degree ofdoubt.Thisistoberegretted,anddoesmuchharm.

Ifranklyallowtherearesomepresumptuouspersonswhoprofesstofeelaconfidenceforwhich theyhavenoScripturalwarrant.Therealwaysaresomepeoplewho thinkwell of themselves when God thinks ill, just as there are some who think ill ofthemselveswhenGod thinkswell.Therealwayswillbesuch.Thereneveryetwas aScripturaltruthwithoutabusesandcounterfeits.God’selection,—man’simpotence,—salvationbygrace,—allarealikeabused.Therewillbefanaticsandenthusiastsaslongas theworld stands.But, for all this, assurance is a real, sober, and true thing; andGod’s children must not let themselves be driven from the use of a truth, merelybecauseitisabused.2

Myanswer to allwhodeny the existenceof real,well-groundedassurance is simplythis,—WhatsaiththeScripture?Ifassurancebenotthere,Ihavenotanotherwordtosay.

ButdoesnotJobsay,"IknowthatmyRedeemerliveth,andthatHeshallstandatthelatterdayupontheearth:and thoughaftermyskinwormsdestroy thisbody,yet in

myfleshshallIseeGod"?(Job19:25-26.)

DoesnotDavidsay,"ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil: forThouartwithme; thy rod andThy staff they comfortme"? (Psalm23:4.)

Doesnot Isaiah say, "Thouwilt keephim inperfectpeacewhosemind is stayed onThee,becausehetrustethinThee"?(Isaiah26:3.)

Andagain,"Theworkofrighteousnessshallbepeace,andtheeffectofrighteousnessquietnessandassuranceforever."(Isaiah32:17.)

DoesnotPaul say to theRomans, "I ampersuaded thatneither life, nor death, norangels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, notheight,nordepth,noranyothercreature,shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod,whichisinChristJesusourLord"?(Rom.8:38-39.)

Does he not say to the Corinthians, "We know that if our earthly house of thistabernacleweredissolved,wehaveabuildingofGod,ahousenotmadewithhands,eternalintheheavens"?(2Cor.5:1.)

Andagain,"Wearealwaysconfident,knowingthatwhilstweareathomeinthebody,weareabsentfromtheLord."(2Cor.5:6.)

DoeshenotsaytoTimothy,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved,andampersuadedthatHeisabletokeepthatwhichIhavecommittedtoHim"?(2Tim.1:12.)

And does he not speak to the Colossians of "the full assurance of understanding"(Coloss. 2:2), and to the Hebrews of the "full assurance of faith," and the "fullassuranceofhope"?(Heb.6:11;10:22.)

DoesnotPetersayexpressly,"Givediligencetomakeyourcallingandelectionsure"?(2Peter1:10.)

Does not John say, "We know that we have passed from death unto life"? (1 John3:14.)

Andagain,"ThesethingshaveIwrittenuntoyouthatbelieveonthenameoftheSonofGod,thatyemayknowthatyehaveeternallife."(1John5:13.)

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

Reader,whatshallwesaytothesethings?Idesiretospeakwithallhumilityonanycontrovertedpoint. I feel that I amonly a poor fallible child ofAdammyself. But I

mustsay,thatinthepassagesIhavejustquotedIseesomethingfarhigherthanthemere"hopes"and"trusts"withwhichsomanybelieversappearcontentinthisday.Isee the language of persuasion, confidence, knowledge,—nay, I may almost say, ofcertainty. And I feel, formy own part, if Imay take these Scriptures in their plain,obviousmeaning,thedoctrineofassuranceistrue.

Butmyanswer,furthermore,toallwhodislikethedoctrineofassurance,asborderingonpresumption,isthis:itcanhardlybepresumptiontotreadinthestepsofPeterandPaul,ofJobandofJohn.Theywerealleminentlyhumbleandlowly-mindedmen, ifeveranywere;andyettheyallspeakoftheirownstatewithanassuredhope.Surelythisshouldteachusthatdeephumilityandstrongassuranceareperfectlycompatible,and that there is not any necessary connection between spiritual confidence andpride.3

Myanswer,furthermore,is,thatmanyhaveattainedtosuchanassuredhopeasourtextexpresses,even inmodern times. Iwillnot concede foramoment that itwasapeculiar privilege confined to the Apostolic day. There have been, in our own land,manybelieverswhohave appeared towalk in almostuninterrupted fellowshipwiththeFatherandtheSon,—whohaveseemedtoenjoyanalmostunceasingsenseofthelight ofGod’s reconciled countenance shining down upon them, and have left theirexperience on record. I could mention well-known names, if space permitted. Thethinghasbeen,andis,—andthatisenough.

My answer, lastly, is, it cannot bewrong to feel confidently in amatterwhereGodspeaksunconditionally,—tobelievedecidedlywhenGodpromisesdecidedly,—tohaveasurepersuasionofpardonandpeacewhenwerestonthewordandoathofHimthatneverchanges.Itisanuttermistaketosupposethatthebelieverwhofeelsassuranceisrestingonanythingheseesinhimself.HesimplyleansontheMediatoroftheNewCovenant,andtheScriptureoftruth.HebelievestheLordJesusmeanswhatHesays,andtakesHimatHisWord.Assurance,afterall,isnomorethanafall-grownfaith;amasculinefaiththatgraspsChrist’spromisewithbothhands,—afaiththatargueslikethegoodcenturion,iftheLord"speakthewordonly,"Iamhealed.Wherefore,then,shouldIdoubt?(Matt.8:8.)4

Reader, you may be sure that Paul was the last man in the world to build hisassuranceonanythingofhisown.Hewhocouldwritehimselfdown"chiefofsinners"(1Tim.1:15)hadadeepsenseofhisownguiltandcorruption.ButthenhehadastilldeepersenseofthelengthandbreadthofChrist’srighteousnessimputedtohim.—He,who would cry, "O wretched man that I am" (Rom. 7:24), had a clear view of thefountain of evil within his heart. But then he had a still clearer view of that otherFountain which can remove "all sin and uncleanness." —He, who thought himself"lessthanthe leastofall saints" (Ephes.3:8),hada livelyandabiding feelingofhisownweakness.ButhehadastilllivelierfeelingthatChrist’spromise,"Mysheepshall

neverperish"(John10:28),couldnotbebroken—Paulknew,ifevermandid,thathewasapoor,frailbark,floatingonastormyocean.Hesaw,ifanydid,therollingwavesandroaringtempestbywhichhewassurrounded.Butthenhelookedawayfromselfto Jesus, andwas not afraid.He remembered that anchor within the veil, which isboth "sure and steadfast." He remembered the word, and work, and constantintercession ofHim that loved him and gaveHimself for him. And this itwas, andnothingelse, that enabledhim to say soboldly, "A crown is laidup forme, and theLordshallgiveittome";andtoconcludesosurely,"TheLordwillpreserveme:Ishallneverbeconfounded."5

Imaynotdwelllongeronthispartofthesubject.IthinkyouwillallowIhaveshowngroundfortheassertionImade,—thatassuranceisatruething.

II.IpassontothesecondthingIspokeof.Isaid,abelievermayneverarriveatthisassuredhope,whichPaulexpresses,andyetbesaved.

Igrantthismostfreely.Idonotdisputeitforamoment.IwouldnotdesiretomakeonecontriteheartsadthatGodhasnotmadesad,ortodiscourageonefaintingchildofGod,ortoleavetheimpressionthatmenhavenopartorlotinChrist,except theyfeelassurance.

ApersonmayhavesavingfaithinChrist,andyetneverenjoyanassuredhope,liketheApostlePaul.Tobelieve andhave a glimmering hope of acceptance is one thing; tohave joyandpeace inourbelieving,andabound inhope, isquiteanother.All God’schildrenhavefaith;notallhaveassurance.Ithinkthisoughtnevertobeforgotten.

Iknowsomegreatandgoodmenhaveheldadifferentopinion. Ibelieve thatmanyexcellentministers of theGospel, atwhose feet Iwould gladly sit, donot allow thedistinctionIhavestated.ButIdesiretocallnomanmaster.Idreadasmuchasanyonetheideaofhealingthewoundsofconscienceslightly;butIshouldthinkanyotherview than that I have given a most uncomfortable Gospel to preach, and one verylikelytokeepsoulsbackalongtimefromthegateoflife.

Idonotshrinkfromsaying, thatbygraceamanmayhavesufficient faith to flee toChrist;sufficientfaithreallytolayholdonHim,reallytotrustinHim,—reallytobeachild of God, really to be saved; and yet to his last day be never free from muchanxiety,doubt,andfear.

"A letter," says anoldwriter, "maybewritten,which isnot sealed; so gracemaybewrittenintheheart,yettheSpiritmaynotsetthesealofassurancetoit."

Achildmaybebornheirtoagreatfortune,andyetneverbeawareofhisriches;livechildish,—diechildish,andneverknowthegreatnessofhispossessions.

AndsoalsoamanmaybeababeinChrist’sfamily;thinkasababe,speakasababe;and though saved, never enjoy a lively hope, or know the real privileges of hisinheritance.

Reader,donotmistakemymeaning,whileyouhearmedwellstronglyonassurance.Donotdometheinjusticetosay,ItoldyounoneweresavedexceptsuchascouldsaywithPaul,"Iknowandampersuaded,—thereisacrownlaidupforme."Idonotsayso.Itellyounothingofthekind.

Faith in theLord JesusChrist amanmusthave, beyond all question, if he is to besaved. I know no other way of access to the Father. I see no intimation of mercy,excepting through Christ. Amanmust feel his sins and lost estate,—must come toJesusforpardonandsalvation,—mustresthishopeonHim,andonHimalone.Butifheonlyhasfaithtodothis,howeverweakandfeeblethatfaithmaybe,Iwillengage,fromScripturewarrants,heshallnotmissheaven.

Never, never let us curtail the freeness of the glorious Gospel, or clip its fairproportions.Never let usmake the gatemore strait and thewaymorenarrow thanprideandloveofsinhavemadeitalready.TheLordJesusisverypitiful,andoftendermercy.Hedoesnotregardthequantityoffaith,butthequality.Hedoesnotmeasureitsdegree,butitstruth.Hewillnotbreakanybruisedreed,norquenchanysmokingflax.Hewillnever let itbesaidthatanyperishedat the footof thecross."HimthatcomethuntoMe,"Hesays,"Iwillinnowisecastout."(John6:37.)6

Yes,reader:thoughaman’sfaithbenobiggerthanagrainofmustardseed,ifitonlybringshimtoChrist,andenableshimto touchthehemofHisgarment,heshallbesaved,—saved as surely as the oldest saint in paradise; saved as completely andeternally as Peter, or John, or Paul. There are degrees in our sanctification. In ourjustification there are none. What is written, is written, and shall never fail:"Whosoever believeth on Him,"—not whosoever has a strong and mighty faith,—"WhosoeverbelievethonHimshallnotbeashamed."(Rom.10:11.)

But all this time, I would have you take notice, the poor soul may have no fullassuranceofhispardonandacceptancewithGod.Hemaybetroubledwithfearuponfear, anddoubtupondoubt.Hemayhavemanyaquestion, andmanyananxiety,—manyastruggle,andmanyamisgiving,—cloudsanddarkness,—stormandtempesttotheveryend.

Iwill engage, I repeat, that bare simple faith inChrist shall save aman, thoughhemayneverattaintoassurance;butIwillnotengageitshallbringhimtoheavenwithstrongandaboundingconsolations.Iwillengageitshalllandhimsafeinharbour;butIwillnotengageheshallenterthatharbourinfullsail,confidentandrejoicing.Ishallnotbesurprisedifhereacheshisdesiredhavenweather-beatenandtempest-tossed,

scarcelyrealizinghisownsafety,tillheopenshiseyesinglory.

Reader, I believe it is of great importance to keep in view this distinction betweenfaithandassurance.Itexplainsthingswhichaninquirerinreligionsometimesfindsithardtounderstand.

Faith, let us remember, is the root, and assurance is the flower. Doubtless you canneverhavetheflowerwithouttheroot;butitisnolesscertainyoumayhavetherootandnottheflower.

FaithisthatpoortremblingwomanwhocamebehindJesusinthepressandtouchedthe hem ofHis garment. (Mark 5:27.) Assurance is Stephen standing calmly in themidstofhismurderers, and saying, "I see theheavensopened, and theSonofmanstandingontherighthandofGod."(Acts7:56.)

Faith is thepenitent thief, crying, "Lord, rememberme." (Luke23:42.)Assurance isJob, sitting in the dust, coveredwith sores, and saying, "I know thatmyRedeemerliveth."(Job19:25.)"ThoughHeslayme,yetwillItrustinHim."(Job13:15.)

Faith is Peter’s drowning cry, as he began to sink "Lord, save me." (Matt. 14:30.)AssuranceisthatsamePeterdeclaringbeforetheCouncilinafter-times,"Thisisthestone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of thecorner.Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name underheavengivenamongmen,wherebywemustbesaved."(Acts4:11-12.)

Faith is the anxious, trembling voice, "Lord, I believe: help Thou mine unbelief."(Mark 9:24.) Assurance is the confident challenge, "Who shall lay anything to thecharge of God’s elect?Who is he that condemneth?" (Rom. 8:33-34.) Faith is Saulpraying in thehouseof JudasatDamascus, sorrowful,blind, andalone. (Acts 9:11.)Assurance is Paul, the aged prisoner, looking calmly into the grave, and saying, "IknowwhomIhavebelieved.Thereisacrownlaidupforme."(2Tim.1:12;4:8.)

Faithislife.Howgreattheblessing!Whocantellthegulfbetweenlifeanddeath?Andyet lifemay beweak, sickly, unhealthy, painful, trying, anxious,worn, burdensome,joyless,smileless to theveryend.Assurance ismore than life. It is health, strength,power,vigour,activity,energy,manliness,beauty.

Reader,itisnotaquestionofsavedornotsavedthatliesbeforeus,butofprivilegeorno privilege.—It is not a question of peace or no peace, but of great peace or littlepeace.—It is not a question between thewanderers of this world and the school ofChrist:itisonethatbelongsonlytotheschool;—itisbetweenthefirstformandthelast.

Hethathasfaithdoeswell.HappyshouldIbe,ifIthoughtallreadersofthistracthad

it.Blessed,thriceblessedaretheythatbelieve.Theyaresafe.Theyarewashed.Theyarejustified.Theyarebeyondthepowerofhell.Satan,withallhismalice,shallneverpluckthemoutofChrist’shand.

Butbethathasassurancedoesfarbetter,—seesmore,feelsmore,knowsmore,enjoysmore,hasmoredayslikethosespokenofinDeuteronomy:even"thedaysofheavenupontheearth."(Deut.11:21.)7

III.IpassontothethirdthingofwhichIspoke.Iwillgiveyousomereasonswhyanassuredhopeisexceedinglytobedesired.

Iaskyourattentiontothispointespecially.Iheartilywishthatassurancewasmoresoughtafterthanitis.Toomanyamongthosewhobelievebegindoubtingandgoondoubting,livedoubtinganddiedoubting,andgotoheaveninakindofmist.

Itwill ill becomeme to speak in a slightingway of "hopes" and "trusts." But I fearmanyofussitdowncontentwiththem,andgonofarther.Ishouldliketoseefewer"peradventurers" in the Lord’s family, and more who could say, "I know and ampersuaded."Oh,thatallbelieverswouldcovetthebestgifts,andnotbecontentwithless!Manymiss the full tideofblessedness theGospelwasmeant to convey.Manykeepthemselvesinalowandstarvedconditionofsoul,whiletheirLordissaying,"Eatanddrinkabundantly,Obeloved.Askandreceive, thatyour joymaybe full." (Cant.5:1.John16:24.)

1.Letusremember,then,foronething,thatassuranceistobedesired,becauseofthepresentcomfortandpeaceitaffords.

Doubts and fears have power to spoil much of the happiness of a true believer inChrist.Uncertaintyandsuspensearebadenoughinanycondition,—inthematterofourhealth,ourproperty,ourfamilies,ouraffections,ourearthlycallings,—butneversobadas in theaffairsofour souls.And so longasabeliever cannotgetbeyond "Ihope" and "I trust," he manifestly feels a degree of uncertainty about his spiritualstate.Theverywordsimplyasmuch.Hesays,"Ihope,"becausehedaresnotsay,"Iknow."

NowassurancegoesfartosetachildofGodfree fromthispainfulkindofbondage,and thus ministers mightily to his comfort. It enables him to feel that the greatbusiness of life is a settled business, the great debt a paid debt, the great disease ahealeddisease,andthegreatworka finishedwork;andallotherbusiness, diseases,debts, andworks, are then by comparison small. In this way assurancemakes himpatientintribulation,calmunderbereavements,unmovedinsorrow,notafraidofeviltidings;ineveryconditioncontent,foritgiveshimaFIXEDNESSofheart.Itsweetenshisbittercups,itlessenstheburdenofhiscrosses,itsmoothestheroughplacesover

which he travels, and it lightens the valley of the shadow of death. It makes himalways feel thathehassomethingsolidbeneathhis feet, and something firmunderhishands,—asurefriendbytheway,andasurehomeattheend.8

Assurancewillhelpamantobearpovertyandloss.Itwillteachhimtosay,"Iknowthat I have inheaven a better andmore enduring substance. Silver and goldhave Inone,butgraceandgloryaremine,andthesecannevermakethemselveswingsandflee away. Though the fig tree shall not blossom, yet I will rejoice in the Lord."(Habak.3:17-18.)

Assurance will support a child of God under the heaviest bereavements, and assisthimtofeel"Itiswell."Anassuredsoulwillsay,"Thoughbelovedonesaretakenfromme,yetJesusisthesame,andisaliveforevermore.Thoughmyhousebenotasfleshand blood couldwish, yet I have an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things andsure."(2Kings4:26;Heb.13:8;2Sam.23:5.)

AssurancewillenableamantopraiseGod,andbethankful,eveninaprison,likePaulandSilas at Philippi. It can give a believer songs even in the darkest night, and joywhenallthingsseemgoingagainsthim.(Job21:10;Psalm42:8.)9

Assurancewillenableamantosleepwiththe fullprospectofdeathonthemorrow,likePeter inHerod’sdungeon. Itwill teachhim to say, "Iwill both laymedown inpeaceandsleep,forthou,Lord,onlymakestmetodwellinsafety."(Psalm4:8.)

AssurancecanmakeamanrejoicetosuffershameforChrist’ssake,as theApostlesdid.Itwillremindhimthathemay"rejoiceandbeexceedingglad"(Matt.5:12),andthatthereisinheavenanexceedingweightofglorythatshallmakeamendsforall.(2Cor.4:17.)

Assurancewillenableabelievertomeetaviolentandpainfuldeathwithout fear,asStephendidinthebeginningofChrist’sChurch,andasCranmer,Ridley,Latimer,andTaylordidinourownland.Itwillbringtohisheartthetexts,"Benotafraidofthemwhichkillthebody,andafterthathavenomorethattheycando."(Luke12:4.)"LordJesusreceivemyspirit."(Acts7:59.)10

Assurancewillsupportamaninpainandsickness,makeallhisbed,smoothdownhisdyingpillow.Itwillenablehimtosay,"Ifmyearthlyhousefail,IhaveabuildingofGod."(2Cor.5:1.)"IdesiretodepartandbewithChrist."(Phil.1:23.) "Myfleshandmy heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, andmy portion for ever."(Psalm73:26.)11

Reader, the comfort assurance can give in the hour of death is a point of greatimportance.Believeme,youwillneverthinkassurancesopreciousaswhenyourturncomestodie.

Inthatawfulhour,therearefewbelieverswhodonotfindoutthevalueandprivilegeof an "assured hope," whatever they may have thought about it during their lives.General"hopes"and"trusts"areallverywelltoliveupon,whilethesunshines,andthebodyisstrong:butwhenyoucometodie,youwillwanttobeabletosay,"Iknow"and"Ifeel."

Believeme,Jordanisacoldstream,andwehavetocross italone.Noearthly friendcanhelpus.Thelastenemy,evendeath,isastrongfoe.Whenoursoulsaredepartingthereisnocordiallikethestrongwineofassurance.

There is a beautiful expression in the Prayer-book service for the Visitation of theSick:"TheAlmightyLord,whoisamoststrongtowertoallthemthatputtheirtrustinHim,benowand evermore thydefence, andmake thee knowand feel that there isnone other name under heaven, through whom thou mayest receive health andsalvation,butonlythenameofourLordJesusChrist."

The compilers of that service showed great wisdom there. They saw that when theeyes grow dim, and the heart grows faint, and the spirit is on the eve of departing,theremust then be knowing and feelingwhat Christ has done for us, or else therecannotbeperfectpeace.12

2.Letusremember,foranotherthing,thatassuranceistobedesired,becauseittendstomakeaChristiananactiveworkingChristian.

None, generally speaking, do so much for Christ on earth as those who enjoy thefullestconfidenceofa freeentrance intoheaven.Thatsoundswonderful, Idaresay,butitistrue.

A believer who lacks an assured hope will spend much of his time in inwardsearchingsofheartabouthisownstate.Likeanervous,hypochondriacalperson,hewillbefullofhisownailments,hisowndoubtingsandquestionings,hisownconflictsand corruptions. In short, you will often find he is so taken up with this internalwarfarethathehaslittleleisureforotherthings,littletimetoworkforGod.

Now a believer, who has, like Paul, an assured hope, is free from these harassingdistractions. He does not vex his soul with doubts about his own pardon andacceptance. He looks at the everlasting covenant sealed with blood, at the finishedwork and never-broken word of his Lord and Saviour, and therefore counts hissalvationasettledthing.AndthusheisabletogiveanundividedattentiontotheworkoftheLord,andsointhelongruntodomore.13

Take, foran illustrationof this, twoEnglishemigrants, and suppose themsetdownsidebysideinNewZealandorAustralia.Giveeachofthemapieceoflandtoclearand

cultivate.Lettheportionsallottedtothembethesamebothinquantityandquality.Secure that land to them by every needful legal instrument; let it be conveyed asfreeholdtothemandtheirsforever;lettheconveyancebepubliclyregistered,andtheproperty made sure to them by every deed and security that man’s ingenuity candevise.

Suppose, then, that oneof themshall set towork tobringhis land into cultivation,andlabouratitdayafterdaywithoutintermissionorcessation.

Suppose, inthemeanwhile, thattheothershallbecontinually leavinghiswork,andgoing repeatedly to the public registry to ask whether the land really is his own,—whetherthereisnotsomemistake,—whether,afterall,thereisnotsomeflawin thelegalinstrumentswhichconveyedittohim.

Theoneshallneverdoubthistitle,butjustworkdiligentlyon.

Theothershallhardlyever feelsureofhis title,andspendhalfhis time ingoing toSydney,orMelbourne,orAucklandwithneedlessinquiriesaboutit.

Which,now,of these twomenwillhavemademostprogress inayear’s time?Whowillhavedonethemostforhisland,gotthegreatestbreadthofsoilundertillage,havethebestcropstoshow,bealtogetherthemostprosperous?

Reader,youknowaswellasIdo.Ineednotsupplyananswer.Therecanonlybeonereply.Undividedattentionwillalwaysattainthegreatestsuccess.

Itismuchthesameinthematterofourtitleto"mansionsintheskies."NonewilldosomuchfortheLordwhoboughthimasthebelieverwhoseeshistitleclear,andisnot distracted by unbelieving hesitations. The joy of the Lord will be that man’sstrength. "Restoreuntome," saysDavid, "the joyofThy salvation; thenwill I teachtransgressorsThyways."(Psalm51:12.)

Never were there such working Christians as the Apostles. They seemed to live tolabour.Christ’sworkwastrulytheirmeatanddrink.Theycountednottheirlivesdearto themselves.Theyspentandwere spent.They laiddownease,health,andworldlycomfort, at the foot of the cross. And one grand cause of this, I believe, was theirassuredhope.Theyweremenwhocouldsay,"WeknowthatweareofGod,andthewholeworldliethinwickedness."(1Johnv.19.)

3.Letusremember,foranotherthing,thatassuranceistobedesired,becauseittendstomakeaChristianadecidedChristian.

Indecision and doubt about our own state inGod’s sight is a grievous one, and themotherofmanyevils.Itoftenproducesawaveringandunstablewalkinfollowingthe

Lord.Assurancehelpstocutmanyaknot,andtomakethepathofChristiandutyclearandplain.

Many, of whom we feel hopes that they are God’s children, and have true grace,howeverweak,arecontinuallyperplexedwithdoubtsonpointsofpractice."Shouldwedosuchandsuchathing?Shallwegiveupthisfamilycustom?Oughtwetogointothatcompany?Howshallwedrawthelineaboutvisiting?Whatistobethemeasureofourdressingandour entertainments?Arewenever,under any circumstances, todance,nevertotouchacard,nevertoattendpartiesofpleasure?"Theseareakindofquestionswhichseemtogivethemconstanttrouble.Andoften,veryoften,thesimplerootoftheirperplexityis,thattheydonotfeelassuredtheyarethemselveschildrenofGod.Theyhavenotyetsettledthepoint,whichsideofthegatetheyareon.Theydonotknowwhethertheyareinsidethearkornot.

ThatachildofGodoughttoactinacertaindecidedwaytheyquitefeel,butthegrandquestionis,"AretheychildrenofGodthemselves?"Iftheyonlyfelttheywereso,theywouldgostraightforward,andtakeadecidedline.Butnotfeelingsureaboutit,theirconscience is forever hesitating and coming to a dead lock. The devil whispers,"Perhaps, after all, you are only a hypocrite: what right have you to take a decidedcourse?WaittillyouarereallyaChristian."Andthiswhispertoooftenturnsthescale,andleadsontosomemiserablecompromise,orwretchedconformitytotheworld.

Reader, I believe you have here one chief reason why so many in this day areinconsistent, trimming, unsatisfactory, and half-hearted in their conduct about theworld. Their faith fails. They feel no assurance that they are Christ’s, and so feel ahesitancyaboutbreakingwiththeworld.Theyshrinkfromlayingasideallthewaysoftheoldman,becausetheyarenotquiteconfidenttheyhaveputonthenew.Dependon it, one secret causeofhaltingbetween twoopinions iswantof assurance.Whenpeoplecansaydecidedly,"TheLordHeistheGod,"theircoursebecomesveryclear.(1Kings18:39.)

4.Letusremember,finally,thatassuranceistobedesired,becauseittendstomaketheholiestChristians.

This,too,soundswonderfulandstrange,andyetitistrue.ItisoneoftheparadoxesoftheGospel,contrary,at firstsight, toreasonandcommonsense,andyet it toa fact.Cardinal Bellarmine was seldom more wide of the truth than when he said,"Assurance tends tocarelessnessandsloth."Hethat is freely forgivenbyChristwillalways domuch for Christ’s glory, and he that enjoys the fullest assurance of thisforgivenesswillordinarilykeepuptheclosestwalkwithGod.Itisafaithfulsayingin1John3:3:"He thathath thishope inHimpurifiethhimselfevenasHe ispure."Ahopethatdoesnotpurifyisamockery,adelusion,andasnare.14

None are so likely tomaintain awatchful guard over hearts and lives as thosewhoknowthecomfortoflivinginnearcommunionwithGod.Theyfeeltheirprivilege,andwillfearlosingit.Theywilldreadfallingfromtheirhighestate,andmarringtheirowncomforts, by bringing clouds between themselves and Christ. He that goes on ajourneywithlittlemoneyabouthimtakeslittlethoughtofdanger,andcareslittlehowlate he travels. He, on the contrary, that carries gold and jewels will be a cautioustraveller.Hewilllookwelltohisroads,hishouse,andhiscompany,andrunnorisks.Thefixedstarsarethosethattremblemost.ThemanthatmostfullyenjoysthelightofGod’sreconciledcountenance,willbeamantremblinglyafraidoflosingitsblessedconsolations,andjealouslyfearfulofdoinganythingtogrievetheHolyGhost.

Reader,Icommendthesefourpointstoyourseriousconsideration.Wouldyouliketofeeltheeverlastingarmsaroundyou,andtohearthevoiceofJesusdailydrawingnightoyoursoul,andsaying,"Iamthysalvation"?—Wouldyouliketobeausefullabourerin the vineyard in your day and generation?—Would you be known of allmen as abold, firm,decided,single-eyed,uncompromising followerofChrist?—Wouldyoubeeminentlyspiritually-mindedandholy?—Idoubtnotsomereaderswillsay,"Thesearethe very things our hearts desire.We long for them.We pant after them: but theyseemfarfromus."

Now,hasitneverstruckyouthatyourneglectofassurancemaypossiblybethemainsecretofall you failures,—that the lowmeasureof faithwhich satisfies youmaybethe cause of your low degree of peace? Can you think it a strange thing that yourgraces are faint and languishing, when faith, the root and mother of them all, isallowedtoremainfeebleandweak?

Takemyadvicethisday.Seekanincreaseoffaith.Seekanassuredhopeofsalvationlike the Apostle Paul’s. Seek to obtain a simple, childlike confidence in God’spromises. Seek to be able to say with Paul, "I know whom I have believed: I ampersuadedthatHeismine,andIamHis."

Youhaveverylikelytriedotherwaysandmethodsandcompletelyfailed.Changeyourplan.Gouponanothertack.Layasideyourdoubts.LeanmoreentirelyontheLord’sarm.Beginwith implicit trusting.Castasideyour faithlessbackwardness to take theLordatHisword.Comeandrollyourself,yoursoul,andyoursinsuponyourgraciousSaviour. Begin with simple believing, and all other things shall soon be added toyou.15

IV.IcomenowtothelastthingofwhichIspoke.Ipromisedtopointouttoyousomeprobablecauseswhyanassuredhopeissoseldomattained.Iwilldoitveryshortly.

Thisisaveryseriousquestion,andoughttoraiseinallgreatsearchingsofheart.Few,certainly,ofChrist’speopleseemtoreachuptothisblessedspiritofassurance.Many

comparativelybelieve,butfewarepersuaded.Manycomparativelyhavesaving faith,butfewthatgloriousconfidencewhichshinesforthinthelanguageofSt.Paul.Thatsuchisthecase,Ithinkwemustallallow.

Now,whyisthisso?—WhyisathingwhichtwoApostleshavestronglyenjoinedustoseekafter,athingofwhichfewbelievershaveanyexperimentalknowledge?Whyisanassuredhopesorare?

Idesiretoofferafewsuggestionsonthispoint,withallhumility.Iknowthatmanyhave never attained assurance, at whose feet I would gladly sit both in earth andheaven.PerhapstheLordseessomethinginthenaturaltemperamentofsomeofHischildren,whichmakesassurancenotgood for them.Perhaps, inorder tobekept inspiritual health, they need to be kept very low. God only knows. Still, after everyallowance,Ifeartherearemanybelieverswithoutanassuredhope,whosecasemaytoooftenbeexplainedbycausessuchasthese.

1. One most common cause, I suspect, is a defective view of the doctrine ofjustification.

I am inclined to think that justification and sanctification are insensibly confusedtogether in theminds ofmany believers. They receive theGospel truth,—that theremust be something done INUS, aswell as something doneFORUS, ifwe are truemembers of Christ; and so far they are right. But, then, without being aware of it,perhaps, they seem to imbibe the idea that their justification is, in some degree,affectedbysomethingwithinthemselves.TheydonotclearlyseethatChrist’swork,not their ownwork,—either inwhole or in part, either directly or indirectly,—is thealonegroundofouracceptancewithGod;thatjustificationisathingentirelywithoutus,forwhichnothingwhateverisneedfulonourpartbutsimplefaith,—andthattheweakestbelieverisasfullyandcompletelyjustifiedasthestrongest.16

Manyappeartoforgetthatwearesavedandjustifiedassinners,andonlysinners;andthat we never can attain to anything higher, if we live to the age of Methuselah.Redeemedsinners,justifiedsinners,andrenewedsinnersdoubtlesswemustbe,—butsinners, sinners, sinners, always to the very last. They do not seem to comprehendthat there is awidedifference between our justification and our sanctification.Ourjustificationisaperfectfinishedwork,andadmitsofnodegrees.Oursanctificationisimperfect and incomplete, and will be to the last hour of our life. They appear toexpect that a believer may at some period of his life be in a measure free fromcorruption,andattaintoakindofinwardperfection.Andnotfindingthisangelicstateof things in their own hearts, they at once conclude theremust be something verywrong in their state. And so they gomourning all their days,—oppressedwith fearsthattheyhavenopartorlotinChrist,andrefusingtobecomforted.

Reader,considerthispointwell.Ifanybelievingsouldesiresassurance,andhasnotgotit,lethimaskhimself,firstofall,ifheisquitesureheissoundinthefaith,ifhisloins are thoroughly "girt about with truth," and his eyes thoroughly clear in thematterofjustification.Hemustknowwhatitissimplytobelievebeforehecanexpecttofeelassured.

Believeme,theoldGalatianheresyisthemostfertilesourceoferror,bothindoctrineandinpractice.SeekclearerviewsofChrist,andwhatChristhasdoneforyou.Happyisthemanwhoreallyunderstandsjustificationbyfaithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw.

2.Anothercommoncauseoftheabsenceofassuranceis,slothfulnessaboutgrowthingrace.

Isuspectmanytruebelieversholddangerousandunscripturalviewsonthispoint:Idonot of coursemean intentionally, but they do hold them.Many appear tome tothink that once converted, they have little more to attend to, and that a state ofsalvationisakindofeasychair,inwhichtheymayjustsitstill,lieback,andbehappy.Theyseemto fancy thatgrace isgiven themthat theymay enjoy it, and they forgetthat it isgiven, likeatalent, tobeused,employed,and improved.Suchpersons losesight of the many direct injunctions "to increase,—to grow,—to abound more andmore,—toaddtoourfaith,"andthelike;andinthislittle-doingcondition,thissitting-stillstateofmind,Inevermarvelthattheymissassurance.

Ibelieveitoughttobeourcontinualaimanddesiretogoforward;andourwatchwordat the beginning of every year should be, "More and more" (1 Thess. 4:1): moreknowledge,—more faith,—more obedience,—more love. If we have brought forththirty-fold,weshouldseektobringforthsixty,andifwehavebroughtforthsixty,weshouldstrivetobringforthahundred.ThewilloftheLordisoursanctification,anditoughttobeourwilltoo.(Matt.13:23;1Thess.4:3.)

One thing, at all events, wemay depend upon,—there is an inseparable connectionbetweendiligenceandassurance. "Givediligence," says Peter, "tomake your callingand election sure." (2Peter 1:10.) "Wedesire," saysPaul, "that every one of youdoshowthesamediligencetothefullassuranceofhopeuntotheend."(Heb.6:11.)"Thesoulof thediligent," saysSolomon, "shall bemade fat." (Prov. 13:4.)There ismuchtruth in the oldmaxim of the Puritans: "Faith of adherence comes by hearing, butfaithofassurancecomesnotwithoutdoing."

Reader,markmywords.Areyouoneofthosewhodesiresassurance,buthavenotgotit?Youwillnevergetitwithoutdiligence,howevermuchyoumaydesireit.Therearenogainswithoutpainsinspiritualthings,anymorethanintemporal."Thesoulofthesluggarddesirethandhathnothing."(Prov.13:4.)17

3.Anothercommoncauseofawantofassuranceis,aninconsistentwalkinlife.

With grief and sorrow I feel constrained to say, I fear nothing in this day morefrequentlypreventsmenattaininganassuredhopethanthis.ThestreamofprofessingChristianity is farwiderthanit formerlywas,andIamafraidwemustadmit,at thesametime,itismuchlessdeep.

Inconsistencyoflifeisutterlydestructiveofpeaceofconscience.Thetwothingsareincompatible. They cannot and they will not go together. If you will have yourbesetting sins, and cannotmake up yourminds to give themup; if youwill shrinkfromcuttingofftherighthandandpluckingouttherighteye,whenoccasionrequiresit,Iwillengageyouwillhavenoassurance.

A vacillatingwalk,—abackwardness to take a bold and decided line,—a readiness toconformtotheworld,ahesitatingwitnessforChrist,—alingeringtoneofreligion,—allthesemakeupasurereceiptforbringingablightuponthegardenofyoursoul.

It is vain to suppose you will feel assured and persuaded of your own pardon andacceptancewithGod,unlessyoucountallGod’scommandmentsconcerningallthingstobe right, andhate every sin,whether great or small. (Psalm 119:128.)One Achanallowedinthecampofyourheartwillweakenyourhands,andlayyourconsolationslowinthedust.YoumustbedailysowingtotheSpirit,ifyouaretoreapthewitnessof the Spirit. You will not find and feel that all the Lord’s ways are ways ofpleasantness,unlessyoulabourinallyourwaystopleasetheLord.18

IblessGodoursalvationinnowisedependsonourownworks.Bygracewearesaved,—notbyworksofrighteousness,—throughfaith,—withoutthedeedsofthelaw.ButInever would have any believer for a moment forget that our SENSE of salvationdependsmuch on themanner of our living. Inconsistency will dim your eyes, andbringcloudsbetweenyouandthesun.Thesunisthesamebehindtheclouds,butyouwillnotbeabletoseeitsbrightnessorenjoyitswarmth,andyoursoulwillbegloomyandcold.Itisinthepathofwelldoingthattheday-springofassurancewillvisityou,andshinedownuponyourheart.

"Thesecretof theLord," saysDavid, "iswith themthat fearHim,andHewill showthemHiscovenant."(Psalm25:14.)

"To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."(Psalm50:23.)

"Greatpeacehave theywhich loveThy law,andnothing shall offend them." (Psalm119:165.)

"Ifwewalkinthelight,asHeisinthelight,wehavefellowshiponewithan-other."(1

John1:7.)

"Letusnotloveinword,neitherintongue;but indeedandintruth.Andherebyweknowthatweareofthetruth,andshallassureourheartsbeforeHim."(1John3:18-19.)

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

Paulwas amanwho exercised himself to have always a conscience void of offencetowardGodandtowardman.(Acts24:16.)Hecouldsaywithboldness,"Ihavefoughtthegoodfight,Ihavekeptthefaith."IdonotwonderthattheLordenabledhimtoaddwithconfidence,"Henceforththereisacrownlaidupforme,andtheLordshallgiveitmeatthatday."

Reader,ifanybelieverintheLordJesusdesiresassurance,andhasnotgotit,lethimthinkoverthispointalso.Lethimlookathisownheart,lookathisownconscience,lookathisownlife,lookathisownways,lookathisownhome.Andperhapswhenhehasdonethat,hewillbeabletosay,"ThereisacausewhyIhavenoassuredhope."

I leave the threematters Ihave justmentionedtoyourownprivateconsideration. Iam sure they areworth examining.May you examine them honestly. Andmay theLordgiveyouunderstandinginallthings.

1.Andnow,inclosingthisimportantinquiry,letmespeakfirsttothosereaderswhohavenotgiven themselves to theLord,whohavenot yet comeout from theworld,chosenthegoodpart,andfollowedChrist.

I ask you, then, to learn from this subject the privileges and comforts of a trueChristian.

I would not have you judge of the Lord Jesus Christ by His people. The best ofservants cangiveyoubuta faint ideaof thatgloriousMaster.Neitherwould IhaveyoujudgeoftheprivilegesofHiskingdombythemeasureofcomforttowhichmanyof His people attain. Alas, we aremost of us poor creatures!We come short, veryshort, of the blessedness we might enjoy. But, depend upon it, there are gloriousthingsinthecityofourGod,whichtheywhohaveanassuredhopetaste,evenintheirlife-time.Therearelengthsandbreadthsofpeaceandconsolationthere,whichithasnot entered into your heart to conceive. There is bread enough and to spare in ourFather’shouse,thoughmanyofuscertainlyeatbutlittleofit,andcontinueweak.ButthefaultmustnotbelaidtoourMaster’scharge:itisallourown.

And,afterall,theweakestchildofGodhasamineofcomfortswithinhim,ofwhichyouknownothing.Youseetheconflictsandtossingsof thesurfaceofhisheart,butyou see not the pearls of great price which are hidden in the depths below. The

feeblestmember ofChristwouldnot change conditionswith you.Thebelieverwhopossesses the leastassurance is farbetteroff thanyouare.Hehasahope,howeverfaint,butyouhavenoneatall.Hehasaportionthatwillneverbetakenfromhim,aSaviourthatwillneverforsakehim,atreasurethatfadethnotaway,howeverlittlehemayrealize itallatpresent.But,as foryou, ifyoudieasyouare,yourexpectationswillallperish.Oh,thatyouwerewise!Oh,thatyouunderstoodthesethings!Oh,thatyouwouldconsideryourlatterend!

I feeldeeply foryou in these latterdaysof theworld, if I everdid. I feel deeply forthosewhose treasure isallonearth,andwhosehopesareallon thisside thegrave.Yes:whenIseeoldkingdomsanddynastiesshakingtotheveryfoundation,—whenIsee, asweall sawa fewyears ago,kings, andprinces, and richmen, andgreatmenfleeing for their lives, and scarce knowing where to hide their heads,—when I seeproperty dependent on public confidence melting like snow in spring, and publicstocksand funds losing theirvalue,—when I see these things I feeldeeply for thosewho have no better portion than this world can give them, and no place in thatkingdomthatcannotberemoved.19

TakeadviceofaministerofChristthisveryday.Seekdurableriches,—atreasurethatcannotbetakenfromyou,—acitywhichhath lasting foundations.Doas theApostlePauldid.GiveyourselftotheLordJesusChrist,andseekthatincorruptiblecrownHeis ready to bestow. TakeHis yoke upon you, and learn ofHim. Come away from aworldwhichwillneverreallysatisfyyou,andfromsinwhichwillbitelikeaserpentifyoucling to it,at last.Come to theLordJesusas lowly sinners, andHewill receiveyou,pardonyou,giveyouHisrenewingSpirit,fillyouwithpeace.Thisshallgiveyoumorerealcomfortthantheworldhaseverdone.Thereisagulf inyourheartwhichnothingbutthepeaceofChristcanfill.Enterinandshareourprivileges.Comewithus,andsitdownbyourside.

2.Lastly, letmeturntoallbelieverswhoreadthesepages,andspeakto themafewwordsofbrotherlycounsel.

ThemainthingthatIurgeuponyouisthis,—ifyouhavenotgotanassuredhopeofyourownacceptanceinChrist,resolvethisdaytoseekit.Labourforit.Striveafterit.Prayforit.GivetheLordnoresttillyou"knowwhomyouhavebelieved."

I feel, indeed, that thesmallamountofassurance in thisday,among thosewhoarereckoned God’s children, is a shame and a reproach. "It is a thing to be heavilybewailed,"saysoldTraill,"thatmanyChristianshavelivedtwentyorfortyyearssinceChrist called them byHis grace, yet doubting in their life." Let us call tomind theearnest"desire"Paulexpresses,that"everyone"oftheHebrewsshouldseekafterfullassuranceand letusendeavour,byGod’sblessing, to roll this reproachaway. (Heb.6:11.)

Believingreader,doyoureallymeantosaythatyouhavenodesiretoexchangehopefor confidence, trust forpersuasion, uncertainty for knowledge?Becauseweak faithwill save you, will you therefore rest content with it? Because assurance is notessentialtoyourentranceintoheaven,willyouthereforebesatisfiedwithoutituponearth? Alas, this is not a healthy state of soul to be in; this is not themind of theApostolicday!Ariseatonce,andgoforward.Sticknotatthefoundationsofreligion:go on to perfection. Be not content with a day of small things. Never despise it inothers,butneverbecontentwithityourselves.

Believeme,believeme,assuranceisworththeseeking.Youforsakeyourownmercieswhenyourestcontentwithoutit.ThethingsIspeakareforyourpeace.Ifitisgoodtobesure in earthly things, howmuchbetter is it tobe sure inheavenly things. Yoursalvationisafixedandcertainthing.Godknowsit.Whyshouldnotyouseektoknowittoo?Thereisnothingunscripturalinthis.Paulneversawthebookof life,andyetPaulsays,"Iknow,andampersuaded."

Makeit,then,yourdailyprayerthatyoumayhaveanincreaseof faith.Accordingtoyourfaithwillbeyourpeace.Cultivatethatblessedrootmore,andsoonerorlater,byGod’sblessing,youmayhopetohavetheflower,Youmaynot,perhaps,attaintofullassuranceallatonce.Itisgoodsometimestobekeptwaiting.Wedonotvaluethingswhichwegetwithouttrouble.Butthough it tarry,wait for it.Seekon,andexpect tofind.

Thereisonething,however,ofwhichIwouldnothaveyouignorant:—Youmustnotbesurprisedifyouhaveoccasionaldoubtsafteryouhavegotassurance.Youmustnotforget you are on earth, and not yet in heaven. You are still in the body, and haveindwelling sin: the fleshwill lust against the spirit to thevery end.The leprosywillneverbeoutofthewallsoftheoldhousetilldeathtakesitdown.Andthereisadevil,too,andastrongdevil:adevilwhotemptedtheLordJesus,andgavePeterafall;andhewilltakecareyouknowit.Somedoubtstherealwayswillbe.Hethatneverdoubtshasnothing to lose.He thatnever fearspossessesnothing trulyvaluable.He that isneverjealousknowslittleofdeeplove.Butbenotdiscouraged:youshallbemorethanconquerorsthroughHimthatlovedyou.20

Finally,donotforgetthatassuranceisathingthatmaybelostforaseason,evenbythebrightestChristians,unlesstheytakecare.

Assuranceisamostdelicateplant.Itneedsdaily,hourlywatching,watering,tending,cherishing. Sowatch and pray themore when you have got it. As Rutherford says,"Make much of assurance." Be always upon your guard. When Christian slept, inPilgrim’sProgress,helosthiscertificate.Keepthatinmind.

Davidlostassuranceformanymonthsbyfallingintotransgression.Peterlostitwhen

he denied his Lord. Each found it again, undoubtedly, but not till after bitter tears.Spiritualdarknesscomesonhorseback,andgoesawayonfoot.Itisuponusbeforeweknowthatitiscoming.Itleavesusslowly,gradually,andnottillaftermanydays.Itiseasy torundownhill. It ishardwork toclimbup.So remembermycaution,—whenyouhavethejoyoftheLord,watchandpray.

Aboveall,grievenot theSpirit.Quenchnot theSpirit.Vexnot theSpirit.DriveHimnot to a distance, by tamperingwith small bad habits and little sins. Little jarringsbetweenhusbandsandwivesmakeunhappyhomes,andpettyinconsistencies,knownandallowed,willbringinastrangenessbetweenyouandtheSpirit.

Heartheconclusionofthewholematter.

The man who walks with God in Christ most closely will generally be kept in thegreatestpeace.

Thebelieverwho follows theLordmost fullywill ordinarily enjoy themost assuredhope,andhavetheclearestpersuasionofhisownsalvation.

Endnotes:

1. "Full assurance thatChristhathdeliveredPaul fromcondemnation, yea, so fulland real as produceth thanksgiving and triumphing in Christ, may and dothconsistwithcomplaintsandout-criesofawretchedconditionfor the indwellingofthebodyofsin"—Rutherford’sTriumphofFaith.1645.

2. "Wedonot vindicate everyvainpretender to ‘theWitnessof theSpirit;’weareaware that there are those inwhoseprofessions of religionwe can see nothingbut their forwardnessandconfidence to recommend them.But letusnot rejectany doctrine of revelation through an over-anxious fear ofconsequences."—Robinson'sChristianSystem."TrueassuranceisbuiltuponaScripturebasis:presumptionhathnoScripturetoshowforitswarrant;itislikeawillwithoutsealandwitnesses,whichisnullandvoidinlaw.PresumptionwantsboththewitnessoftheWordandthesealoftheSpirit.Assurancealwayskeeps theheart in a lowlyposture; butpresumption isbred of pride. Feathers fly up, but gold descends; he who hath this goldenassurance,hisheartdescendsinhumility."—Watson’sBodyofDivinity.1650."Presumption is joined with looseness of life; persuasion with a tenderconscience: this dares sin because it is sure, this dares not for fear of losingassurance. Persuasion will not sin, because it cost her Saviour so dear;presumptionwillsin,becausegraceclothabound.Humilityisthewaytoheaven.They that are proudly secure of their going to heaven, do not so often comethitherastheythatareafraidofgoingtohell."—Andrewson2Peter.1633.

3. "Theyarequitemistakenthatthinkfaithandhumilityareinconsistent;theynotonlyagreewelltogether,buttheycannotbeparted."—Traill.

4. "Tobeassuredofoursalvation,"Augustinesaith,"isnoarrogantstoutness; it isourfaith.Itisnopride;itisdevotion.Itisnopresumption;itisGod’spromise."—BishopJewell’sDefenceoftheApology.1570."If the ground of our assurance rested in and on ourselves, it might justly becalledpresumption;but theLordand thepowerofHismightbeing the groundthereof,theyeitherknownotwhat isthemightofHispower,orelsetoolightlyesteem it, who account assured confidence thereon presumption."—Gouge’sWholeArmourofGod.1647."Uponwhatgroundisthiscertaintybuilt?Surelynotuponanythingthatisinus.Our assurance of perseverance is grounded wholly upon God. If we look uponourselves,weseecauseoffearanddoubting;butifwe lookuptoGod,weshallfindcauseenoughforassurance."—HildersamonJohn4.1632."Ourhopeisnothunguponsuchanuntwistedthreadas,"Iimagineso,"or"Itislikely;" but the cable, the strong rope of our fastened anchor, is the oath andpromiseofHimwhoiseternalver-ity.Oursalvationis fastenedwithGod’sownhand, and Christ’s own strength, to the strong stake of God’s unchangeablenature."—Rutherford’sLetters.1637.

5. "NeverdidabelieverinJesusChristdieordrowninhisvoyagetoheaven.TheywillallbefoundsafeandsoundwiththeLambonmountZion.Christlosethnoneofthem;yea,nothingofthem.(Johnvi.39.)Notaboneofabelieveristobeseeninthefieldofbattle.TheyareallmorethanconquerorsthroughHimthatlovedthem."(Rom.viii.37.)—Traill.

6. "He that believeth on Jesus shall never be confounded.Neverwas any; neithershallyou,ifyoubelieve.Itwasagreatwordoffaithspokenbyadyingman,whohadbeenconverted ina singularway,betwixthis condemnationandexecution:his last words were these, spoken with amighty shout,—' never man perishedwithhisfacetowardsJesusChrist;.'''—Traill.

7. "The greatest thing that we can desire, next to the glory of God, is our ownsalvation;and,thesweetestthingwecandesireistheassuranceofoursalvation.Inthislifewecannotgethigherthantobeassuredofthatwhichinthenextlifeistobe enjoyed.All saints shall enjoy aheavenwhen they leave this earth; somesaintsenjoyaheavenwhiletheyarehereonearth."—JosephCaryl.1653.

8. "It was a saying of Bishop Latimer to Ridley, "When I live in a settled andsteadfastassuranceaboutthestateofmysoul,methinksthenIamasboldasalion.Icanlaughatalltrouble:noafflictiondauntsme.ButwhenIameclipsedinmy comforts, I am of so fearful a spirit, that I could run into a very mouse-hole."—QuotedbyChristopherLove.1653.‘‘Assurancewillassistusinallduties;itwillarmusagainstalltemptations;itwillanswerallobjections;itwillsustainusinallconditionsintowhichthesaddestoftimescanbringus. ‘IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?’—BishopReynolds

onHosea14.1642."We cannot comeamiss tohim thathath assurance:God ishis.Hathhe lost afriend?—His Father lives. Hath he lost an only child? God hath given himHisonlySon.Hathhescarcityofbread?—Godhathgivenhimthefinestofthewheat,the bread of life.—Are his comforts gone?—hehath a Comforter.Doth hemeetwith storms?—he knowswhere to put in for harbour.—God is his portion, andheavenishishaven."—ThomasWatson.1662

9. ThesewereJohnBradford’swordsinprison,shortlybeforehisexecution."Ihavenorequesttomake.IfQueenMarygivesmemylife,Iwillthankher;ifshewillbanish me, I will thank her; if she will burn me, I will thank her; if she willcondemnmetoperpetualimprisonment,Iwillthankher."ThiswasRutherford’sexperience,whenbanishedtoAberdeen.‘Howblindaremyadversaries,whosentmetoabanquetinghouse,andnottoaprisonoraplaceofexile.""Myprisonisapal-acetome,andChrist’sbanquetinghouse."—Letters.

10. Thesewere the lastwordsofHughMackailon the scaffold atEdinburgh, 1666."NowIbeginmyintercoursewithGod,whichshallneverbebrokenoff.Farewell,fatherandmother, friendsandrelations; farewell, theworldandall itsdelights;farewell, meat and drinks; farewell, sun, moon, and stars. Welcome, God andFather;welcome,sweetLordJesus,theMediatorofthenewcovenant;welcome,blessed Spirit of grace and God of all consolation; welcome, glory; welcome,eternallife;welcome,death.OLord,intoThyhandsIcommitmyspirit;forThouhastredeemedmysoul,OLordGodoftruth."

11. These were Rutherford’s words on his death bed. "O that all my brethren didknow what a Master I have served, and what I have this day! I shall sleep inChrist,andwhenIawake,Ishallbesatisfiedwithhislikeness."1661.ThesewereBaxter’swordsonhisdeathbed."IblessGodIhaveawell-groundedassuranceofmyeternalhappiness,andgreatpeaceandcomfortwithin."Towardstheclosehewasaskedhowhedid?Theanswerwas,"Almostwell."1691.

12. Theleastdegreeoffaithtakesawaythestingofdeath,becauseittakesawayguilt;butthefullassuranceoffaithbreakstheveryteethandjawsofdeath,bytakingawaythefearanddreadofit."—Fairclough’sSermonintheMorningExercises.

13. "Assurance would make us active and lively in God’s service; it would exciteprayer,quickenobedience.Faithwouldmakeuswalk,butassurancewouldmakeusrun;weshouldthinkwecouldneverdoenoughforGod.Assurancewouldbeaswingstothebird,asweightstotheclock,tosetallthewheelsofobediencea-running."—ThomasWatson."Assurancewillmakeamanfervent,constant,andabundant in theworkof theLord. When the assured Christian hath done one work, he is calling out foranother. What is next, Lord, says the assured soul: what is next? An assuredChristian will put his hand to any work, he will put his neck in any yoke forChrist;heneverthinkshehathdoneenough,healwaysthinkshehathdonetoolittle, and when he hath done all he can, he sits down, saying, I am an

unprofitableservant."—ThomasBrooks.14. "The true assurance of salvation, which the Spirit of God hath wrought in any

heart, hath that force to restrain aman from looseness of life, and to knit hisheart in love and obedience toGod, as nothing else hath in all theworld. It iscertainlyeitherthewantoffaithandassuranceofGod’slove,orafalseandcarnalassuranceof it, that is the truecauseofall the licentiousness thatreigns in theworld."—Hildersamon51stPsalm."NonewalksoevenlywithGodastheywhoareassuredoftheloveofGod.Faithisthemotherofobedience,andsurenessoftrustmakeswayforstrictnessoflife.When men are loose from Christ, they are loose in point of duty, and theirfloatingbeliefissoondiscoveredintheirinconstancyandunevennessofwalking.Wedonotwithalacrityengage in thatof thesuccessofwhichwearedoubtful:andthereforewhenweknownotwhetherGodwillacceptusornot,whenweareoffandoninpointoftrust,wearejustsointhecourseofourlives,andserveGodby fits and starts. It is the slander of the world to think assurance an idledoctrine."—Manton’sExpositionofJames.1660."Whoismoreobliged,orwhofeelstheobligationtoobservancemorecogently,—the son who knows his near relation, and knows his father loves him, or theservantthathathgreatreasontodoubtit?Fearisaweakandimpotentprinciplein comparisonof love.Terrorsmay awaken; love enlivens. Terrorsmay ‘almostpersuade;’ love over-persuades. Sure am I that a believer’s knowl-edge that hisBelovedishis,andheishisBeloved’s(Cant.vi.3),isfoundbyexperiencetolaythemost strong and cogent obligations uponhim to loyalty and faithfulness totheLordJesus.ForastohimthatbelievesChristisprecious(1Peterii.7),sotohim that knows he believes Christ is so much the more precious, even the‘chiefest of ten thousand.’" (Cant. v. 10)—Fairclough’s Sermon in MorningExercises.1660."Isitnecessarythatmenshouldbekeptincontinualdreadofdamnation,inordertorenderthemcircumspectandensuretheirattentiontoduty?Willnotthewell-groundedexpectationofheavenprove farmore efficacious?Love is thenoblestandstrongestprincipleofobedience:norcanitbebutthatasenseofGod'slovetouswillincreaseourdesiretopleaseHim."—Robinson’sChristianSystem.

15. "Thatwhichbreedssomuchperplexityis,thatwewouldinvertGod’sorder. ‘IfIknew,’ saysome, ‘that thepromisebelongedtome,andChristwasaSaviour tome,Icouldbelieve:’thatistosay,Iwouldfirstsee,andthenbelieve.Butthetruemethodis justthecontrary: ‘Ihadfainted,’saysDavid, ‘unlessIhadbelievedtosee the goodness of the Lord.’ He believed it first, and saw itafterwards."—ArchbishopLeighton."It is aweakand ignorant, but common, thoughtofChristians, that they oughtnottolookforheaven,nortrustChristforeternalglory,tilltheybewelladvancedinholinessandmeetnessforit.ButasthefirstsanctificationofournaturesflowsfromourfaithandtrustinChristforacceptance,soourfurthersanctificationand

meetness for glory flows from the renewed and repeated exercise of faith onHim."—Traill.

16. TheWestminsterConfessionofFaithgivesanadmirableaccountofjustification."Those whomGod effectually calleth, He also freely justifieth; not by infusingrighteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting andacceptingtheirpersonsasrighteous;notforanythingwrought inthemordoneby them, but for Christ’s sake alone; not by imputing faith itself, the act ofbelieving,oranyotherEvangelicalobedience,tothem,astheirrighteousness:butbyimputingtheobedienceandrighteousnessofChristuntothem,theyreceivingandrestingonHimandHisrighteousnessbyfaith."

17. "Whose fault is it that thy interest in Christ is not put out of question?WereChristiansmoreinself-examination,morecloseinwalkingwithGod;andiftheyhad more near communion with God, and were more in acting of faith, thisshamefuldarknessanddoubtingwouldquicklyvanish."—Traill."AlazyChristianshallalwayswantfourthings:viz.,comfort,content,confidence,and assurance.Godhathmade a separation between joy and idleness, betweenassurance and laziness, and therefore it is impossible for thee to bring thesetogether,thatGodhathputsofarasunder."—ThomasBrooks."Are you in depths and doubts, staggering and uncertain, not knowing what isyour condition, norwhether you have any interest in the forgiveness that is ofGod? Are you tossed up and down between hopes and fears, and want peaceconsolation, and establishment?Why lie you upon your faces? Get up: watch,pray,fast,meditate,offerviolencetoyourlustsandcorruptions;fearnot,startlenot at their crying to be spared; press unto the throne of grace by prayer,supplications, importunities, restless requests: this is the way to take thekingdomofGod.Thesethingsarenotpeace,arenotassurance;buttheyarepartof the means God hath appointed for the attainment of them."—Owen on the130thPsalm.

18. "Wouldst thou have thy hope strong?—Then keep thy conscience pure. Thoucanstnotdefileonewithoutweakeningtheother.Thegodlypersonthatislooseand careless in his holy walking will soon find his hope languishing. All sindisposeth the soul that tampers with it to trembling fears and shakings ofheart."—Gurnall."One great and too common cause of distress is the secret maintaining someknownsin.Itputsouttheeyeofthesoul,ordimmethitandstupefiesit,thatitcan neither see nor feel its own condition. But especially it provoketh God towithdraw Himself, His comforts, and the assistance of His Spirit."—Baxter’sSaints’Rest."Thestarswhichhaveleastcircuitarenearestthepole;andmenwhoseheartsareleastentangledwiththeworldarealwaysnearesttoGod,andtotheassuranceofHis favour.WorldlyChristians,rememberthis.Youandtheworldmustpart,orelseassuranceandyoursoulswillnevermeet."—ThomasBrooks.

19. "They are doublymiserable that have neitherHeaven nor earth, temporals noreternals,madesuretotheminchangingtimes."—ThomasBrooks.

20. "None have assurance at all times. As in a walk that is shaded with trees andcheckeredwithlightandshadow,sometracksandpathsinitaredark,andothersare sunshine: such is usually the life of the most assured Christian."—BishopHopkins."It is very suspicious that that person is a hypocrite that is always in the sameframe,lethimpretendittobeneversogood."—Traill.

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