Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub

viour, both in times past, and to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, however perverse and ungrateful the conduct of many has been, will occur to him from day to day. Provided, therefore, one be capable of conceiving love, or charity, it will certainly be generated in him by reflection. Instead of remaining wholly selfish, or zealous for none except himself, he will find dispositions arising to return in some degree the love, wherewith he hath first been so loved by God; and to follow the example thereby proposed to him, on all practicable opportunities, both as to bearing with, and doing good to, his fellow creatures. Be the human heart, in numerous cases, almost impenetrably hard, the Divine love may yet act upon it, and avail, when thus brought home, to mollify, and implant in it some answerable feelings, some warmer and kindlier sentiments than itself alone might be expected to produce.

However, there are hearts harder than a flint, having been hardened to such an inaccessible temper by their owners; and even the sentiments of love above mentioned will be implanted in them only to wither away, unless the dew of God's Holy Spirit be invoked to nourish and give them strength. Wherefore, prayer must be added to, or rather accompany reflec

tion, if we would successfully follow after charity. A love in any measure of the same character with the love of God towards us, can be produced by nothing less than the energy of that Divine agent," the spirit of love, and of a "sound mind." Reflection is of itself only able to put and keep us in a proper frame for worthily receiving such an inestimable gift. We

cannot render ourselves at all charitable after a godly sort in other words, we cannot become followers" as dear children" of God manifest in the flesh through His Son, and partakers of the Divine nature, which is love-without His special help for the purpose. But this, by means of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, He hath graciously promised to them who will ask and seek for it, lest devout and humble-minded Christians should seem called to somewhat more excellent than they can hope to reach. Prayer, then, is evidently a course to be adopted by all the followers after charity, or love. All have need to pray, that they may obtain so efficient a Guide and Helper in their pursuit of it, or, to speak more properly, One who is the very Author and Finisher of charity, to those whom He will bless with His presence and fellowship, in this house of their pilgrimage. the Spirit of God and of Christ come nigh to a man that prayeth not, it is only to put him, in

If

the first instance, upon prayer; for while every spiritual benefit is annexed by Scripture to the exercise of this duty, no person, allowing himself to neglect it, may reasonably look to receive a" blessing from the Lord, and righteousness "from the God of his salvation."

[ocr errors]

Upon the whole, my brethren, follow after charity, as the Apostle exhorts; and that by the way which hath been set forth, namely, of habitual reflection on the Divine loving-kindness, and of earnest calling upon God, except another can be proved easier and more sure. Charity has appeared to be the very bond of peace, and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before God; it hath also particularly been represented as a possession which waxeth not old, "a treasure in the heavens "which faileth not," though every thing besides, even faith and hope, shall have an end. Determine therefore respecting this grace, that it is most worthy to be instantly pursued. Keep in remembrance the love of God displayed by the gospel, as an urgent reason, a constraining motive, to be like-minded; and further, that you may become so, continually beseech Him to "send His Holy Ghost, and pour into your hearts that most excellent gift of cha

66

66

rity." Desire of God, my brethren, to such effect, not merely for form's sake, but earnestly,

as for a gift indispensable to your future life; and be always proving what measure of it you may have received, by exercising it, both on small and great occasions, to the glory and honour of the Giver. They who will do thus shall doubtless abide steadfast, and evermore abound, being rooted and grounded in love. There are enough discouragements in the world to extinguish any charity, which a man of himself can light up. The spurious charity of human nature presently faints, on encountering ingratitude and perverseness. But that from God, which is thus infused, and cherished, is of a kind which "many waters cannot quench, "neither the floods drown." It is able to rise above every trial, and, however for a time it may seem of small reputation, of its beauty and increase there shall be no end.

༄་་

[ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]
[ocr errors]

Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. THESE words contain a declaration on the subject of repentance, from which there should seem to be no evasion nor escape. It is too positive to be argued against, or turned aside, and too plain not to be clearly understood. All are expressly included in it and lest any might plead that he did not hear, it is uttered a second time by Jesus in the text.

[ocr errors]

The word, likewise, "except ye repent, ye "shall all likewise perish," may serve to remind us, that our Lord was speaking to per sons who had an example of perishing before them. In fact there were two examples-which moved Him twice to proclaim this doctrine then current in the mouths of men; and it is to be supposed, that the larger number of ourselves are able more or less perfectly to recollect them. However, we should always desire clearly to apprehend, and carry with us, in our consideration of any doctrine, the occa

« VorigeDoorgaan »