Part 18

And how much less reason have we, my brethren, to be satisfied with our past character, with any thing that we have already achieved. Woe to me! (may many of us say,) how large a portion of my time has been consumed in indifference and trifling! how long was it before I earnestly set out in the race at all! and even after it was begun, I proceeded carelessly and supinely, as if the prize had not been worth contending for. How idly and insufficiently did I prepare for the contest; expecting to gain the victory without a sacrifice or a struggle! yea, and perhaps the best of us may look rather with shame than satisfaction upon our christian attainments: how much further might we have advanced, than we have done, if we had commenced the good work in earlier life, or been more diligent: how much more enlightened might our minds have now been, had we more fervently sought, and more implicitly yielded to, the teaching of the Spirit of God; had we been more frequently and earnestly “searching the scriptures,” more devout in meditation and more constant in prayer: how much more purified our hearts, and “cleansed from all unrighteousness,” by a more sincere and unqualified subjection to the divine will; how much higher our affections elevated, had they been more conversant with heaven; how much more firmly and blamelessly our feet have been fixed in the way of God’s commandments, in all the blessed ordinances of the gospel, in the narrow path of life eternal, had we been more zealously and faithfully walking with God. Nearer should we have been drawn to Him, in holier and happier communion, had we not been so long, and so often, cold and remiss.

No, my brethren, we have no reason to be dwelling, with such delight and confidence, upon the progress we have already made, as to feel ourselves privileged to be content. In no case, would this be considered the evidence of a true christian principle or view; in no case, would it be the means of safety; nor even consistent with the hope of salvation; no, not even in an apostle; much less in us, whose faith is so weak, whose knowledge so moderate, whose resolutions so wavering, whose attainments so comparatively poor. On the contrary, we should sorrow over our past failings; be deeply affected on considering how far we have come short of what was required of us; and heartily desire and pray, that the grievous remembrance may stimulate us to fresh endeavours, with a “new heart and a new spirit;” that so we may be “reaching forth to those things which are before.” All that we have well done, and all that we have left undone, should have, for this purpose, the same effect; experiencing the blessed consequences of our holy labour, on the one hand, we should be animated and encouraged to persevere in the conflict, that we may gather thereby additional comfort and success; and sensible of our deficiencies, on the other hand, in a work of such inconceivable and everlasting importance, we should be anxious to repair our neglect; and thankful for our opportunity of “redeeming the time,” and making further advances.

Thank God, whatever our negligence may have been, all is not lost; the course is yet before us, and we may go onward in the spirit and strength of the Lord; the prize is yet before us, and it may be won. But it requires a full purpose of heart, a fixed determination, an undaunted courage, a strenuous exercise of every faculty and every nerve: all that we are, and have, must be devoted to the securing of the one great object. All the talents of reason, with which our Creator has endued us; all the energy of grace, with which our souls are supplied, must incessantly be brought to bear upon our high and holy calling. We must be daily and hourly proceeding; no lingering, longing looks upon the world we are leaving behind us; no loitering amid its vanities and follies; no backsliding to its sinful pleasures and pursuits; no declining from the strict line of duty, as if it were become wearisome, as if it were not fully believed to be right or requisite: “the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them who believe to the saving of the soul.” {415}

St. Paul says, “I press toward the mark;” alluding to the mark, or line, drawn across the end of the course, to shew where it terminated. The end of our course is death; that is the mark, to which we must constantly press; never, till we reach it, can our striving be over, can the victory be gained. If we perceive ourselves languishing or weary, if the enemy of our souls would tempt us, as he undoubtedly will do, to indolence or repose, let us instantly pray to our Almighty Father, for a double portion of His Holy Spirit, and he will enable us to renew our vigour, and maintain our stedfastness. Yea, though the race be so protracted, that our limbs may be growing feeble with age, and our vital energies decaying, still we shall be inspirited with a courage and strength, that will be found abundantly sufficient; and as we near the end, our hopes will rise, and our prospect will brighten; the weakness of nature will be assisted and compensated by a merciful increase of faith; and we shall press onward, through the latter part of the trial, with holier confidence and fuller expectation.

And all this, “for the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus.” What was it, that led the people of former days, to enter into the list, and engage in the race? Why were they content to undergo such previous hardships and privations, in order to qualify them for the task? Why did they exert themselves in the contest, so laboriously and painfully, as if willing to sacrifice their lives in the struggle? It was for a little crown of withering leaves; for the honour of their countrymen’s applause; and the approval of their families and friends. How then do they put to shame the negligent and indifferent christian; him that refuses to train and labour for the conflict of life, for the cause of salvation! What is our prize? what are our objects? “an incorruptible crown,” a “crown of glory that fadeth not away;” an eternal inheritance in the heavens; the approbation of all good men; the welcome acclaim of a “multitude of angels which no man can number;” the approval, the everlasting reward of the Judge of our christian race. Are not these objects worthy of our supreme regard? Is not this worth contending for? Does it not demand all our attention, all our anxiety, all our watchfulness and diligence and labour? Should not our whole soul be devoted thereto? Ought it not to be, comparatively speaking, the sole purpose, for which we care to live and hope to die?

Especially when we consider the consequences of our failure, in this great enterprise and work. He that lost the earthly race, lost little; perhaps it was somewhat of an honour for him to have contended at all: but he, who loses the christian race, loses every thing; loses his own soul, his precious immortal soul; defeat will be ruin, eternal misery and perdition. He that lost the earthly prize on one occasion, might run for another on a future day: but when once the spiritual race is run, when we have arrived at the mark, at the goal, at the gate of death, no further trial will then be vouchsafed; there will never be another opportunity. Anxiously perhaps we may desire it; and resolve, as we find ourselves approaching to the border of eternity, that if we could be permitted to continue our race for a little season, we would “use all diligence” for a successful termination; to gain the great prize we appear to be losing: but the desire will be vain. We knew the nature of the prize before; we knew what was necessary in order to gain it; we declined and refused; we chose the broad and easy way of idleness and sin: the night will be come, and there will be no more working.

O that before, that long before this time shall come, all our hearts may be thoroughly fixed upon the high calling of our God; upon that blessed revelation of the gospel, which calls us to life and immortality. O that the heart of every hearer may be fixed this day, so as never to be diverted from the holy and heavenly purpose; so as to be filled with a zeal and ardour, that shall never be extinguished; with invincible courage, and irremovable confidence; so that we may never “be weary of well-doing,” but persevere unto the end.

The Saviour, on His lofty throne, calls us by _His word_, which announces the glorious prize and the conditions of the race; by _His spirit_, “which is striving with us;” by His _heralds_ and _messengers_, warning, animating, exhorting, persuading; He promises strength for the contest and victory in the end, to all who will engage in the great cause, with earnestness and sincerity. Awake, arise, we have nothing to fear: “the Lord is with us; who shall be against us?” who shall let or hinder? Listen, listen to the invitation and the promise! Take them for your government and your comfort; “so run as to obtain;” so, that on arriving at the end of the christian course, you may be calmly delighted to behold, with the eye of faith the crown of victory and of glory, ready to be placed upon your head. Often indeed are we permitted to behold the evident superiority of grace, at the latter hour; the peculiar accordance of divine mercy and strength, triumphing over the weakness of expiring nature: many pious Christians have then openly exhibited the most undoubted and convincing tokens of heavenly assurance and support; their Lord thus manifestly affording them an anticipation of their “crown of rejoicing,” and cheering them before their dissolution.

At this awful hour, there may be, and doubtless are, differences of spiritual experience in different individuals: but whatever, when we are ceasing to labour, be the foretaste of that rest, “which remaineth for the people of God;” whatever, when we are setting our foot upon the goal, be the outward and visible sign of approaching glory; sure we may be, if faithful unto death, that we shall soon enter upon that rest and that glory; but a small moment is remaining: the prize is ready at our departure: heaven will rejoice over us; the spirits of just men made perfect, (many whose names we have honoured, some whom we have seen and loved) will rejoice over us; and _we_ shall rejoice with them for ever.

* * * * *

FINIS.

* * * * *

J. GARDNER, PRINTER, BOLTON.

FOOTNOTES.

{vii} These Sermons, though written for particular Sundays, are most of them generally applicable; indeed all of them, with very slight alterations or omissions.

{4} Isaiah, ix. 2. Matt. iv. 16.

{5} Eph. iv. 18.

{7} 1 Cor. i, 26–29.

{8} Isai. xxvi. 19.

{9a} Isai lii. 1–3.

{9b} Isai. lx. 1–3.

{10} Matt. ii. 1.

{12} Matt. vi. 23.

{13} 2 Cor. v. 20.

{18} John i. 9.

{19} Col. iii. 3.

{21} 1 Cor. ii. 9.

{23} Eph. iii. 5–9.

{26a} John xvii. 5.

{26b} Philipp. ii. 7.

{26c} John i. 1. 14.

{29a} 1 Tim. iii. 16.

{29b} Rom. v. 8.

{29c} 1 Pet. iii. 18.

{32} Prov. iii. 17.

{34a} Matt. xxv. 34.

{34b} 2 Pet. iii. 13.

{36} Col. i. 12–20.

{39} Acts xv. 18.

{43a} Gen. vi. 3.

{43b} 1 Pet. iii. 20.

{50a} Acts ix. 6.

{50b} 1 Sam. iii. 9.

{53a} Matt. xxiv. 37–39.

{53b} 2 Pet. iii. 5–7.

{54a} 2 Pet. iii. 13, 14.

{54b} 1 Thess. iv. 17.

{55} Eph. iv. 30.

{57} Heb. xi. 7.

{59} Heb. vii. 26.

{60a} Gen. vi. 9.

{60b} Psal. xvi. 8.

{60c} Psal. cxix. 105.

{62a} Gen. vi. 17, 18.

{62b} Gen. ix. 9–11.

{63} Wells’s Paraphr. on Gen. vi. 18.

{65} Gen. vii, viii.

{69} Gen. viii. 13–21.

{71} Ps. ciii. 1–4.

{73} Psal. lxxxix. 37.

{75} Rev. iv. 1–3.

{78} Gen. xxxix. 1–4.

{80} Gen. xxxix. 8.

{89a} The season of Lent.

{89b} Ps. cxxxix. 24.

{90a} Heb. xii. 1.

{90b} Rom. ii. 4.

{92} Eph. vi. 10–13.

{96} Luke xxiv. 15, 16.

{101} Luke xxiv. 18–21.

{102} Luke xxiv. 25, 26.

{103a} Matt. xvi. 16.

{103b} Luke xxiv. 27.

{104a} Luke xxiv. 28, 29.

{104b} Deut. vi. 7.

{105a} Ps. xvi. 8.

{105b} Matt. xvii. 20.

{105c} Luke xxiv. 30, 31.

{107} Psal. cxix. 18.

{108} Phil. iii. 20.

{113a} Psal. lxiii. 1.

{113b} Eph. iii. 18, 19.

{117a} John ix. 4.

{117b} Micah vi. 8.

{125} Art. x.

{130a} Isaiah lv. 6.

{130b} Prov. i. 26.

{132} Heb. iii. 15.

{136} Psal. lxxiii. 25.

{137} Second Sunday after Trinity.

{138a} Psal. cxi. 10.

{138b} Psal. lxxxv. 9.

{138c} Malach. iv. 2.

{138d} Acts x. 35.

{138e} Luke i. 50.

{139} Psalm viii. 4.

{144} Lev. xix. 2.

{145} 1 Peter i. 15.

{148} Rom. viii. 35–39.

{149a} Heb. x. 22.

{149b} Heb. vi. 11.

{150a} Tit. ii. 4.

{150b} Col. i. 12.

{152} 1 John iii. 2.

{158} Isaiah xlv. 9, lxiv. 8.

{161a} 1 Sam. ii. 6–9.

{161b} Isaiah lvi. 12.

{161c} Prov. xxiii. 5.

{168} Psal. xxx. 5.

{169} Isaiah liv. 7, 8.

{171} Psal. exxvi. 5.

{174} 2 Sam. xii. 1–5.

{177} Isaiah v. 20.

{178} 1 Sam. xiii. 14; Acts xiii. 22.

{179} 1 Cor. ix. 27.

{181a} Jeremiah xvii. 9.

{181b} 1 Cor. x. 12.

{183} Rom. vi. 1, 2.

{185} 2 Pet. iii. 18.

{188} Lament. v. 21.

{192a} Isaiah lxvi. 24.

{192b} Dan. xii. 2.

{193a} Jer. v.2; Is. vi. 10.

{193b} Prov. viii. 36.

{193c} Prov. xiv. 12.

{194a} Rom. viii. 13.

{194b} Rev. ii. 11. xx. 14. Pol. Syn. in loco.

{195} Ezek. xviii. 20–23.

{197} Ezek. xviii. 21, 22.

{198a} Heb. xi. 6.

{198b} Habbak. ii. 4; Rom. i. 17; Gal. iii. 18; Heb. x. 38.

{199} Isaiah i. 18.

{200a} 1 John ii. 1.

{200b} 1 John i. 9.

{200c} 2 Pet. iii. 9.

{200d} John vi. 37.

{202} Eph. v. 14.

{204} Ezek. xviii. 24.

{205a} Luke xi. 24–26.

{205b} Heb. vi. 4.

{206a} 1 Cor. x. 12.

{206b} 2 Pet. i. 10.

{206c} Heb. x. 38.

{207a} Rom. viii. 37.

{207b} Rom. ix. 20.

{207c} Gen. xviii. 25.

{207d} Isaiah xlv. 22.

{208a} Rom. viii. 32.

{208b} Tit. ii. 11.

{208c} 1 John i. 7.

{208d} Psalm lviii. 11.

{211} Col. iii. 20.

{213a} Isaiah l. 10.

{213b} Ezek. xxxiii. 11.

{214a} Ezek. xi. 19, 20; xxxvi. 26.

{214b} Ezek. xviii. 31.

{214c} Lev. xix, 2; Numb. xvi. 5; Heb. xii. 14.

{218} John vi. 27.

{220} Phil. ii. 12, 13.

{226a} Luke i. 6.

{226b} Tit. ii. 12.

{227a} Gen. ii. 7.

{227b} 1 Cor. xii. 11.

{229a} 2 Cor. v. 17.

{229b} Rom. xii. 9.

{229c} Acts xxvi. 18.

{231} Prov. ix. 16.

{232a} Isaiah xxv. 6.

{232b} Luke xxii. 29, 30.

{233a} Matt. iii. 8–10.

{233b} Heb. iii. 12.

{234a} 2 Cor. iv. 4.

{234b} Isaiah xliv. 20.

{234c} John iii. 19.

{236} Joel ii. 28, 29; Acts ii. 17, 18.

{242a} Acts iv. 12.

{242b} 1 Cor. iii. 11.

{243a} Isaiah lv. 1–7.

{243b} Zechar. xiii. 1.

{251a} Rev. xxi. 23.

{251b} Psalm xvi. 11.

{260} 2 Cor. iii. 5.

{262} Eph. iv. 1.

{265} James ii. 10.

{267} Matt. xiii. 12.

{269} 2 Pet. iii. 18.

{291} Matt. xxiv. 3–8.

{302a} Tit. ii. 12.

{302b} Gal. vi. 8

{304} 2 Sam. 1. 23.

{305a} Rom. viii. 6.

{305b} Ezek. xviii. 20.

{307} Rom. ii. 16.

{308} 2 Cor. v. 10.

{309} Thess. iv. 17.

{311} Eccl. i. 14, 15.

{314} Gen. i. 31.

{315} Gen. i. 27.

{317} 1 John ii. 16.

{322} Jer. xlv. 5.

{327a} Gen. ii. 16, 17

{327b} Acts xvi. 31.

{327c} Col. iii. 2.

{328a} Jer. ii. 13.

{328b} Rom. xii. 2.

{328c} Rom. vi. 22.

{331a} Prov. ii. 6. 9.

{331b} 1 Cor. ii. 9.

{334} 1 Cor. ii. 13, 14.

{338} John xiv. 21–26.

{341} Heb. vi. 5.

{342} Matt. v. 4.

{347} Prov. iv. 18, 19.

{348} 1 Cor. xiii. 12.

{358} Col. ii. 5.

{364} Matt. xxvi. 41.

{365a} 2 Tim. ii. 26.

{365b} 1 Pet. iv. 7.

{367a} John 11. 35, 36.

{367b} John xiii. 23; xxi. 20.

{373} Psal. xxviii. 10.

{374a} Rom. viii. 29.

{374b} 1 Cor. xv. 20.

{374c} 1 Joh. iii. 12.

{374d} Luke xx. 36.

{377} John xiv. 15–21.

{379} 1 Tim. v. 8.

{384} Matt. xxv. 40.

{395} 1 Sam. xiv. 6.

{401} I will make my thankful acknowledgments to the Lord, not only with my lips, or with some slight affections of my mind, but with all my heart and soul; and that not only in the private society of those good men, whom I am more intimately acquainted withal, but in the public congregation of all His people.—_Bishop Patrick_.

{403} Rev. xv. 3.

{405} Ezek. xxxiii. 13.

{415} Heb. x. 38, 39.