we begin to think, that they, who attained to so high an eminence, were men of another mould, and that in our own case there are peculiar hindrances; and we are wearied, and discouraged, and almost in despair. Would that we might be persuaded to make trial of a more excellent way! Do our consciences bear us witness, that it is our sincere and earnest desire to forsake every sin, and to press on towards heaven, by whatsoever road our Lord shall point out? Then let us, at once, embrace the promise of eternal life. Has not God called us to be his people; brought us into his Church; sealed us with his seal in baptism; and is not the bread of heaven set before us in his word and at his table? Why should we, after these tokens, doubt his good-will toward us? Let us stir up within our hearts the hope of glory. And, as our hope rises, our love will rise; and, with our love, our wish to be conformed to the image of Him who is the object of our affections; and conformity is but another name for patience; and patience-patience in doing and patience in suffering the will of God-but another name for sanctification; and sanctification an evident token of the presence of Christ's Spirit, the true Author of all these graces; and this a pledge of our adoption, and an earnest of our inheritance; which being felt within, hope will again quicken in its pulse, and dart forth fresh energy to circulate through the system. I WOULD fain have spoken a few words on that other exhortation, which the Apostle has joined with the exhortations already dwelt upon, and which, indeed, is so intimately connected with them, that it might well be treated as a subordinate branch of the same subject. For how is it possible to be "patient in tribulation," to pass through the difficulties and the dangers which beset us in our earthly pilgrimage, with our affections steadily fixed on heaven, and our hearts rejoicing in hope of the glory of God, unless we be men of prayer; and that, not merely as praying at stated seasons, diligently and conscientiously securing to ourselves time for our morning and evening devotions, (for who dare hope for heaven, that neglects this?) but as being" instant in prayer," as endeavouring to maintain a devotional spirit throughout the day? On this topic, in connexion with the points already touched upon, I would gladly have dwelt. Let it suffice to have suggested the subject. follow it out in our meditations and in our practice. And now, to conclude in the Apostle's words, may the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen*." * 1 Pet. v. 10, 11. Let us ... "And whereas every other duty besides is but to shew itself as time and opportunity require, for this (Prayer) all times are convenient It is the first thing wherewith a righteous life beginneth, and the last wherewith it doth end. The knowledge is small which we have on earth concerning things that are done in heaven. Notwithstanding, thus much we know even of saints in heaven, that they pray. And therefore Prayer, being a work common to the Church as well triumphant as militant, a work common unto men with angels, what should we think, but that so much of our lives is celestial and divine, as we spend in the exercise of Prayer?" Hooker, Eccles. Polity, book v. §. 23. |