resolve immediate amendment if the Lord spare them, but all their prayers, all their resolutions are unavailing. "Their harvest is past, their summer is ended," the door of mercy is shut to open no more, the ears of an offended God are deaf to their most fervent entreaties. Justice, worn out with their delays, utters her last thunders, and with the lightnings of her vengeance cleaves the "cumberer" to the lowest hell.

"He

that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Thus seeking to "enter in, they are not able."

Have we not reason from this doctrine to apprehend that disappointment will be the end of many who are considered as good christians in the world? "The one thing needful" is almost the only thing neglected, the only object not sought with an earnestness becoming its vast, its inconceivable, its everlasting importance. View men in any pursuit, which concerns the present life; consider the sons of pleasure who are bent on self-gratification; the man of ambition who aspires after the preferments and honors of the world; or the covetous who supremely court its wealth. How eager, and unwearied are they in pursuing their different objects! No labor is considered too painful to be endured, no dangers too awful to be encountered, no reproach from their fellow mortals too degrading to be borne, no methods too mean to be embraced. Consider,

also, the man who is languishing under some inveterate, alarming disorder, with what diligence does he embrace every probable method of recovery: He calls a physician, he listens attentively to his advice, applies with care the medicines prescribed; if one application is unsuccessful he makes experiment of another; nay, he will sacrifice one part of his body, an arm, or a leg, as a means of preserving his life. Thus prudent are "the men of this world in their generation." But, alas, how simple, how slothful, how inconsiderate do most appear with respect to their everlasting concerns! Are not the newspapers read frequently with greater earnestness than the bible? Do not many discover more zeal in making sure the election of a favorite candidate to some post of honor or interest, than in making sure their own election of God to the glories of his kingdom? Are they not more anxious to secure their title to a particular house, or farm; or to make a profitable bargain in trade, than to secure their title to the inheritance of heaven, or appropriate as their own the "incorruptible riches of Jesus the Mediator? Brethren, is this "to take the kingdom of heaven by violence?" Can this be called "pressing towards the mark, or working out our salvation with fear and trembling?" Is this the striving urged by the Holy Ghost in the text; or such as will probably secure our entrance "into the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:" they have never yet sought religion

successfully, who have not sought it supremely; they have never been properly exercised about their souls, whose concern for their souls has not risen above every other concern.

2. Does it not become every individual immediately to ascertain his own spiritual character?" Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith: prove your ownselves." When the apostles were informed by their Master that one of them should betray him, each instantly inquired for himself, "Lord, is it I? Lord, is it I?" When we learn from the holy oracles that many who now expect salvation shall be finally disappointed, each professor of his religion ought to inquire, "Lord, is it I?" Am I only "reprobate silver," which shall hereafter be rejected of the righteous judge? Have I barely the lamp of a profession, without oil, the unction of the Holy One? the mask of religion, without its reality? to whom the great Master of the house will declare, "I know you not, whence you are." Would you, brethren, be satisfied on this all interesting inquiry? prove yourselves by the following marks. Have you ever been truly earnest in seeking the salvation of your souls? Have you considered it as a matter of everlasting importance, as incomparably more interesting than any other concern, than all other concerns, and therefore been determined on obtaining it; resolving, from a conviction that your eternal all is at stake, "to take the

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kingdom of heaven by violence?" Have there been moments when like the holy patriarch you wrestled with the Redeeming Angel, refusing to "let him go without his blessing?" This is what in scripture is called" seeking first the kingdom of God;" or "giving all diligence to make your calling and election sure." 2. Are you willing, are you desirous, to know your real character and condition; to know how you stand related to Jehovah, whether in a state of reconciliation, or of wrath? The superficial merchant is in a great measure regardless of his real situation; he is rarely employed in examining his books or balancing his accounts; he looks chiefly to the opinion entertained of him by his neighbors, and is satisfied with being considered as flourishing in his situation; but the more prudent will be frequently searching his books, comparing his credit and debt, to ascertain whether his condition be prosperous or declining. Thus the mere hypocrite rarely searches his own heart; he is little concerned about that mystery of iniquity which is there concealed; he is more anxious to know his character in the opinion of men, than his condition in the eyes of a holy God. But those who are really exercised to godliness are chiefly concerned about the inward man; they will occasionally turn their eyes upon their own hearts; and endeavor to detect those corruptions which malignantly lurk within; they will be fervently praying with

the holy Psalmist, "search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me;" they will be representing to the great Physician this and the other spiritual complaint, imploring the healing balm of his covenant: they will be acknowledging their secret faults, and open transgressions, asking forgiveness through the riches of his grace. 3. Are you willing to make any sacrifice which the scriptures require in pursuing this all important matter? "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." Are you ready to crucify whatever inclinations tend to cloud the glory of Jesus, or interrupt the work of your salvation? Could you cheerfully mortify your most darling lusts; would you willingly bring your most beloved idols, and dash them against the cross of the Saviour? I do not inquire whether you are willing to crucify a particular inclination; most would consent to a sacrifice of that nature. One man is chiefly devoted to pleasure, to the gratifications of the flesh, and is regardless in a great degree of every other worldly consideration: Another man idolizes his wealth, saying to gold, "thou art my hope, and to fine gold, thou art my confidence," and, in the possession of this favorite object, could easily deny himself every other enjoyment: A third grasps at worldly honors, aspires after promotion in society, and little regards either amusement or gain.