2. We have a solemn account at that day to pass with Christ.
2. We have a solemn account at that day to pass with Christ.
Heb. 13:17. "We watch for their souls, as those that must give account." And what can more powerfully excite to faithful diligence in the discharge of duty, than the consideration of that day! Which the apostle had mentioned, in 2 Cor. 5:10 this awful appearance before the judgment-seat of Christ; he immediately infers, verse 11.
'Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.'
O brethren! let us beware of committing, or of neglecting any thing, that may bring us within the compass of the terrors of that day. Let our painfulness and faithfulness, our constancy and seriousness, compel a testimony from our congregations, as the apostle did from his, Acts 28:26. "That we are pure from the blood of all men."
3. We have a great opportunity to improve for Christ; which if we do, we shall fulfil his charge, and escape the terrors of his judgment in that great day.
We have now (if I mistake not) the fairest season we ever enjoyed, since we first preached Christ; if this be lost, I question whether we may ever expect the like. There is great odds betwixt our present circumstances at our return to our flocks, and our past circumstances when we left them, and that both upon our own account, and upon theirs.
Upon our own account: We were then young, and (comparatively) unexperienced ministers to what we are now. Though we have too many defects and weaknesses still to lament, yet I am persuaded we have not spent so many years among trials, fears, and sufferings in vain. These things, I am persuaded, have greatly improved our acquaintance with God, and our own hearts. It will be as sad as strange, if they have not. God hath been training us up in faith,