4. Making some application
4. Making some application
We make some application. This doctrine may help us to see the reason why so many return with the dog to his vomit. There is an error in the first concoction. That you may beware of this, we would exhort you, to make sure work in your transacting with the Lord. O do not trifle in so important a concern! To guard you effectually against this, consider the following things.
4.1. Consider, this is to put, so far as you can, a solemn cheat on the great God: Galatians 6:7, "Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap." It is a dangerous thing to mock God. His all-seeing eye knows how you deal with him and can penetrate through all your pretenses. Consider.
4.2. It is to put a solemn cheat on your own souls; you thus deceive your own souls. If you trifle with God, you will find at length a sad disappointment; Isaiah 50:11, "Behold, all you that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that you have kindled. This shall you have of mine hand; you shall lie down in sorrow." As you sow, you will reap. Sow the wind of hypocrisy, and you will reap the whirlwind of wrath.
4.3. Consider the weight of the matter; the salvation or damnation of the soul is no small business; if you manage it right, you may get your salvation sealed; if not, see Luke 14:24, "For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden, shall taste of my supper."
4.4. Consider, if you thus trifle with God in this matter, you will be discovered. The man without the wedding-garment was soon found out. You will not hold right to the end; you will return to the vomit; your latter end will be worse than your beginning. Consider,
4.5. That you have a deceitful heart; it is necessary to be sure with it; it will soon give you the slip, and break the bonds, if they be slightly put on. Consider,
Lastly, If you make sure work, you will find the eternal advantage of it. All the blessings of the covenant will be your portion. You may get a feast; "To this man will I look, says the Lord, who is of an humble and contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word."
I shall close with the following short DIRECTIONS—
Set about the work of self-examination. Inquire particularly at your hearts, whether they be willing to take Christ, and renounce all other lovers, and to take him wholly, only, and everlastingly. Pray that God may examine you, and discover yourselves to yourselves; lay yourselves open to self-searching. Lastly, Put your hearts into the Lord's hand, as sensible that in yours they will miscarry. "Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass."
THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED
You have been this day avouching the Lord to be your God. You have all had an offer of Christ, and there was none heard tell of protesting against him; nay, did not your hearts say within you, even so I take him? Many of you have, before angels and men, sealed a covenant with him this day, and we may report to the Lord, that you have said you are content to be his. O that there were such a heart in you, all would be well!
Having, in the preceding discourse, offered all that we intend from the first doctrine, we now proceed to
Doctrine 2
That a heart sincerely and suitably corresponding with the profession of a covenanting people, is a most valuable and excellent thing.
Here I shall, (1) show what a heart such a heart is. (2) Make it appear, that such a heart is a most valuable thing.