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in vain. 'Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be in vain.' There are many of you that are suffering this day materially for Christ; materially, we say, and not formally; for hypocrites never win to sincerity in their doings and sufferings, nor do to them as to God; and yet ye will get hell to suffer in throughout all eternity: yea, a man when his credit is straitly engaged, he may give his life for the cause, and yet get hell for his reward.
Eleventhly, These come not unto Christ who have only a historical and temporary faith, instead of a saving faith, though ye should believe all the truths in the Bible, yet that will not avail you, the devils believe and tremble; yea, though you should give your general assent to the way of salvation by Christ, yet unless you receive and embrace him, and rest upon him, all will be for nought: Look the case of this people; Isa. xlviii. 2, 'Who call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel?' but what says the Lord of them? 'Yet not in truth nor in righteousness:' O take heed what ye are doing, and do not deceive yourselves, for ye may win this length, as to be convinced, that it is good to come unto Christ, and think ye have done it, being blinded by your pride, and may some way comfort yourselves as if ye had done it, in this your presumptuous dream, and yet really, never have done it: never really, have been brought to deny your own righteousness, and to receive Christ, relying only upon him for attaining life through his righteousness and satisfaction.
Twelfthly, These come not unto Christ, who have only the common operation of the Spirit, upon the affection within, and resting there, conclude that all is well with them. We have already spoken of the danger of resting upon apprehended sorrow for sin, so there may be much also of the flames of joy, tenderness and heart meltings, which hypo-
