III.  As self knowledge is of great importance, unnecessary to our reforming that which is amiss, and to our trading in him who is able to keep us, we should often try ourselves, as in his presence—­his, to whom our hearts are open.  It becomes us often to retire inward, and examine whether the love of Christ dwelleth in us? Whether we love him more than these?  Than the world and the things of it?  If Christ is not uppermost in our hearts, “we are not worthy of him.”  But if we can answer the question put to Simon, as he answered it, Lord thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee, happy are we.  We remain in a state of imperfection—­may often have occasion to mourn some practical denial of Christ; still, if he who knoweth all things, knoweth that we love him, our love to him will not he overlooked; he will own us before his Father, and reward us with eternal rewards.

IV.  Christ’s disciples, while in the body, often err; if acquainted with ourselves, we must often know this of ourselves; do we then see our faults?

If any who call themselves Christians live in neglect of self examination, and are consequently strangers to themselves, there is great reason to fear that they are strangers also to the Christian life.  The Christian communes much with his own heart, and finds daily occasion to mourn before God, that his service is so defective, and that he so often denies his Lord, by heedless lapses, or by suffering temptation to have such power over him.  When the Lord looked on Peter, and thereby brought to his remembrance the warnings which he had given him, his confidence in himself, and then his fall, he went out and wept bitterly.

Every Christian hath a measure of this spirit, and is grieved at his heart, when he calls to mind his shameful denials of his Lord.  If any, who think themselves his disciples are blind to their faults, or little affected with them—­ready to excuse or extenuate them, especially if hidden from the world; or feel reluctant to take shame to themselves, when they have fallen, it nearly concerns them to examine the grounds of their hope toward God; there is reason to fear that they “hold a lie in their right hands.”  Those who are Christ’s discern their faults; confess and forsake them.  Their falls art made the occasion of greater watchfulness, and care to keep themselves from every wicked thing, and perfect holiness in the fear of God.  May he grant this to be our temper, for his mercy’s sake in Christ.  Amen.

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SERMON XIV.

Gifts no certain Evidence of Grace.

Luke x. 20

“In this rejoice not, that the Spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your Names are written in Heaven.”

Abundant notice of Christ’s coming preceded that interesting’ event.  “To him gave all the prophets witness.”

Neither was his entrance here unattended.  It was announced by an angelic choir; by a miraculous star; and by a band of eastern magi.  The manger which contained him, was particularly pointed out to the shepherds, and his person designated by inspired Simon and Anna.  Again,