Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

must be mixed with all that we hear, in order to make the word of God
effectual to our salvation.
The seed of the kingdom can never produce much fruit in any heart till
the thorns and thistles of vicious affections and impure desires be plucked
up by the roots and burned.
It is very difficult to get a worldly minded and self-righteous man
brought to Christ. Examples signify little to him. Urge the example of an
eminent saint, he is discouraged at it. Show him a profligate sinner
converted to God, him he is ashamed to own and follow; and as to the
conduct of the generality of the followers of Christ, it is not striking
enough to impress him.
How many of those who are called Christians suffer the kingdom, the
graces, and the salvation which they had in their hands to be lost; while
West India negroes, American Indians, Hindoo Polytheists, and atheistic
Hottentots obtain salvation.
Many, after having done their duty, as they call it, in attending a place
of worship, forget the errand that brought them thither, and spend their
time, on their return, rather in idle conversation than in reading or
conversing about the word of God. It is no wonder that such should be
always "learning, and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth."
It is not, therefore, the nation, kindred, profession, mode or form of
worship, that the just God regards; but the character, the state of heart,
and the moral deportment. For what are professions, &c., in the sight of
that God who trieth spirits, and by whom actions are weighed! He looks
for the grace he has given, the advantages he has afforded, and the
improvement of all these. Let it be observed farther, that no man can be
accepted with this just God who does not live up to the advantages of the
state in which Providence has placed him.