GERM. IX.j THE HIDDEN LIFE OF 4 CFI3RI9TtAN. 155 ercises of ,this christian life, or the springs and principles of it, still we shall find,it has just ,reason to be called a secret, or a hidden life. Before I proceed, I shall lay down these two cautions. lst. Caution. Though it is a hidden life, yet I en- , - treat my christian friends, that they would not suffer it to be such a secret, as to be unknown to, themselves. God has ordained it to be hidden, not that it might al- ways be unknown to you, but that yòu might searchat; ter it with diligence ; and that when you find yourselves possessed of it, you might rejoice la the evidences of your life and his love. Be not satisfied then, O ye pro.. fessors of the gospel, :until you have searched and found this divine life within 'you.. What a poor life must that christian live, who goes from day to day, and from year to year,- and still complains, ? I know not whether I ani alive or no ? : Labour, therefore, after self- acquaintance, since God has been pleased, in his word,, to furnish us with sufiîci- ent means to find out our estate; ,1:Johxa.v. 13. These things I write unto yea,- says the apostle, that ye may believe on the name of theSon of God, and that ye may. know that ye believe. It is a dishonour to the gospel of Christ, to abide always in darkness and donbtings, and' to rest contented in so uncomfortable a fra,Irte We are told in Rev. ii. 17. that those whose life iS supported by this hidden manna, have also a white stone given them, with a new name in it; which no mad knows, save he that receives it; that is, they have divine absolution and pardon of their sins, which was represented heretofore, in some courts of judicature, by the gift of a white stone; but surely, if my own name were written in it, I would use my utmost endeavours to read the inscription myself, though it may he a secret to the rest of mankind; then my God and Saviour shall have the honour of his pardoning love, and then my soul shall enjoy the conso., lation. -2d Caution. Though it be a hidden life in the sacred operations and the springs of it, yet the world ought to see the blessed effects of it. We must hold forth to men the word of life ; Phil. ii. 16, Let the world, see, that we live to God, and that by the secret power of his word in thegospel.
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