DISC. viII.' A SOUL PREPARED FOR HEAVEN. 485 eye-sight. If the man with the withered hand, Mat. xii. 10, I3. had not used his own endeavours to stretch forth is hand at the command of Christ, I can hardly believe it would have been restored to its ancient vigour and usefulness. Halepoor impotent creature had not been waitingat the side of the pool of Bethesda, Johnv. 5-9. he had not met with the blessed Jesus, nor been healed by his miraculous power. You will say, perhaps, that our blessed Saviour could have visited him in his own house, could have directed his journey towards his habi- tation, or have sent for him into the public, and healed him there. No; our Lord did not chuse either of these ways; but while the man was waiting at the pool, where he had encouragement to hope for a cure, there the Lord found him, and healed him. Let not any presuming sinner therefore, who is sensi- ble of his own unfitness for heaven, dare to continue in a careless indifference about so important a concern : Let himnot put off his own conscience with this foolish excuse, " It is God must do all in us, and for us, and therefore I will do nothing myself."' Dost thou think, O soul, that thiswill be a sufficient answer to him that shall judge thee in the great and solemn day ? May you not expect to hear the Judge reply terribly to such an ex- cuse, " You never sought after this preparation for heaven, and you must be plunged into hell, for which your own rebellion and slothfulness have prepared you." But perhaps you will object again, What can so fee- ble, so sinful a creature as I am, do towards this divine work ? I answer, Canst thou not separate one quarter of an hour daily to think of thy dreadful circumstances; and thy eternal danger in a sinful and defiled state of soul ? Think of the uncertainty of life, and how sudden thy summons may be into the eternal and unchangeable state. Survey thyself in thy sinful condition both of heart and life, and see how unfit thou art for the com- pany of all the holy ones above. Meditate on these thy perilous circumstances, till thy heart be deeply affected therewith; fall down before God in humble acknowledg- ment of thy former guilt and pollutions: Give up thyself to him with holy solemnity, to have thy heart turned away from every sin, and strongly inclined to holiness 2t3 i
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