March 4

yet." Some are not bad enough for Christ yet—we mean in their own apprehension. But when they find and feel that they are entirely lost, and have no other help or hope, they will cordially acquiesce in his recommendation, however mysterious, however humbling, however trying. "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead."

Let me not think this inquiry was proper for the jailor only. All have sinned. And the soul that sinneth it shall die. It should therefore be the inquiry of every man. O my soul, let it be thine!

What is the answer?—

MARCH 4.—"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."—Acts 16:31.

THEY overlook his injurious treatment of them. They do not take advantage of his present distress to insult him, as the council did Judas, who, when he cast down the pieces of silver, confessing he had sinned and betrayed innocent blood, said, "What is that to us? See thou to that." Yea, they hear with delight his exclamation, "What must I do to be saved?" Such cries as this are music in the ears of those who long to save souls from death—"Your case is bad, but it is not hopeless. You are guilty and condemned, and there is only one way of deliverance—But there is one. We have tried it ourselves, and have found it effectual, and recommend it to you. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Here is the advantage of knowledge and of experience in those who have to deal with souls in spiritual distress. They can speak readily and clearly; and with confidence and earnestness—"Lo this, we have searched it; so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good." What could the heathen philosophers have done with this question? Or what the Scribes and Pharisees who sat in Moses' chair? What would a modern infidel make of it? How many called divines, would answer: "Be not too much distressed. You are not worse than others. All are frail. God knows our frame. He will not be severe to mark what we do amiss. Guard against these gloomy notions which drive people to distraction or despondency. Take exercise. Go into company. Moderately indulge in the amusements of life." Or if any thing more religious be said, it would be, "Reform whatever may have been vicious; and in proper time prepare yourself for a worthy reception of the Lord's Supper." How different was the language of Paul and Silas! "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."

This teaches us that awakened souls are to be led immediately to Christ. There are some who are slow to bring forward the glad tidings of salvation, fearing that such persons are not yet distressed and humbled enough. But it is obvious that a long process to prepare for an application to the Lord Jesus was not deemed necessary by the Apostles. They presented him at once: through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; and by him all that believe are justified. He did the same himself: "Come unto me"—"Look unto me." No other recommendation can be available. Every other direction will turn the sinner aside from safety and relief. All the peace obtained by any other means is only a temporary