September 24

"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." I John 2:6.

THE state here spoken of is abiding in Christ. A man's saying he is thus in him is done two ways. The one is to himself, and so it is belief; the other is to his fellow-creatures, and so it is profession. The rule of such a man's life is the example of Christ, walking as he walked. And to this he is under an obligation to conform. He ought to walk even as he walked. The obligation is fourfold.

First, he ought to walk even as he walked, from a principle of evidence. Deception in religious concerns is not only possible, but common; and the consequences, if the delusion continues, will be dreadful. Hence we should be anxious to know whether our hope is any thing better than presumption, or our safety is any thing more than self-security. If from self-confidence we contempt such solicitude, let us remember that the sacred writers command us not to be high-minded, but fear, and to examine and prove whether we be in the faith. There are indeed many proofs of a gracious state, and there are some of a more experimental nature to which we do well to take heed; but none of them can afford us relief if they are unaccompanied by an imitation of Christ. "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."

Secondly, he ought to walk even as he walked, from a principle of consistency. The relations and conditions in which we are found deter- termine the propriety of our conduct. When we know what a man is, we conclude what it becomes him to do. A steward is expected to be found faithful, and dishonesty draws upon him censure and condemnation from all. Every one is sensible that a priest and a king should not act like common men, but that a dignified and sacred line of conduct is required by their rank and office. Christians are kings and priests unto God, and therefore they must walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called. The man who advances peculiar and superior claims to any thing has no reason, no right to complain if he be judged by his pretensions. He who wishes to pass as a Christian avows himself related to Christ, and by his doctrine and character he must be tried; he ranks himself above all the world, and challenges the inquiry, What do ye more than others?

Thirdly, he ought to walk even as he walked, from a principle of usefulness. He will thus put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. He will wipe off the reproach attached to the gospel. He will adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. He will be the means, by his good works which they behold, of inducing those that are without to enter the way everlasting. No one can imagine the influence and efficiency of a life entirely Christian. It is a blessing to the whole neighborhood in which it is displayed. It is like a dew from the Lord, and as showers upon the grass. But by an unworthy and unbecoming conduct, a professor of religion can destroy much good. He causes the way of truth to be evil spoken of; he hardens transgressors; he perplexes the weak; he grieves the strong; he opposes and discourages all those who are laboring to win souls. Woe to the world, because of offences. And woe to that man by whom the offence cometh.

Fourthly, he ought to walk even as he walked, from a principle of gratitude. We feel and acknowledge the kindness shown us by our fellow-creatures; and in consequence of it we endeavor to meet their wishes, and to avoid whatever pains or displeases them; for actions speak louder than words. What has not Christ done for us? See his condescension, when, in the form of God, he took upon him the form of a servant. See his grace when he was rich, and for our sakes he became poor. See him in the manger, and in the garden. See him upon the cross dying, and upon the throne reigning, for us. See him making all things work together for our good. And surely we shall feel that a peculiar, a supreme love to him becomes us. And how are we to show it? Shall we ever grieve his Holy Spirit? Shall we not ask, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Shall we not pray, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer?" He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, be it is that loveth me. He that offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God. Upon which Philip Henry observes, Thanksgiving is well, but thanksgiving is better.

If we walk like him now, we shall walk with him hereafter. It is his own promise, "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy."