ard man. Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us," "through Jesus Christ," Tit. iii,
4, 5, 6. Our Lord Jesus, by whom all things were created, and for whom,
would not let this excellent workmanship perish so, therefore he goes
about the work of redemption,--a second creation more laborious and also
more glorious than the first, that so he might glorify his Father and our
Father. Thus the breach is made up, thus the unsavoury salt is seasoned,
thus the withered branch is quickened again for that same fruit of praises
and glorifying of God. This is the end of his second creation, as it was
of the first: "We are his workmanship created to good works in Christ
Jesus," Eph. ii. 10. "This is the work of God to believe on him whom he
hath sent, to set to our seal, and to give our testimony to all his
attributes," John vi. 29 and iii. 33. We are "bought with a price," and
therefore we ought to glorify him with our souls and bodies. He made us
with a soul, and that bound us, but now he has made us again, and paid a
price for us, and so we are twice bound not to be our own but his, "and so
to glorify him in our bodies and spirits," 1 Cor. vi. ult. I beseech you,
gather your spirits, call them home about the business. We once came short
of our end,--God's glory and our happiness, but know, that it is attainable
again. We lost both, but both are found in Christ. Awake then and stir up
your spirits, else it shall be double condemnation--when we have the offer
of being restored to our former blessed condition--to love our present
misery better. Once establish this point within your souls, and therefore
ask, Why came I hither? To what purpose am I come into the world? If you
do not ask it, what will you answer when he asks you at your appearance
before his tribunal? I beseech you, what will many of you say in that day
when the Master returns and takes an account of your dispensation? You are
sent into the world only for this business--to serve the Lord. Now what
will many of you answer? If you speak the truth (as then you must do
it,--you cannot lie then!) you must say, "Lord, I spent my time in serving
my own lusts, I was taken up with other businesses, and had no leisure, I
was occupied in my calling," &c. Even as if an ambassador of a king should
return him this account of his negociation. "I was busy at cards and dice,
I spent my money, and did wear my clothes." Though you think your
p