No, my brethren, we have no reason to be dwelling, with such delight and confidence, upon the progress we have already made, as to feel ourselves privileged to be content. In no case, would this be considered the evidence of a true christian principle or view; in no case, would it be the means of safety; nor even consistent with the hope of salvation; no, not even in an apostle; much less in us, whose faith is so weak, whose knowledge so moderate, whose resolutions so wavering, whose attainments so comparatively poor. On the contrary, we should sorrow over our past failings; be deeply affected on considering how far we have come short of what was required of us; and heartily desire and pray, that the grievous remembrance may stimulate us to fresh endeavours, with a “new heart and a new spirit;” that so we may be “reaching forth to those things which are before.” All that we have well done, and all that we have left undone, should have, for this purpose, the same effect; experiencing the blessed consequences of our holy labour, on the one hand, we should be animated and encouraged to persevere in the conflict, that we may gather thereby additional comfort and success; and sensible of our deficiencies, on the other hand, in a work of such inconceivable and everlasting importance, we should be anxious to repair our neglect; and thankful for our opportunity of “redeeming the time,” and making further advances. Thank God, whatever our negligence may have been, all is not lost; the course is yet before us, and we may go onward in the spirit and strength of the Lord; the prize is yet before us, and it may be won. But it requires a full purpose of heart, a fixed determination, an undaunted courage, a strenuous exercise of every faculty and every nerve: all that we are, and have, must be devoted to the securing of the one great object. All the talents of reason, with which our Creator has endued us; all the energy of grace, with which our souls are supplied, must incessantly be brought to bear upon our high and holy calling. We must be daily and hourly proceeding; no lingering, longing looks upon the world we are leaving behind us; no loitering amid its vanities and follies; no backsliding to its sinful pleasures and pursuits; no declining from the strict line of duty, as if it were become wearisome, as if it were not fully believed to be right or requisite: “the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them who believe to the saving of the soul.” {415}