SERMON XIV.

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF THE REAL

CHRISTIAN.

PHILIPPIANS, I. 21.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is Gain.

HAPPY would it be for us, my brethren, if we could all adopt this striking declaration with as much truth as the apostle originally made it. Highly desirable indeed was the state of mind which dictated the sentiment in the text. St. Paul was now a prisoner at Rome for Christ's sake, and it was uncertain what the event of his imprisonment would be; whether he would be restored to liberty, or would be called to seal his faith with his blood. But for either alternative he was prepared. It was his earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing he should be ashamed; but that with all boldness always, so now also Christ should be magnified in his body, whether it be by life or by death. For (as he adds) to me to live is Christ, and

to die is gain. Should his life be prolonged, it would be devoted to the service, and would redound to the glory of Christ. Should death await him, incalculable would be the benefits resulting to him from the exchange. Surrounded with such prospects, contemplating on either side objects so inviting, can we be surprized at hearing him declare, that he was in a straight betwixt two, and that what he should choose he wot not.

But while the words of the text are illustrative of the happy state of the apostle's mind, the truths contained in them are equally applicable to us. There is not in fact a single real Christian, of whom it may not be justly said, To him to live is Christ, and to die is gain: in which view the passage may be considered as setting before us a short, but comprehensive description of the Life and the Death of the real Christian. To these two points then I shall separately direct your attention.

I. The Life of the real Christian.

To him to live is Christ. In this general description are included several important particulars which demand explanation. To the real Christian to live is Christ, be

cause,

1. He lives through the power of Christ. In common with other persons he is indebted for the gift and preservation of natural

life to Him, who made the worlds and upholdeth all things by the word of his power*. But it is spiritual life, of which we are speaking; and for this life also he is indebted to the same Divine Person. Christ quickened him, when dead in trespasses and sins, and still maintains that spiritual life, which he first imparted. Without Christ, i. e. separated from him, the Christian can do nothing. It is only from his union with this the true Vine, that he derives health, and vigour, and fruitfulness. In himself he is unable to think or to do "such things as be rightful." It is Christ, who worketh in him both to will and to do of his good pleasure. In himself he possesses no wisdom, no grace, no goodness: he is empty and destitute; and stands in need of continual support by the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. So subtle and powerful are his spiritual adversaries; so ensnaring is the world; so corrupt and treacherous is his own heart, that to endure for a single moment under his own guidance, and in his own strength, would be a work impossible. Whatever effectual opposition he maintains, is through Christ, who strengtheneth him. He derives from this source succours, which no enemy can intercept. His life is hid with Christ in God‡.

* Hebrews, i. 2,

3.

↑ John, xv. 5, + Col. iii. 3.

2. Hence he lives by faith in Christ.

Thus the apostle declares respecting himself. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life, which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God. The Christian, taught by experience to feel his own weakness, and to know where his strength lies, continually looks for help from above. Believing the precious promises of the Gospel, in the daily exercise of prayer he trusts to have those promises fulfilled to himself; and not on extraordinary occasions only, but in the most ordinary cases seeks for direction, and depends on assistance, from Him, who has said, Ask and ус shall have. Under the pressure of guilty fears, whither does he flee for relief? To the encouraging assurance, that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin. In the prospect of impending difficulties, whence does he derive consolation? From the animating assurance, My grace is sufficient for thee. In an humble, but a believing appropriation of the truths of Scripture, he lives upon the fulness which is in Christ Jesus: he sets the Lord alway before him: by faith beholds him as the Only-begotten of the Father, the Propitiation for his sins, his Advocate and merciful High-Priest; of God made unto him

* Gal. ii. 20.

wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption*. And thus looking unto Jesus, he goes on his way rejoicing.

3. He lives to the glory of Christ.

What, as we have seen, was the case with the apostle? His earnest and unceasing desire was, that Christ might be magnified in his body, whether it were by life or by death. Such in some measure is the desire of all true Christians. The love of Christ constraineth them no longer to live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and arose again't. Their wish and aim is to exalt the Saviour; to make known his grace; to adorn his doctrine, and to shew forth his praises. In what light do they regard their time, their health, their property, their abilities, their influence? As talents committed to them for their master's use: talents, which they are required to оссиру in his service, and to his glory, till he come. By what motive are they enabled to sustain with fortitude the heaviest trials, and oftentimes even to joy in tribulations? By a conviction, that thus the power of Christ shall be made perfect in their weakness; and that their faith, when tried, shall be found unto the praise and honour and glory of Jesus Christ, at his appearing.

* 1 Cor. i. 30.

+ 2 Cor. v. 15.