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SERMON XI.

REVELATION, iii. 15, 16.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot. I would thou wert cold or hot: so then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

THIS chapter, and that which precedes it, con

tain a message from our blessed Saviour to each of the seven churches in Asia; which in one part or another, suit the state and character of all Christian churches in every age and nation. It is therefore added at the close of each epistle, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spi"rit saith unto the churches."

The message to the Laodiceans differs materially from all the rest; for the professed Christians in that city had degenerated far more than any of the others. They were become lukewarm, yet proud of their imagined proficiency: and the

reproofs, warnings, and counsels of our Lord were adapted to this peculiarity of character and conduct.

We know that lukewarm water is exceedingly disagreeable: the stomach recoils at it, and we spit it out with loathing. Thus Christ declared that he would cast off the church of Laodicea with disdain and abhorrence. There might, however, be some individuals of a better character, though probably infected with the same disease; and others might be brought to repentance. For the sake of these, therefore, the message was sent: they were warned, rebuked, counselled, and encouraged; and we may hope that many derived special benefit. Yet the church at large seems to have degenerated more and more: so that, while those churches, which our Lord mentioned with approbation, continue in some poor remains to this very day there has not for a long time been a single professed Christian at Laodicea! At present I purpose,

1. To describe the nature and symptoms of lukewarmness.

II. To explain the grounds of that decided abhorrence of it, which Christ expresses,

III. To add something by way of solemn warning and particular application.

I. We will consider the nature and symptoms of lukewarmness, both in collective bodies, and individuals professing Christianity.

It may here be proper to premise one observation, to prevent mistakes. When our advantages, opportunities, and obligations are duly considered; we may all be justly charged with comparative lukewarmness; and the more we become acquainted with ourselves, and experience the power of divine truth upon our hearts; the keener will be our sensibility, and the deeper our abasement on this account. But this case is totally distinet from that of the allowed and self-sufficient lukewarmness of the Laodiceans.

The disease of which we speak is only found where some profession of religion is made. The irreligious world is not lukewarm. Persons of this character may say, We make no pretensions to piety or sanctity; we seldom think about religion; it is a subject that never gives us any concern. Then indeed you are not chargeable with lukewarmness; you are clear of that crime: but if you pretend to no religion, what do you pretend to? Do you profess yourselves children of disobedience and of wrath, and heirs of hell? Is this your meaning, your character, your expectation? For whatever you may suppose, these things alone belong to those, who ayow that they disregard God and religion.

But leaving such men to their own reflections; we observe that lukewarmness pre-supposes the form and appearance of a church; and that, possibly, neither very erroneous in doctrine nor corrupt in morals. In like manner the lukewarm professed Christian may retain the form of sound doctrine, avoid gross vices, and continue in communion with some religious society: he may even manage so well, that no specifick charge can be substantiated against him; no foul spot be visible in his character; no proof brought that he has renounced his profession. He may observe in some measure all the forms of godliness: but he wants the spirit, life, and activity of religion.We cannot say that he is dead: yet he resembles a deeply wounded man, for whom great fears are entertained, even while symptoms of life seem discernible.

Ministers, who are conversant with the state of their flocks, generally class people according to their apparent characters, in their private judgment of them. Some are evidently in the broad way; others are thought more promising, at least they desire to be so esteemed. But among some favorable tokens, many things appear very exceptionable: we would hope the best; but "What "meaneth this bleating of the sheep and lowing "of the oxen that we hear?" Something criminal or suspicious is observable in the shop or in the family; some duty is evidently neglected, or

slightly performed; and this damps our fond expectations concerning them. Others are not wholly irreligious, nor is there any remarkable blemish in their conduct: but they are neither cold nor hot they do not appear serious, active, or zealous! and therefore we grieve over them, and stand in doubt as to the event of their profession. But there are some of another description; who are "our hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing" may God exceedingly increase the number of them! These are the ornament and credit of the gospel; from them the light shines with efficacious splendour: and their bright example, with the energy of their influence and fruitfulness, counteracts the pernicious tendency of loose profession to wound the interests of truth, and retard its progress,

But let us enumerate some particulars, in which lukewarmness especially discovers itself. This may be observed, in the conduct of persons professing attachment to the peculiar doctrines of the gospel \ in respect of the ordinances of publick worship, and all the means of grace. The lively Christian says, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go in"to the house of the Lord." "O God, thou art

my God, early will I seek thee: my soul thirst"eth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, in a dry "and thirsty land where no water is; to see thy power and glory, as I have seen thee in the sanctuary because thy loving kindness is better

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