Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD's side? let him come to me… We would enforce upon you the importance of coming to a determinate and decided judgment on the great business of religion. Examine its claims: if they be spurious or unfounded, then reject them; but if they be true, if they agree with certain powers and feelings of your mind, then give to religion the attention its importance demands. Do not play with so keen a weapon; do not trifle on the most solemn of all subjects. Decision of character is a highly valuable quality of mind. It gives to its possessor great advantages over others in the ordinary affairs of life. This quality of mind is needed in proportion to the difficulties which obstruct the attainment of any end. I. WE ADDRESS OURSELVES TO THOSE WHO VACILLATE BETWEEN GOD AND THE WORLD, BETWEEN RELIGION AND IRRELIGION. There is a class, and a numerous class of men, especially in our own enlightened country, who may be considered in this condition. II. TO THOSE WHO ENTERTAIN A SCRIPTURAL HOPE OF SALVATION, BUT HAVE NOT MADE A PUBLIC AVOWAL OF THEIR FAITH. This backwardness to associate with the professing people of God results from various causes. In some it is the effect of mistaken views of what is required in order to the fellowship of the Church. In other men, this backwardness publicly to acknowledge the Saviour is the effect of a very lax and unscriptural view of what religion requires. They suppose that if their hearts are right with God it is not at all necessary that they should make a public profession. III. THE LANGUAGE OF MOSES IS APPLICABLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE MADE A PROFESSION OF RELIGION. That many Christians are open to a charge of compromising their principles cannot be doubted by any who are conversant with the transactions of daily life. (S. Summers.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. |
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