Here is the rock on which thousands have
split. The first step in backsliding is a neg-
lect of the ordinances of grace.
Peter never would have denied his Saviour,
if he had not first begun to “follow him
afar off.” If, like John, he had kept near
Him, and not stood out among the rabble at
a distance, he would not have prepared the
way for future bitterness and tears.
If Judas had continued with the Saviour
and the disciples in the Passover solemnity
in the upper room, and in the holy supper
which followed, he would not have appeared
among His enemies to betray Him.
If Thomas had been with the disciples in
the upper room, when Jesus came in and
said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost,” he would
not afterwards have been so unbelieving as
to say: “Except I shall see in his hands the
print of the nails, and put my finger in the
print of the nails, and thrust my hand into
his side, I will not believe.”
So, if professing Christians were always
present when God blesses His people through
His various ordinances, they would not be
so easily led astray by temptation, or over-
come by their own remaining infirmities and
the power of the world. He that does not
eat is not strong; he that misses the bless-
ing, is also without the grace.
You will always find that those who are
most regular in their attendance upon the
ordinances, are the most firm, consistent,
and least likely to backslide. Those who
most disgrace their profession, are those who
most neglect the means of grace.
It is easy to see why this is so. Whatever
any one may undertake to do he will always
succeed best when he rightly uses the means.
If one, who is weak in body, would walk, he
must use a staff; by this means he can sus-
tain himself in walking. If one who is weak
in spirit would hold on his way, he must use
the means of grace — the very means insti-
tuted and adapted to give him strength and
aid.
Prayer brings him aid. The word, as read,
as heard from the pulpit or in the weekly
Lecture, gives him light, reproof, encourage-
ment, and comfort. The Holy Supper unites
him more closely to Christ, brings him into
communion with His power, and grace, and
life; and feeds, nourishes, refreshes, and re-
news his drooping spirit. We beseech you,
use these means. O how can any one expect
to walk steadily on in the way to heaven
without the help of these means of grace?
Against the neglect of them, we most earn-
estly warn you!
III.