Essex Congregational Remembrancer Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Mind is the principal distinguishing attribute of man. This undying principle enables us to reflect on our condition as accountable creatures, and on the connection between our present state and final destiny. It is to man, thus constituted, that Divine revelation is addressed. It regards him as capable of reasoning as well as feeling. Every man is required to prove his own work. Those who most need this counsel will probably least feel their need of it, which is the strongest argument for attempting to enforce it. The text prescribes an important measure, and enforces it by weighty considerations. Let us advert — I. TO THE MEASURE WHICH IT PRESCRIBES. "Let every man prove his own work." This seems to imply that every man should be seriously concerned to ascertain his own real character and condition before God; and that in order to this he should carefully examine both his principles and practice, his heart and life, and thus prove his own work. Probably there is in these words an allusion to the process of proving the genuineness of metals, by putting them to the test. 1. The text supposes the existence of an authorized test. In the absence of a test the process of proof is impracticable. Every man must have some rule by which to try his work, or he cannot prove his own work. The Word of God, and nothing but the Word of God, is the authorized test of Christian character. 2. It requires the application of this test by every man to himself. The application of this test includes two things, namely, the examination of the Scriptures, and the examination of ourselves by the Scriptures. If either of these is neglected, the examination is but partial. II. THE MOTIVES BY WHICH THIS MEASURE IS ENFORCED. Beyond the obvious importance and necessity of this self-scrutiny, the apostle adduces two considerations to prompt every man to the adoption of the measure. 1. He adduces the advantage that may arise from it at present. "Then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." The apostle supposes a favourable result of the investigation, and in this case he affirms it would yield peculiar satisfaction and joy. He whose own work is thus proved to be genuine has just ground for rejoicing. (1) As it respects the question decided. Many questions about which we often perplex our minds and waste our time are after all but trifling, comparatively very trifling! But in the case before us the question is of the highest importance, of infinite moment. The extremes of bliss and woe, immortal bliss and endless woe, are involved in this question. (2) As it respects the manner of deciding it. "Then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." His rejoicing arises from the testimony of his own conscience, and not from the opinion of others respecting him. He has not rested in the vain conceit of his own imagination. 2. He adduces the nature of the proceedings of the last great day. "For every man shall bear his own burden."Having endeavoured to explain the measure which the text prescribes, and the motives by which it enforces this measure, I shall close by — 1. Urging its immediate adoption. 2. By attempting to obviate sonic difficulties attending it.In undertaking and prosecuting an examination of ourselves, we shall probably discover many and great defects. If the trial be impartial, this will certainly be the case. (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.WEB: But let each man test his own work, and then he will take pride in himself and not in his neighbor. |
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