-5-III. APPLICATIONS

III. APPLICATIONS

Having dispatched that which is doctrinal - I now come to the discussion of that which is practical. And I shall here propose two considerations:

Firstly, for the erection of singular principles.

Secondly, the direction of singular practices.

Application #1 Twenty PRINCIPLES which a believer should walk by.

Natural men obey natural principles - and spiritual men obey spiritual principles. No man can expect that bitter roots - should produce sweet fruits. Though civil principles may be kindled at the torch of nature - yet sacred principles are lighted at the blaze of Scripture. Now there are twenty singular principles which I shall consider, as the rise and spring of singular practices.

1. The first principle which believers walk by is this: that whatever istransactedbymenonearth- iseyedby theLordinHeaven. A man may hide God from himself - and yet he cannot hide himself from God. This, even a prodigal could acknowledge, “I have sinned against Heaven - and in Your sight.” When a man wishes God to be like himself - it argues that he is wicked; but when he desires to be like God - it indicates that he is virtuous. A false god - would be most acceptable to a false heart. For, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” They have mouths - but they speak not for our direction; they have eyes - but they cannot see our condition; they have ears - but they cannot hear our supplication; they have hands - but they cannot work our redemption. These were not the gods that made men - but the gods that men made.

“All things are naked and open before the eyes of Him, with whom we have to do.” We cannot always see His will in His works - but He can always discover our works in our will. To Him the most hidden roots are as visible - as the uppermost branches. Though the place where we sin, is to men as dark as Egypt - yet to God, it is as light as Goshen. That advice which one gave to his friend privately - is worthy to be adapted publicly. “So act towards men - as in the sight of God; and so pray to God - as in the sight of men.” He is a bold thief - who will cut your purse while you look in his face!

“All a man’s ways seem right in his own eyes - but the Lord weighs the motives.” The Lord sees faults - where men see none. Atoms which are invisible in the candle light of reason - are all made to dance naked in the sun-shine of omniscience! Cato was so grave and so good a man, that none would behave wrongly in his presence: whence it grew to a proverbial caution, “Take heed what you do - for Cato sees you!” How reproachful is it to us - that the eyes of a man should have more effect upon our actions - than the penetrating eyes of God!

God has a clear window into the darkest houses. He sees what is done in them, when none other can. To God’s omnipotence, there is nothing impossible; and to God’s omniscience, there is nothing invisible. I never look for those people to strain at gnats - who will easily and greedily swallow camels.

What is the reason that men do the works of darkness - but that they think they do their works in thick darkness? They suppose that no eye sees them - no, not God’s eye, which does nothing else but see. “Yet you say - What does God know? Can He judge through thick darkness? Clouds veil Him - so that He cannot see!” Ah, how gladly would the hand of man - draw a veil over the face of God! A sinful man - would be an unseen man! “Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise? Can the One who shaped the ear - not hear? Can the One who formed the eye - not see?” What, will you make Him deaf - who gives you ears! Will you make Him blind - who gives you eyes! This is acting like a beast among men; and not as a man among beasts. But, “The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile!” Foolish men think that God does not know the vanity of their thoughts. This is the vainest thought of them all!

Reader, you cannot set down your lusts, in such characters - but what the eyes of God can read them! As He can save in the greatest extremity, so He can see in the deepest obscurity. Though we cannot see God while we live - yet He can see how we live. “His eyes are on the ways of men; He sees their every step. There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.” Man may gild over the leaves of a blurred life, with the profession of holiness; but God can unmask the painted Jezebel of hypocrisy, and lay her naked to her own shame!

Because sin has put out our eyes, we vainly imagine - that it has put out God’s eyes! Because we cannot see what God does in Heaven for us; we think, that He cannot see what we do on earth against Him.

Men do not care what sins they do - when they believe that God does not see what sins are done. “They kill the widow and the foreigner, and murder the fatherless. They say - The Lord does not see it. The God of Jacob does not pay attention!” The adulterer waits for the twilight. His sin gets up - when the sun goes down. The time of darkness, pays most tribute to the prince of darkness. There are many that blush to confess their faults, who never blush to commit them. When poor Adam had sinned, he sought not the fairest fruits to satisfy his hunger - but the broadest leaves to cover his nakedness.

It is God’s gracious eye placed upon us - which makes us pious; and it is our believing eye fixed on Him - which keeps us pious. What servant is there - who would pilfer, under the view of his master? What soldier would appear a coward, in the presence of his prince?

2. Another principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that after all hispresent receivings- he will be brought to hisfuture reckonings.

Thus the certain rich man dealt with his steward, “Give an account of your stewardship, for you may no longer be steward!” Man’s enjoyment of outward blessings, is not a lordship but a stewardship. God communicates those good things of life to men - not that they should lay them up for their own vanity - but that they should lay them out for His glory. The richest man had as poor a beginning - as the poorest; and the poorest will have as rich an end - as the wealthiest.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Augustine says, “We can never do that - unless we number every day, as our last day.” Many put their last day - far away. They refuse to leave the earth, when the earth is about to take its leave of them. People of the greatest eminence, have anciently had their monitors - to remind them of their mortality. Agathocles, a Sicilian Prince, had his earthen plate set before him, to remind him that he had been a potter. The Roman triumphers in the meridian of their splendor, had a servant behind them, crying to each, “Remember that you are only a man!”

Men, who are gods in office - are too apt to think themselves gods in essence; but the change of the name, can make no change in the man. The royal Psalmist, who was raised to princely dignity, ridicules such a haughty prince’s vanity, “I have said, you are gods - but you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler.” All human divinity, will soon be shrouded in mortality; and those who would appear as gods before men - shall soon appear as men before God.

Death levels the highest mountains - with the lowest valleys. Death mows down the fairest lilies - as well as the foulest thistles. The robes of illustrious princes, and the rags of destitute peasants, are both laid aside in the wardrobe of the grave. As the cloud and pillar which led Israel through the wilderness, left them on the brink of Jordan - so shall all the glittering shows of life be forgotten, in the solemn article of death!

Then those ungodly mortals, who were determined not to approach the throne of grace - shall be obliged to appear before the throne of judgment. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” At the shrill voice of the last trumpet, every jailer shall deliver up all his prisoners. Now we see the living fall into the arms of death; but then we shall behold the dead awake, and rise to an unchanging life! Then the scattered dust of all Adam’s children, shall ride upon the wings of the wind, until it meets together in its own bodies. Then the purchased bodies of saints, shall be claimed by their heavenly Owner. “But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.”

All the various animals which have feasted on human flesh - shall then find that their food was too rich for digestion. The bellies of beasts and whales, are not to be always the bed of God’s Jonahs. Death will cut us down - but he shall not eternally keep us down. Now the same glorious Person, who shall come to raise the dead, will also come to judge the dead. “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” The same rule which God has given the world to act by - the same rule has He taken to Himself to judge by. Reader, if you obstinately and finally disobey the precious Word of God - revealed from Heaven to you; you must suffer the eternal wrath of God - revealed from Heaven against you. Though you may now obstinately resist the judgments which He sets before your eyes; yet you cannot then resist those judgments, which He will angrily pour out upon your soul.

Poor sinner, will you yet so willfully embrace those poisonous vipers, your lusts, which will so assuredly sting you with the pains of eternal damnation? Why will you rashly pursue anything in this world, which will subject you to the intolerable curse of God in the eternal world? “God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that Man whom He has ordained.” It is the Son of man - by whom the believing world is redeemed; and it will be by the same Son of man - that the whole world shall be judged. He who was guarded to the cross, by a band of soldiers - shall soon be attended to the bench, by a shining company of angels! The ancient Thebans pictured their judges without eyes - that they might not favor persons; and without hands - to denote that no bribes should be received. “But the Judge of all the earth shall do right.” The wills of human judges, are to be regulated by the laws of righteousness; but so glorious is the heavenly Judge, that even the laws of righteousness are regulated by His will. As all His works are great and marvelous - so are all His ways just and righteous.

Reader, there will be no possibility of standing before Christ - but by standing in Christ. What hopes can you entertain of an acquittal at the final judgment, if your conscience condemns you before you appear at the bar?

Those who freight their minds with carnal pleasures, will one day be condemned for carrying contraband commodities. “Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see.” This were brave indeed, if it could but be secured forever: but alas, after the flash of lightning - then comes the dreadful clap of thunder, “But know that for all these things - God will bring you to judgment!” This is just as if God had said, “Well, poor sinner, run down the hill as fast as you please; but know, that you will be sure to break your neck at last!” This is the day of God’s long-suffering - but the judgment day will be the day of the sinner’s long-suffering. Here the cords of patience, do, as it were, tie the hands of vengeance; but our Samson will at last be roused, and break all these cords, and then, woe be to all the Philistines! Sinners may have sparing patience exercised towards them - and yet, not have converting grace revealed in them. All such, at the world’s end - will be at their wit’s end.

He who now shakes His sword over the hardened sinner’s head - will in the great day, sheathe it in his heart! In the awful storm of death, if his vessel be wrecked - there will be no plank to swim to shore upon. “Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks - Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Thus, all who refuse and reject Him as a refining fire - must be obliged to meet, and feel Him as a consuming fire! How can they endure the wrath of the Lamb, who have consistently disregarded the death of the Lamb? If the night of death finds them graceless - the day of judgment will find them speechless!

Peter informs us of some, who deridingly challenge God to come to judgment, “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say - Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” These cowards may boast and discharge the artillery of their venom, and appear as conquering heroes now; but when God appears with His naked sword, they will wish for the wings of the wind, with which to make their escape! As a dying man has generally a short resurgence before his departure; and as an expiring candle gives a brighter glare when just going out, so these, in their boasted security - will be surprised with eternal misery! As God’s mercy lets no service pass unregarded - so God’s justice lets no sin pass unrevenged. He who now takes no account of His coming - will have a sad account to give at His coming.

One observes, that the resurrection of the body, is placed between the forgiveness of sins, and everlasting glory; to show, that only then can the resurrection of the body be a benefit, when remission of sin precedes it, and eternal life follows it.

It is reported of a Hungarian king, who being extremely dejected, was asked the cause of it by his brother, “O, I have been a great sinner against God!” said he, “and know not how I shall appear before Him in judgment!” His brother ridiculed these thoughts as too melancholy, and as unworthy of the king’s thought. The king then made no further reply; but it was customary in that country, that if the executioner sounded a trumpet at any man’s door, he was immediately to be brought forth to execution. The king, at midnight, sent the trumpeter to sound an alarm at his brother’s door; which so terrified him, that he ran to the king with a trembling heart, a pale and frightful countenance, and besought him to make known, wherein he had offended him. “O brother,” said the king, “you have never displeased me; but if the sight of my executioner is so dreadful in your eyes, what must the sight of God’s be in mine!”

Reader, if you have uniformly lifted up your rebellious hand against Christ - how will you be able to lift up your guilty head before Christ? “For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil!” If men were to be their own judges - they would never be just judges. But God shall bring every work into judgment. As God is too merciful to condemn the innocent - so He is too just to acquit the guilty!

“For by your words you shall be justified - and by your words you shall be condemned.” Though the arrows of idle words, may be shot out of sight for a season; yet they will certainly hereafter, fall down upon the heads of those who discharged them! Reader, if your servant is capable of offending you by his words - is it not as reasonable to suppose that you are capable of offending God with your evil words? “Out of the same mouth proceed both blessing and cursing.” There is nothing better - than a good tongue; and there is nothing worse - than an evil tongue. Jesus Christ, will in the great day, pass a sentence - upon every sentence that has passed.

There is in the same rose - honey for the bee, and poison for the spider. The same person who shall say, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!” will also say, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!” As both blessing and cursing proceed out of the mouth of the same man - so both blessing and cursing will come out of the mouth of the same Christ! Man’s curse is a curse of wicked execration - but Christ’s curse is a curse of righteous execution. As the same wind - may send one vessel into the haven, and sink another in the ocean; so shall the same voice of Christ - doom the sinner to eternal damnation, and welcome the saint to eternal salvation! That same gate which is opened for a citizen to go abroad for recreation, may also be opened for a malefactor to go out to execution!

Reader, how sad is that tragedy - which shall never be ended! On the stage of eternity, the rich man’s bags will be emptied - to see how the poor man’s box has been filled. Then the charge of the pilgrim’s journey, will be examined in the steward’s accounts. Ah, how can you hear the doleful knell of an everlasting funeral! Will those transient glances at former prosperity, lessen the intolerable weight of eternal calamity? The wheat and the chaff may grow together - but they shall not always lie together. There may be but of a few moments of breathing, between the sinner - and his everlasting burning! The day of retribution, will prove to him a day of separation. While the wheat is secured in the garner - the tares are consumed in the fire!

Sinner, if you now hold the righteous in derision - you would then give a thousand worlds to be their companion! Then their enjoyments will be incomparably pleasant - while your torments shall be intolerably painful. The sea of damnation will not be sweetened with a drop of compassion! If once you fall into Hell, after millions of ages are elapsed, you will be as far from coming out, as you were at going in! There will not be a sinner in Heaven - to interrupt the joys of saints; nor will there be a saint in Hell - to soften or soothe the anguish of sinners! Those who have the ear-mark of election, and those who have the hand-mark of transgression, shall be put into separate folds.

How will those magistrates appear, who have stained the sword of authority, with the blood of innocency? They have turned its back against the wicked, and whet its edge against the righteous. Many an unjust judge, who now sits confidently on the bench - will then stand tremblingly at the bar!

How will those ministers appear - who like the dog and wolf - combine to macerate and fleece the flock! Who instead of treading out the corn, tread it down! Who instead of nurturing the child - have strangled the child!

How will fair-faced, gilded professors appear - when they shall be found no better than Hell’s freeholders! How will they appear - when the painted sepulcher shall be opened - and the dead men’s bones disclosed! They will not be judged by the whiteness of their hands - but by the blackness of their hearts! The black hand - must then part with its white glove! That solemn day of judgment, will be too critical - for the hypocritical. All those who now color for show - will then be shown in their own colors.

3. Another principle which believers should walk by, is this: that God bears a greater respect to theirhearts- than He does to theirworks.

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God looks most - where man looks least. We cannot trust God too much - or ourselves too little. God is our merciful keeper; the heart is our barbarous traitor.

“My son - give Me your heart!” God, who is all in all to us - calls for that which is all in all in us. We may commit our estates - into the hands of men; but we must not commit our hearts - into the hands of any but God. None of our hearts are so good - but He deserves them; and none so bad - but He can refine them. On whom do parents bestow their hearts - but upon their children? And on whom should children bestow their hearts - but upon their parents?

Ah, how unwilling is man to give - what he has no right to keep! As God prefers the heart to everything, such is the wickedness of man - that he will give God anything, but the heart!

“This people draws near unto Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips - but their heart is far from Me.” Heartless operations, are but hearty deceptions. Men may keep their works to themselves, if they refuse to yield their hearts to Jesus Christ. He who regards the heart, without anything; He also will not regard anything, without the heart.

“I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.” He who makes all he has - has a right to have all he makes. The formalist is all for outward activity - and the pietist is all for inward sincerity. The formalist has nothing within him, therefore he is for that which is outward. The pietist has nothing without him, therefore he is for that which is inward. But it is not the pretense of inward sincerity, which can justify outward impiety. Nor will a show of outward piety - be an excuse for inward hypocrisy.

Though the brain is the spring of cognitive motion - yet the heart is the original spring of vital motion. The heart is the first that lives - and the last that dies. “Wash your heart from wickedness! How long shall vain thoughts lodge within you!” Vain thoughts defile the heart - as well as vile thoughts. Snails leave their slime behind them - as well as serpents. If the mildew takes hold of a single thread - it will soon spread over the whole piece. Though sinful thoughts will rise - yet they must not reign. Though these foul birds may hover over the Christian’s heart - yet he does not allow them to build their nests in it! The devil knows, that if there is any choice treasure - it is in our hearts; and he would gladly have the key of these cabinets - that he might rob us of our jewels! A heart which is sanctified, is better than a tongue which is silvered. He who gives only the skin of worship to God - receives only the shell of comfort from God. It is not the bare touching of the strings, which makes an harmonious tune. A spiritual man may pray carnally - but a carnal man cannot pray spiritually. If God’s mercies do not eat out the heart of our sins - our sins will soon eat out the heart of our duties! A work which is heartless, is a work which is fruitless. God cares nothing for the decorated cabinet - but for the precious jewel.

It is said of Hannibal, the great Carthaginian commander, that he was the first who went into the field of battle - and the last who came out of it. Thus should it be in all the operations of a Christian - the heart should be the first that comes into the house of God, and the last that goes out of it. In prayer, the heart should first speak the words - and then the words should speak the sentiments of the heart. If the heart is indicting a good matter - the tongue will then be as the pen of a ready writer.

It is observed of the spider, that in the morning, before she seeks her prey, she mends her broken web; and in doing this, she always begins in the middle. And shall those who call themselves Christians, rise and pursue the callings and profits of the world, and yet be unconcerned about the broken webs of their lives, and especially of their hearts?

Those who would have the wells run with wholesome water - should look well to the springs that supply them. The Christian’s heart is the guest room - where the King of glory takes up His residence. That which is most worthy in us, should be resigned to Him who is most worthy of us. Good words without the heart, are but flattery! And good works without the heart - are but hypocrisy! Though God pities stumbling Christians - yet He punishes halting hypocrites!

It is reported of Cranmer, that after his flesh and bones were consumed in the flames - his heart was found whole. A gracious man is clothed with sincerity - in the midst of his infirmities. “God is a spirit, and those who worship Him, must worship Him in spirit, and in truth.” None can ever give Him the heart of their services, unless they are enabled to give Him their hearts in their services. The sorrowful sighing of the heart in worship - is preferable to the most elevated and harmonious voice. One is the production of grace - the other is the exertion of nature. Pride may be at the root of one - but God is the foundation of the other. One may ravish our ears - but the other ravishes God’s heart!

It is said of the Lacedemonians, who were a poor and stupid people - that they offered lean sacrifices to their gods; and that the Athenians, who were a wise and wealthy people - offered fat and costly sacrifices. And yet in their wars, the Lacedemonians had always the mastery of the Athenians. Whereupon, the Athenians went to “the oracle” to know the reason why those should fare worst - who gave most. The oracle returned this answer to them, “That the Lacedemonians were a people, who gave their hearts to their gods; but that the Athenians only gave their gifts to their gods.” Thus a heart without a gift - is better than a gift without a heart!

True religion is a sacrifice - but the heart is the altar upon which it must be offered. As the body is at the command of the head which rules it; so should the soul be at the command of God, who gives it. For a man to take his body to the service of God, and leave his soul behind him - is as if a person should send his garments stuffed with straw, instead of making a personal appearance.

4. Another principle by which believers will walk, is this: that there is morefinal bitternessinreflectingupon sin - than there can bepresent sweetnessin thecommissionof sin. The ‘ways of sin’ may have popular approval - but they shall also have divine abhorrence marked upon them. This Delilah may please us for a time - but she will betray us at last! Though Satan’s apples may have a fair skin - yet they certainly have a bitter core! Methinks the flaming sword in one hand, and the golden scepter in the other hand - should guard us from the forbidden tree; and make our hearts like wet tinder to all the sparks of Satan.

Reader, if you behold nothing but pleasure in the commission of sin - you will experience nothing but the most dreadful pain in the conclusion of sin. “The wages of sin - is death.” All workmen should have their wages; and those who employ you, it is but reasonable that they should pay you. But, however you may delight in the works of sin - you will by no means relish the wages of sin. Ah, what wise man would toil so long in sin’s drudgery - whose wages are no better than eternal misery!

Though all sins are not equal in their nature - yet all sins are in their very nature, deadly. The candle of man’s life is blown out - by the wind of his lusts! The corruption of nature tends to the dissolution of nature. When the plague was in the Jewish houses - they were immediately to be demolished. It is at that enemy, SIN - which God shoots all His arrows!

Reader, you began to be sinful - when you began to be mortal. If you had never had anything to do with sin - death could never have had anything to do with you. It can only be your impiety which divests you of the chartered blessings of immortality.

Sin is like a serpent in your bosom - which stings you! Sin is like a thief in your closet - who plunders you! Sin resembles poison in the stomach; or a sword to the heart - both of which tend to death! Like John’s little book - sin may be sweet in your mouth - but it will be bitter in your belly! However fair iniquity might appear to some, it will only be found like a bleary-eyed Leah to God. The foul dregs - lie at the bottom of the vessel. The golden cup of sin - is filled with the most poisonous ingredients! Sinner, that which is now like a rose flourishing in your bosom - will in a very little time be like a poisoned dagger in your heart! Poor soul, beware of those embraces - which are but signals of destruction. While such a Judas kisses - he kills! While the ivy twines round the oak - it eats out its sap.

If sin were not so delightful - it would not be so deceitful. Like a cunning angler - sin shows the bait, but conceals the hook! Now it presents its present painted beauty - but casts a covering over its future misery. Wickedness is certainly like a river which begins in a quiet spring - but ends in a tumultuous sea.

Every being produces its own likeness. “Do men gather grapes from thorns - or figs of thistles?” The grapes of tranquility cannot grow upon the thorns of impiety. Inward peace - can only be espoused to inward purity. A good way to have conscience untormented - is to have it undefiled. He who made you clean within - will also keep you calm within. A saint cannot so sin as to destroy his grace - but he may so sin as to disturb his peace. The spider cannot destroy the bee-hive - but it may get in and spoil the honey. If you, O man, are found nibbling at the bait - you may justly expect the hook! O think, you who now boast in nothing so much as sin - that there is a time approaching when you will be ashamed of nothing but sin! You will be eternally sinful - but you cannot be eternally joyful. In Hell, all that sugar will be melted, in which this bitter pill of sin was wrapped! Hell is too hot a climate for wanton delights to live in! The pleasures of sin are but for a season - but the torments of unpardoned sin are of an eternal duration. Our first parents soon ate of the forbidden fruit - but the world to this day feels that it is not freed from the miserable consequence of that stolen ‘apple’!

Solomon exactly describes sin’s rise and fall! “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is grief.” Death will turn all the waters of pleasure - into blood. The serpent of sensual delight - always carries a deadly sting in its tail! All the blaze of worldly pomp - will soon end in midnight darkness and horror!

Sinner, will gall and wormwood - ever make you pleasant wine? Will thick and poisonous vapors - ever yield you sweet and wholesome showers? If you pursue sin for profit - you will never profit by your sin.

O that England did but look with Scripture glasses, upon all its departing glories, and solemnly say, “If sin had not been here - our miseries would never have been here.” It is better to make your lodgings in a bed of snakes - than in the forbidden bed of sinful lusts! Who would spread the silken sails of the mind - upon the pirate ship of wantonness? When the pale horse of death goes before - the red horse of wrath follows after! When the sinner’s body goes to the worms to be consumed - then his soul goes to Hell to be tormented! A wise man knows, that it is far better to forego the pleasures of sin here - than to undergo the pains of wrath hereafter!

Reader, if you delight in sin, I wish you to remember, that your ill-doing, will shortly be your undoing. “What benefit did you reap at that time - from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!” “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed, feasting lavishly every day.” What pleasure does Dives now reap in Hell, from all the choice banquets he sat down to, on earth? “I am in agony in this fire!” The stench and torment of everlasting burnings - will take away the sweetest perfumes which ever covered sin!

Young Joseph chose rather to be a bound prisoner for Christ, than to be an open slave to his lusts. “How can I do this wickedness - and sin against God!” It does not only grieve a saint, that God is displeased at what he does - but that He is dishonored by what he does. He is more distressed for sin which brings evil - than for the evil which sin brings. When the mute son of Croesus saw his father’s life in danger - he cried out so loud in his fright, that his tongue-strings broke, and he exclaimed, “Do not kill King Croesus!” Did Christ open His veins for our redemption, and shall not we open our mouths for His vindication? “The crown is fallen from our heads, woe to us - that we have sinned.” Sin is not only a monster, which unmans us; but it is also a tyrant, which uncrowns us. Nay, it not only takes the crown from off the sinner’s head - but it also entails the curse upon the sinner’s soul.

There are many who vainly suppose that the fountain of their sin is quite dried up, when alas, the streams are only turned into another channel. A hand taken off from sinful practices, without a heart taken off from sinful principles, is only like a field, which having for a time lain fallow, afterward springs up with greater increase! or it is like a stream which having been dammed for a while, at last runs with greater violence, when the sluices are opened!

5. Another singular principle for believers to walk by, is this: that there is thegreatest vanity- in allcreated excellency.

“Vanity of vanities! Everything is vanity!” If this truth were more believed - this world would be less adored. A lady being once told, that the world, in all its glory, was but vanity; returned for answer, “True, I have heard that Solomon said so - but he tried it, before he said it, and so will I.” Thus, many believe not a serpent to be poisonous, until they are envenomed with it! They forget, that it is not only vanity - but also vexation of spirit; and all who are resolved to try the former, must also feel the latter.

He who knocks at the creature’s door for supplies - will find an empty house kept there! “All the rivers run into the sea - yet the sea is not full.” Though all the rising streams of worldly profits may run into the hearts of men - yet they cannot fill up the hearts of men. Reader, did you ever hear a rich man complain of the lack of riches? Though he has enough to support him - yet he never has enough to content him!

“All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.” Were it possible for the eye to see all that is to be seen - yet it would not be satisfied with seeing. If there is not enough in the world to satisfy the senses of men - how should there be enough in it to satisfy the souls of men? The earth is not a satisfying substance - but a fleeting shadow!

“For the fashion of this world passes away.” The most excellent and flourishing appearances in the whole creation - are continually hastening to dissolution! We are commanded to use the world - as though we used it not; because while we use the world - it is not! The tide of worldly grandeur which brings the gallant ship into the haven, may suddenly leave her in the mud. The higher the sun of prosperity approaches on its meridian - the nearer it is to its setting.

O all you who caress the world, have you not seen some who have begun their lives in a palace - to end them in a prison? The golden chains about their necks - have been turned into iron fetters about their feet! The substance of this life, is but for the season of this life. All creature felicity will become a victim to mortality. You who feed upon golden dust - must have all your gold turned to dust! The short summer of your prosperity - will usher in the long winter of damnation. Those who now rejoice in the world, will before long - have no world wherein to rejoice. “Arise and depart; for this is not your rest, because it is polluted! It shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.” Heart’s-ease is a flower which does not grow in the world’s garden. Where does that fish swim, which will not nibble at that hook, on which there hangs a golden bait? How many perish eternally - to gain that which perishes in the using.

Poor worldling, why do you seek for wealth with such incessant anxiety, seeing the greatest misers are laid as naked in their grave - as the poorest beggars? The tighter you grasp the world in your hands - the sooner it slides between your fingers. “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world - and lose his own soul?” He who made this world - knew its worth. If the world is gained - it may be lost again; but if the soul be lost at death - it can never be recovered. There is one way tokeepa man out of Hell - but there is no way togeta man out of Hell. It is as easy for a stone to lodge in the air - as for a man to find rest in the earth. Not few are there who have resolved to ascend the pinnacle of honor - but what have left a good conscience at the bottom of the ladder! Believers themselves would be glutted with the world’s sweets - if a gracious God were not to call them away from the banquet. Creature comforts, are like the soft morning dews, which, while they water the branches of the tree, leave the roots dry. Why should professors be found eagerly pursuing those trifles - which even heathens have been found flying from? The world is rather a sharp brier to wound us - than a sweet flower to delight us. As poison works more furiously in wine - than in water; so corruptions manifest themselves more in a state of plenty - than they do in a state of poverty.

One compares this life to a beautiful nut, which, however fair it may seem - is full of nothing but worms and rottenness! The earth is for a saint’s passage - but Heaven is prepared for him as his portion. The earth is for a believer’s use - but Heaven alone, is a believer’s choice. Everything below Heaven - is too base for the soul’s nobility, and too brittle for the soul’s stability. A professor boasting of the world - is but like a balloon filled with the wind. Those who set out at first, like Judas, for the world - may be put off at last, like Demas, with the world. “Son, remember that you, in your life time, received your good things.” These blossoms will fall off from all such spreading trees - when death comes to shake the boughs! The world is too frequently gotten with anxious cares, kept with alarming fears, and lost with heart-rending groans! We see the outside of the great estate - but not the inside of it. We behold the field of corn - but not the tares that are mixed with it. We do not always see the worldling’s clouds and dark nights - but his clear day and sunshine. The riches, honors and pleasures of the world are like beautiful - but poisonous trees. The devil shows us the fair leaves, and offers us the pleasant fruits - but conceals from us their deadly nature! The world pretends to be a nurse - but those who draw her breasts will find in one the water of vanity; and in the other the wind of vexation. It is counted miraculous to find a diamond in a vein of gold; but it is more miraculous to find a pure and precious Christ in the bosom of an earthly professor. When we have the least of creature enjoyments, it is then our duty to bless God for them. When we have most of creature enjoyments, it is then our distinguished privilege not to bless ourselves in them. The world does us infinitely more hurt by loving it - than it can possibly do us good by having it. “Labor not for the food which perishes - but for that which endures to everlasting life.” Ah, what a fool is he who would hazard a glorious crown above, for a single crumb below! The higher the larks are in their flight - the sweeter are their songs. The higher a Christian is raised above the things of the earth - the more he is ravished with the joys of Heaven. The least portion of grace - is preferable to a mountain of gold. One ray of God’s mercy - is better than a sun of earthly pleasure! One whisper of love from Christ’s voice - is worth more than all the symphony of nature. Give me that friend who lives forever, and that true wealth which lasts forever! I desire those blessings which come freely, satisfy fully, and continue eternally!

“Surely every man walks in a vain show! Surely he is disquieted in vain. He heaps up riches - not knowing who shall gather them.” Every carnal man walks in a vain show - and yet how vain is he of his show of vanity! He is disquieted in vain - and it is only vanity which disquiets him. He labors all his life for the profit of riches, and yet in death, his riches will not profit him. He who views an ox grazing in a fat pasture, should but conclude that he is being prepared for the day of slaughter!

Worldly enjoyments are but like hot waters, which, as some affirm, are soonest congealed in frosty weather. The greatest happiness of the creature - is not to have the creature for his happiness. It is far better not to have the world at all - than to have our all in the world. Who would be like the raven - to feed upon the carrion of this execrated world, while there is much more wholesome food for doves - in the ark? The world at best, is but a looking-glass; there is a face presented by it - but there is no face seated in it. When you have sifted out its finest flour - it turns to bran.

“Labor not to be rich.” A strange paradox! If it were not for labor - who would be rich? And if it were not for riches - who would labor? But see what follows! “Will you set your eyes upon that which is not?” While riches are - they are not. They are not what they look like - they have not in them what we look for. But what are they not? They are not durables - but changeables. “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone - for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle!” The gourd may flourish in the day - but it will wither at night. The cup which now overflows with wine - may soon be filled up to the brim with water. When the sun of earthly happiness is in its meridian - it may be eclipsed. A man rejoices in health - and a severe illness shakes him. He delights in honor - and a cloud shadows him. He delights in riches - and a thief robs him. He delights in peace - and a rumor disturbs him. He delights in life - and death disappoints him! The heavens at first had their dropsy - and then the old world was drowned. The heavens at last shall have their fever - and then the new world shall be burned. The earth is big in our hopes - but little in our hands. It is like Sodom’s apples, beautiful to the eye at a distance - but when they are touched, they crumble into ashes. “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath.” Wealth is worthless in the day of man’s wrath - to preserve him from plundering. Wealth is worthless in the day of God’s wrath - to keep him from punishment. Pleasures are but a shield of melting wax, against a sword of power; they can no more keep an evil conscience from tormenting, than a velvet sleeve can keep a broken arm from aching.

See how the men of the world toil upon their hands and knees for the vanities of the world! “There are many who say - Who will show us any good?” As if they could find a Heaven - in the trifles of earth. That was a hard expression of a hardened worldling: “Let God but give me enough of the earth - and I will never complain of the loss of Heaven.” Thus we see the curse of the serpent - entailed upon the seed of the serpent. What God pronounces as a malediction - they take as a benediction! The devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will bow down and worship me.” If a covetous man had been there, O how he would have snatched the promise out of the devil’s lips - lest he should have gone back from his word! Some are so enchanted with their golden bags, that they will run hastily to Hell - if they might but be well paid with golden wedges for their pains. All such covetous Balaams - must fall by their own devices!

Covetousness is incompatible with the love of holiness. The truly excellent of the earth - can see no excellency in the earth. This world is no better than a loathsome dunghill, upon which the wealthy stand crowing - and about which the poor are scraping! If he alone is blessed - who lives above the world; then those cannot be blessed - who live in conformity to the world.

6. Another singular principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that DUTIES can never havetoo much attentionpaid to them, ortoo little confidenceplaced in them. The Christian owes nothing to his corruptions - but their crucifixion. “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh - to live after the flesh.” Where God becomes a donor - man becomes a debtor. The debt of sin is mercifully discharged for him - that the debt of service might be willingly discharged by him. Every created thing has its bounds - but grace has none. In true godliness - there is no excess. Those wells which are of God’s digging - can never be too full of water. He delights to see the trees of righteousness, laden with the fruits of righteousness!

Though faith alone justifies the soul - yet that faith which justifies the soul, is not alone. Faith without good works - is like trees without their fruits. In proof of sanctification, good works cannot be sufficiently magnified! But in point of justification, good works cannot be sufficiently nullified! The lamp of duty can only shine clearly - as it is trimmed with the oil of mercy.

Some choice ship captains, when they have approached the shore, have left the bottom of merit, to sail in the bark of mercy, crying out, “Our greatest safety is to rest only in the mercy of God.” The lawof God is such a master as to require the whole task of duty without mitigation; and the mercyof God is so good a benefactor, as to be capable of pardoning every transgression without limitation. He who ignorantly trusts in his own righteousness - will feel God’s angry sword! And he who, as lost and helpless, trusts in the mercyof God - shall be enabled to touch the golden scepter!

Most that perish, it is not their disease which kills them - but their physician! They think to cure themselves - and this leaves them incurable. Good works are so indigent - that no man can be saved by them! And yet are so excellent - that no man can go to Heaven without them! It would be well for Christ’s members - if it were with them as it is with skillful mariners, who have their eyes on the stars, and their hands at the stern! The self-righteous man is too prone to wrap himself in his religious duties! But this is making bad - worse! For he who vainly thinks to wipe off old scores by his merit - does but increase his enormous debt!

“Now we know that whatever things the law says, it says to those who are under the law - that every mouth may be stopped!” How shall any mouth be opened to plead guiltless - when God has stopped every mouth with its own guilt? It is in vain to stand up and plead innocence before Him who is all eye - to see the blackest flesh, under the whitest feathers; and the foulest heart under the fairest act!

Reader, though good works may be our Jacob’s staff to walk with on earth - yet they cannot be our Jacob’s ladder to climb to Heaven with! To lay the salve of our services upon the wound of our sins - is as if a man who is stung by a wasp should wipe his face with a nettle! Or as if a person should busy himself in supporting a tottering shack, with a burning fire-brand!

It is the greatest folly to expect profit - from that which is unprofitable. Could we have done all that was commanded us - yet, without the mercy of God, all that we could have done - would certainly undo us. When the river fails us in its supplies of water, we then look up to the clouds for moisture. If Christ does not breathe into our religious services, it is impossible to grow under them. It was not the tempered clay which cured the blind man - but Christ’s anointing his eyes therewith. The clay was more likely, without Christ - to make a seeing man blind - than a blind man see! Thus, though we may receive our spiritual sight in the ordinances - yet it is not the ordinances which give us sight.

It was not the troubling of the pool in Bethesda, which made it healing; but the coming down of the angel into it. That man must famish at last, who always feeds upon the dish - instead of the meat. There is no instruction to be gotten from the sun-dial of duty, except the Sun of Righteousness shines upon it.

Reader, it is dangerous for you to take shelter in your own righteousness; for the lightning of divine vengeance, which flashes before you; and the curses of the law, which thunder around you - may suddenly shake your house down upon you. As fast as you lay on your own plasters - a spiritual conscience will rub them off again. Nothing but the grace of the gospel - can perfectly heal the wounds which a broken law has made. Though at the command of Christ - you may let down the net; yet it is only by the blessing of Christ - that you can enclose a profitable catch.

Christian people judge that, as they can never see God according to the greatness of His majesty - so they can never serve Him according to the greatness of His mercy. When Paul wrote to Philemon concerning his receiving his servant Onesimus back, he used this argument to prevail with him, “You owe to me, even your own self.” Thus man not only owes his services - but also himself to God. No man can merit a reward - by paying his debts; much less can a sinner merit mercy - by being an insolvent debtor. The body of a man can as soon labor incessantly without food - as the soul of a Christian can live continually without ordinances. Paul’s religion was dearer to him than his life, “I consider my life worth nothing to me - if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” Jesus Christ laid down His precious life - to secure the possession of Heaven for man; and shall man refuse to lay out his life - in pursuing the glories of Heaven? Was Heaven worth Christ’s passion - and shall it not be worth our seeking? Alas, what is our sweat - compared to His blood!

What could Jesus do more - than to die for us! What can we do less - than to live for Him! “To whom much is given - of them much shall be required.”

You cannot fathom all the good which He has bestowed upon you - nor all the evil which He has forgiven you! Such is His goodness - that He deserves infinitely more from you than He demands of you.

If Heaven could be obtained by human endeavors, then Heaven must either be of little worth, or the endeavors must be of great value. But He who puts an estimate upon all things according to their true value, has said, “When you have done everything which was commanded, you should say - We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.” We are not only unprofitable when all is to be done - but when all has been done. We are unprofitable to God, because He is necessarily and eternally blessed without us! We are not profitable to ourselves, because without Him we shall be everlastingly cursed in ourselves!

It is our bounden duty - to live in obedience; but it will prove our utter ruin - to live on obedience. Heaven is either the gift of mercy, or the reward of duty. If the latter, Christ died in vain; but if the former, we boast in vain. “Fear not, little flock - for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Thus we see that Heaven is not the product of man’s labor - but the token of God’s good pleasure.

Many proud sinners will labor hard in the storms of life, and hurricanes of death, rather than cry with Peter, “Lord, save me - I perish!” But God is determined that every person shall die a malefactor, who dies without a Mediator. The dignity of good works does not lie in their merit - but in God’s grace alone; for were He to examine and estimate them according to the rigor of the law, and separate from Christ - instead of their being valuable as refined gold, they would be as despicable as worthless tinsel! Our highest perfections are darkened with the blackest shades of imperfection. If Christ is not the foundation of our perfection on earth, He will not be the top-stone of our salvation in Heaven. Reader, what person would thank you - for holding a candle to assist the light of the sun? Or what prince would praise you - for setting a dirty pebble in his crown of precious diamonds? How then can it be supposed that those works which are pregnant with evil - can be pleasing to God?

If man lays too much weight upon the pillars raised by his own hands - he will pull the building down upon his own head! God, who cannot lie, has said, “So then, it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs - but of God who shows mercy.” It is not of him who wills - though he wills ever so heartily; nor of him who runs - though he runs ever so hastily. Man’s crown of glory - is only made by the hand of God’s mercy. Man’s working is not the cause of God’s grace - but God’s grace is the cause of man’s working! The creature may do something against grace - but he can do nothing without it. It is dangerous to hang the weight of eternity - upon the slender threads of our activity. The boundless life of felicity - flows only from the bottomless love of the Deity.

7. Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: that those preciouspromises, which are given to insure his happiness - do not supersede thosepreceptswhich are laid down for him to seek after happiness.

“Thus says the Lord - I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel - to do it for them.” As those under the law - were not without a gospel to save them; so those who are under the gospel - are not without a law to rule them. There is the same impropriety in divorcing those who are united - as in uniting those who are divorced.

“Ask - and it shall be given you; seek - and you shall find; knock - and it shall be opened unto you.” Continued gospel importunity - is the most powerful oratory. Man’s importunity, has no meritorious claim upon God. God has a right to the former - but we have no right to the latter. He who enables us to find Him - enjoins us to seek Him. The Lord delights, neither to see us slothful seekers - nor doubtful seekers.

He who refuses to hear the voice of Christ - shall never see the face of Christ! “He who says he abides in Christ; ought himself also so to walk, even as Christ walked.” Then only, does the watch of our lives move regularly - when the hand of mercy winds it up. The law condemns those as criminals, who lay claim to the royal crown - when they are not of royal blood. Many would be like Christ in bliss - who would not be like Him by grace. They are willing to have those promises which confirm them in happiness - but dislike those precepts which are to regulate their conduct!

“The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King - He will save us.” Wherever the Lord is a priest for pardon - He is a prince for dominion. He is always a Ruler - where He is a Savior. As Jesus Christ is the foundation of our happiness - so is He the fountain of all our holiness. Reader, remember, if Christ be not a refiner’s fire, in you; He will be a consuming fire, to you! “But bring here these enemies of mine, who did not want me to rule over them - and slaughter them in my presence!” Thus, if you refuse Him to reign over you - He will refuse you to reign with Him.

“As many as walk according to this rule - peace be on them.” To tread in any other path on earth - is to miss the one way to Heaven. If the golden chains of love to God - do not bind you to duty; the iron chain of God’s wrath - will bind you to eternal misery! He who abuses his liberty in this world - will forever lose it in the eternal world.

“Blessed are those who do His commandments - that they may have the right to the tree of life.” To look upon a precept without a promise - is the high road to desperation. To look upon a promise without a precept - is the high road to damnation. The promise is like the cork in the net - to preserve it from sinking. The precept is like lead to the net - to keep it from floating. A believer is like the mariner’s compass; which is governed by the constant heavens - and not by the variable winds. Reader, will you make Him a stumbling stone - whom God has made a foundation stone? Remember, the fire can consume the dross - as well as refine the gold. The strength of a rock is seen not only in supporting the house which is built upon it - but in breaking the ships which dash against it. The pillar of cloud was as dreadful in the darkness it gave to the Egyptians - as it was glorious in the light it gave to the Israelites!

Whenever Christ takes the burden of guilt from a sinner’s shoulders - He then lays a yoke of obedience upon his neck. Though God can give a pardon to the greatest sin - yet He cannot grant a patronage to the least sin. To be lascivious, because God is gracious - what is this, but to drown yourself in that river - in which you should wash yourself! To live a life of gospel obedience - is the liberty of God’s children. But to give your licentious appetite the reins - is the bondage of Satan’s slaves! That soul was never related to Christ - who was never devoted to Christ. “Not everyone who says unto Me, Lord, Lord - shall enter the kingdom of Heaven; but only he who does the will of My Father, who is in Heaven.” Subjection to the will of God, is not only a test of our present duty - but it is also an evidence of our future glory! To expect to see God in Heaven, and not to seek Him on earth - is as foolish, as if a gardener should leave his plough into the barn, and then look for a rich harvest.

Sitting birds are the fowler’s targets; while those which soar as the eagle are in safety. When men are out of the way of their worldly callings - it is easy to call them out of their heavenly way. God works with - and without means. With means - that man should not be indolent. Without means - that he should not be self-confident. Jacob makes his prayers to his heavenly Father - and yet present his gifts to his angry brother. David went out against Goliath in the name of the God of Israel - and yet went to the brook to fetch stones for his sling. The sword of Joshua must go with the prayers of Moses - and the prayers of Moses accompany the sword of Joshua. Had they fought and not prayed - they would have obtained no victory, because God will not be neglected. Had they prayed and not fought - they would have obtained no victory, because God will not be tempted.

“This is He who came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ.” He did not come by water without any blood - or by blood without any water. He came not to pardon - and to leave the soul unpurged. Nor did He come to merely purge - and to leave the soul unpardoned. Wherever the death of Christ clears a soul from guilt - the Spirit of Christ cleanses that soul from filth. A man may be justified without immediate glorification; but not without attendant sanctification. The law by which God rules us - is as dear to Him, as the gospel by which He saves us.

Many would use faith as an eye to see with - but not as a foot to walk with. They look for the crown of victory - but are unwilling to fight the good fight of faith. That faith which sets men to oppose their internal enemies - sets God also to oppose their external adversaries. Prayer is the midwife of the promises! The promises are wells of comfort to the church - and believing prayer is the cup to draw the water out of the wells!

8. Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: that it is dangerous dressing himself for theheavenlyworld - by the looking-glass of thispresentworld.

“You shall not follow a multitude - to do evil.” Satan’s herd of swine - is larger than Christ’s flock of sheep! Let them be ever so mighty - they are not to be feared. Let them be ever so many - they are not to be followed. To infer that way to be the truest which is the largest - is to conclude upon the quality of the cloth - by the size of the cloth.

Remember - the multitude of people, are like the droves of cattle - which go to the slaughter! “Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand on the seashore - only the remnant will be saved.” The whole piece belongs to the devil - but God cuts off a remnant for Himself! There are many birds of prey - to one bird of paradise. Pebbles lie abundant in the streets - but pearls are rare to find. The Scripture not only presents us with an account of the purity of those who shall be saved - but also with the smallness of their number. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to Hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it!” “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom!” The Persians thought a crooked nose was a great ornament, because the face of their Emperor had a crooked nose. Great men’s vices are more imitated - than poor men’s graces. The ill humors of the head - may consume the vital organs of the body. Inferiors love to go the way - which superiors are accustomed to go. The actions of their rulers - are too much the rule of the people. Such people conceive by the eye - like Jacob’s sheep, which brought forth their lambs suitable to the color of the rods. Those who follow after others in sinning - will be sure to follow them in suffering! Alas, then the greatness of the multitude - will not extinguish the fierceness of the flame! The number of those immortal fagots - will but intensify the fury of the eternal fire!

“Many are called - but few are chosen.” It is not, many are chosen - and few called; but many are called - and few are chosen. Sinners are certainly the greatest company - but they are also the worst company. Though the nature of believers is the greatest - yet their numbers are the smallest.

One said that, “All the names of the good emperors, might be engraved on a little ring.” I will not say there are not any godly men who are great - but I will say, that there are not many great men who are godly. The trees of righteousness are thinly planted in the world’s orchard. As in one righteous man there are many sins - so to one godly man - there are many wicked sinners! The generality of people, will rather walk in the way that most people go - than in the way that the best people go. They are like dead fish, which float down the stream, wherever it runs; or like the water, which takes the fragrance of the vessel in which it is contained. The ‘voice of the people’ - is often the voice of the devil. Whatever is engraved upon the seal - is imprinted upon the wax. If we will not have the people of the world to be our leaders - we shall be sure to have them as our troublers. If they cannot seduce us into their evil way - they will oppose us in our holy way. If they cannot scorch us with their fire - they will try to blacken us with their smoke. They will speak evil of us - because we do not run into the same excess of evil with them. Because we refuse to play the fool with them - they will say that we are mad.

Those who would arrive where the righteous now are - should be found in the road in which they once were. “Be followers of those, who through faith and patience, inherit the promises.” What is the reason that there are so many scribbling professors in the world - but that they write after such imperfect copies! The best of men - are but men, at the best. It is better to imitate an evil man in that which is good - than imitate a good man in that which is evil.

Paul said, “Be followers of me.” But his exhortation has its limitation - “Even as I am a follower of Christ.” Where he follows Christ - there we must follow him. But if a Paul forsakes Christ, we must forsake even Paul! That was a good saying of Thomas More, “I will not pin my faith upon any man’s sleeve, because I know not where he will carry it.”

Believers have not only infirmities which are natural - but they have also such as are sinful. Noah was no sooner delivered from a deluge of water - than he was drowned in a deluge of wine! The failings of Christians do not flow from a want of grace - but from a weakness in grace; not from their depravity of spirit - but from the corruptions of the flesh. As they are not what they have been - before conversion; so they are not altogether what they would be - after conversion. Those roses which are now in blossom - shall hereafter be fully blown! And the stars which are yet concealed under a cloud - shall be seen in a clear sky.

Those are but suspicious Christians, who will approve all which believers do. Their lives must be followed no further - than they agree with the Scripture.

He is a rotten professor, who says in his heart, “Why may not I be drunk as well as Noah, and commit adultery as well as David?” Did you ever hear of any who plucked out their eyes - because others were smitten with blindness? Or of any who cut off their legs - because others went on crutches?

If you have sinned as David and Noah did - you should also mourn as they did! Their sins are not for our imitation - but for our caution. They are not land-marks to direct travelers - but sea-marks to warn mariners. If a man finds a piece of gold covered with dust - will he preserve the dirt, and throw away the gold?

“You have heard of the patience of Job.” Yes, and of his impatience also! Instead of cursing the sin with which he was born, he cursed the day in which he was born!

You have heard of the meekness of Moses, and yet this even thread was not without its knots. While he is bringing water out of the rock - he is also fetching fire out of his own heart!

Peter not only forsook his Lord - but also forswore Him. Who would ever have suspected, that he who had his name from an immovable rock - should have proved such a shaken reed!

Reader, if you do not turn your back upon Egypt - you will fall short of the land of Canaan! When God comes to pass sentence, He will bring every sinner to the bar. His laws are not like spider’s webs - which keep the little flies prisoners - but which the greater will break with smaller struggles.

Though man may have many under him upon earth - yet he has One in Heaven who is above him. “The Lord God called to Adam, and said to him, Where are you?” Not, where were you? but where are you? Oh how quickly have you forfeited that inheritance, which I so lately settled on you in paradise! “The woman whom You gave me - she gave me of the tree - and I ate.” Because she put it into his hands - was that any reason why he should put it into his mouth? The monsters of sin are so hateful when they are brought forth - that we are unwilling to own them ourselves; therefore we lay them at the doors of others. The stable mountains are not so firm - but they may be removed by fearful earthquakes. Those saints who have been as the greatest stars or suns, have at times had their sad eclipses.

9. Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: That wherever sin proveshateful- it shall not provehurtful.

What an apology does a sorrowful Savior make for His sleeping saints! “The spirit is willing - but the flesh is weak!” Take a carnal man, and what he can do - that he will not do. Take a Christian man, and what he would do - that he cannot do.

God will pity impotency - but He will punish obstinacy. God has mercy for his own can-nots - but none for the devil’s will-nots! Adam’s want was rather in his will - than in his power; but a saint’s want is rather in his power - than in his will. “O that my ways were directed to keep your statutes!” A saint’s will begins where his work ends.

“Lord, I believe - help my unbelief!”

Lord, I see - but enlighten my darkness!

Lord, I hear - but cure my deafness!

Lord, I move - but quicken my dullness!

Lord, I desire - but help my unwillingness! In playing over a tune upon an instrument, a single string may jar and slip, and yet the main be musical. It would be folly, indeed, to think that our fields have no grain in them - because there is some chaff about the wheat; or that the ore had no gold in it - because there is some dross among it. In Heaven there is service alone - without any sin; in Hell there is sin alone - without service; but on earth, there is sin and service in the same man - as there is light and shade in the same picture.

Christian Reader! to condemn your evil - is good; but to condemn your good - is evil. Here on earth, believers are like the Israelites, who in their darkest night - had a pillar of fire; and in their clearest day - had a pillar of a cloud. Above us - there is light without any darkness; below us - there is darkness without any light; but in this world - it is neither day nor night - but in the evening time it shall be light.

Though the lowest believer is above the power of sin - yet the highest believer is not above the presence of sin! It is in a living Christian that sin is to be mortified - but it is only in a dying Christian that sin is to be destroyed. When the body and the soul are separated by mortality - sin and the soul, will be separated to eternity! Though a forced subjection is sufficient to satisfy a tyrant; yet it is only a sincere obedience which is true homage to a king.

Sin never ruins - but where it reigns. Sin is not damning - where it is disturbing. The more trouble sin receives from us - the less trouble sin does to us. Sin is only a murderer - where it is a governor. The rose is a fragrant flower, though it be surrounded with piercing thorns. The Passover was a feast, though the Israelites ate it with bitter herbs.

There is always too much of the wild olive tree - in those who are engrafted into the true olive tree. Our graces are our best jewels - but they do not yield their brightest luster in this world. The moon, when she shines brightest - has its spots; and the fire, when it burns the hottest - has its smoke.

“I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Your eyes; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplication.” Who would have thought those prayers should ever have had any prevalency in God’s ear - which were mixed with so much infidelity in the petitioner’s heart?

Sin is an enemy at the Christian’s back - but not a friend in his bosom. Although believers should be mournful - because they have infirmities; yet they should be thankful - because they are but infirmities. It is true they have sin in them - and that should make them sorrowful. But it is just as true, that they have a Savior for them - and that should make them joyful. It is not the interposition of a cloud - but the departure of the sun, which constitutes a night.

Take the purest believer in the world, and you will find him fuller of sin - than he is of prayer. There is too much of the earth - in his most heavenly employments. But as Alexander’s painter could find a finger to conceal the scar on his master’s face - so when Jesus Christ draws the picture of the saint’s excellency, He can find a covering for all the scars of their infirmities. The Savior looks over that which is His own - and overlooks that which is His people’s. Where there is no sin allowed by them - there shall be grains of allowance to them. God will not throw away Hisjewels - for every speck of dirt which may be on them!

Though Christ honors grace in its maturity - yet He owns it in its minority. “You of little faith - why did you doubt?” Poor Peter had faith enough to keep him from drowning - but not enough to keep him from doubting. The least buds draw sap from the root - as well as the greatest branches. Though one star exceeds another in magnitude - yet both are alike seated in the heavens. Though one member of the body is larger than another - yet each has an equal union with the head. The conduct of a Christian may sometimes be spotted with infirmity - when the heart is sound in the love of sanctity. Jacob halted - and yet was blessed. As his blessing did not take away his halting - so his halting did not keep away his blessing.

Hagar will have a room in Sarah’s house - until death turns her out of doors. As death leaves the body soulless - so it leaves the soul sinless. “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” God does not expect the pump to run with pleasant water - where there is none put into the cistern. The heavenly Bridegroom will not put out a believer’s candle - because of the dimness of its burning; nor will He overshadow a believer’s sun - because of the weakness of its shining.

Though that vice may be found in us, for which He might justly damn us; yet that grace is to be found in Him, by which He can easily save us. He does not come with water to extinguish the fire - but with wind to disperse the smoke!

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord!” because the incense savors of the hand which offers it! Not only the wicked man’s designs against the godly are sinful - but all his prayers to God are also hateful. Not so for the righteous; for, the prayer of the upright is God’s delight. If the vessel of the heart is clean - God will taste of the sweet wine which is drawn from it! “O My dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff - let Me see your face, let Me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely!”

10. Another principle that a Christian should walk by, is this: Thatinward purityis the ready road tooutward plenty. That is but a Hell-made proverb, “Honest dealing is a jewel - but he who adheres to it shall die a beggar.”

Though true religion is against our sloth - yet it is not against our interest. Oh what rich clusters of grapes hang all along our way to Canaan! True religion is so bountiful a master - that none need be afraid of becoming its servant. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you!” Our work below is the best done - when our work for above is the first done. He who has most of Heaven in his heart - has not always the least of earth in his hand.

“The young lions lack and suffer hunger - but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” As they would feel no evil thing within, so they shall lack no good thing without.

He who freely opens the upper spring - will never wholly close the nether springs. There shall be no silver lacking in Benjamin’s sack - while Joseph has it to throw in. Grace is not such a beggarly visitant - as will not pay its own way. When the best of beings is adored - the best of blessings are enjoyed.

While the rough Esau of this world hunts after the venison - the smooth Jacob shall carry away the blessing! “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly!” Why need a saint fear darkness - when he has such a sun to guide him! Or why should he dread dangers - when he has such a shield to guard him!

Christian, the God whom you serve is so excellent - that no good can be added to Him; and He is so infinite, that no good can be diminished in Him! He blesses others - and yet He is not the less full. He shows mercy to the full - and yet remains full of mercy.

Sinners look upon times of obedience - as times of hindrance. They trust to their own toiling - and not to God’s undertaking. They carry on such a trade for the earth - as makes them miscarry in their merchandise for Heaven. Though every rich man is not truly godly - yet every godly man is truly rich! The sun can as easily diffuse its beams over the whole world, as upon a single field. What God receives from man - makes Him no richer; and what man receives from God - makes God none the poorer. His goodness may be imparted - but cannot be impaired.

Christian Reader! if the deep fountain is still running - why should you fear to fill your little vessel? “The Lord is my shepherd - there is nothing I lack!” The sheep of Christ may change their pasture - but they shall never lack a pasture. “Is not the life - more than food; and the body - more than clothing?” If God grants to us great things - shall we distrust Him for small things? He who has given us heavenly blessings - will also give us earthly blessings. The great Gardener never under-stocked His own gardens.

Jehu, who only served God in hypocrisy, had an external kingdom; and shall those who serve Him from a principle of inward purity, be put off without a heavenly kingdom? If God valued counterfeit coin so much - how highly will He esteem the true gold! If He drops so much blessing into a vessel of wrath - what will He put into a vessel of mercy! If He gives so much to a bond-slave of Hell - what will He do for a free-born child of Heaven!

“Have I been a wilderness unto Israel, a land of darkness?” God was not a wilderness to them - when they were in the wilderness. When they wanted bread - He gave them manna; when they wanted water - He opened a rock; and though they had no new apparel - yet their old garments did not wear out. Thus they were never better off - than when they were ready to give up all as lost.

Oh how good is the believer’s God, who not only shortens his pilgrimage for him - but also sweetens it to him! Had Christians too much of temporal things - they might care too little for spiritual things. Daniel appeared better with his plain vegetables, than the Babylonians with all their royal feasts. Some have rowed safely in a narrow river - and been drowned afterwards in a large sea. A little is sufficient - to him who with it enjoys God’s all-sufficiency.

Godliness is so full a spring - that it will not let the Christian perish for lack of water. “Let the people praise You, God, let all the people praise You!” (What then?) “Then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” Our unthankfulness is the cause of the earth’s unfruitfulness. While man is blessing God for His mercies - He is blessing man with His mercies.

Some are afraid of true religion, because they suppose they shall lose all their earthly mammon, while they are seeking heavenly manna. They think that piety - is the greatest enemy to prosperity. Could they but reap profit by praying, they would be found more at prayer. Ignorant worldlings look upon gain as their greatest godliness - and not on godliness as their greatest gain. But a golden plaster is a poor application for a wounded conscience. When the worm of carnality is gnawing at the root of religious performances, all the formalist’s blooming hopes will fade, and die away at last!

“Godliness is profitable to all things; having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” Who knows how many rich productions there are in the pleasure-garden of religion! There is mellow fruit in it for every day in the year.

“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, and delights greatly in His commandments; wealth and riches shall be in his house; and his righteousness endures forever.” All worldly gain, while we live, we may lose it; and when we die, we must leave it - but in keeping God’s commandments there is great reward. There is a reward of God’s approbation in life; of the believer’s confirmation in death; and of their complete salvation in glory. In earthly services the master enjoys the profit - but in pious services the servant enjoys the profit. “And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-Edom three months; and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom, and all his household.” The ark was not blessed for the sake of his household - but his household was blessed for the sake of the ark. The ark of God always pays for its hospitality, wherever it dwells.

Many will side with religion while they can live upon it - and desert it when it must live upon them. But that saying is yet true; “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” It is only the Christian man, who is the truly contented man; and what are our enjoyments without contentment? What is a great possession - if wedded to great vexation? Wicked men make this world their treasure - and God makes it their torment. When they want estates - they are troubled for them; when they have estates - they are troubled with them. When they would drink of the river - God disturbs the water.

Reader! if you know nothing of Christ, I wish you to remember, that when you come to die - you will find true religion necessary; and while you live - you will find it profitable. The purest honey - is gathered out of the hive of holiness. The ways of iniquity - are the ways of beggary. It is but reasonable that God should fall out with those in the course of His providence, who fall off from Him in the course of their obedience.

“In Wisdom’s right hand is length of days; and in her left hand riches and honor.” Look to which ever hand you will - and you will find it full.

11. Another principle that a believer should walk by, is this: That all thetimewhich Godallowshim - is but enough for theworkwhich Heallotshim.

“Man that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.” Nature’s womb - sometimes proves nature’s tomb. With many it is ebb water - before the tide is at the full. The lamps of their lives are extinguished - almost as soon as they are lighted. The sand of their hour-glass is run out - when they think it is but newly turned. When men feel sickness arresting - then they fear death is approaching. But we begin to die - as soon as ever we began to live. Every man’s death-bell, hangs in his own steeple. Take him in his four elements, of earth, air, fire, and water. In the earth - he is as fleeting dust; in the air - he is as a disappearing vapor; in the water - he is as a breaking bubble; and in the fire - he is as consuming smoke. Many think not of living any holier - until they can live no longer; but one today is worth two tomorrows.

Reader, you know not how soon the sails of your life may be rolled up - or how near you are to your eternal haven; and if you have not Jesus as your pilot within you - you will suffer an eternal shipwreck!

Poor soul what will you do, if you begin to die naturally, before you begin to live spiritually! How will you be astonished, if the tabernacle of nature be taken down - before the temple of grace be raised up! What must you feel, if your paradise is laid waste, before the tree of life is set in it! How can you bear to give up the spirit, before you have received the Holy Spirit? Eternal will be your darkness - if the sun of your life sets within you, before the Sun of Righteousness shines upon you. Woe be to you - if your body is returned into the earth - before your soul is fit to be taken into Heaven. If the second birth has no place in you - the second death will assuredly have power over you. Our life can be compared to a DAY. Infancy is the day dawn; youth is the sun rising; adulthood is the sun’s meridian; and old age is the setting sun. By the light of the day - the Lord helps us to do the work of the day. “O that you had known in this your day, the things that belong to your peace; but now they are hidden from your eyes!” O how just it is - that they should miss of Heaven at last, who never seek for Heaven until the last! How reasonable it is - that God should deny them His grace to repent - who abuse His grace to sin!

It is a maxim, that everything has a principle to return to its own source. The rivers which have their efflux from the sea - have their reflux to the sea. Out of the dust man was formed - and therefore into the dust man will be returned. Aged Reader! how much of your life is gone - and yet how little of God is known! How can you appear before God - if you are not found in God? Your being ancient in days - will be no plea for you before the Ancient of Days. If you have not Christ the hope of glory in you - you must have Christ the God of glory against you. If you do not partake of what Christ has done - you will be eternally undone!

O fresh picture of youth - how lovely will you appear, if hung up in Heaven’s palace! And will you spend your youthful life - in following youthful lusts? Do you not know that the blossom is as subject to be nipped - as the flower to be withered; and the spark to be extinguished - as the flame to be consumed? Veins full of youthful blood, may be emptied by an accident, as readily as those that are leakish with old age. As there are none too old for eternity - so there are none too young for mortality. In Golgotha, there are skulls of all sizes. Tell me - how will you live when you die - if you are dead while you live? Every step that your body takes, is towards the earth. Oh that every step your soul takes may be towards Heaven! The vine which brings forth no grapes - shall be cut down as well as that which brings forth wild grapes. Oh how sad is it, to be taken out of the world - before we are taken off from the world! “Today if you hear His voice - do not harden your hearts.” We have but a day wherein we are called to repent - and therefore, should repent while it is called today. He is the deafest adder - who stops his ears to the voice of the sweetest charmer. The Lord has made a promise to late repentance - but He has not made a promise of late repentance. If the heart of man is not now thawed - it will be forever frozen. A pardon is sometimes given to a thief at the gallows - but he who trusts to that, usually has a rope for his wages! “Do not boast of tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring forth.” Man is such a blind creature, that he cannot unerringly see a day before him. O see the end of one day - before you glory in the beginning of another!

Many a man’s days deceive him - they pass away like a shadow by moonshine, which appears longest when the moon is lowest. You may not have half a day to live - when you think that you have not lived out half your days.

“The night is coming - wherein no man can work.” The grave is a bed to rest in - but not a shop to trade in. There is no setting up under ground, for those who have neglected their souls above ground. When the soul takes her flight from her loving mate the body - they shall meet no more until the great day of retribution. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation!” Opportunities are for eternity - but not to eternity. Mercy’s clock does not strike at the sinners beck! Where the means of grace are greatest - there they are often the shortest. You may be unhappy all your days, for despising the happiness of these days. That was a sad cry of one, “My life is done - but my work is undone.” “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” Though the summer of life is but just opening - yet the winter of death is approaching. And how can you live in that winter, if there be no honey in your hive in this summer?

“Seek the Lord while He may be found - call upon Him while He is near!” Young person, the sufferings of eternal death are but the consequence of your willful contempt of eternal life. Methinks the worth of such a heavenly pearl as Christ - should sparkle in your eyes. Oh that you may walk in the light of that Sun - by the beams of which you may see your way to Heaven! No disease is more fatal - than that which stimulates you to reject the restoring medicine. What a sad thing it is - that such mines of grace should be opened, and not a penny of this treasure fall to your share! Come, I trust you are not gone so far in sin - as to be beyond all hope of returning. A returning prodigal - may yet meet with a welcome reception. The eternal Father is yet a tender Father. He delights to see a repenting prodigal; to hear a mourning Ephraim; and help a sinking Peter.

How much time has God bestowed upon man - before man has returned any of it to Him again? It is good to have an ark prepared, before that deluge comes, in which you may be overwhelmed. Remember that God can as easily turn you into dust - as He took you out of the dust. Delays are no more numerous, than they are dangerous. Before you can do good - you must be made good. For who would look for fresh water - from a drained river; or that sweet grapes should grow upon a withered vine? For a man to make his soul’s concern his last concern; what is this - but as if a gardener should be putting in his plough - when he should be thrusting in his sickle!

Know, man, that there is but one Heaven! Miss that, and where will you take up your eternal lodging - but in Hell! A wicked man’s life expires like a tallow candle, leaving a foul odor behind it - but a gracious man’s life expires like a wax candle - which leaves a sweet perfume behind it.

12. Another principle that a Christian will walk by, is this: That there can never be too great anestrangement, fromdefilement.

He who now gives way to the least sin - may be given up to the greatest sins. We are never far enough from lust - while we are on earth; or near enough to Christ - while we are out of Heaven. A sound eye cannot endure the least spot. O, stand far off from the devil’s mark - unless you would be hit by his arrows!

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” The drawing near to the appearance of evil - is the first step to the accomplishment of the most enormous evil. A spark of fire - will easily catch in a box of tinder. Little streams will find a passage to the great sea. Christian Reader! restriction is a good barrier to transgression. Why should you venture on slippery places - who can scarcely stand upon the firmest ground? As faith is a grace which feeds all the rest - so fear is a grace that guards all the rest. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” That man who is the most watchful - is the least sinful. He may quickly be cast down by a sinful temptation - who is already prepared for it by a sinful occasion. Who will pity that man whose house is blown up with gun powder - if he stores it in the chimney corner?

Such is the monstrous wickedness of men, that they use spurs and whips to that horse, which of itself rushes too fast into the battle. Though the streams and currents of their own lusts carry them too swiftly already - yet they hoist up sails to catch the devil’s winds! Such have a title good enough for Hell - without so much trouble to make it surer. The fowler spreads his net - but the wings of the bird carry her into it! Do you murmur for lack of liberty - and yet surrender yourself to slavery? If you would not step into the harlot’s house - you should not go by the harlot’s door! If you would not gather the forbidden fruit, then beware how you look on the tree where it grows! To pray against temptations, and yet to rush into occasions to sin - is to thrust your fingers into the fire - and then pray that they might not be burnt! The fable says, “That the butterfly inquired of the owl, how she should deal with the candle which had singed her wings? The owl counseled her, to not so much as behold the smoke!” If you hold the stirrup - no wonder Satan gets into the saddle! The fort-royal of your souls is in danger of an attack, while the outworks of your senses are unguarded. Your eyes, which may be floodgates to pour out tears - should not be windows to let in lusts. A careless eye is an index to a graceless heart! Remember - the whole world died by a wound in the eye. The eyes of a Christian should be like sunflowers, which are opened to no blaze, but that of the sun. To keep the eyes and not regard the ears, is as if a man should shut the windows of his house, and leave the doors open to the thief! The ear is an instrument which the devil loves to play upon! As your ears are joined to your head on earth, so they should be fastened to your head in Heaven. Your tongue, which should be tuned for God’s glory, should not be turned to your own shame. By the striking of those clappers, we guess at the metal of the bell. “You are a Galilean; your speech betrays you.” A soul without its watch - is like a city without its wall, exposed to the inroad of all its enemies. We need a sun to dispel our darkness - and a shield to repel our dangers. The earth is not so apt to be over-run with thorns - as the mind would with sins - did not our heavenly Gardener prevent their growth.

Those who would not fall into the river - should beware how they approach too near to its banks. He who crushes the egg - need not fear the biting of the serpent. He who would not drink of the wine of divine wrath - let him not touch the cup of sinful pleasure. He who would not hear the bell of eternal death, should not play with the rope of sin. A person who carries gunpowder about him - can never stand too far from the fire. If we accompany sin one mile - it will compel us to go two. It swells like Elijah’s cloud, from the size of a man’s hand to such an expansion, as to cover the whole sky.

“Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.” You will quickly lose your standing - if you are fearless of falling. He who abstains from no lawful thing - may soon be brought to commit something that is sinful. Many a man has been thrown out of the saddle of profession, by riding with too slack a rein of circumspection. An honest woman will blush to be found in the attire of a sluttish woman. Reader, will you invite that sin into the chamber of your heart - which brought Christ unto the cross? Is your house so largely built, that you can afford that sin a harbor, which you know to be a traitor?

“Hate even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Those garments which are defiled with the leprosy of sin - must either be cleansed by the priest, or burnt outside the camp. If a sick man dislikes the cup out of which he took his bitter medicine - how should he refuse and abhor that which is filled with deadly poison! A believer disbands those auxiliaries, who have assisted his adversaries.

If an Achan handles the golden wedge - his next work will be to steal it. If you take the devil’s cup into your hand - it is to be feared that you will quickly lift it to your head.

13. Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: That whatever istemporally enjoyed, should bespiritually improved.

All that a believer receives is from the hand of divine bounty - and should be employed to the end of the divine glory. Others make an earthly use of heavenly things - but he makes a heavenly use of earthly things. The more God oils our wheels on earth - the swifter our chariots move to Heaven. Grace can teach how to plume the wings of riches, and instruct us how to lay up that treasure in Heaven, which comes out of the midst of this earth.

There is a divine chemistry, which can extract the purest spirits out of the most foul matter. The beast on the altar differs not in kind - from the beast at the slaughter. There is a lawful craft of coining our money over again, and adding the image and superscription of God - to that which is Caesar’s. It is said of the philosopher’s stone - that it turns whatever it touches, into gold.

Whatever mill a saint has going in the world - he will spread the sails of it for the wind of divine approbation, that it may move round for God’s glory. When God sets him up above the world - then he holds up God to the world.

It is unequal, to be hot in our petitions - and cold in our praises. Many will cry aloud, “Give us this day our daily bread” and whisper out, “Hallowed be Your name.” This is like opening our windows to admit the light, and then shutting them tightly to keep out the sun.

It cannot be praiseworthy to remember God in our necessities - and then forget Him in our prosperity. His kindness is as proper a ground for praising Him - as His promise is for praying to Him. If under our miseries we can seek God with diligence - then under the weight of His mercies we should praise Him with cheerfulness. Mercies are such gifts - as advance our debts. It is as unpleasant to see a Christian in an ungrateful temper - as it is unnatural to see Pharaoh’s lean cows in a fat pasture.

If God gives us any enjoyment - it is for His own entertainment. Well may those hands reap the fruits, which set the plants. Is he not worthy to feed at that table - which his own hands have spread? Where former blessings have been acknowledged, there future blessings shall be enjoyed. When man fights against God with His gifts - he fights against himself with his own sins.

Take a wicked man, and you will not find him led to God, by that which comes from God. He, like the sea, turns the sweetest showers - into the saltiest waters. The greater substance he has from God - the less service has God from him. Like the moon he is furthest from the sun - when he shines with the greatest splendor. The more a dunghill has the sunbeams upon it - the more stinking is the vapor arising from it.

Sinners, instead of having vials full of sweet odors - have hearts full of foul evils. How many are there, who are highly above others in false greatness, and yet are greatly below them in real goodness! To turn from God while He is blessing them - is worse than to turn from Him when He is smiting them!

Jesus answered, “Many good works have I showed you - for which of these good works do you stone Me?” He showed them His goodness - and they stoned Him for the goodness He had shown. They were like Aesop’s snake, which lay still in the frost - but stung him who laid it in his bosom! If it be a sin to return unto man evil for evil - what must it be to return unto God evil for good? When we taste the sweet wine - we should not forget the vine whereon the grapes grew. When we are refreshed by the rolling streams - it would be well to remember the spring from whence they arose. A load of earth has crushed many a man to death! The richer some professors have been without - the poorer they have been within.

Notwithstanding the pious pretenses of the Romish conclave, the Indians brought more of the Spaniards to worship their gold, than ever the Spaniards brought of the Indians to worship their God. The Indians had made more infidels - than the Spaniards had made converts. Outward mercies to our bodies, are divine baits - which are sometimes laid to catch our souls. God tries the vessel with plain water - that He may fill it with sweet wine. Every stream leads an observant believer - to the fountain-head. The more God’s hand is enlarged in blessing him - the more his heart is enlivened in blessing God. Where the sun of mercy shines hottest - there the fruits of grace grow fastest. In the book of nature - we may read the God of nature. The creature is like a tuned instrument, and the Christian’s hand can strike it to the Redeemer’s praise. As a saint has a heart to seek God in what He has promised - so he has a hand to serve Him with what he possesses. The greater the wages are which he receives - the better is the work which he performs. If he has five talents committed to him - he earns five more. If he has one - he improves one. The more a merchant adventures at sea - the greater are the returns expected at land. The tallest vines should always bear the sweetest grapes, because they lie most open to the sun. It is sacrilege to possess the largest crops - and return to God the smallest gifts of gratitude. The requital of good for evil - is admirable. The requital of good for good - is laudable. The requital of evil for evil - is blamable. The requital of evil for good - is abominable! The April showers which invigorate the herbage, and beautify the spring - do likewise bring forth many offensive, croaking frogs. Man should resemble the rivers, which as they receive their increase from the sea - are restlessly returning to their source. Who is so unworthy of God’s blessing as man? Who is so worthy of man’s praises as God?

Beloved, we have not longer enjoyed the blessings of the earth - than we have abused them. This gives too much cause to fear, that though the child of mercy, like Jacob, has put forth his hand - yet the child of judgment, like Esau, may supersede him. The devout Bernard observes, “Ingratitude is a parching wind - which will dry up the divine springs of bounty, and dews of mercy.” Man was formed the last of the creation - that he might contemplate upon God through every creature. Beloved, when you survey the spacious skies, and behold it hung with such resplendent gems - then think that if the suburbs are so beautiful, what must the city be! What is God’s footstool, compared to the His throne! When you view the evening star above you - then reflect upon the morning star within you. When you sit down at your table to eat, let this be your first course - how happy are all those who shall eat bread in the kingdom of Christ! Those are the rarest feasts - which are graced with the most royal guests. When you see the winged travelers swiftly part the skies; or the winding rivers hastening to their origin - then consider how rapidly the little rivers of opportunity are pushing their way to the great ocean of eternity. When you are decorating your bodies with fine clothing - then reflect how the eternal Word put on the rough suit of humanity. Think how mercy undressed itself - to cover you with its garments! When you take off your apparel - then remember that you must put off this tabernacle. Be going to your bed - as if you were going to your grave; and so close your eyes in one world - as if you were immediately to open them in another. When you behold your garden stored with trees, and richly laden with fruit - then contemplate upon the Great Gardener, the true Vine, and His believing branches. It cannot be so pleasant to see our orchards bearing fruits for us - as it is to God, to see us bringing forth fruit to Him. When you gaze upon the stately buildings, the shady groves, the crystal streams, the pleasant meadows, and all the pomp of wicked men - then think if sinners go away with such large portions - how great shall Benjamin’s portion be! If the children of the concubines have such possessions, what shall be the inheritance of the children of promise! If the dogs fare so well beneath the table - how must the children fare at it! Give me that eye which can see God in all; and that hand which can serve God with all; and that heart which can bless God for all.

14. Another principle that a Christian is to walk by is this: that he should speakwell ofGod - whateverafflictionhe receivesfromGod.

“What! Shall we receive good at the hand of God - and shall we not receive evil?”

While the water is quiet - the mud lies at the bottom; but when it is disturbed - it rises to the top. Every small row-boat can float in a shallow river; but it must be a strong vessel which ploughs the troubled ocean. “The Lord gives - and the Lord takes away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.” God gives before He takes - and He takes only what He gives. The hour-glass of outward happiness soon runs out! Today Job is the richest man in all the east; tomorrow Job is the poorest man in all the world. Yet his heart was like a fruitful paradise - when his estate was like a barren wilderness! Though God burnt up his houses - yet his palace (his heart) was left standing.

Outward mercies are like the tide - which ebbs as well as flows. Outward mercies are like the sky - which sometimes is clear, and at another time clouded. Outward mercies are like a budding flower - which opens on a warm day, and shuts on a cold day. If God blesses us in taking - as well as in giving; let us bless Him for taking - as well as for giving. That is the best musician - who can play well upon a broken instrument. To be impatient with our affliction, and patient with our corruption - is to be angry with the medicine which heals us, and in love with the poison which kills us! Beloved, it is sometimes a mercy to us - that God removes outward mercies from us. He never wounds a saint to kill him - but to heal him! A gracious person once said, “Though I am sometimes full of pain - yet I am at all times full of patience! I often mourn under my corruption - but I never murmur under my affliction.” Some can rejoice in anything but in Christ, and grieve for anything but lust.

Too many think that God is cutting down the whole tree - when He is but lopping off its wasteful branches. They imagine that He is demolishing the superstructure, when He is only laying a right foundation. Poor souls, He is not nipping the flowers - but plucking up the weeds! He is not laying your land fallow - but ploughing the field! He is not putting out the light - but snuffing the candle. God’s Providence has a beautiful face - under a black mask! God has the fairest ends - in the foulest ways! The sheep may be dipped in water to wash it, when there is no design in the Good Shepherd to drown it!

Christian reader, you may read the marks of a kind Father - in the severe stripes of His children. Every twig of His black rod of affliction - is but to draw His image upon you! Could we but bury our friends alive - we should not mourn so much for them when they are dead. Did not the possession of riches sometimes draw away our hearts - then the loss of them would not break our hearts! “Behold, I take away the desire of your eyes with a stroke!” Though God takes your wife out of your bosom - He is taking her into His own. You may embrace a creature - until you kill it with kindness. You may wither the sweetest flowers - by smelling them too often. God takes that out of your hands - which would thrust Him out of your heart.

He who mingles his angry passions with his afflictions - is like a foolish patient, who chews the bitter pills - which he should swallow whole. He who carnally disturbs his soul for the loss of his substance - casts away the kernel, because God has taken away the shell. If the tree yields us good fruit - it will be no very great loss, though the wind blows away the leaves. To bless God for mercies - is the way to increase them; to bless God for miseries - is the way to remove them. No good lives so long - as that which is thankfully improved; no evil dies so soon - as that which is patiently sustained. God can make a plaster - of a disease; and bring soundness to the inward man - by the sickness of the outward man. When the stars do not shine, the sun appears, exchanging the loss of the smaller lights with brighter beams. In the loss of withered bouquets, you may smell flowers fresh on the stalk. When Christians have their candles put out, they may fetch their light from the Sun; and when they have their streams cut off, they may drink at the Fountain. The birds of paradise make the swiftest flight, when they have the smallest feathers. Those nightingales warble the most sweetly, when they are pierced by a thorn. The creature often interrupts the respect which we owe to our Creator; and then no wonder if He breaks the cistern - to bring us to the Fountain. Those who are found blessing God under all their losses - shall find God blessing them after all their losses.

15. Another principle by which a Christian should walk is this: that the longer God forbears with the unrepenting sinner in life - the sorer He strikes him in the judgment-day.

Divine patience is to be adored by all - and abused by none. Sinners usually take God’s forbearance, for their acquittance. Because they sin unpunished for a time - they imagine there is no punishment for sin in eternity. They forget that it is one thing to forbear the debtor - and another to forgive the debt.

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily; therefore, the heart of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Because the Lord continues to spare them, therefore they go on to provoke Him. As He adds to their lives - so they add to their lusts. What is this, but as if a man should break all his bones - because there is a surgeon who is able to set them again!

Christian reader, you were greatly in debt to divine justice - but mercy stopped the dreadful arrest of vengeance. Many others have been taken from the earth - by a sudden arrow darted from Heaven. Adulterous Zimri and Cozbi unloaded their lives and their lusts at the same time. Because Justice seems to wink - men suppose her blind; because she delays punishment - they imagine she denies to punish them; because she does not always reprove them for their sins - they suppose she always approves of their sins. But let such know, that the silent arrow can destroy as well as the roaring cannon. Though the patience of God is lasting - yet it is not ever-lasting. Believer, the sword of justice is dipped in the oil of mercy for your sake; and it afflicts some parts of your body - that the whole might not be destroyed. “He who being often reproved, hardens his neck - shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy!”

God loves all men so as to feed and forbear them; yet He loves but few men so as to forgive them. He was six days in making the whole world - and seven days in destroying one city. Our garrisons are fairly summoned, before they are furiously stormed. If God’s warnings are not sanctified to us - His vengeance will be executed upon us. It is sad for the iron - to gather rust under the file.

Reader, remember that if you are corrected - the Lord takes the scourge out of your own house. “I gave her space to repent of her fornication - but she repented not.” Many have the space of repentance, who have not the grace of repentance. But what follows? “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.” Sinners may cast themselves upon a bed of false hope; but justice will cast them into a bed of real torment. Mark how the long-slumbering arm of Deity, awakes to the prey: “I have long been silent; yes, I have restrained Myself. But now I will give full vent to My fury!” The longer God is in raising His hand - the heavier will the blow be when it falls.

Carnal security resembles a flash of lightning - which ushers in a clap of thunder; or it is like a profound calm at sea - which is generally followed by a dreadful storm.

Know, sinner, that God is pleased, sometimes, to shake your feeble cottage before He throws it down; He often makes it totter before it tumbles. It may be a fair, sunshiny season with you now - but a whirlwind may soon arise and dash you to pieces!

We pity a body that is going to the block - and shall we not pity a soul that is hastening to the bottomless pit? He dies the most comfortably, who lives the most heavenly. It is easier for a bird to avoid the snare - than to break the snare. The very beasts will shun the places - where their own species have miscarried. The rising sun in the morning - was no proof that Sodom should not be entombed in its own ashes before the evening. That day which begins in prosperity - may end in adversity.

Attend to the charge which the King of Heaven brings against the priests of Israel: “These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face!” But what is the application of this? “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue!” Justice proportions the sinner’s punishment to his sin - so that we may behold the greatness of the offence - in the fitness of the punishment.

“If a person does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He will bend and string His bow. He will prepare His deadly weapons and ignite His flaming arrows.” The sharpening of the sword - is but to give it a keener edge, that it may cut the deeper. God is long silent - but when the sword is sharpened - it is to cut; and when the bow is bent - it is to kill. Woe be to that man - who is God’s target!

Enraged justice will avenge the quarrel of abused mercy. For, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!” It is a good thing to fall at His feet - but a fearful thing to fall into His hands. The stronger the enemy’s arm is - the stronger will his blow be. Never did a weary traveler complain of being at his journey’s end too soon. But a sinner, if he dies soon - it does but hasten his torment; and if he lives long - it does but heighten his torment.

Ah, what a dreadful vision is that - where the black horse of death, precedes, and the red horse of wrath, follows after!

Sinner, how fearful is it, to be preserved from small evils - and reserved for great evils! The higher you are raised - the greater will be your fall. You should wonder more at the divine indulgence which has so long reprieved you - than at the Almighty vengeance which will soon overtake you. You were dry enough for eternal flames - when you were wrapped in your swaddling bands: for “You were by nature a child of wrath - even as others.” All who draw their first breath in corruption - deserve to draw their second breath in destruction! It is a wonder that He should add to our days - when we are adding to our sins.

God has His vials of wrath, filled with indignation - for those who are vessels of wrath, fitted for destruction. If His patience does not draw the sinner to repentance, His wrath will drown him in desperation! O sinner, either seek a Savior to deliver you from the wrath of God - or else find a shoulder to bear you up under the wrath of God.

16. Another principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that there is no judging of theinward conditionsof men - by theoutward dispensationsof God.

“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” The greatness of our estates - is no argument of the goodness of our hearts. To prize ourselves by what we have - and not by what we are; is to estimate the value of the jewel - by the box which contains it. Grace and gold can live together; but the smallest degree of grace in the heart, is preferable to a thick chain of gold around the neck.

Here on earth, it is sometimes evil with the righteous - and well with the wicked. Those who live most upon God, sometimes fare the worst in the world. Under the law, the dove was preferred in sacrifice - to the swine. Riches are called ‘thick clay’. They are more likely to weaken the back - than strengthen the heart. You cannot read the wrath of God - in the black lines of adversity; or the love of God - in the white lines of prosperity.

God often gives a full cup of temporal blessings to wicked men, though there are dregs at the bottom. They may be fruitful vines - and yet only laden with sour grapes. It is seldom that the sparkling diamond of a great estate - is set in the golden ring of a pious heart. Riches have made many good men - worse; but they never made any bad man - better. Thus if we discern but a spark of grace in a nobleman, we cry it up as a blazing comet, and speak of it in the superlative degree.

Though a Christian is made happy in the world - yet he is not made happy by the world. Give me those judgments which give birth to mercy - rather than those outward mercies which give birth to judgments. There are many who are temporally happy, who will be eternally miserable; and many are now temporally miserable, who will be eternally happy.

If poverty could procure Heaven - how many poor people would then be saved; and if wealth could free a man from Hell - how very few of the rich would be damned! The kingdom of Christ - is the kingdom of the cross. Those who attempt to take the cross from the Christian’s shoulders, do, in effect, aim to remove the crown from his head.

“God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good - and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” The sun of prosperity shines upon the dunghill - as well as upon beds of spices. The rain of adversity falls upon the fruitful garden - as well as the barren wilderness. The abundance of the infidel is a golden chain - to bind him to the earth; and the apparent miseries of the believer are as fiery chariots - to convey him to Heaven!

“Now, those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them, go free of harm.” God’s jewels may here be trodden under foot - but hereafter, they will be fixed in His royal diadem. If we look for a saint, he is not always to be found upon a bed of down - but sometimes he has been seen on a heap of dust. Poor Lazarus rises to Heaven - and rich Dives sinks to Hell.

Benjamin was not the less regarded by Joseph, because the silver cup was discovered in his sack. We must not infer the absence of God’s affections - from the presence of numerous afflictions. Though the north wind may chill us - yet the warm beams of summer can soon revive us. Those stones which are designed for the building are frequently wounded by the chisel; while those which are neglected lie in ruinous heaps. A saint is glorious in his misery - but a sinner is miserable amidst all his glory. We must not therefore think evil of religion, though we should behold a Joseph in the prison, while a Pharaoh is in a palace; or a Job on the ash-heap, while a Julian is on a throne. The most choice pearls are often enclosed in the most hideous shells. “Judge nothing according to appearance - but judge righteous judgment.” Those who judge of a man’s real greatness by his apparent grandeur, are unfit to sit upon the judicial bench. That apple which has the fairest skin - may have the rottenest core. The tinsel glare upon a sinner, is too apt to blind the weak eyes of a saint. Alas, why should he envy him a little light - who is to be shrouded in everlasting darkness! Why should we throw bludgeons at those boughs - which are only laden with poisonous fruits! “Deliver my soul from the wicked - who have their portion in this life.” The things of the world are the only happiness of the men of the world. None of their flowers grow in paradise. They are anxious for the creature - and indifferent about the Creator. A man’s estate in this world may be great - and yet his state for the eternal world may be fearful. God may say to him as to Pharaoh, “For this purpose have I raised you up - that I might show My power upon you.” The same Hand which now pours abundance on ungodly men like oil - will soon pour down wrath upon them like fire. Under all their wealth - their hearts are sinful; and after all the riches are fled - their situation will be doleful! It is far better to pass through the Valley of Baca (Valley of Weeping) to Zion; than to pitch our tents in the plains of Sodom. Luther’s expression was not the less true because it was homely: “The whole Turkish empire is but a crust - which God threw to the dogs.” One said, “I would rather have Paul’s plain coat, with his heavenly graces - than the purple robes of princes, with all their kingdoms.”

Lest riches should be accounted evil in themselves, God sometimes gives them to the righteous; and lest they should be considered as the chief good, God frequently bestows them on the wicked. But they are more generally the portion of God’s enemies - than His friends.

Alas, what is it to receive, and not to be received! Alas, what is it to have no other dews of blessing - than such as shall be followed with showers of brimstone! We may compass ourselves with sparks of security - and afterwards be secured in eternal misery! This world is a floating island, and so sure as we cast anchor upon it, we shall be carried away by it.

He can never lack treasure, who has such a golden mine as God! He is enough without the creature - but the creature is not anything without Him. It is, therefore, better to enjoy Him without anything else - than to enjoy everything else without Him. It is better to be a wooden vessel filled with wine, than a golden vessel filled with water.

17. Another principle by which a Christian should walk is this: that it is safest to cleave to that good which is the choicest.

There never was one who thought he had made a bad exchange - by selling all, for the Pearl of great price.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? for You have the words of eternal life.” Peter knew that a soul who was truly changed - was not for changing. There cannot be a better being for us - than for us to be with the Lord; and shall those who have forsaken all to follow Him - forsake Him again to follow nothing?

Reader, you cannot tread in the steps of Christ - without drinking of the cup of Christ. The nearer you are to such a spring - the clearer will your streams be. When every other gourd is withered, He will prove a refreshing shelter. “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.”

David was least alone - when he was most alone. His heart was like the needle in the compass, which always inclines to the northern pole. Believers are desirous of leaving their hearts with God now - that they may dwell with Him forever. “Whom have I in Heaven but You; and there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Let a believer search Heaven and earth - yet he can find nothing comparable to God! As Judah said of Jacob, “His life is bound up in the life of the lad;” so say I of the Christian - his life is bound up in God. To draw near to Him in present holiness - is to be near to Him in eternal happiness.

Many unstable professors may justly be reflected upon. They will readily attend an applauded Christ - but will hastily desert a crucified Christ. But a true Christian is as willing to follow Him to the cross - as to the throne! He has no desire to turn like a shadow from Him - in whom there is no shadow of turning. As there is no natural good in us - to lead us to God; so there is no evil outside of us - which shall finally draw us from Him. Who - but an idiot, would address a picture instead of a person; or prefer a shadow to a substance? There is nothing which can do us so much good as God’s presence - or so much evil as His absence.

It is far better to part with a thousand worlds - for one Christ; than with one Christ - for a thousand worlds. How dreadful is their darkness - who live in the absence of such a Sun! Reader, every step you take to Christ - is a step toward Heaven; and every step you take from Him - is a moral step towards Hell.

“‘One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow Me.’ At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.” This poor rich man, or rather this rich poor man, came hastily to Jesus, and ran heavily from Him. If he may not enjoy God and mammon - he will leave God for mammon. Jesus was for selling all - and the rich man was for saving all. Ah, what false balances are those which will make corruptible silver - outweigh an incorruptible Savior! The ‘prince of darkness’ employs the men of the world to draw us from God - and the things of the world to keep us from God. Truly that good was never worth seeking - which is not worth keeping.

Reader, is it not a fault to depart from that God, in whom there is no fault? As Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Will the son of Jesse give all of you fields and vineyards? Will he make all of you commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?” So say I to sinners: Can sin, Satan, or the world - do that for you which God can? It is only the best of beings - who can convey the best of blessings.

None but that God who has the keys of Heaven - can open the gates of Heaven. By Him we obtain admittance, into the celestial inheritance. What is our life but a warfare; and what is the world but a thoroughfare? Know sinner, if you reject the Savior, you despise grace - which is the fairest jewel on earth; and glory - which is the brightest sun beyond this life. No set of men are in greater danger of losing the life to come, than those who are contented with the present. A drop is more easily dried up - than a river; and a spark sooner extinguished - than a flame.

What powerful constraints does our God lay upon us to seek His friendship! “I will never leave you, nor ever forsake you.” It would be better for us to leave all behind - than that He should leave us behind. It is not the brightest star that can constitute day when the sun is set; or the thickest cloud that can make a night if the sun is risen.

18. Another principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that no presentworldly business- should interrupt his pursuit offuture blessedness.

Solomon says, “All the labor of man is for his mouth.” Though he says it is so - yet he does not say it should be so. This would encourage a Christian - to become a glutton. That hawk which follows the world’s prey - is in danger of falling into God’s snare! Why should I lay out that time in seeking worthless pebbles, which may be better employed in search of priceless jewels? What God bestows on some men as a temporary pension, they embrace as their only portion. Such foolish travelers are so taken up with the inn - as to forget the end of their journey. They may indeed sow this seed - but it will produce nothing but wormwood.

Outward mercies are not so base as to be totally neglected; or so great as to be primarily desired. If they are seducements from the mercy-seat, they will prove to be indictments at the judgment-seat.

I may say of the earth, as one said of Athens, “It may serve for a transient lodging - but not for a constant dwelling.” Outward plenty may be a comfortable ship for indigence to sail in; but it is a dangerous rock for confidence to build upon. Give some people the earth in their hands - and they care not who has Heaven in his heart. When Crates threw his gold into the sea, he cried out, “I will destroy you - lest you should destroy me!” Thus, if the world is not put to death here - it will put us to death hereafter. Then we shall say, as Cardinal Wolsey, when discarded by his prince, and abandoned to the fury of his enemies, “If I had served my God as faithfully as my king, He would not have thus forsaken me.” Poor man, all the perfumes on earth - are unable to prevail over the stench of Hell.

It would be well for Christians could they say, as one did, “I desire riches no more - than a feeble beast wishes for a heavy burden.” Cares are bound to crowns. Anxiety disfigures the face of prosperity. A body laden with cares, and a soul laden with spiritual fruits - cannot well unite together. Those who die trifling with salvation, will, after death - tremble under the pains of damnation.

I have heard of a woman, who, being busied to save her goods, when her house was in flames - forgot her child! But the child being soon after inquired for, she cried out, “O my child, my child!” Thus will many thoughtless sinners in a worse fire cry out, “O our souls, our souls!” Poor Sisera was not much better for the milk and butter - when he so soon after felt the nail and the hammer!

Ah! how careful are men of their outward concerns - and how careless about their inward concerns! In a vigorous body - there is a wicked soul. The evil disposition of the soul - spoils the good composition of the body. For a man to be attentive to his flesh - and inattentive to his spirit; what is this but as if a gardener should gather in his stubble - and leave his grain behind? Or as if a goldsmith should hoard his dross - and cast away his gold?

Reader, will you decorate your scabbard - and let the costly sword decay with rust? If there is nothing done in your soul on earth - there will be nothing done for it in Heaven. It is truly lamentable that the soul, which received its being from God - should be excluded from being with God.

19. Another principle that a believer should walk by is this: thatgospel integritytowards God, is thebest securityagainst wicked men.

Surly mastiffs which have no teeth may bark - but they cannot bite. Who would fear the hissing serpent - if he knew it had no sting? A naked man with innocence, is preferable to Goliath with his coat of armor.

“Who shall harm you - if you are followers of that which is good?” As no flattery can heal a bad conscience - so no cruelty can wound a good one. As the ways of God - have happiness connected with them; so sufferings for the sake of God - have honor annexed to them. A pious martyr has more renown, than a bloody persecutor.

Integrity may not keep us from infamy. The choicest professors have had their black marks in the world’s calendars. But though integrity may not keep us from being shot at - yet it will preserve us from injury.

“With the Lord for me as my Helper, I will look in triumph on those who hate me.” God will either find a shield to ward off sufferings - or a hand to sustain us under them. Though the Christian is as a sheep among wolves - God can save him from being torn by them. Though the Christian is as a ship amidst waves - God can keep him from being overwhelmed by them.

Whether God plucks up the tares, or lets them stand, it is only for the sake of His people. Noah was sound in the faith - when all the earth was polluted; and he was saved in the ark - while it was deluged. The shields of salvation - are not hung up in the way of transgression. All the wiles of Hell - cannot conquer a single soldier in Christ’s camp, much less rout His whole army. “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe!” The name of the Lord is a strong fortress - both for sublimity and security. When Christ is our harbor - we may safely run our vessels into so desirable a haven.

“You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.” As God numbers the hairs of His people - so He preserve their heads. He has a strong hedge of protection for them, when their enemies would break in upon them.

“But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Here is a dangerous voyage - but a safe convoy. God never deals with His friends - as we do with ours. We serve them too often as we do sun-dials; which we only look upon when the sun of prosperity shines; or as ladies do with flowers, who while they are fresh - place them in their bosoms; but when they fade - cast them away. But when our need is greatest - God’s help is nearest. The more grievous is our oppression - the more glorious is our deliverance. When our misery is most powerful - then the Lord’s mercy is most visible. “As our tribulations abound - so our consolations much more abound.” When God’s benignity is most admired - our calamity is more easily endured. Israel often slumbers and sleeps - but He who keeps Israel does neither. Thus we may boldly say, “If God is for us - who can be against us?” Against us they may be - to hate us; but against us they shall not be - to hurt us.

Noah rides safely in a well-pitched ark - while the old world is drowned. When Israel is led captive, Jeremiah is set at liberty. The prophet found more favor with the princes of Babel, than from the people of Israel. Gideon’s fleece was wet - when the earth was dry. Thus will God always preserve integrity - and punish vanity. His grain is often gathered into the garner, before He comes to burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire!

20. Lastly, a Christian will walk by this principle: thatthe richness of the crown -which shall bereceived; shall more than compensate for thebitterness of the cross- which may here beendured. The last wine which Christ draws - is the best wine which Christians drink. When the waters cover the earth, where should the dove-like spirits fly - but to the ark of Christ? He who left Heaven - to make them righteous; will come from Heaven - to make them glorious!

“You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” O how did the glory of their heavenly mansions - outshine all the glare of their earthly possessions!

Christian, you are now on a troubled sea - do not say that you shall never arrive at your sure resting-place. What, has God plucked you out of the fire of destruction - and will He leave you in the water of affliction! In a small moment you will cheerfully sing: “The winter is past, and the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up, and the time of singing birds has come, even the cooing of turtledoves. The fig trees are budding, and the grapevines are in blossom. How delicious they smell! Yes, spring is here!” The blessed Sun of Righteousness will shine clearer, when these clouds are blown over. If there is so much delight in a single grape, what must there be in the whole cluster!

Take a believer while he lives - and God has a servant on earth; take him when he dies - and God has a servant in Heaven. Christian, you must never look for an end to your sorrows - until you see an end to your sins! As your sorrows did not come a day before your sins - so they will not stay a day after your sins! “As many as I love - I rebuke and chasten.” Well may you bear the rod, when infinite love makes it up - and lays it on. When you lie under God’s afflicting hand - you then lie near His loving heart. Rake a dunghill - and its stench will be foul; but beat perfume, and its fragrance will be sweet.

I have read of a fountain that is cold at mid-day - and warm at midnight. Thus are saints frequently cold in the mid-day of prosperity - and warm in the midnight of adversity. Afflictions are not a consuming fire - but a refining fire to the godly. They are like the thorn at the nightingale’s breast, which rouses and puts her upon her delightful notes.

“I reckon that the sufferings of this present life - are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Our present sufferings fall as far short of glory - as the least filings of gold - fall short of all the riches of India. If the faint glimmerings of Christ’s face, overpower the pains of our afflictions; what must the full meridian of His glorious light do?

“For our light afflictions which are but for a moment - work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Ah, how light is a grain of reproach, compared to a weight of glory; and how short a moment’s pain, compared to an eternity of pleasure!

He should not be weary of the cross - who is sure of the crown. After the cup of affliction, then comes the cup of salvation. The wine-press prepares for the wine-cellar. The painful throes of travail - are soon forgotten in the fond embraces of a tender babe.

Sour fruits require something to sweeten them. Death is grateful to no creature - but it is profitable to every Christian. Our good Physician will not continue us a moment longer in His infirmary - than is necessary. Our Refiner regards His choice gold too much - to consume it in the flames.

Those who are patient in the seed time of sorrow, shall soon reap the glorious harvest of unfading joy! We may converse concerning our future greatness - but we shall never know the weight of the crown, until it be placed on our heads.

Come, O Christian, be of good comfort, though the cloth is cut - it is only to make it up into a splendid garment. The hewing of the timber - is only to prepare it for the structure. The new corn - which lives in summer; is produced from the old corn - which died in the winter. It is neither commendable to rush into the arms of death - contrary to the dictates of reason; or to fly from the arms of death - when God calls us to them. Shall Jesus come down from Heaven to die for you - and will you be unwilling to ascend from earth to Heaven to live with Him! A saint’s reluctancy to meet death, arises from his apprehensions of un-readiness to meet Him. A pardon may have passed the prince’s seal - which is not put into the prisoner’s hand. The edge of the sword of death - has been blunted ever since it was sheathed in Christ’s side!

After the vessel has endured the storms - it will arrive at the haven. Though the Christian’s triumphs never end - yet, blessed be God, his trials shall soon end. When his body and soul shall part asunder - then God and his soul shall meet together.

“Though you have lain among the pots - yet shall you be as the wings of a dove, covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” Suppose the lancet makes a deep incision - it is only to reach the depth of your wound, and render the cure more complete. Health is most pleasant - after sharp sickness; and liberty is most pleasant - after the most rigorous bondage. Sailors most rejoice at the appearance of land - after a long and tedious voyage. All the grapes in Christ’s vineyard - must pass through the wine-press.

However pleasant a sinner’s beginning may be - his end is damnation! And however troublesome a saint’s beginning may be - his end shall be salvation! The fresh rivers of carnal pleasures - run into the salt sea of eternal destruction. But the seed-time of a pious life - ends in the blessed harvest of eternal glory. When Adrianus asked how the Christians could so patiently endure the tortures he had inflicted on them? They answered, “The love of Christ constrains us - and the love of Heaven encourages us!” Those who are born blind cannot judge of the glories - which dazzle the eyes of angels. One smile from God’s face - will forever dry up all the tears from the saint’s eyes! As fish dropping out of a narrow brook into the large ocean, do not lose - but enlarge their element; so when the godly leave this life, they do not forsake - but increase their blessedness. As the flames of a burnt-offering ascend to Heaven - while its ashes fall to the ground; so the soul of a saint rises to glory - while his body falls into the dusty grave!

Application #2 Seven DIRECTIONS to those who wish to do more than others.

Having thus digested the twenty singular principles by which a believer walks; I come lastly, to give directions to those who wish to do more than others. And here I shall stud your golden ring with seven precious diamonds. Would you therefore DO more than others?

1. You must deny yourself more than others.

2. You must pray more than others.

3. You must resolve more than others.

4. You must love more than others.

5. You must believe more than others.

6. You must know more than others.

7. God must reveal Himself more to you, than He does to others.

1. Would you do more than others? Then DENY yourselves more than others.

Either self must be laid aside - or God will lay us aside. What can any true Israelite behold in this Dagon - that the Ark of God should bow before it?

Though self-seeking had its birth in Heaven - yet, being justly cast out, it can never find its way there again. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” This is the very basis of our profession. Sinful self is to be destroyed - and natural self is to be denied. A little will satisfy a man who is strong in grace; much will but satisfy him who is weak in grace; but nothing will satisfy him who is void of grace. As we are called to lay out all in the cause of God - so we are to lay down all at the call of God.

2. Would you do more than others? Then you must PRAY more than others. Our daily bread - calls for our daily prayers; because one want is created while another is supplied. Are we called by the name of Christ - and shall we not call upon the name of Christ? Take away spiritual breath - and you take away spiritual life. There never was one new-born soul - who was still-born. Who would not stretch out a beggar’s hand - to receive a jewel of infinite value? With what boldness should those appear at court - who are sure of the king’s ear!

Spiritual prayer resembles Noah’s dove - which returned with an olive branch. Prayers were never rightly offered to God - but they were quickly answered. We are as much bound to pray while on earth, as angels are to praise while in Heaven.

He who would speed in his enjoyment - should plead for the attainment. The prayerless soul - is a fruitless soul. The waters of life are sweet - and it is blessed to bring the vessels of prayer to these wells. Throw a dry sponge into the river - it will soon fill itself with water.

Many will cast off this duty, because they are ashamed to go to it with crutches - but these lacks of accomplishment, should not be a discouragement; for many dumb beggars have been relieved at Christ’s gate - by making signs. “As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white.” Christ had the bright sunshine of His Father’s affection, when He was moving in the orbit of supplication.

Reader, is not that mercy worth your breath - which was worth a Savior’s blood! Why should we cease petitioning, while God continues granting? “Lord, what will You give me - seeing I go childless?” Thus may you pray: “Lord, what will You give me - seeing I go comfortless?” Believing prayer is a trading for those commodities which are only locked up in Heaven’s storehouse. Why should we be dumb - seeing God is not deaf? By fasting - the body learns to obey the soul; by praying - the soul learns to command the body. No Christian has so little from Christ - but there is ground for praise; and no Christian has so much from Christ - but he has need of prayer. Every day we find it is a great work - to accomplish a little work. Every new act of obedience, requires fresh assistance.

“Ask, and receive - that your joy may be full.” Spiritual supplication is the channel to consolation. Now none are more fruitful in divine labor - than those who are most joyful under a sense of the divine favor. Death shortens our way to Heaven - but prayer sweetens our way to Heaven. A neglect to prune the flowers, does but increase the growth of the weeds. A small vessel with large gales - will sail faster than a large ship with small winds. I never expect that branch to bear any fruit - which receives no sap from the vine. When prayer mounts upon the wings of fervor to God - then answers come down like lightning from God. The gift of prayer may have praise from men - but it is the grace of prayer which has power with God. A few grapes prove the plant to be a vine, and not a thorn. Though prayer is God’s due as a Creator; yet it is more truly performed when offered to Him as a Father.

Though none can pray aright but new creatures - yet all ought to pray because they are creatures.

Christians will never lack a praying time - if they possess a praying frame. In the morning, prayer is a golden key - to open the heart for God’s service; and in the evening, prayer is an iron lock - to guard the heart against sin.

“Peter was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.” These prayers fetched an angel out of Heaven - to fetch Peter out of prison. Their prayer went up like fire, and brought down blessings like water. It is not always that hound which barks the loudest, which catches the hare; but that which follows closest in the chase.

Believers should not only pray one with another - but one for another. Next to the breach of piety in religion, we should abominate the breach of charity in communion.

Reader, when the vessel of your soul has given up sailing, we may conclude the divine winds have given up blowing. He who is omniscient - to know your needs; is also omnipotent - to grant your requests. Are you made a spiritual priest - and will you refuse to offer up spiritual sacrifices! Your affections should soar like an eagle, when your lips cannot move faster than a snail.

“Pray without ceasing.” We may pray continually, though you be not continually at prayer. If the lesson is not always playing - yet the instrument must be kept in tune.

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him - that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” That soul shall have its will with God - who desires nothing but what God wills. They should never be dying petitioners - who have an ever-living Intercessor. It matters not, how often you carry your empty pitcher - to so full a river! The intercession of Christ is a golden censor, and can we desire Him to offer up our drossy prayer for incense? It was an expression of Luther’s: “Let my will be done - mine Lord, because it is Yours.” Because it fixed in the same center - he was bold to call for the fulfilling of it. The covenant of grace without us - turns precepts into promises; but the Spirit of grace within us - turns promises into prayers. “Take with you words and turn unto the Lord; say unto Him, take away all our iniquity, and receive us graciously.” Oh how willing is God that we should hit the mark - when He teaches us how to direct our arrows! What desires are there in Him that we should prevail - when He shows us how we should wrestle! Spiritual breathings are more potent than carnal roarings. None but such desires as lack good aims - do lack good outcomes. Nothing will get up to Heaven - but that which has first come down from Heaven. That prayer meets with no answer - which is not offered up in faith. Deny not God faith in prayer - and God will not deny a faithful prayer.

3. Would you do more than others? You must RESOLVE more than others.

God looks more at our wills - than at our works. The first fruits of conversion - hang upon the trees of holiness. “I will arise - and go to my Father!” Arrows weakly shot - fall short of the mark.

Shame is that which sinful nature abhors - and danger is what timorous nature declines. Reformation is an icy path, and cowardly spirits love to have it well beaten by others, before they will venture to tread it.

“As for me and my house - we will serve the Lord!” Firm resolutions are like rocks - which the waves cannot move. By our prayers we show what we wish God to do for us; and by our purposes we manifest what we desire to do for God. By the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the heart conceives holiness; the will resolves on holiness; and the life produces holiness.

“I am determined to know nothing among you - except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified!” Until we attain to strong resolutions, we shall not be conquerors of Satan’s strong temptations. As diseases resort most to that part of the body which is weakest - so the devil’s attacks will be most frequent where he is likely to be most prevailing. The Law’s curse is the motive of a servile spirit - but the love of God is the motive of a true Christian. The resolutions of a Christian are like the water of a fountain - which flows by itself; but the resolutions of a sinner resemble the water of a pit - which must be forced up by artificial engines. Some never form resolutions - but under heavy afflictions; such are like goats, which never yield any milk - until they are stung; or like children under the rod - full of promises, but empty of performances. The sinner’s determinations are like ice - which thaws in the burning sun, but freezes again in the cold shade. What! shall we vow against our sins - and then sin against our vows? This is to take the wages from one master, and do the work for another master! This is to make our promises to God - and our performances to the devil!

Sacred vows bind us to obedience - and sinful vows to repentance. Reader, say not that you have noble blood running in your veins - except you can prove it by heroic actions.

4. Would you do more than others? You must LOVE more than others.

“The love of Christ constrains us.” There is no sin so sweet - but the love of Christ restrains them from it; there is no service so great - but the love of Christ constrains them to it. If once this affection takes fire - the room becomes too hot for any sin to stay in. The heart becomes a chamber for Christ - but not a harbor for lust. “The mandrakes give forth their fragrance, and the rarest fruits are at our doors, the new as well as old, for I have stored them up for you, O my beloved.” Love never shakes the boughs - but for Christ to eat the fruits.

Many pay the performance of duties, as oppressed subjects do heavy taxes - with sad complaints; but the spouse of Christ looks upon what she is - as not great enough for His remembrance; and what she does - as not good enough for His acceptance. Had she anything a thousand times better than herself, or were she herself a thousand times better - it would be bestowed upon Him! What is that little which He desires, compared to that much which He deserves. When Achilles was asked what enterprises he found most easy; he answered: “Those which I undertake for my friends.” Seven years service seemed like nothing to Jacob, because of the love he bore to Rachel. Love, as it acts the most excellently, so it acts the most easily: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The crystal streams of divine actions - bubble from the pure spring of divine affection.

“Faith works by love.” The Christian’s love advances - by equal paces with the Christian’s faith; as the heat of the day advances - with the shining of the sun. Faith like Mary sits at the feet of Christ to hear His sermons; and love like Martha, compasses Him about with services. Faith is the great receiver - and love is the great disburser. We take in all by believing - and we lay out all by loving. Faith at first - works love; and then it works by love, as the workman sharpens an edge upon his tools, and then carves and cuts with them. The scripture has exceeding high expressions of this affection. Christ brings the ten commandments, down into two commandments, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; this is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it - you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Paul folds them up into one word: “For the Law is fulfilled in one word.” What is that word? Surely it is too big for any mouth to utter: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He who is not lacking in this duty - is lacking in no duty. Love is called “An old commandment, and a new commandment.” It is as old as the law of Moses - and yet as new as the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Faith is the grace which first seals the title to Heaven - and love is the grace that at last possesses the heavenly inheritance. Faith unites Christ and sanctified souls together on earth - but love unites God and glorified souls together in Heaven. As the spleen grows - the body decays; and as hatred increases - so holiness abates. It is best that dissension should never be born among brethren - and next that it should die presently after its birth. When any leak springs in the ship of Christian society, we should use our endeavors to stop it speedily! The nearer the union is - the more dangerous is the breach. Things which are glued together may (if severed) be set together as beautiful as ever - but bodies rent and torn, cannot be healed without a scar. The love in a hypocrite’s bosom is just like the fire in the Israelite’s bush, which was not burning all the while it was blazing; his estate and relations have the chief and strength of his affections; they admit the world not only into the suburbs of their senses - but into the city of their souls. But the love of a Savior in the soul of a believer, is as oil put into a vial with water, in which, though both be ever so much shaken together, the oil will be uppermost. The expression of Absalom is also the language of God’s people: “Now, therefore, let me see the king’s face!” It is Heaven on earth - for His children to see Him; and it is Heaven in Heaven - for His children to dwell with Him! Love does not put off the pursuit of duty - until it attains the possession of glory. There is no rocking this babe to sleep - but in the cradle of the grave. A soul who loves much - will work much. The injunctions of love are not grievous - but precious.

God is not so much displeased at our having sin - as at our loving sin. He is more pleased at our loving His service - than at our performing His service. None can serve God like a believer; because none can love Him as a believer; for the obedience of the heart - is the heart of obedience.

5. Would you do more than others? Then it is necessary to BELIEVE more than others.

If there is life in the body - the pulse will beat; and if there is faith in the heart - it will work. “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” An idle faith - is an evil faith; for the faith which works not - saves not.

Perceiving of Christ, bespeaks our knowledge - but receiving Him, bespeaks our faith. “To as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name.” Faith not only looks upon Christ as a fountain - but it also lays pipes to convey the water into its own cistern. The window only radiates the room as a medium, by which the rays of light are let in. As faith can do nothing without Christ, so it will do nothing against Christ. A true faith resembles the spring in a watch, which moves all the golden wheels - but only as it is wound up.

“The father of the child cried out with tears: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Though his tears dropped to the earth - yet his faith reached up to Heaven. Divine confidence can swim upon those seas - which feeble reason cannot fathom. Strong distrust - begets weak obedience. The cords of unbelief once tied the hands of Christ - but not so strongly but He could have broken them. Now if they bound this greater than Samson - what must they do to feeble Israelites?

It is as natural for a believing man to be a working man - as it is for the sun to shine, or the fire to burn. Other graces, like the common people of Israel, stand in the outward court; but faith, like the high-priest, enters within the veil. If Satan can undermine the foundation, the superstructure will soon totter and fall. The great Bernard said, “Infidels fear the devil as a lion - but those who are strong in the faith, despise him as a very little worm.” As there is no grace which glorifies God so much as faith - so there is no grace which He magnifies so much as faith.

Martha and Mary both said, “Lord, if You had been here, our brother would not have died.” What then, could not He have saved him while absent - as well as present? Could He not as easily have sent him health - as brought it? But does their unbelief stop here? No! “Lord, by this time there is a bad odor!” True - but their unbelief stank more in Christ’s nostrils - than Lazarus’ body did in theirs.

“Being strengthened in his faith, he gave glory to God.” Skillful swimmers are not afraid to venture beyond their depth; while learners paddle along the river bank. As faith receives the righteousness of Christ for justification, so it receives the holiness of Christ for sanctification. Faith is the hand, the mouth, and the eye of the child of God. It is the ring by which the soul is united to God. “He who believes, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” When saints would advance to a high degree in other virtues, then they generally pray for an increase of faith. “Lord, increase our faith!” is no uncommon prayer.

What the root sucks from the earth - it soon disperses through the branches. Lusts may struggle like wounded soldiers on their stumps, and rally like broken troops; but they shall never be masters of that field where faith is fighting. As our sins would not let Christ live in us - so Christ will not let them live within us. “Holding the mystery of the faith - in a pure conscience.” If faith is a precious pearl, a good conscience is the cabinet that contains it. This heavenly manna of faith - must be laid up in a golden pot of a good conscience. When faith comes out of the battle a glorious conqueror - then fear is foiled and taken prisoner. Faith is as able to keep us from falling into temptations, and from fainting under afflictions. A man in the exercise of faith, is like Joseph; the archers may hit him - but his bow shall abide in strength. He is a rich man - who lives upon his wealth; and he is a righteous man - who lives by faith. Christians are far from wrapping up the talent of faithfulness in the napkin of idleness.

Unbelief not only blinds the eyes to the purity of the Law - but deafens the ears to the music of the Gospel - and deadens the affections to the glories of Heaven. Every appeal to an unbeliever is like a spark of fire falling into the water, which is no sooner in - than it is out.

6. Would you do more than others? Then you should KNOW more than others.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins.” “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” “God has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

“Wisdom makes the face to shine.” I may say of divine wisdom, as was said of a Grecian lady, that no man ever saw her - but he loved her. That Christian is most excellent, who is the most intelligent. The papists cry up “ignorance” as the mother of devotion. But we cry down “ignorance” as the father of superstition. Satan binds all his captives down in the dark dungeon of ignorance! Like the cunning falconer, he blindfolds his birds - that he may carry them to Hell more securely. The Father of Light takes no pleasure in the children of darkness. He is not accustomed to carry souls to Heaven - as mariners do their passengers to their port, who shut them under the hatches, so that they cannot see where they are going. It is no wonder that Christ should be so much undesired, when He is so much unknown. A person without understanding, is but the soul of a beast, imprisoned in the body of a man. “If you know these things, happy are you, if you do them.” The will of God must be known on earth, as it is in Heaven; before it can be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Utter darkness is the recompense of inward darkness. None will ever be darkened by walking in the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Where there is a veil upon the eye of knowledge - there will be a chain upon the hand of diligence. An ignorant man neither cares what he does - nor knows where he is going. When such a one is taken off the earth - he cannot be taken into Heaven.

Wherever there is a trade carried on for Heaven, the Spirit of God must first open the shop windows. “I must work the works of Him who sent Me, while it is day; the night comes when no man can work.” There is no doing the work of the day - but by the light of the day. Darkness is the devil’s element - and the sinner’s punishment. “He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” “My people perish - for lack of knowledge.” When the candle of the soul is extinguished, it must needs sit in darkness.

“Taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God!” The infidel’s lack of judgment - is a sin that Christ will bring to judgment. Ah, how do blinded men take that for devotion - which is only superstition! and that for a Bethel - which is no better than a Babel. To preserve the understanding as a Goshen from the darkness of Egypt - is the way to avoid the plagues of Egypt.

“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins.” Spiritual acts require spiritual eyes; and the clearer we see them - the better we perform them. He who desires to see the face of holiness in its native luster - must not let his carnal judgment draw the picture!

7. Would you do more than others? Then you must have God reveal Himself more to you - than He does to others.

Man does not first come to God - that he might be taught; but he is first taught - that he may come to God. “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom.” God gives - and then we know. When He opens our eyes - then we can see. When He loosens our tongues - then we can speak. When He says come forth - then we live. When He commands us to be of good comfort - then we can rejoice.

God is first in all the works of creation and providence. He is all in nature, all in grace, and all in glory. “Without Me - you can do nothing.”

Thus, if you would deny yourselves; pray; resolve; love; believe, or know more than others - it can only be by the gracious revelation of God to your heart. All the difference which exists between man and man, is only from the Lord Almighty; who is wonderful in counsel. You may cast the net on any side of the ship of piety - but God alone can enclose it with spiritual blessings. Only thus, may you be taught to acknowledge who He is, rest on what He does, and finally be with Him where He is. And though your journey is attended with bitterness - yet He shall soon crown you with eternal blessedness!