will overthrow the most determined resolves, sweep away the soundest principles, and leave the soul but as a wreck upon the waters, the sport of every wave, the victim of every blast. Oh! let us continually and unceasingly pray to be guarded against this deceitful handling of our consciences and of the word of God. Let us mingle with our petitions, even when purest and holiest, a request that God will do with us that which seemeth best unto his wisdom, and give us, not what we ask, but what will be most profitable for us to receive. Let us lay open daily and hourly our hearts before Him, from whom, indeed, nothing is concealed; though he willeth that we should be made acquainted with ourselves. And there is one who will be present with us; who will assist us in this searching of our spirits; one who will give power to his own word and efficacy to his own ordinances; who will barb the arrows of conviction, which, while they pierce, yet heal; who-if we seek him in spirit and in truth-if we come to him in simplicity and godly sincerity, casting aside the duplicity of worldly-mindedness-will show us what the Lord will have us to do. Glorious are the promises to those who cleave steadfastly unto the Lord with all their heart, and soul, and strength; who, having made a covenant with him by baptism, walk uprightly by faith; who, in accordance with that baptismal vow, deny themselves, and strive continually to mortify the flesh with the affections and lusts; who seek diligently and perseveringly an everlasting crown, even though it should be pursued through temptation and danger, through pain and sorrow, through difficulty and much tribulation. "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! Though they dwell alone; though they be not numbered among the nations;" though they be separated from the world, and even rejected of men; yet the church of Christ is not left to the solitude of the wilderness: "The Lord their God is with them, and the shout of a king is among them." Though temptation assail them though trials, even fiery trials, await them; "surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel." Though the heathen rage, and the people of the earth imagine vain things; though the scoffer deride, and the infidel blaspheme; yet, "blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and Israel shall do valiantly." "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." |