the unlearned nor the learned can open it of themselves11. It contains inexhaustible " treasures of wisdom and knowledge" which God alone can impart. Let us then search the Scrip- tures with humility and diligence, lifting up at the same time our voice to God for understanding: for it is God alone who giveth wisdom; " out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding1."]
2. Let every mercy you receive, lead you to God the giver of it —
[Ungodly men would have been rioting upon the spoil, and abusing the gifts which God had bestowed upon themm. But Abram and Melchizedec made this victory an occasion of glorifying God. O that we could learn of them! Our suc- cesses too often lead to intemperance and riot: yea, mercies of every other kind have but little effect to solemnize the spirit, or to change the heart. Deliverances from sickness, how little are they improved as they ought to be ! Instead of devoting our renewed strength to the service of our God, we too commonly lose the impressions that were upon us, and forget the vows which we made in the day of our calamity. But let it not be thus in future: let the honour of God be dear to us: let it be the first desire of our hearts to render unto him our tribute of praise and thanksgiving : and the more visible his interpositions have been in our favour, the more earnest let our endeavours be to live to his glory. 1
k Isai. xxix. 11, 12. > Prov. ii. 1—6. m 1 Sam. xxx. 16.