of their own conscience ! Had their sin passed without notice, they had lived and died under its dominion : but by a timely discovery of it they have been led to repentance, and stirred up to the exercise of the virtue they had overlooked. Let us then " in any wise rebuke our brother, and not suffer sin upon him." And let us be studious to improve the instruc- tions we receive, that we may be radically amended by them, and " make our profiting appear unto all."]
4. How essential to our best interests is a right knowledge of God —
[Had Sarah duly adverted to the omnipotence of God, she had escaped the shame and the reproof which her unbelief drew down upon her. And what is it that is really at the root of all our sin ? Is it not an ignorance of God ? If we duly considered how great he is, should we not be afraid to provoke his displeasure? If we reflected properly on his goodness, should we not be shamed into a sense of our duty ? If we were mindful of his truth and faithfulness, should we not expect the certain completion of every word that he has ever spoken? We are told, that the Jews " would not have crucified the Lord of Glory if they had really known him :" in like manner we may say of every sin we commit, We should not have com- mitted it, if we had known what a God we sinned against. Let us then endeavour to obtain just views of God, and of all his perfections. Let us not limit either his power or his grace : but knowing him to be " God Almighty, let us walk before him, and be perfect1."]
1 Gen. xvii. 1.