would serve God aright in any thing, we must be circumspect in every tiling.]
3. An inattention to smaller duties will lead to a violation of the greatest —
[Who shall say, where we shall stop, if once we begin to trifle with God? Eve little thought to what she should be brought by only listening to the suggestions of the tempter : nor did David foresee what would result from the wanton look which he cast on Bathsheba. It was on account of the danger arising from the smallest approach to sin, that God, in the words following our text, forbade his people even to " mention the name" of a heathen deity: and on the same account he requires us to " abstain from the very appearance of evil." And if we will not " watch in all things," we shall soon have to eat the bitter fruit of our negligence : yea, it will be well, if from walking in the counsel of the ungodly, we do not soon stand in the way of sinners, and at last sit in the seat of the scornful^.]
4. The greater our circumspection, the more shall we adorn our holy profession —
[There are multitudes on the watch to find out the smallest faults in those who profess religion ; and to condemn religion itself on account of them. But a circumspect walk " cuts off occasion from those who seek occasion ; " and " by well-doing we put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." It can scarcely be conceived what an effect the conduct of religious people has upon the world, either to recommend religion to them, or to harden them against it. Should not this then make us circum- spect ? Should we not be careful that we " give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully? " Should we not endea- vour to" be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves?" Let us then " so make our light to shine before men, that they may be constrained to glorify our Father that is in heaven."]
5. The whole of our conduct will be reviewed in the day of judgment —
[The most secret springs of action will be brought to light in that awful day, and " the counsels of the heart be made mani- fest1^." God will weigh, not our actions only, but our spirits1. " Men judge according to appearance ; but He will judge righteous judgment." If this consideration will not make us circumspect, what can we hope to prove effectual? O that we could bear in mind the strictness of that scrutiny, and the awfulness of that decision !]
1 Ps. i. 1. Every word in this verse rises in a climax : " walk, stand, sit;" " counsel, way, seat;" " ungodly, sinners, scornful." k 1 Cor. iv. 5. Eccl. xii. 14. ' Prov. xvi. 2.