likewise, my brethren, if you have been indeed anointed with the Spirit of God, must shew that superiority to earthly things, which would be in vain looked for from the natural and uncon- verted man. Very striking is that expression of Solomon, " Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour : so doth a little folly him that is in repu- tation for wisdom and honour*." There is a sanctity about the Christian character which should be kept inviolate. If you are " sons of God, you should be blameless and harmless in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, shining among them as lights in the world"." The Spirit of God maybe soon "grieved;" yea, he may be even " vexed," and " quenched" by any delibe- rate sin : for sin in you will " cause the very name of God him- self to be blasphemed." I pray you, then, walk circumspectly, and in a way " worthy of your high calling," yea, " worthy also of Him who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." O " may the Spirit of God sanctify you wholly! and I pray God that your whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coining of our Lord Jesus Christ."]
* Eccl. x. 1. « Phil. ii. 15.
Exod. xxxi. 6. In the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I
have put ivisdom.
WHEN the time is come for carrying into effect the purposes of God, difficulties, which appeared in- surmountable, vanish, and " mountains become a plain." The obstacles which opposed the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, were only augmented till the precise hour for its accomplishment arrived : but at the appointed hour, even " the self-same night," they not only went out unmolested, but were actually thrust out by their oppressors. At the Red Sea, an interposition equally seasonable was vouchsafed to them ; as was also a supply both of bread and water in the wilderness, in the hour of need. Those who looked only to second causes judged the various blessings unattainable : but, on all the occasions, God shewed that there was nothing impossible to him ; and that whatever he had ordained, should not fail for want of means and instruments whereby to effect it. Having brought his people into the wilderness,