servant to prevent him from perpetuating his bondage. He might fear an alteration in the behaviour of his master, and comfort himself with the idea of liberty. In like manner we may paint to ourselves many trials that may be avoided, and many gratifi- cations that maybe enjoyed, by declining the service of our God. But let no considerations operate upon your minds : you shall lose no gratification that shall not be far overbalanced by the comfort of a good conscience ; nor suffer any trial, which shall not be recompensed with a proportionable weight of glory in a better world. You are not likely to lose more than Paul ; yet he says, " What was gain to me, that I counted loss for Christ ; yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of him." You are not likely to suffer more than he : yet he says, " But none of these things move me ; neither count I my life dear unto myself." Thus let it be with you : " Be not weary in well-doing ;" but " cleave unto the Lord with full purpose of heart :" " Be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in his work : " " Be faithful unto death, and he shall give you a crown of life " ]
Address,
1, Those who have already declined from the Lord's ways —
[I ask not what sufferings you have avoided, or what plea- sures you have gained. This only will I ask ; Are you as happy as you were ? I am content to put the whole to this issue ; and to abide by the decision of your own conscience. I know that though a conscience may be seared, a soul cannot be happy that departs from God. O think what a Master you have slighted; and say, " I will return unto my first husband, for then it was better with me than now."]
2. Those who are doubting whether to devote
themselves to God or not —
[Many there are who, seeing the necessity of serving God, are contriving how they may do it with the least risk or trouble to themselves. They are thinking to " serve both God and Mammon." But this is impossible, because the two services are opposite and inconsistent. Let us not however be mis- understood. We may, and must, fulfil our duties in the world, yea, and fulfil them diligently too : but God alone must be our Lord and Governor. He will not accept such a measure of our affection and service as the world will deign to allow him ; but says, " My son, give me thy heart," thy whole heart. Every interest of ours, and every wish, must be subordinated to his will. Determine this then with yourselves, that you will be his, wholly and for ever. Let your ears be bored to his door- post : and let, not your actions merely, but your very thoughts,