1. Of caution —
[Let not any one imagine that religion countenances a fiery zeal on any occasion whatever. The conduct of the Levites has not been proposed for imitation under the gospel dispensation, any further than is necessary for the maintaining of steadfast- ness in our allegiance to God. We are not to wage war, except against our spiritual enemies : and even then the weapons of our warfare must not be carnal, but spiritual. In all the opposition which it may be necessary to make to our earthly friends or relatives, we must maintain a holy meekness and patience, not attempting to oppose evil by evil, but to " over- come evil with good." The civil magistrate indeed may use the sword, and ought to be "a terror to evil-doers ;" and all Christians should be ready to aid him in the suppression of iniquity : but in all private and personal concerns our only ar- mour must be that which God himself has provided for us1, and we must " overcome our enemies by the blood of the Lambm."]
2. Of direction —
[Let a concern for God's honour and your own spiritual advancement be paramount to all other considerations what- ever. You must " not account even life itself dear to you, so that you may but finish your course with joy." It must never be a question with you, whether you will perform any par- ticular duty, however difficult it may be, or whatever self- denial it may require : your mind must be made up to " follow the Lord fully," and to observe the commandments of God " without preferring one before another, and doing nothing by partiality." This is the way to entail the blessing of God upon your souls, and to " grow both in knowledge and in grace." But you must not attempt these things in your own strength : in order that you may be enabled to act thus, you must pray to " the God of peace to sanctify you wholly," and to " make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ : to whom be glory for ever and ever: Amen11."]
1 Eph. vi. 11—17. m Rev. xii. 11.
11 1 Thess. v. 23. Heb. xiii. 20, 21.