But what is our state ? Do we find in ovu-selves this zeal ? Instead of proceeding to the utter extirpation of our spiritual enemies, are we not satisfied if they do not reign ? Are we not contented to let them exist, provided they keep themselves concealed from public view ? What then is the decla- ration of God unto us ? Does he not warn us, that the evils which we spare shall become " as thorns in our sides, and prove a snare unto our souls ? " And do we not find that it is even so in our daily experience ? Let the j^erson who still associates with the men of this world, say, whether he does not find that they are a clog to him in his spiritual course ? whether his endeavours to please them do not lead him sometimes into sinful comphances, and his fear of displeasing them do not keep him from testifying against their evil ways ? Will any say that he has found it practicable for " light to have communion with darkness, or Christ with Belial ; " or that the soul can fiourish whilst it is engaged in such a foolish attempt as that of recon- ciling the services of God and Mammon ? Let the person toho is still too deeply immersed in the cares or pleasures of the world, say, whether he has not often been led to strain his conscience in order to prosecute his ends, and to adopt some
practices which in his heart he disapproved? Let the
person who harbours some besetting sin, ask, whether it has not often risen up with a force that was almost irresistible, and nearly, if not altogether, involved him in some flagrant trans- gression? Let the person in whom pride, or lewdness, or covetousness, or passion is suffered to dwell, answer this ques- tion He knows but little of his own heart, who does
not know, that sin is a flame, which, if not extinguished, may speedily "set on fire his whole nature %" and "burn to the lowest hell." Lastly, Let the person who listens to the tempta- tions of Satan, say, whether there be any way of making him flee, but by perpetual resistance''? ]
If such then be the danger of indecision, let us consider,
II. The duty of those who are convicted of it —
Two things were produced by the declarations of the Angel in the breasts of all the congregation of Israel ; which also our own experience calls for ; namely,
1. An humiliation of soul before God —
[The people " lifted up their voice and wept." And who amongst us has not abundant reason to follow their example ?
" Jam. iii. G. with Deut. xxxii. 22. ^ Jam. iv. 7.