<= Jam. ii. 5.
Verily, I must say, if we praise not God for these benefits, *' the very stones may well cry out against us."]
2. How^ to improve the influence we possess —
[Samuel improved his influence for the honour of God, and for the benefit of man. And thus must we also act, according to our ability. True, we are not invested with such authorit}'^ as his : yet have all of us, in our respective spheres, some opportunity of doing good. We may, both by our example and advice, promote the dominion of law and equity, by doing unto others as we, in a change of circum- stances, would think it right that they should do unto us : yes, and on many occasions we may strengthen the hands of those who administer the laws, by giving them the aid of our testimony, and upholding them in the execution of their high ofiice. In so doing, we may be public benefactors to the state. Yet we must not let our zeal be exercised only on tilings relating to the outward benefit of man : we must have a zeal for God also, and must endeavour to uphold his worship in the land : yes, and in this we must be particularly active in the place where we live. There are many who will take extensive circuits about some temporal matter, who yet are found very remiss at home in matters relating to their God. But in vis should be combined a zeal, both public and per- sonal, both civil and religious. Look well then, I pray you, Brethren, to this duty. Let there be in you a holy con- sistency : and let it be seen, that, if you are benevolent abroad, you are religious at home : and that the more closely your conduct is inspected, the brighter will it be found, and the more will your character be exalted in the estimation both of God and man.]