the like baneful influence on us. But, supposing we should succeed, what can repay us for the loss of the divine favour? To adhere with steadfastness to the path of duty is our truest wisdom. Whilst faithfully serving God, we may safely leave events in his hands. If we suffer for well doing, we may console ourselves with this reflection, that to lose by virtue is infinitely better than to gain by sin. Our losses will be soon made up in the eternal world ; but our gains will terminate in everlasting woe.]
2. If we have sinned at any time, let us be thankful for reproof —
[How thankful should Jeroboam have been to the pro- phet, who at the peril of his life declared the unalterable purpose of his God ! So should all be who are reproved for sin. It is no pleasing task to denounce the judgments of God against sin or sinners : but it is necessary : and it is at the peril of his own soul, if the watchman forget to warn the citizens of their approaching danger. A necessity is laid upon God's ministers; and woe be to them, if they neglect their duty! Let reproof then be ever welcome to you; and let all watch over each other with tender love, and inflexible fidehty.]
1 Kings xiii. 26. And lolien the prophet that brought hivi hack from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, tvho ivas disobedient unto the word of the Lord: therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the lion, lohich hath torn him, and slain him, according to the tvord of the Lord, lohich he spake unto him.
IT not unfrequently happens, that they who are enabled to maintain their steadfastness in more ar- duous circumstances, are surprised and overcome in situations of less difficulty. Noah and Lot, whilst living in the midst of ungodly men, were circumspect and exemplary in the highest degree ; but when freed from those restraints, and enjoying repose in the bosom of their families, they fell, and greatly dishonoured their profession. The case of the dis- obedient prophet was not indeed to be compared with theirs in point of enormity : but, in withstanding