terms of fanaticism or hypocrisy; our judgment must not be in the least altered, unless they will undertake to convince us from the Holy Scriptures. The word of God is the only standard of true doctrine ; and to it we must adhere, though the whole universe should oppose us. The number of Baal's prophets gave them no advantage with respect to truth ; nor were Elijah's sentiments the more questionable, because he alone was found openly to maintain them : truth is the same, whether maintained by many or by few : and when we know what is truth, we should suffer no considerations whatever to invalidate its force, or to obstruct its influence.]
But decision of character must shew itself also,
II. In our conduct —
The only use of right sentiments is to regulate our conduct. When therefore we are convinced that there is a God who has a right to all the love of our hearts, and the service of our lives, we should then set ourselves to serve him,
1. With ardour —
[Lukewarmness is but ill suited to the service of our God. " We might as well be altogether cold, as neither cold nor hot." We should be " fervent in spirit, while we serve the Lord." Do we pray to God? we should "pour out our souls before him." Do we render thanks ? we should call forth " all that is within us to bless his holy name." " Whatever our hand findeth to do, we should do it with our might." The people who contended in the games, whether they ran, or vvrestled, or fought, should be just representations of us : yea, inasmuch as our contests are more important than theirs, our exertions should be proportionably greater.]
2. With fortitude—
[No man can engage heartily in the Lord's service without finding much to try his courage. To be a thorough Christian, especially in some circumstances, requires as much intrepidity as to face an armed host. Many thousands there are, who could brave death on a field of battle, who yet could not endure scorn and contempt from an ungodly world. But in whatever way we may suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, we should be ready to meet it : instead of being intimi- dated by the cross, we should rejoice and glory in it ; and account death itself, in such a cause, to be rather an object of ambition than of dread. If only we be convinced that the Lord is God, we should serve him without the smallest con- cern about the consequences which such conduct may bring upon us.]