sacrifice to their God at all : then he would permit it in the land of Egypt : then it might be in the borders of the wilder- ness : then the men might go, but they must leave their little ones as a pledge of their return : then the women and children might go, but not the cattle : at last he was glad to get rid of all". Thus sinners will plead for this and that sin as long as they can entertain any hope of safety in the indulgence of it ; but when they feel themselves utterly undone, they will cast out of the vessel the tackle and the wheat itself, rather than perish in the great abyss *^. Yes, let them be really persuaded that the care of their souls is the one thing needful, and they will consent that God shall prescribe his own terms : they will say, with Saul, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do®?" The covenant which Josiali proposed was exceeding strict; they were to " keep God's commandments, and testimonies, and statutes, yea, to keep them with all their heart, and with all their soul:" but they did not object to the terms; on the contrary, we are told "they stood to the covenant." Thus it should be with us also : the most self-denying commandment should not appear grievous ^, but "holy, and just, and good^:" and we should cordially submit to it without any limitations or reserves.]
We shall not dismiss this subject without adding a word,
1. Of reproof —
[How many instead of using all their influence for God, exert it in the service of the devil ! We speak not merely of those who tempt others to drunkenness, lewdness, or any other gross iniquity ; but of those who by their vain, worldly, or careless conduct lead others to think lightly of sin, and to live in a neglect of their souls. In this way every person, whatever be his station, exerts, however unintentionally, a very extensive influence, which by a different conduct might be turned to good account. Say not, like Cain, " Am I my brother's keeper ? " for all of you are accountable to God for the use which you make of your influence ; and you will receive from God, not only according to the good or evil which you have done yourselves, but according to that which you have occasioned in others.]
2. Of caution —
[We are ready hi a time of sickness, and under convictions
" Exod. viii. 25, 28. and x. 11, 24. and xii. 31—33. ^ Acts xxvii. 38. e Acts ix. 6. *" 1 John v. 3.
g Rom. \'ii. 12. VOL. III. o o