which is outward in the flesh : but he is a Jew who is one inwardly: and circumcision is that of the heart ; in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of man, but of God""." In other words, he only is truly righteous, who can say with Paul, " I de- light in the law of God after my inward man ;" and amidst all the temptations of the flesh, " with my mind I serve the lawof God^"]
In connexion with their character, we are led to contemplate, II. Their security —
" None of their steps shall slide." Of this they may be assured : for a stability is, and shall be, given them, that shall preserve them amidst all temptations ; a stability arising,
1. Partly, from the very character which they possess —
[" The law of God being in their hearts," they will not unnecessarily venture themselves in slippery places. How many fall a prey to the tempter by presuming upon their strength, when, like Joseph, they should rather have fled from the scene of temptation ! It is by going fearlessly to the utmost verge of what is lawful, that thousands perish'. The incjuiry of a truly pious soul will be, not, " Is this thing lawful ?" but, " Is it ex- pedient also ?" and, if the place, or scene, or gratification be calculated, either in itself or in its circumstances, to ensnare his soul, he will keep at a distance from it : for, whilst he is praying daily to God, " Lead us not into temptation," he accounts it folly and impiety to rush unnecessarily into temptation of his own accord. This cautious deportment tends greatly to the preservation of the godly, and to " keep them from defiling their garments" in this polluted world".
Moreover, they are Ivokinff to this law to direct their steps. They " have hid it within their hearts, on purpose that they may not sin against God" :" but to what purpose have thev deposited it there, if they do not consult it ? or '*' wherewith shall they cleanse their way, but by taking heed thereto according to God's word^?" Whatever then they are solicited to do, they bring it to this touchstone, and try it " by the law and the testimony." If they find not the precept clear, they hesitate : and, if they find not the footsteps of Christ and his Apos^'tles, they pause. They know, that " whatsoever is not of faith is sin:^" and, till they can see their way clear, and be " thoroughly persuaded in their own mind," they will not proceed''; lest thev lay a stumbling- block
"" Rom. ii. 28, 29. ^ Rom. vii. 22, 23.
' ' Licitis perimus omnes' has long been a proverb in the Church.
" Rev, iii. 4. '^ Ps. cxix. 1 1, ? Ps. cxix. 9.
* Rom. xiv. 23. * ib. ver. 5,