1 . How greatly we need the renewing influence of God's Spirit —
[Outward amendment might suffice for outward sins : but, where the heart itself is so corrupt, we must have " a new heart given to us," and " be renewed in the spirit of our minds." With such hearts as ours, it would be impossible for us to enter into the kingdom of heaven, or to enjoy it even if we were there : we could not bear the sight of so holy a God ; nor endure to
spend our lives in such holy employments. Know then,
that " old things must pass away ; and all things must become new." " That which is born of the flesh, is flesh :" the stream can rise no higher than the fountain head. If ye would enjoy the things of the Spirit, ye must be " born of the Spirit," who alone can impart the faculties necessary for that end. Let your
, prayer
"Eph.iii. S. 1 Tim. i. 15.
prayer then be like that of David, ** Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me° !"]
1. How carefully we should watch against temp- tation—
[If we carried about with us a load of powder which a single spark would cause to explode, we should be extremely careful to avoid whatever might subject us to danger. Should we not then, with hearts so corrupt, and with temptations so thick around us, look well to our ways, and pray unto our God to keep us from the evils of an ensnaring world ? Well did our blessed Lord say, " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:" '' The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak." Who that reflects on David's state previous to his fall, does not fear for him- self, and cry mightily unto God, " Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe !" " Uphold me with thy free Spirit, and take liot thy Holy Spirit from me !"? To all then we say, " Be not high- minded, but fear :" " Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."]
°ver. 10.