diverted from the path of duty. We are determined, through grace, to put away every thing that may retard our progress heavenward, and to aspire after the highest possible attainments in righteousness and true hoHness. Now God requires, that we should be acting up to this profession, '^ setting our face as a flint against the whole world," and standing in the posture of Daniel or the Hebrew youths, willing to have our bodies con- signed to a den of lions, or the fiery furnace, rather than violate our duty by any sinful compliance. If we are halting or hesitat- ing, we have not truth in our inward parts.]
3. In our endeavours —
[Purposes must be judged of by the exertions that are put forth in order to carry them into effect. A diligent attendance therefore on all the means of grace must of necessity be required of us : in the public ordinances, and in our private chambers, whether we be hearing, or reading, or meditating, or praying, we must be like men in earnest, even like the man- slayer fleeing from the pursuer of blood, that scarcely stopped to look behind him, till he should reach the appointed sanctuary, the city of refuge. Remissness in such a cause argues a want of real integrity : if truth be indeed in our inward parts, we shall run as in a race, which leaves us no time to loiter; and wrestle with all our might, lest we be foiled in the contest ; and ■ficrht as those who know that there is no alternative but to overcome or perish. In all the mtenor workmgs or our minds we shall resemble the Corinthians, who were " clear in this matter"^."]
That we may not be discouraged by the strictness of God's requirements, let us consider,
II. The benefit he will confer —
There is a wisdom that is to be gained only by experience : what has its seat in the head, may be learned by the head : what dwells in the heart, must be learned by the heart : and of the heart there is but one teacher, even God: according as it is said, *' Who teacheth like God** :" and again, " There is a spirit in man ; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding","
Amongst the treasures of wisdom which God will impart to the truly upright, and the hidden things which he will cause them to know, are,
1. The
^* 2 Cor. vii. U. ** Job xxxvi. 22. " Job xxxii. 8.