2. Fidelity in acting —
[Were a traveller, after long and laborious search, to find the true way to the place whither he was journeying, he would re- trace his steps, and proceed in the path which led to the place of his destination. It might be less pleasant than his former path ; but still he would walk in it. Say not then that a life of entire devotedness to God is difficult, or that the ways of Cbrist and his Apostles would make you singular, or require sacrifices on your part. Be it so : but still you must go forward : you must " not confer with flesh and blood :" you must give yourselves up, in body, soul, and spirit, to the Lord. You must strive to " walk altogether as Christ walked," and to " stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."]
3. Firmness in persevering —
[It is comparatively easy to begin well : the difficulty lies in persevering. The fear of death, or some strong impression on our minds, will operate for a time ; but, if there be not a root of grace in us, we shall soon turn back to our evil ways. And, if we do that, we make our state really worse than it was before we thought of our ways at all'. O " be not weary in well doing." Make up your mind to encounter difficulties, and to endure hard- ships : and know that, the end will richly repay for all the diffi- culties of the way.]
'2Pet. ii. 21.