of mind, no entire devotedness of heart to God. But let it be remembered, that " God looketh not at the outward appear- ance, but at the heart :" he " require th truth in the inward parts." And to the heart must we also look: for " as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." I mean not that we should take no notice of our actions ; because if they be bad, our hearts must of necessity be bad also ; since it is " out of the abundance of the heart that we both speak" and act. But actions, though good in appearance, will not suffice to prove our integrity before God. By the heart alone he judges : (acts are regarded only as proofs and evidences of our state :) and according as that is found upright or hypocritical before him, will our sentence at his tribunal be. Let us then look well to the truth of our profession, and to the stability of our ways. Let us see to it, that our " heart is set aright " to glorify his name, and that our spirit is steadfast with him, whatever temptations or difficulties be put in our way. For then only " have we a good hope," when we are " Israelites indeed, and without guile f."]
2. Those who are conscious of their departures from God —
[To see that we have erred from his ways is the first step towards a return to him. If you see then a resemblance between yourselves and the Jews of old, be thankful that " God has not yet sworn in his wrath that you shall not enter into his rest." And without delay flee to the Saviour, " whose blood will cleanse you from all sin." Yet be not content to have your sins forgiven. When you pray with David, " Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean," " wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow," forget not to add, " Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me ! " " The old heart must be taken away, and a new heart be given you," before you can enter into the kingdom of heaven. You must be born again, and become " new creatures in Christ Jesus." You must become the very reverse of what the world are, regarding God, as they regard the world ; and the world, as they regard their God. When they are in holy exercises, they are quite out of their element : but when engaged in worldly pursuits or company, they are quite at home. Be ye, on the contrary, strangers in the world, and at home with God. Let your whole life and conversation testify for you, whose you are, and whom you serve : and then will God acknowledge you as his in the eternal world.]
f John i. 47.