vantage is insisted on, namely, the being delivered from the snares and temptations to which we are ex- posed. That we may comprehend both, we would observe, that by om' attention to the Divine comisels,
1. We shall be delivered from evil —
[" From the way of the evil woman " is particularly noticed, both here and in the preceding chapter : and doubtless an attention to the counsels of Wisdom will eventually secure us against those temptations which lead captive so great a portion of mankind. But we need not confine our views to iniquities of one kind only : the advice here given is equally useful in preserving men from snares of every kind. From the inspired volume we learn the folly and malignity of every sin. The temptations of the world, the lusts of the flesh, and the devices of Satan, are all there exposed ; and armour is laid up for us, that we may successfully maintain the combat against them. Our blessed Lord himself, in whom was no sin, drew from this armoury the arrows and the shield with which he vanquished the tempter in the wilderness : and from the same source must we also be furnished. Thus David tells us : " Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ? Even by taking heed thereto according to thy word :" and again, " Thy word have I hid within my heart, that I might not sin against thee." Would you then be kept from evil tempers, and evil passions, and evil habits of every kind ? Study the sacred recoi'ds : treasure up in your minds the terrors of God's wrath as there revealed, and the declarations of his mercy as there promulgated. There see the wonders of redeeming love unfolded to your view, and the blessedness of those who have been monuments of converting and saving grace. Let every part of God's word have its proper bearing on your hearts and consciences, and it shall be eflec- tual for your salvation. Whatever lusts you have hitherto indulged, you shall, through the influence of the word, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, be sanctified ; as ovir Lord has said ; " Sanctify them through thy truth ; thy word is truth :" and again, " Now are ye clean througli the word that has been spoken unto you."]
2. We shall be carried forward in safety to ever- lasting life —
[So says our text ; " Keep my commandments, and live." So also says our blessed Lord : " I know that thy command- ment is life everlasting ^" We must remember, that it is not of mere morality that we are now speaking, but an impartial attention to the whole revealed will of God. And where this
f John xii. 49, 50.