a corrupt heart, and of a deceitful world O ! think what
dangers are before you : see *' what multitudes are walking in the broad road that leadeth to destruction, and how few there are that walk in the narrow path that leadeth unto life ! " and remember, that " you must reap according to what you sow : if you sow to the flesh, you must of the flesh reap cor- ruption ; but if you sow to the Spirit, you shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting '\" Say not, that you are too young to receive her lessons : for she particularly encourages yoii by ex- pressing a more than ordinary solicitude for your welfare : " I love them that love me," says she ; " and they that seek me early, shall find me'."]
2. Ye children in understanding —
[The poor, whose intellectual powers have never been ex- panded by the aid of education, are ready to imagine that it is in vain for them to explore the depths of heavenly wisdom. But be it known to all, that divine wisdom enters, not by the head, like earthly knowledge, but by the heart : be it known also, that it is not acquired by deep laborious research, as human sciences are, but by the teaching of the Holy Ghost ; (for " the YiOxdi giveth wisdom ; out of his mouth cometh know- ledge and understanding^:") and so far are the poor from having any reason to despair of attaining it, that they are by far the most likely to obtain it, because they are more willing than others to be taught of God. Hence our Lord himself says, " I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes : even so. Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight'." Pray then to God to "give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him™," and be assured " it shall be given you"," and you shall be made " wise unto salvation through faith in Christ."]
3. Ye children in grace —
[You have begun to know the value of wisdom : you have a little glimmering view of those great mysteries, of which we have been speaking. " The day-star has arisen in your hearts," and you have found " the ways of Wisdom to be ways of plea- santness and peace." But you must " go on unto the perfect
h Gal. vi. 7, 8. i ver. 17. ^ Prov. ii. 6.
1 Matt. xi. 25, 26. >" Eph. i. 17, 18. " Jam. i. 5.