then, bring yourselves to this test : and never be satisfied with any faith or any profession, that does not approve itself genuine according to the standard of God's unerring word.]
2. How to be happy in your own souls —
[It is not any earthly gratification that can make you happy. Our Lord does not say, Blessed are the rich, the gay, the respected ; but, " Blessed are the humble, the pure, the meek, and those who are even persecuted for righteousness' sakeV We grant, that this is far from according with the sentiments of the world at large ; but it is not the less true on that account. They who have never sought for happiness in God, can have no idea of the happiness that is to be found in him. But the more any one knows of the world, the more will he see that " Vanity and vexation of spirit " is written upon every thing that is in it. Seek not then your happiness, beloved, in " broken cisterns that can hold no water, but seek it in the Fountain of living waters0," even in Him who is a source of blessedness to all his peopled. Then shall you here enjoy " a full assurance of hope," whilst you livee ; " have an abundant entrance into heaven " when you dief; and sit down for ever " at the right hand of your God, where there is fulness of joy for evermore8."]
b Matt. v. 3—12. Luke vi. 20 — 26. c Jer. ii. 13.
d Ps. xxxvi. 9. e Heb. vi. 11. f 2 Pet. i. 10, 11.
8 Ps. xvi. 11.