994.]
[Though the outward tokens of humiliation should not be neglected, the inward rectification of the soul should be our chief aim. We should " break off our sins by righteousness, and our iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor'1." To do justly and to love mercy are the chief things which God requires of us as proofs and evidences of our sincerity in humbling ourselves before him. If then we would spend an acceptable day unto the Lord, let us set ourselves earnestly to the work marked out for us by God himself, rectifying what- ever we know to have been amiss in our conduct, and fulfilling to the uttermost every office of compassion and love. We must distinguish indeed between what we do in order to obtain acceptance with God, and what we do to please and honour him. To obtain mercy at his hands, we must simply believe in Christ : but to glorify his name we must search out all possible occasions of doing good, and promote to the utmost of our ability the edification and happiness of all around us.]
2. How to obtain a very heaven upon earth —
[Religious professors, when they enjoy but little comfort in their own souls, are apt to ascribe it to a sense of their own unworthiness, and to regard it rather as a proof of their humility. But in most instances, I believe, it must be traced to an habitual neglect, or a very partial performance, of the offices of love. The generality are too selfish in their habits, and too regardless of the necessities of their fellow-creatures, and the honour of their God. We have seen in the passage before us what God would do for us, if we laid ourselves out for him in the duties and offices of love. He has told us that, " to water others is the way to be ourselves watered," and to mete out liberally to others is the way to have good measure poured into our own bosom. Let us then abound more and more in every good work; and we shall surely find, that " the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance for ever1."]
h Dan. iv. 27. ' Isai. xxxii. 17.