contribute greatly to enlighten the one, while the others are confirmed in ignorance and unbelief.]
Let us now conclude with an application of the fore- going truths ;
1 . To those who are unacquainted with the truths and ways of God —
[Many, it is to be feared, there are among you, who are wise and prudent enough with respect to the things of this world, but yet are miserably ignorant of the nature and excel- lency of vital godliness. Your own consciences testify, that you know not what it is to have God come down as the dew upon your souls : you know not what is meant by that beauty, that growth, that stability, that fragrancy, and that fruitfulness, which characterize the true Christian. Nay, some perhaps, instead of experiencing these things in their own souls, are hurt and offended by the very mention of them: instead of judging the ways of the Lord to be right, they are ready to condemn them as enthusiastic or righteous overmuch. To all such per- sons therefore, whether they be only ignorant of these things, or have taken offence at them, we must testify, that the ways of the Lord are right : whatever exception may be taken against them, they will assuredly prove right in the issue : " Wisdom will be justified of all her children." We may challenge all the world to shew, that there is any thing un- reasonable in a life of devotedness to God, or that such a life is not calculated to make us happy. Let me therefore entreat you to seek the knowledge of these things : your not having the wisdom and learning of this world will be no obstacle to your proficiency in divine knowledge : it is spiritual wisdom that you want : seek wisdom therefore from Him who has promised to " give it liberally, and without upbraiding:" seek prudence also; for " a prudent man," says Solomon, " foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on and are punished." But if you will not be persuaded, remember what God has said, " My people perish for lack of knowledge ;" and again, " They are a people of no understanding ; therefore He that made them will not have mercy on them, and He that formed them will shew them no favour." Such declarations as these fully prove how awful it is to remain in ignorance : and therefore I entreat you all to improve your present oppor- tunities. " Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wis- dom ; and, with all your getting, get understanding."]
2. To those who know and walk in the ways of God—
[What do you owe to God, my Brethren, for the divine