Jam. i. 5, G. Jfony of you lack wisdom, let him askx)f God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
Wisdom
llS7.] THE WAY TO OBTAIN" TRUE WISDOM. 7
WISDOM is necessary for the due discharge of every office of life : but it is more particularly neces- sary for a Christian, on account of the many difficul- ties to which he is subjected by his Christian profes- sion. For no sooner does he give himself up to the service of his God, than his friends and relatives exert themselves to draw him, back again to the world. Every species of temptation they lay in his way, if by any means they may effect their purpose, and divert him from the path which he has chosen. They fail not to represent to him, the injury that will arise to his reputation and worldly interests, and the pain which his new course occasions to those whose hap- piness he is bound to consult. Not unfrequently too parental authority is interposed to arrest his progress, and to interdict the use of such means as he has found conducive to his spiritual welfare. Those books which would best inform his mind, that society which would most strengthen hig heart, and those ordinances which would most edify his soul, are all prohibited ; and no alternativeislefthim,butto relinquish his pursuit of heavenly things, or incur the contempt and hatred of his dearest friends. What now must be done? He wishes to keep a conscience void of offence : but how can it be effected ? If he is faithful to his God, he offends man : and, if he pleases man, he violates his duty to his God. The principle which he adopts is in itself plain and simple; namely, that he must obey God, and not man. But how to apply this principle is a difficulty which frequently involves him in the greatest embarrassment. If he relax in nothing, he appears absurd in the extreme : if his compliances be carried too far, he endangers his peace of mind, and the welfare of his soul. Again, in the manner of executing what his conscience dictates, he is also at a loss. He may be too bold, or too timid ; too faith- ful, or too obsequious. The different dispositions of all with whom he has to do must be consulted, and his conduct be adapted to them in all the diver- sified situations in which he is called to act. But "who is sufficient for these things ?" Often does he
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