1. Rest not in attainments, whilst destitute of knowledge —
[There is a great diversity in the natural dispositions of men : some are from their very birth more meek and gentle than others : and certainly they whom nature has formed in this better mould, have much to be thankful for. But let not any one mistake this natural gentleness for grace. The meekness of which my text speaks, is "a fruit of the Spirit p," and is always associated with true wisdom. It springs from a sense of our own unworthiness, and of the obligations which we owe to Christ for all the wonders of redeeming love. It is a humble submission to almighty God, whose hand is viewed in all events, and whose love is tasted in the bitterest dis- pensations. It is a resignation of the soul to him, that he may perfect it in his own way, and glorify himself upon it, as seemeth him good. Before you draw inferences then from your comparative proficiency in gentle habits, inquire how they have been obtained ? Examine whether they are associ- ated with this heavenly wisdom ; and whether they are the re- sult of deep humiliation, and of ardent love to God ? If you have not been taught of God to know yourselves and the " Lord Jesus Christ, you are in darkness even until now : and though you appear to be in the fold of Christ, you have never entered it at the strait gate, and therefore are not regarded by him as his sheep indeed. Oh ! may God instruct you, and by his Holy Spirit guide you into all truth !]
2. Rest not in knowledge, whilst destitute of these attainments —
[Many possess a very clear knowledge of Scripture truths, whilst yet they experience not their sanctifying and tranforming efficacy. It is a melancholy fact, that many who profess religion are grievously under the dominion of evil tem- pers. It was evidently so among those to whom St. James addressed this epistle. But, Beloved, " these things ought not so to be," and must not so be : for, if they be^ they will terminate in fearful disappointment at the last day. Think not to excuse yourselves by saying, That your temper is na- turally hasty and violent. It may be so : but this is no reason why it is to have the mastery over you. If the struggles which you have to maintain be the greater, the strength of Christ shall be the more displayed in the victories which he will enable you to gain. Only go to him in fervent and con- tinual prayer, and you shall find, that " his grace is sufH- cient for you :" it never failed yet ; nor shall it ever fail, when sought in sincerity and truth. Only prostrate yourselves before him with shame and sorrow and contrition, and im- plore
" Gal. V. 22, 23.
1148.] NATURE AND EFFECTS OP TRUE RELreiON. 65
plore of him the assistance of his good Spirit ; and then will he " beautify you with salvation'*:" for " instead of the thorn shall grow up the fir-tree, and instead of the brier shall grow up the myrtle-tree : and you shall be to the Lord for a name, and for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut ofF""."] ■J Ps. cxlix.4. 'Isai.lv. 13.