the knowledge of Christ, been delivered from the world —
[It is well you have thus far answered one end for which our blessed Saviour died : for " he gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil workP^" But you will do well to bear in mind the caution in our text. A change of situation often brings with it a change of conduct. Perhaps you may be somewhat advanced in rank or station, or may form some new connexion, or be brought into some new circumstances : and you may easily persuade yourself that this change not only sanctions, but requires, a change in your habits and deportment. But " bcM^are lest, as Satan beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so you also should be turned from the shnplicity that is in Christ." Whatever your situation or circumstances may be, God's command to you is, " Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the jvorld, the love of the Fatlwr is not in him^." Even " the friendship of the world, if unduly sought or delighted in, is enmity with God''." Beware then how in heart and affection you return to the world. " Remember Lot's wife." " After once putting your hand to the plough, you must never look back again*"." Methinks, if you would duly consider the image by which such apostacy is represented in the words fol- lowing my text, you never could return to the world. One scarcely knows how even to quote the Scripture itself; so ex- ceedingly does one nauseate the ideas suggested in it, and so utterly do one's feelings revolt from it. But it does paint the world, and all who love it, in very humiliating colours. O that all the votaries of gaiety, and fashion, and pleasure could but hear what the Apostle compares them to; even to " swine wallowing in the mire !" and that all who are tempted to con- form to them, could be brought to reflect on " a dog returning to his own vomit again !" Yes, Brethren, this is the feast to which your earthly friends invite you. Ah! learn to view the world as God views it : learn to regard it as a country infected with the plague : and let your great concern be to get through it in safety. Go not unnecessarily where the infection rages most : but " come out from among them, and be separate ; . and touch not the unclean thing''." And, as it was the know- ledge of Christ which first brovight you forth from the world and its pollutions, seek to " grow in the knowledge of your adorable Lord and Saviour'," that, through the abundance of his grace communicated to you, you may live more than ever unto God ; and that, " shining already as lights in the world V your path may shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect days."]
" Gal. i. 4. '1 John ii. 15. '' Jam. iv. 4.
*= Luke ix.62. ^ 2 Cor. vi. 17. ' 2 Pet. iii. IS,
f Phil. ii. 15. » Piov.iv. 18.