[If a person have not very distinct views of divine truth, we are apt to undervalue him, as though the " root of the matter were not in him." But God honoured young Abijah because there was some good thing in him towards the Lord his God." And if God does " not despise the clay of small things," should toe ? Is our brother " a babe ? let us feed him with milk." Is he " a lamb? let us carry him in our bosom." Many "a babe and suckling" in divine knowledge stands higher in God's estimation than those who value them- selves as wise and prudent.]
2. Jealousy in reference to ourselves —
[If we have ever come to Christ aright, he has so far opened our eyes, that we are made to possess some spiritual discernment. Let us ask ourselves therefore, ' What do I see, which flesh and blood could never have revealed unto me?
And am I desirous that my knowledge of my own
heart may be more deep, my views of Christ be more enlarged, and my experience of the divine life in all its diversified ope- rations be more manifested by its transforming efficacy upon my soul?' Dear brethren, we must "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lo.d and Saviour Jesus Christ :" and if, " when for the time that we have been in the school of Christ we ought to be teachers of others, we need ourselves to be taught what are the first principles of the oracles of God," we have reason to fear, that " the scales have never truly fallen from our eyes," but that a veil of darkness is yet upon our hearts.]
3. Thankfulness to God, if he have given us the smallest insight into divine truth —
[I would not disparage worldly knowledge : but the Apostle Paul, who had made attainments in it beyond most, yet " counted it all but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord." Yes indeed, a single ray of spiri- tual discernment is preferable to the meridian splendour of human science ; since that will transform the soul, which earthly knowledge never can ; and will save the soul, when the wise of this world shall be found to have prosecuted a mere phantom, and to have wasted their lives in a sad fruitless course of laborious folly. As to human sciences, they are not within the reach of all : but spiritual knowledge is : for God can open the eyes of the poor as well as of the rich ; yea rather, " the things which he has hid from the wise and prudent, he reveals to babes," that his power may be the more seen, and his name be the more glorified. If then the day have begun to dawn on any of you, rejoice: and beg of God that "your path may shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day."]