own goodness? Let this mountain be brought low, comparing your lives with the demands of God's holy law. Is it an in- veterate love of sin, and of this present world? let it give way to penitence and faith, that your path may be plain and smooth. Is it a doubt of the practicability of your salvation ? Rely on Christ : " all things are possible to him that believeth."
Perhaps you will say, that " a preparation of heart must be from the Lord : " true ; but it must be sought by you in the daily exercise of meditation and prayer. If you need any in- centive to these duties, do but reflect upon the benefits resulting from them: think of a revelation of Christ to your soul ! think of his glory exhibited to the eyes of your mind, and shining with increasing brightness to the perfect day! think too in how little a time you will " see him as he is," and " be with him for ever!" Dearly beloved, beg of God to " take the stumbling- blocks out of your way :" he is the same gracious God as ever he was; and if you cry unto him " he will make an high-way for you, like as he did for Israel in the day that he brought them out of the land of Egypt e ;" he " will make darkness light before you, and crooked things straight : these things will he do unto you, and not forsake youV]
e Isai. xi. 16. f Isai. xlii. 16.