We would not, however, depreciate either know- ledge or practice ; but rather point out,
II. Their excellence when combined —
When connected with each other as the root and the fruit, they have an efficacy,
1. To please God —
[The fruits of righteousness that spring from an enlight- ened mind, are truly acceptable to Godd. They answer the end for which he originally gave us to his Sone, and for which his Son laid down his life f. There is not any one act that can flow from just views of ourselves and of Christ, which God will not behold with complacency and accept with joyg.]
2. To bring comfort into the soul —
[Works of piety are like the incense which, when offered by the priest, not only honoured God, but also regaled the offerer. It is truly said (though many who admire the expres- sion, have very inadequate notions of its import), that religion's " ways are ways of pleasantness and peace," and that " in keeping God's commandments there is great reward." Who ever set himself to serve and honour God, without finding that " the work of righteousness was peace, and the effect of righteousness was quietness and assurance for ever ?" It cannot fail but that those who abound in the exercise of virtue, must have the testimony of their own consciences respecting it ; and wherever that is, there must be a never-failing source of joy and peace11.]
3. To embolden us in reference to the day of judgment —
[That there is no merit in our works is certain ; and if we were to found our hopes of acceptance with God upon them as meritorious, we should delude ourselves to our eternal ruin. Nevertheless we are authorized to expect that God will deal with us according to our works : and, if we have the testimony of our own consciences that it is our endeavour to " walk worthy of God unto all pleasing," we may " assure our hearts before him," and " have confidence towards him" in reference to his future judgment'. Knowing in our own souls that we have fought a good fight and kept the faith, we may say without doubt or fear, " Henceforth there is laid up for me a
■> Ihb. xiii. \(>. 1 Pet. ii. 5. e Eph. i. 4. and ii. 10.
f Tit. ii. 14. e Matt. x. 42. Jer. ix. 24.
h 2 Cor. i. 12. ' 1 Johniii. IS — 21. and iv. 17.