558 Acts, Xxiv. 1G. [1808.

the approbation of their fellow-creatures, and maintain a character for probity in the world. They are there- fore chiefly attentive to their external conduct, and not very solicitous about the thoughts or desires of their hearts. But this will not satisfy the true Christian. He knows that the eye of God is upon his heart, and that the most secret thought is " naked and open before him." Like the Apostle, he accounts it " a small matter to be judged of man's judgment ;" he says, ' What good can the applause of men do me, if I be condemned of my Judge ? Or, why need I regard the opinion of the world, if I am accepted and applauded by my God?' Seeing how con- temptible every testimony is in comparison of that of his Maker, he " studies to approve himself to God, a servant that needeth not to be ashamed." In what- ever relation of life he stand, he endeavours to fulfil the duties of it. Is he in authority? he conscientiously improves his influence for the good of men and for the glory of God. More especially, if he sustain that weighty office of a minister of Christ, he will not be a faithless steward, or a slothful servant, but will " be instant in season and out of season," and will " watch for souls as one that must give account." On the other hand, is he in an inferior station ? he will perform his duties, " not with eye-service, as a man-pleaser, but as unto God." He will not esteem himself at liberty to yield a partial obedience : he will not think that his observance of relative duties supersedes the necessity of delight in God : nor, on the other hand, will he imagine, that the devoutest exercise of prayer and praise can absolve him from his obligation to equity and mercy. Every duty both to God and man occupies his attention, and is per- formed in its season, " without partiality and without hypocrisy." Nor is this strictness merely occasional : it does not exist only in a time of sickness, or during a season of preparation for the Lord's supper : no : he is " always" engaged in the same " exercise :" the law of God is written in his heart ; obedience to it is his delight; nor can any consideration whatever divert