is uncleanq." Yet it is by no means advisable to rest without obtaining satisfaction to your mind. It is a painful state in which to be ; and you should use all proper means to obtain deliverance from itr: but, till that deliverance come, take my text for your guide : " Happy is he who condemneth not him- self in that thing which he alloweth." " If once you make sacrifice of a good conscience, you are in the way to make an utter shipwreck of your faith8."
Yet I must say, Do not judge those who see not with your eyes, and walk not in your path. Another person may have a fuller insight into the nature of Christian liberty than you : and " to his own Master must every man stand or fall." Be you contented with approving your own selves to God ; and leave to others the latitude which you claim for yourselves*.]
3. Those who enjoy the testimony of a good con- science—
[This is a most exalted privilege, and, whether in lifeu or death x, a source of unutterable joy. Be thankful for it: and, at the same time, be washing your very best actions, no less than those which are more faulty, in the fountain of your Redeemer's blood: for, if He " bear not the iniquity of your holy things y," your most righteous acts will condemn you. Take care, at the same time, that your liberty be never so used as to become a stumbling-block to your weaker brethren. It were better to forbear any gratification whatever, than, by indulging yourselves in it, to make it an occasion of offence to any2. Let your whole conduct shew the excellence of the principles by which you are governed : and let it be " the one labour of your lives to maintain a good conscience both towards God and towards mana."]
q ver. 14. r Gal. vi. 4. s 1 Tim. i. 19.
1 ver. 4, 5. u 2 Cor. i. 12. x 2 Kings xx. 3.
y Exod. xxviii. 38. z 1 Cor. viii. 9, 13. a Acts xxiv. 16.