is on the whole upright before God, he "has his rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." He lives not on the testimony of his fellow-creatures: his comfort is independent either of their censure or applause. He rejoices in the testi- mony of his own conscience, as the Apostle Paul did c. He " has the witness in himself:" and "the Spirit of God also witnesses with his Spirit," that he is a " child of God." Q what an advantage is this, under every situation and circum- stance of life ! Are we in a state of prosperity ? We shall make no account of our wealth or honour in comparison of the testimony of a good conscience. Are we in adversity? Our spirit will be buoyant in a sea of troubles ; we shall know assuredly that all things are working together for our good, and that, " light and momentary in themselves, they are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."]
2. As it respects our eternal welfare —
[Whatever others may think of us, or we may think of ourselves, it will not at all influence the judgment of our God : " for not he that commendeth himself will be approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth d." The works that are applauded of men, may be recorded in his book of remem- brance as splendid sins : and the works that are condemned by men, may be put to our account as services greatly to be rewarded. The very same judgment which the written word pronounces now, our God will pronounce hereafter. Hence, in bringing ourselves continually to this standard, we know what will be approved in the last day, and what sentence to expect at the mouth of a righteous Judge. There will doubt- less be many actions which will be erroneously judged by man, and the precise quality of which we ourselves also are at present unable to discover : but, whilst we are conscious of an unfeigned desire to please and honour God, we shall say with the Apostle, "It is a small matter to be judged of man's judgment; yea, I judge not mine own self: but he that judgeth me is the Lord6." My own heart does not condemn me ; and therefore I have confidence towards Godf." Whilst practising this habit, we shall be attentive to every thing we do. We shall preserve a tenderness of conscience : we shall spy out readily any thing that has been amiss. We shall, from a sense of the imperfection of our very best deeds, wash them daily in the fountain of Christ's blood, and never hope for the acceptance of them but through his atoning sacrifice, and his all-powerful intercession. Thus, whilst all, who refer
c 2 Cor. i. 12. <l 2 Cor. x. 18.
e 1 Cor. iv. 3, 4. f 1 John iii. 20, 21.