of them. There is a great difference in the natural constitu- tions of men ; so that we cannot absolutely say, that a person, comparatively moral, is therefore a spiritual man. This must be learned rather from the conflicts he maintains, and the vic- tories he achieves, under the influence of the Holy Spirit. And, at all events, we may be sure, that where there is no delight in doing good to the souls of men ; where, in our con- duct towards others, there is any wilful deviation from the line which we should think right to be observed towards us ; and where there is any want of simplicity and godly sincerity in our motives and principles ; whatever we may imagine, we are not Christians indeed. I pray you to take this touchstone, whereby to try yourselves"; and beg of God also to search and try you, that there may be nothing found at last to dis- appoint your hopes x.]
3. How delightful is the path assigned us !
[I say not that there are no seasons for humiliation : for no doubt there are, even for the best of men. But, for the daily course of your lives, you need only look to my text. See the Christian in his daily walk : " goodness, righteousness, and truth," are embodied in him ; and, like the combined action of the solar rays, he diffuses light and happiness around him. This is to " walk in the light, as God is in the light :" this is to honour God : this is to adorn the Gospel : this is to fulfil the ends for which Christ himself came into the world : this is to possess a meetness for the heavenly inheritance. Let those who know not what religion is, condemn it, if they will : but sure I am, that, if viewed aright, " its ways are ways of plea- santness, and all its paths are peace."]
u 2 Cor. xiii. 5. x Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24.