instances of persevering zeal in others, whose hearts were right with God. Behold the patriarchs sojourn- ing for years in a strange land, when " they had opportunities enough of returning to their native country," if they had been so minded : but they were sincere in " seeking a better country, that is, an heavenly ;" and therefore they willingly lived as " strangers and pilgrims on the earthp." Behold also the noble army of martyrs, who " out of weakness were make strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens ;" yea, and women also, who, notwithstanding their natural weakness and timidity, would " not accept deliverance from their tortures, that they might obtain a better resur- rection'3. Indeed, where is there one who is truly upright before God, who has not frequently evinced a strength and steadfastness superior to the efforts of unassisted nature ? Who has not been called to make many sacrifices of pleasure, honour, interest ; and to lead a life of continual self-denial, both in the mortifying of inward lusts, and the enduring of out- ward persecutions ? But, " having set his hand to the plough, the Christian will not look back," and having put on his armour, he will not put it off but with his life.
The vast importance of truth and sincerity being made apparent, let the following advice be duly weighed :
1. Let us inquire whether we possess this part of Christian armour —
Perhaps there is scarcely any one who does not fancy himself sincere. But can we appeal to God that our daily aim is to please him, yea, to please him, not only in preference to ourselves or others, but in direct opposition to the whole world ? Do we labour to approve ourselves to him, forbearing every sinful thing, and doing every thing we know to be right ? Do we search the Scriptures daily, and attend
v Heb. xi. 15, 10. <) Heb. xi. 34, 35.