We should walk as lights in a dark world —
[It would ill become "the children of God" to walk as children of Belial : on the contrary, they should be patterns to the whole world; and should "give no occasion whatever to their enemies to speak reproachfully." They should be " blameless and harmless, and without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse world." Nor let this be thought a low attainment. Considering what an ensnaring world we move in, and what depraved and perverse creatures we have to deal with, it is no easy matter so to walk that no man may have any fault to find with us but concerning the law of our God. Such conduct requires incessant vigilance and circumspection on onr part, and no small measure of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. In this way we should shine as lights in a dark world, " holding forth " in the whole of our conduct and conver- sation " the word of life." On every side of us there are rocks and quicksands, which prove destructive to thousands, who navigate this tempestuous ocean : and, whilst endeavouring to avoid them ourselves, we should so steer our course, as to perform the office of lights, or light-houses, to others ; that they, following our luminous path, may escape the dangers that surround them, and reach in safety the haven of rest. This is the true view in which Christians should consider themselves : they are intended to be witnesses for God, and " epistles of Christ, known and read of all men." They are so to walk, that others may see clearly in them a transcript of the mind and will of God ; and that, conforming themselves to their example, they may advance daily in the paths of right- eousness and grace.]
This alone will answer the end of ministerial ex- ertions—
[Pastors are appointed for the perfecting of the saints : and unless this be accomplished by the word, it is preached in vain : instead of proving to the hearers " a savour of life unto life, it will be to them a savour of death unto death." Till a minister beholds this change wrought in his people, he must of necessity stand in doubt of them e: but when it is wrought in them, he may well rejoice over them, seeing that they shall surely be his joy and crown of rejoicing in the last dayf. Yes; blessed indeed will be the meeting which he will have with them in that day : he will recognize them as his spiritual children, and present them unto God, saying, Here am " I, and the children thou hast given me."]
In conclusion, I will,
e Gal. iv. 11, 19, 20. t i Thess. ii. 19, 20.