a thought in comparison of this. What can worldly knowledge do for you, in comparison of the knowledge of Christ ? or what can the fondest endearments of mere human affection do, in comparison of the love that is divine? If St. Paul's judgment may be taken, he " counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord." And this is the mind which I would wish to be in you. This, beloved, is your duty : this is your privilege. O ! beg of God, that you may rise to this. Be not satisfied with low attainments, when such prospects are before you. You see what exertions men make for the attainment of knowledge, and the acquisition of honour : and will ye be less earnest in the pursuit of heavenly things ? In a contest for earthly honours, you might feel discouraged by a consciousness of your inferiority in point of talent and capacity: but no such discouragement need be felt by any one in the conflict to which I call you. The very babe and suckling stands on a level with the wise and prudent ; or rather, is raised above him, in proportion to his docility, and his willing submission to the truth of God. It is the heart, and not the head, that is the seat of divine knowledge, and the region of love. I pray you, brethren, let these things become the objects of your ambition, and never account any labour too great for the attainment of them.]
2. With what ardour you should seek after them —
[You have seen " what great conflict" your minister, if faithful, will have for you, in relation to these things : and will ye feel less for yourselves ? Go, look at those who are engaged in the race, the wrestling, the combat; do you not see how they put forth their energies ? Have they any disposition to look about them, or any time to relax their efforts ? Yet is the object of their contest light in comparison of yours, and the consequence of a failure unworthy of a thought. Come, brethren, and be in earnest. Study the sacred volume: study it with much and fervent prayer : entreat of God to reveal his dear Son in your hearts : implore the Holy Spirit to " guide you into all truth:" and see to it, that you " grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Thus will you have in yourselves an evidence of the Gospel, which no human learning can give you ; and conviction of its excellency, which nothing but experience can impart.]