[There ever have been some apostates from the Church of Christ ; but their defection does not disprove the stabihty of God's covenant. The reason of their departure is accounted for by St. John'^— Let not then any be dejected when they see the falls of others. God " knows" his sheep, and will suffer " none to pluck them out of his hands." Nor need any despond on account of their indwelling corruptions : it is not sin lamented, but sin indulged, that will destroy the soul. Let every one be more anxious to lay hold on this covenant : it will be found at last, that it is " ordered in all things and
sure."]
■^ 1 John ii. 19.
2 Tim. ii. 20, 21. In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, hut also of wood and of earth ; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Masters use, and prepared unto every good ivork.
IT was said by a heathen poet, and the truth and importance of the sentiment are strongly marked by its being cited by an inspired Apostle, that " evil communications corrupt good manners." But there is by no means such attention paid to this aphorism as its importance demands. Men will indeed cau- tion their friends against the society of those who are dissolute and profane ; but, against those who may distract our minds with matters of doubtful disputa- tion, or lower our standard of Christian duty, no one judges it necessary to put us on our guard. But St. Paul, that vigilant watchman, that faithful servant of the Most High God, has taught us to shun every thing which may pervert our judgment, or corrupt our minds, or in any way impede our progress in the Divine life. In the words which I have now read to you, he shews us,
I. What we must guard against, as injurious to our souls —