3. Because the knowledge acquired is not con- scientiously improved —
[Men, under the word, are made to see their own faces in a glass : but, having no desire to comply with its requisi- tions, they soon " forget what manner of persons they are V If they would follow the instruction which they receive, and take it as a light to search the inmost recesses of their souls, and as a touchstone whereby to try their experience before God, what progress would they make in the divine life ! How clear would their views become ! how eminent their attain- ments ! But they hear not for this end. The Gospel is not contemplated by them in this view. The ordinances are attended by them more for the amusement of their minds than for the edification of their souls. And hence, though they are " ever learning," they never acquire that self-know- ledge that shall abase them in the dust, or that knowledge of God that shall assimilate them to his likeness.]
Address —
1. Those who have not yet attained the knowledge of the truth —
[Consider your responsibility for so abusing the privileges you enjoy. Were it an earthly science which you could not dive into or comprehend, you might plead your incapacity to understand the things submitted to you. But no man is too weak to comprehend divine truth, if God " open the eyes of his understanding to understand it." Seek, then, to be taught of God ; and you shall not be left in darkness. There are, indeed, two keys of knowledge, which you must obtain ; and they are, integrity and contrition. Get but " a honest and good heart," with a soul truly humbled before God ; and you shall be "guided into all truth," and "be made wise unto everlasting salvation."]
2. Those who think they have acquired it —
[Remember, it is not hy its clearness, but by its efficacy, that you are to judge of the knowledge you have acquired Remember, too, that you are still to be " ever learn- ing." Never, in this world, will you have arrived at a full knowledge of the truth : your views of it will be increasing through all eternity. Of its sanctifying efficacy, also, you must have a progressive experience, to the latest hour of your lives. Be careful, then, that you "grow in grace, as well as in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ;" so shall you, ere long, " see him as he is, and be like him for ever."]
^ Jam. i. 23, 24.