know that I have no part or lot in this matter : and " the very spirit that is within me testifies that I have not God abiding in me." But, my brethren, judge not yourselves too hardly. Do not suppose, that, because there are imperfections in your obedience, it is therefore not sincere; or that because the Spirit shines not upon you in full lustre, you shall never behold the light of day. Be content, at present, to want the consolations which God sees fit to withhold : and occupy your- selves with the pursuit of those things which, in God's good time, will serve to prove what at the present you cannot see. Endeavour, in humble dependence upon God, to keep the commands of faith and love. Look to the Saviour, and live by faith in him : look to his peculiar people, and abound in all acts and offices of love to them. Look to the spirit and temper of your own minds altogether: and in the constant exercise of prayer seek the transformation of your souls into the Divine image. Then, though you be not able to see that God is in you, a foundation will be laid for the future dis- covery of it : or, though it should still, for wise and gracious purposes, be hid from you, you will have the benefit at a future day, when God will surely shine upon you, and " re- ward every man according to his works." This is the advice given by the prophet, who says, " Then shall ye know, if ye follow on to know the Lord : his goings forth are prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth11."]
" Hos. vi. 3.