3. Those who are halting between the two —
[Many are convinced that they ought to serve God alone; and yet they know not how to turn their backs upon the world: they are afraid of the contempt and ridicule which they shall incur, or of some losses which they shall sustain : and therefore they are undecided in their minds, how to act. But what folly is this ! Is not the approbation of God and of our own conscience sufficient to counterbalance all the frowns of the world ? and is not heaven sufficient to compensate for any sufferings which we can be called to endure on earth ? Let it only be remembered that eternity is at hand ; and that will be sufficient to make all the concerns of time to appear lighter than vanity itself. Our Lord has plainly told us, that we must " hate even our life itself,
if we would be his disciples." Let us then make om- choice : " If Mammon be God, let us serve him ; but if Jehovah be God, let us serve him\" Let us say, with Joshua, " We will serve the Lord^"]
4. Those who are decidedly in the service of their God—
[Who amongst you has ever found reason to regret that he took a decided part ? Who has not found it a ground of exceeding thankfulness to God for enabHng him so to act ? Go on then, having the world under your feet, and God in your hearts. Be bold, yet be meek, in the service of your Lord. Be meek, I say, and patient under any trials you may meet with. You must carefully distinguish between the ways of the world and the people of it : the former you are to regard with aversion ; the latter with pity. Let it be seen in your temper, as well as in your conduct, " whose you are, and whom you serve." Shew that, though you refuse to be servants to the world, you are its greatest benefactors. And look forward to the day when God will acknowledge and reward your services in the presence of the assembled universe.]
' 1 Kings xviii. 21. ^ Josh. xxiv. 15.