we may safely yield ourselves to its influence : but, if it be calculated to lower the standard of real piety, and to make us rest in low attainments, we should beware lest we be led astray by it, and beg of God that nothing may ever " corrupt us from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus."
It may be said, that this will lead those who ought to be learners to put themselves in the seat of judgment and to become judges even of their own teachers. But it must be remembered, that it is one thing to erect a tribunal for the exercising of public judgment, and another thing to form a judgment for the benefit of our own souls. The former is wrong, unless we be officially called to it : but the latter is necessary for our own salvation. We are commanded " not to believe every spirit; but to try the spirits, whether they be of God." We are told also to " prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good." But this we cannot do, unless we examine what we hear, and bring it to the unerring standard of " the word and testimony." Though, therefore, we be not qualified to lay down the law for others, we must all judge for ourselves; since on the exercise of that judgment the eternal welfare of our souls depends. And, if we feel ourselves in- competent for the work, we may apply to God for help ; assured that " the meek he will guide in judgment ;" and that " a way-faring man, though a fool, shall not be permitted by him to err," in any thing that shall be necessary for the salva- tion of his soul.]
As a proper improvement of the subject before us, we would recommend to your attention the follow- ing ADVICE :
1. Take care to profit by the ministry that you do enjoy—
[Though we must so far have our judgment exercised respecting the ministry of the word, as to determine whether its general scope be likely to profit us or not, yet, when we have reason to believe that the truth of God is proposed to us, we should not listen to it with critical ears : we should rather receive it with all humility of mind; and "receive it with meekness, as an engrafted word, able to save our souls." We should not be satisfied with imderstanding and approving of what we hear, but should endeavour to reduce it to practice. " If we be hearers only of the word, and not doers, we deceive ourselves"" Let us then look well to the efi^ect pro- duced on our own souls, and, " as new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby."]
n Jam. i. 22—25. t2