they are jealous over themselves v^'ith a godly jealousy : and instead of being forward to boast of what they have done for Christ, they are ashamed of their best services, and ready rather to dread his displeasure for what they have omitted, than to claim his favour for any thing they have done. They still have indeed many infirmities : and it is their view of these that keeps them low, and perhaps sometimes fiJls them with doubts and fears. But God will easily distinguish between the allowed sins of the most specious hypocrite, and the lamented infirmities of the weakest of his children: and while he says to one, "Depart accursed," he will address the other in terms of approbation and complacency. Though neither leavened or blemished offer- ings should be presented in sacrifice to God, yet, if presented as free-will offerings^ they were accepted*^. Thus shall the imperfect services of his people, if offered with a willing mind, come up with acceptance before him, and be recorded at the day of judgment as evidences of their faith and love. Let the believer then go on in a course of uniform and unreserved obedience : and let him not be discouraged because he does not possess talents that attract the admiration of men : but rather let him study to approve himself to God ; and he who seeth in secret, will ere long reward him openly.]
^ Compare Lev, ii. 11. with vii. 13. and xxii. 21 — 23.
Matt. vii. 24 — 27. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him wito a wise mart, which built his house upon a rock : and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house ; and it fell not : for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand : and the rai?i descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house ; and it fell : and great was the fall of it.
IT is of great importance in preaching the Gospel, to discriminate between the different characters to whom we deliver our message, and to separate the precious from the vile. If this be neglected, the wicked will hold fast their delusions, and the right- eous continue in bondage to their fears : but if we be faithful in the discharge of this part of our duty, those