Ver. 12.-.The testimony of our conscience. I. THE FAVOURABLE TESTIMONY OF CON- SCIENCE IS A GilEAT SUPPORT IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL AND BUFFERING. Affliction brought upon us directly by our own folly or sin is as wormwood for bitterness. Suffering is then greatly intensified by the reproaches of conscience. We feel that we are reaping only as we have sown. But when conscience acquits us we gain great moral support. The pressure of the heaviest burden is n,!ieved; in the darkest day there is then some light. We may be "cast down," but we are "not destroyed" (eh. iv. 9). Sometimes the approval of conscience is enough to· turn our sorrow into gladness, and to lead us to rejoice when otherwise we should have greatly lamented. We may glory in this without vain-glory. Paul was greatly comforted in his tribulations by a conscience which witnessed to the integrity of his conduct. Il. THE FAVOURABLE TESTIMONY OF CONSCIENCE CAN BE SECURED ONLY BY HOLY LIVING, 1. Like the apostle, we must live in: (1) Simplicity. Singleness of purpose. Holiness: refraining from evil; walking ever before God. Though we shall not, it may be, be absolutely pure, we may abstain from all wilful transgression. (2) Sincerity. We must be true, honest, guileless, straightforward. Godly sincerity-God-like sincerity-thorough; a sincerity which comes from God. (3) Nut in fleshly wisdom. A wisdom which has selfish aims, which is not particular about the means employed, a wisdom which ignores God. 2. This must apply to all our life. Our conversation in the world must be the same as in the Church. Some live double lives. It is no wonder that they have little peace of mind. 'l.'hei~ conduct is ruled by p!ace. rather principle. We must be the same amongst _the enemies of God as amongst his fnends. III. WE CAN LIVE SO AB TO SECURE 'l'HE FAVOURABLE TESTIMONY OF CONSOIBNCE Ol>'LY DY THE GRACE OF Gon. We may "sear" conscience, dull it, so that its voice.may be scarcely heard; but if free, unfettered, it will assuredly condemn unless we are in alliance with the :Eternal. We cannot live a life of which the healthy conscience will approve apart from him. We may lay down excellent plans for life, but we shall have to lay them down unless ·we get strength from the Strong One. The apo8tle bad to say, "By the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. xv. 10). Of ourselves we can \lo nothing-except sin. Our sufficiency is of him. He causes us to triumph. We ciinse ourselves to fail. We can walk "in the grace of God " only " by the grace. of God."-H. •
Vers. 17-20.-Unchangeablenesa. I. THE UNCIIANGEADLENEBB OF CHRIST, He is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever" (Heh. xiii. 8). Paul, compelled by circumstances to alter his plans, and charged with :fickleness, dreaded lest inconstancy OH, 1. 1-24.] THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIA~S. 23