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exclaim, "Behold, I am vile," who has not become acquainted with his inward malady, and the deep-rooted depravity of his heart. When this discovery is once made, those sins which before seemed of too little moment to engage one serious thought, or touch one feeling with compunction, will absorb the attention of the whole soul, and be confessed and deplored with deep sighs and floods of tears. How can we gratefully acknowledge those mercies, which we have not weighed and considered? Neither their number nor their value will affect us, while we pass lightly over them. It is when we compare what we have received, with what we have deserved; when we view the favours of God, not collectively, but separately, not with a rapid glance, but a close and particular survey; that the mind expands with gratitude, and we are prepared to strike the notes of praise. How can we order aright our petitions for blessings, the want of which we have not felt, the importance and design of which we have never truly apprehended? It is only when the evil of sin is laid to heart,-when its enormity and hatefulness, its bitter fruits and awful consequences, are set in full view, that we shall ask for pardon and sanctifying grace, through the merits and blood of Christ. The sight of our dangers

without, and the sense of our infirmities within, will naturally lead us to beg protection, guidance, and support of God.

He who never examines himself, must either be destitute of the materials of devotion, or grossly deficient in the method of arranging and using them to advantage. How offensive and disgusting would the conduct of a subject be thought, who, having obtained access to his sovereign, and liberty to make known his wants, should appear quite unprepared to state them, from previous inattention and negligence! The application to be made of what is here said, is easy, and may be left to the reader.

The Christian is commanded to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; to make advances in the way of holiness; and to aspire after increasing conformity to the image of God, and fitness for his presence and glory. But, without self-examination, how can he accurately ascertain his growth and progress, or his temporary declensions and decays? Where no heart-searching inquiry is commenced, no impartial investigation prosecuted, how can the true state of the soul be known? How can the Christian form any correct judgment concerning his dispositions, his graces, his moral habits, and his spiritual attainments? What pleasure can there be in religion? what freedom in prayer? what com

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placence and delight in God, while these inquiries are neglected? "Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." (Gal. vi. 4.) Shall the agriculturist look well to his land, daily walking over his fields to keep up the fences, to drain off the stagnant waters, to clear away the noxious weeds, to cast in the precious grain in due season? Shall the merchant diligently superintend his commercial concerns, and from week to week and year to year carefully inspect his accounts, to learn what he has lost or gained in trade?—Shall the scholar pursue his studies with avidity and perseverance, and pause at intervals to retrace his course, and ascertain the progress he has made? and shall the Christian, whose aims and objects are far more important and sublime, grow lukewarm and slothful, and manifest an indifference to the state and welfare of the immortal part? Awake, O my soul! and consider thy ways. With deep and devout solicitude examine thy whole course and conduct. into those vast and interesting concerns which connect thy own happiness with the glory of God. Enter the hidden chambers of imagery within, and suffer no lurking idol, or odious abomination, to be concealed and cherished there. How are thy thoughts employed, thy tempers regulated, thy passions governed?

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How advances thy work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope, in our Lord Jesus Christ? Hast thou a firmer trust in the divine testimonies, and an experience of sweeter enjoyment from the great and precious promises? Does thy affection to the blessed Redeemer, and to all who bear his likeness, and favour his righteous cause, abound still more and more? Canst thou meet reproach, and sustain suffering for his sake, without a murmur? Is the prospect of future glory more clear and distinct, more vivid and cheering to thee? The first Christians were remarkable for their mutual kindness, their meekness, and patience, amidst provocations and sufferings; their forgiveness of enemies; and their wide-extended and unwearied benevolence. These virtues all sprung from the root of faith, and the vigorous principle of divine love. They imbibed the spirit, obeyed the will, and cheerfully performed the work of their glorious Lord and Master. Hence, too, their devotion rose to such rapturous heights, that they thought every day spent on earth a day lost in heaven. "Being inflamed," said Justin Martyr, 66 with the desire of a pure and eternal life, we breathe after an intimate converse with God, the great Parent and Creator of the world, and make haste to seal our confession with our blood."

O my soul! hast thou not cause to be greatly

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humbled, on comparing thy state with theirs? Whence this coldness and callousness of heart? This cleaving of thy powers and desires to the barren regions of earth? Why dost thou linger on thy journey? or look for wholesome fruits amidst deadly poisons? "Arise and depart, for this is not thy rest, because it is polluted." Turn thee, O my soul, to the God of grace and mercy, and renew thy solemn covenant engagements with him. Often hast thou wandered from him, and fallen by iniquity; but he will heal thy backslidings, and love thee freely. O fly to his footstool, and spread all thy sins, and sorrows, and wants before him, intreating that the multitude of his tender mercies may prevail over the multitude of thy transgressions. Forget not the great sacrifice and atonement of Christ, nor the perpetuity and efficacy of his intercession. On these grounds pray for the plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit, to insure thy advancement in knowledge, growth in faith and love, increase in holiness, usefulness, and comfort.

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