Baxter - HP BV4920 B38 1829

NOW OR NEVER. 175 our holy actions. Holiness is not blind: illumination is the first part of sanctification. Believers are children of the light. Nothing requircth so much wisdom as the matters of God, and of our salvation. Folly is most unsuitable to such excellent employmcnts, and most unbeseeming the sons of the Most High. It is· a spirit of wisdom that animateth all the saints. " Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." It is the treasures of wisdom that dwell in Christ, and are communicated to his members. We must "walk in wisdom tow·ard t hem that are without." And our works must be "shown out of a good conversation, with meekness of wisdom." 2. Though you must work with your might, yet with a diversity agreeable to the quality of your several works. Some works must be preferred before others : all caunot be done at once. That is a sin out of season, which in season is a duty. The greatest, and the most urgent work must be preferred. And some works must be done with double fervour and resolution, and some with less. Buying, and selling, and possessing, and using the world, must be done with a fear of overdoing, aiJ.d8in a manner as if we did them not, though they also must have a necessary diligence. God's" kingdom and its righteousness must be first sought." And our labour for the meat that perisheth, must be comparatively as none: " Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." 3. Lastly, it is not an irregular, nor a self-disturbing vexatious violence that is required of us; but a sweet well settled resolution, and a delightful expeditious diligence, that make the wheels more easily

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