TEIL TRUE PENITENT. 481 that set thee on work. Jehu faithfully destroyed Baal and Jezebel, but his zeal for the Lord covered the secret desire of a crown. Take care also, not to mistake gifts for graces; fluency of speech for con- verting power ; the warmth of natural affection for divine love; or an impulse of God's spirit, on some particular occasion, for an evidence of spiritual rege- neration. I3alaam spoke and prophesied like a child of God; and many will one day say to Christ, Lord, have we not prophesied, spoke all mysteries, cast out devils, and done many wondrous works in thy name? to whom he will answer, Depart from me, I know you not." Avoid the self- conceit of many, who feed on the corrupted manna of their past experiences, and con- fidently appeal to the wasted streams of those consola- tions, which once refreshed their hearts; when, alas! it is evident, they have now forsaken the fountain of living water, and hewn to themselves broken cisterns that hold no water; unless the mire of evil tempers, selfish views, and heartless professions of faith, may pass for the streams which gladden the city of God. Neither do thou heal thyself by touches of sorrow, by tears, good desires, or outward marks of humilia- tion for sin, as king Ahab. Nor by excessive fasting, retiring from business, or hard usage of the body, as many Roman Catholics: nor yet by misapplying the doctrine of predestination, and setting down notions of election for evidences of salvation, as many Protes- tants : no, nor by doating about questions, strifes of words, and perverse disputings, which eat as a canker, as some in St. Paul's days, and too many in ours, I Tim. vi. 4. To conclude; think not thou art absolutely made whole when the power of outward sin is weakened or suspended, when thou hast learned the language of Canaan, canst speak or write well on spiritual subjects, art intimately acquainted with the best ministers of Christ, and hast cast thy lòt among the despised chil- dren of God, taken their part, shared in their reproach, 16 3 P
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