Israel,

All these commandments have I kept from

my youth."

poor,

he

went away

But when our Lord would prove his love, whether it were supreme and unrivalled, saying, "Go, sell all that thou hast, and give to the sorrowful;" and it seems as if the treaty closed. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world: if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Beloved, think it not strange, if it should please God to try you in your estate, your relations, your liberty, your reputation and esteem amongst men: ye that love the Lord must be willing to resign your dearest earthly comforts, to lay the male of your flock, and your very Isaac, on the altar at God's command. A storm may rise, and amidst a wreck of creature delights, your Master's

voice

may be heard-"Lovest thou me more than these?" Primitive Christians "took joyfully the spoiling of their goods:" nay, "they loved not their own lives unto the death." And no wonder, for "Christ also loved us, and gave himself for us."

Further-See that your love be solicitous, fervent, and industrious; not supine and slumbering : that it be full of fears lest it offend, full of cares how to please, God; full of acts of obedience, condescension, and self-denying labour in his cause; full of zeal for his glory. Let it appear in the fervour and stedfastness of your spirit, that a mighty principle, "the love of God in Christ, constraineth you" shew that "many waters cannot

In

quench love:" that no earthly power, no allurements, no terrors, can restrain the heavenly flight of a soul borne on the wings of faith and love. short, let your life be a practical and uniform consecration of all you have and are to him, "who himself for you."

loved

and you

gaye

I now proceed to the inquiry-how shall such a frame be gained and maintained? What shall be done to raise and feed the flame of Divine love in the soul? In reply to this, I have a few thoughts to suggest,

1. Often and very devoutly contemplate the transcendent excellencies and loving kindness of God your Saviour. "Consider the heavens which he has made, the sun, the moon, and the stars which he has ordained." Contemplate the earth, so richly furnished for man's accommodation and delight. The whole creation is a mirror wherein to see God; an open volume whereon are transcribed the characters of his adorable Name. But in his word his brighter glories shine-his full character-all his attributes in sweetest harmony. There he is exhibited "the perfection of beauty:" majesty and mercy, greatness and condescension, justice and grace, mingle their full glories there. Who can duly appreciate the friendship, the smile, the promise of such a Being? What a heaven upon earth must that man possess, who, in a disordered world, can sit and sing My Lord and my God!"

2. Endeavour to affect your hearts with close

and frequent contemplation of the love of God, to sinful wretched man, in Christ Jesus. Often trace the wonders of that love to their immense and eternal source. Survey the Father's great design, his mysterious plan, his wondrous gift. Contemplate the person and grace of the Son, "the counsel of peace "that was between them both; the everlasting covenant, that pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. Often sit beneath the cross of "Behold the Man!" your loving, dying Saviour. Look into his bleeding heart; think who is the Sufferer, and what he suffered, and for whom he suffered. "Look on him whom you have pierced." A sight of such love will beget love. A live coal fetched from this altar will seldom fail to revive languid affection, and kindle the smoking flax into a flame.

3. Often recollect the circumstances attending the first visit which God was pleased most graciously to make you. It was while you were yet young, perhaps while you was yet a child. You knew not the Lord; you had no acquaintance with the vision of the Holy One: but in a condescending manner he came, he took you in his arms, he set you at his foot; he taught you gradually; he enlightened your mind; he drew you with the cords of a man, with the bands of love; nay, he sent the Spirit of his Son into your heart, and you cried to him "My Father!"— Or perhaps he surprised you with his sudden appearance and majesty. In the light of his glory you

saw your sin, your aggravated guilt, and your vile nature; and were struck with horror. Trembling and astonished, and beginning to sink, you caught the compassionate smile of Jesus. You cried out, and his arms sustained you. Or he came as a prince in disguise; you heard his voice, you wondered at his gracious word, and a savour of his heavenly truth remained on your mind. Never did you feel your heart so drawn, never had you been so painfully convinced that you were poor and needy, wretched and guilty. You could not help entreating the Lord, and saying, "O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send, come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do." Again and again his visit was renewed: his glory shone in his mighty works, and with joy you exclaimed-"It is the Lord!" But whatever way he took to reveal himself to you, it was a visit of mercy and salvation: there was nothing in you to invite or deserve his favour. Never had a poor sinner more need of it; but your heart never sought it. You would have looked to your right hand, or your left; you would have gone any where with your cry for relief, rather than to Him in whom alone the help of a poor sinner is found. But he saw your helpless misery, and pitied your ignorance and prejudice, and of his great mercy he came; unasked he came: he delighteth in mercy. And why was the grace of God extended to you, and not to many others? Or if others had an offer of salvation, he did not, perhaps, wait to be gracious unto them: after the first denial, he

frowned and departed, saying, They shall not taste my supper." And why did he stand knocking at your door, knocking louder and louder, as if determined to take no denial; as if he would trouble you with his importunity, till you should rise and open to him? Why was his visit special, and his call effectual? You well know, the reason can be found only in Himself: "Even so, Father! for so it seemed good in thy sight." Often call to remembrance, then, that Bethel visit; the free, the rich, the discriminating mercy, which the God of your salvation then revealed; the promises he then spake, the grace he imparted, the assurances of strong and everlasting consolation he gave; the affection, the gratitude, the elevation yet humiliation of spirit; the confidence, the resolution you then felt. then felt. Then was the kindness of your youth, and the love of your espousals." Then with the voice of joy and gladness you went after your Lord in the wilderness. He was gracious unto you: he was precious in your sight. Your soul clave to him; and in him was your hope, your joy, your all.

In order to "keep yourselves in the love of God," often call to mind the great mercy you then found, and the grateful affection you then felt; and "as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in ye him." Whenever you have to complain of languid affections, "arise! go to Bethel."

Lastly-Often look into the history of God's providential dealings with his people. Review