she made? One, whose solid and reflecting judgment was not likely to make a rash or hasty choice, tells us, in reference to the outset of his course- "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." And instead of repenting of his choice, the experience of twenty years only served to confirm him in it; and he repeats his determination, with increasing energy of expression: "Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus Lord." my "2 In the same spirit one of the ancient fathers expresses himself: "If I have any possessions, health, credit, learning-this is all the contentment I have of them—that I may have something to despise for Christ, who comprizes in his own person all and every thing that is most desirable.” 3 In comparing, however, this verse with the preceding, we remark a striking illustration of the bias of the believer's heart. His experience of the deceitfulness of sin, Satan, and his own heart, stirs up the prayer"Remove from me the way of lying." But his choice is expressed in this verse-" I have chosen the way of truth." The sincere desire to have "the way of lying removed from us," is a clear evidence that we have already" chosen the way of truth;" that the Spirit of truth hath guided us to him, who is indeed "the way of truth”—the true and only way to God ! 5 And of all ways that could be set before the Christian, this is the way he would "choose "—as bringing most glory to his God, exalting the Saviour, honouring the Spirit of God, and securing the salvation of his own soul. Whatever becomes of me-the Christian would feel- I would have no other way than this. Yea, 1 Luke x. 42. 3Totus desirabilis et totum 4 John xvi. 13, 14. 2 Phil. iii. 7, 8. desirabile.'-Greg. Naz. Orat. i. 5 Ibid. xiv. 6. though I should perish, I would abide in it. So transcendent is the discovery which it affords of the glory of God-scarcely less clear than the glory of heaven itself.' The practical pathway, however, is often ruggedalways narrow. We may have to encounter not only the reviling and the sneer of an ungodly world, but even the suspicions of our brethren, who may not always be able to understand our motives. Yet if our heart is upright with God, "none of these things will move us." Our choice is made, and we are prepared to abide the cost.1 But that our choice may be daily established, let us not forget the treasury of our life, light, and grace. Let us "lay the judgments of God before us." For we have always some new lesson to learn-some new duty to perform-some new snare to avoid. We must therefore walk by rule 2-as under the eye of a jealous God, who enlightens and cheers our path-under the eye of the ungodly, who watch for our halting-under the eye of weak Christians, who might be stumbled by our unsteady walk-under the eye of established Christians, who will be yet further established by the testimony of our consistent profession. What a stay do the promises of the Gospel afford for this strict and accurate walk! All is given that is needed. The obedience that is enjoined is secured. "God working in us " enables us to work for him; and while we are humbly looking for further supplies, and diligently improving what has been already bestowed, he is pledged by promise to assist, as we are bound by duty to obey. 4 1 Luke xiv. 28. 3 Phil. ii. 12, 13. 4 Isaiah xli. 10. 2 See Gal. vi. 16. Phil. iii. 16. What then let me inquire—is the choice which I have made? I would remember it is for eternity. And if, through the grace that has first chosen me, "I have chosen the way of truth," is the effect of this choice daily visible in a life and conversation wellordered according to the word of God? If it is good to hide that word in my heart," as a safe-guard against sin, it is good also " to lay it before" my eyes as the chart to guide my course- -the model to direct my work-the support to uphold my weakness. 31. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. WHILE David complained of his "soul cleaving unto the dust," he was yet enabled to say-" I have stuck unto thy testimonies." And how exactly does this experience accord with the features of every real Christian's heart, (or two hearts, as a converted African once expressed it,) described in the Apostle's picture of himself" I delight in the law of God after the inward man; but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." 3 Rom. vii. 22, 23, 25. Most graphically is this conflict depicted in the interesting record which Augustine has given of the exercises of his own mind-The new will which began to be in me, whereby I would love thee, O my God, the only certain sweetness, was not yet able to overcome my former will, confirmed by long continuance. So my two wills, the one old, the other new; the one carnal, the other spiritual, conflicted between themselves, and rent my soul by their disagreement. Then did I understand by my own experience what I had read, how the "flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit lusteth against the flesh." I was myself on both sides, but more in that which The most painful conflicts, however, will not destroy the believer's consciousness of being a new creature in Christ Jesus. He feels that he hates the sin that he commits, and loves the Saviour whom, in spite of himself, he dishonours; so that, with all his sins and unworthiness, he fears not to put in his claim among the family of God. But, reader, seriously ask yourself-How did you become a Christian? Was it by birth and education, or by choice? If indeed by grace you have been enabled to "choose the way of truth," then be sure you cleave to it, so that no business, nor pleasure, nor difficulties, turn you away from it. Unless indeed you "stick to" your choice, better, far better, were it that you had not made it at all. "No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. It had been better for you not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after you have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto you.' 1 Yet there must be a daily conflict maintained with the world, and what is more difficult, with self, if "with purpose of heart you would cleave unto the Lord." You will often be tempted to turn aside, The length and weariness of the way, and the slowness of your progress, are sources of constant and harassing trial. It will be well, therefore, often to inquire, what was the reason of your original choice? Was it made under the light, direction, and encouragement of an awakened and enlightened conscience? I approved, than in that which I condemned, in myself because for the most part I suffered reluctantly what I did willingly.'— Confess. Book viii. ch. 5. Compare Rom. vii. 15-20. John viii. 31. 2 Peter ii. 21. 3 Numbers xxi. 4. 1 Luke ix. 62. 2 Acts xi. 23. This reason may well bind you to "stick to " it; for the more steadily you "hold fast your profession," the greater experience you will have of its reality, the more you will be able to overcome opposing difficulties, and to assure your own heart, that the way which you have chosen, and to which "you stick," is a "way of pleasantness and peace." 1 Backslider! have you found God "a wilderness, or a land of darkness," 2 that you could think of deserting him, and returning to the world for happiness? Is it wise to "forsake the fountain" for "broken cisterns?" 3 Is it likely to make you happier in this world? And is it not certain (unless through abounding grace you are recovered) to bring you to perdition in the next? And have you forgotten who it was, that befriended you in the moment of awful extremity, and snatched you as a brand from the burning? Have you forgotten the costly proofs of his love, when he condescended to become a man, and " a man of sorrows,' 994 and to die in the agony of the cross, bearing for you the eternal curse of God? 5 And does not gratitude remind you, what returns of faithful service are due from a creature so infinitely indebted to him as you have been? Surely the stedfast perseverance with which his heart clave to the work that brought him down from heaven,6 may serve to put to shame the unsteadiness of your purpose in sticking to his testimonies." 66 Believer! you are determined to abide by your choice. But let not your confidence be in your own strength. Remember him, who one hour declared that he would sooner die with Christ than deny him, 3 Ibid. 13. 5 Gal. iii. 13. Luke xii. 50. Heb. xii. 2, 3. 1 Prov. iii. 17. 2 Jer. ii. 31. |