Reflections, deliberations, resolutions such as these, sincerely formed and cherished, would very effectually, by divine grace, assist us in attaining that disposition of mind and heart, which might lead us habitually to raise our thoughts to God, under every circumstance, and at every time of temptation. There would thus be cast around us a sacred wall of defence; a perpetual barrier against the inroads of Satan and of sin; and if at times they should, when we are suddenly thrown off our guard, break in upon the heart and lay it waste, they would speedily be expelled, and the breach would be healed without delay. Thus we shall become more jealous over ourselves, more circumspect and watchful; we shall never feel easy, while betraying, into the hands of the enemy, the merciful and glorious work of God. With a love for His goodness, a reverence for His truth, and a fear of His judgments, abiding in the heart, we shall fly from every approach of evil, and dwell in safety beneath the shadow of His wing: “we shall be enabled to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” {92} It is our distinguished privilege to be enlightened by the “wisdom which is from above,” to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might:” God forbid that we should return to the “beggarly elements of the world,” and seek to draw our principles and strength from this polluted source. Had we never been blessed with the light of revelation, we must have been content with such means of duty, as our dark state afforded: we must have been governed and guided like the heathen, whom we now pity. But, as we are supremely favoured with the knowledge of the true God, as “our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ;” as the Holy Spirit is given to “help our infirmities;” let us, in every temptation, remember our infinite obligations to the great and merciful Jehovah, and trust in the sufficiency of His almighty power. After thus “walking with God as friends;” having, for the sake of His friendship, struggled with our evil propensities; having despised the vanity and folly, and renounced the love of the world, we shall experience more and more, the value of His favour, and the fulness of His grace; serving Him in humble gratitude, we shall be acknowledged as His own peculiar people, and He will be our God; in all perplexities we shall find Him our guide, in all trouble our comfort and support; amid the crooked paths of vice He will “make our way plain before His face;” the “snare will be broken and we shall be delivered;” He will honour us among men; “such honour have all His saints;” and this will be an earnest of our everlasting honour in His heavenly abode, in perfect friendship and communion with Him, in that blessed place where sin and temptation will be no more, “where nothing that defileth can enter.” SERMON VI. ON THE JOURNEY TO EMMAUS.