And this, like all other exercises of true faith and piety, is of great practical importance; it is fruitful in righteousness to all who “think soberly;” it serves them, when they return to the busy scenes of earth, as an animation to duty; it purifies their affections and renders the world little in their eyes; it arms them for conflict, and reconciles them to trouble: in the midst of trials, of disappointments and bereavements, of struggles and difficulties, of frowns and oppositions, they remember, with thankfulness and comfort, the spiritual joys they have experienced, and expect to be blessed with them again: yes, in their darker hours, they remember, that the Sun of righteousness, has shone brightly upon them, and the beams are still reflected; though they cannot at present perceive Him so clearly, though He seems, like Jesus with the disciples, to have “vanished out of their sight,” He has left a glory behind, and will again visit them with the fulness of His favour; and they go on their way “not faithless, but believing.” To those who have been thus in the habit of pious and scriptural meditation; of intently dwelling upon the sublime mysteries, and the gracious promises, and the noble examples, and the striking histories of the word of God; to them it is needless to recommend a continuance of the good work; it is a christian obligation, which they can never think of declining; and besides this, the delight and improvement, which it affords, are its own sufficient recommendation. But upon all, who have unhappily neglected this their great privilege and duty, I would most earnestly press the importance of attending to this point, as a matter of bounden necessity. It is not enough to form an acquaintance with the leading truths of the gospel, as a matter of faith and profession; there is much to be learnt upon a nearer inspection, much indeed that can never be learned without it; much to enlarge and exalt the understanding; to renew the heart and regulate the life. The necessary intercourse, which most of us have with the world, is of a lowering and defiling nature; estranging the heart from a love of holiness and of God: and in order to correct this evil, scriptural study and spiritual consideration, as well as fervent prayer, are indispensable.