The good man, while he is just to all, and while kind and benevolent, and disposed to do good to all, as he hath opportunity and ability, retains a sense of his defects, of his remaining depravity--that he but too often deviates from his own principles--that in every thing he comes short of his duty. Therefore doth he confess himself "an unprofitable servant"--that he lays God under no obligation--yea, that he lives on mercy--that all the good things which he receives, are unmerited, the gifts of divine grace--that was mercy denied him, and "the reward of his hands given to him, it would be ill with him" --he should be undone forever. Such is the character drawn by the Eastern soothsayer in the last verse of our text: And it is the perfect character of a child of God, in this state of imperfection, trial, and improvement, where he is pressing on towards that perfection which he never attains till he "puts off the body, and is clothed on with his house which is from heaven." Then "the spirits of just men are made perfect," and not till then. "The spirits of just men"--The words are expressive, plainly implying that none who allow themselves in injustice are the children of God --that all the saints will eventually be found, to be "Israelites indeed in whom there is no guile." Thus did Balaam instruct Balak, or remind him of what God required. Balak did not regard him. He could not be persuaded to make such sacrifices as these. He would give all the treasures of his kingdom, and even the fruit of his body, to procure the favor of God; but to sacrifice his corruptions, and put on the temper of a saint!--These were hard requirements--he must be excused! Therefore did he dismiss his instructor, who hitherto had "spoken only the word which God had put into his mouth"--and went away though he went sorrowing! The same is the temper of too many others. We may do much which God requires, may even go beyond and do much which he doth not require, and yet be nothing in religion. There must be the spirit and temper of true religion. There can be no commutation--Nothing will be accepted as a substitute. _We must do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God_, or have no part in him. Nothing without it will be accepted; not even "giving the body to be burned."