Sincerity may consist with very defective views of divine truth; but it will not consist with allowed deviations from truth or duty. The wisdom that is from above is "without partiality and without hypocrisy." It is allowed, that Paul, before his conversion, "_verily thought_ that he _ought_ to do many things against the name of Jesus;" but it does not appear that he took pains to examine the claims of Christianity as he might have done; and, but for the abounding mercy of God through Christ, his ignorance and unbelief would have formed no cloak for his sin. It could not be for want of opportunity that he did not attend the ministry of Christ himself. Why did he not first search the Scriptures as the Bereans did, to see whether things were as the apostles affirmed them to be? Nathanael of Galilee was the subject of a popular prejudice when he said, with an air of indifference and distrust, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Yet he went to examine for himself; and when he saw, he believed with the heart, and confessed with the mouth, and obtained that honourable testimony that he was "an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." Nor is it less essential to sincerity that the soldier yield a prompt obedience to the word of command. No intelligence, nor skill in armour, will make up for the want of integrity manifested by the disobedient. Who does not see the insincerity of those Jews who, it is said, believed in Christ, but were afraid to confess Him? Or of that amiable youth who turned back from following Him, rather than part with his possessions? Or of him who would follow Christ, but must wait for the death of his father? Or those to whom He said, with a degree of severity not usual with the Saviour, "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?" but added, "Then are ye my disciples indeed, when ye do whatsoever I command you." The sincerity of Paul, when converted, was evident to all, and remains as a model for every honest-hearted inquirer. Observe, how inquisitive! "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" What resolution to obey! "Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood." And what perseverance! "What mean ye, to weep and break my heart? I am ready, not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus." This decision of character cleared his course, and brought other disciples to a better mind; for it is added, "When he would not be persuaded, they ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done!" In the same interesting character we have exemplified that entire devotion of heart and life which demonstrated the sincerity of his profession, the purity of his motives, and the strength of his attachment to the Author and Finisher of his faith.