The zeal and devotion of Mr. Martyn were not beyond his duty. There is no such thing as a man being more holy, or doing more good than God requires of him. Had he done tenfold more, he could not have, on that account, procured the pardon of a single sin. So let not the Christian think that he deserves credit and praise for any thing he may do, or that he thus gains a right to heaven. God does, indeed, condescend to accept our services, and to use us as instruments of doing good, but it is he who gives us both the inclination and the ability to serve him; therefore he deserves all the praise. Not that this excuses us for being idle, and waiting for him to compel us to be zealous for him. Our duty is to pray, “Lord, what wilt thou have us to do?” and at the same time to be seeking out ways of doing good. No person need be idle or useless a moment, who has faculties, property, or strength, which he can consecrate. Let every one, then, fix upon something that will absorb his attention, and resolve, with reliance upon the grace of God, to expend every effort in accomplishing it; not to be put back by small discouragements, but to exercise STRONG FAITH IN CHRIST. That is the principle which will enable us to do every thing. Every Christian may say, and ought to feel, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me.” Thus let us act from the principles of love and duty, and then we shall find that God has connected our duty with our happiness, and that the more we sacrifice for him—the more danger and reproach, and hardships we may encounter, the greater will be the peace and joy of our souls. In infinite condescension, God speaks of _rewards_ to those who serve him. Oh, he would be just, after all our labours, to cast us from his presence; but he graciously promises to give his blessing to those who strive to do his will, though they do it imperfectly. And those who have humbly and zealously applied themselves to the single purpose of living for God, have found that he has given them happiness beyond what they had conceived. This internal bliss is comprehended in the assertion of the apostle Paul, when he says, “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for those who love him; _but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit_.” FOOTNOTES: [14] One of Mr. Martyn’s servants. [15] On the stone the name is erroneously put _William_. [16] See a further account of this person in the Appendix. APPENDIX. ABDOOL MESSEEH. The following interesting history of this convert is given in a Report of the Church Missionary Society: “He was born at Delhi. His original name was Shekh Salih. His father is considered a learned man, and gains a livelihood by teaching children. Shekh Salih was instructed by his father, and made considerable proficiency both in the Persian and Arabic languages.