At least, do I feel such a concern for the glory of God, and such a thirst after the salvation of men, that I am ready to do any thing, however contrary to my natural inclination, to part with any thing, however agreeable to me, to suffer any thing, however grievous to flesh and blood, so I may save one soul from hell? Is this my ruling temper at all times and in all places? Does it make all my labour light? If not what a weariness is it? What a drudgery? Had I not far better hold the plough? But is it possible this should be my ruling temper, if I still love the world? No certainly, _If I love the world, the love of the Father is not in me_. The love of God is not in me, if I love pleasure so called, or diversion. Neither is it in me, if I am a lover of honour or praise, or of dress, or of good eating and drinking. Nay, even indolence, or the love of ease, is inconsistent with the love of God. What a creature then is a coveteous, an ambitious, a luxurious, an indolent, a diversion-loving clergyman? Is it any wonder that infidelity should encrease, where any of these are to be found? That many, comparing their spirit with their profession, should blaspheme that worthy name whereby they are called? But _woe be unto him by whom the offence cometh! It were good for that man if he had never been born._ It were good for him now, rather than he should continue to turn the lame out of the way, _that a mill-stone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the depth of the sea_! 3. May not you, who are of a better spirit consider, thirdly, am I such as I ought to be, with regard to my _practice_? Am I in my private life, wholly devoted to God? Am I intent upon this one thing, to do in every point _not my own will, but the will of him that sent me_? Do I carefully and resolutely abstain from every evil word and work? _From all appearance of evil?_ From all indifferent things, which might lay a stumbling block in the way of the weak? Am I zealous of good works? As I have time, do I do good to all men? And that in every kind, and in as high a degree as I am capable?