Establishing Graces

    It is a very desirable thing, when people are in a good mind, and in a good way, that they should be established in it: "O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee."

    Now the following are establishing graces.

    Sincerity. This is the grace of graces. There is no grace to be called grace without it. Nothing will last that is not sincere. A painted face will not last. There are many painted Christians. There is no apostate who was not first a hypocrite. If there had been soundness he would not have been an apostate. That which is sincere will last. They went out from us, but "they were not of us!" "Take heed, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees."

    Humility. When the high cedars tumble down, the shrubs are safe. Oh, be humble and low in your own eyes. Only by pride comes apostasy. Have you gifts, parts, usefulness? You have received them. Do not boast.

    Faith. There is no establishment without this: "If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established." It is the "evil heart of unbelief" that causes departing from God: "Be strong in faith, giving glory to God." The anchor is faith. It establishes, as the hand of the soul. By it we take hold of Christ, and keep our hold of him. And, as the eye of the soul, to discern things invisible. There are grievous threatenings against apostates. Do you believe them? If you do, you will act accordingly.

    Resolution. _ "Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Be strong ir the grace of Christ, not in your own strength.