Third Day. Of true devotion

I. How frequently do men deceive themselves by that vain religion, which St. James warns us of, chap. i. 26, Some think it consists in saying over many prayers; otliers, in doing many outward works to the glory of God and service of our neighbour. Some place it in continual desire of salvation, and others in great mortitications. These things are all good, and even necessary, to a certain degree; but none of these is the principal thing, or essence of true piety.

That piety by wliich we are sanctified and entirely devoted to Godj consists in doing liis will precisely in all circumstances of life. Take what steps you please, do what good works you will, yet shall you not be rewarded, but for having done the will of the sovereign Master. Although your servant should do wonders, yet if he did not that very business which you would have done, you would not value his performaoces, and might justly complain of him as a bad servant.

II. That perfect devoting ourselves to God, from which devotion has its name, requires tliat we should not only do the will of God, but also that we should do it with love. **He loveth a cheerful giver,'' and without the heart, no obedience is acceptable to him. We ouglit to think it a happiness to serve sach a master. Let me add.

that this devoting ourselves to God must be habitual; we must be alike resigned to him in all circumstances, even those that are most opposite to our views, our inclinations, and our projects; and it must keep us in a constant readiness to part with our estate, our time, our liberty, our life, and our reputation. To be effectually in this disposition, is to have true devotion. But as the will of God is often hid from us, there is still one step farther to make in this renouncing ourselves; it is to do the divine will with a blind obedience; I say a blind, but judicious obedience. This is w hat all men are obliged to; even those, who are most enlightened and capable to lead others to God, must themselves submit to be led by him.