Ninth Day. Of hearkening to the voice of God. T. Lord; to whom shall we

go? tlioii hast the words of eternal life." John vi. 68. It is Jesus Ciirist who must be liearkened to. Men are no farther to be heard or believed, than as they have the truth and authority of Jesus Christ. Books are only so far good as they teach us the gospel. Lei us go then to this sacred source. He, therefore, only spoke and acted, that we might hear him, and apply ourselves to study the particulars of his life. Wretched as we are, we follow our own vain thoughts, and neglect the truth itself, whose words give eternal life. O uncreated Word, yet incarnate for me, make thyself understood in my soul! speak. Lord, for thy servant heareth, and desireth to obey thee!

II. Men often say, that they would gladly know what they should do to advance in virtue. But when the spirit of God has taught us what is to be done, our courage often fails in the execution. We are sensible that we are not what we ought to be; yet we behold our miseries daily increasing, and think we do much in barely wishing that we were better. All kinds of wishing or willing, that are not strong enough to make us sacrifice whatever is an obstacle to us in our way to God, pass for nothing. Let us, therefore, no longer hold the truth captive in an unrighteous lukewarmness. Let us hear vhat God sug2;ests to us. Let us prove the spirit that moves us, to discern whether it be of God; and if it be, let nothing hinder our obedience. The Psalmist prayed to God, not only to teach him his will, but also to teach him to do it. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God: thy spirit is good, lead me into the land of uprightness.' Fsahw cxliii. 10,