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ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him."

When Christ sought to prepare them for his doctrine, by telling them that they could not serve God and mammon, it is said, "That, when the Pharisees, who were covetous, heard these things, they derided him." But he instructed them in the next verse, that "what is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God;" enforcing this by the example of the rich man and Lazarus; and on another occasion asserted, "That it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God; and that, whosoever he be, that forsaketh not all, that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Now take this in the largest sense, that he, who is not willing to forsake all, as if he hated them, as Christ said, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father and mother," and "take not his cross and follow me, he cannot be my disciple." How few disciples would he have had in this age! Would all his miracles persuade some to this? The world is too hard for Heaven with most men !

Here is the cause of infidelity. The love of the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, darken the heart, and, like shutters, keep out the light of Heaven; till they are removed, the light cannot enter. The spirit of purity and holiness will not descend into a heart full of uncleanIf we would invite this guest, we must sweep the house and make it clean. But this

ness.

too is of God; for he only can make a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. But he has promised to give this wisdom to those, who ask it, and lead a godly life. Therefore ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. But do it ardently and incessantly, as he, who striveth for his soul. For God is gracious and merciful, long suffering, and of great goodness; and those, who come to him in sincerity, he will in no wise cast out.

FINIS.

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