Part 310

h originally was attended with power and dominion; -- is still all that is beautiful or comely in the world. How it makes men honourable and precious in the sight of God, of angels, of men; how alone it is that which is not despised, which is of price before the Lord; what contempt and scorn he has [Auto-modernized] of them in whom it is not, -- in what abomination he has [Auto-modernized] them and all their ways, -- might easily be evinced.

[2dly.] Peace. By it we have communion with God, in which [Auto-modernized] peace alone is to be enjoyed. "The wicked are like the troubled sea, that cannot rest;" and, "There is no peace" to them, "says [Auto-modernized] my God," Isaiah 57:20-21 There is no peace, rest, or quietness, in a distance, separation, or alienation from God. He is the rest of our souls. In the light of his countenance is life and peace. Now, "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another," 1 John 1:7; "and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ," verse 3. He that walks in the light of new obedience, he has [Auto-modernized] communion with God, and in his presence is fulness of joy for ever; without it, there is nothing but darkness, and wandering, and confusion.

[3dly.] Usefulness. A man without holiness is good for nothing. "Ephraim," says the prophet, "is an empty vine, that brings forth fruit to itself." And what is such a vine good for? Nothing. Says [Auto-modernized] another prophet, "A man cannot make so much as a pin of it, to hang a vessel on." A barren tree is good for nothing, but to be cut down for the fire. Notwithstanding the seeming usefulness of men who serve the providence of God in their generation