derstood as the nature of these paths. It was quite impossible to make them without being in the kingdom, because they commenced at the walls; and yet the people who were without, had a very general idea that it was necessary to reach the temple by some exertion of their own,' before they could be admitted at the gate!* How absurd and preposterous! And when this ridiculous notion was abandoned,

r

• Give me understanding, and I shall live. cxix. 144.

Ps.

P Who is wise, and he shall understand these things ? prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them. Hos. xiv. 9.

a They that are in the flesh, cannot please God. Rom. viii. 8.

If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Gal. ii. 21.

s When ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. Rom. vi. 20.

t Being then justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. v. 1, 2.

and they were actually in the kingdom, many of them gave up all thoughts of the Temple, for fear that the exertions which now were lawful, would "take off from the glory of that free admittance which had been granted them by the Prince, not considering that he had let them in on purpose that they might come near to him. He had provided the streams of water to guide them to his Temple, and support them in their progress," and those who refused through ignorance or indolence, were much to blame. 2

Another thing which greatly surprised

u For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them. Eph. ii. 10.

x Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Rom. vi. 18.

y He will keep the feet of his saints.

1 Sam. ii. 9.

z Stir up the gift of God which is in thee. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. i. 6, 7.

me, was, the offence it gave to persons on the wrong side of the gate, if the people of the kingdom spake of themselves as being within. How could this assurance be presumption? b Were not the walls around us; c was not the robe upon us; and did not the waters flow at our feet?e Had we any reason to doubt our security,f or our comfort? Were we not sensible

g

d

a I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. John viii. 50.

b The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he will shew them his covenant. Ps. xxv. 14.

c Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Cor. iii. 16. d Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Col. i. 13.

e Our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much as1 Thes. i. 5.

surance.

f The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Is. xxxii. 17.

These things have I written unto you that believe

that all things were very different here to what they were without? And, besides,i how ungrateful would it be to our kind Prince, who had made for us this beautiful kingdom, and placed us in it by his own power and mercy, if we did not know whether we were there or not! His orders were, that his people should rejoice; m and how would it be

on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life. 1 John v. 13.

h The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; &c. Rom. viii. 16, 17.

iNow he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us is God; who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor. i. 21, 22.

k But I know him; and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar. John viii. 55.

1 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Col. i. 12.

m Blessed be the Lord, for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. Ps. xxxi. 21.

possible to rejoice," if uncertain of our safety? •

And yet, another surprising fact I have to mention, is this, that I have actually found individuals in the kingdom, who were not satisfied that they had entered it. It was happy for them, that their feelings could not affect their situation; P for whatever they fancied through infirmity or inattention, they were safe within the walls. These persons greatly dishonoured their Prince, for notwithstanding all

n Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter i. 8, 9.

• Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Rom. xv. 13.

P Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. 2 Tim. ii. 19.

a Who shall separate us from the love of Christ. Rom. viii. 35.