choose the particular style of address which suited his case. Instead of this, they often spake against choice watchmen, because they had not learnt to understand their speech. For instance, a man who had not come through the gate, could not derive much profit from hearing only of the Temple." Those watchmen who had been nearest to the temple, delighted only in that theme,

same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 1 Cor. xii. 5, 6.

z One saith, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 1 Cor. iii. 4, 5.

a But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment. 1 Cor. iv. 3. b Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. John viii. 43.

• Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb. v. 14.

but very few took pleasure in hearing of it.d

e

Again, it is evident that persons who had been much in that exalted region, could not be edified by accounts of the passage through the gate, but would rather seek to hear those who could tell them most about the spot they loved, and who urged them onward to still higher enjoyment of it.

I observed that in general the watchmen who explained, were more liked

d When for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. Heb. v. 12, 13.

We speak wisdom among them that are perfect... God hath revealed them unto us by the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Cor. ii. 6, 10.

H

go

than those who exhorted, and that such as insisted most upon the labour of making paths, were seldom popular. The intellectual pleasure of gaining knowledge with only the trouble of listening, is always appreciated; and there is considerable satisfaction in hearing statements, about which we think ourselves competent to decide.h

f For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 1 Cor. iv. 20.

For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Rom. ii. 13.

hAlso, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls, and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them, for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument, for they hear thy words, but they do them not. Ezek. xxxiii. 30, 31, 32.

With respect to exhortation, some liked it from its producing momentary excitement and impulses of the mind, that could be remembered with satisfaction. But when the paths were insisted on, notwithstanding the many excuses always ready, men found so powerful a conscience testifying against them, as to render the subject peculiarly uncomfortable; and all turned away from it in disgust, who had not made up their minds to the undertaking. Those who evinced the greatest aversion to this mode of address, were generally such as had at first received it gladly, and had began to form their paths; but finding the way more difficult than they expected, had abandoned the task, and were consequently offended at the subject.i

i When tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and bye he is offended. Matt. xiii. 21.

k

It seemed strange to me, to see persons who had been for years within the walls, listening contentedly to the wellknown truth of the necessity for being brought into the kingdom; nay, they would constantly attend one of the selfappointed watchmen, (if his station were near them,) and be satisfied with his crude notions of the guide book, conceived of only through the medium of ideas brought from the outward world.'

Alas! thought I, that our Prince should have so few to approach near to his dwelling place! How can they be content to remain so far from him!"

m

kA wise man will hear, and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. Prov. i. 5.

1 Cease my son to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. Prov. xix. 27.

m A seed shall serve him. Ps. xxii. 30.

n Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matt. v. 6.