d there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the gel stood, saying, Rise and measure the temple of God, 1 the altar, and them that worship therein. But the irt which is without the temple leave out, and measure not." Rev. xi. 1, 2.

VHEN we reflect upon the many thousands lifferent ages of the world, who have been sessed with an idea that they were the pear favourites of heaven, when at the same e they were so far from being acceptable o God, that they were even an abomination is sight; every prudent man will be led to mine with candor and sincerity the founion upon which his own belief of divine actance is built. In order to be able to dee with correctness on this point, it is indissably necessary, that we should know

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the distinguishing qualifications of those that are in favour with God. There is no knowledge of greater importance to mankind than this, and no study in which every individual person is more deeply concerned.

Through a want of this knowledge, many, in the most confident belief that they were doing God service, have been found fighting against God, and endeavouring, to the utmost of their power to destroy his true worshippers. Others again, who made sure from their great performances, that they should go straight to heaven when they died, have been so utterly destitute of every principle of goodness, that in the very nature of things, they could not escape the damnation of hell. Whilst others have had such an exalted idea of their attainments in religion, that, in their own estimation, they were rich, increased with goods, and had need of nothing, when in regard to any thing truly right, they were poor and miserable, and blind and naked.

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Facts have demonstrated, that a person may be very strict and particular in all the outward performances of religion, and suppose himself sure of eternal life, and be at the same time, an in his heart to God and all true religion. Witness the Pharisees, at the time they crucified the Saviour; and the fastings, abstinences, and masses of the Catholics, at the time they burned the martyrs in the flames. So again, persons may be greatly animated, feel abundance of joy, and seem to have their hearts much drawn towards the things of religion,

when after all, there is no change wrought in them; they are in the flesh still. Herod heard John gladly, and the stony ground hearers received the word with joy, yet in neither of these was any thing to be found of a saving nature.

It is natural, and requires no higher principle than nature, to feel greatly stirred up, on hearing the torments of the wicked, and to be enlivened and carried away with pleasing sensations on a representation of the glories and enjoyments of heaven; yea, persons may feel a sort of love and gratitude towards the Lord, from an idea that the Lord loves them and is engaged in promoting their cause, or on experiencing some particular deliverance, and yet at the same time have nothing beyond nature in them, and nature too very depraved. I have read an account of an old Catholic, who, when about to die, received intelligence of the great slaughter of the protestants at the revocation of the edict of Nantz; at hearing this, his spirits seemed revived, joy sprang up in his heart, and he was full of love and grateful affections towards the Lord; saying, in the words of pious old Simeon, "and now, Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation." So also the carnal Israelites sung God's praises at the Red Sea, but soon forgot his works, and rebelled against him. Affections, therefore, it is plain, often arise out of men's own natures, unrenewed and unsanctified by the Holy Spirit.

For want of considering this point, many take up an idea from certain exercises they have, or inward feelings, that they are heirs of the kingdom of heaven, and confidently expect to be owned and accepted of God, when there is no real inward change effected in their hearts. It is all only the workings of their own spirits, operated upon by self love. Their own interest is the only thing they have at heart, and after all their professions of love to God, and all the pleasurable sensations they experience, they will be shut out of the kingdom of heaven. Some in old time, seemed to have a great deal of love to Christ; saying, "I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest;" yet their hearts were unsound at the bottom. Others followed him from place to place, and clean over the lake, because they eat of the loaves and were filled, and not out of a sincere regard to the truth of his doctrine. Whatever such people may feel or do, or whatever they may profess, they will be rejected as workers of iniquity. For people may say, Lord, Lord, make a great show of love to him, and eat and drink in his presence, and after all, go to hell.

Iniquity may be as effectually worked under the appearance of religion, and in the performance of its duties, if the heart be not right towards the Lord, as in any other way whatever, and at the same time, the persons may have no idea they are working iniquity, but may suppose the Lord is highly pleased with them, and

has great delight in their performances. Even the solemn meeting of the false hearted Jews in the time of Isaiah, the Lord declared to be iniquity, and our Saviour testified, that the Pharisees should receive the greater damnation, on account of their long prayers.

Very few in this day are careful to inform themselves respecting the nature of true religion, but take up with any thing that comes to hand, under the name of religion, caring only to get to heaven. Some, indeed, after they have taken up an idea that they are the children of God, will persist in maintaining it against all scripture, reason, and every thing else. For it is no sign that a man's state is good, because he is carried away with an idea that it is the case. It was thus with the Scribes and Pharisees in our Saviour's time; they judged their state to be very good, and were in confident expectation of eternal life. To intimate any thing to the contrary, excited in them the highest indignation. Nevertheless, the Saviour says to them, "how can ye escape the damnation of hell." Little did they think that hell would be their portion.

There are three ways whereby people become deceived, in regard to their state. First, Many have the most confident belief that their state is good, from certain suggestions to their minds, or an inward persuasion that they are the people of God, and that God loves them, without any just grounds for such a persuasion. Secondly, Others make sure that the Lord has