The sure trial of uprightness opened in several sermons upon Psal. xviii, v. 23…The sure trial of uprightness open'd in several sermons upon Psal. xviii, v. 23…

1. Let us be excited to make a Judgment of our selves by this Rule. The true Decision of our Spiritual State, results from the Testimony of Conscience concerning our Uprightness or Insincerity. If our Hearts condemn us not of predominant Hypocrisy, some indulged habitual Sin, then have we Confidence towards God, that we are accepted of him. If Conscience be enlightened and faithful in the Trial, a Man cannot deliberately deceive himself: he must know whether ⟨p. 74⟩his Resolutions and Endeavours be to obey all the Will of God; or, whether, like an intermitting Pulse, that sometimes beats regularly and then falters, he is zealous in some Duties, and cold or careless in others? Saul would offer Sacrifice, but not obey the Divine Command to destroy all the Amalekites: for his Partiality and Hypocrisy he was rejected of God. But 'tis the Character of David, he was a Man after God's own Heart, in that he did all his Will. 'Tis not the Authority of the Lawgiver, but other Motives that sway those who observe some Commands and are respectless of others. A Servant that readily goes to a Fair or a Feast when sent by his Master, and neglects other Duties, does not his Master's Command from Obedience, but his own Choice. Sincere Obedience is to the Royalty of the Divine Law, and is commensurate to its Purity and Extent.

1. Let us be excited to make a Judgment of our selves by this Rule. The true Decision of our Spiritual State, results from the Testimony of Conscience concerning our Uprightness or Insincerity. If our Hearts condemn us not of predominant Hypocrisy, some indulged habitual Sin, then have we Confidence towards God, that we are accepted of him. If Conscience be inlightned and faithful in the Trial, a Man cannot deliberately deceive himself: he must know whether ⟨p. 74⟩his Resolutions and Endeavours be to obey all the Will of God; or, whether, like an intermitting Pulse, that sometimes beats regularly and then faulters, he is zealous in some Duties, and cold or careless in others? Saul would offer Sacrifice, but not obey the Divine Command to destroy all the Amalekites: for his Partiality and Hypocrisy he was rejected of God. But 'tis the Character of David, he was a Man after God's own Heart, in that he did all his Will. 'Tis not the Authority of the Lawgiver, but other Motives that sway those who observe some Commands and are respectless of others. A Servant that readily goes to a Fair or a Feast when sent by his Master, and neglects other Duties, does not his Master's Command from Obedience, but his own Choice. Sincere Obedience is to the Royalty of the Divine Law, and is commensurate to its Purity and Extent.