June 23

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." 1 John 2:3

IN the experience of the Christian, there is, and ever must be, an inseparable connection between principle and practice. The possession of a heavenly principle will uniformly be associated with the pursuit of a holy practice. Let us now consider Christian knowledge in

ITS TEST. The existence of Divine grace is one thing, but the enjoyment of Christian assurance is another. How are we to know that we know Christ? Our inward experience and the Spirit's testimony prove the fact. But our text leads us to an external evidence connected with the life—"If we keep his commandments." This obedience must be

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Sincere in its principle. Much depends on the motives which influence us in the service of God. The motive stamps the action. If we would wish for acceptance with God, there must be purity of intention, and sincerity of aim.

Cheerful in its manner. It is not to be like the obedience of slaves to a tyrant whom they fear; but that of sons to a father whom they love. If we felt more of the constraining influence of the love of Christ, we should be more cheerful in duty. "I will run," says David, "in the way of thy commands; when thou shalt enlarge my heart."

Universal in its extent. There must be an impartial regard to the laws of God—and the believer is called to engage in painful as well as pleasing duties—and to render passive submission, as well as active obedience, to the Divine will. We must kiss the rod of affliction, as well as bow to the sceptre of his love.

Constant in its duration. There must be patient continuance in well-doing, and perseverance to the end—all our acts of obedience will not have the weight of a feather in the scale of our acceptance with God—but they will give proof of that acceptance—inasmuch as the root of grace is known by the fruits of holiness. After we have done all, we must retire beneath the shadow of the cross, and exclaim,—We are unprofitable servants.