September 6

"And have no confidence in the flesh."—Philippians 3:3.

THE sentiment of the apostle here is simply this — we renounce all dependence upon what we have done, and can do, in performing the righteousness of the law by natural principles, which for their corruption and weakness may be styled flesh. The believer has no confidence

IN HIS EXTERNAL CHURCH PRIVILEGES. Many erroneously imagine that these will entitle them to the favor of God, as they make a distinction between them and others; their baptism, church membership, and admission to the Lord's table, are the grounds of their confidence; but it is not so with the Christian.

IN HIS NEGATIVE RIGHTEOUSNESS. That is, a freedom from gross immoralities, which the apostle calls "the corruption that is in the world through lust." Though we live moral lives, and act with such kind and amiable dispositions towards our fellow-creatures, as to gain the good-will and applause of all around us; yet, if we have no other foundation on which to build our hopes for eternity, we have no scriptural ground for the hope of salvation.

IN HIS KNOWLEDGE. In this state of weakness and imperfection, our knowledge is limited, and our views contracted. There is a wide prospect yet unseen, a great space yet undiscovered. No Christian has ever attained to the landmark on which is inscribed "perfect;" and shall we have confidence in our knowledge?

IN HIS DUTIES. Some would make these a ladder by which to ascend to heaven: we are allowed to regard them as a ladder to the cross, and that itself is the only ladder to heaven. We must learn to use religious duties without resting on them: though the dove in the deluge used her wings, yet she did not trust in them, but in the ark; so should we engage in duties, but confide in Jesus alone.

IN HIS GRACES. These are precious, and render the soul like God; but this gold will not abide the fiery test in the furnace of the law, because at its highest pitch it is, and necessarily must be, attended with numerous imperfections. Is not our faith weak as a bruised reed, and tainted with unbelief? Is not our love frequently as a smoking flax, ready to be entirely extinguished in oblivion? Are not insincerity and hardness of heart mingled with our repentance? Let us be thankful there is such a foundation on which we may with confidence build, and be ever looking unto Jesus.