There is power with God to compel such use of his gifts as he requires.  By overruling the degeneracy of fallen creatures, they often subserve the more mischievous.  Gifts, under the influence his holy purposes.  Princes who know him not, are often instrumental in executing his designs.—­the Assyrian and Persian monarchs were formerly made to execute his judicial designs on other nations and on his people, though “they meant not so, neither did their hearts think so.”  Other potentates do the same, and in the same way.  Yea God hath power to compel unwilling obedience to his known commands, and hath sometimes done it.  Balaam was made to bless Israel and foretel their greatness, while yet the enemy of Israel, and of the God of Israel; and Jonah, to bear God’s messages to Nineveh.

To be thus used of God gives no title to his favor.  “When God had performed his whole work on Mount Zion,” he punished the proud Assyrian whom he had used in the execution of his justice:  And Balaam perished among the enemies of Israel.  Service undesignedly performed, and that which is the effect of constraint, find no encouragement in revelation.  “If I do this thing willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, a dispensation is committed unto me; what is my reward then?”

III.  Though it is lawful to covet earnestly the best gifts, there is a more “excellent way”—­there is that which is more valuable, especially to the possessor—­the grace which sanctifies the heart.  If we have this grace the more gifts we possess the better—­they are all consecrated to the service of God.  If we have only gifts they may render us of grace, are beneficial, but under that of depravity, baleful in their effects.

Some pride themselves in the powers which they possess, and despise those of inferior abilities—­some mistake gifts for graces, or the sure evidences of them.  But the day is at hand which will correct mistakes, and exhibit every thing in its proper light.  Then the humble followers of the Lamb, who pass through life unnoticed, or unknown, will be found written in heaven, and will be owned and honored, as the redeemed of the Lord.  But those who neglect the grace offered in Christ, though they may possess the greatest powers—­may speak with tongues of men and angels, and have all faith to the removing of mountains, will be denied of the eternal Judge, and sent away into everlasting punishment.  Wherefore, rejoice not, though the spirits may be subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

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SERMON XV.

Human Characters determined only by Divine decision.

1 Corinthians iv. 3, 4.

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment; yea I judge not mine own self.  For I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified:  but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”