Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day. In whatever path we set out, there is no standing still. The grace of God, which is given to men, lies not dormant. I. HOW SHALL WE KNOW IF WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS? 1. Are you sensible of your faults and imperfections? The first indication of wisdom is to confess our ignorance, and the first step to virtue is to be sensible of our own imperfections. Till we feel our own weakness we can never be strong in the Lord; we can never rise in the Divine sight till we sink in our own estimation. 2. What is the strength of your attachment to the cause of righteousness? Are you enamoured with the beauty of holiness? Men will never imitate what they do not love. If, then, you are not lovers of goodness and virtue, you never will be good and virtuous. 3. Are your resolutions as firm and your application as vigorous now as when you first set out in the spiritual life? True religion does not consist in fits and starts of devotion. He alone is a good man who perseveres in goodness. Are you as much in earnest now as when your first love to God began to bring forth the fruits of righteousness? As you advance in years, all the passions will gradually cool. You will not feel that degree of ardour in your devotions which you experienced in your early years. But your devotions may continue as sincere, though not so inflamed, as before, and religion may be as effectual as ever in the regulation of your life. 4. Another mark of increasing grace is when you obey the Divine commandments from affection and love. He alone will make progress in the path of the just who is drawn by the cords of love. II. DIRECTIONS HOW TO MAKE FURTHER PROGRESS IN THE PATH OF THE JUST. 1. Make a serious business of a holy life. The true Christian will not be deficient in his attention to the externals of religion; but he will not rest there. We must make a study of the holy life, in order to advance from strength to strength in the ways of the Lord. 2. Never rest satisfied with any degrees of holiness or virtue which you attain. The law of the spiritual life is to aim at perfection. Absolutely perfect we can never become in this life; but we must be always aspiring and endeavouring after perfection. 3. Be alway employed in the improvement of your souls. Evil habits may be weakened; inclinations may be counteracted. You may call forth graces that have not yet made their appearance, and bring forward to perfection those that have. 4. Abound in prayer to God for the assistance of His Holy Spirit. III. EXHORTATION TO A LIFE OF PROGRESSIVE VIRTUE. 1. It is your duty to make progress in the ways of righteousness. You must "abound in the work of the Lord" if you expect your labours to be attended with success. 2. Be assured that you will be successful in the attempt. Here, all who run may obtain. 3. Think of the beauty and the pleasantness of such a progress. These are pleasures that time will not take away. While the animal spirits fail, and the joys which depend upon the liveliness of the passions decline with years, the solid comforts of a holy life, the delights of virtue and a good conscience, will be a new source of happiness in old age, and have a charm for the end of life. 4. Let me exhort you to this progressive state of virtue, from the pleasant consideration that it has no period. There are limits and boundaries set to all human affairs; but in the progress of the mind to intellectual and moral perfection there is no period set. On what you do, on what you now do, all depends. (John Logan.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. |
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