12 JULY (PREACHED THURSDAY 11 JULY 1776)
With a single eye
‘And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.’ Genesis 17:1
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 1 Peter 1:13–25
His people’s duty and aim, in consequence of his all-sufficiency, is:
(i) to walk before him; that is, as in his sight, importing acting from a principle of love and reverence, with a view to his glory, and in a spirit of dependence. O the honour, the comfort, the excellence of such a walk.
(ii) to be perfect. This means not a sinless perfection, but sincerity. This includes a single eye, in opposition to all mean and selfish views, and a universal respect to all his commandments.
The knowledge of God as all-sufficient will influence us to such a walk and it is impracticable upon any other principle. Whatever is short of this is but a poor pretence, a lifeless shadow of religion.
FOR MEDITATION: How shall I speak with that reverence which becomes an ambassador of God, with that earnestness which is suitable to the case of perishing souls, with that faithfulness as to deliver my own soul and be pure from the blood of all men, with that wisdom as to avoid unnecessary offences and not lay obstacles in my own way, with that steadiness as not to be disconcerted by smiles or frowns, by temptations or afflictions, by men or devils? The servant of God will not be deterred by these considerations, because he knows the Lord whom he serves is able to deliver and support him, but it seems impossible he should be unaffected with them.
Miscellaneous Thoughts, Thursday 29 June 1758
Oh, may it please thee, that now in the evening of life, I may not dishonour my profession, or lose the testimony of a good conscience. But that my sun may set without a cloud, and that I may be a testimony to thy goodness for the encouragement of those around me, with my latest breath or so long as I am able to speak. Amen.
Diary, 21 March 1794
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 35 [2/2], GENESIS 17:1
Milo 