Vol. 2

8 ST. MARK.avoid all niceness and superfluity in eating. Andthe tenth, to edify others by a good example.—Intimes of greatest corruption, God generally gives extraordinaryexamples of mortification toawaken sinners,and confound the slothfulness of sensual men.Every one in his way, and according to his capacity,should profit by such examples." 7. And preached, saying, There cometh onemightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoesI am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.'*It is one of the chief endeavours of an humblepreacher, to raise himself out of theminds of men,and to imprint Jesus Christ therein. Humility isthe sister of true repentance ; they are inseparable,and mutually assist each other. To a real penitent,a truly humble person, nothing is more insupportablethan to be esteemed. It is one of the pious artificesof such a person, to apply the minds of men to someexcellent subject, to the end that they may not takenotice of himself. This is to be a gainer in all respectshimself, and to make others so, to fix theirminds intently on Christ.*' 8. I indeed have baptized you with water; buthe shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost."The Spirit of God is a torrent which carries ofFall filthiness from the heart, and a fire, which, inflamingit with his love, consumes all the impuritiesthereof. Jesus Christ alone possesses this Spiritentirely, merits it for us, and gives it to us. Thiswater denotes the external works of repentance, ofwhich Christ's grace and Spirit is the soul ; and itis this Spirit which gives life, worth, and merit tothose works.Grant, O Jesus, that the Spirit with