to love mercy, and to walk humbly, with thy God_?

There is scarcely a better definition of true religion to be found in
the bible.

He _hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good_.--From Balak's inquiry we
should be ready to conclude that he was ignorant of God and religion
--that he supposed that God preferred sacrifice to justice and mercy
--that sacrifice would supply their place and render them of no
account. Balaam tells him that he had been better instructed;
though we know not where, or how. _He hath shewed thee, what is good_;
and he appeals to Balak whether this was not the case--_What doth the
Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy_, &c.

To _do justly_--There is no true religion where justice is not
received as a foundation principle. "I the Lord love judgment; I hate
robbery for burnt offerings; and I will direct their work in truth." *
Fraudulent people may pretend to religion; may make many and long
prayer, but their religion is of no avail; their sacrifices are an
abomination. + Witness the scribes and pharisees, who received
the greater damnation.

* Isaiah l xi. 8. + Isaiah i. 10. &c.

The next characteristic trait here given of the good man, is the love
of mercy. _What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly and to
love mercy_?

There is something particularly to be observed in the language here
used--_love mercy_.--It may not be in every one's power to shew mercy;