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 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
iywv;^ 
 
 V. 
 
 OVfi OF T 
 PROFES 
 
 n 
 
\ 
 
 SERMONS, 
 
 ON 
 
 VARIOUS SUBJECTS. 
 
 
 »' 
 
 f'vf 
 
 BY HUGH BLAIR, D. D. F R. S. 
 
 0MB OP THE MINISTERS OF THE HIGJfl CHURCH, AND 
 
 FROFESSOR OF RHETORIC AND BELLES LETTRSft 
 
 IN THE UNIVERSITY OP EDINBURGH, 
 
 *« 
 
 1, 
 
 r 
 
 "'1?'''* 
 
 MONTREAL: 
 PRINTED BY NAHUM MO^^ - , 
 
 1815. 
 
^> 
 
 '■PKPIWfl 
 
 «»■'■ -'■ 
 
 tf 
 
 t)^^!??. ^'''fcS |2I5^ ^2- 
 
 • 
 
 ^--I w ^ ^p ^ 
 
C2, 
 
 \i 
 
 TH£ 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 (■■ c 
 
 ,"fi 
 
 SERMON L 
 
 On the true honor of Man. 
 
 JVERBS iv. 8.^Exalt her, and she shall promote 
 ^ee ; 6he shall bring thee to honor . id 
 
 SERMON IL ^^^ 
 
 On SensibUity, 
 
 Imans xii. 15^--Reioice with them that do refoicei 
 kind weep with them that weep. '' ' gj 
 
 SERMON III. 
 
 On the improvement ofTinte. 
 
 missis xlvii. 8.~And Pharaoh said unto Jlcob, > 
 How old art thou ? : \ W 
 
 SERMON iV, 
 
 On the duties helonsmsc to 
 
 
 ."*> 
 
 [B»an, I put away childish 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 SERMON V. 
 On Death. 
 
 home, and the mourners go fbTutTe etreetsl ''"^ 
 
 SERMON VI. 
 
 O/z the progress of Vice. 
 
 I Corinthians xv. 33.--Be not deceived ; evil com 
 munications corrupt good manners. ^' 
 
 SERMON VIL 
 On Fortitude. 
 
 ^'.^.^ f ''''*'• ^t'^^"«'* «" '^«s^ should cncamn 
 agamst me, my heart shaU not fear ^ 
 
 SERMON VIII. 
 
 On Enmf. 
 ^Corinthians xiii. 4^Charity envieth not.— 
 
 SERMON IX. 
 On Idleness. 
 Why »tan4 ^e fe^re #( the 
 
 Matthew xx. 6. 
 
 day idle ? 
 
 SERMON isi ^ 
 Ow the sense qf Divine Presence. 
 Mm ALU hi^'U 23. 1 am continually with thee.-. 1( 
 
 SERMON XL 
 
 \ OnBoMence. 
 
 !1:^'" ^^*"#» yoiJr patience possess vevmir 
 
 .. ^.;-i\ 
 
 'Rnt't?!! t(e 
 

 SEBMON Xn. 
 
 On Moder^ffm^ 
 
 riLiPi^ir? iV. B^Ut yw ifnoderaliaii 1^ ftiuW 
 pto all men« 
 
 126 
 
 SEBMQN %nt 
 
 On thejpj/, and the bitiemess of the HearL 
 
 lovEHBS xiv. 10.— The heart knoweth his own bit- 
 terness, and ^ stranger 4pth no^ intfiymedd|e with 
 
 SERMON XIV- 
 
 On the ^haraeters ofimperfict Goodness. 
 
 |ark X. 21^Thfa ^esus, l)etolding 1^ l^ved 
 
 SERMON XV. 
 
 OntheSacramentqf the Lord's Supper,' 
 as^a preparation for Death. 
 
 IVeached at i!he celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord'* Supper, 
 [attiIew xxvi. 2a— But I say unto you, I will not 
 dnnk henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that 
 
 km do ^" '^ "^"^ ^'^^ ^"""^ '^ ^^ FaUier'8 
 
 15T 
 
 SERMON XVL 
 
 On the use and abuse of the World. 
 
 Corinthians vii. 31.— They that use this 
 
 world, as not abusing it. j^a 
 
 SERMON XVIL 
 
 On extremes in religious andmordtcmd^' 
 
 1 
 
 e ytwiv W^ RftTffnng Iv. <> 
 
 0*T 
 
 = &U7u iiot to 
 
 cue i*i 
 
 giit jmo%vi||t 
 
 it§ 
 
SERMON xvirr. 
 
 On scqffiriQ at Religion. 
 * ^fJaTcoU. '^'•"^ ^l"^' ^-'o ta the lost 
 
 SERMON XIX, 
 
 On the Creation of the World 
 
 ^K;Uli;l"ea',J.''''«'"'™5 God creat'cd the^ 
 
 SERMON XX. 
 
 On the Dissolution of the World. 
 
 S Peteb iii. 10— But the dav of tbr T r.„\ „ n 
 M a thief in the night ; iTthe whi.h 1 k "*"" 
 shall pa«8 away with a eteatnnZ a u^ l"^*"*™ 
 Bhall Wit wi fe vent^hel thr.'» /^?'*^^ 
 .ke work, that are therei'sU t bu^t H^ ""» 2,, 
 
 ^'n;. 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 ' |r!R'^''W', 
 
 t> 
 
 ! 
 
^ the last 
 
 II 
 
 eated the 
 
 1< 
 
 .1 *. »j,-. f 
 
 rrld. 
 
 vill come 
 
 heavens 
 
 elements 
 
 ilso, and 
 
 ' ♦ * i { . ■ ■ ■ . s y 4 ' . , A. 
 
 'V „4r' 
 
 \ •<i^\ 
 
 /?^,5 
 
'jiivjii, iivppaippppv^ 
 
 'f* 
 
 SERMON 1. 
 
 ON THE TRUE HONOB OF MA^. 
 
 J'fc 
 
 ■y- 
 
 earlieft years ■ an,l J. -^ V • . ""**" "'^"^ '" "r 
 of reaf,,, n '*^'"'' "'«'» 'he first eiertio] 
 
 «elf no?"fe than rn^h '"k??"'" ""'°"' discoversl^ 
 their ideafof wh,, a?''" ""■"" »' ^""r- 
 
 which they conceive to Zm ^^ °' ^'""'*'" 
 
 •r other, to acauire r^f™» f wift by feme meaii 
 they live . an3 1 '^^ ''"'" *°'^ ""nong wh(i 
 
 '« 
 ?%<'*'■ 
 
MAJ^ 
 
 h Jhatt hrk 
 
 ♦^he flrongd 
 itfelf in of 
 rst exertioJ 
 ill the ftagj 
 discovers i| 
 fociety. 
 men greal 
 >f fomewl 
 ncc and di 
 fomi; mcaii 
 iiong whoJ 
 1% Boae 
 
 •».W« MlfjI^woR OF MAW. 
 
 It 
 
 ImoBg dw adwintages whidi attend reli<;loB an! 
 
 /fi I r,w^ «.^/" ''^"P"'" " one of the moft 
 lomon, .n the p.dTage where the text lie.f M^JI 
 
 > -y*' fi"" i'Vf to ,hi„. head an >LmZ tf 
 « ; o cnwr, of glory fi„.l Jbc deliver Z ,hfe 
 
 particularly ,n the hopk of Proverbs, b» uiifdJt 
 
 be underftood a principle of r^'igK,; prJid^ 
 
 0U8 conduct 7*, /,^ ,^ ,^, «^^^ ?;<^»''^ 
 
 he b,g,„m»g of wi/dom: And b, this fear of »h! 
 
 fd men are faid to dcoeirt i-.^ ^ •; ""^ 
 
 / J ^ "'l""^' Jrom t^nl i to walk in 
 
 71- i ^n/ '""'• "•" " 'f^y* "!" polh Trie 
 {",J\-\. Man is then regulated by Z {.Jit 
 
 K areapi to run i n . . JJ^^ir mtiom o( 
 
 l/raf m.1^ ' mentioned, 'they connect with 
 t f^Lt '^"^'^ -^^ ^^=J-tion; Ir of mean ^ 5 
 
 Ul tarh' , ''^ P'^'^'l^' ^'^^^i^ that if ,v,yy J« 
 
 . cl Ltrs"::,'?"^^' - ^ l-"cipie of rUfai ^ ^ 
 , '-'vv -nchae to,.uiy to exciul it. J, ^, f^^ 
 
 * Ptovorht j'i Oil 
 
n 
 
 ON THE TRUE HONOR CV MAIl, '* 
 
 the timid or the fad-. But they conlider it as hai^i 
 IJQ conneaion with what is proper to raife men 
 #onor and diftipaion. I Ihall now endeavor i 
 tcmoye this reproach from religion-, and toihc 
 ttat in every fituation of human life, even in tW 
 ftigheft ftatioiis, it forms the honor, as well as ^W 
 liappinefs of man. "^ 
 
 But firft, let us he careful to afcertain what ti 
 religion h. 1 admit that thrre is a joertain fpecies 
 religion, (if we can give it that name,) which has \ 
 claim to fuch high diftinaibn •, wheri it is place, 
 wholly in fpeculation and belief, in the regulariij 
 of external homage, or in fiery zeal about contefte 
 opinions. From a fiiperftitio'n inherent in the hi 
 naan^ mind, the religion of the multitude has i 
 ways been tinaurcd with too much of this fpiril 
 Thty fcrve God as they would ferve a proud maj 
 ter, who may be flattered by their proftrations, ajl 
 peafed by. their gifts, and gained by loud proteftl 
 tions of attachment to his interefts, and of enmij 
 to all whom^thcy fuppofe to be his foes. But tl 
 is not tliat Wfjt/om to which Solomcti afcribes, 
 the text, fuch higli prerogatives. It is not the re 
 |.ion which we pretch, nor the religion of Chri 
 That religion confiih in the love of God and t| 
 love, of man, grounded on faith in the Lord Jefj 
 Chrift, the great Redeemer of the world, the Intt 
 ceflbr for the penitent, and the patron of the virtuoul 
 through whom we enjoy tonifortybje accef^ to tj 
 Sovereign o*" the univerfe in the aas of worfhip a( 
 a^votion. It confills in juftice, humanity, and ml 
 ^7\'^^^^ and candid i. ind, a generous and 
 ^^^^^^ heart; accompanied with temperance,.^ 
 |:overnr!i€nt and,.a|£erpetuAl regard in all our <i£li^ 
 tw vwincitncc rtiki ^ the law of God, A religm^' 
 as\d a thfir6i4ghly virtuous character, therefore, I 
 fider ^f t^ fame. 
 
OW THE THrs UONOK Of MAW. JJ 
 
 thejrue honor of man is to be underftood, not 
 
 .CCS ven-ration. Th« queftion now llfore us Ts 
 
 «hat caufe this eminence arifes > By whaT mean.' 
 
 lo be attamed ? ' means 
 
 k frft, from riches it does not arife. Thefe we 
 
 SsTL^^V'^" ^"«ft of mankind! Pr^^! 
 
 proves Lt the pofl^l'^Si SoSnVS 
 
 K": 1' '">"- °f-- "ire frim mere dig- 
 n Mv nt -^f ^ f«Vifti„aio„s alwayl 
 
 Bu^ iH? '"/^'^ ''""^^'^ ■«'"<"■ °n tfte char- 
 
 o^equenceof birth ^.'"^e^^^ 
 uit of mere dependence and affiduitv T^t ~^^ 
 
 "°S"d°''r"^ verfatilit r^^ndSK 
 
 lo perfons graced with noble birth, or olw^ 
 ,n Itatioi.s, muchfvfprn,! i,„ . . • i'' P'aced 
 ttif. r„u„ .• • ™^' honoris due. TVi« ;« 
 
 rfaeir elevat on^';?.T , *' execrated hy the pub. 
 fc from ;S : 2m'T ^T "'™-°'*y "^f"* 
 
 ^s. ^Bf drawing aSpS-t^'their^;:^!?; 
 fers, in the moft elariny lf<rh* I T T^?^» "* 
 \ the ftation whicftCI^^I^^"^ lutk tl«^d«. 
 
11 
 
 ON TJ1£ TULE ilOVOR OF WAV. 
 
 I must next obferve, that tlie proper honor of 
 arilj^s from ibme of thofe fplendid aclions and abij 
 which excite high admii ition. Courage and pro^ 
 riuatary renown, fignal viaorics and conquelts,! 
 render the name of a man famous/ without renderinl 
 charaacr truly honorable. To many brave men, tol 
 ny heroes renowned in ftory, we look up with woif 
 1 heir exploits are recorded. Their praifes are l 
 they ftand as on an eminence above tlie reft of J 
 kind. Their eminence, neverthelefs, may not be of 
 iort before which we bow with inward cfteem and! 
 pea. Something more is wanted for that purpofef 
 the conquering arm and the intrepid mind. The lal 
 of the warrior muft at all times be dyed in bloodj 
 bedewed with the tears of the widow and the orp 
 But if they have been ftained by rapine and inhumaiL 
 if fordid avahcc has marked his charaaer ; or Iow| 
 grdfs fenfuality has degraded his life ; the great 
 fmks into a little man.— Wliat at a diftance, or on , 
 perficial view we admiird, becomes mean, perhaps 
 ous when we examine it more clofely. It is like thJ 
 Joflal ftatue, whofe immenfe fize ftruck the fpeaatoj 
 off with aftoniihment ; but when nearly viewed, 
 pears difproportioned, unftiapely and rude. 
 
 O&fen'atioiis of the fame kind may be applied 
 the reputation derived from civil accompliflime] 
 titim the refined politics of the ftatefman ; or the ll 
 ry efforts of genius and erudition. Thefe beftowj 
 within certain bounds, ought to beftow, eminence 
 diftinaion on men. They difcover talents whi^ 
 th^mf^Ives are fhining ; and whirh become highlj 
 uable, when employed in advancing the good of 
 km<1. Hence they frequently give rife to fame. 
 a diftinaion is to be made between fame and truel 
 or. The former is a ioud and noify applaufe : ThJ 
 tcx^a more filent and internal homage. Fame floL. 
 th^;b?cath of th- multitude : Honor refts on thcB" 
 iTiem of the thinking. Fame may give praife w| 
 :ivirfi-4iolds efteem : True honor impli^ efteem ml 
 
 ■m-: 
 
ON THE TRUfi HONOR OF MAN. 
 
 15 
 
 I 
 
 refpecH;, The one regards particular diftinugifhed 
 
 jnts : The other looks up to be whole chamber. 
 
 Ince the ftatefman, the orator, or the post, rrlay be 
 
 lous ; while yet the man himfelf is far from being 
 
 lored. We envy his abilities. We wifli to rival 
 
 tm. But we would not chiife to be clafled with him 
 
 10 pofTefled them. Inftances of this fort are too often 
 
 md in every record of ancient or modern hiftory. 
 
 [From all this it follows, that in order to difccrn where 
 
 in's true honor lies, we mull look, not to any advcnti- 
 
 bs circumftunce of fortune j not to aiiy fingle ipark- 
 
 \g quality ; but to the whole of what forms a man ; 
 
 jiat intitles him, as fuch, to rank high aminig that clafs 
 
 beings to which he belongs ; in a word, wo mufl look 
 
 the mind and the foul.— — A mind fupcrlor to ft-ar, 
 
 felfiih intered and corruption ; a mind governed Ir;. 
 
 le principles of uniform recVitude and integrity ; the 
 
 jm^ in profperlty and adverfity ; which no hrib,;^ can 
 
 [duce, nor terror overawe ; neither by pleafure melted 
 
 |to effeminacy, nor by diflrt^ funk into dejection 5 
 
 ich is the mind which forms thediftiniSllon atid emi- 
 
 ;nce of man. One, who in no fituation of life is ciither 
 
 Ihamed or afraid of difcharging his duty, and aaing his Wif 
 
 li-oper part with hrnmefs and conflancy j true to th« m 
 
 bod whom he worlhips, and tru^ to the faith in whicli 
 
 le profefljs to believe ; full of affection to his brethren 
 
 |f mankind •, faithful to his friends, generous to his eii- 
 
 lies, warm with compaffion to the unfortunate ; fdf- 
 
 lenying to little private intsreits and plcafnres, but zsai- 
 
 ms for public intereft and happincfs ; magnanimous witli- 
 
 ^ut being proud ; humble witliout being mean;' jiip- 
 
 ithout being harfh ; fimple in his manners, bat manly 
 
 ^1 his feelings ; on whofe v/ord you Ccin entirely rely ; 
 
 ^^hofe countenance never deceives you ; whofe profef- 
 
 ions of kindnefs are the effufions of his heart : Oiie-. in 
 
 ne, whom independent of any views of advantage^ you ~1| 
 
 'ould chufe for a fuperior, could trull ill as i: friend. 
 
 I, 
 
 M 
 
 :<! 
 
 ■I 
 
 tj 
 ■',* 
 
 'S 
 
 ■m 
 •J 
 1 
 
 Ml 
 
 Mid could love as a brother 
 
 This is th« man, whom 
 
 ii your heart, above all othci j, you Jo, you muft, honor. J 
 
la 
 
 i 
 
 ow 'niit iRUE |,oj,o^ , 
 
 •V, 
 
 Such achsraaer, imoerfi-Arv ,, • , 
 drawn, all muft acknotd^ll; f T r " ^^^ ''o^ b. 
 
 " uniformly to purfuSZ, °V,°"'^''"^^' <'«te'^ 
 
 -'■J'hn,, as the text aflerts, 'J"A\, ^l '^^' H 
 ^n confirmation of i\\^ \ xi • ^ ^° fyonor, I 
 
 tHat the honor ^hi^h mt '^^t iV^f" •'" '"'H 
 fue :s more ndependent nn^ ^ Mhg.on and vf 
 
 can be acjuired by anToA"; meT^rT"^' ^'"'" ^ 
 of any thing foreign or e.4r„T ^ • *^ '"''^Pcndd 
 5m.re refpea. whih it pS: 4r^ "« ?=>««!, J 
 " concerned, it is the Z^Zr\A^^;!^'"'^'>A 
 our deference. Where ro,,,.^!" '"* oommanj 
 
 ■miration, it4s onir o a 2 of'Th « ''u""^ ^^'^^^^ J 
 P-y homage. Bu^t wl^'aVe^f^^'^i/'^^^ftcr Aat \ 
 emment vorth and goolneft'^t i?, ''''^■ngo'fted fj 
 ina:,, whom we refpea "lie b. \™',"' *<= "'H 
 -intrinlic. ^l^cXS^ [J^.'tZ^t^^)' ^«A 
 obfcure one ; let room Llv I^ .^"fn ? 5^' ^^«" » 
 come forth and &ow tS,^ ^ f'"' '"^ ^'""w ^ 
 him ; as a private cSenf"', '",'' y°" ^^"1 •'eve 
 
 in„ higher'^hfe he 2ea l'' •TI"'"^^ "^''f""" 
 owing merely to theTefnca " ' ' ifriou,, this is nl 
 
 cauf/there a nobler fZfc"^"' ^^ "">=• I' '». bJ 
 
 becaufc his virtues arrCugh.trth L""""'^ '° ''"» 
 
 e:v-ert,o„ ; and placed in fuJ '/ r • '"'"''* "'««•« 
 
 ^PP-rs to grace' and doShe fcr"^'T' *=>' M 
 
 Even m the Clence of retircmenV 1 • *l"'' ^^ ^"^ 
 
 "W age, fuch a man finks no^/' / '" *« ''^'reat J 
 
 Wis rememberefv^ues coS,?'" \^e«'«' obfcurity 
 
 taeiraftive exertions are ov^r f "^^nored. wh/| 
 
 •i/ehe isroUowedby^^^i^-eft-inlS^^^ ^f 4 
 
 ••»<3>-<»l 
 
 Philip. 
 
 IV. 8. 
 
M 
 
 •V, 
 
 has now ^ 
 ied,fokIy by , 
 
 It is the effj 
 ence, deteri.. 
 
 /^/Vj are Iq 
 if there be a, 
 5y thefe me 
 honor. 
 
 to be obfervt 
 '^igion and vi 
 'ete, than wj 
 i« independei 
 otpartiaj, bi 
 - everfortu 
 ch commam 
 H attraas ai 
 a<^er that 
 
 inguiflied . 
 "i tJie wWl 
 ^,he poiTeiTJ 
 ^jfe, even 
 his virtues 
 i will reve 
 ■ of a famij 
 »j this is m 
 l^' It is, be] 
 led tohijn 
 pre extendei 
 iew-, that hi 
 ch he filii 
 J retreat ol 
 1 obfcurityj 
 ored, whe 
 jft stage oi 
 £L Where- 
 
 ON THE TRUE HONOR OF MAN. 
 
 17 
 
 - *i 
 
 ^■1 
 
 mj 
 
 f genuine worth be wanting, the applaufe which 
 have attended a man for a while, by degrees dies 
 y. Though, for a part of his life, he had dazzled 
 world, this was owing to his deficiency in the eflen- 
 quahties haying not been fulpefted. As foon as th^ 
 lofture IS difcovered, the falling ftar finks in dark- 
 I.— I here is therefore a ftandard of independent, in- 
 fic worth, to which we mud bring in the end what- 
 r claims to be honorable among men. By this we 
 ift meafure it ; and it will always be found, that 
 [hing but what IS eflential to man, has power to com- 
 nd the refped of man's heart. 
 
 :t is to be father obferved, that the univerfal confent 
 mankind in honoring real virtue, is faflicient to fliow 
 the genume fenfe of human nat^are is on this fub- 
 All other claims of honor are ambulatory and 
 igeable. lh« degrees of refped paid: to external ila^ 
 s vary, w^th forms of government, and^fnfiiions of 
 times. Qualities which in one country are hiehlv 
 lored, m another are lightly ellreemed. Nay, what 
 Tome regions of the earth diftinguilhes a man above 
 iers, might elfewhere expofe hiM to contempt or ri- 
 ule.. But where was ever the nation on the face^of 
 globe, who <hd not honor unblemilhed worth, unaf- 
 ed piety, Itedfaft, humane, and regular virtue ? To 
 lom were altars ereded in the Heathen world, but to 
 ife who by their merits and herurc labours, by their 
 'ention of ufeful arts, or by fomc fignal aas of ben- 
 cence to their country, or to mankind, were found 
 •rthy, in their opinion, to be transferred from ampng 
 
 !n, and added to the number of the gods ? Eveft 
 
 I counterfeited appearances of virtue, which a^e fo ' 
 :nfoundm the world, are teftimonies to its ftr^ 
 ie hypocrite knows that, without aiTumin^ the gaS' 
 ^iitue^ every other ad^anta^. lie can po«& a«:i4flx 
 
 lent to nronirf* him o/l-oovv, T„^ r_ *■ w^ i-r- iv . 
 
 \^^^ //' ~ ~" ", ;;•■" -"v-^"i. iiucnerentc w iiiTCiTeijy 
 
 perverCty cf difpofition, may, occafionaHy J^'M'. 
 uals to oppofe, even to hate, the upright aS|h*i^. 
 >t however the charafters of fu*»er?ons mvf^m^ 
 
^'f 
 
 i9 
 
 ON- THE TRUE HONOR OF MAS. 
 
 Sed Z '"/^;P'-f<=«'='l.J". »« f» as they are ackno, 
 I- Acm L^- "°"'' ?' P'"°'''S"<= dare act tradu 
 
 - is underftood by f„. Wei^y' reg o'^ e^Hrj' IS 
 
 hnfri^'-^''?""'' ^'^l-i'-ed by religion and virtue 
 
 ^TJJ'Z'"^ '"'' ™'"°«'''- ^' '» honor, not Fn u\e?ffl 
 matiOn of men only, but in th^ fi^u •'!!:""">« f'H 
 
 I; uT^ r '""'lar'l of truth and rieht : whofe J 
 
 probauon^onfers a cro^„ .f ,tory tha,/2h I./TJ 
 
 U^ rtr '" '^^ ^°-' ^hicf TsTunded 5 
 true gMdnefs, accompanie. us through the whole nJ 
 
 f«fftl°"an^T ^'""--th'manltfa'fl 
 ture Itate ; and continues to brighten tliroughout etJ 
 nal ages. What procured him refpeft on larch t! 
 
 fured, they wnp have been eminent in righteoufi^fs fl, 
 J&.ne as th. brightness of the Jlnname„>,V^T^heZ 
 i'inrtdrlnr- ^^^-^fy "honors are t^thiwf 
 
 . 4a If iru:;d fthdreSryr" d 
 
 Btrt the honor which 'pr^elds from God Zl 
 tue ,s unmixed and puref It is a iX wSch ^ deri 
 
 ^t/r./'^'""" '. '"''.''' ""^"^^ '" fcripture to ! 
 /'^« ^//y^^ morning, when th, f»„ rifeth ■ even a mJ} 
 
 the world ^'/"^ t^-t ^^'^^» *= honors whi. 
 flmeofataner '^T"'= r*' ^^'"^ and twinkUd 
 
 it fend, forSf •' r'"'^'' " °'^'*° <^°'»''«<1 by *e fmoJ 
 It lends forth ; is always waftina- : anH (V,„„'j.- ,1 
 
 SW»iy« ' ° ' — '" *wi* wiv^ (AjLUiii 
 
 Daniel 
 
 xii. 3< 
 
 »Uai*3udii.4. PlOT.iy.ir 
 
OS TAB TRUE UONOK 09 »AH. 
 
 I9i^ 
 
 
 Let him, tliereforc who retaines any fcnfe of humair 
 
 hity; who feels within him that dcfirs of honor 
 
 Ici IS, congenial to man, afpire to the gratification of 
 
 pafljon by methods which are worthy of his nature. 
 
 him not reft on any of thofe external diftinaion*. 
 
 bch vanity has contrived to introduce. Thefe can 
 
 ■cure him no more than the femblance of refpea — 
 
 him not be flattered by the applaufe which fome oc«- 
 
 lonal difplay of abilities may have gained him 
 
 bt applaufe may Be mingled with contempt. Let him • 
 . to what will dignify his charader as a man. Let : 
 cultivate thofe moral qualities which all men in their 
 ins reiiK-a-. iri/'^om fhall then give to his head an 
 \ament of grace ; a crown of glory fhall fhe diliver t^ 
 fc. 1 his IS ai} honor to which all may afpire.- It is 
 rize, for which every one, whether of high or low 
 ik, may contend. It is always in his power fo to dif^ 
 ^ufli himfelf by worthy and virtuous condua, as to 
 Inmand the refpea of thofe around him ; and, what 
 iigheft of aU, to obtain praife and honor from God 
 [Let no one imagine tliat in the religious part of thia 
 braaer there is any thing which cails over ita ffloomy^ 
 ide, or derogates from that eftecm which men are ge- 
 raily dilpofed to yield to exemplary virtues. Falfe i- 
 is maybe entertained of religion ; as falfe and imper. 
 t conceptions o! virtue have often prevailed in the^ 
 )rl(1. But to true religion there belongs no fuller 
 )om ; no melancholy aufterity, tending to withdrav^ 
 ^n from human fociety, or to diminifh the exertions of 
 Z ^''^T^ ^? ^^ contrary, the religious principle, 
 .'htly underftood, not only unites with all foch virtues. 
 M: iuppcrts, fortifies, and confirms them. It ?s fo far 
 bm obfcurmg the luftre of a charaaer, that it height- 
 ^s and ennobles it. It ^dds to all the moral virtues a 
 [iierable and authoritative dignity. It renders the vir^ ' 
 ?ous cnaratter more auguft. To the decoratioi^ of ^ < 
 fte. It joins the majefty of a temple. ^-^^te 
 
 , He who divides religion from virtue, underftands^n^ 
 er the one, nor the other. It is the union of the tw^ 
 
90 
 
 Olf THE TKUR HOWOR OF MAX. 
 
 which confummates the human charafter and ftate I 
 « their union which has diftinguifted thofe .r^^^^^ 
 
 rormcr ages , and whofe memory lives in the rem, n 
 Usance of fucceeding generations.—jt 3"^, ^i^^^" 
 
 wifdom to which the text afcribes fuch hifih effeai 
 and to which belongs the fublime encomium giv^n of 
 by an author of one of the apocryphal booksof ScZturJ 
 
 <nl. I, » kmwn W/,J God, and avid „J fn7n7,\ 
 
 rver ; having goinn the viaory ; ftrivlr^ fJuUfi) 
 rewards mfdo,n is the Welti tf /t '/.C Tf $1 
 andafutejMfiuence floming from the ghrv /the A 
 m,gh,y ThereMec.n „o di filed thing fa/i„tl h1i 
 She .stheinghtne/s ,/ the everlaftingliL ; the 3 
 ftf/j^yrof the po^er of Go^d , ' Jd :he ,4L f 
 h,sg,odnefs. Rfma,„,„ginherfef,Jhemaiethallthil 
 
 '^'mfnends of Gofi and prophets : FoVcod ZTnJl 
 iut h,m that dwelleth with wifdom. She is nZehee.A 
 t,ful than the fun .■ and aioveailthe order 7 the flani 
 Be,ng compared w,th light, fie is fiu:d before it^^ 
 
 • Wiidom of Solomon, iy. ,, 3.,,^. ,,, ,5, ,^^ ,,^ ^^ 
 
 ■^^ 
 
SERMON ir. 
 
 ON SENSIBILITT. 
 
 ROMANg, XITC. 15. 
 
 ■i 
 
 Y»w!,h them that d, rejoice, avd weep with thm 
 
 that weep,, 
 
 rHE amiable fpirit of our holy religion apnears iti 
 |hmg more than in the, care it hath taken to eXce on 
 
 krailenftics of its bemg a religion whofe oririn is di.- 
 
 e : For every doarine whicK proceeds h^VlZ- 
 
 Ir of mercie,, will urJoubtedly breathe CewIehcV 
 
 \^7 ^"' K^^fcope oV the two exhortaS 
 
 ihthem that weep I the one calculated to promoteVha 
 pmc.3. to other, to alleviate the forrows of Z fd! 
 
 L" wV "^^ T'^'"^"S to form thatTmpcr 
 ich .nterefts us m the concerns of our brethren" 
 bch d,fpofes us to fee< along with the.„. to S& 
 I their joys, and tn their forrows. This templrk-- 
 bwn by the name of Senfibility ; # word. ^?^ if 
 
 Mity, which every one affefts to poflefs ; !h itfetf. a 
 Ift amuble and worthy difpofition of mind ; bu oft^ 
 Iftalten and abufed j employed as a cover. fomltim« ' 
 
 apncous humor ■ fometimes. to fclfilh'paS i 
 pi endeavor to explain the nature of true feSkv 
 UconCder its effefts : and after ftowtegiSS: . 
 I virtue •"""' °"' *' ''"^''' '^ '"''^=*"» foCo? ■ 
 [iK original conftituticin of our nature wift «fcea 
 he mixture of felfifl, and f.^ial affeOions, diE 
 
 ^.s,asm every other part of frame; prcgS.. 
 
 i 
 
S2 
 
 ON SENSJBUtTY. 
 
 and admirable wifdom. Each individual is, by his C 
 ator, committed particularly to himfclf, and his 01 
 care, lie has it more in his own power to promote 
 own welfare, than any other perfon can pombly have I 
 promote It. It was therefore fit, it was neceOary, •' 
 in each mdividual felf-Iove (hould be the ftron Jft a 
 moft aaive mftina. Thi. felf-love, if he had bl^n a 1 
 wg who ftood fohtary alone, might have proved fu 
 . cient for the purpofe, both of his prefervation, and 
 welfare. But fuch is not the fituation of mari. Hel 
 mixed among multitudes of the fame nature. In th| 
 multidudes, the felf-lovc of one man, or attentinn tol 
 p.articular intereft, encountering the felf-love and thei 
 terefts of another, could not but produce frequent op 
 htion, arfd mnumerable mifchicfs. It was neceflJ 
 therefore, to provide a counterbalance to this part of] 
 nature ; which is accordingly done, by implanting 
 him thofe focial and benevolent inflinas which % 
 \ m lorne meafure out of himfclf, to follow the I 
 tereft of others. The ftrength of thefe focial inftinj 
 IS, in general, proportioned to their importance in 
 mart hflj. Hence that degree of fenfibility whJ 
 prompts us to weep with them that weep, is ftroJ 
 tlian that which prompts us to rejoice with them I 
 
 m§^'f'i ^""^ ^i'lf ^^^^°"» ^^^t the uijhappy ftand morel 
 ■- liecd of our fellow-feeling and afrCmce than the pif 
 perous. Still, however, it was requifite, that in ci 
 individual the quantity of felf-love fhould remain i 
 large proportion, on account of its importance to ' 
 prefervation of his Hfe and well-being. But as 1 
 quantity requifite for this purpofe is apt both to {mi 
 his attention, ancl to carry him into criminal exceff 
 the perfeaion of his nature is meafured by the due co 
 terpoife of thofe focial principles which, temperinjr 1 
 force ofthe felfilh affeaion, render man equaUy U 
 to himfelf, and to thole with jvhom he is joined in^ 
 cietv. Hence the iifi — « -« « /. , J . _. . 
 
 which we now treat. 
 
 JHenc the ^^Cf* in^i «-v.a <m^..^ ^c a-i^^'^. iv_^/»i •... 
 ..,,, cii-^ m^ vaiu», wi.uiaL iuixjiiDIuii 
 
•N SKNSIBlLiTY. 
 
 ^3 
 
 hhat It con(titutcs an ciTcntial part of a religious cha- 
 ler, there can be no doubt. Not only are the words 
 'he ttxt exprefs to this purpofe, but the whole New 
 tamcnt abounds with paiTages which enjoin the cul- 
 tion of this difpofitipn. Being all cm body, and 
 Uers one of another, we are commanded to love our 
 Uhouras ourjelf ; to hok every man not on his own 
 \gs only, hut on thoje of others aljo ; to be pitiful, to be 
 y/eous, to be tencler-hearted : to bear one another's 
 Vhens, andfo to fulfil the law of Chrijl* The dif- 
 Itions oppofite to fenfibiiity are, cruelty, hardnefs of 
 Irt, contraOed attachment to worldly intereils ; which 
 fry one will admit to be dire^ly oppofite to the 
 hlhan charaaer. According to the different degrcei 
 conftitutional warmth in men's affections, fenfibiiity 
 )r, even among the virtuous, prevail in different pro- 
 Itions. For all derive not from nature the fame hap- 
 Idehcacy, and terderncfs of feeling. With fomc, the 
 Irt melts, and relents, in kind emotions, much more 
 lly than with others. But with every one who af- 
 les to the charaaer of a good man, it is neccffary that 
 humane and compaffionate difpofitions (hould be 
 Ind. There muft be that within him which (hall 
 him to feel in fome degree with the heart of a bro- 
 )r ; and when he beholds others enjoying bappinefs, 
 [fees them funk m forrow, fliall bring hisaffeafons to . 
 tord, and, if we may fpcak fo, to found a note uni. 
 "to theirs. This is to rejoice with them that rekice 
 
 to weep with them that zveep. How much this -^ 
 
 iper belongs to the perfcaion of our ncrtto, wk^r 
 
 pn one who exhibited that perfbaion ih P^i«^^^ 
 
 fc;rec. When our Lord ^efus, on a certain 'o&i^^fion. 
 
 le to the grave of a beloved friend^ and faw his rela- 
 
 Ins mourning around it, he preientiy caugjit ' the im, 
 
 C/7 ir'r^^''''^' /^^^r.^«.^/;.y>;?//, and was 
 \ubled.J^Q kntw that he was about to remove the 
 
 Luke 
 
 I** 
 
 pIi:k. 
 
 •-i ^, 
 
 - T>_^. 
 
 III 
 
 % f* 
 
 .lii'-i. ir, 2' 
 
i4 
 
 •i» iEjritBiLiTr. 
 
 wtpi.i ' "'Sewier with the weeping frien<ls, jj 
 
 confidcritt'r,rwf"t";r''°" ""=• ' 
 
 condu<f> n« I •. • ^»cws , Its influence on our mi 
 
 difchar^ of thofc Zt I"" °^ "^=- Without ^ 
 Security in hui^°i /'"."" *^"« «^°''''' be no comfon 
 
 w-ay or oXr fK^' " ^ hammng one another. In 
 
 fomei^ip.oca.co.peSnarL'^ K T' 
 Sometime,^h.l PJ'""?'". and in different w 
 
 from felfiCeft t* jh fomet.mes from fear, and \ 
 in order that ttv'^ obhges men to Ihow kind^ 
 
 cafes, the exterior ^%v'Tr "'""» "^ "■ '"-I 
 But all will 'dmitl/r.^''T°"''™>' ^ P''^" 
 offices of feemtT t nf "l^ " ^'■'^, conftraint only, 
 dance ctte Xled " "f ""' Pf fo™<=d. Httk dl^ 
 them. ^ °" *''^'"' ""'' '"tJe value aUowejl 
 
 ?y. "*<=", thefc offices are dlfchar»-f H fi^I.i f 
 
 fenfe of religion ,„i 7™, • . ; ^"'' overawed bj 
 
 -ith.regular^et^ yichten"";: : "'f^* '''i 
 principle. So far they do we I ' i^ '""'.H 
 
 praife. Thev affift »K.;. r • , '. ""'' '"'^ worthy 
 
 Aey do juSe foalf Burt t *7>"^ *« *' P'1 
 i» men i« hi f ri- ' T'''^* ^ different'compy 
 
 pven to the Cme aa.ons. how much higher flavor 
 
 * I 
 
 jonn 11. 3j. 
 
£S^^T. 
 
 ON SENHliiLlTV, 
 
 55 ^ 
 
 acquire, when they flow from the fenfthillty of . 
 Ing heart j> If oac be not moved by affeaion, even 
 bof'ng him influencetl by principle, he will go no 
 ber tlian ftrid prmciple appears to require He 
 advance flowly and rcluaantly. As it is jufticc, 
 Igencrofity, which imptl him, lie will often feel is 
 Kk what he 18 required by confciencc to perform. 
 ^ercas, to him who is prompted by virtuous fcnfibili- 
 every office of beneficence and humanity is a plea- 
 k. He gives, aOifts, and relieves, not merely becaufc 
 Is bound to do fo, but becaufe it would be painful for 
 . to ref-^m. Hence, the fmalleft benefit he confers 
 Is II. its value, on account of its carrying tlie affeaion 
 he giver imprcfled upon the gift. It fpealcs his heart ; 
 I the dilcovery of the heart is very frequently of great! 
 onfequence than- all that liberality can bellow. How 
 bn will the affeaionate fmile of apprd>ation gladden 
 humble, and raife the dejeaed ? How often will 
 look of tender fympathy, or the tear that involunta- 
 talis, impart confolation to the unhappy ? By means 
 this correfpondence of hearts, all the great d-^tics 
 idi we owe to one another are both performed to 
 ire ^dvantage a,,d endeared in the performance. 
 
 M ly fmall m themfelves, but of high importance to 
 t!S^^ ""'f'u' ??^"^« ^hich altogether efcape 
 tdne^rnf.r '^' '"^'^ '"^^ vinfceImg,'who, by the 
 
 n t heir manner, render tbemfelves unamiabie, 
 tn when they mean to do good. How happy then • 
 
 uld It be for mankind, if this affeaionate cuKn 
 
 IZttT" f "?;!% j" the world ! How^^uch 
 uw the fum of public virtue and public felicity be in- 
 Ned if men were always inclined to rejoice with 
 Ym that rejoia% and to weep with them that weep. 
 Zttft "ft ^^ ^"^^h ^ ^^^n^Per on gWral 
 y L ^te?"!& ^!«^-"^^^-/^? eil^as^nthe 
 
 jP>piiiefs -of him who pofleiles it. and thf vari^.. 
 IBtss to whirh if- ctv^(^<^ Tv4«-, o^^^r, t/- i . i 
 
 
 to Which it gl^es him accefs. If he be mafter ' of 
 
 [hes or influence,, it affords kirn the 
 
 means of increaf- 
 
26 
 
 ON SENilBlLiTV. 
 
 ■ 
 
 f\«*': 
 
 ing his own enjoyment, by relieving t!,8 wants o,i 
 crcafing the comforts of other,. IflerommanJ 
 
 tl^c pofleOion oi t!,e .leferving become in feme fort h 
 h.') rejotcmg ,u the good which they enjoy! Eve 
 face of nature yields a fatirfaftion to hi J ihich rt 
 fenfible can never know. The profufion of lo, 
 wh,ch he beholds poured forth on the u"lverff 
 h.s heart w.th the thought that innumerable multt 
 around h„n are blert and happy.-When he ,Ss d, 
 bors of men appearing .o profper, and views a co 
 iionlhmg m wealth and mduftry when 1,1140^1 
 fprmg com,ng forth in iu beauty, and revfvh',^ 
 
 ffl m"^,"''"""^' or i„ aummn beholdsVe 
 kaded with plenty, and the year crowned wi h J 
 
 >a h r of alUnd rejo.ces in the general felicity an] 
 |t may indeed be objeaed, that the fame fenfJ 
 
 Irom Uie diftrefles which abound in the world • ex 
 us to frequent faffi,ri„g from the participat on 'wl k 
 commumcates of the forrows, as well as of theTo 
 fnendflup But let it be confidered. that the^tr 
 melancI.Gly of fympathy is accompanied with a fenfi, 
 ^^uch t].ey who feel it wotdd not exchange fo die 
 t.ficat.ons of the felfifl,. When the hcS-t h Z 
 moved by any,pf the kit.d affeftions. eventh^, fu 
 itfelf fortn ,n virtuous forrow, a fecret attraaive c 
 mrgles .with the painful emotion ; there is a joy i„ 
 midft of grief. Xet it be farther confidere.l, dm 
 gnefs which fenfibility introduces are counterfalan 
 Pleafures which flow from the fame fource. Sen™ 
 teghtens in general the human powers, and is co„ 
 ed with acutenefs in all our feelings. If it make us i 
 alive to fome painful fenfations, in return, it render 
 pleating ones more vivid and animated. The felfifl, 
 ianguiii.es ui Jus narrow circle of pleafures. The 
 confined to what affeas his own intereft. He is obi 
 to repeat tiie fame gratifications, tiU they become inl 
 
 iin mere 
 
 the he; 
 
 ennoble 
 
 they a 
 
 reii of I 
 
 s brethr 
 
 elves fr 
 
 |s, when 
 
 ? Ho^v 
 
 ^cations 
 
 :es of joy 
 
 r 
 
 • 
 
 iving no^ 
 
 'nci high j 
 
 out fomi 
 
 In 
 
 "i we iiavi 
 jithftancHr 
 
 fite nna di 
 
 ann ers, a 
 
ON SENJilBILITY. 
 
 27* 
 
 ^he man cf virtuous fenfibility moves in a wider 
 re of felicity. His powers are much more frequent- 
 ^lled forth mto occupations of pleafmg aaivity. 
 hberlefs occafions open to liim of indulging his fa- 
 b talte, by conveying fatisfadion to others. Often 
 lin his power, m on«; way or other, to footh the af- 
 la heart ; to carry fome confolation into the houfc 
 |02. In the fcenes of ordinary life, in the domcftic 
 ocial intcrcourfes of man, the cordiality of his afFec 
 I chears and gladdens him. Every appearance, 
 defcnption ot innocent happinefs, is enjoyed by 
 Every natwe exprelhon of kindnefs andaffeaion 
 ig others IS felt by him, even though lie be not the 
 :tof it._ Among a circle of friends, enjoving one 
 ler, he IS as happy as the happieft. In a Word, he 
 in a dilhrent fort of world from what the felVifi, 
 
 Ito behold objeas which the felfifh cannot fee. \t 
 
 ame time, his enjoyments are not of that kind which 
 
 m merely on the furface of the mind. Tliey pene- 
 
 the heart. They enlarge and elevate, they r^efine 
 
 thTv .dd ,:^^,^" ^^^/^^^-g emotions oLfFec! 
 
 they add the dignified confcioufnefs of virtu- 
 
 ^s brethren ! How long will ye continue to eftran^e 
 
 pelves from one another by competitions and cal! 
 
 , when in cordial union ye might be fo much liore 
 y How long will ye feek your happinefs in felfifli 
 pcations alon. neglcaing thofe purer and bet er 
 
 esofjoy, which flow from the atFcctions and the 
 
 nd high aavanlages of true fenfibility, I proceed to 
 
 J out fome of tne miftaken forms, an/'abufo ^f tM^ 
 
 -In modern times, the chief imDrovcm.„, ^f 
 
 wm i'^'c iiHve to Loaft, 
 
 ithftandijifiT the felfi 
 
 |ite and diftin'ruifhii 
 
 IS a fenfe of humanity. This 
 flmefs that/lill prevails, is the 
 ■~ virtu " ' 
 
 - of the ajre. On o-pn- 
 aners, and on ftv,ral departmcnts^of hj^%. 
 
 "3 
 
 11 
 
28 
 
 Oy SENSIBILITV. 
 
 has had confiderable influence. It has abated the ft 
 of perfecution : It has even tempered the horro 
 war ; and man is now more afliamed than he m 
 hTLTcIv^''^ ofa^ingas a favage to man.. 
 Hence, fenfibihty has become fo reputable a quaHty, i 
 « the appearance o£ it is frequently aflumed when th 
 ahty is wanting. Softnefs of manners muft not be ' 
 / taken for true fenfibility. Senfibility indeed tend 
 produce gentlenefs in behavior ; and when fuch beh 
 or flows from native aiFeaion, it is valuable and ami 
 fl , /f ^"°^ ^^""er alone may be learned in 
 fchool of the world ; andoften, too often, is foun, 
 cover much unfeeling hardnefs of heart. Profeffioi,, 
 fenfibility on every trifling occafion, joined with th 
 pearance of exceffive foftnefs, and a profufion of fe 
 mental language, afford always much ground for dift, 
 1 hey create the fufpicion of a ftudied charafter. 
 quently, under a negligent and feemingly rough 
 
 "'? ?^rt.r "' ^ '"^^^"^ ""^ ^^^^"^g heart. Manli 
 and fenfibihty are fo far from being incompatible, 
 ^e truly brave are for the moft part, generous and 
 mane j while the foft and effeminate are hardly cap; 
 ot any vigorous exertion of affe6Hon. 
 
 As fenfibility fuppofes delicacy of feeling with reft 
 to others,^ihey who affeft the higheft fenfibility are 
 to carry this delicacy to excefs. They are, perhaps, 
 incapable of the warmth of difinterefted friendfliip • 
 they arc become fo refined in all their fenfations :'i 
 entertain fuch high notions of what ought to correfpi 
 m the feelings of others to their own; tliey arei 
 mightily hurt by every thing which comes not ui 
 tneir ideal ftandard of reciprocal affedion, as to pro 
 difquiet and uneafinefs to all with whom they are 
 neaed. Hence, unjufl fufpicious of their frien, 
 hence,- groimdlefs upbraidings, and complaints of 
 kimlnefs _; hence, a pronenefs to take violent offpnn 
 tniies. In conlequeuce of examining their friends 
 a microfcopic eye, what to an ordinary obferver m 
 not be unpleafing, to tliem is grating and dif-ufti 
 
ON SrSblDlLlTY. 
 
 20 
 
 the bottom of the charaaer of fucli perfons tliere al- 
 j He much pride, and attention to themlelves. This 
 [ideed a falfe fpecics of fenfibility. It is the fubftitu- 
 i of a capricious and irritable delicacy, in the room 
 that plain and native tendernefs of heart,, which 
 impts men to view others with indulgent eye, and to 
 |ke great allowances for the imperfeclions which are 
 [letlmes adherent to the mod amiable qualities, 
 ^hereare others who afFecfl not fenfibility to this cx- 
 is, but who found high cinims to tliemfelves upon 
 degree of intereft which they take in the concerns of 
 crs. Although their f^innbility can« produce no be- 
 fit to the perfon who is its objed, thev always con- 
 ve that it intiiles themfelves to fome 'profitable re- 
 •ns. Thefe, often, are perfons of refined and artful 
 bratlcr ; v/ho partly deceive tliemfclves, and partly 
 ploy their fenfibility'as a cover to interell. lie who 
 s from genuine affeclioii, v. hen he is feeliutr abnjr 
 th others in their joys or forrows, thinks not '^of any 
 :omp^nce to which this gives him a title. He follows 
 ■c impulfe of his heart. He obeys the didate of his 
 iture J juft as the vineby its nature produces fruit, 
 d the fountain pours forth its ftreams. Wherever 
 Avs of intereft, and profpeds of return^ mingle with 
 I feelings of aiFeaion, fenfibility acU an imperfecl: 
 It, and entitles us to a fmall ftiare of praife. 
 But fuppofing it to be both complete and pure, I muft 
 ution you agaiiiil refting the wliole merit of your cha- 
 [6ter on ferdibility alone. It is indeed a happy confti- 
 ition of mind. It fits rnen for tiie proper difcharge of 
 any duties, and gives t'aem aceefs to many :>irtuous 
 cafiires. It is requifite for our acceptance either with 
 od or man. At the fame time, if it remain an in- 
 inaive feeling alone, it M'ili form no more tlian an 
 hp:rfea chara^cter. Complete virtue is of a more ex- 
 '■'A uiid dignified nature. It fuppofes lenfibijjty, goot' 
 '.per, and benevolent aff^aions : It includes them as 
 ntial parts ; but it reaches farther : it fuppof-s theiii 
 
 be ft 
 
 rengthcned and confirmed by principl 
 
 C 2 
 
 It re- 
 
30 
 
 0-V SE^itniLiTt, 
 
 cjulres them to be fuDDortr.! k„ • /i- 
 
 w.rh propriety, i„ the tr^inTfittatTonfon?^ "" '" ^ 
 It IS very noflihl<» f«^ ^^ "luanons of life. 
 
 fcftion. i„^a S deSeV X "* ^f'^' '^'^ '='"'' »i 
 carried away by naS '7 ■ V* *^ '^'"e time, hel 
 '•eed.. Alll eve V man P'^'^^'t!"'" '"any crimiJ 
 virtue in one or oZv TL I^ ""' '""l^'f on'pofleffJ 
 claim to fome qua Ity which T' ?^ ^'^'^^ to iJ 
 " Ws own eye,\s we.1 ^'1 J' V T''"'" '''™ '^'">4 
 't is common for ml^^y eW nV'", ?"'''*=• H«"c| 
 cr dafles of life ZlA/'^f^ ^°' '''"''^ i" Ae hi-.! 
 
 Cb.l.ty of a yery defease S 'rtf' '" '?'^' "^ '"^1 
 view of mifery When it is ftr. ' i ' ^ ^7 '"^'«"' « td 
 ten too, affefted cWeflv L r^ 5^ ^' ^^°'^ "^^W- ol 
 « at feigned and p^L Lftr.r*'" °^ •'efcription, | 
 cry. that they relent Th..' "l"'! "'='" « '■«! ™i| 
 
 »"e. 'fhey applaud hem£ for tTj"'' Tt "^ A 
 hearts , and conclude thai w^h /? u ^ P<^"«ft of thJ 
 fail to be agreeable to it Jn At the f'"^' * '"^ ''A 
 franfient re!e„ti„gs make S* ;„ r '^'"* *""«' M 
 . Jua. They EJye rife to ^f ' '"'P''^'«on' on their coiJ 
 after fuch pX/h™^' '[ r"* '^"d^ i a„d fo„ 
 
 .re ready to ftretch fo«h Th?L d J' '"X"^ ''^'' "" 
 at the gain of injaftic^, or m „ ".PP'-eflion, to grafJ 
 
 criininal pleafmis. Tli-J fo ^ "f «« 'Mo the torrent of 
 
 more than a fullacioos cl m to M '"^ "^""^""^ 
 
 . Kromd to think highly ofZrT"^' '"^ ^"^^ ™en J 
 
 ';ot merely how they Ll but hn !> • ^^ "■'"« '"q-H 
 
 them t^ft'rt, in order to fce'^^Th '"' ^f ["S' ProJ 
 
 1 ftcll conclude v.Ith <XfaW ttatT'rrr''''^^^- f 
 
 penuine and pure, has •, ft,n, '"' 'cnfibihty, wheJ 
 
 That warmth of aff»a on ^^T^ ':°"neaio„ with pietJ 
 
 !=ad men to feel for thd Cfh »"'T'^ "' '""'' ^A 
 joys and forrn«.» n,: ", '"^'h.en, and to enter into th J 
 
 -t the remembrance oT tlir',-"'' '''*°'f ^^m to ™elj" 
 
ON 
 
 triE IMPROVEMENT Or TIME 
 
 SI 
 
 fth and deHcac, ofrtfibn ^^^t^e K'? 
 
 ka, tnat 'n fome corner of his Lart ther^n:i • 
 t depravity, an unnatural hardnefs^rtH .11 J''^^ 
 vitiates his charaaer.-_nt f, f 1 "^"*''' 
 
 rts of virtue in pron-r uninn ," u^^ '° J™" =>" 
 
 "for^lygood Ju7;nd7rLl„':. weinf vf'; 
 Uteous ; pious/as well as'fj^JathiW "Vl ""' 
 b Iiim who made the hf^cn- %.i VV^ ^' ^^^ "^ 
 
 pi proper difpoLns , ^Sifv a 1 t "°"" ^" '' 
 it the happy abode of nerfn7> • """' ' ^"<1 
 
 
 SERMON III. 
 
 ON THE IMTROVEMENrOFTOlE. 
 GENESIS s-tvn. 8. ^ 
 
 |g m the management of wKJ^i. -rj -^."^^e is 
 K or where man^-inH ^!f i u'^'^"^^"" ^' "^^^^ 
 
 Ifs of it ,r '•'^'' P''^^^^^ ^h^y wear emirdv 
 
 N „„ .1-. _. rT *"^o lome ot Its L^reat nortJnnc o«j 
 
 ienfible of its vakie. and k^,,;. .. _,„ , . * ^^^^ 
 
 t>u8 erei 
 
 wn*-;' ^^^"^^^^^ begin to re;r 
 Winle day after day is wafted 
 
 or vicious rleifuiv if r/(«.^ • • r \, 
 
 I ic.iu;^, It lome incident Ihall 
 
 ,in to regard it with 
 
 in a courfe 
 
 oc- 
 
 ..% 
 
32 
 
 ox Tiir; IWPUOVEMENT OF TjME. 
 
 cur which lea<ls the moil iiiconfidcrate man to thin 
 Ilia age, or time of life j how much of. it is yorA 
 Avh.1t period of it he is now arrived ; and to what 
 portion of It he can with any probabihty look forJ 
 as y.n to come j he can hardly avoid kdm^ fome fj 
 compunaion, and reflefting f.rioufly upon his fl 
 Happy, if that virtuous imprefTion were not of mo- 
 ary continuance, but retained its influence amicift 
 Succeeding cares and pleafurcs of the world ' To 
 -good oUl Patriarch mentioned in the text we JiaVe re 
 to txJieve that fuch imprenions were habitual, 1 
 ciudbon put to him by the Egyptian monarch nrod J 
 m hia anrwer, fuca refltaions ;.. were naturaljv ij 
 to his time of Jife, Jn^ Jacob /aid unto PharadX 
 rfays of the years rf my pilgrimage are cm hundrcl 
 thirty years : few and evil have the days tf the vJ 
 fry hjc been, and have not attained unto the dcy^ I 
 year} cf the life of my J at hers, in the days nf ihe^A 
 gnmage. But the peculiar circumilnnccr. ti' die rl 
 iirch, or the number of his years, are not to be tbef 
 ,ject of our present confideration. My jiumoie iJ 
 ihow how we fhoukl be affcaed in every period of! 
 man hfe, by reflec'>ion upon our age, whether J 
 young, or advanced in years j in order that tlie quel 
 fiow old art thni F may never be put to any of us \ 
 out fom« good efFea. Tliere arc three different 
 tions of our life which fuch a queftion naturally cal 
 view ; that part of It which is paft ; that which is| 
 prefent j and -that to which we fondly look forwaid 
 iuture. Let us confider in ^7hat manner we ouel 
 be afteaed by attending to each of thefc. 
 
 I. Let us review that part of cur time which is pal 
 According to the progrefs which" we have niade in 
 journey of life, the field which pnft years prefent tc 
 review will be more or lefs cxteiifive. But to even 
 they will be found to afford fufficientniittcr of hui 
 
 tion and r» 
 
 ■grot. For where is the perfon, M'ho li 
 
 aaed for any time in the v/oiid 
 
 wors, and follies, in Iiis paH: behavioi^7"i\^hdxi 
 
 remembers-, not 
 
 m 
 
TjME. 
 
 :e iiian to tliii 
 of. it is iiou 
 
 ami to wliat 
 lity look foiM 
 ccliag fonie U 
 f upon his 
 e not of nio;ri 
 ience amicifti 
 
 world ! Tol 
 xt we have n 
 £ habitual. 
 
 onar'jh prod'j' 
 
 I natural] y {« 
 
 tin huHdrcu\ 
 
 the di;yi 
 %i ;/' iheiA 
 ccr, t-f die pj 
 ^ot to he the I 
 y purpoie ii 
 ry pcijod of) 
 \^'h ether wi 
 hat tlie que 
 > any of us 
 .'c diffei'ent 
 
 OV THE IMPUOVEMENT OF TIME. 
 
 33 
 
 n, M'-ho lis 
 
 Ihat lie has improved, as he might have done, the 
 lus advantages which were afforded him ; and that 
 tecalls nothing for which he has reafou either to 
 Ve, or to blulh ? When we recollea the fevcral 
 ks of life through which we have paffed i the fuc- 
 ^e occupations in which we have been engaged, the 
 bs we have formed, and the hopes and fears which 
 jnately have filled our brcaft j how. barren for mofl 
 is the remembrance ;, and, how few traces of any. 
 I valuable or important remain ? Like charaaers 
 m on the fand, which the next wave waihes totally 
 /, fo one trivial fbcceffion of events has effaced the 
 lory of the preceding ; and though we have feemed 
 ilong to be bufy, yet for much pf vi-hat we have aa- 
 we are neither wifer nor better than if fuch aaions 
 never been. Hence, let the retrofpea of what is 
 produce, as its fkft effea, humiliation in our own 
 \, and abafement before God. Much do human 
 le and fclf-complacency require fome eorreaion ;• 
 1 that eorreaion is never more effeaually adminifter- 
 than by an impartial and ferious review of former 
 
 ut though pafttime begone, we are not to con. 
 • It as irredeemably loit;. To a very profitable pur- 
 it may yet be applii'd, if we lay hold of it while it 
 ams m remembrance, and oblige it to contribute to 
 ire improvement. If you have gained nothing more 
 he years that are paft, you have at leaft gained ex- 
 ence; and experience is the mother of wifdom, 
 u have (itn the weak parts of your charaaer ; and 
 ^' have dilcovered the chief fources of your mifcon- 
 . To^ thef« let ^ your attention be direaed ; on 
 ie, let the proper guards be fet. If you have trifled 
 |g, reiolve to trifle no more. If your paffions. have 
 en betrayed and degraded you, ftudy how they may- 
 Kept hi future, under belter difcinline. L^arn st «-he 
 ije time, never to triift prefumptuoufly in your "own 
 Idom. Humbly apply to the Author of your being, 
 « aefcech his grace to guide you fafely through thofc 
 
 ■'■! 
 
 :J 
 
 • 
 
24 
 
 ^^ THE nrPuoVLMt^T Ul- TiM,:. 
 
 Where arrtLrw"'""'' "^' •'"*'"= '"Kheft de 
 fuits, whi^h Ve on^I .r°''f """"'«' "^"'■e eager 
 
 a dream which hTs h^h "''°" "'"" '"^^^ »« -I 
 
 The air^fabric" h ^ Sf r'^' ' T ''"' ^'^^'''^ 
 «• Wefmileatourfnrm7 -f ''^ft "« trace bel 
 
 great. ^Ve may re^ XcJ ?'?'f '"^ ^S'^ficant 
 ag^iin be. When TimfZ i ' 7^"' ^^'^ ^^"' ' 
 J'a>;<l on the naffiont ^^ r°•"'^'''^^ '^"' ^'s Jen, 
 they t<Jo ftali tft h"t fm.w'^^ °f *<. prefent men,, 
 
 fancy now beftow, uL^Jf ""^ t^'"" ''^''^ ''^^ 
 ready begin to fuMdeC/-'"- "*"=*' '« *en, 
 
 «fconteft,byamicLt;n , '"'!°" i"'" "'e eagern 
 
 ^^ look back on Z^-i tt f ' 'TT^y ^"'"S- W 
 
 wear to have/ee d 1^1" ^H„' '"?"r''l'['^ ''° " 
 period of Jifo ftoien ,,non '^ <■ °''' 'ffen/ibly has oi 
 ceffive incidents ""S/Zf^'r?"' "^^ *e ft 
 aware, childhood a.^ ow^'' "•''^'^ ^ before we v« 
 
 rafled into manhood7™d mtCV'""* ' T* ^ 
 K"is to afliime t'-e arLu- ™-^'',"°°<' "ow, perhaps, : 
 
 When we werecaSr' '°/''""^ """"'d I 
 years to come fem to ft retch 'T ^°T"^' "^<""''"' 
 tenfire fpace IW ,'""f through a long and q 
 
 looking bakt'thevftr""*' ''"^^ ^'^='" ^""'e of o 
 i'oundf. Ti ;.e £' :P}T'''"''-'^^^1 within narro' 
 with How and Uj^iU" t^!L"!'. /-"- - ».<lvn™ 
 *iiitcrn its wings. ' ' ' *"" '"""'' '^ '^ P'*^^* t^^n 
 
O-V THE IWruOTtMKNT Or T.Jli:. J5 
 
 is a remarkable pccuiiarity i„ the retrofpea of forn,. 
 fc, that .t,s^ commonly attended with fome mcaT; 
 |eav,„efe of heart. Even to the moft profper^us "he 
 ..ory ot jovs that are part is aeeompa.Ll'wThlcm 
 ™ . In the day, of former years, many obieas arife 
 iew, whtch make the mod .n.thinkingLrfve and 
 hla "I'- 'r'- ^'"'^ Pieafurable fcVnes of Vouth 
 
 bjeas on wh,ch our affeaions had been early nhc' 
 the companions and friends with whom w^ h.H 
 .t n„ny happy days, even the plaeerand thToecu 
 
 . wl r! ," f • ^^'■<=«"^'". can hardly ever be re- 
 
 Ac' et are"who%tee " T'"^' '*="' '^ ^"^ 
 'li"..a aro.jg proof^^Z^^v^^ °J -"K: 
 ■ wl .eh ,s fo often reprefented in 'the faered Trk 
 • And van, mdeed muft that ftate be, where ftTde: 
 rief tmge the recoll=aion of its br hrhtS f 
 at the fame time, though if K» ""Shteft fcenes. 
 
 Lncholy; fodeil-a wkhZi ° ^"^""'^ => fr"«'«f« 
 t ; to^hickertlS' lorn thth^''i^ "^'^ '"P™'" 
 
 u i.e. without f^S:;:.s^^as«r 
 
 * ■ 
 
 fc ' Ift'' T *"■ '? '?'='" '° "^^ f^c'' part. 
 
 >v anJ vanity ? No" I aL^'a 'T' '"' '"' ['^'P'^^' °^ 
 ...<J3, if what'you, r^c'oll a'4 Lfl^f'^t' "^ 
 -nnocent the virtuou,, thlwlle'';:?;:; L^ 
 We ; when you were emclovt-d i- - - • ^ "" 
 '"- "'" ""proving them 'with ul 
 
 regular application and perfeverinfi""la 
 S tae feundatiou of future reputadon 
 
 lus 
 
 
 ' 
 
96 
 
 OH THE IMPROVEMEltT 01 TIME. 
 
 * ^3.^^€"?ent i v^hen you were occupied in difchj 
 u.th fulehty the duties of your ftafion, and co, 
 the cfteem of the worthy a,ul the good ; when in 
 tt-ymg fituaticm you were enabled to aft your part 
 fimnefs and honor; or had feized the happy op J 
 n»ty of amfting the <kferving, of relieving the diltrl 
 and bnngmg down upon your heads the blefTmv A 
 
 tLTxrt i'^''"'^' '^^^^^' thefe are thi p^^ 
 fomer life which are recalled with moft fatisff^^ 
 Un them alone, no heavinefs of heart attends. Yoi 
 
 1!^ T.T. "" ^'"'^"'"^ ^^^^^ '« "o^ ftored up, anl 
 
 beyond ail danger of being loft. Thefe chear the 
 
 of fadnefs, lighten the burden of old age, and, thrt 
 
 the mortifying remembrance of much of the paft I 
 
 a ray of light and joy. Frony the review of thefe 
 
 the comparifon of them with the deceitful pleafuj 
 
 <m, let us leani how to form our eftimate of happl 
 
 I^t MS learn what is true, what \, falfe, in human? 
 
 lures ; and from experience of the paft, judge , 
 
 quarter to which we muft in future turn, if we % 
 
 lay a foundation for permanent fatisfaa^on. After! 
 
 ing thus reviewed t\^ former years of our life, 
 
 confider, * 
 
 II. What attention is due to that period of J 
 which we are at prefent placed. Here lies the iiJ 
 ate and principal objeft of our concern. For the 
 leaion of the paft is only as far of moment, as itl 
 upon the prefent. The paft, to us now is little 
 future, as yet, is nothing. Between thefe two 
 gulphs of time fubfifts the prefent, as an ifthmJ 
 bridge, along which we are all paffintr. With! 
 and inconfiderate fteps let us not pafs along it ; U 
 member well, how much depends upon our Lt 
 iteady, and properly conduaed courfe. fVhcA 
 thtne hand fmdeth to do, do it now with all thy d 
 for now IS the accepted ttm^ ; nviu is the day of fa J 
 Many direOions mlcrht hp aJw^ri f^ ,1,^ J.-ri f A 
 
 lous improvement of the prefent : 'a few ' 
 
 I ihall hint. 
 
 whici 
 
ON THE IMPnOTEMEVT OF Ujit;. 
 
 
 «■' of whiciMu 
 
 ,ct us begin with excluding thcfe fuperfluous avoca- 
 
 IS wiuch unprohtabljr confume it. Life is ftZ^ 
 
 .ch that IS of real importance remains tob^ done If 
 
 nels, or in frivolous employments, it will hereafter 
 for vengeance againft J. Removing the"fo« 
 a ., merely fuperfluous, let us bethink ^rfdves of 
 at .smoft material to be attended to at pX a" 
 \ and chief, the great work of our falvation the dif' 
 rge of the religious duties which we owe o CnH 
 Creator, and to Chrilt our Redeemer rw -.l 
 yet /, l>e ,r.a^^, , ,,,e,:.,, j.rXv-it lonlrnon^ 
 'us can tell. Now, therefore, /nk the IT/wHTh 
 1 bejoimd, call upon him while he h «,,,J^ In c 
 
 ^e, occupy a great Ihare of the prefent hour ww" 
 
 ,^- own. S.ffi,en. f.r ,he .l^^tiU ;:^;t^ 
 
 'rhe observance of order and m-thod is nf ),; T 
 luence for the improvement of prefem me fl "T 
 forms every en,plr ment in its due pire Ind f J " 
 KYs no part of fir^^ +^ «r ""^^ P^-^ce and Ijalon, 
 
 [Lereas he ;h7ne'.lea?oJ:!1n7'' "'" ''"'* '"''^^- 
 I occupations, is aCj ZoRJe^t^'c'^y'"''''' °' 
 
 rfflvcs. about what are vo"''± H-r -"^"V- ''"" 
 
 icopeofpurpr.fentrp.di;^;;;J 
 
 you juftify them to 
 
 cares ? 
 
 sduce 
 
 anythiiig that will furvive tl 
 
 Ttl: t^ ^^-X liKdy' 
 
 D 
 
 to 
 
 ■¥ 
 
 1 
 
 
SH 
 
 t'N rtlV. iMPflOVEHK.sT 
 
 Of 11 Mi: 
 
 brir.g f,„il, bmc fruit for futmwv ? ii . i 
 
 no futJsf.aory anfwer t^iWh ^ . "^^'^ "'^^ 
 
 not tending 1 cVt^j^T'^^'^y"'^ "^ '^'' P^^^'^n'l 
 
 ^ "ally, i. 4 at^:^/: , fej^ -;- ^'T^- 
 
 prove, you fhouKl ciul -nvor 1 fo il ^- ^^'^^^^^ '^ '' 
 ^our. Let h not l>e cIuQ^f ;;,^ ^J^^ ^f 
 tents, or po foncd wli-Ji f., i-n • groundlcls diCa 
 
 come': ]4 o^k t.p o l^:^:""T' f''"'\ ^'■'•^" ^» 
 a grateful hem. thcJ^tZV '''^""^^^^k^> ^ 
 
 ty S without anv Dutir,,!-.. 7 ' f^'""*-"' ="^'' l^' 
 
 your condit on^ wh t " ' *"' uncc-mmo,, «vil. to .-.(11 
 7 v-wiiuiuuii , wnat more can von ri=-'irr» ,k7 i , 
 ■iitl.,, vain ami uncertain wor / P 1 w w/^ ''"'' ' 
 greatcd profperity add to furf 1 ,.. w"*'" "''' ' 
 situation eve/ rnZ you h p,;, if ^'^,: ^i* fc ?" ^ '"^' 
 
 tint zJ:^^:.d:h F^^ " 
 
 in. Confidcr with what diCpofitions we ourhf tn 1, 
 , forward to thofe years of ou • life that m.v lu 
 come. Merely to' look forwa Ito he,n Ts C 
 qu-res no adn,onition. Futurity is thrg ea obta 
 
 often neg..a:a?^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 tHc parent, they'X:^;^i:44ltl\nr^^ 
 lubfequent per od of their Hvp. 'rC'^ ' . ^" 
 
 l,:Hni 
 
 *t* UlA 
 
 ;jsi; 
 
 qvolly foclilli and fmful. LctMri by hin 
 -'-n.t::.g fsrtl'cr than '. nlloJ 
 
 t'.iiuVii 
 
" ~-lf™'-3^B-™'1K'f"5'" 
 
 I 1 Mi;. 
 
 le who o.-n ( 
 5ns 33 thci'o, „ 
 of the prcll-nti 
 iiis hr)ripr. 
 you iiudy to i 
 Voy thii prcr< 
 ■ounclK-fs fiifct 
 about wlwit is 
 knowletfgc, wi 
 ' enjoy.. It v. 
 pp:icc, and U 
 n as lis to affl 
 foudhly jcok . 
 rtr little ca2i tl 
 VViii.ajiyfu;, 
 fh fo fc vv cam 
 able ? l^he ei 
 iir condition 
 dances is liki 
 
 <»» T»rf; I.M.'KclVfMK.VT o; flMi:. 
 
 
 - ought to !(. 
 "^ay yet he 
 i"> IS what 
 reat objea 
 oyed ; for 
 :he prell'nt t 
 
 fwallowed ij 
 gns ; on fuij 
 
 "ot iiappyi 
 ng fo, at ioi 
 
 piopenlity 
 '■'anted in 
 
 ^ly indulgJ 
 
 :h fom':tii] 
 
 • ---J ^^ 
 
 iful. Let 
 
 3y 
 
 into u a dark imd unknown rcLnon T' « • i_ 
 
 fgs to (;.,d : And happy for u 'X', ^^ flinty be- 
 
 th which his wifdon! l.L covxrJd Z^^^'']'''}' ^dl 
 
 wcr to lift up the veil -.n I ..I I ; ,^''*-' '^ '" our 
 
 W pnini- aiK niti;>i}d c,„i,l„A r . "■" ^'^afts. 
 
 :uri.y, i, regul«c 1 >v " " , r , T'" """^ "^K"'" '° 
 
 >" i but It s only for i v,..-„ fl J '^ e,.<leavor to 
 
 : to purfue them. f„ e,In/r. -'S^ '''=" ^^ •••'= -- 
 
 M happens baffles all thV "™i of'en. Ae next evcjt 
 
 hich follow, from this is, thalr' ;^. ■ '^°"'f1"ence 
 rity, which paffes the bounds of rlafon^-J"^ "'*"' ^"- 
 unprofitable and vain Celt 'Z/ P'-««"tion, 
 ■-;fy .0 be taken iJ^'l^'"^'.'''' -''--1 
 
 M having done this, we muft fton ^'^ ,; , * "'""i- 
 H,m who difpofeth of futurity aVh't," 'If '='^ 
 W* //, ti, heavens huihs -n ,1.- -n ■'^'' ■"■'••" 
 
 worldly ™en.. WheK ] 'J'^''"'? T"' '"'" P'-">-^ 
 
 « the fame reafon.defDaiTtl. t^ '""^ ''•■•?■ f""'- 
 
 y bring forth golld ast V" fvir^"'*" '"'" '^ 
 
 !!!? rj* ./- W fears" "uV' in,:5:f;.;l- I?- 
 
 ^.^yh.^..v.r4rit«trji£^-^ 
 
 At 
 
40 
 
 0-V THE IMI'ttOVEMENT OF TIME. 
 
 ftorm, yet, before it breaks, you may be lodged in 
 lonely mannon which no ftorms ever touch ^ 
 J.i the next place, there are in futurity ibme eve 
 
 dtknefrV^r^r'"'^ (""'"'-''="; ''^ -' *™"fil> ^ 
 uarknels. !• rft, ,t may be confidently predicfe. . A 
 
 Iwer fully to our hopes, or confer perfcft happinj 
 . h.s IS as certam as if we already faw it, that lifef "nl 
 future periods, will continue to L what it has her« 
 iore been i that it will be a mixed and varied ftatc 
 chequered fcene of pleafures and pains, of fugitive 
 
 nr tn ,W f ■■ ^t^°f ^"''^"'^ "> *e years of you 
 or to thofe of manhood and advanced life, it is all 
 fame, fhe world will be to us, what it has been 
 generations part. Set out. therefore, on wha rem i 
 «f your journey under this perfuafion. According 
 th s me,fure eftimate your future pleafures; and i 
 culate your future gains. Carry always along with l 
 a modeft and a temperate mind. iJt not your exp 
 tations from the years that are to come rife too hi. 
 and your d.fappointments will be fewer, and more e 
 ly fupported. 
 
 Farther ; this may be reckoned upon as certain, t 
 m every future Jituatiou of life, a good confcien e, 
 well ordered mmd, and a humble truft in the favor 
 Heaveu, w,il prove the effential ingredients of your h 
 fv K ,", ''"^^'''S '^P"" the part, you haie foi. 
 this to hold._ AiTure yourfclves that in future, tlie c; 
 Will be the iame U he principal correaives of hum 
 vamty and diftreO, muft be fought for in rehVion . 
 virtue. lt,ntenng on paths which to you are tew 
 un,cnown, place yourfelves under the conduft of a 
 vine guide. Follow the great Sh,pher,/ of liraeL * 
 amidlltlie turmoil of this world, leads his flock 
 green paflure,, ewd by th, flUl w;t-r,.—h^ you adw 
 ,., ,„, „.,„., ,,, .„,„_,_ j^j.^ j^^ ^^^^ Drincinies, and 
 
 /v.. J.. J.- : 
 
 £luv:y iv# improve 
 
 good principi< 
 
 good praaice. You will be enabled to look to futu 
 without fear, if, whatcvejr it brings, it ihaii find 
 
 ir.'. To 
 
 as life 
 
 |e for its 
 
 ie us* - 
 
 'hu3 I Jl; 
 
 'per t(^ be 
 
 How old 
 
 Md revie^ 
 
 fliould c< 
 
 s look fo 
 
 ^ftion maj 
 
 Id it ; an 
 
 life, that 
 
 y 
 
^ THE IMFROTEMfiNT OP TI«f£. 4, 
 
 h certain, but to l^^^,''" I • "°'^ '^'"" '° >« "« 
 
 fe therefor-, lit u, lo^' f T" °'"' ''^'^'- To 
 IhiWren. bu with t!m m .Tl^' "°!- "''"^ *^ '''^='* 
 
 ^ . To hi. com t Z":i In t ^ '■•''^'' ".^'^ ""'^' "'' 
 . as Hfe advance? h^oukt^nr/";; ' 'l'^''^ "^^ ' 
 tj. .ore. and fo^^tSa^/^^^^^^^ 
 
 I //;?«; 0/^ ^/r/ thou P T h. 37 '"°" ^.s put to any of 
 uld review ;he p^aft irs :fcr '•"''1 "^^^ *« 
 fliould confider the nr<.X„* j • ' '" ™*** ''g'" 
 
 U look forward to th'efi -1 " .^ *'.'' "'*''''" 
 Wion may alway, leave fl* V " °'^^' "*''* ''°<^'' » 
 ft it i a/d ma/diWe us/! ^f "'"^/"'Preffion be- 
 I life /A^* „. ' 1'""' "' J^ lo number the years ot 
 
 'i 
 
 ,i 
 
 D 
 
SERMON IV* 
 
 QN THf; Dt/TIES BELONGING TO MIDDLE ACi 
 
 t CORINTHIANS Tin. 't I. 
 
 •"-^WJpen 1 became a many I put amay ehlldljh thini 
 
 TO every thing, fays the wife man, there /r a feA 
 and a time to every purpofe vnder Heavtn* As thl 
 arc duties which belong to panictilar fituations of f] 
 tune, fo there are duties alfo whieh refult from partiJ 
 lar periods of human life. In every period of it, indd 
 that Gomprehenfive rule takes place, Fcur God andl 
 hts commandments ; for this is the whole duty of ml 
 Piety tp Godi and charity to mc.i, are incumbent up 
 perfons of every age, as foon as they can think and 
 Yet thefe virtues, in different ftages of life, aflume™ 
 fcrent forms ; and when they appear in thr t form wjii 
 ift moft fuited ta eur age, they appear with peci 
 fPacefulnefs j fihey giv^ propriety to condu^, and « 
 
 >ign!ty to charaaer., la former; difconrf^s I hi 
 
 tet^d of the virtues which, adoiin youth, and of the J 
 ttes which fpeciaily bdong to old age4 The circlel 
 riiofe duties which refpeft middle age is indeed mi 
 larger. As that is the bufy period in the life of man 
 includes in effea: the whole compass of religion, 
 therefore cannot have its peculiar charafter fo (icfiriic 
 marked and afcertained. At the fame time, dui^ 
 thofe years wherein one is fenfible that he has advnnJ 
 4)eyond the confines of youth, but has not yet pafldl 
 to the region of old agt, there are fcveral things wH 
 refleaion on that portion of human life fuigefts, or| 
 ^aft ought to fuggeft, to the mind. Incoii'fiderate r 
 
 Eccle 
 
 S. 111. I. 
 
 t Eccles. xii. ij. 
 
 t See vol. I, Sermons ii, la. 
 
• II tHS SUTtts ftc. 
 
 "fa 
 
 <;,who, mhugtadual progrefs throughout middle 
 paufcs not. at times, to think, how ftr I,„ j, „Z 
 |dmg from youth , how near he diaw, to th^ honlerl 
 ^clmn.g age ; what part it is now incumbent on hin 
 a i what dufes both God and the worl.l have a ti^l 
 xpea from h.m. Jo thefe. I am at prefent to caU ■' 
 
 f r r°" I " '"^'* n-^terially concern tlie grea'eft 
 of thofe who are now my hearers 
 
 I begin with obferving, that the firft duty of tliofe 
 are become men is^ as the text exprefles it. /,*,' 
 ,, ch-MJh ,h,„gs. The feafon of youthfuf kv ti'l 
 les, and paffions ,a now over. Thefe have had , S 
 ;n i a re,gn perhaps to ]ong j mA. to which a term 
 ion IS certamly proper at laft. 'i„ch indulgencri; 
 to youtK Many thing, admit of excufe therS 
 rwards become unpardonable. Some things mat 
 h be gracefu m youth, which, if „ot criminaf, JaS 
 ft ndicubus. m pcrfons of mature years. It is a great 
 il of w.fdom, to make ouf retreat f^om vouth wth 
 l^nety ;, to aflume the charafter of manhS, w^th 
 expofing ourfeives to reproach, by m unfeafonahl ' 
 lainder of juvenility, on the oa^ hand, Tby predfe 
 d.%ua,ng^ formality, on the other.' Naffi!," 
 e4 cer«a» bouadaries, by which fhe difcriminat« 
 pkafces. aa«ns,andi employments, that are S 
 the diaerent ftages of Tiuman Kfe. It beco-«es u, 
 Ither to overleap thofe boundaries, by a tranfufon t^' 
 ^ and violent ; nor to hover too long on one Xe rf 
 i.m.t, when nature calls us to pafc over to thVothef 
 i^ere are partieuhrly two things in which middfe 
 ftouM preferve it, diftinaion and feparWW 
 A ; thef. are. levities of beha^^ior, Ja m^~ 
 uigence of plealure. The gay fpirits of thvS 
 |en prompt an inconfiJerate degree of levi^T S 
 »«, amu..ng, fometimes offenfi^e ; but f^'wh^r 
 ■ugh betraymg ,h,:m oecaflonall into feriou, .'„' 
 T -*,-,nt oi experience may ead excfe." '\ln^ 
 
 Jth 
 
 ui. u- ■'ipoftd. and nrinly behavioi 
 
 'nr 
 
 il» 
 
 IS expeacd in riper 
 
 aiFeaatloa of youthful vanities, degrades 
 

 44 
 
 ON tllE DtTIES BlLO.^Ctmd 
 
 conttrnpt. CIieaTfulneft is becominK in 'very ace 7 
 
 toe proper chenrfulnefs of a man is a, diff'relt fron, 
 
 cvity 01 the boy, as the flight of the earfe k /r 
 
 fluttering of a ip.rrow in the air. ^ °^ 
 
 As ail unfeafonable returns to the fevhv of vJ 
 
 ought to be laid afidc,_an admonition whf/eoj 
 
 l^ t? ?°* ""-■ ^™<=«.-fti'l more are we ;,^a 
 .gau,ft thofe intemperate indulgences of pleafure 
 
 <annot too foon retreat. They op.n tiie cath to J 
 •n every period of our dap. L fong, ho^^eveV ° t1 
 exeefles are confined to the firft 4eof7fe!Cl 
 
 ofvoutli,nr-r-*? ^'"«'"<a- But after the fj 
 ftead of 1 ftf^' "V"'="'P=-'^'= fpirit remain ; if, 
 Head of liftening to the calls of honor, and bem in. 
 tention to the cares, an«I the bufincfs of men. the J 
 the caf° tl"'"''^ ^"' '■"''""^'"y continued b^p^r/j 
 
 the ta(t tr, im„„r » «ar(i, at the teginninsJ 
 
 me taK, to impofe on our condua reftraints which ' 
 altogether unaccuftomed and new. But this i,, J 
 
 iccncs ot aduon, and new per ods of life let J 
 
 «t: aTftTke'^'-Al" 't '/'■'■"'' "'^""^^'-' *^'l 
 "uwacitake. 1 heir charaacr and honor tli^ir A J 
 
 fortune and fuccefs in the «-orld, depend in a "eat J 
 Hiccrprets all tneir m<^tion'?. as prefages 
 
 U 
 
 condua which thL7 mean to hold. No 
 
 w, thci 
 
ON MllSDtE ACt. 
 
 4» 
 
 ,//// £iw^y childijh things : difmlfs your former tri- 
 amufcm Us, and youthful pleafures ; blaft not the 
 |s which your friends are willing to conceive of you. 
 her occupations, more ferious cares, await you 
 1 your mind to the fteady and vigorous difchar/e of 
 jart you are called to aft-^This leads me, 
 I. lo pomt out the particular duties which open on 
 fe who are in the middle period of life. They arc 
 come forward to that field of aaion where they 
 [o mix m all the ftir and buftle of the world ; where 
 he human powers are brought forth into full exer- 
 ; where all that is conceived to be important in hu- . 
 amurs is inceiTantly going on around them. The 
 of youth was the preparation for future aftion. In 
 ^ge our aaive part is fuppofed to be finifhed, and 
 
 kxpeaed to difplay the fruits which education had 
 ared and ripened. In this world, all of us were 
 (led to be affiftants to one another. The wants of 
 Etycail for every man's labor, and require various 
 rtments to be filled up. They require that fome be 
 pinted to rule, and ethers to obey ; feme, to defend 
 liociety from danger, others to maintain its internaf 
 |r and peace ; fome, to provide the conveniencies of 
 I others to promote the improvement of the mind - 
 |y, to work J others to contrive and direO. In 
 p, within the fphere of fociety there is employment 
 ^vcry one ; and in the courfe of thefe employments* 
 y a moral duty is to be performed ; many a religious 
 
 k in the world. No rank, nor ftation, no dignity of 
 ItriZ- ''^'"'^"^ PofTeflions, exempt any man fron. 
 Itnouting his fhare to public utility and good. This 
 fe precept of God. This is the voice of „. This 
 
 wieot the hrft aueftions. th^rpf/^v^ «.t :-»» ^-^— -,. ^ 
 IS .n rh. v,..„. ^c u.. _g^ ^^^,^ p^^ ^^ ^^J^^ .^^ 
 
 world .•* What have I yet 
 
 8'ie, whereby I may glorify God, and be ufcful 
 
 to 
 
4G 
 
 ¥' 
 
 C^W TM6 DUTIEI IUEltWf.Tve 
 
 :: r" •''■"'/having exifted on the c r;;V"cr" 
 days pafl,„g i^i.fefs away, now wt'n i i ', fj 
 fonie importance in the i;4m of h man affl 1 
 
 and har.', ""^ ,T'" ^^^'"^ *=" '"^ i. of noTn moJ 
 and has, upon that account, a privileee to trifl^ »; 
 
 Mafter. to all -LX: V .'^o™'"^'"! of the j 
 er diftin!uift,;77 - '^"P"""'' ^^"'t'" are po«a 
 
 fi^nificanf T .? ^°"^^'^^^ed, „p one is left entirel 
 
 infSrk a.;d ^"'^'■^' '" *" '*' ^^"""» forms, olj 
 k^th Msfc'^"/!?- "?"' ^'«>-. -^Ws will adi 
 
 «ur years, as they roll, flow, alone in a clear on.! J 
 
 -■ n fni"'?"- *'.^ P-""-^ ft'gnati'on of'fl 3,y 
 < luiels. Idlenefs is the great corrupter of youth • I 
 tie bane and diftonor of middle age. n. Iho I'i 
 rnme of life, find, .j^e to l.ang^h;avr^„ h^'], 
 
 rd upon I^^' t ?f ^?^«'i«"'i<'" of his age ij 
 rt.T" '^::! '.!'!?„^'' ^-^ f..s not co«fulr.d his^cwnl' 
 
 *i^t forget. 
 
 *4U4k. <tii 
 
 I- oi tiie world, 
 
 ■Luke xix. i^ 
 
T3 MlttULE A%iE. 
 
 4/ 
 
 To guard with vigilance afr:,,-,,^ *!,-. ,- . 
 
 arpieaiure is fucceeced bv the nr^fH.,, ^ • !: 
 is paffion the whole min^ . ^ r ^""^ '''^''''^^' 
 he change thereb; • .du " on X^'^" '^"^^^ ' 
 
 IfFeaions often rem-^-nT^/ 5'''''^^' ^'^^=-"- 
 
 the Jove Df honor":"nd Z '''''^^^"^^ ofirl.nd, 
 
 h degree of luCl T cSaS^^^' f "^"^'^^'^^ 
 
 .dens the feeling of ev™; t'hS th^t ' V n- ^'^^'• 
 
 SrSLr'lte^"'^^^ '"""■P'V. and con,, 
 tft to eicirS biffi H s'^ -«l«nyy. combine with 
 ion of the heart Cfrft TerS '""'"'■" "'^ --■»- 
 tion to advance hi^m'J2^''u T'' =" "''"'' 
 Jnd l,udabla method^ ' He reN^<.d 1 ''r<'"^''"' 
 
 I of a fuperioi- infults'^ L, Tf, °* ' "T^'" ^hc 
 [=;on, poifon his mind, h" fit| ^l'- ^'' }^^i>^^- 
 
 . .the anfui...d a.fig";,f r;:r:n i,:f're: 
 
 rt-.y j;a;...fY- ^' VJ-'^ » ^^*^ forward :xnd th- rraA,, 
 
 H''' Wi,« !,e hL le .r cd i7. f"^ *^ '^'^ "*' 
 k,. for !w own defc^t^. ',„^'"r "'/''"•'^ ' 
 
-1^ 
 
 OW THE DUTIES DELOKGING 
 
 fumes that fuppic and verfatile charaaer, whicli m 
 fcrves to be frequent, and which often lias appear] 
 him fuccefsful. ^^ ^ 
 
 ^ To thefe, and many more dangers of the fame 
 IS the man expofed who is deeply engaged in a 
 life. No fmall degree of firmnefs in religious prinq 
 and of conftancy in virtue is requifite, in order to| 
 vent his being^ aihmilated to the fpirit of the worl(l] 
 carried away by the mijfi/ude of evil doers. U^ 
 therefore call to mind thofe principles which ouo 
 fortify him againa fuch temptations to vice Let] 
 often recoliea that, whatever his ftation in life vA 
 he IS a man ; he is a chriftian. Thefe are the 
 charaaers which he has to lupport ; charaaers fu 
 or tar, if they be fupported with dignity, to any of 
 titles with which courts can decorate him ; fuper] 
 all that can be acquired in the ftrife of a bufy ^ 
 l.et him think, that though it may be defirable % 
 creale his opulence, or to advance his rank, yet whj 
 ought to hold much more facred is, to maintain hj 
 tcgnty and honor. If thefe be forfeited, wealth ol 
 tion will have few charms left. They will not be] 
 to protea him long from finking into contempt in 
 eye of an obferving world. Even to his own eJ 
 will at laft appear bafe and wretched.— Let not thJ 
 tairs of the world entirely engrofs his time and thou 
 *rom that contagious air which he breathes in the 
 ot It, let him fometimes retreat into the falutary 
 confecrated to devotion and to wifdom. There 
 verfing ferioufly with his own foul, and looking up 1^ 
 Father of fpirits, let him fludy to calm thofe unJ 
 paflitMg and to reaify thofe internal diforders, 
 f^"^*^!^ with the M'orld had excited and incra 
 In o^^^o render this medicine of the mind 
 leatiM, It will be highly proper, 
 
 IV*^ That as we advance in the courfe of veirs 
 
 nioii 
 
 Lt? 
 
 lutions which thefj 
 
 c iapie oi tnne and life, and to thei 
 
 re ever afleainaf. In this 
 
 tion, one of the fiift reileaions which Ihould 
 
 ma 
 
 0C( 
 
TO MIDDLK AGE. 
 
 4'J 
 
 dcd M through the ^D^ert Zu f" '" 1'^^ ' ''"'' 
 
 I, my friends, to tWe who (I If '^ '*°°^l ^"""^ 
 
 [« in the race of lift. Thtl ll °"^ with your- 
 
 e fallen around you Obf;.. 1 K ""'T "'^ ""^"^ 
 
 I have honored, as beoam^ you" he God Jf"'' 
 
 fcv:;ti^'^;orsf h*' ""^^^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 Mued.prote^I^^^^ - ^ope for 
 
 feKura . a^airrr '"'r^ '^'-'' y°" '•- 
 
 y theatre. Refleaonth? T "^"r ='^°' <'" ">!» 
 fe in men and man°e" f '^'!^•'^'' "^^^^ '>="'« taken 
 fate fortx-nes, ZT^XuclZT^ " P "f ^'"f^ " 
 
 ons you have made on tl>efe "mll^l /^ '^^ °^^"'- 
 h g.iined, tave you imDrov,!H ?''P"'<;'>ce you 
 
 h .' Have the ch^^nges^f Te ,^^"1°"?'''^ "\"'^- 
 Kcd, loofened all urlT Z ''*"^'' T"" ''"<-• 
 kthey tau^"v,„ .T "'"^ attachment to it ? 
 
 in virtue, ftabi i y ,3 ^ b^^f?' ;r>'V°"'y '" ^od 
 ft the whirl of the wo M ar^^l °r «'''' "'"^' "' 
 
 nee we can cal4 a'd tl^^t T t ^ ".^^i"" ' 
 . and anticipate the future ^^ "^ ^''^ °" "=<^ 
 
 tei?^^ri:f5ia^J"^w;^T^^^%^'i 
 
 Ifcen.?. H..4. :r.... _. ,^ . "^' ' ^^^^fi many a nka^ 
 
 "i 1 """ ** "'*' VvOiiisi look tr% if ].'l,^ 'r " 
 
 I: 
 
 '^1 
 
 I 
 
 jr.viil 
 
 
50 
 
 ON TTIF. DinrS BKL0NG5NO 
 
 pared tor M'h.itcv<T it may bring, let us cultivate 
 manly fortitude of mirul, which, lupported by a n 
 truil in Cod, will enable us to encounter properly 
 viciintudcs of our ftate. No quality is jnort md 
 than this, to them who arc pacing through thm Itpi 
 fcafon of life of which we now treat, ^oftnyfs ami 
 feminacy, let them leave to the voung and unexr^eri 
 ed, ^Yho arc araufing themfelyes'with florid profpecl 
 blifs. But to thofe who are now engaged in the mii 
 of their courfe, who are fuppofed to be welJacquaii 
 with the worl('/, and to know that th<?y have to ibu! 
 in it with various hardfliij>s,.firmrei:s, vigor/and ref 
 tion, arc difpofitions more fuitable. They muft buckli 
 weJl this armour of ^ the mind, if they would i/Tue f« 
 into the conteft with any profpca of Vuccefs. While 
 thus ftudy to correa the errprs, and to provide againll 
 dangers, which are peculiar to this ibige of life, let us 
 V. Lay foundation for comfort in old age. Ti 
 a period which all expect and hope to fee ; an| 
 which, amidft the tpils of the world, men fomett 
 look forward, not without fatisfaftion, as to the m 
 of retreat and reft. ,But let them not deceive tl 
 felyes. A joylefs and dreary feafon it will prove, if 
 arrive at it with an unimproved, or corrupted n 
 For old age, as for.every other thing, a certain prcjj 
 .tion is requifite.j and that preparation, confifts chid 
 three particulars 5 in the acquifition of knowledge 
 friends, of .virtue. There is , an acquifition . of anol 
 kind, of which it is altogetherneedlefs forme to 
 any recommendation, that of riches. 3ut though 
 by many, will be cftcera^d ^ more material acqui 
 them all the three J have .named, it may. be conM 
 pronounced, that, -without thefe other Tcquifites, all 
 .wealth we can lay up in ftore will prove infufficieni 
 ipaking our latter days.pafs fmopthly away. 
 
 Firft. He who wilbes :to render his olcl age co 
 
 ana mi 
 
 
 to eiilarijc 
 
 P* 
 
 «nind 5 and by thought and inquiry, 4y reading 
 .fitcling to acquire a taile for ufeful knowiedoe 
 
 u»ivance in 
 
TO MlfiDLE AUE, 
 
 tl 
 
 1) provide for him a great and noble entertainment, 
 L-n other entertainments leave him. If he bring into 
 I foHt.jry retreat of age a vacant, uninformed mind, 
 Icre no knowledge dawns, wlierc no ideas rife, which 
 notliing to feed upon within itfelf, many a heavy 
 comfortkfs day he muft neceflarily pafs. Next, 
 llien a man declines into the vale of years, he depends 
 pre on the aid of his friends, than in any other period 
 his life. Then is the time, when he v/ould efpecially 
 l(h to find himfelf furrpunded by fome who love ami 
 Ifpea him j who will bear with hk infirmities, relieve 
 In of his labors, and chear him with tlieir fociety. Jxt 
 [m, t.hercfore, now, in the fummer of his davs, while 
 Itaaive and flcurifhing, by ads of feafonabk-'kindncfs 
 Id btneficence enfure that love, and by upiiglrt and 
 bnorable condu^, lay foundation for that rerpea 
 aiich in old age hs would wifli to enjoy. In ilic hdl 
 lace, Lethmi confider a good confcience, per.ce ^^ifIl 
 fod, ami the hope of heaven, as the moil: effcdtual co^ - 
 Ihtions he can poflefs, when the evil days iliall come, 
 lhereii3,^otherwife, he is likely to find little plcnfure 
 ^isnotrnerelyby tranfientads of devotion that fu^h 
 snfolations are to be provided. The regular tenor of a 
 trtuous and pious life, fpent in the faithful difcharee of 
 II the duties of our ftation, wril prove the bell pie para- 
 ton for old age, for death, and for immortality. 
 I Among the merftires thus taken for the latter fcenes 
 p Ilk, let me^admonilh every one, not to forget to put 
 ia worldly affairs in order, in due time, Tln^; is a du- 
 ^1 which he owes to his charaaer, to his family, or to 
 hole, whoever they be, that are to fucceed him : but a 
 luty too oft€« unwifely delayed, from a child idi aver Hon 
 KentettaiK^ny .thoughts of quitting the world. Let 
 im not truft^much to what he vHl] do in his old age. 
 (ifficient for that day, if he fhould live to fee it, will -be 
 P;e ourden thereof. It has been remarked, that n« m^n 
 Mvance m years, they care lefs to think of death. Pet^ 
 aps It occurs oftener to the thought of the youn-, than 
 kthe oW. Feebleuef* of fpirit renders r/elai^holy^" 
 
 '4S 
 
52 
 
 ON TJI& DlTIES, Ac. 
 
 «icas more oppreffive • inrl ^if*^-- u • t- 
 
 cultonicd and inured to the worJH ""^^ll ^^' 
 ^vitli arv #Vi:«« 11 world, men bear \»«i 
 
 ^oon p:«^th v'^iLrt t: ^. ^^ " 
 
 which it is expeZ ?n ^ !,'"« r'""K- ""f^'fiL 
 live long, ouXir n K "'' .^°"' ''^^"^'= ^^ '««• 
 
 only live to %nT ^ "° ^°"K on earth, we niiJ 
 
 fce.[ej/„d Ve ;o4 ^oSt" r'" ,"' "'^'^"''« 
 ].anun woe. He «ho has feTv^j ,"• *"•" ^^P^f' ' 
 fully in the wovW J.. . i , "'' '"^ generation faiil 
 
 been rdpcacdta do 3 wh'ofe 1" .° •'" ^'' "'' 
 ed Avith the fincere resret of .n 1 ^^"^ " ^'^'^°'"P' 
 wi.ofe memory" hoXed • .f .'''"' '*."'* ^^' ' 
 
 fulfilled his eoLLwSeri/ "'"•'"" '■"®'^"' 
 dence to b. lone or Tor it ?' appointed by Prcj 
 
 eyes 
 
 SERMON y, 
 
 ON DEATH. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES XII. 5, 
 
 ■Man g,>,h t> h!s hug home, and th. mourncrn 
 about the ftreets. 
 
 S 1^^* ''''^i' ^nceffintly prefents itfelf. oJ 
 
 -r impreffio^ Throu^l^o-ut •e;;Vfo4":^' 
 
 the 
 
 Wisdom i7. 8. 
 
 rrcuce ; 
 ns, a** to 
 e.uth-;\ 
 Vct'^ fa if 
 ly fit, thn 
 profFion \ 
 t to paf< 
 ich ure 1 
 dioil. 1 
 r f:llow-( 
 were for 
 lore fie q lit 
 jr. In the 
 Ivarietv of 
 
 I 
 
 |g iHilrniiti 
 vvliich cc 
 fpveflls it, 
 Kt'/ brckcn^ 
 \e wheel i. t 
 If mo'irueri 
 jtff \voi\is*, 
 |e inftru^ftii 
 m <ieat!i. 
 
 ) to COil 
 
 liifiti^jubie ( 
 
si 
 
 I durtrtg^'iie courfc of almoft every chf, the fimcnlj, 
 lich pufs alotiir the (Irects (how m mm gwth to hi: 
 V hitne. Were death a rare and uncommo-i oSjedl ; 
 Frc it only once in t!i2 courC- of -a nian*s lif-, that he 
 ^cld one of his fcllow-crciitures cirried to the grave, 
 ^lemn awe would fill hi'jii j he wOuKl ftop fliort in ; 
 mulft of his pleafiires ; he vvculd ev-n be chillm 
 1 .rt-t horror. Such impr'^fuoiis^- however,^ ^ould' 
 w iiiifultiblc to the n;itiivo of oiir prefent (Ijtc. 
 rhen tlicy became fa itro.j.r as to reftddr jin^i imSt for 
 »• orchii.uy bufmcfs of lirl-, they would m n 'fi^reat meal^ 
 ■ dcf. ;it the intcnJion of our \y:x^'^ pl^iced ifl tMy world. - 
 Y hct^'-r ordtrcd by tho v/ifJon of IVofidencP; thnr" 
 H fiiouKl be weakened !7 t!ie frequency of their re- 
 Irrcuce ; and fo tempered by the )nixture of other, paf- 
 V\h a^i to allow us to^go on freely in'uc>irtg our parts 
 i earth-i' » n:! 
 
 [\tt; farniliar as de:ith is now become, :t is undoubt- 
 lljr fit, thit by an evtnt of fo important a nature, fome 
 hpreffion fliould be madr irpon our minds. It ought 
 bt to paft over, ag one' of thofe common incidiiits 
 Eiich are beheld without concern, snd awaken no rc~ 
 Idioil. • There are many thi- ;s which the funerals of 
 hr f:llow-creatures are calculated to teach ; and happy 
 Iwert: for the gay and diCipated, if they would lillen 
 lore frequently to the inftruaions of fo awful a moni- 
 Ir. ^ In the content, the wife man had defcribed, under 
 jvanety of images fuited to tlie eaftern ftylc, the grow- 
 Ig mfirniities of old age, until they arrive at that pcri- 
 l which concludes them all ; wlicn, as be beautifully 
 JpveflLs it, thcjllver cord being loojened, and the goldtu 
 W hrchu^ the pitcher being broken at the fountain^ ana 
 V wheel ij the cif.ern, man goeth to his long home, atid 
 hm:in:frs go^ abvut the ft reds. In difcourfing from 
 lir word}?, it is n€t my purpofe to treaty at prtfenf,| ^ 
 |e inftruaions to be drawn from the profDea of '^ 
 s\\ de ■ ' ~ - - ^ : 
 
 n\\, 1 am to confine myfelf to the deat 
 > to coiifider djath as one of the Jnoft frequent 
 |iifideidbie events that liappen in the courfe of 
 
 E % 
 
 
^' «wpttf 
 
 . 6».%ideatfc of enemies, '^ '^•^S »n<«,%i 
 
 brethren by nature and l^-V^ "^ '*?• "P^ .««e«l l 
 
 «^ I«t uJSn; k'er""^^^^^^ of dSthX'l 
 I'Jow, with whLh 1,1 ' - " **= "'^Jflinguiibi. 
 
 fiw«. There, nrinKeriL^/T '*'*'"'' '^'^"'"'^ 
 tft. of every «nk and Tnlv ■ ^,'P ^^^ ^■"' «=l>»n 
 
 «W OW, the';:ot4d *e rfcrtKe S ' '^- 1'"^ H 
 the renowned and the ignoUe aF^ '"1 ** 8"^ 
 of thofc vyhom we ha Jfe"" 'arrfed'^ .T'''* "e"' M 
 
 . ^ri«^»;beheld the ligh7of"h?5" enjoyed thJ 
 
 apfen, for f«ture days Pettens 1.1^'^ "^f *"^» 
 they were rn„,™j ?'• •^'™ps, it is not long fintS 
 
 To them, TO more S tl,f f^ ' ""' " ^"^^^^ <=^°^ 
 rife, l^o more fe.r*^ 1 '^l' '^•""'' °' *« &" ] 
 
 vwfe, a& though they had neve'r W^ "'^i^""" ""^ ""1 
 
 S^ j;t.l£it"°".^ J' ''-^ ?wf"l and tender^ 
 '^ in who& ewl'i^i"'""' V"' ^ S'^"' of humani, 
 
 the fate of jartng and fficrt.Iivetf 
 
 ^« ^ . ,iStC; 
 
o^ lirVriV. 
 
 , ami 
 
 H 
 
 ■ 1 . 
 
 ility,. Will 
 
 eath, the li; 
 lillinguifbi 
 
 »rried to 
 4. fiient jiiai 
 and char; 
 
 I the gra?s 
 ks ag0, m 
 gravc^ wslfc 
 njoycd thej 
 -re formiii) 
 iong finci 
 tivitjF. Ffl 
 ibkd J. ^ 
 T and plealn 
 ^liy clofei 
 r the iiin 
 f mirth, pi 
 )m the uni 
 f are rj'vrr/J 
 ^iiJlled (iijtl 
 
 the huma 
 5 ; tills 
 ittle whill 
 loid' bei 
 I. tender 
 >t humsny 
 oiT rf ydi 
 
 ndd with a ccrt.u„ kintj of fo. roi.ru nlc J c^ i 
 Uohi,Huat.c. ihcmfclvcs rom.tinK-s ii^u ,e . ,.n;- 
 
 r.cont4iatethcvcS^ 
 
 a iHTru;.fion tint fon.othi.ur exift, r J P^, ^ , ''^'*' ' 
 k^, which vnlt^ at ,hc vicu. of //: A /""^'^ ^^'''" 
 
 inumciu f,(„,ncd on thJ m V ^, '>^ ^^"^*' ''^ ^ ' 
 
 5"cc, prcrnit.. to u" e 7""l''^^^^>*'^j» vvorhls. It, , 
 
 :3of hfc. and f'ts h W u 7/ '• '"" "^^'^^ "»^i"'^'^- ' 
 
 /'Of fi-cech. whJ/coiy ".;:"•, ">" V ''^ «''- 
 «P('[ertly ngrcc, *i,|, the ccncrr' .1 ir., '";'^.'' ' 
 
 "kind luve folt tl.i, 11,7^^ ?""*'' ''"'" '""^'' "H 
 
 5':»- No more fl,.ll I., i^ .,:? /;''""•'' 'l'^ '^•^'"y 
 "•' his k-d of Aru^, no/ i,r h '■"'" ''"'"" "'""- 
 
 rtely meal 
 
 iirricd 
 
 away from hia 
 
 p«i;"S'i',;;Ei-^K7 
 
 grave is pr^Jparing, and a few 
 
 poor 
 
snrf i 
 
 tlicr ; 
 
 needy 
 
 ! by th< 
 
 |(l»ndii 
 
 I pels tc 
 
 from I 
 
 prouci 
 
 rified. 
 
 lacccler 
 Uonf th 
 Ini/icciK 
 It he met 
 ling oil I 
 l»ing to 
 Idoy, wc 
 
 P'Ult I I 
 
 young n 
 pronn'fin 
 funeral i 
 paiiy, w 
 lews of 
 tlioughts 
 
 [■cprcfent 
 ^t wouU 
 blinking i 
 
 fiftyj^anil 
 
 Jjrcfents ii 
 I'oti to xU 
 prts wiJ, 
 kumanity, 
 i Aiioiliti 
 N »ge, ai 
 
5/t 
 
 ^ oUKfyCf 
 
 Wd ;!er;,y-cf nclnM,or8 arc cnrryin. him thitJ.rr ,% ' . 
 cood for us to tljinlr tU^t .1 • ' ^ tnilncr, it fc>' 
 
 |..ccdy children nov^^Zt^l fTX"^^'"' ","'' "«= 
 by the world, he po/Tdfcd'^lIf ' .'"^K''=*^$'' « ''c waa 
 
 gcl. t<,?crt in Ab,"ham\ Q ""^ "*"'"' *"""' ''/ ""- 
 from him, th" Rr.ve is nn^^d"': ^' "" '^"'" '''''=•"« 
 proud ««'„. . l.|";Vit i^'^^.i .*" "="'r."" •'-'• »"•' 
 
 kd. Hi, rich: t-^ :^ ':i \';r' ^"■'r''-*-iK->/. 
 
 .y, wc ilc carried along k!'";. ^f'^T^ ''r'' 
 
 Uiv. who nr.. ,1 r '^ a; nuinerou,,, unconcerned com- • 
 Ls^r.^dl''^:°r'"S '•> »'" ^'.othcr about the • 
 
 \m to the woes oUauJ. \\.. r .^ ^ . ^'^ '""^'' -'"en. - 
 umanitj! ^ '' '°^'*"'"*» ""• '^^M down iuto 
 
 nri::.*^?' ^« '■"'W to .he gn,c one. wh, 
 
 long cawtr of life, his in full 
 
 .^•."•.^l ■> 
 
 »)i^?.LukcjllrK.M. 
 
 ma« 
 
 *■ 
 
 f 
 
pjrfunk .*>( Inl 
 
 ftnannon of i 
 
 to jlifcourfc 
 
 ken (luring 
 
 |j( likely, tliroii 
 
 lid j)rorpcrlt 
 
 kindrt'jls rife 
 
 ci'c<lin^j in th< 
 
 I'oiMR many a 
 
 llwclt rifmg, 
 
 W has l)chcltl 
 
 I becoming a f 
 
 of men. A 
 
 the earth, TJ 
 
 jail ranks and 
 
 Hfr gffteratio 
 
 b cv.icutcd, a: 
 
 fpil,:ilnr,.- — —- 
 
 l^rid tr.mficnt 
 
 |liiiik of ihce, ; 
 
 I'lnily Uom tii 
 
 alion and wifd 
 
 Iftjtc ? But, n 
 
 I. Conficlcr th 
 
 ^ion, or the loi 
 
 Hiflipnted life 
 
 jTuch objcds as 
 
 'tlie unknown 
 
 proceeds wit I 
 
 aftcdlcd by cv< 
 
 cern. But the 
 
 bound men t< 
 
 [gives a painfuJ 
 
 |v/l)o, for years 
 
 |fuddcnly,(battc 
 
 Bc£^ed fnpmKi»». 
 
 band oj thc.fj: 
 |>panion who^ ai 
 
OK i>i/tr$i. 
 
 tir 
 
 |;runl .t M ,„,„ reft. A3 wc arc Roing alonR to- 
 ni»nf.<... ..f the . ea,|, i, i, „,„„,,, fo"; „,•>,„ ,. ?,, 
 I to .lifcotirfc of nil the changes which fuch a nnfcu 
 . ocn,lur.n^- ,,« c-urfc of hi, life. II. h.s .'..(Tc.l, 
 i> i.ljdy, through vn,„ ,ic8 of fonm.e. He hns cx,.-^ 
 
 l,n.lrc,l5 rife ,n,l f.,||. n„ |„,, f.^n peace .„.l w.r 
 tcchn,; .„ thnr t..rn.; , ,he f.,. c of hi,, country un- 
 loMR n,.„y .lt,r.u,o„s i .1„,| ,!,c vevv city i„ Jl.icI, 
 
 f (. has lK;l.ehl, his eyes are now clofe.l for ever. 1 Ic 
 B becoming .-.ftranger in the mind of a new fncccfl 
 
 lie earth. T^us pnfll-s the world away. 'Xhronrh- 
 =il ranks and co:,di,ion., <:,ff r."'>r.l!,„ p„f!„l„ .„„/ 
 
 t . -i ' "n '•';'■''■'""-•''• '".- •'■<>W^^ c,f r,„:ccc,/. 
 pii nnv,.- o v.„n .ri.l i;ir,.;.|!;.nt ^^■,nk\\ O llcct- 
 
 ,:;;; '"f "' '''V w'-' -•" -0 f, f,„..,.i;;„ 
 
 fc.mny f,o«, the allhaions of ,i„ ir h.v.hrcn •, or 0,0- 
 
 TlTlx T '''""' ''"'" ''"= '"'^"'<-- "f '''^i' -'«•" fu.'i- 
 
 llac 1- But, ncnv to con)e nea, -r to ourfelves, let i.'s, 
 
 II. Confider the death of our friends. Want of re- 
 
 :"r' "' ''f ,'""!? '"•••I'its, either of a very bufy, or a 
 
 I (lie unknown, fall utterly, unnoticed at their r.lc 
 proeecd, with them in it/ uf„,:l train, withm.t t. 
 
 Wetted by events n. whah liny t.,ke no pcrfcnal 
 lH!" 1 <l";"''"lion of lliofc tics Xvhich i.ui 
 
 bound men tojrcther, in intinu.tc and familiar nni- 
 
 fives a pa„,f„l (l,ock to every heart. When a fam- ' 
 
 uddenly.(b.at.cred, by fome of their moft beloved 
 
 pand «f thc.fppufearcfcparntcd for ever from th^ 
 ppamon who, ani.dft every. vicimtudc of fortune, fol 
 MtbutJirtI wha had AgrcdaU their xoy$, ana par>-. 
 
 .1' 
 
.'.«■ 
 
 Uc'ipMt 
 
 ii fokVi 
 
 iovcf! J 
 
 hli foji 
 
 nance, : 
 
 |)id(l w\ 
 
 Ihcni )s 
 
 Cut J 
 
 ito tlic n 
 «cd and i 
 
 'i'hrn, 
 i''M of i( 
 
 t'li'y, be 
 
 let tiic > 
 
 id natu 
 
 bow, on 
 
 lo foe I. 
 lief of n 
 
 fits b (it8 
 
 >iif, wh 
 i:mljr wh 
 
 hafoiiabic, 
 
 'Tie bring 
 
 Jcc/Tive g 
 
 JMionau 
 
 |» the poM 
 
 'rts in the 
 
 prefcnt, 
 
 ^•tum fo 
 
 j'appici w 
 
 Pion I til 
 
 affift U8 1 
 
 'paration c 
 
 !| though 
 
|.''H' 
 
 <»V D>,A/w; 
 
 jticipiUcd.in all their form*.,* r 
 
 I.d,l with n,ucl. .liil"; '^^' :'' )^'";'' '-<-• '>«<! once l,c. 
 
 |o <l.c manner Fn Xh r«7. e/"" '" '","' ""' "'°"«'"» 
 I hen, in,Ice,[, is lUe ,;,„„ , 
 
 N natural fouow. It ,'kV '-^''V •^""'-■'" of j„a 
 
 "/"'• At .he famr, mt L ' Jot '' "• ' """ °"P^' 
 K of "Rood man and a chr (iL ?'"" Tl'" t!.c 
 
 [lU b /its not the iov« fi, T '^^ ' '"''''' *''"""i "^ fpi- 
 Uu.n fuit „Vt [h'c ticA r^;*- """' °»-'-)'^!'ni "g 
 Prirf, when i»Eoc3 cvond r .« ■ ",'" '"""'"^y ^■""■i''- 
 >»lr when it laft, bcvo". ""■"". •«"""!». bcco,n,-,s un- 
 
 f™ bring, toa,, , ," ;;' 'V/'^/'f "'cnation vhici, 
 
 f t!,c power of !• "vi" ence!; T\ .""'^''"> '^''* *« "S" 
 
 >«s in the pn.ce o'thofc he t:;on'"*"o;Pr>''" ^•""^- 
 
 return for relief to therot '^ /"'? coMfol.„i„„, )e ; 
 
 «ion , .he m;ft wcrf:;!^** '^t cWcf foothcr o/af'- 
 
[orally 
 lupport 
 
 f 
 
 1 
 
 Ire e:in b 
 
 Uncy h\ 
 
 Itdcd oil 
 
 9, and tl 
 
 t 
 
 Irmour, o 
 
 lis fouiu) 
 
 fp,irticul.ii 
 
 ' colours 
 
 cr us. A 
 
 into o!tf 
 
 y\i oil a 
 
 knows t 
 world, 
 lify and aj 
 \k knoWS; 
 
 immcuiat 
 
 ' my n'itni 
 S-e opens a 
 TJie c 
 
 invigorat 
 jiial lo' cr 
 |vc5, but w 
 
 to be un 
 jicy in tile 
 jood conCt 
 liuch grc.it< 
 jfc infpirc. 
 invifiblo ] 
 ce ; adld ^ 
 
 from this 
 
 li'rivcci tlij 
 
 c!ic text. 
 
 »; iight an 
 
 \li/e.- The 
 
tfn rouTi+t'DE. 
 
 f7 
 
 fernily ftiaintaincd. It requires aifviMUUious pvopi 
 fupport it J and in fomc hour of trial, iilways fails. 
 |rc em be no true courage, no regular pcifcvcrinj; 
 tl,incy but what is conncaed with principle, and 
 lidcd oil a confcioufncfs of rcaitudc of intention. 
 L and this only, crc^s that brazen wall which wc 
 joppofc to every hoftilc attack. It cloithg us with 
 |rmour,on which fortune will fpcnd its fhafts in vain, 
 lis found within Therein no weak place, where 
 Iparticularly dread a blow. There is no occi»rion for 
 ^ colours to be hunj; out. No dif^^uife is nrcdcd to 
 cr us. Wc would be fatir.ncd if all mankind could 
 into our hearts. What has he to fear, who not on- 
 Ifts on a plan which his coufticncc approves, but 
 h knows that ev< ry good man, nay, the wiiolc ujibi-' 
 lU'orld, if they could trace his- intentions, would 
 lify and approve his condu^ ? 
 |fl'^ knows, at the fame time, that he Is a^ing under 
 1 immediate eye an J protcdion of the Almighty. //,-. 
 l/;w; U'ifnr/s is in heaven / ouri my rccordil oti hif^h^'^' 
 h opens a nev/fo«:rcc of fortitude to every virtuovu 
 f'. Tlie confcloufncfo of fnch an IlluUri )us fpe^a- 
 I irivigoratcs and animates him, lie iruOs, that the 
 InnI lo cr of rightcoufnefs nof only beholds and ap- • 
 |vc?, but will ftrenglhcn and alBll ; uiil not luflcr 
 I to be unjudly opprcHctl, and will reward his con- 
 icy in tlic end, with glory, honor, and immortality, 
 (good confelcnce, thusfup^-joriedjbeftows on the Jicart 
 biiich greater degree of intrepidity, than it could other- 
 \ infpire. One wiio reds on the Ahnighty, thougli 
 invifiblo Protcflor, exerts his powers with double 
 ce; afts whh vigor not his own. Accordingly, it 
 Is from this principle of truft in God, that the Pi^ilm- 
 IdiTJvcd tliat courage and boldncfs, which he cxprefl'cs 
 tlic text. He had faid ioimcdiatcly before, The Lord 
 »jr itghl and myfahaiion ; the Lord it theflrength of 
 \lt/e.- The ccnJfeqncncc which dirc£»y follow a ii, c/ 
 
 • Job .xfi. 19. 
 
 I' I 
 
 
iuhom fl) 
 again/} ; 
 Ilf. '] 
 prove au 
 the midf 
 From 
 It is of h 
 Ills part 
 ous prifii 
 The imp( 
 33 to give 
 the protC( 
 picvc, thai 
 hiotus our 
 HIic fuprc 
 the fide ol 
 ^vorthy, cl 
 'ok a Mliil 
 countcnan 
 Ij' this bcli 
 more pou' 
 lom a fell 
 |or'.;8 of all 
 of t!ic ( 
 ^"d on l)od 
 f^i jml c 
 
 Icitlt. H;i 
 hcatnped ni 
 kand Xo\ 
 p«, have < 
 Md J and 
 We \A\Q ft 
 
 In the no,; 
 
 di/hcult fi 
 l^nftitiitcs tl 
 N muititud, 
 
 Jtpcrrciicc a 
 
7$ 
 
 ON rOHTIH'OE. 
 
 nr: TJut [ f„p 'ft^tr'''/'''.'-; U remains ' 
 
 prove auxiliary ,o .h" cxt i." f"'"'"'""' ^'"■<^'' "••T 
 
 From M-liat w.is iuft ,,„,„ r • , . 
 I;'.i» of high i„,po„,,:^ nvcrv'L" 'f'""' "^"' "'"l- 
 
 r, 6"*^ iMi;m no title tx% rl i;«, i •"•""^rous, 
 
 •11= prolcaion of Heaven C "" """■ '"^" •'"<'"'". 
 Iicvc, that il,c mcrcif„u'n,l .''" "■' '"'«'" 'o •"-- 
 
 l!'c fi<le of truth .,„.| v " .^ ' ^ '' ','""'' '^' ''' ^''^^''-y' o'» 
 
 for a «.hiic it fl.o.hi Ik ;j„"i.'"'' '•r;'r'"^'--''''''"{^'' 
 
 |coui.tcnancc.in<lprotcai„„i, ,1 ' , ^■'y '" '''^"ive- 
 
 fy this belief i, rc'ct^l^h." ',;;;"':'•. I'"-- ™-^ fi™- 
 
 Nrc jioivcrful, in furmo, ?; i' r '"""«"<■« wi" be 
 
 IT'^s of .,11 „n,io„, arord Vil "5 T '''"':''• '^^c re^ 
 h of the cflcrt of t hi rfnr y' ^•'""'•"'>'^• inflnn- 
 
 5"rfon Imdics of men 'aZ?' n""' .°" ""'"iduals. 
 
 ["'I., iram'lful, o n S,t'; Tf 7- 1"""'"'''-'' -"' 
 hand toconq.,er. 7/.' A ''",'' f"*^ /""''- fonqucr- 
 
 f: niuititu«lc of riches'" or 7u"'?'* ^^ *^°"^'^^« "ot in- 
 fpcncncc fliows fW\f r "" *^^«^'^^tio„ of rank , for 
 
(Ictcrre 
 (frllinp 
 
 lulllClSf. 
 
 licj ncvc 
 
 confer ( 
 
 liorii)', w 
 
 c\rcry, ni 
 
 |.<), k'thiii 
 
 the 1)01 
 
 ^r to (iiil 
 
 pic'ii put I 
 
 iiis groir 
 
 Itcd ever; 
 
 \n on bcii 
 
 brfc, he \ 
 
 k,will 1 
 
 ^y can bo 
 
 lit in ordc 
 
 ^ighcfl cr 
 
 I of tlic g« 
 
 Jfclf. 1m 
 
 land pufill 
 
 Ine ; ranli 
 
 [opinions, 
 
 liiing upoi 
 
 liiy hope 
 
 pith the M 
 
 the llnti( 
 
 laiuidifms 
 
 lie mind, 
 
 t^-ancl dii 
 
 he poflefs, 
 
 I, who cor 
 
 to l)c th 
 
 i:ito the 
 
 Iritv- vuith 
 p. -/y 
 
 the favor 
 
 [hope of 1 
 
 ^ed evils ; 
 
0!f rOllTITUOE. 
 
 7jr 
 
 deterred by no dinf^cr when duty calls us forth j; 
 Ifillinp our allotted part, wluicvcr il m;iy W., witU 
 ruliicls, bravery, and confl.incy of miiui. Thcfc 
 ^•j never fall to ftam|vtli(lin<nioii on the ch.iraO'.T.- 
 I confer on him who difomn them, nn honorahio 
 
 fioriiv, which :ill, even ciicmiis, feel and revere. - 
 
 t^cry. ni;m, therefore, wIk n t!ic hour of <lan-cr • 
 h, kthink himfelf, thrt now I3 anive<l t}ie hour*'of 
 [5 the hour which xDuli dei-rminc whether Ijc is to 
 |l>r to rink for ever, in the eflrem of all around him. 
 |icii put to the tcfl, he dilVovcr no firmnefs to nuln^ 
 ins groim.l, no forritudc to fl;ml a flioclc, he l.n«) 
 Itcd every preicnHon to a nianly mind. He mua 
 111 on bemg c.xpofcd to if^cuaA contempt ; and what ' 
 |rfc, he wdl feel that he deferves it. In hie own 
 lift wjI he contemptible 5 tJian which, furelv, no • 
 ly can be more feverc. ' 
 
 It in order to ae(|uire habitA of fortitude, what is of- 
 Micfl confequenee is to have formed a juft efli- 
 iof the goods and evils of life, and of the value of ' 
 Ifclf. lor here lies the chii f fource of our wcaU 
 jind pufdianimity. We ov< rvalue the advantages of 
 Ine-, rank and nches, cafe and f.ifety. Deluded by 
 opimons, we look to the fe as our ultimate roods.. 
 Iianii upon them with fornl attachment \ and to for- 
 Iny hope of advancement, to incur the least difcre- 
 Vith the world, or to be brought down but one ftcp 
 I the ilation wc pollbfs, is regarded with conllcrna- 
 iamldifmay. Hence, a thonland weightr, hang ur- 
 ic mmd, which dcprcfs its courage, and bend it to. 
 l-and diilionorable compliances. ^Vhat fortltud'^ 
 lie poflefs, what worthy or generous purpofc can b^j 
 |, who C4>nce:ves diminution of rank, or lofs of lo.*- 
 *itol)c the chief evils- which man can fuflcr ? Pu^ 
 i:ito the balance with trite honor, with confcioui 
 
 rritV. Viftth the* <>n-»<>n% r^.f *U. 
 
 '■<' ■VltWtJI IJl 
 
 lie vifiuous ana ine wUe 
 
 the favor of Almighty God, .with peace of mincf. 
 
 [hope of heaven i ami then think, whether thof«. 
 
 ed «vil$ arc fufficicnt to intimidate you from dcitt^ 
 
 •1 
 
 4 
 
w 
 
 jrmif (! 
 
 infidc ( 
 
 on I)/ t 
 
 the \vo\ 
 
 content 
 
 UmCf ot 
 
 der whc 
 
 ;' if, for tl 
 
 Tlic fav< 
 
 or ihnt 
 
 build pla 
 
 the nicar 
 
 you have 
 
 Vi-'onhy o 
 
 fuc, of d 
 
 loii by fc 
 
 ticteatd, 
 
 while the 
 
 ors, v/hicl 
 
 Tut the 
 
 k»Iy, but 
 
 |tf>l)cciida 
 
 ^rhink vvh; 
 
 jciulcr life 
 
 pt to no da 
 
 It any cx|.( 
 
 nxions to 
 
 lor a few y 
 
 DC. Ho 
 
 !"ires him 
 
 f"lcr, as a r 
 
 '^s given tJ 
 
 'afs a few y 
 
 "g into eve 
 
 icr fifes to i 
 
 come for 
 lat theatre 
 I'g^tcil gloi 
 'stance in 
 
(W 
 
 external nppara 
 
 jmt (tiiCyr. Look bryon. 
 the worid d.f/zles ll 
 
 lice to (ri;? 
 
 cont 
 
 cntcd^ana happy without- ^:;,- 
 
 «-n«n., ^Wth mMc/, the furf 
 ^Jgar. Confidcr how .»-^ 
 
 tune, on wliich you p„t fo 
 
 ^iftaa •■•■« >ka.I- _ * . * * 
 
 Ar 
 
 I der whetJier it 
 
 Is '« r .1 . 
 
 «8 ponil)Ic for 
 
 t'ytMva'Miit aval 
 
 f; for their f;,ke, you forf, 
 
 you to \k hn 
 
 ^'•t nil that is cllimablc 
 
 m:c of 
 
 niany Arc 
 
 Ivnnt.,gc3 of for. 
 
 ««<•. Conn; 
 
 Vpy with I hem, 
 
 in m;iij. 
 
 y<5" think, k at fl'U 
 
 tk mean, which you fmnL. In "^ P'-«:.rio»s are 
 
 you have in view Tin if.' '",""'" '" nttain the ,;,.[ 
 
 fu^.o/Huhious a,!van„4 .. , "^ T" '' >"" l""-- 
 
 tefte.l, an.) ,lcf,,i£H v^; h Zr'"'f "'"' "''J^^^ ''^^ 
 vWle the firn. and rcfohueri/. ^'' "'''"'" ''"'>' ^""« I 
 
 i ut t/ic cafe at the wm n «:. 
 "'ly. b.U your f.,fc.,y. thb- ;■. hT!'"',' ""' >■""' '"""^'• 
 
 "»nycx,.c„rc prcfervc ir. T f ^^''•>vu>r, you wo„|J, . 
 "f a kw years moic • nn.I tllf iTO'C/'Ecl only 
 
 l-ireshim to faee i ^,l , *'•«'•'•■''<-" c--':,fcir„co re. 
 M « a n,.,. an, ; g '° '"*= ='"'"":-' «> 'ivc Con. • 
 
 "ft a few years in low Blr^fnrJ^. 'i • !''"" '""Kbtcfl 
 
 "8 imocve'ry cornerToK ufi iT T^l" """" ">•- 
 trrifes inviL, j Kr_ "."'■ '"y'lf. when the \e-.a .uL. 
 
 , conieforVuoaft'fnmr!^?'.^''''"*^''''^* flmii mirh. 
 
 li 
 
ther.-— Th 
 
 Jey are gon 
 
 Ine from tJi 
 
 lembly of t 
 
 Itiiig light. 
 
 jem in thef 
 
 bunion .arri 
 
 llding corr( 
 
 I faith afitl 
 
 [Meanwhil 
 
 emory, of 
 
 |w forgottc 
 
 leir chara<^( 
 
 this mean 
 
 (hall becQ 
 
 cred and d< 
 
 lem as dill 
 
 pod ; if, in 
 
 their refpi 
 
 [efence, thi] 
 
 lem withou 
 
 I Moreover, 
 
 have loft, 
 
 ain. The 
 
 Ive, kt us d; 
 
 bsbeen fofte 
 
 \ndm{s ; n 
 
 liers ; and i 
 
 fve formerl) 
 
 Jhavock th; 
 
 |rth, let us < 
 
 pvec, and ^ 
 
 nmortal cha 
 
 iifTengers on 
 
 (oughts oftci 
 ^ _i_ . 
 
 Here, we fc 
 
 here, we m< 
 
 [leftlal thing 
 
 f^Ss^i^^,^ 
 
on DEATH. 
 
 ^ 
 
 |ther.--The toils of thekepilgTiiiiage aw finiihed ; ^nd 
 ty aic gone to the land jof reft and peace. They are 
 ne from this dark and.trx)ub!ed world,. to join the ereat 
 ^mbly of the juft ; and.to dwell in the it^dfl^f ever- 
 
 "^ ^^l r:!"r r'^f i.^*?."^ "^^ ^"^ ^^ ^ aflbciated with 
 
 m in thefe bhfsful habitations. Until this feafon of 
 
 union .arrive, no, principle of religion difoourages out 
 
 [Iding corrofpondcnce of aiFeaion witfitliem by' means 
 
 faith and hope. , -■ 
 
 Meanwhile, let us refpearthe virtues, and cherifli the 
 emory, of the.deceafed. Xet their little failings be 
 iw forgottcu. Let us dwell on what was amiable in 
 "^ircharaaer, imitate, their woEth and trace their fteps. 
 this means, the remembrance of thofe^whom v^e lovi 
 fhall become ufeful and Mmproving^to m, as welt a6 
 ,red and dear •, .if we;accuftom.ourfelves to confidei- 
 em as ftiU fpeakmg, and exhorting us to all that k 
 bod ; li, in fituations where our virtue is tried, we caH 
 itheir refpej^d ideato view, and, as placed in their 
 efence,^think of the part which we could aft before 
 m without a blulh. 
 
 Moreover, let the, remembrance of the friends whom 
 
 ^ have loft, ftrengthen our affeaion to thofe that re- 
 
 n. The narrrower the circle becomes of thofe we 
 
 ve, kt us draw the defer together. Let the heart that 
 
 is been foftened bvforrow,. mellow into gentlenefs ami 
 
 ndnefs ; make liberal aWowance for^the weaknciTes^ of 
 
 hers; and diveftitfelf of the little prejudices that may 
 
 ve formerly prepoffefled it againft them. The preat- 
 
 havock that death has made among our friends on 
 
 irth, let us cultivate conneaion more with God, and 
 
 'avec, and virtue. Let thofe noble views which m^n^s 
 
 imortal charaaer affords, fill and exalt our minds. 
 
 pngers only through this fublunary regioij, lu-ot^ 
 
 [oughts often afcendlo that divine coimti-yy iir^^^ , i^^ 
 
 -^ taught lu confider as the native leat-:^^ '" " 
 
 acre, we form conneaions that are never- «v»«i. 
 
 iere, we meet with friends v/ho ne^er di^. ' Atn'^ 
 
 tieftial things there is firm and laftingygo:^ancy;, whiSb' 
 
 '.^****f^. 
 
60 
 
 «lf DRATtl. 
 
 '41 that IS on eauth changes and paiK.'s a^ay. Such 
 fome of the fruits we. fhould^eap from the tender I 
 ings excited- by. the death or frieflds.~.But they arei 
 only our fftends who die. ^Our enemies alfo rauft, 
 to their Jong home. Let us, therefore, 
 ^III. Confider how we ought to> be affeacd, ^ 
 -they from whom fufpicions have alienated, or ri^ 
 has divided us j they with whom we have long contei 
 ed, or by whom we imagine ourfelves to have fufft^ 
 wrc^g, are laid, or about to be laid, in the ^rave. J 
 mconfidereble then appear thofe broils in which wei 
 been long involved,, thofe contefts and feuds, whichi 
 thought were to laft for ever ? The awful moment i 
 now tcrmmates them, makes m feel their vanity. 
 there be a fpark of humanity left !n the breaft, tliei 
 membrance of our, common fate then awakens it. 
 . there a man, , who, if he were admitted to ftand byt 
 -death-bed. of^his bittereit enemy, and beheld himeridB 
 u^ that conflia which human nature miift fuffer atd 
 Jaft, would not.be inclined to ftrctch forth the hand! 
 iriendlhip, to utter the voice of forgivenefs, and to J 
 tor pcrfedt reconciliation with him before lie left 
 'World ? Who is there tliat, when he beholds the reina, 
 .of his adverfary depofited in the duit, feels not, in tl 
 moment, fome relemings at the remembrance of tlJ 
 ,paft animofities which mutually embittered their li3 
 '~,~~" r^ ^^^^ the man with whom I contended f 
 « long, filent and mute for ever. He is fallen ; \4 
 " ani about to follow him. How poor is the advanti 
 "which I now enjoy ? Where are the fruits of alia 
 " contefts ? In a fhort time we fhaU be laid togetH 
 " and no remembrance remainof either of us, under! 
 "fun. How many miftakes may there have been 1 
 " tween us I Had not he his virtues and eood qualifi 
 " as weU as I ? Wiien we fhalfboth appear beforei 
 « judgment-feat of God. flialL I k^ found innocent - 
 « free of blame, for alT the' enmityl' Vave^lDTrnc] 
 
 «'him r' My friends>let the anticipation of M 
 
 lentiments, fervc now to corred the inveter.-cy of 
 
 Xf 
 
ON BEATB. 
 
 61 
 
 ends ana ffCr,.'::i^1^,Z"^:^ ''^'^i 
 
 -Let: &a.t:HSf i ^^^ ^^ 
 lAer than fill the 'lleJ nf •■ ".""'' "' ^"^ <==>". 
 
 lateful monumenu of ou7.5. • P''g""'='g« with the 
 Thus I havTfTAr <=°°5«"t'on a.>d ftrife. 
 
 romid us ; by the S nf 1 '^ ' prevalence of death 
 
 >m what men are taX t„ I '"'J' ""' ^° '""'-■i' 
 
 h brought to f-el l.^- "J""' ^' fr°™ wha^tk»y 
 
 t-v4thr.!;fke^i:^;i"--^"o^ 
 
 's influence on prafti-o v?!v ? ■ , ""' *'^"cfc ' 
 
 »t fuch meditatio'L: a ;';,nr^':Sle Vi "f *'^"^''^' 
 ofe who are living ;„ heX t Tffl '^^"' ""P"" 
 
 ^ere is no hazard of their *iilf;?^ ""'' ''^^ 
 impreffion. The rinnm ^K- ,^u ''^^P f''' P'''"^! 
 « i and wiH foon & ■'^^' ""y ""^""^ ^ tran- 
 
 Ib/the fuT^et^tirnnV'. :.r"'^*V^\***^'^- 
 ' wifdoin it certainlv hll '">d pieafures o{-^^ Vorld. 
 
 fc.ith.uftSte^ir:^^'*^'- 
 
 r -"» U iCiJiiirt-s nf it*a ,— in i i ' 
 
 |>»i-atui 
 
 e^ or iife will a] 
 
 Avays be 
 
 
 «Mag.. ..vhen they are emnere/w,>s '.■■^■'."y^Vo'»*' 
 ...oii iji .-Jiere h n tU,^ , tempered with ferious tliriaHAl. . 
 
 rt's 
 
 fe i^»i 
 
 If I . 
 
 f I,! 
 
6% 
 
 ON THE FROCttESS OP VICE. 
 
 Ur. There is a fudnefs cf the cQunUnance^ ,f^y Mik'n 
 the heart is macie htter.i i 
 
 :i^y^ 
 
 A,-.V '^t . 4 
 
 ■ *4 *. •' * ■ 
 
 r:. ; 
 
 SERMON VI. 
 
 ON THE PROGRESS OF VICE. 
 
 1, GORINTHXANS XV. 33. 
 
 Be n^t deceived : Evil cotrmimlcations xormpi ^«ji 
 -, muaneru 
 
 ' '" - 
 
 THOUGH human naturjc be now fallen irom its oij 
 ginif Jbpnor, feveral good princij:)les ftiU remain in 
 hearts of men. There are few, if any, on whofe min 
 the reverence for a Supreme Being .^oatinnues not,i| 
 feme degree, imprefled. In every breaft, fome b^ne 
 lent affections are found 5 and confcicnce ilill retainij 
 fenfe ci the diitinflion between moral good and 
 Thefe p inciples of virtue are always fufceptible of i 
 provenient ; and^ in favourable -Ctuations, niight hav| 
 happy inEuenc^ipn pra£iice. ' JSut fuch is the frailty! 
 our nature, ^d To numerous are the te^nptations to e| 
 tliat they are in perpetual hazard of being either tota 
 effaced, or fo far weakened as to produce jio eiFedj 
 .our conduft. T^ey arc good feeds originally fownj 
 the heart j but -whicji require culture, in order to nia| 
 them rife to any maturity. Xf left without affifta 
 they are likely tq b|e fti|ed, hy that profufion of no)i| 
 weeds whif:£ the foil, fends forth ai^und them. 
 
 i^mong theiiumerous caufes %hich Irtroduce cpi^ 
 tion into the heart,, and accelerate 'c growth, no^ 
 mors urj>£p?>ily powerful than tiiai^ vhich ispdint^J 
 in the tex:, un4^r the defcnpt..:n of evil commui 
 iions ; that is, tiic contagion \vhka i$ di^ufed m 
 
0>f rtlE PttOGRESS or* VICE, 
 
 Ui 
 
 ^oit}"^'""i ^^ ^'"'"'^'' conneafon, with 
 ,erfons of^loofc prmoiples, or diflblute morak.-Thi-. 
 n a licentious ftate of focietv ii th^ m^ft^ * 
 
 .urce of tWevice. aiKlSders whicht Tcht 
 
 anner, fatal to the young ; cveiv to fhem whofe beEin- 
 
 .nings were onc^ aufpicious and promifing. hmav 
 
 ttZln 'f f f^'.^-P'^y^ent of aetentiol to ,r"ce 
 
 M means by which ev,/ lommumcatims graduallv un- 
 
 r^'the" Von f r '1™^- ^"^"; '"""-'' - -hid> 
 ere is the proper fignification of the oriEinal wordl 
 
 W .Vio ' " "V' ''°^'"'*"<» coutfe of its-pro..rrf, 
 
 niromitso*"^^ °;"J'="^^ of them will lead me 
 
 J Agreeably o_what tobfcrvea of certain virtuous nrin' 
 .pies beiHig .nhereritia human nature, there a e 'i"j 
 lu who fet out at firft^on the world wi h gtd d fpof! 
 feitlf/ir/en* ^oh belongs W A. nati II. 
 Kr in flL ^ ^™."^ ^'"'^'"g* ='"d ^ntirtents, of ho- 
 fcnso";?!;^*'^™^"' '?«-<)'' ^ ri^e'othe (. 
 
 E "d b^^nl^f P*1'r ^° ■'^^^ t«;e„ liberally eriu- 
 
 h bafe ft i. Xi ' ''^J^;'W"te whatever is mean 
 Keftfem &^ '° tfi»*W:tlu4£, ^ coalman,'. 
 £quWngt?aml ^ * ^cn^^Sft, they live and of 
 K?ffll, ™^"^S me". But- ate .i how foon 
 
 [lowin oi diloTderly paffions. itiiai&ent Af ^;>.. r , 
 
 om^wa>,tiBg_to encoLge, and^^^>^^'^'' "^ '^'- 
 •w , ««*«».. Inferiors "•--• - 
 
 voi^e 
 
OW TUB PROGRESS Of Y7C8, 
 
 r.f ihoie who fuggcft to them, that ftria notioMof rej 
 gion, order, and virtue, are oW fafliioned and illiberal 
 that the rcftraints which they impofe are only fit to 
 iirefcribcd to thofe who are in the firft ftage of pat 
 lage ; or to he preached to the vulgar, who ought tou 
 kept within the clofeft hounds of regularity md fubjet 
 tion. But the goodnefs of their hearts, it is infmuate 
 to them, and the liberality of their views, will fully m 
 tify their emancipating themrehf s, in fome degree, froi 
 the rigid difcipline of parents and teachers. 
 ^ Soothing as fuch infmuations are to the youthful, «„ 
 inconfiderate, their firft fteps, however^ in vice, are ca& 
 tiousand timid, and occalionally checked by remorfo 
 As they begin to mingle more in the world, and emcra 
 mto the circles of gaiety and pkafure, finding thd 
 Joole ideas countenanced by too general praCike, th, 
 gradually (jeccme bolder in the liberties they take. , 
 thevhave l)een bred to bufinefs, they begin to tire of ii 
 tiuitry, and look with contempt on the plodding race 
 Citizens. If they be of fuperior rank, they think it K 
 comes them to refembie their equals 5 to aiTume tha, 
 fwedom of behavior, that air of fowardnefs, that toni 
 ofdiffipation, thateafy negligence of thofe with who/ 
 they converfe, \^hich appear fafliionable in high Hfe. ' 
 affluence of fortune unhappily concur to favor their ii„ 
 chnations, amufements and diverfions fuccc .-d in a perj 
 pctual voundj night and day are confounded ; gamini 
 urn up their vacant intervals ; they live wholly in pul 
 lie places y they ruii into many degree? of excefe^ dif 
 greeable even to themfeh s, merely from weak C( 
 plaifance, and the ieat of being ridiculed by their \u 
 aiFociates* Among thefe siTociatfes, the mofi hardens 
 and detcrm^itd ^ays take the lead; The rbft ioM. 
 them with impIictffelttTiiffiott . and rirake proficie^cri^ 
 this fcfe^lof ipi^H^ ill eyaft proportion t0 the we« 
 nefs of theif iiaafa ^aA ttirwt •^:nA *;k» a»^« * *■ -• 
 
 ,.,.. , .^ ■ ^y^-j rrs-s-^ ■sriiv S7::\i: 
 
 paffioa6. ' • : 
 
 How iiiany ps^away^ after thk manner, 
 m0ft valiiable paf s o£ thtk Ukj, taffe4 in a w^icl^< 
 
 
 Fatuation 
 ;ill remair 
 lay, feme 
 lains of tl 
 le mind {] 
 ;claim fuc 
 ;fpe6bable 
 coving fot 
 wt idle cr 
 )rt;int hud 
 irent fphei 
 lidionfh* 
 Ivcsi and 1 
 youth an( 
 
 lar fucc< 
 i.ingrofs t 
 ly o£ ruin, 
 ly.of irrec( 
 fquandere 
 'ronted,.e(i 
 and mou] 
 There are 
 
 ipoi wit] 
 itemptible 
 lich if it p 
 
 Irbe adde(3 
 ^rit of all t 
 iHacxals is 1 
 
 ^, 
 
\iit ea^no* be called pleafoise, fo nuKh te.mew fnddh, 
 kfs and folly? Jn the habks of perpetual conoeaio^ 
 bthidleor hcentiOM company, all refleaicm iaioftt 
 kfhile, circulated from .one empty head,aod one thouirhtl 
 ^8 heart, to another, fit^Uy flioots up into all its jSpft 
 tdicuious farms ; prompts the extravagant, unmeaninir 
 lohc in private ; or Ihlliea forth in public into mad Z 
 
 It J ;"™pelledfometimes by intoxication, fometimct bT 
 (lere levity of fpmtSr * 
 
 All the while, amidfl: this whole courfe of juvenite 
 
 rfatuatioii, I readily admit, that much good natirre may 
 
 till remain. Generofity and atuichmenta may .be fomid i 
 
 lay, feme awe of religion m.y ftiU Tubfift, and fome «! 
 
 bins of thofe good impreffions which were made upoa 
 
 b mind m earlydays. It might yet be very poffible t6 
 
 ffp^aable ftations m the world, if virtuous and im. 
 bvmg fociety fi^ould happily fucceed to the pkce of 
 bt Idle crew wuh whom they now aflbciate ; if im. 
 brt;int bufinefs ihould occur, to bring them into a dif- 
 ferent fpliere <^ aaion ; or, if fome feafonaUe ftroke of 
 
 ivcs, and to awaken fenous and manly thoughts. Bu^ 
 t youth and v^or,.and flowing fortune cominue 5 ifi 
 mriar lucceffion of companions, go oa,i» afuufe^hem. 
 
 ingTofs their time, and to Air i^ their.paSoas 4 ^ 
 ^y of ruin,-let them .take .heedld bel^^l!l!Jh^ 
 ay of irrecaverable ruin, begins to draw nigh. Ft^tiBic 
 Kquandered ; health is broke,» , friend.Tre oiFend^ 
 toed, eftranged 5 aged.parents,|>crJwps,feBl^ffi^ 
 
 and mourning, .to the dwft. ^^ ^^ 
 
 H^^ ^-l "^f **'? <legrees^of i^ice whieh are ^idb- 
 ampol with the cbaraacr of Ae f^ulpua, md^ 
 wt mpuble : ^^here are aWo «c«lai*i iimita, bey^ 
 bidi if It pafs ,t becomes odious mi ^ecr2ae.i-nl^ 
 i k" J , " "r"^"^ J' uicw ^uc ucarf -iiap ^already receive 
 
 ^rit of all the ^V4Jcmm^^ie^ti,„somnntrs, the whofe 
 fi^iorals is^t^e^on the poiiu oflieiiig overthrown. 
 
 F 2 
 
d8 
 
 OJr TUt PROGRESS ©rricB7 
 
 I ;:; 
 
 * or, every crime can then be palliated to confciciiM 
 
 every check and reftraint which had hitherto rcmaine 
 
 18 taken away. He who, in the beginning of his cotw 
 
 toothed himfelf with the thought, that while he indj 
 
 ged hij defires. hr Hid hurt to no man ; now, preflcdl 
 
 the neceffit' ut fuppi/mg thofe wants into which hisi 
 
 penfive p, . i :, luvc brought him, goes on without i 
 
 morfe to lefraud, and to opprefs. The lover of pie 
 
 fure^ now becomes hardened and cruel i violates 1 
 
 trult, or bctravs his friend ; becomes a man of tread 
 
 ry, or man ot blood f^^'iLying, or atTcaft endeavourii 
 
 all the \diile to fatisfy himfelf, that circumftances for 
 
 his pxcuCe ; that by ncceffity he is impelled ; and dn 
 
 in gratifying the pallions which nature had implant 
 
 wdthin him,.he does no more than follow nattire.—Mi^ 
 
 erablc and deluded man I to what art thou come at th 
 
 l^ h Dqft thou pretend to follow nature, when the 
 
 art contemning the laws of the God of nature ? whc 
 
 thou art ftifling his voice , within thee, which remc 
 
 Urates againil thy crimes ? when thou art violating l 
 
 bell part of thy nature, by counteraaing die: diaates* 
 
 juftice and humanity I Doft ihou follow nature, wh& 
 
 thourendercft thyfelfan ufelefs animal on the earth] 
 
 and not ufelefe only, but noxious to the f iciety to whi 
 
 thou belongeft, and to which thou art a difgrace j nc 
 
 ious, by the bad example thou haft fet j noxious, by t- 
 
 crimes thou haft comHMtted ; facrificitig innocencel 
 
 thy gttilty. jpieafures, and introducing ihame and rui 
 
 into the habitations of peace i defrauding of their dii 
 
 the unfufpidoujr who have trufted thee j involving! 
 
 the ruins of thy fortune many a worthy family ; redw, 
 
 tng l|ie induftrious and the aged to mifery and wantj 
 
 by #whkh, if thou hiift, cfcaped die deferved fwordr 
 
 juftre«^4h©u haft at leaft brought on thyfelf the rel 
 
 inent,^iid iie reproach of all the refpeaal^ and - 
 
 wordiy.—Tiemble then at die view of the gulph wli 
 
 is openmg be£E>re thee. Look with horror at th( ' 
 
 pkcj oil the brisk of which thou ftandeS ; and 
 
om tiiB mooRBsv orviinf. 
 
 mr 
 
 .'X^^LT''^''' ^'"^""^ *<>" -"'reft eft 
 
 jThU brings me to^^ut-I propoftd as the nexi hoi 
 
 knt out fome remedies ag,mft the foul iirfeftLn rf 
 il communications. ""ctiion 01 
 
 [Tk firft and moft obvious is, to withdra,^ from ,» 
 
 tonions. This choirs ;« «.^« r f ^"*"*^5 and 
 
 : Lch thought or isTererm^^^ '"^^^ ^^^- 
 
 JiP^ yet, very oftm, the whole fate of th.4,^ 
 
 l«fly»TOl thr liking and the friendlhip ofvouth It! 
 
 bi'ir"^^^ and Jltri 
 
 caiy temper* qualities, I confefs^ amtakfe. .^^^"^' 
 
 kand ufefu. »«* valuable i„tS pTo^ll*/™" 
 ™.2ing more i» Vt^tToM r "'tl^ml'^"'- 
 
 kit U onlVon rfl,a„trSutl,Sr'f 
 Nments, .hat the othcr'i.riiable qa"?itfes ca™" ''^ 
 [« proper luftre. Deftitute of thefe efllm^i "■' 
 Nthey ftme with ■ , more thaA ^t^l Wfu!''""' 
 k %arkle for a little, amWft ^ k^^!2f^2' 
 
 ^a «><« tl^^Tdg e, aS o^Te ^hSSl of '■"• 
 fee^'cr they may feem ^1^. ?^ . '• '"^ '"'* "g^e^- 
 
 hollow qualities, and 
 
 cxtcial accom- 
 
or 
 
 ow rruf Mit>eire!i7 or rtei,. 
 
 W ^ 
 
 I 
 
 fli&iu«au, thef AxHi fail uown .inlD the dtfi, 
 of the infignificant, perhaps of the woithki* i ao4 
 finkof^cotuie, in itbe ;opi|iion ot the pubMc, .into 
 iHme deipicaUe ranfc. 
 
 . ^Uow me to wartiivoa^ that the moft igty airH 
 fing, are ibmetimes itne moft inOdioug and dangei 
 companions V £Ui admonition which rerpe£l8 bo3i 
 Ihces. Often they attach thcmfclves to you from ir 
 efted motives ; and if any taiut or fuipiciou lie on th 
 chara6tcr, under the cover of your rank, your foifta 
 or your good regutationj they fcek protcftion for d 
 fblves« l..ook round you then, widi an attentive 
 and weigh chara^ers well before you connc(5l yourfeii 
 too clofely with any who court your fociety. He i\ 
 ti/alketh with wife men Jhali be wife : but a conipait 
 tffooJsfhall be defirored. Wherefore, enter mtdou 
 to the caftnfei of the /earner. N^ilk not in ^dmhimy u| 
 evil men / avoid it ; pttfs noi by it, /ur;/ J^H|(/ 
 pafs njW.ay-^ ^^w 
 
 In order ito pteTcnt* the inUuente of gviJ £9mmuni\ 
 iionfyXt is farther needful, that yo!i fi» to yourfelvesi 
 .tein princinles of condu^l, and be refolved and de 
 iDmed on no occafion to fwerve from, them. Setting | 
 iCQnfideration of religion and virtue afide, and attend 
 joerely.to intereR and reputation^ ifc vnJl be found, i 
 iic who enters on a£Hve life without having afcertaiii 
 ife»me regular plan, according to "which he i» to p 
 llimfclf^wyi be unprofperous in the whole of hisiu 
 quent progre&. But when condu^l is viewed in a 
 lU and religious light, the tiSi^k of having fixed no pj 
 ciples of adion \ of having formed n^ laudable Aanil 
 «f character, becomes more obvioufly fatal* For he 
 ic is, tliat the young and though tkis imbibe fo lea 
 the poifon oi evii rammunicatidns, and fall a prey toj 
 cry feducer. They havte nx> internal guide whom J 
 are accultomed to follow and obey j nothing 
 ^HDe^inivJ^Oi, that can give n^mnefs to iheii ci 
 
 *ProT,xiii, ao. Prov. if. J4« 
 
t?e°^ ^^^' ** "?'"" ** """"enfry inclinatioi 
 
 ^fcnee of cmptation and tempters, the iirtuoul 
 
 bint !;^' rt" *"" ' ''"' """ '™B ""= f"""* ! 
 
 k?J '^ ,^^ inftigAtion of thofe with whom 
 
 rhave conoefted themfel„s.-TJtey are faiUng on a 
 
 Igeroua fe, wh.ch aboand, wid, rode,; wfTw 
 
 tpft, by which to direft their coarfe. or helm, by 
 
 C'e Lt . .'*'"*r^ ?"'«' " »PP«ar ttat they 
 k determine.1 to coad«a themfelves 1^ certain rules 
 
 C'Ar °"t ^°"''' '^'y ^'""P^ innumerTbL 
 tore, but they would command refpeft from the li. 
 
 r; *'='"'^^''r"- Evil doer, wo«ld%eafe to lay thdt 
 
 r 'P''^™' ""'J with a more fteady courfe. . , , 
 M a farther correaive of nil communicalhn!,ttt^ ae 
 
 K leTmV''.'''/"""?'" which youlay d;:„ f: 
 C'. ftT "^"f* y°" ft>metime. to think ferioufly, 
 «„Z tl^'"''^^'^' enjoyment and h.ppineft. Yolt 
 
 rcllv tt"*"^'^ *'"J '" company'^^nd pleafmr.. 
 FcJofely foever you are furroundcd and befiVged by 
 
 erf ™ ^ yo«rfelve,i when, after all the turbu- 
 
 t oJ amafemem ,$ over, your mind will naturally aft 
 
 li.LiT'"^'' n-o": pcnfivc cat Thefe ate p^ct 
 
 r^rK!l*T"'.'^ ^""^ '•"^'^ their val™;. W 
 
 t^ k^k"^'"'"!'"'"'' "'="=<=• Indulge tb* 
 fstronj whtth tfien begin to rife. Caft yX ^ 
 
 iat IS probably «, come. Think of the part too, 
 
 ri^t,!^ ' /"t"/"'""'^"™ •» l*^*. pet. 
 ^de fuifcred, before yo»die. Thettj, the time 
 
 £l J^ P'""' °* happinefs, not merrfy- for Ae 
 (Mr, but for the ciim!"! ~.~r„ -r _„ ^ .C,_ "^ 
 
 *, that what IS plea^jigto you ae twenty^ will nejc 
 lallyfo a forty or fifty yearS of age » 'Ld Aat 
 1 continues, longeft pleaCng,.V« always W valuabfc. 
 
70 
 
 C'« THE PnOtfUESS OF TICE. 
 
 m\ 
 
 RecoUea your own feelings in diiStrenf fcenes ofli 
 Inquire on what occafions yoahave" felt the trueft fa 
 faaion ; whether days of fobriety, and rational emp 
 ment, have not kft behind i tiiem a moie agreeable 
 K^embrance, than nights of liccntioufnefs and riot. 1 
 round you on the world, j rtffear on the different f( 
 ties which have fallen under your obfervation } 
 think who among them appear to enjoy life to moft 
 vantage ; whether they who, encircled by gay comp, 
 ons, are conftantly fatiguing themfelves in queft of p 
 fure J or they to whom pleafure comes unfought,li] 
 courfe of an adive, virtuous, and manly life. Com 
 together thefe two chiles of mankind, and alk your 
 hearts, to which of them you would choofe to hd 
 If, in a happy, moment; ae light of truth begins tob 
 in upon you, refufe not admittance to the ray. 
 your hearts fecretly reproach you for the wrong ch 
 you hare made, bethink yourfeives that the evil is 
 irreparable. Still there is time for repentance and 
 treat j and a return to wifdom, is always honorable. 
 Were fuch meditatkins often indulged, the evth> 
 mumcations of iinners would die away before them 
 force of their pcifon would evaporate ; the world w 
 begin to aflume in your eyes a new form and fhap 
 Dildain not, in thefe folitary hours, to recollea \ 
 the wifeft have fa id, and have written concerning, 
 man happinefs, and human vanity. Treat not their 
 pinions, as elFufions merely of peevifhnefs or difappol 
 ment : but believe them to be, what they truly are, 
 refuit of long experience, and thorough acquaints 
 with the world. Confidex that the feafon of you 
 pailing faft away. It is time for. you to be taking r, 
 ures for an eftablifbment in life ; nay, it were wii 
 be looking forward, to a placid enjoyment of old 
 Thit is a period you wifli to fee.? but how mife 
 when it arrives, if it yield you nothing but the &] 
 life J and prcfent no retrofpe^:, except that 
 diaughtlels, and.di/hoiiored yoiifh.l 
 
en THE PRCGUESS OV VICE. 
 
 71 
 
 :t me once more advife you, tc look forward, feme- 
 es beyond old age ; to look to a future world. A- 
 dft ev!/ communicationsy let your belief, and your dia- 
 ler as Chriftians, arife to your view. Think of the 
 Ired name in which you were baptized. Think of 
 I God whom, your fathers, honored and worfhipped ; 
 Ithe religion in which they trained you up ; of the 
 lerable rites in which they brought you to partake, 
 [eir paternal cares have now ceafed. They have fin- 
 bd their earthly courfe ; ahd the time is coming when 
 ' muft follow them. You know that you are not to 
 always here ; and you farely do not believe that 
 lir exiftence is to end with this life. Into what world 
 |n are you next to go ? Whom will you meet with 
 |re ? Before whofe tribunal are you to appear ? What 
 fount will you be able to give of your prefent trifling 
 B irregular condud to him who made you ?— Such 
 hghts may be treated as unfeafonable intrufions. But 
 Irude they fometimes will, whether you make them 
 ikome or not. Better then, to allow them free re- 
 Ition when they come, and to confider fairly to what 
 h lead. You have feen perfons die ; at leaft, you 
 le heard of your friends dying near you. Did it nev- 
 fr enter into your minds, to think what their laft rc- 
 ftions probably were in their concluding moments ; 
 Iwhat your own, in fuch a fituation, would be ?— 
 ■hat would be then your hopes and fears ; what part 
 1 would then wifh to have aded ; in what light your 
 Ifing eyes would then view this life, and this M^orld ? 
 Uhele are thoughts, my friends, too important to be 
 Nys exclued. Thefe are chings too folemn and aw- 
 [to be trifled with. They are fuperior to a^Jthe ri- 
 lule of fools. They come home to every m^iiV bo- 
 and are entitled to every man's higheft at^i^q, 
 us regard them as becomes reafonable nnd -t^omi 
 r^ures 5 and they will prove effeaual ainidotes to tile 
 1/ commuKuafions of petulant fcoffers. When \icc dr 
 [7 arife to tempt us under flattering forms, let the 
 pus tlraracler which we bear as men, come ;Ufo f^T- • 
 
 ^k : if L 
 
72 
 
 B« FOttTITttDE. 
 
 ward to view ; and Jet the folemn admonitions, , 
 which I coacUide, found full in our ears : Myfyi 
 ftnners entice thee y conjent thou not. Come out fm 
 tnongj^ theniy and be jeparate. Remember thy Cfeaiin 
 thedays.ofthyyautk, ^Btarthe Lord, and deparlk 
 4ViL Tha way jf life is ^hmie to the wife ; and hi. 
 keeptih the jCommaHdmenty heepeih his own huh* 
 
 ^s 
 
 SERMON VII. 
 
 ON FORTITUDE. 
 
 u m 
 
 PSALM XXVU. 3^ ;^^. 
 
 ^"hvfgh OH hofi Jhould encamp agmnfi Mir my heart 
 
 not fear, ■ n 
 
 THIS world is a region of danger, in which «ch 
 fafety is poffeffed by no man, Thoiigh we Jive in ti^ 
 ofeltabhfhed tranquillity, when there is no grounl 
 apprehend that an hoji fliail, in the literal Ibife, end 
 agmnji us ; yet every man, fron> one q^iarter or ot 
 has fomewhat to dread. Ri.hfs often mah toll 
 J rives wings, and flee away. 1 he firmed: health ma] 
 a moment be fhaken. The molt flourifliing family J 
 unexpeaedly be fcattercd. The appearances of owl 
 curity are frequently deceitful — When <mr Ikv " 
 Jnoft fettled and ferene, in fome unobferved'qu^ 
 gathers the little black cloud, in which the tempcfti 
 ments, and prepares to difch;jrge itfelf on our 
 ouch IS the real fituation of man in this world ; and 
 who flatters himfelf with w opppftte yii^ of Lis 
 only lives in the paradife of fooJs. 
 
 «__* ^'*®'^- '• *«• aCoriath. vi. 17. EccksJ 
 
 >vi< n>r. 44. 
 
0» FORTITLDE. 73 
 
 In this fituation no quality is mors renuifite than 
 .nftancy, or forotude of mind ; a qaalit Ah ch the 
 M appears, from the fcntiment b the text, 'o have 
 offefll-d ,n an eminent degree. Fortitude was iuftW 
 hredbythe anc.ent philofophers, among the card"" 1 
 rtues. It .3 indeed effential to the fu^port of Xm 
 I i and ,6 moft necefTary to be acquired by every o,S 
 -ho w.fl,e3 to difcharge with fidelit^r the d^ti^ of his 
 iation. I ,s the armor of the mind,' which will fit him 
 ,rencou„termg the trials, and furmounting thedangeS 
 ,at are hkely to occur in the courfe of his life. It S>av 
 
 jnltitutional ; dependent on firmncfs of nerves and 
 
 bngd of fpjrits. Though, partly, it is fa y«e^peri- 
 
 \ r.-«"l';^ .tmayalfo reacquired I p iXl" 
 
 ^ "■?'^f ''J'/"'^" ' ^"d '' i= only when thu?ac 
 .red, and thus fortified, that it can be acco, n" d to" 
 k the charaaer of virtue.-Fortitude is oppoH as 
 t fS iT'^P' r?.^'«-". - feeble and'^fwa-ye - 
 ILCent ■'P'T'''''^^ other virtues, in the mid- 
 ^ between two extremes ; ftanding at an equ-' dif 
 ke from raihnefs on the one hand, and fro.n ^uf [ 
 3 tft'rt"-'." difcourfmg'on ^'^^^ 
 Taney ne°. ^Z ">^ importance of fortitude 'o. 
 Tr2 ' f ' f°„^'^«««"' t"e grounds on w!-.i,^h it 
 «'^th:tS<|J^^~^--«aerai 
 
 uman I,fe. or the proper difcharge of its d->^i,-s^ 
 W,thout fome degree of fortitude ^.-.-e car^b^l^h.. 
 hk ; becaufe, amidd the thou(^,Hrf unceita^l^^S 
 
 tand^i,"oV"^T""\^' '""^'^''"^ T^- - "f ' 
 «mayarn^. Ofte^he crcales im:^; ,'§^!^t. 
 
 ,,1 L /<_ ^ _ 
 
 ipcClicSj he 
 
 ioicB the tr^ er 
 
 11^ 
 
 t e- 
 
 '»?■*' 
 
 I' P* 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 I 
 
74 
 
 OV FORTSTPDi:. 
 
 ven of a fafc and profperous ftate. On the firft fliodlj 
 of adverfity, be defponds. Inftead of exerting hinif 
 Co lay hold on the refources that remain, he gives up 
 for loft $ and refigns hjmfelf to abjc6l and broken jpirJ 
 its. On the other hand, firmnefs of mind is the pa« 
 of tranquillity. It enables one to enjoy the prefea 
 ■without difturbance ; and to look cai»rJy on dange 
 that approaftb or evils that threaten in future. It fi|| 
 gefts good hopes. It fupplies refources. It allowsj 
 man to retain the full poflcfTion of himfclf, in every 
 uation of fortune. Look into the heart of this man,; 
 you virill find compofure, cheerfulnefs, and magnaniii 
 ty. Look into the heart of the other, and you .will 
 nothing but confuiion, anxiety, and trepid^itjon. Tfe 
 one is the caftle built on a rock, which defies the atta^ 
 of furrounding waters. The other is a hut placed on th 
 :fhore, which every wind fhakes, and every wave ov« 
 dflows. 
 
 If fortitude be thus eflentlal to the enjoyment of 
 "•t is equally fo, to t}\c proper difcharge of all its n 
 important duties. He who is -of a cowardly mijid is, 
 muft be, a flave to the world. He fafhions his whq 
 , ^ondv.£l according to its hopes and fears. He fmilej 
 and fawns, and betrays^ ''rom 2b3€<fl confideratior.s 
 wfefibn&l iricty, jHe is incapgijle of either conceivi 
 :<>r executng, Jiny great dcfi^. He can neither (laij 
 the climcr of the multitude, ncr the frowns of 
 snighty. The wiiid ofpopolar favcr, or the threats i 
 power, ajcfufficient tolhlike his moft determined purpefl 
 The ^fiorld always knowS .where to find him. He mi 
 ptetend to have principles ; but on every trying occs 
 it will be feen, that his pretended principle"^ bett4 
 convenience and fafety.- — The mtn,of virtuous fortltii^ 
 :9tgaiii, fo^ioc* the di(^ate5 of hish^ast, unembaTraf 
 ^hcfe rellramts which lie upon the timerous. Hav^ 
 once* determined whafcis fit for Hn^ to dq^ nojhreati 
 ings 4; an focyie, nor dangers ^ppal him* M't refts 
 himfdif, ij|p|>orted by a coufcioufiiefs o£ jnivard di| 
 
 1 /:!/^ t-ift*. 'T-'.xr f^.^jfr fKtfi Aifx\rxf^t\A.*t Cklr'jiPif* vallt fff'i-fTrp 
 
 
ON FORYITVDlS. 
 
 7'j 
 
 tgainrt every vice. He may be lifted up m\h pride. 
 He may be fsduced by pieafiire. He may he hurried 
 away by pafljon. But at leaft on one quarter, he will 
 ' 2 fafe i by no abjeft fears miikd into evil. 
 
 Without his temper of mind, no man can be a tho-" 
 bogh Chriftian. For his prcfeifion, as fitch, requires 
 liim to be fuperior to that/^^^r of man which brmzeth a 
 hare / enjoins him, for the fake of a good confcience, 
 to encounter every danger ^ and to be prepared, if call- 
 ed, even to lay down his life inthecaui'e of religion and 
 ruth. All v.rho have been diftinguifhcd as fervants of 
 Jod, or benefaaors of men j all who, in perilous fitua- 
 ^lons, h^ve a^Sed their part with fuch honor as to render 
 kir na-^es illuftrious through fuccceding ages, have 
 een eminent for fortitude of mind. Of this we have 
 jone confpicuous example in th^ Apoftle Paul, whom it 
 Iwill be inftruftive for us to view in a remarkable occur- 
 jrence of his life. After having long aded as the apof- 
 jtie of the Gentilesi his miffion eallecf him to go tc Jeru- 
 Ifalem, where he knew that he was to encmmter the ut- 
 poll violence of his enemies. Juft before he fet fail^ hi, 
 Icalled together the elders of his favorite church at Ephe- 
 Ifus, and in a pathetic fpeeeh, which does great honor to 
 jfeis charaaer, gave them his laft farewell. Deeply aitea- 
 led by their knowledge of the certain dangers toVhich he 
 Iwas expofmg himfelf, aH the aflembly were filled v.'iJi 
 jdiftrefs, and melted into tears. The circumdances were 
 ifuch, as might have cof^veyed dej^aion even into a re-- 
 Ifeiute mind 5.* and would Mve totailyf overwhelmed the 
 Keeble. Tb^y ^iiwiptfi^re^i.ahil hll on Paah neck, and 
 Wed him f fiirr^WHt^m^^allfir 'V words which he 
 m^ey i^^at iheypouMWhU foce m. niore. What wei^ 
 pen the feiitiments^'#' .^ ,v^s die iangUagCj of this great 
 Imigooti man ? ifei-'Viw words which fp<:^e his firm 
 p>« uncis^ted mfiidv BehsMy I go hdund in }hijpirit^ 
 nnh y^rt^hm^ mt hnsmn^ the things that fia^hM 
 
 [»w there ^ Jave that the Hotj Qhoflwitnefftih in Vw^^ r/"- 
 ■"'" '-'"■""" '"^i i^^nds andGj^atons abtde me. But n^ke ' 
 move me i' neither cmnt 
 
 life 
 
 / 
 
T8 
 
 
 01? Fi}RT17Ul>E, 
 
 ^/#,/^ M«/ I might finij}, ^y courfe xvlth 
 minijhy which J have reciinJ.fflJT..A ^. 
 
 minijfry which J hai 
 t'fy the go/pel cftb 
 
 joyy atidtk 
 
 received of the Lord jefusy to tel 
 *^« • , J'^ grace c.f God.''' There'was utiere 
 
 re h^"! f/v ''«^r,f"^'f to >.lk i let the confeque 
 
 Mfgnty rom mr. Mp,r;shtcr.JnrJs I hold fafi 1 
 
 I Jn ' ^ f " ."'^' '''"^ '* ^ P^"-' appointed to a ' 
 I go .0 perform it. My duty I fl,all do to day, 
 'to.m,rrow tale thought for the things of itfelf} 
 Havmg thus fto-.n the importance. I proceed/ 
 
 iJ. ^ o *how the proper foundations of conftancv a» 
 fortuuue of m,nd. They are principally two a g^ 
 confcienc. , ^and truft in God. P X '"'o . » g™ 
 
 De-tofTe"!^' h5 ^!!"'I: ""'"' """ P"'^^''^ "° ««•»« &■"' 
 nonora.Ie ends, hr,s many things to difmav him M 
 not only dreads the difappointlent of his'^defiRn,, b 
 fome o, thofe accidents to' which all are expofedT Ini 
 he !us alfo to dread the treachery of his confederate 
 the mfcovery and reproach of the world, and thel , 
 a.fpleafure of Heaven. His fears he is obliged to c« 
 c;aJ ; but wule he affumes the appearante of intrt 
 p,..ty Wore the world, he trembles wkhin himfelf ; a"di 
 ^^;i- . 1; ^'"'^ ^'^^"^ '"'=«"')'' frequently dart 
 
 It.tutiona! courage, which fometimes has rendered me 
 daring ,n the moft flagitious attempts. But this fool 
 
 t^lhft.'i*' '^h '"' ''°M"efs of the ruffian, is a 
 together different &ora real fortitude. It arifes Urek 
 from wa««t^.af blood, from want of thought, andblj 
 nc-fs to danger. As it forms no charafter o£ value. 
 tf appears only ,« occafional fatlies j and never «»» ' 
 
 Acts XX. JJ, 33, 5,4, jj^ jg_ 
 
 .1. r - !_ - - 
 
 i y^^J A&.VU. J, 6, 
 
 ^a*;"^ 
 
OJf FORTITUBE. 
 
 of 
 
 Remei 
 
 St 
 
 man , i^em^mber thine original honors. 
 lus dread a/ A^l]'' "^^"7^/ ^^^^^ ""^ "^^ Fui^'UaHi- 
 
 ilofed onT '' ''="'«.™P«f<=<i on the world ; mar 
 tihe?l^e r«l' 7"" ^'"^'^- " But all iUufion' then 
 
 y» (aid^h,. " ^""'y '^"'■'"^•'- Hence it has been 
 
 allthe d,f?n°"' °" ''"""S f"™0"nted with fi^L 
 
 honor ? WW '," .","* ""'^'"■« "^ourfe of fidelity 
 
 k of t^el^o'^l^p'^l'^f'''*'.*^ magnanimous fel 
 KuJl iff 5f ^J,"*' *'"'" ^^^^-^ perfecution and 
 
 ereat mfn r ^'". ""^ *« feitiments of the 
 
 {the d7 HiJfhT l"'-'^"' ""y ""''f'' ' 1"^^ 
 
 L J ■ ,\ ".'""f""!' there, „ aid u* for me » 
 tiZ^^'^'J'"-^'* How many years ofJifedLa 
 \,tTZ:T"'''°^^ '^"=^ •' Who wouldtS 
 
82 
 
 oil EWVY. 
 
 I 
 
 fn 
 
 'Vl 
 
 m 
 
 % 
 
 Chriftian. Let no difcowagcmcnt; nor danger, d«^»f jj 
 horn doing what is right. Through h wr and (l:-'n\ 
 thro*gh g9od re^port and had report ^ kt U3 prefeiYc ft 
 ity to our God and owr Saviour.- Though an hofi lk\ 
 encamp aftmnfi us^ let us not fed? to discharge our i\ 
 God aflids us in the virtoous confli^l •, and will crq 
 the conqueror with eternal rewards. Be thou fait\ 
 unio deathy.and I will give thee a crown of life. %\ 
 that overcomelh^ faith our bleflied Lord, 1 wHl g^m 
 J^f with me on my throne ; even us I alfo overca/tu^ 
 umfetdown with my Father on his throne,^' 
 
 SERMON Vllfib 
 
 ■€t:->ENVY. 
 
 1 C0RINTH1AN3 XUl. 4« 
 
 €ha^ ity envielh mt.- 
 
 ENVY is a fenfation of uneafmefs and difqiriet,, 
 ing from the advantages which others fuppoled to] 
 fes above m, accor;ipank4 with malignity, towards I 
 who poffefs them. This is univerfa^ly admitted 
 one of the blackeft palEons in the^ human hearti 
 tliis world, we depend mueh on one another ; anij 
 therefore formed by God to be mutuaily ufefui an 
 fiiling. The inftin(^h of kindn: fs and compafljon 4 
 belong to our frame, 4how how mbch itwas-tht' 
 tion of our Creator, thM: we fliowld be uiiltcd in I 
 fhip. If any- infriiage this great law of naJ«re» fej 
 of catsfehfs hostility^ ssfsHtment n^y j«ftly arifoj 
 one is to be condemned for dsifendisg his x\%ki 
 Ibov/ing difpleafurs. againft a malicious enemy. 
 
 ^-jftev. w' 10.— iL 21. 
 
f^N X»VT. 
 
 « 
 
 Iceive lU-will at one who has attacked none of our 
 jits, nor done us any injury, folcly becaufe he is more 
 Ifperous th jn we are, is a difpofition altogether unua- 
 kl } it fuits not the human constitution, and partakes 
 te of the rancour of an evil fpirit. Hence, the cha- 
 Jtcr of an envious man is univerfally odious. All dif- 
 im it } and they who feel themfelvcs under the influ- 
 
 of this pafiion, carefully conceal it. 
 M it is proper to confider, tliat among all our paS- 
 L both good and bad, there are many different grada- 
 L Sometimes they fwim on the furface of the mind, 
 ■Hout producing any internal agitation. They pro- 
 1 no farther than the beginnings of paffion. Alhyed 
 bur conftitution, or tempered by the mixture of oth- 
 rifpofitions, they exert no confidcrable influence on 
 temper. Though the charader in which envy^orms 
 I ruhng paflion, and reigns in all its force, be one too 
 bus, I hope, to be common -, yet fome fhade, fome 
 [lure, of this evil difpofition, mixes witli moft cha- 
 bsinthe world. It is, perhaps, one of the in<i: 
 [vailing infirmities to which we are fubgea. There 
 Ifew but who, at one time or other, have found foh^e,. 
 bt of this nature ftirring within them j fome lurking 
 bfinefs in their mind, when they loolied up to nth~ 
 who enjoyed a greater fliare than had fallen to t^ eir 
 I of fome advantages which they v/ifhed, md thoutht 
 bfelves intitled to polFefs. Though this fhould not 
 bitter their difpofition ; Ahought it fiioukl create thct 
 5afinefs only, without the malignity of envy ; yet ftiE 
 ^!adifturbed:ftate.of mind ; and always borders Up- 
 I if it aaually include not, fome vicious a#eaioii£: 
 "order, as far as poflible, to remedy this evil, I i1^1| 
 V confider v/hat are thts-mpst general grounds of tue 
 Ir v/kich men are apt to bear to others ; and iliafi cx^ 
 k^what foundation th«y aford, foi' afty degree- of 
 k tF0ubkfora€ and dangerous |)aaion.™T^ d%f 
 .pds^f envy may be reduced to three : Ao^^j^ 
 ^ of mrad ; advantages of bir|^h, ra»k, .and ^ 
 pior fticcds in worldly purfuits. 
 
'«4 
 
 ©N EVVY. 
 
 I H 
 
 I. Accomplisbmentrs, or endowments of the nin 
 The chief endowment for which man deferves to bei 
 lued, is virtue. This unqueftionably, forms the a 
 eftimablc diftwftion among mankind* Yf*- fh'io rM 
 niajr appear lurprifmg, never forms any pround oi enl 
 No man is envied forbeing more just, more gencroi 
 mere patient, or forgiving, than others. This ma?, 
 part, be owing tu virtue producing in every one \ 
 beholds it, thut high degree of refpeft and love, wli 
 extinguishes envy. But probably, it i; more owimj 
 the good opinion which every one entertains of his o 
 moral qualitidi. Some virtues, or, at Jeaft, the feeds] 
 them, he fiiids within his breaft. Others, he vain-yj 
 tributes to himfelf. Thofe in which he is plainly dJ 
 cient, he undervilues ; as either not real virtues, or J 
 tues of v.'.-ry inferior rank ; and rests fatisfied, that,] 
 the whole, he is as worthy and refpeaable as his neiij 
 hour. J . " 
 
 The cafe is difFerent, with regvtrd to thofe mcntalj 
 .bilitiesand powers which are afcribed to others. I 
 long as thefe are exerted in a fphere of aftion rem] 
 from ours, and not brought into competition with talcl 
 of the fame kind, to which we have pretcnfions, 4 
 create no jealoufy. They are viewed as diflant obje^ 
 in which we have not any concern. . It is not until tj 
 touch our own line, and appear to rival us in wliati 
 wifli to excel, that they awaken envy Even then, e, 
 vy is, properly fpeaking, not grounded on the talents] 
 others. For here, too, our felf-compl-i.ency brings] 
 relief ; from the pcrfuation, th-^t W^re we thorougi 
 know;i, and full juflice done to us, ^jir abilllties wo] 
 be found not inl'crior to thofe of our wvals. What 
 pcrly occafions envy, is the fruit of the accompliilim, 
 of others ; the pre-eminence which the opmion of] 
 world beftows, or which we dread it will bcftowj 
 their talents above ours. Hence, diftingulshed ftf| 
 orJty in g?nms, learning, eloquence,- or any otl^el 
 thofe variotif. arts tliat attraa tfe notice pf the v;^ 
 often become p^mful groua^^^fenvy •, not in.!; 
 

 0* E??TY. 
 
 33 
 
 ■not mdc^ 
 
 indifereml . bu to thofc who foHow the fame Wmo! 
 ^rfuit. Merc nvaJity, infpired bjr emulation, M^o»ld 
 kry no reprr ..ch J were not that rivality joined with 
 bfiquity, and a malignant fpirit ; did it not lead to fc 
 k£tdetra. and unfair mcthcdsof dJminifhinp the 
 
 rTTu ""i^'^^'A '^"^ frequently ha5 fuch i fpirit! 
 mi hed the charaaer of thoA who fought to fliine in 
 e elegant ar^s ; and who, otherwife, had a juft title to 
 Ime.-^ .ct fuch a^ arc addiaed to this infirmity, rdn- 
 Uer, how much the degrade themfelves. sLerior 
 lent, of any kmd, ahvay^ refts on itfelf. Confcious of 
 hat It cleferve, ,t difdains low competitions and jeal- 
 pes. Thejr who are flung with enty, efpecially when 
 ev allow us malignity to appear, confefs a fJnfe of 
 t "^ '"^enontj ; and, in -t€t, pay homage to 
 bt merrt fr -m which they endeavour to dctraa ^ 
 But m order to eradicate the paffion, and to te^^re tfe 
 [fquiet which It qreates, let fuch petfons farther con^ 
 Ber,how mconfiderable the advantage is wJilcii their 
 bis have gamed, by any fuperiority over them. Thev 
 M you envy, are themfelves inferior to others who 
 yiow the fame purfuits. For how few, how very few. 
 ve reached the fummit of excellence, in the art or ftul 
 {which they cuhirate ? Even that degree of excel- 
 ce which thev have attained, how feldom is i( allow- 
 to, them by the world, till after they die ? Public ap- 
 uf'^ IS the moft fluauating, and tmcertain, of ail re- 
 
 S' .^"^T'^"^^ 'f 'l^'y *^^"y ^' ^y ^ circle of their 
 Ms they have to look up. to others, who ftai>d above 
 
 Ions whtjf ""^T^^ ; .and undergo the fame mortifi- 
 
 fons which you fuAer m looking up to thcn^.. ConCd- 
 
 Miat labour ,t has coft them to a'rtive at thatde.re. 
 
 cmineace they haVe gained j a«d after all their la.- 
 
 pt| 'low impertea their tecarijpence is at lail. With- 
 
 Ifrhat narrow bo4:nds is thieirfime confined? Wt^' 
 
 ItA number oThumaiatiom is it mixed ^ Tdilw' 
 
 n m thev abfolutely unknown ? Among thof. v^ 
 
 m tnem, how rqany cenAire ^id decry &oii 'f^M 
 
 [ « J *"'" "*''^'- «'v;*iiiacra«Oiis, me envmtej ^.i tIs^ 
 
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 PhotDgmphic 
 
 Sciences 
 
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 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 

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 -jomc in tlie end to difcern, that the fame acquh-ed „ 
 any accompUaiment of the mind, by all that (kill ca 
 contrivcj or genius can execute, amounts to no mc 
 -than a fpiall elevation ♦,. raifes the pofrtflbr to fuch 
 inconfiderable height above the crowd, that others ma^ 
 without difquiet, fit down contented with their 0/ 
 mediocrity. 
 
 IL Advantages of fortune, fuperiority in birth, i 
 and riches, even qualifications of body and form, ^ 
 come gBounds of envy. Among external advantage 
 thofe which relate to ihe body ought certainly, in tl 
 comparative eftimation of ourfelves and others, to k 
 the loweft place •, as in the acquifition of them we a 
 claim no merit, but muft afcribe them entirely to tl 
 ^ift of nature. Yet envy has often ftiowed itfelfhc 
 in full malignity ; though a fmall meafiire of refledii 
 might iiave difcovered, that there was little or no groi 
 for this paflTiQn to arife. It would have proved a b 
 fing to multitudes, to have wanted thofe advantages , 
 which they are'cnvied. How. frequently, for iiiftanc, 
 has Beauty betrayed the po^flbrs of it into many^ 
 fnare, and brought upon them many a difafter ? Bf 
 with fpitefiil eyes by thofe who are their rivals, l_ 
 in the mean time, glow with no lefs envy againft othe 
 by whom they are furpafled 5 while, in the midft 1 
 their competitions, jealoufies, and concealed enmitk 
 llie^ing flower is ^afily blailc4 ; ihortlived at the bell 
 and ilmmg, at anv rate, in comparifon with the higl 
 ai4 more lading beauties of the mind. 
 
 Bwt of all the grounds of envy among men, fuperi^ 
 ty in T^nk and fortune is the moft general. Hence, ( 
 malignity which the poor conunonly hear to Ae m 
 as ingfofiing to themfelves all the comforts of '' 
 Hence, the evil eye with which perfonrof inferior 
 tion icrutinife thofe who are above them ip. la^ i . 
 if they approach to that rank, their envy is ge«e|i 
 ilrongeft againft fuch as are juft one ftep Umcs jt 
 <themfelves. — Ala« I mv friends, all this eyaviotis di' 
 ^u4C| T«r|ich agitate;? the world, arifcs froi» a. 
 
 ItiJiki.-. 
 
o» tmf. 
 
 Kt 
 
 We wlich impofcs on the public view. Falfe colofs 
 
 he hung out : the real ftate of men is not what it feem» 
 
 t,„:if °™" "'^.foeiety requires a diftinaioir of 
 
 nks to take place ; but in point of happineft> all men 
 
 oraemuch nearer to equality than is commonly ima- 
 
 hned •, and the circnmftanees, which form any material 
 
 Ifcenee^of happmefs among tliem, are not of tl.atna- 
 
 Inre which renders them grounds of envy. The poor 
 
 ^„^5fi"?\ "•'.''"'='. '■°'"« °f the conveniences 
 n4pleaf«res of the nch ; but, m return, he is free of 
 
 any embarraffments to which they are fiibisA. By 
 tl""ir'^ ■"'^ umformity of his life, he is delivered 
 from that variety of cares, which perplex thofe who 
 lave great aflairs to manage, imricate plans to purfuj . 
 teany enemies, perhaps, to encounter in the t urfuU 
 Ue tranquillity of hi. fmall habitation. a,Ki ^.r^'te 
 
 ^;« The gratificalions of nature which are always 
 most fatisfaftorv, ate poflefledby him to their fuU 
 
 k** -"u? u^ ^ ' ftwng^rto the refined pleafures 
 W Ae wealdiy, he is unacquainted alfo with the dei5rc 
 K them, and by confequence, feels no want. His plain 
 |»eal latisfiefhis appetite, with a lefifh; probably, hiirher 
 ton Aatof the rkh man, xvho fits do^ to his SI 
 
 Nre firm ; he know* not what fpleen, Jangor or fift. 
 
 ataefs are. Hm accuftonae* employments m labors are 
 k more oppreffive tohhn, than W labor of aftendL^ 
 V courts and the great, the labors of drefs, thSS 
 ^araufcmenM. H.e very weight .f idlenefs.freqnen^try 
 h« to the nch. 1« the mea.-» time, all tl.e beauty of the 
 ^e of nature, a« ^m enjoyments of domeftie focietK 
 P the gajety and cheerfuhiefs of aa eafy W»d, ^ £ - 
 
 en to him as to thofe of the higheft rani - The fplesl" 
 
 If*"- Bnt become famUiar, they iteJoofi^Uim- 
 'r^^Tl 'f^^:^'^" impreffion. Tfey M frftoi 
 «nk Of thofe ordinary things, which diaj r^u» 
 
 ,,/i^ 
 
I . ; ■ ^"' ■■■'■■" 
 
 ON 
 
 hf 
 
 v\. 
 
 withoi^t raifing any fciifation of joy.— Ccafe, therefo 
 from looking up with difcontent and envy to thofe wl 
 birth or fortune have placed above you. Adjuft 
 balance of happincfs fairly. When you <think of tl " 
 joyments you want, think alfp of the troubles x^ 
 , .-which you are free. Allow their juft value to the c J 
 forts you ^loflcfs 5 and you will find ^-eafon to rcfl {^ 
 fied, with a very moderate,, though not an Oipulent ai 
 fplendid, condition of fort^jne. Often, did you km 
 the whole, you would be inclined to pi^y the ila^, 
 thofe wh^m you now envy. 
 
 ^ lU. Superior fuccefs in the courfc of worldly pii 
 
 fuits, IS a frequent ground of envy. Among all rai 
 
 of men, competitions arife. Wherever any favorite 
 
 jea is purfued in common, jealoufics feldom fal to t« 
 
 place among thofe who are equally delirous of ^ttainiB 
 
 It i as in that ancient inftance of envy reeordftd of i 
 
 fep.Vs brethre«, who J,aUii iheir brtuhtr^ hftnuje M 
 
 father loved him more than all the reft,* " 1 could \ 
 
 ** fily bear," fays one «« that fome others ihould be ni( 
 
 « repiitablc or famous, fhould be rich^ or greater, di 
 
 •* L It is but juil, that this man fhould ehjoy tht'd 
 
 "tinaion to which his fplended abilities have rail, 
 
 « hira. It is natural for thsrt mmxy to command the n 
 
 " pea to which he is intltlei l^y his birth. or his ran 
 
 « But when I, and another, h^ive ftarted :in the race 
 
 « life, upon equal terms andin^e fame rank 5 thatl 
 
 " without any pretei^xon to uncommon merit, fliou, 
 
 " have fuddcnly fo far '^ut ftripped me ; (liould haj 
 
 ^« engroffed all that publicfavor %o which I am no 
 
 <« entitled than he 5 this ia what I cannot bear; 
 
 5* btood boils, my fpirit fwells with indignation, at ™ 
 
 ^« undeferved-ticatmeut I have-fufFered from the wprH] 
 
 Complaints of this nature are often made, by them frjf 
 
 feek to juftify the envy which dicy bear to tfiifi ^ 
 
 profperous neighbours. But if fuch perfoiw wiJn 
 
 »o be thoi^ht unjml, let me defire thcin j^ ii 
 
 den. <xxv«^,4. 
 
OW »N?T. 
 
 W 
 
 ther they have been altogether fair in ^he- compari- 
 1 they have made of their own merit with that of Their 
 5 ^"d^wJ^ether they have not themfeives to blame. 
 U^ ^T""'^^^ for being left behind in the career 
 ffortune. The world is not always blind or iiniuft. in 
 jnfernng Its favors. Inftances indeed, fomctinies oc- 
 ir, of defervrng. perfons prevented, by a fucceOiort of 
 ^s mcidenta, from rifing into public acceptanqlLBut* 
 1 aie ordmary courfe of things, merit, foiie^ Ifeter 
 tceives a reward ; while the greater part of men's n^ 
 brmnes and difappointments can, generally, be traced 
 bfome mifcondua of their own. m/dont bringetht^ 
 mr; The hand of th^d indent maktth rick : ^, il^ 
 been lai4, not altogether without reafoiw that, of bis 
 »rn fortune in^lite, «very man is the chief arti^cer. \i 
 M was preferred by, the father to all his brethren, 
 kferenT^"' ^^f^^"^ Avowed how well he merited tl J 
 
 Stippofmg, however, the worW to have been uniuIK 
 
 unimcommon degree, with regard to you, this wiii 
 
 tt vindicate malignitv and er yy towards a more proit- 
 
 JUS competitor. You may accufe the world 5 but 
 
 »at reafon have you^ bear ill-will to him, who has 
 
 hly improved the favor which the world fhowcd him ? 
 
 I, by l^^ns that are uii^fe, he has rlfcn 5 and, toadl 
 
 IjuititiaW. , but if you cannot accufe him of any.fuch 
 
 tenvv f * ^"' ^T'^' ^T Si-' "^ ^^^-" 
 your envy. Tou,^perhap$, preferred the enjoyment 
 
 ^g^ ife. Retired from the i^orid^and ibilowmg 
 pur/avi»,teiftc]u,at«>n8,you wer^ not always at^. 
 r to few^ tlie opportunities which ofefed, L doittg 
 ^ to your eharaaer, and improving your fit«atie^ 
 m^ thea to^^T^ain, if th« #,^/aaiveZ<^ 
 
 f^^ more indulgence and taie, CoiiB^* 
 ^mt^ the nval to vliop you look up widi t^ 
 
 JkX 
 
 S-.-' 
 
ipmpiiv 
 
 
 0!f ENVT. 
 
 pinidg^cyes, thougK more fortunate in the world, 
 perhaps, on the whole, not he more happy than you.- 
 He kaa all the viciflitudes of the world before him, I 
 majr have much to encounter, much to fufFer, £r€ 
 which yoa are protected by die greater obfcurity of yo 
 ftation. Every fituation in life, ha« both a bright a^ 
 a dark fide. Let not your attention dwell only 
 what is bright on the fide of thofe you eavy, and da 
 on your owuw But bringing into view both fides of yc 
 refpe£ljve conditions, eftimate fairly the fum of felici 
 Thus I have fuggefted feveral confiderationB, fori 
 vincing the unreafonablenefs of that difquietude whij 
 envy raifes in our breafts ; confideratbns which teiidf 
 ler(tt6 mitigate and allay the workings of (diis mali 
 nant paffion, and which, in a fober mind, ought tota 
 to extinguifh it. The fcope of the whole has been,] 
 promote, tin every ore, contentment with his^wn ila 
 Many arguments of a different nature may be employ 
 againft envy 5 fome taken from its finful and crinuj 
 nature ; fome, from the mifchiefs to which it gives i 
 in the world ; others, from the mifei y which it pre 
 ces to him who nourilhes this viper in his bofdm. 
 undoubtely, the moft efficacious iarguments,* are fd 
 as ihow, that the circumftances of others, compaj 
 with" our own, afford no ground for envy, Th^ mil 
 ken ideas which are eRtert?*ned, of the high importai 
 of certain worldly advantages and diftin/^ bns, foriftj 
 pilacipal caufe of our repining at our owjv lot, ' and ^ 
 vying that of others. To things light in tbemfcH 
 our imagination has added undue vtneighf. - Did wffj 
 low refle^cm and wifdom to corre^ the prej i 
 which he have imbibed^ and to difperfe thofe pi 
 toms of our oWn creating, the gloom which over 
 us would gradually vaniih. Togetlier with retuifi 
 contentment, the4ky would clear up, and every « 
 br^hten wiOund us. It is in the futten ^i»d datk 
 of dif<:ontent, that . noxiouapaffione, Hk6 ^Veiton^li'l 
 mals, breed, and prey upon tire heart. 
 
 At AuJ- 
 
 i. «*A 
 
 0^ 
 
 Yl 
 
 ■"^^St^rn 
 
q9^'$^vy, 
 
 91 
 
 Bvjf %9 a |>alIIon of ^ ^kJIous. a nature, that npt pi|. 
 ;is concealed af murfi ^jj j^ffibjc (rom the worl<|, 
 jvery mail w glad ^o diffemlile the af^aranccs of it 
 ^ own heart. Hence* it is apt to gv^w upon him • 
 IjrGeiFed. %t hw who is 4pai:oii5 to k^^p kk h^art 
 ft£ ai^d l^e fyoip Jfs ipflyi?niDe, examine hinjfelf 
 Ely on thofe difpofition^ which he beass tow:^rd8 his 
 .^rous neighbors. Does he ever view, with fecret 
 firiefs, the merit of others rifing inH^ mtice and di- 
 \ionf Does he hear thek prai^S with unwiUinff 
 Does^he ieelan incKnatietn to depreciate, what be 
 ksiiot.openlyW^iw.eWheiv obliged to commend, 
 b his cold and aukwi^yd ^prohauoij, infmuate his 
 itf of fome unknpw^;de.fe,Sls1^ thje applauded cha,. 
 r/ r °? »*»ch fymptqms as thefc, he may infer that 
 Idifeafe of envy IS forming i dm the pqifon is begin. 
 I to fpvead Its mfeOiop Qv^r his heart, 
 fhe caufes^that nonrifti envy are ptincipaUy two 5 
 two lyhichrvejy frequently, operate in coniunaion ; 
 fc are, pri4e^^d md<^9ce. The cooocaion of pride 
 envy, ,s <>byiQus m direft. The high value 
 feh d>e piroud .iet onthmm^n mcritrthe unrcafon- 
 claims, vvhiqh they Jorm on the world, and the in- 
 ice which thsy fuppo/e to. be dom fco them by anyw 
 lerenc^ give^ to others, are perpetual fources, firil 
 ffconten^^«4^n^^^^^y, , ^^^^ ii^dolence is 
 led tq prid%-;^the difcaf^ of the mind becomes more 
 tot^. and incurable. Pride l<^ds men to claim 
 tt than they d^erve. Iqdoknce prevents them from 
 imng what the^wOght juftly cljum. Difappoint- 
 ^^ - «nd,fpJeeB, malignity, -and envy, rape 
 i.vtheip. TIie-proud.andindol4,arealwL X 
 itnW^'T ""^J^^^'^"^" importance, they fit ftiil, 
 repmc,becadq others are more piofpUus than ' 
 
 I, J^ ' ""'"V" '^'l^''^^ opinion ofthemfeives, 
 rhaye done; Hothmg either to dcfejve, or to acquire 
 I^Pty*- As therefore, we value our virttre, ^^^^ 
 tt, 1,^ us guard againft thefe two evil difpofi^ORs of * 
 ra. l^t us. be modefl ia our own eftesm^ and, by 
 
'■'■lPiy*p.-",ufp«'W»PH> "npjipwi jfrnmiimmmimnim 
 
 M 
 
 OH BkfY. 
 
 iKKgencc and induftry, ftudy to acquiire the c(Iccm| 
 others. So (hall we ^t up the avenues C.ii leadi 
 many a bad p^ffioii ; ar^d (hall learn» in whatfoeverjli 
 we are therewith to be content, j 
 
 Finally, in ordier to fubdue ertvy, let us bring ofj 
 into view thofc relfgioue coinriderations which regard] 
 particularly a9 Chfiftians. Let us remember how i 
 worthy we all are in the fight of God ; and how m% 
 the bleffings which each of us enjoy, are beyond 
 we deferve. Let us nounih reverence and fubmij 
 to that Divine government, which has appointed to i 
 ry one fuch al condition in the world as is fitteft for] 
 to poffefs. Let us recolfcft how oppofite the Chrill 
 fpirit IB to envy V and what facred obligations itl 
 upon us, to walk in love and charity towards one i 
 other. Indeed, when we refleft on the many mifci 
 which s^ound in human life \ on the fcanty proper 
 ot happinefs which any man is here allowed to enjo 
 on the fmalJ difference which the diverfity of fortij 
 makes on that fcanty proportion r it i« furprifingj \ 
 envy fhould ever have been a prevalent paffion ar 
 men, much more that it fhould have prevailed ar 
 Chriftians. Where fo much is fuffered in common,] 
 tie roem is left for envy. There ie more occafion 
 pity and fympathy, and inclination to affift each ot 
 U^o our own good endeavours for re£^ifying our difpj 
 tions, let us not forget to add ferious prayers to the 
 thor of our being, that he who made the heart ofn 
 and knows all its infirmities, would thoroughly purifyj 
 hearts from a paffion ' fo bafe, and fo criminal, as 
 Create in me^ O Gody a clean heart ; and rcmw a A 
 Jpirit within ni£, Seardh mr^ and know my heart. 1 
 me, and know myi thoughts. See if there he any wl 
 way in me^ nd lead me in the way everlafiing*^ 
 
 •; Psalms, U. 10 }. cxxiiat 33,'!^ 
 
 is an ol 
 
 often r 
 
 kiflianlife 
 
 carrying 
 
 in at a \ 
 
 in a vin 
 
 5, thatvari 
 
 \\ andftha 
 
 hope of \a 
 
 ^iit it has >1 
 
 it is ma 
 
 [employmc 
 
 as a Ch 
 
 Ice, amornj 
 
 i\ssCL haspi 
 
 found in 
 
 fu;i€liqn < 
 
 kle time of 
 
 ff;whol¥>l 
 
 thatreligit 
 
 Tair3 of ;fc 
 
 ifdvcs 5 a 
 
 toe witli 
 
 lined jto^h^ 
 
 ifiaefs or 
 
 fl> on ^le < 
 
 e^ehorti 
 
6ER1IION IX. 
 
 ON IDLENESS. 
 
 MATTHEW XX. 6, " ' > 
 
 Wiyjlandyt hert all the day idU ? 
 
 18 an obferv^ion which naturally pGcurs, and hw 
 ^often made, that all the reprefentations of the 
 aftiaa life mXcnpture are taken from aaive fccncs i 
 ncarrying^x)n a warfare, running a race, ftriving to 
 /n at a llrait gate, and, as in this context, labour, 
 ma vmeyard. Hence the conclufion plainly fol-' 
 I, that:varibus a^ive duties are required of the Ghrif. 
 
 i and^hat jloth aad indpleace^re incon^ftent with 
 ippe of heaven. 
 
 iut it has ibeen fometimes fiippofed, thatjnduftry, as 
 as It ,8 matter of .duty, fegard^ our fpi^tual concerns 
 employments <,nly ; and that one might be very 
 
 as a Chnftian, who .wa^ very idle as a man. 
 ce, among fome ^no^in^ns of Chriftians, an 
 
 cm hasprevaU^, *h»t,the peifeaion of rejigion^w^s 
 B found in^^femonaftic retreats, wher^ eVery^! 
 
 :whoh0ld fuch opinions .prpc€5d m thcfuppofi- 
 Aat rehgton h^ little or no concern with tlie odin- 
 ^i^of the^world 5 that Ms duties ftaad apart by 
 reives J and mingle not «i tfee intercourfe whieh 
 temthoae another. Thq peif«a:Chriftian was 
 p^dmlmz fort of ^ngeJic -Ife C^€%r<:d fr<,m 
 ^Imeis orpleafures pf this coi»emptible4tate Tk 
 .i,on^je contrary, reprefents the religion of Gl^ft 
 mmm^ h^n^t of human (9cie<r It aS 
 H^^ed in the bufindb of aaive life j anl!^ 
 
 rsmortations accordin^y, to aU ranks. apiiR^ 
 
 ^BiA. -li^i^-l . -. 
 
wm^p- 
 
 mmmmmt 
 
 III II tmjm i.pppipipiip^ 
 
 i4 
 
 on I1>CE*ftS9. 
 
 «//^1 
 
 nfe 
 
 tions \ to the magidrate and the ful^e£>, to the 
 and the fenrant, to the rich and the poor, to thetn 
 buy and them that fell, them fhaf ufe and them th 
 huje the world. Some duties, indeed, require pr 
 and retreat. But the moft important muft be pcrfi 
 ed in the mHft of the v/orjd^ >yhcre we are comma 
 to Jhim as light s^ and by our good works to glorify 
 Father which u in heaven. This world, as the coi 
 f eprefertts it, is God's vineyard, where each of us 
 taflc afligned him to perform. In every ftation, a 
 every period of life, labor is required. At the third, 
 fijtth, or the eleventh hour, we are commanded to 
 if we would not incur, from the great Lord of the 
 yard, this reproof, Why/iand ye here all the duy id 
 We may, I confefe, be bufy about many things> a 
 be found negligent of the One thing needfuL "Wc 
 be very a^ive, and, withal, very itt employed, 
 though a perfon may be induftrious without bein 
 gious, I muft at the fame time admoniih you, t! 
 man can be idle without being finfui' This 1 ft 
 dcavour to fhow in the fequel of the difcourfe i wi 
 in I purpofe to reprove a vice which is too comni 
 inong all ranks of men. S«perio¥S adm©ni{b their 
 tiors, and parents tell thci - childi'en, that idknefs 
 jRother of every fiw ; white, in- their own pra£^ice, 
 often fet the example of what they reprobate fever 
 otliers. i fhall ftudy to ihow, that the idle man 
 . every view, both foolish, and criminal j that he a 
 lives to God 5 nor lives to the world \ nor lives to 
 ielf, 
 
 I. He lives not to God. The great and wife C 
 certainly does nothing in vain. A fmall mcafurc 
 fiction might convince every one, that for fomc 
 purpofip he was fent into the world. The nature 
 •bears no mark of infignificancy, or neglect. Me 
 cd at the head of all things here bel>w. ^^i? f 1 
 with a. great preparation of faculties and pw^s^ 
 «nlirrhtcncd by reafon with many im^oitai^i^i'' ' 
 cve^ taught by revelation to con&der^kifiofelC 
 
9V IDLENSSt^ 
 
 Vi 
 
 hj the death of drift, from mifcry j and intended 
 Sfc, by gradual advances, to a (lUl higher rank in the 
 verfe of God. In fuch a fituation, thus diftinguifh- 
 Ithus favored and afTiftcd by bis Creator, can he hope 
 Y forgiven, if he aim at no improvement, if he pur- 
 no ufeful dcfign, live for no other mirpofe but to in- 
 ^ in floth, to confumc the fruits of the earth, and to 
 his days in a dream of vanity ? Exiftence is a fa - 
 I trull ; and he who thus mifemploys, and fquanders 
 ray, is treacherous to his Author.^— -Look around 
 , and you will behold the whole univerfe full of ac- 
 powers. Aai^n is, to fpcak fo, the genius of na- 
 ^ By motion and exertion, the fyfiem of being is 
 ired m vigor. By its different parts always a^ng 
 ordination one to another, the perfedion of Uic 
 is carried on. llic heavenly bodies perpetually 
 Wve. Day and night inceflantly repeat their appoint- 
 lourfe. Continual operations are jping on in the 
 k and in the waters. Nothiiie ftands Sill. All it 
 I and ftirring, throughout the univerfe.— In the 
 fft of this animated and bufy fcene, is man alone to 
 m idle in his place ? Belongs it to him, to be the 
 JHiaaive and flothful being in the creation, when he 
 Ifo much allotted him to do ; when in fo many vari- 
 Ivavs he might improve his own nature, might ad- 
 Ic the glory of the God who made him ; and con- 
 fate his part to the general good ? 
 lardly is there any feeling of the human heart more 
 H, or more univerfal, than that of our being ac- 
 able to God. It is, what the moft profligate can 
 jr totally erafe. Almoft ^H f^ations have agreed in 
 pKef, that there is to come fixne period, when the 
 ^hty will aa as the judge of his creaturei. Pre- 
 mm^ of this, work in every breaft. Cohfcience 
 ieady ereaed a tribunal, on wjiich.it aaticipates 
 i^«Hce which at that period fliall hep^d: Be^ 
 tiftunal let us fometimes place ourCcl^cs m. fi^. 
 p»ghi, |nd confider what account we ar^^et 
 ^ give , 9f o^r eondua to. Him who mae' ^t;' 
 
 ■•"*> 
 
fifp^piUPP^r" 
 
 I^flf-w^i^WWiipilipiPfP 
 
 mmm^mum 
 
 I < 
 
 «ir ipi.s!fiti. 
 
 • / 
 
 I pitccd ywi,^ the gytat Judge may then be fup 
 
 cd to fay, " in a Itation where yuu had many occ 
 
 " for aaion, and nfvny opportunities of improve 
 
 " You were taught, and you knew, your , 
 
 *« Throughout a courfe of yeiri I continued your 
 
 <♦ I furrounded y«u with friends^ to whom you m 
 
 <* be ufcful. I gave pn health, eafr, leifuir, a» 
 
 ♦« riouajd vantages of fttuation -Where are the 
 
 «* of thofe talentf whidi you pofTeflcd ? Whnt 
 " have you done with them to jourfchres ? \t/haij 
 <* to others ? How have you hUed up yodr place 
 •'anfwercd you? dtftination, in the world? Prti 
 <^!bmc evidence, of your, not having exifted ak6g 
 
 '< in viin ?" L^ fuch as are now mere bfejrl 
 
 the world, and a burden to the earth, think what 
 they will give to thofcf awful qucftioni. 
 
 fi. The idle livd not to. the world, and Aefer k 
 cicatiirerf around them, »ny more than they do* to* 
 Had any man a title to ftand alone, and to beind* 
 dent of his fellows, he might then confidef himf( 
 at liberty to indulge in folitary eafe and QdlAi^ wi 
 being refponfible to odiets for the manner In whi 
 choi^ to live. But, on the face of the earth, there . 
 filch perfon, from the Kkig on hig throne, to the he\ 
 in his cottage. We arc all conncaed with one an<)l 
 by various relations,; which create a chain of rhii 
 dependence, reaching from the :4iighefl:, to ^the lol 
 ftation in. fociety. The order aftd hiippint-fs^ of 
 world cannot be maintained, \vithi)ut a perpbttt^ci 
 iation of a£live duties and offices, which all a^e c 
 u^on to perforrfi in their ttirn. Supetiors aw not 
 independent of their inferiors, than thefe infei-iot^ 
 of them. Each tuye demands arid claims upon' 
 other } and he,wh6 iti an/ fifuation^ of life, t(**^' 
 pa his part, ind t^ cooiribtitci his fhare to'thi 
 ftoek of tViliijity, defbfv^s CO be profcf ibed f^ 
 as in unworthy mei^fer. If any than wil^ot 
 faysths ApbflflePatd^ «^///»<f/^/(,^// bf im^^ 4i 
 
 * £ Thcaa. iil. la 
 
 ■f * .« 
 
 i:AMM 
 
«« IDtfKUS. 
 
 'VT 
 
 nothing to advance the purpofei oT f„r:„« \. i 
 .title to enjoy the advamage, of i*. '*^' ^' """ 
 
 «fer the privilege of bSnr^i, °!^'"'^ f^f "'^'^" 
 ing juftified by?eafon holoL f " '^° ^" ^^""^ 
 fX that the WkW one i,TfYo "^^ i* """y "'«='"♦ 
 %ationto be uS?, nr„J,J u '■ "^^ *°''''' ''='' 
 
 ppofing h.m exempted from exerting hffiln Jh* f 
 flnsiDferioTS, fupoolinir tl.- ~ii^-. «>'"""*" '" behalf 
 
 ^inferior, aboliC. fhf^L L^"^'" Y''""' 
 'U fubfift. If there li n^ If T °"8 '^l"'^' ""ft 
 
 » (tand. noVfreTuStlTr^'e 5°:?rr '''«'' J" ^' 
 U. friends, does he Ai^ ^W ^ ^ S"""* °*«« 
 
 », and expect to bel^"d k " 'l"' ?? J'"^*. '"'''^ 
 ^ himfelf.'in doing f;^^^^^,°f 7' '^ ^ -i" not 
 
 other call to induftrv h. 7.1,! '7- ~^«''= there 
 one ftands to hi, ow^'fo ^^^J^"*:"" '".^Wch eve- 
 «-., fliould make the ^^f id W^r^'''"^ °^ "^'* 
 
 /exertiow? ll Ai. fV i "? *. "'"' f°' h« vigor- 
 »y voices will 1» ^^ *°\'^^."^ "^" f How 
 
 yn^tfor hts own, and fueU^ fJViTr -'/") P^* 
 
 f^^ ^^ ^« i*TCs to the world, ij 
 
 
i^/v 
 
 Lr^ 
 
 ^ ■K^^,??WfB^^j?^^^ ' 
 
 « • 
 
 m 
 
 *" • %' 
 
 p^ nni0ivHiiH» 
 
 fuppofiti^n efttift^ly oppofite^ tbat perfons of tMs cl 
 tcr j>roceed. Tliey imiigme t^t, haw defiGient f( 
 $hty may be in poiut of tiu{»y, they at lead confuk ti 
 own fctisfadioiii TVv leave to others llie drudgci^ 
 lite. ', and betake themfclves, as they think, to the qs 
 itr of erjoymcnt /aiid .eivfe. Now, in contradid'Uc 
 tl.i3, I afet„ai\d }:ape -Xo prove, that »:he idk man, 
 liunth the door againll ail iaiproviiixient j next,. 
 opcn^ k wide to every deftr^ajlT ive Aolly. ; and. 
 Vhat he excludes himfelf frQni the true enjoymert 
 pica fu re. 
 
 -* * 
 
 ^^■. 
 
 First, He fhuts the door agffifaii Improvement of .1 
 jy kiiid, "whether of mind, Wd^, or fortune. Tk! 
 of cur nature, ihe condition under which we were pj 
 <d from our birtbj is, that Both igg^ood or great istcl 
 acquired, v.^thout toil :a»d induitry. A price is appa' 
 ed by Pfovidenci to he paid for every thing ; an<i 
 price of improverient, is labia:, Induitry, may, ini 
 he fometimes difappoiftted. The race may not ' 
 ways to the fwift, nor the battle to the fi^ong. But 
 the fame time, it is certain that, in the ordinary coii 
 of tilings, without ftrengthj the battle cawnot be gain 
 without fwiftnefs, the race cannot be run with fucc 
 in all la cr, fays the wife man, there U pr/ifit ; hm 
 Jml df ii ■■■ hiiggard dejireth^ and hath mthingJ* Ifl 
 confult tiiher ][he improvement of the mind, or 
 health of the body, it is well known that excrcife is 
 great iiiHrument of promoting both* Sloth enfee 
 equally the bodily, and the mental powers. As iK| 
 animal fyftem it engenders difeafe, fo oiv die facultk 
 the foul it brings a fatal ruft,5which corrodes ?riduj 
 theiia j which, in a ihort time, , reduces tlie brighte 
 ftius to the faine level with ^e>ineanell un^ierftai 
 The gveat difierences which take place among m« 
 Tiot owiag to a diftiii6:ion that nature has made ia) 
 
 M}^ 
 
 -1 ^ 
 
 r_ 
 
 itX\ 
 
 «"< 1% ^ f% S'f^ 4m%^^k «ii«-vik.£k«>«^.«l ^llll) 
 
 »^ &i:' W*.^^ *^US 
 
 »^* A«i^« 
 
 as artt, ^i^hich fooie have improved thefe powers 
 
 fays tltv 
 
 * 2?rov. xlv. 25. xiil %, 
 
^^-yp^ovntpore do we poflefs «he feed* af many 
 ;at abilities, if riicy are faflfered to lie dormant ^J^ithin 
 tt IS not die latent poflefllon, but the aOive cxer- 
 of thei»i which, gives them merit. Tlioufands, 
 tt indolence has funk into contemptibk obfcurity 
 yit_haje comt' forward to the higheft diftinaion, it 
 Ncfs had^not fruftrated the effecl of all their powers. 
 faitead of going onto improvement, all things go to 
 fchne, wh the idle m^n. Bis character falls into coii- 
 i?r. His fortune is confumed.. Diforclcr, confui o^i. 
 Id embarraflment, marJt his whole fituation. Obfe-v- 
 Miat lively colors the ftate of his affairs is defciibt-i 
 f Solomon. Iwf»f by the fidd of the fldhful, and h 
 ^vineyai-d af fre man void of underfianding. And h > 
 YasallgnwH over withfljorns ; and nettles hadcov 
 Utheface thereof; and the j}^rte wall thereof was Ir:^ 
 \ doivn^ TheH tf^wand confidered tt well 1 hohed 
 
 Lr 4-^!l '^""'f ^'"^'*''^'*'''-* "^^^^« ^^'^^ too, of 
 bfediftreifes which idlenefe bi'ingson its votaries, they 
 
 hit fubmit to mnumeraWe mortifications, which never 
 IJO attend their Ihamefulcondua, They muft reck 
 I, on feemg themfelves contemned by the virtuous and 
 Pi and flighted by the thriving part of mankind, 
 hey muft expea to be left behind by every competitor 
 rTank or fortune. They will be obliged to humbk 
 tofelves otfore perfons, ndw far their fnperiors in the- 
 tirld, wnom once, they would have difdained to ac» 
 
 lowiedger ub thcirequals -^Is it in this manned that 
 
 to Irves to himfelf ? Are thefe the advantagea, w}>. -h' 
 xe expefted to be found in the lap of eafe f '!%<> 
 j^n may at iirft have appeared foft : But it will foon 
 [tound to cover thorns innumerable. How hn^ -m*^ 
 ¥Ml O fiuggardP PVhcn wilt thou n>ye%m,f 
 Ueep ^ nt a hitJefleep ; yet a Utile Jlumher-, a lliile 
 Jtng f the hands t9 pep. Sq> {hall thy i>everiv c^m." 
 \mewat iraveileth : and thy want as.an 'nr meg' man f 
 
 *i?rov.^jLiv.30,51j32. 
 
 f'PfOV. xxiv. 33, 34. 
 
im 
 
 oif ihhtnw&t. 
 
 But this 15 «tti!y a fmall part of the crils which pci 
 ef this defcription bring oti thcmfclves : For, 
 
 In th^ fecond plac^, while in this manner they 
 the door againft every improvement, they open it 
 to the moft deiiruaive vices and foJUes. The hi_. 
 mind cannot remain always unemployed. Its paffid 
 muft have fome excrcife. I£ we fupply riiem not ^ 
 proper employnaent, they are fure to run loofe into ._ 
 and diforder. While we are unoccupied by what! 
 good, evil is continually at hand ; and hence it is faidr 
 Scripture, that as foon as S^tvin found the houje empty^\ 
 took poffeffion, and filled itwith eviJ fpirits* Ev« 
 man who recoUeas his conduct, may be fatisfied, tl 
 his hours of idlenefs have always proved the hours m\ 
 dangerous to virtue. It was then, that criminal del 
 ;irofe ! guilty purfuits were fuggefted ; and defigns w.. 
 formed, which, in their ifTue, have difquieted and ei 
 faittered his whole life. If ieafons of idlenefs be da 
 ^erous, what muft a continued habit of it prove ? .. 
 feitual indolence, by a filsnt and fecret progrcfs, unde 
 mines every virtue in the foul. More violent paffioii 
 run their courfe, and terminate. They are like rap 
 torrents> which foam, and fwelj, and bear down evt 
 thing before them. But after having overflowed the 
 banks, their impetuofity fubfides. They return, by d 
 grses, into their natural channel j and the damage whii 
 the^ have done, can be repaired. Sloth is like the floi 
 ly flowing, putrid ftream, which ftagnates in the marl 
 breeds venomous animals, and poifbnous plants \ li 
 infers with peftilentiul vapors the whole country roua 
 it. slaving once tainted the fbul, it leaves no part (rfl 
 found ; and at the fame time, gives net thofc alarnwj 
 eonfcience, which the cruptionrof bolder and fiercef] 
 motions often occafion. The difeafe which it brings j 
 is creeping and infidious j and is. on that accouot, 
 
 _ .---; • 1 . • ' ' 
 
 :K 
 
 •Matth. xii.44. 
 
 .^« 
 
.*» J»|*»Wtg»,- 
 
 ^^I 
 
 Om tone^nt^a<^-mme&,i»to m^m the pa(L 
 'MIS, and, of cJourfe, ti>4ie%bten our demands for. ]?j a- 
 cations 5 while It unhai^ily withdraws from us the 
 . sF^nwans of gratifyiag thefe Seaiands. If the dc* 
 E(^ of the ind^ftrious man be fec< upoit opulence mr 
 '•nkj upon coaveaiencks, or the.fplendor of Jife, he can 
 lom^li^hwderires, by methods which are f«ir and 
 BtiraWe. -The idl© man has the fame defire with the. 
 Muftnous, but not the fame refoui-ces forcompaffitts 
 Ksfend bjr honorable means* He muft therefore tur» 
 fcmieiftofeek by fraud, or by violence, what iie cannot 
 bbmit to acquire by indtiftryw -Hence, the origin of 
 k)fc m^iltiphed crimes to which idleiiefe> is daily civinjr 
 irih in the world-^ and which contribute fo iniich to 
 otete the order,, and to difturb the peace, of fociety ^ 
 ^generalythechiJdrenof idlenefs maybe ranked under 
 ra denommatioiid or claffes of me^ ; both cf whom 
 »f, too juftly, be termed. The children of the devil 
 Rkr, mcafpabie of any effort, they are fuch as fink into 
 Wokte meannefs of charader, and contentedly wallow 
 Nithe drunkard and debauchee, among the herd of 
 i«fcnfua! J until poverty overtake them, or diTepfe cut 
 moif: Qrythey are fuch as, retaining fome lemain? 
 . v^our, are impelled, by their paffions, to venture on 
 Idefperat^e attempt for retrieving their ruined fortunes. 
 I this cafe, they employ the art of the fraudulent rame- 
 krio enlnare the unwary. They iffue forth wiih the 
 ^hwayman to plunder on the road j or with the thitf 
 4 tlie robber, tliey infeft the city by night. From thk. 
 % our prifons are peopled ; and by t4iem the fcailbld 
 Iturniihed with thofj melancholy admoiutlons, whidi 
 I to often delivercd.from it to the crowd. Such arc 
 fqucntly the tragical, but well known, conieftuencca 
 pe vice againll which I now warn you, 
 pn the third, and laft place, how dangerous foever i- 
 -■^ iM«v be to virtue, are there not pkai\|ies, iit-«j4.f ?- 
 
 \m, v.'hich attend it ? Is there not ground 
 
 It If: brings a relcafe from the orpreffi 
 
 fid . <• . . - . - ii 
 
 to 
 
 ve cares or tn 
 
 th( 
 
 aisd footiits the mind with :i gentle (atisfaaio 
 
 Ul'BH 
 
 JiBi^H 
 
 if iH||flpP u^K^S^Im 
 
 I 2 
 
 •n, 
 
im 
 
 aif uii.Kiffi6fl« 
 
 \ 
 
 which^f^*%ioirlK;f(Mindai»yft the toils of a bufy „ 
 at uve life ?— — ^This is an a4vantage which, leaft of _ 
 others , we admit it to poflef^. In behalf of inceflknt la- 
 bor, no hian contends. Occafional releafe from toilj 
 and indulgence of cafe, is what nature demands, ai 
 virtue allows. But what we affert is, that nothing is fj 
 great an enemy to the lively and fpifited enjoyment < 
 lifie, as a relaxed and indolent habit of mind. He wl 
 knows not what it is to labor, knows not what it is . 
 enjoy rcfl. The felicity of human life, depends on m 
 regular profecution of fome laudable purpofe or obje«3 
 which keeps awake and enlivens all our powers; Oi 
 happincfs confifts in the purfait, much more than in th 
 attainment, of any temporal good. Reft is agreeable^ 
 but it is only from preceding labors, that reft acjiuiies il 
 true relifli. "When the mind is fuffered to remain i 
 continued ina£kion, all its powers decay. It foon ha 
 guiflies and fickens ; and the pleafures ipvhich it propo 
 ed to obtain from reft, end in tedioufnefs and infipidit 
 To this, let that miferable fetof njen bear witnefs, wli 
 after fpending great part of their life in a£tive induftry 
 have retired to what they fancied was to be a pleafiiii 
 enjoyment of themfelves, in wealthy ina^iyity, andpn 
 found repofe. Where they expeded^tofind'anelyfiui 
 they have found nothing but a dreary and comfortle 
 wafte. Their days have dragged on, in uniform Ian 
 gor 5 with the melancholy remembance often returning 
 of the dhearful hours they pafled, when rfiey wereti 
 gaged in the hone ft bufmefs, and labors of the world. 
 We appeal to every one who has the leaft knowlet 
 cr obfervatlon of life, whether the bufy, or the 'vHk 
 have the moft agreeable enjoyment of themfelves ? Cci 
 pare tJiem in their families* Compare them in the fo 
 ties with whicJi they mingle ; and remark, v/hich 
 them difcover moft cheerfulncfs and gaiety ; which ^ 
 fefs tiie moft regular ikw of fpirits j whofe tempei 
 moft equal y ^'N^tHile good humor, molt uncJou^^ 
 While the a^ive and diligent both enliven, and Gtm 
 ibciety, the idle arc not onfy a burden to th€mfeiT€%r 
 
 \ 
 
- ^»*■*^m^■.tmr ■ . urn 
 
 rdeii to tjibfe with whom i5rcy are coone^if f z 
 ance to all whom they opprcfs with their company- 
 I whom does time hang fo heavy, as pn the flothfiO: 
 Hazy ? To whom are the hours fo lingering i "Who 
 ifo often devoured with fplecn, aud obliged to fly to 
 bry expedient which can help them to^ get rid of them- 
 ks ? Inftead of producing tranquillity,, indolence pro- 
 pa fretful reftleflhefs of mind v gives rife to eraving^ 
 bjch are never fatisfied 5 nouriOies a fickly efeminatft 
 iicacy, wliich fours and corrupts every pleafure. 
 lEnoiigh has- now been faid to convince every thinks 
 fc ^rfon, of the folly, the guilt, and the mifery, of arif 
 sltate. Let thefe admonitions ftijr us up, to exert 
 tfelves m our different occupations, with that virtu- 
 i, activity which becomes men and Chriftians. Lee 
 [arife from the bed of ffoth ; diftribute cur time with 
 ^ntion and care ; and improve to advantage the op- 
 rtv^nitrea, which Providence, has beftowed. The ma- 
 M bufmefs m which our feveral ftations engage us, 
 kjT often prove not f^fficient to occupy the whole of 
 b time and attention. In the Kfe even o£bufy men„ 
 ^e are irequent intervals of leifure. Let them take 
 Mhatinto thefe, none of the vices of idfenefs creep, 
 tlome fccondarj, fome fubfidiary employment, of a 
 and laudable kind, be always at hand to fill up thofe. 
 ^nt places of life, which too many affign^ either to 
 opting amufements, or to mere inaaion. We oucht 
 er to forget, that entire idlenefs aiways borders, ciW 
 Ion mifery,. or no guilt. 
 
 At the fame time, let the courfe of our employments 
 I ordered m fuch a rnaijner, that in carrying them on, 
 t may be alfo promoting our eternal intercft. With' 
 sbulmefs of the world, let us |^roperJy intermix the 
 |rciies of devotion. By religious duties, and virtuous 
 Bftiis, let us ftudy to prepare c^^s-felves for a better 
 ^*- In the mid ft of our labors ^o thk Wfe^it '*^ «-_ 
 , ^—Totten, th 
 
 h<l 
 
 forg( 
 
 we myx^yirj} feek the kwgdom 
 
 »5!®^ /^/i ngtjLouJmJs ; and^/w diligence to ntc^fk 
 lUM^ and ekclmi Jure. Qtherwife, hwa^Wfr 
 
^^^M| 
 
 09 THE 6EN»Vt>#TSlll»fi<firE rasSEMOLi 
 
 
 <M^ li laboribtts idlcnefs *;/. We fliali appear in ^~ 
 ■ tomvc'becn bufy to no ^irpofci or tO'» ^nrpofe^^ 
 thtiit 1non«* Then «iHlf%« fulfil ilie propdr eaara^e^ 
 ^riftian6> yvhtti \)vtr joita ^t pioaa zeal whiehbcc 
 tfs as the ferwnis! of G©d,iRritfi diat indoftry ^htchj 
 itqiiired of us,* aa good members of fiMSiety' ^ <^« 
 cordtng to the exhortation of Ae Apoftlej wct arefi 
 not flothftil in bujiness, and, at the fame timc,yirirt/f«/'| 
 Jfirity ft ruing ihg Lvrd.^ -• . V 
 
 %C :.;'•:%' 
 
 SERMOBf X 
 
 .■■•^- 
 
 ON fHE SE3JKE. OF TIH* Df^NE PRESJEKCJt 
 
 PsALU L%%in. 23. 
 
 •/ am emtimalJy with tBee 
 
 wmmmftm'^i^. 
 
 * "WE JiTc in a world whipli is fuU of the divine 
 ^nce and power. We behold ev^ry where arou 
 the traces of that fopreme gpgdnefs, which enljrcns ai 
 fupports the univerf^.'. Day uiiere/h fpeech 0/ it to dd 
 arid ni^hi Jhowtth knmledge of it ta ni^^i' , Yet, ft 
 rounded as we are with the perfe-dtions of Qod, 'meetli 
 him wherever we go> and called japOiy by a thovfand^ 
 jlefl's, to confefs his prefdEite, ilf' \i both the misjfjorti 
 and "die crime of a grei^|/part of manJtitki, that the^^ 
 Grangers tb Himiftmiofe world tlie yd welK Ocgu| 
 Mth nothing but their ptftfait^ of ihtereft and ples^f? 
 they pais through this world, as thougli God u^ei^e 
 t'hmrf»-' Phe vtriilcftie aiifl refle^iipi'' ntc *^'.ivticin'*»¥^]vi 
 
 ti^uHfed^m'^ giddy and diflfclute, by thathafe^ 
 
 :\' 
 
 '>"-*«iio3W.'iii^iJrf" 
 
 %' 
 
vt^innVjulifti 
 
 of the dirine prefitm* niliicli clbiiaa^nfes flie 
 tmer. To them, nothing appears void ©I God. They 
 emplatc his perfeftions in the worics of nature y and 
 trace his Providence in the incidents of life. When 
 tied from the worlds he oftc^ employs their medita^^ 
 • Whe&engMTcd in a^ion, he always influences 
 condti^. Wherever a pious man is, or whatever 
 does, in riie flyleof the text, he is continually witk 
 
 [The happy cflfea of this fcntiment on die heart, is 
 
 ly difplayed in the context. We fee it aJlayi»g all 
 
 ! difquiet which the Pfalmift, in the preceding verfes, 
 
 bibes himfelf to have fufFered on account of the 
 
 bfperity of the wicked. The firft refleaion which 
 
 lored tranquillity to his mind, was the remembrance of 
 
 Eprefence of God. NevertheUfs, I am continually 
 
 W) thee ; thou baft holden me by my right hand. He 
 
 ^ame fenfible, that whatever diftrefles the righteous 
 
 ^ht fufferior a time, they could not fail of being 
 
 npenfated in the end, by that Almighty Proteftor, 
 
 fcofe propitious prefence ever continued to furround 
 
 b. Whereupon follow thofe naemoraUe expreflion* 
 
 [his truft and joy in God. Thonjhalt guide me with 
 
 \ comf el : and afterwards receive me togfory, H^m 
 
 ve J in heaven Sut thee .^ and there is none upon ear^ 
 
 ^efire bejidcs thee* 
 
 lere are principally two effeas, which the fenfe of 
 f divine prince is fitted to prodttee upon mai.— One 
 Ifo reftrain them from vkie ;§ the otbcr^ to encourage 
 |k virtue. Itsoperali^. 11% jOiecfc upon the fiancr* 
 obvious. The perpet^tejy||^li!^i^ ©f fp |M>werful mi^ 
 rable a witnefs, is^one WH^ittioft a^iil ^^^^e|tl* 
 which can be addrefiM i^ libe diibldW. , k fe* 
 )m all the fecurity which fecrecy can bip fiipp^l^ tci 
 h to cdmt^ it aggravates Ae guik ^ them»^ 
 
 ke terror into the heart oFi 
 inidft of his m^deeds. — ^ 
 )n thus checks and tg^ifies the &4% ll 
 
 M 
 
f(6t 
 
 out IrAiBirss.oi^tirv DIVINE peesen<:e^ 
 
 > / 
 
 ptoducci aSof^^aibthipf yfeft, that* of ffraigtHcnTng 
 cVfiifdrtiiig' the good man, in tjje practice of his' duty, 
 il the influenott of the diviftt prefence on good m 
 which; in confeiftience of the Pfelni^^s fentiment, 
 purpofe to cdnfider. Tto their qhara^er, k belong^] 
 /* c9HtinuaUy with God* X^fhall endeavor to ihow * 
 Wgh benefit and comfort which they derive from fu( 
 h&bit of mind 5 and IhaU, for thb end, firft coafider tl 
 internal moral ft ate ; and next> view them as they.'i 
 . 2iffeAed hf feveral of the 'cacternal accidents and fit! 
 lions' of life. " 
 
 . lAt US begin with confidcring them in their int 
 ftate. The bdief of the divine prefence. a£ls upon M 
 h«re, firft, as an incitement to virtue. The-prefencej 
 «i»e whom wc highly- efteem and revere, of a fomeij 
 for inilancey a faSier, or a friend, whofe approbation 1 
 are folicitous to gain, is always found ta extdt the poi 
 ^18 Gi mttif to refine, and improve their" behavifli 
 l^ence, it has bfeen given »$ a rule by ancient moralij 
 ^it, in order to excel invirtue^we ihould propound 
 c^KT^lves fome perlbti 6i eminent: ^sid diftinguiC 
 wcn?th $ and ihould; accuftom oorfelves to a£t> as if 
 were ftanding by, aqd beholding us. To Ihe efteem 
 ^l^iobatfon m their fellow creatures, none are infenni 
 Thcit iitc f^W who, in the €©nfpictiou« parts of their j| 
 vrhtti dicy knovv the eyes' of the pubMc to be fixed 
 ^ni, a£^ not their part with f)t»piifety and decorum. 1 
 #hat is the'obfcrvatioffi-of the pubMc, whi^ is the pi 
 fence of the greatcft or^ifeft man on earth, tathat p^ 
 ^nte of die ©ivinitf which conftantly furrounds 
 iFbe man who reaiiies to his mind this augufi ptefe 
 feels a conftant incentive for acquitting himfelf ^ 
 d%nley. He ^^'tf'hirtileU* as placed Oft a» ilJitfti 
 thteatre. To have the Almighty for the lJ)e6^t<H? 
 #ilflefe of his condu^, h more to hiift ttatt il#ie wl 
 t^y wele. a^fll^lJaled to clilbrve hinli Men tadvil^ 
 ti^ 4l^, al^^^perfeSly, t>f wl«it pa^ Kf 
 diem 
 
 fpecious tppearanc 
 rry* 0#a^ die^ prai^ which is dae ^ I 
 
Olf tB&-SENSB Of TUB }>ITINE 
 
 l^"^ 
 
 toiag. Even fuppofing tKem to ^^ febly,, im: 
 lay want tlic* opportunity of doing jiiftic^ tooiir^elu^ 
 t/ler, by any proper difplay of it in the %lu ©ftlic 
 r'd. Our fituation jnay.bury in obfcority, thoib t^- 
 and AJirtues which were intitled to coromand the 
 ghcft efteem. But he, in whofc jwefence the good 
 in aiH^, 18 both an impartial, and an uherting judge of 
 ^h. No fallacious appearances irapofe on him* Ko 
 cret virtue is hidden from him . He is attentive equs^ 
 ftp the meaneft and the greatelt ; and his approba^dn 
 bnfers eternal rewards. The man, therefore, who}i/x 
 YLord always before him, is prompte<l to excel in vit- 
 )k by motives, which »re peculiar to himfelf, and which 
 hgage, on the fide of duty, both honor and intcreft. . / 
 ^t*^ kept thy precepts^ and thy tefiimonies ; Jar all m» 
 iys are before thee»* - , 
 
 [Suppofing, however, his virtuous endeaVoura to be 
 fehful, many imperfe£tions will attend them. A fault- 
 He tenor of unblpniflied life, is beyond the reach of 
 K Paffions will fometimes overcome him ; apd am^ 
 lion or intereft, in an unguarded hour, will turn him 
 sde into evil. Hence, he will be afliimed of himf^f, 
 difquiettd by a fenfc of guilt and folly. In this 
 ttc, to which we are often reduced by the wesknefe of 
 "-an nature, the belief, of God's continual prefewr 
 J3 relief to the heart. It a^ed before as an animat- 
 principle. It now aa* a« a principle of comfort, 
 me midf^i|many innperfeaions, a virtuous man ip- 
 " to hisSlne witncfs, for thle fincerity of his mten- 
 pns. He can appeal to him who kmwt hisfreme^ tl^at 
 the general train of Jus eondua, it 19 his ftudy ta 
 ^ the law of God. . : ^ ; c r '? 
 
 fere law, amo^g men, is rigid ai^t iiita^*|^ A^ 
 aan law^giver can look into die hea%#l^ fuj^f^s, 
 icarino4 even though we were tvtti ^^Sisil|^«^^^el^ 
 fm^e their charaaer cxaaiy. ti^^il^i^^^li. 
 m^ ioi particular ikuatk)05« Me Mifi^^^ 
 
 ^J 
 
 ^^aalBM ®BU[li$4 
 
^ lot ON ^£ SENS! OF THE DITINE PaCi&MCE. 
 
 llie fame tcrmt to all whom he rules ; and treat all aj 
 aikdrding to thfcir outward a£Hons. But every mt 
 ' dwtrffty of chara£^er, tempef, and fituation, i$ ki]o\ 
 God. It U not only from what his fervants do, 
 from what they feelc to do, that he forms his judgr 
 of them. He attends to all thofe circumflances yul 
 ■jrendcr the trial of their virtue, ai any time, peci 
 hard. He hears the whifper of devotion as it rif* 
 the foul. He beholds the tear of contrition which: 
 in fecret. He fees the good intention ftruggling in 
 birth ; and purfucs it, in its progrefs, throught thofe] 
 xious obftacks which may preveht.it from ripeningj 
 a£lion. Good men, therefore, in their nioft hur 
 and dejected ft ate, draw feme cpnfolation from his ki 
 :ledge of their heart. Thougli they may fometimcs i 
 erred from the right path, thev can look up to him 
 ts evertwith them, and' fay, as* an apoftle, who hadgp 
 eufly offended, lemce faid to his great Miller 5 tord^ 
 Mmwf/i allihings ;' thou knowefl that I love theeJ* 
 
 A{^aHT% thus to their omnifcient witnefs, th^l 
 natur^y Toothed and encouraged by the hope of] 
 cfomency. At the faiihe time, it is the peculiar a^ 
 tage bf this fentiment of the divine prefehce,' that it ! 
 i^ents ftich hope from flattering them too much, oq 
 lug into undue-prefumption.. For while it encoi 
 if tends alfo to humble, a pious man. If it eilc( 
 h^ by 'the rdfle^^n on alibis good difpofitions 
 imown and attended to by God» it buni|tes him, ' 
 T^itt^s^anee, that his fecret Jins all^rr ever n 
 i^hf of the divine €or'.ntenanc(* So that^ by d^ 
 ^a^er the fenfeof God beiog continually with u%] 
 ^l^p alive the proper tenmer of a Chiriftian in th(; ' 
 Ili^aiHty; wi^oltt ^eje£lton ; fear, mingled with! 
 ip^'cafe cheaased, without being lifted i^. We fe 
 iTdb^x^Niovtous to the all-obfervtng eye of |Bftice| 
 ^re coj^loir^ ^^ ^^ tkou^ts of toat mei^y 
 |^ro«y^ Je^ Qmft, die Difceraer of ^h^x^\ 
 
 If ,jrp|m, sxL 17. 
 
to the iific«rc aaa pcmtent. Such arc the blefled 
 tas whichtKis.princifJepf religion produce* uvqn 
 •inward mortal ftatc of t tdod man. Let us now, 
 [h the fecond place, confiacr bi^ external circumftaji. 
 h and examine the inHucnce wlijcli the fame princi- 
 ihas upon hh happincfs, in fcverid dificrent fituaiiona 
 life. 
 
 fl^t us firil View him -in wlwt the work! calls proCpe- 
 
 'f ; when his circumftances are eufv or affluent, and 
 
 I life flows in a fmooth untrouUed itream. Here, M 
 
 ght be thought, that a fense of the divine prefsnci 
 
 rid operate upon him only, or chiefly, for promoting 
 
 iperance, and reftrainiiig the diforders incident tQa 
 
 fperous ftate. Valuable cffcAs, indeed, thcfc are i 
 
 I moft conducive to the-^e enjoy;nent of all that is 
 
 W^blc m hfe. But though it, douhtlefs, does exert 
 
 f^^lalutary mflu€ncc,,y€t it ftops mt there. It npt 
 
 ^;preferv^s the virtue of a good man amidft the temp^ 
 
 H18 of pleafurc, but it give§ to his pi^fperity a fecu- 
 
 p atid a peculiar rqlifli, which to o^gre is unknown. 
 
 (who IS without a fenfc pf God upon his mind be- 
 
 ^18 in hum^ affairs nothing but a perpetual fiuaua- 
 
 f, and v»ciffitude of eveipts.. He is furipundcd w^ 
 
 lown caufes, which may be working Jii*deftni€^ 
 
 eret. He cannot avoid perceiving, tbithei^ hmim 
 
 _ him thejrrefiiiible arm of that l*r6vid€»ce, whqfc 
 
 If ^^*"f^^*^^"^'*^^^*"f -^ ^y^^ ^vert. But 
 
 poj m^day ofprofperky, dwells witk. God, is 
 
 tred from thofe difqiiicft^g alar^. . fib dw^i^ as 
 
 a friend and proteaoF, , frpm ^hom. he c^i^|^$ 
 
 Jessings to proceed. H,e cm appeal tq ^m ior>th^ 
 
 HMlnea with which he receives tl^cm. j a^ for k» 
 
 favours, to employ the^l well. He ^r«g^, ifat the 
 
 whpm he lerves will, not f^rfake him ; th^ :|!^ 
 
 Igy^f )^^ ^^ ^3s already experJCTice^jstig cc^#ft- 
 
 j«.v,ioiMrxi ; and though he bf||^feshim#t^iioli^«. 
 
 2d from the chatiges of the world, yet, in the midft 
 
 Mfe, he has ground to hop-, that fourccs of corafott 
 
 jhappmcfs ftall always be left open to him 
 
 K 
 
f^reorcr, (he f!iMi{arh of lile, wliife tliiry la ft, )s| 
 irtifpcaknbly hcitl*ei«C(i by the p«*feiifc<f of tfiat l^iKfoo.] 
 tor \yh& bellows tlitin-. 'VYit f leftfihg cmotioti of grati- 
 tude to tlie giver mingles \Vrth tfk! cr.joyhr^ent of the gilt.| 
 Whife to the mcsrc wofklly man, the whole frame i 
 iwtur^ is only a v.ift-in'^^Iftr fabric $ . and the ccurfti 
 human affairs no mofe than a confufcrt fucfcff/on (j 
 fortuifotis events } afl tiaftirC is beawtifiedi and ^vcryi 
 £^cc»ib!e incidwit is ^nhvtrl^d, to hitn who bcholis G( 
 » afl thing** Hence arife a variety of pit i sing fen( 
 xkms, to fill up thofc folitary hours, in wliich extern 
 rtjrofperity fupplies him with ud cntertainmt'm. Jn d 
 PTttlirig* kenos of liatufe; he contcmpbtes the benipif 
 of its author. In Its fublinie objerfs, he admires^ T 
 Mikpiiy. Itt its awful and terrible ones, he *di6ro* ! 
 j»iO"w^er. ,He dweDs in this world a« in a Kio^ti'i&i 
 tcwvple, which Is full of the glory of its foulndCT'5 M 
 pvery v/hcJre views nattirc offering up its inccnfe tot 
 from a thouCmd Jikers. * Such ideas exalt aild ^ni 
 the humaii mind ; and rei€&, an additional lufttel 
 the brightne^ of pfo%crit^.' ' * 
 
 From the ^tofpfe#bU8, let u« Iffcxt turn to the affli^ 
 <W*idition of a go0d mm, Fo«r, as jt«<jperity m^jr^'al 
 ^^on ccftainly will, s* ^mc time ot'odier, be hisll 
 It enters ll^t€^ the appointed trial of his virtife j and, 
 eac degree ^r o^r, is the doom of all. Here we 
 ^«d vaiious Ctttatk)ns dcctir, in ^hich iiO itlicf is ec 
 to what^a virt\jous and holy man derives Ultei a fenlcj 
 te perpetual prefence of God, ^ . 
 
 iJ8 he, for inftance t\-o vn in an chk^f^ Cf>tlditib*| 
 file wxirld, without friendi to affiil hii ^ r. - "ai^y to rej 
 And eenfi<ler,J>is ftate ? He enjoys the rutisf«£lii<9 
 thinkinij i^^6t*gh he may be negle^ed by tndJj 
 i»not w^Qttcn by <5od. Inconfi Jers^le . as Jii i| 
 h :<iiTi^f, lie ltiM>#s, that jbe will not be overloll^d w 
 
 im';. Jrf*1 
 
 f n*ttts^t%. L»\< ««is«liiKVi |r«n,m»L]r ^f*- WW««rs« u 
 
 ty of his ^^ory. The poof Inlimca^ 
 as much encourajjenieftt as the rich or great, lift ^' 
 eyes to hea^iH^ud/iiy, ife'Wf//;f/-r/}, O Lord^ TM 
 
J^uafly with tk^ i noii h(^<R m h *ny right .w" 
 mw grac'oua .pRjfcncc of chut Supine «c Being, ia ';^a - 
 ea by wp dii^rfity pTn^k or fo««r«e. 1% imp:^^ itfaf^ 
 \im to jU^jc yirtu«u*and uppgl^t i Ukc its.g^orioe«i 
 Mwge, thp ^„ IP the ^rmaJH if, wjikh i^d^ itd ^ays 
 iMually ppon t^ fwnflb^e catfe|g«;p,mi4 up9n tlie palawc 
 8t iS.M^, l^ ^ prefcnce ql tfeftjgrgit Lofd, of Ikaven, 
 l9nd c^l^, all the dittinaiona wjiich Vi>nityii5|$ ^omrtv- 
 N to make among in«|», ^ally difappeV- All rjnks 
 Utt on onf, lex'. The rich end the poor l|e^ icdcif 
 l«/j/ /i^'if4//^r , wWioat any other diftiiiaion tljan whnr 
 ru;ife« fo^ri. thp hc;art and the foul.. The kv^ of th[:, 
 M ^ me poor man above comempt ; fuppoi t^i hi« to^i 
 hrlH^ apt eo he defeacd v and bcftows digmty on f^^, 
 ^rf whi^h he a£^s. ^ow incqnfidcrabic fotver th»i:^ 
 m?»F.^W«ar it? Oi^ c/limatipu pf an injudidous 
 PW^il %pmioWcd,.i*'hfn vinuQttfly performed, by the 
 m^¥4i mm dly«i€ witptfjv He can bear wkli 
 tuncf fhc. hm of the,i«rqHd,aa Jong a^ h»; kHQv^., 
 there ig pnc hp^h^r than.thfe highcft to regarxi him. 
 
 Wqii. bceattfche Micvr* thai Gpil dwe% ^kh^him there. 
 '^-^ Dmm pxcftncc «h^ars to hifl^ th« moft toRcly ^e- 
 
 js^of tijemth. af WfliouW bedri^en inioexUcAL 
 Ihis ^i^nda,an4 ohljB^^ ^<i^il iml^umrmoft pann ■ 
 ^/A/;>, even tliere,. God^ hand mgt^ hot^ Mm, dr:^ 
 ^if ng^f ^f/rwpuld ,^MidK,km, ThdUgh rWt wif h<yjt 
 Wtopatiion mix^nd, hfeiiarcx^^thinfeB hiiaiVlf defol4t«, as 
 
 *iirt thoi^h nm akbo«e obfcarily of pov^rtv, ^m 
 »? toajjoii ofriortiine, (sHwnay «nd reproach mat be 
 
 mMmfkmaod'y hm chi^clfer uftltito Wduc^l 
 
 hb uiiibcehce appeari 
 *^^f^i^%^en«^ to whai^ 
 
mtbat God' wife M ev^ prefcnt with hira, and ... 
 kutoweth ^fs hputt .|b How. frequf^fltfiy^'amiaft the inji 
 tk€ and 0pj%j5ioii of fh& worldi has diftreiled innocea, 
 had BO odtti ri^lief but this •? " G6d i» ray witt»| 
 «« God jls my avenger. He b«ti* Ibea it*; ami he yt 
 repay /^ A good cm^f^ncef ifrid tfiw, i% of itfelf, 
 poverM fnpport.. But God fs Lojd of the cowfcien«i 
 afid it 18 only when connected with a fenfe of divji 
 parcfettce ami ap^vrobafion, that a good conf\Ei«rK:e 
 nei^es a fteady principk of fortitude in the mind^ im 
 all dIfco%u:agement8. H«nce, a- T^inuous man peiTeffeS 
 li^h degree of independence, both on the praife, m 
 cm the ccnfure of Uie world. It is enough to him, j 
 ivhcn ttfidergoing the fame reproaches which Job iiii 
 eti from \m miiOmi friendsy he can fey with ^Hm^ 
 ^cU my witness is in hca%}en^ and my record is oH- 
 He alfe6\5 not t* d4vuJge Ms good deed? t©.^ the- . _.. 
 Hife is without Ki'Oocem whether the worM be acqu^ 
 ed-^th; t^seai, or not*-> He^ 4tHowetliy Aathis Fad 
 whifh is tWhekvm^e^th itfifecret /and I^t4>ii ptm 
 anti his alms come up \\i^'iki\ihmiif^ before k 
 Wif^mtf hi 4s ^a fmaii thing to-t he judged af^ybUy $k 
 mm*PMgmenf '; he'th&t jud^nh "me is the L,ord,\^ 
 ^is^irhigfrrih my^^righhoujmfs., T^hSk; as the I^ 
 a0m^jtidgm^t^asfh^ /i<w?»> day, In^thkcon&ioufn 
 ollntt^ity, be looks<k)wn with indifference,, as fron 
 ^jgerior ftation,.ttpon the iiasih ccM^its of a giddy ai 
 Moront wOtU. ' The fcnie of bei%c coiti«mally 
 God diifufcs over his foui a holy caW, whidh unjuf 
 preach cannot dHlttrb. In fe^refenccvof tiiafc auj 
 * A)tenc*3l^ ixritncfe,- aUnhe n«>ife and. clamors of 
 murmuifings of *a diftant ftbrm, die away, 
 y^;Sttp^e^iB^fiiC .diara^ar-of a good aiafi tdj 
 H^HainteMi :lly reproach, fttppofttig ali<» Wo fii^rnal fi 
 ^^^^ li^ll^ ^j^B^at or diftikgiiiflied, inany, notvithib 
 
 • wa ■■.•.♦■■*-'**»• WM-i 
 
 . ^1. _ , .J ? a^ _ /T^,_ ^^. 
 
 V • 
 
 S^opet g24«fs^ may beppeyin^ ti|)on him ; 
 
 ♦4flrtfe:*rfcB|' 
 
 ^t0H/iu,4,: 
 
ihezrtMitof4€cd ia ^lic* on Iteonm^bitteettifc 
 
 ed of tjiefe foiends and rciativefis^ia had been lifeo 
 bief jomfom^^^iiis fta^ , '^^ man W obJig^d-ta i^ 
 ate himfett for taking, fare^U-i^ tbeiK for cm;- !». 
 lemKilt^of thefe yari<iiit!» aflftiaing fscft^^hu^nswvlife, 
 j«)nf»iationcw>4>e;\ni»re powerful th^W^^^ 
 jSrbm the prcfencc^f .a divina p<ot^^er:nn4guar4ia% to 
 lAonv ourcafe, with ^^\Ui,^row^m,psTfc^]y \mmm, . 
 
 \wed^he/are-him'mytratihU.r. Ihohd ofgmy^rlghi hapd 
 nd'Vteived ;:■ buhbeh&ld there was hq man whs £ared€&r 
 fpfduh- Ifmd un$(^theetO Lord,.th$uart mfrffM^ 
 rhgninf^kitway Qverwhiimd. mthm^^tt^Lu 
 mvfji mfpath,T . '^ 
 
 WrfW fnend>> often, giyes eafe and relief to dbe but den- 
 (heart; SiiGi»#©*m!iiii^caticto. we are . aicoiin|ige44o 
 *cy ad* i^cb t«fiefvw«- mdy^^xfii^ - 16 fiad, in .Masr-.- 
 ^out on* heaftbefcfi^^i^ Gpd ,> tiwf'tf/^: i-^yw^aji;^;^: 
 Pi' We roay/hav««i»©aB«fei3f foiend to whio^^^ c^ 
 fcth full c©afidence di^l«diM# ouf fbrrews j or-iw^ j^^ 
 %it words^in^wbieh to «3^Ht&& ^kutmi^ h^it. Oo4 m & 
 ircber'df:all-hiaftsi;»nd tbe iisasierol all platers 
 b the ffwrnaaguilh . ^ tl^ fought ia no kactifc 
 tnefeii Bfrerf gr«M» wbieh wt-liiBaTiBfed irbnj thd^Q:. 
 
 jg bofofl*/ tiwttgh- beaf d by . n0 ^bunKin ^ar, rcacfS^ ^ 
 one.. As he >^»wi oPtn /r^ii^ fp ■ he ' rtmmh^r^m 
 ^Hufii ^>x\A-^i^Si&rm^ghl^f4pi^i^.iheupvi0^ 
 
 p^^ thB h^ naiairal^ %iags, *# tt^p^n*.. 
 
 ^nf1)ejn^ wlH pity^em,-<w afathsrfiHii^U^m^&m^r 
 
 H in ih€ mi^t of - thofe..^&ir«%,'^b;kb thul pj^^f ' 
 feiimftti!K»;s f)f nn^ reader ^na^roils^il^^^:^^^ 
 
 pm€ prcfan^ Qf the ^i^^m^^'^^t^^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 
 'A-^" 
 
jli?tf^ldn^, rise is«^ height of hvmzn woe. In 
 i$aik, M well aa^in^ tjieir brigter. hours, God is 
 them., E^^en mi dbt TaQef of the Ihi^ow of 
 * where no fwcud, no eonrforteiii can go along to aid 
 Be k with them ftiB^ hi die kft exttemity of nat 
 
 Thttft I have shown, though in an. Imgerfea maa™ 
 
 Wtat benefits holy men derive fronva hftbitual (bfoj 
 
 •-liKc diwhe fwrefertce. It an imatcs and ftrengidl^engitl« 
 
 vtituc. k enhvcna» and brightens ^idr profperit?4 
 
 Under ^iiou& forms of adverfity, it affords them con) 
 
 lition and relief. Such confiderations, undoubtc 
 
 form a-ftrong ai^ument k favor of a devout fgirit, 
 
 a virtuous life. But they are confiderations which r 
 
 prob*ly,be regawiod by feme, a» ideal and vifiona.. 
 
 requiring aid from a heated,, or enthufiaflac ftncJ 
 
 2?®^*^^ ^*^ ^^^^' ^ readily admit, that ani/ 
 
 ^^prry and tmihidbice^if ^e worJdi ifrmay'he St 
 
 npft to bring thefc religioua^Hfentiatonts as fully * 
 
 ^ view, as is neccflary for tieir^mtlltng a juft impre 
 
 on the foul. This re«jiiirc«rfi^ effort ofanintelKk, 
 
 and feeling mind ; and tlie«efe»e cannot be expeacd 
 
 Be^ commonly found. -^ ttie unreftea^ng crowd 
 
 Ai% :i^pear0^iea>/ bot^^jl? ia expofed tD fcnfe. ^ 
 
 h imifible, h the fame td i^wafa^aa^^it had no eaafte 
 
 But ^r the gro|iiefe of thcit»oii!tt conqeptions, the? 
 
 aotitie to mealarie tfto^ of othersif While theyt 
 
 to treat sE confidsratic^s taken from the ferife ^., 
 
 lilvine pfcft?ncei as ^ifi^nai^ and enthttfiaftle, it caii^ 
 
 ^ contirary, be clearly (how^, that they arc founded 
 
 me moft certain 9^01^ tfi^n^ionahlf principles o^t« ' 
 
 They effenti^ly^beJofig not to revealed only,.i«rt^t<s, 
 
 im\j religion. llitiE r«^*can be-denied by^ ttm^ 
 
 thofe who deny that God exifts, or tliat he govemi 
 
 world. For, if he cxtft, hemufl: undoubtedly pervade 
 
 mm i^^omg ^m ffcrooghoKt his *own unlverfe \ 
 eipeciaBy jsn^ft knowwhat paffcfi within the hearts wl 
 }j6 ^ mj^ 9^ oi ^Oichiic h Wl^^ To be i 
 
■oH'inntEitm!.- 
 
 '41 JK 
 
 7^^::.^^^^^^ w' tot a^x i^: 
 
 j^MToaA, b,f which they, determttp «6ntro«S 
 te^ttnbute being once «(miaerf wfcd^"o dS' 
 
 b«ify aad natnraJly folJw r: And .-tov ir*^™^i. * 
 
 '... > 
 
 
 
 •*• S^yi 
 
 ^^urfatie^f^fsy^ pur fiath 
 
 
 J»*» »«>'«fOV »• 
 
 1;^^ *• *■" "PPofil'on to hisBwIeiwrirat ferae m- 
 terfBOndis w happ,«fi, Heo«}y who thus Z' 
 
 f 1 «Sl of^S™^'*"'"''^ '^ ^.^ 
 |W that patience is ipt, to fee liiiiiirfi Jaa«.«.^1i 
 i-i lire more humble. aniolA^es-^ta*. . ' W*,„'.a»;. 
 
 3.^ :lt their .fitusrtioR* ' 
 
Ikisr^ 
 
 ■t^'wiriPivtt^' 
 
 m ore 
 
 iTiopc to mdce i|4tp^c»r, fKflt^ JA'i^^ drctimfti 
 
 liapniiidsi oriibrere^tlitefor ^iti^a manly 
 ^*«rtiiy chandler. * "K is tw>t« confiaed' to a iieaa^] 
 . t^lttUuied mtverfitr^ It {iriikrifEally^ mde^» regard* 1 
 '^jd^^igreeablecireiimibiiices which are apt 1:6 otcur. f 
 ^fcim- prefent ftate, the occurrence of thefe is fe 
 ^ iqi«iU:;*llra^itreveKy? condition <^ life, patience is»il 
 tenltp catlbd *&»n^# . Profperity cannot be enjoyed^ i 
 more than adverfity fupported, without it. It muft] 
 Itr irttft the temper, and ^orm the habit of the fd 
 we wo^Id pafsthrOtigiitlue world with tranquillity 1 
 Ifdnor. What I putpofe is, to point out fome ofi 
 diief oecailitma 0x1 which patience i» required ; 
 fecbnunend and* enforce thq etocife ot it,:* 
 
 ^ Fm^ncp^nit^^ jwcvacatic^ii. The wide cird 
 |||iiaa focieff is dive^fied by an eodleCs variety of c^ 
 W^ d^ofitl^Sf^dip^^^ 
 piiptcti the genius c^ 1^ world. - Every man is tm 
 ^, fomepiecyiartty whic^^^pi^iiiihet him from ar 
 '■^■i and no where can twir &dfviduals be found who! 
 WE^^ iii^fe«lkrfifpcai«, aiatc, . Whferr fo^ nil 
 vferfity •ohtaiiM^tit eamnotMyfif happen^ that m the ii 
 courfc whichrm^anr ohK^cA to maintain, their ter 
 ihali t^n be itt adjuiSed to tot intcrcoilffe \:^. flialli 
 
 ' and interfere with each otte*.^- Hence, ia every 
 
 ' |jw Mgheft'as wclTasthetoweft, and in every concll 
 fit life, pid^, pmatft, ^nd domefticj occafiOm of in 
 
 ^ion frequently raaife.- We are provoked f^mctitnes,^ 
 ^ folly and ievity of thoiJj wbh wiwurwrare covin 
 ed'i liiiiet'^iesj fctheir mcHfili^^ negle^j 
 the incivility of a xrieiui, the hau|^ti?»t^fd of a fufy« 
 
 •lor tisriiiMelftiii^^^iof one iir lower Mikm» H 
 
 'k» <k ' Ammi: I'tiliMk'ii : 
 
 yk^iKK^ C«« 
 
 ■^Ftrv.^* '^j^iti 
 
 -<. JT' 
 
 «#Brirf!«#^ tnaw^^ liifcs in a cominual ftorm. He k 
 
 i««4iriiatui* toenji^.a train of food liui^ 
 
wr ita^TfEscs; 
 
 
 iteiglilws, friends^ W^^ §0* tW^reir- aH 
 
 rces of ^dlftm-buncc ani . vcxatNja Whmi. In vairi ia 
 uence, in v^wyc healA Mid pr^dritr! The leaft 
 k is fafficicnt to difcompofc his mind, and poiton Hr» 
 aforcs^. Jjls*very am||feineiit8«re~ra^\ed with turk- 
 ce and palfion. . . 
 
 [iwould'befeech this man t6 confideri of what fmaH 
 mcnt the provocations which he rjsceitcs, oic at le^l^r 
 agines^himfclf to receive, are really in the^fdvcs t 
 { ot what great moment he makes^therni by-fufflnftt' 
 m^to ^depftve him of the po^ifi&r^ of himfelf. I 
 buM hefeec^' hm, to eoafideri he# ^manr hours irf 
 irpmefshe throws awayv which »)ittlfe more hatience 
 »ljiaJlowhnntQ€hpyi and ho%.ifnu€h Ik piits'it 
 m pweii of the raeft iftfignJfei:*' pci^t fe^^^ 
 b miferaHc.. « Bnt wKo ^ei^A^^-'w^^^mk^ 
 S*m, fc^at^lkj ia|a.p^fla4 fc inienljjiii|^c^f k 
 m: How IS it pqffitfe fot* human nature W^cN»p 
 \^^T^^?P^^^ P^ovb<f3t&«j^ of 16 |ei:^ahn}|I 
 «n fiieh tmreaiifjiabfe Behavior H^f #otfe f 
 m 2aft!bear witb'n«^«Rftan€€S'of unt-^ibw^ 
 i, wiAdww yourfeieiKHBt.^ worM, Yon are^ 
 m m to Imj in. it.. Jteve ia^ ifltcrcoufc of m^. 
 , eat^to tbft' mountain^ and tl^ dcfcrt j oi- fhut iroS. 
 Np laa <:ea . For h«jrQ> k .the midft of focietn '^A 
 m^mu/Ume... Y^^j^ as well ej^^ar, when y^i 
 m ^ calm atmoflilienf^aiai clear ftwthal fib clotidi 
 
 ever to «fe, and Sb #K^to ^^; as A^^ 
 was long ^to proceed, mmsm ifccciving prbvocatio:]* 
 tt^uman itailty. . The ea^tefe and the impri^en4 
 8 giddy^ax^ the Mkh, ^«c1iS^rat«fitl and tfe intefiftl. 
 , $veiy. whe^ meet us. H^j . ^c the briars end ^1 
 KK, wj^ which .the paths^f hti«i^ Mt a«e feefet.- 
 I Wf .who can hold his co^tis attiong thfift wi^ fa-, 
 
 IV' - - --rT*^*'*"**J-j «*^<■^^"'*««-*»^«ICL-■aTGw•-io■••Ol^ul.^■MEIfc»• 
 
 fft«Xpeat«^ h^p»e» 
 
JQl^ ««».. Jta^ftl -_^_:g.. .. '*- _ .^-. ^^ 
 
 r*"J^^ t^% anticipate thiV^iQttr of cilimtt 
 ' ii«L^ir¥? ^ ««!f ^<>i^ fplly. withoptbeciiming i^ 
 
 ! ^^1^%^ ^y i"^ >»^% wiik t|>«r % (10 iQwl 
 
 -l^o^ 5J^ ^ «F«4«»i of Ae^^^'i^ 
 
 «^ mcuknti of Ji^ wl^ w& lot J*r feofeen. 
 r^ch occafieiii, perfo9§ of a w^rrn an|| Wuiac W 
 
 fe^^C*^ ai they tIiHi&,,^«l^ the j^ * 
 
 i^^ But when ^mt «|^|™,a»e,'J^i»*g|t to 6,1 
 
 , ^ey find ijficir hQpQ$|^ li^d^||.ffl^0ie« ft 
 
 Prer^ WW^ Jife 
 
 -g^pfe^lS^"'' 
 
^M I how ttnftW^ li^ 
 1e of hutti^ri events I 'ii^'^ 
 
 it 
 
 ;;l^ l^eiiimptu-' 
 *>^ #^^8 it cvqj 
 
 nWher has loft his inHuente arid power i If *e^ 
 «. of the puHic is daag^, ^ I, &t,*te^ 
 
 # Ae AihcMrriia rfthefc,' ot fuch&e cS^^m^S 
 «, a more ftrtunate rrrti hasprevailed aeainfi vom 
 
 ifc^f ^ ■ H '^'^ foD-wo;»W have wQTed>' 
 «g. ^I'^xfu^ih what tt W/sr.i»a» i5| WlimP 
 
 |0|«mem, future p*«ierllr&^^. Q? r.^^ 
 
 iked /or^e., ^ an ^'te2^^fc„e beeh w!S 
 
 #t J^^ ^"..fl*«'**^ cafe %3 
 
 ^ tj^TiJ «n<ier-wlio«i,"a!J i^ai i4ii^<yti^^ «^ 
 fc«dtotc>ge..t3; EwsWng %iwtfti£^jffl^-: 
 
Ita 
 
 OK tjLtikvw. 
 
 moder diiappoii^acn||» i$ finfuL By the former, 
 injure ourfclvcs. Bv the Iatt«r, we infult Providci. 
 . and provoke its dif^fcafure to continue. To paffeji 
 JouU in patience ia, at once, our wiidom as men, j 
 our duty as Chriilians. The benefits of this virtue 
 rfopften reaped in this world, 4hat good .policy al( 
 would recommend it to every thinking man. \U 
 pointmcnts derange, and overcome, vulgar minds, 
 patient and the wife, by a proper iniprdvement fre%« 
 ly make them contribute to their high advantage.. 
 me next recommend, 
 
 in. Patience under reftraints. Numerous are 
 :t<iftraints inipofed on us, by the nature of the hui. 
 condition. To the reftraints of authority and law] 
 TOuft fubmit. The reftraints cf education and diftipj 
 lie on the young. Confiderations of heahh reftrjin i 
 indulgence of pleafure. Attentions to fortune refti 
 expence. .Regard to friends, whom we are boun^ 
 plcafe ; refpea to eftablifhed cuftoms, and to the o^ 
 idas of fociety, impofe reftraints on our general bcha 
 or. There is no man, in any rank of life, who is] 
 ways at liberty to a<a according as he would incline. 
 U>mR quarter or other, he is limited by circumitanc 
 mit cither ai^uaUy confine, or that ought at haf 
 jConfine and reftrain him. 
 
 Thcfe reftrains, the impatient are apt to foom. 
 will needs burft the barriers i«vhich reafon had cre^ 
 or their fituation had forced ; and without regarcj 
 confequences, give free %)pe to their prefent 
 Hence, many dangerous exMes flow ; much confi'l 
 and mifery are produced ii^i^uman life. Had men 
 mtience to fubmit to their ^ndit ion, and to wait tij 
 mould allow them £fr» mdulgence of their dei 
 they might, in a fl^rt tunc, okain the power of gr| 
 ing them with Jifotj^ If the young, for inflane^^ 
 undergo, w^v^^encc, the labors.®! education. 
 woiiia rile|^*#fe^e« period, to honc»«, riches, or 
 ^ ^^ #^^i^^d%|with patience, bear the regt ' 
 iifIi^ 1^^ ik«1|i^i^^ demands^ they Kiight 
 
•Mr rxtiaitt. 
 
 m 
 
 , 9nd to abridge their pleafure«. they mi.rh, bv ^' 
 m, .mprpve Md advance tlieir ft J. 1^4,„- J, t: 
 
 ^ tiirleit a]| the advantages which Datienc<> «r^4.n 
 Kprocurea I and incur ^e oppofite eS'herrS 
 
 paary to be learned by all, to be incuIcatpH «« .C 
 k, a«a to be praftife/ b/the old. th=n tSof Jj 
 itfubmiffion to neceffity. For under the law of ne*^^ 
 
 mvesourmmd. eaftr, by conforming them^to oi» 
 'iL f y *« "»pet»6% of an impatient aftd un&£^ 
 ^g^emper. we fightagainftan unconqu^^bl^pXl 
 
 Crfe'i" ***"'"* conceTnwg wl.ld>:^ 
 
 Lfr tht'^iLr ""^^'r ':!Wws and wrongs. To thefe, 
 k„nKW?l /"''**''• »°P°««'«> great, HO chaU. 
 to raft-...efa, malice or envy. To behave unfer f^ 
 fed . .^,"f"<« "-a moderation, i,, it «„flbe 
 
 fc in -^JL ^ «"ft-.9:r'ftg e«ercifes of virtue.-* 
 Ml. ome p,event mjftakes on this fubieflit ;« 
 ,f "^. *»,°bferve. that a tame ftrf,„,iiSo^ tS>M L 
 acquired _ b;, religion. We are. by no «SK 
 A that religKM tend* to exf ingiiifl. ih«: fa^oTh^ 
 
 ^ a faife apprehenfion of this fcind, that (ihriftan J 
 F .s fometune. ftigmatif.d^in difcourfe. as no o.h^; 
 V^^':^ for cowardice. Onlhec:^ 
 
 |aa-r| and toft^port pro^_, 
 '^'^ftt of wrongs is an ufeful 
 
 
^ WtiKiiicft. 
 
 ;ftsrc J nnti f»r th^N^fdl ixsmfes; wss jmplnnted h . 
 frame. It is the iitObjOarj gi^ard of private right ; ai, 
 the grer.t rtftraint ofi th^ infokncc of the vioknt, who 
 if ijo rcfjfVancc w«i» inade^ wotfjd trample on the gent 
 and p-cacea^ble, ^ : * 
 
 Resentment honrever, if not kept within due bcuidJ 
 U in hazard of riiing into fierce and ctifd revenge. 
 h the office of patience to temper rcf.;itmcnt by tcafo 
 M this view, it is moft properly dpfcrilx^d in the text, I 
 a m2ti's p'J/'Jjftng h sjoui; a^ing the part which felf-d 
 fence, which juftite or honor, reqiiirc him to a^, wit^ 
 out being tranfported out of himfelf by the ychcmcni 
 of anger s or infrftjijg on fuch degrees of reparation j 
 bear no proportion to the wrong that he has fuffet* 
 "What proportion, for inilance, is there between the I'J 
 of a man, and an affront received by fome raft exprei 
 in conve^fation, which the i^vife would have flighted j 
 which, in the odurfe of a few weeks, would have i 
 forgotten by every one ? How fatttiiftic, then, how 
 jiiftif^ble, are ihofe fuppofed faws of modern hoi 
 ^hifih for fuch an affiront, require nr* Jefs reparation ' 
 ^ death of a fellow-creature j and which, to d 
 this reparation, rcc^ttire a man to endanger Mp own lifj 
 jLaws, which as d«y hdve no foutidafioh in riafon, n^ 
 «rrcceivfd the leaft fan^^ionfirom any bf the wife; 
 ^iih *cl nations of antLqufty ; but were devifed in 
 darkert %68 of the word, and are derived to us from 
 ferocious barbarity of Gotliiir manners. 
 
 Nothing is fo inconfiftcitt wi A felf-poffeffion, as 
 lent anger. It overpowers reafort 5 confounds ourl 
 i^cas } diftottsthe appearance, and blacken the color] 
 tjvery obje£ii By the ftotm k raifes within, and by 1 
 inifchiefs which it otcsffidir without, it generally " 
 cm the paffionate and revengeful man, greater j 
 then he can bring on his enemy. Patience aMays 
 ^'■ftru^ive tempeft, by making room for the t«t 
 
 ^^tiJt, 
 
 
 /•-ir. 
 
 
 fuddcn refentmcnt was ready to inflid. It dif«)fe 
 i0 attend 10 the^lfa^tlng circumftan^ics, which mi 
 
.Wared Jn the midft of A,lte*p,«,e fumiofe oin 
 Ires to W A.ir.red. H«nce,^t»rall3i„c° ut 
 .he moderate and gentle fide , Md , ha/it" How' ^1 
 imper meaJure. to be takc^.AcU for 4 5- "a^*! f« 
 uft redrefs, ,. ma^^e^ way for re«ur»i„jf pe«/' Xhh 
 k fome degree of patience exercifcd un<l„ i.Wnrici: S" 
 «n life would be rendered a ftate of perpetffifti^: 
 i offence* and retaliation, would fuJce^ to one an 
 ,n«>nendlefstraitti and the >^o,W woutl bo° 1" I 
 Jd of bkK>d_It now remains to recomme;<,, "°""= 
 V. Patience onder adverfrty- ,™d iiflUaicn. Th>- i. 
 k moft common fc„fc in wi.icl. thi» vi,°^ « „; L ' 
 ' / =« •' «P*«» "iifea^v l?ovcrty, d" T.. "of of 
 ^»1^ r^:'l'^'=~ whld> are Lidt^. r> 
 
 «Knce under this view, gi»e* rifts aflbrdrw*^ 
 a to difcourfe tlwnl am at prefent uyp^t t 
 wraJ, there are two chief exepcife»of.«I,'S^d!^ 
 ^erfay v one refp^. God, and ancC^?^ 
 
 Patiences wiai«(^ to God; muff, in tJle d^wrf 
 fc.uUe, fupprefs the ,ifi»g3 of a murmurinK and rXlH 
 \n{pmt U muft a^ear itv that «a]m rKtto 1" 
 
 »w.ll of Heaven, which i* expreffed in thofeTioS 
 
 'n^«,y mouth, beca. ■ ihou didg it. IthJf^ 
 Ue go,dattlu hand oftk. Lord, and JhTZ 7l T 
 
 fuK unwerle.. JThis is that reverence which fo w^li 
 hmes^creatures who. Jcnw. they ^ dem^dcn^a^ 
 fto muft confefs themfclves-to he rmlvT^^rh f^ 
 
 1^^ v.Ct=vf.ou foonertosa clofe.. 5vft^SSE 
 
 If I'f 'MiMiiiiy^-Miynit'^*"---'*-"^'"'^^^^'^ 
 
tf4 
 
 <wt fMfn^ffWt 
 
 ^oCT«e« of the Mot H|^», require *o h^ hutnhkd 
 fuWucd by a coMttiiuaiice of chaftifcmcnt. 
 
 Patience in adverfitf, witli refpea to tticn,.muft t 
 pear by the compofiire and tranquility of otor behavici 
 The loud complaint, the querulous tetnpcr, aod frctfi 
 ff»rit, difgrace every charaaer. They (howa mind thj 
 is unnuMMicd by misfortunes. We weaken thereby th 
 fympathy of others ; and eftrangc tliem from the office 
 of kindnefs and comfort. The cKertions of pity will 
 feeble, when it is mingled with contempt^ At the far 
 time, by thus weakly yielding to adverfity, we attow .. 
 weight to bear us down with double prefjure. Patienc 
 by preferviii^ compofure within, refifts the^ impreflio 
 which trouble makesj from without. By kaving t 
 mind open to every ccnfoktion, it naturally tends ♦o . 
 laviate our burden.-. — To maintain a ftcady and unbf 
 ken min4, amidft all the fliocks t)f the world, forms 
 liighcft honor of a man. Patience, on fuch occafio. 
 rifes to; magnanimity. It fliowt a great and noble mir 
 which is able to reft on itfdf, on God, and a good 
 fcieac^l whi^h can enjoy itfetf amidft all evils; at, 
 would jrather endure the greateft h^rdftjips, thi.n fubriJ 
 to what was difhonorable, in order to <*tain reiiel 
 This gives proof of a ftrengdi that is derived from He. 
 ven. It is a beam of the Immortal Light, (binning ( 
 the heart. Such patience, is the moft complete ttiumji 
 of religion and virtue ; and accordingly it has ever ck 
 ra^crtfed thofe whofe name$ have been tranfmitted wid 
 honor to pofterity. h has enobled the hero, the fain] 
 and the martyr. fPe are troubled on every ftdr'^ yet n\ 
 dilirejjed ; we are ptrpiextd^ but not in defpair ; pert 
 cutedi but notforjnhen ; cafi down^ but not defiroyed»*x 
 Thus I have traced Patfence ^hrou^kieveral of ij 
 nioft important operations, in different cStumftances 
 life 5 uiidet jwovocationt ; under difappointmcnts j u 
 der reftraittts i under injuries ; aftd under affliaioB 
 We Jiaw fee- 4hat i> <& k virfiiA n!^. vtWi-s^-^^. »^ 
 
 ••••• t »»« «.t* M»v*- 
 
 *^Gir,iv,8»?. 
 
en innwrns. 
 
 rts 
 
 rt *** ^^f coniltfioii, tin paG his tfiiys with talci^lc 
 
 bmfbrt, xyho hfts not fcarn<fd cq praaife it, liw wof- 
 h^ w*II be continually difturbed ^ and iii. advcrGtv- 
 
 ,H beclouded with double darknefs. He will be ui 
 liy and trouWefotie m all with whom he b connta- 
 h aiid will be more troublcfomc to himfelf than to 
 ij othcr.--Let me particularly adWfe thofe who wifli 
 
 cultivate fo neccffary a virtue, to begin their cultiva- 
 bn of It, on occaOons when fmall ofTjnces and piovoca- 
 bns arifcr It is a ^reat, but common error to imagine 
 ht we are at liberty to give loofe reins to temper, amonF 
 e trivial occurrences of life. No excuf. irritation ana 
 hpatience, can be worfe, than what is taken from th*^ 
 frfon bcmg incoiifrderable, or the incident b.^i:i^ {ILrhr' 
 foich thr.w U3 off our -g^ard. WiMi inconfiderab',; 
 ronswe are furrounded.. Of flight incidents, th<t 
 Hkofhumanhfeiscompofed. In ths midil of thek 
 I ruling tamper of the mind is formed. It is only by 
 derauoi* and felf-command then acquirc<l, that we 
 I inure^ourlelves to patience, when. the great conjunc 
 
 h we fhall afterward* folidt its return in vafn. // 
 hr^rmi w^thfo, mm, «W theyhnve wearkn thee, 
 canjl thou emend mt^ horjes t and if in the land 
 
 fW'/t thou do in.the fwelUngs of Jordan ^f 
 lift order to affifl us in fhe acq^ifi bn of eTus ;rrace, kt 
 loften comemplate thatgr^^^ of it, thi.h ia 
 
 |bxadm the whole life of our Saviour JefiisChrift 
 lofe ten^pcr was ever tried by more ffequent provc- 
 K,ns, more repeated difippoimments, more- flLrant" 
 
 fe^7.-'''^"^^''' ^^'^^^^ ^ ^^^' ^^^i<^'^t them all 
 Ibehold him-patiently qiduring />^. coKt^'.di^i,^. .f 
 
 I'SHr"? ^^''' 'iri'"'^» oppofin^ a mild- and' unruK 
 |ihougk fir^, (pjnt^ , an,|, i„ ^ ^^^^ ^f mankinc), 
 
 |icrouIly bearmir with everv inrliVnrHV -aa li ^r^t.. ,. ' 
 % Leant «/ ^" /^^ > - .'' '^'"V . "-"" ""'^"^ ^'^ 
 
 0/ mr, for J 
 
 am meek and hwly:i^hedfi.\ 
 
 » le 
 
 tCu 5. 
 
 "^ L a 
 
 t Matth. 3d. 2a 
 
 -**. 
 
i«5 
 
 OK MODCJtAinQ^. 
 
 Having fucH a high example before owr eyes, l^% uj , 
 afhamed of thofe falUea gf impatience which we fo eftt 
 fufferto break forth, in the mindft of profperity. By 
 more manly trauquihity and felf-command, let us difcr^v] 
 er to the world, that, as men, and as Chriftiom^ wehiw} 
 learned in patience to ^offejs ourfoMls,^ 
 
 SERMON Xir. 
 
 ON MC)i>E RATION^ 
 
 PHfLlPPIANS IV. ^,- 
 Let your moderation he known unto all men.- 
 
 TH^ prefent ftate of man is neither dooined to con 
 tant mifery, nor defigned for complete happinefs# It ij 
 in general, a mixed ftate, of coiufort and forrow, of pro! 
 perity and adverfity ; neither brightened by iininterrupj 
 cd funfhine, nor overcail with perpetual fhade ; but Ail 
 jecfb to alternate fucceffionf of the one and the othe] 
 While fuch a ftate forbids defpair, it alfo checks pJ 
 furaption. It is equally adverfe to defpondency of mir 
 and to high elevation of fplriis. The temper which b 
 fuits it, is expreffed in the te\'t by moderation ; whicj 
 as llie habitual tenor of the foul, the apoftle exhorts 
 to difcover in our whole conduft ; let it he kn^wn m 
 all men* This virtue confifts in the equal balance oft 
 foul. It imports fuch proper government of our paifioj 
 and pieafures, as fliall prevent lis from running into^ej 
 trennes of any kind 5 and fhall produce a calm and fc 
 Derate frame of mind. It chieflv refneAs n\ir cnnAi 
 
 m the ftate, which comes under the defcription of p 
 or profperity. Patience, of which I treated in the pJ 
 ceding difcnourfe^ dire^s tlic proper regulation of 
 
ov MflffBaATiairi 
 
 lar 
 
 f' >"? i'-**"* ^'V"*'« '«^«»'» »f life- Modir- 
 In determmes the bounds *itfein ^Uli it fl,oul& 
 
 fot I now/RuWe ,s. to point out ftmc of the chiff 
 bees . a which Moderation ought to tij.e place, and 
 
 Ihe* the importance of BrefoWik:it, 
 ^u.'"''°" '" o»r Wi/hes. 'Phe aftive mind of 
 i&ldom or never relta fatisfied^yith its prefenrcon- 
 
 ttt^!^^^^^^J^Si^ fpfiere of enjoy! 
 if' '!""''? "ffW; '» eyery (TtaatJoii of ferfune. ftrait- 
 «l-and^confi„ed^ Senfibli of defici^y^r,""' W 
 
 L Z ftVW 'i:^?^ " e»Joye/at pW 
 Ke,, that ftftleffiiefe wh.ch prevails fo eenerallv a- 
 
 j have tried ,- Aat paffionyor novelty 5 that ambition 
 [ling to fome^degtee of eminence or felicity, ofwh ch 
 Have to«„ed to themfelves an indiftinft idea. A 
 Ich may be;«,nffdered as iiidicatio™ ot a certaii, m- 
 longmal greatnefi ifr- the human, forf, fWuiJiK be- 
 
 Itigher objeasof which, it wajmade. Hano* if 
 K« tn^'r' f ?"' P""^«'>«^te ferVed.to'^dir^ft: 
 
 Kt "T**? Anr proper defti„ation,ai.o tol6a** 
 mo the path of true biiTs I 
 
 ^« in this dark and bewildered ffate, the afpiring ten- 
 tl„ T/^"'' unfortunatdy takes an oppofile di- 
 I n, and feeds a very mifplace'd ambition. '^The Jbu 
 
 t ir^n"'S- ^^''t ^"^ P«fent themfelves td 
 B. we dillmaions which fortune confers; the ad- - 
 ages and pleafures which we imagine the world t6' 
 P^Ue of bellowing fill up the ultiLte wifli crfmoft 
 
 LI^ Aa-^ '}' "H^^' *'^='' S"e«>fe their foBtkry 
 feft'::^^?™"'''^*"^'.^ ''^'*"5 lihorsj which warJ^ 
 iLj '. "^ ;'- y^^"6> animate the iiwuitry ot. the mid- 
 
 ||e«l, and often keep alive 
 
 Ith 
 
 very clofe of life 
 
 induliry 
 paffions 
 AfTuredlj*, there 
 
 : mid" 
 cf the old, 
 
 1^ 
 
 •1 OMTwifliing tob3 freed from whataver § 
 
 ♦ Ms 
 
 Ul 
 
JM 
 
 ^U ttft»TftAtlOpr. 
 
 cffifegreetible, swi' tb obtain a fuller enjofment dfti 
 coiriEbrts df life. Biiittidietl thefe wiflies are not ten 
 pered by rcaf<m, i^ejf are in danger bf precipitating 
 itif^ itfiuth ei^tfavagance and* folly. 0efir:;s and wif 
 are^e fird fpringf 6f^ion. Wlten the/ become 
 orbitant, the whole charadler is likely to be tainted. 
 we ftiC;r our fancy t^ create to itfelf worldsj of idfe 
 liappinefs }^ if wc feed ourimagination with plans of ( 
 ulbncc and (plfendbr far beyond our rank y it we fix 
 Oiu" wiflics certain iiages of high advandemenf, or ce 
 tain^deg^^s of tincomnion leputation or diftIn£tion, 
 (he (blfe ffationaof felicity ; the aflured confjqusnce 
 btf that we ihall betornft unhappy in our pref;int ftate| 
 Unfit for a£ting the part, and difcharging the duties 
 belong to it 5 we tfiall difcoinpofe the peace and ordj 
 of our minds,, and foment many hurtful paflions. Heij 
 then, let^ Moderation begin, its reign ^ by bringing witj 
 in reafonable bounds the wiflies that we forrn. Asfo 
 as tliey become extravarant, let' us check them by pr 
 per refledlibnsljn'the fallacibus natute of thofe objef 
 which the world hangs oiit to allure defire. 
 
 You have.ftraysdi my friends, frorii the road whij 
 conduits to f licity v you have diflionored die natij 
 dignity of your fouls, in allowing your wiflies to terrnij 
 ate on nothing higher than worldly ideas of greatnefsj 
 happinefs* Your invagination roves m a land of il 
 dows. Unreal forms deceives you. It is no more till 
 a phantom, an illufion of happiaefs, which attrads )fc 
 lond admiration j, nay, an illufign of happinefs which i 
 ten conceals much real mifery. Do you imagine, tl] 
 ali are happy, who have attained to thofe fuminits of ( 
 tifl£lion> towards which your wiflies af^ire } Alas ! U 
 frequently has experience ihe wed, that where ick$ 
 fupposed to blbom, nothing but briars and thorns gre 
 Rdpu^tionj, beauty, riches, graiideur, nay royalty M 
 wouidi^liQ3riy a time,, have bctn giadiy cxcliangird b|j 
 pofleflbrSi for that more quiet and humbk ftation,*^ 
 which you re now difl^tisfied. With ;i]l that is ffl 
 did and. Ihining in the ^^QxU, i^ is decreed ti5at *lij 
 
OW .B0»tllil;X3d^. 
 
 r»i 
 
 he road whil 
 red die natil 
 
 Ai m« many deep fades of woe. On the efcvatea 
 
 ■tiona of fortune, the great wlamSties of life chiefly 
 
 There the ftorm fpends it& violence, and there thb 
 
 ler breaks ; while fafe and unhurt, the mhaMtant 
 
 le irale remams below. Retifeat, then, from thofe 
 
 and pernicwus excurCons of extravagant defir^. 
 bfy yourfelves with what. is rational and attainable 
 bn your mnds to moderate views of human life, and 
 i.n happmefs. Remember, and admire, the wifdom 
 ^gur s wilh. RemoTtfar from me vanity aud tits. 
 )« menetthtrpnerty „or rich,. Feed me with food 
 ment/or me: L,Jt I he full, „„d deny thee, and fa,, 
 
 mme of my G,d ,. vain.'. Let m^ recommend, 
 
 .^?dera ion m our purfaits. Wtftes and defir^s 
 "if: " '""poderate and impnmer, though the* 
 rthe tort, yet fociety may not be affefted ?y them, 
 obfcure and harmlefs indtvidual may imluL hi^ 
 m, witli^ut drilurbing the public peace. But^en 
 
 I'X«.fr **S ^J^b4. rife beyond mc^ 
 Bon, they 611-thew;ortd with great difrrdeA 5 often 
 flagrant cnmes. This admonition chiefly refpefe 
 
 «b.tious men of the world. I fay not.thlt alf am! 
 
 «.sto be condemned 5 or that high purfuits ought, 
 reryoccafioo. to V checked. Spme men are fom. 
 nature, for rifiog into confpicaou6 ftations of life 
 
 .Oovnns the imputfc ofdieir minds, and properiv„: 
 
 « room for ambition to aft in a laudable fphere 
 
 tei. '""r/^.L"'*'''""^'" "^ much public g<^ 
 this may fafely be pronounced, that the bulk of m^ 
 Wy to over-rate their own abilities, and to imarinfc 
 ^Ives ,«ual to ,,^her thirig, than' tVy weSf^ 
 M for by nature Be fotier. th^ref^ i„ fi,.;^ 
 and _ phnmng your diefti ^d pfiftits. Be* 
 
 .„m.- rr.,r., :^.^ ^, ^ ^^0* iOUnd aUd 
 
 
 
 condua, by tl>ofefol&%rt^fehfclf-aat: 
 
 .CTs; 
 
 *a?i'(lK lOElft 9^% 
 
 '''^* ' 
 
 1 m '>i 
 
130 
 
 »M WODtRATIOir. 
 
 ry is tilways leady to hang out. By aiming at a 
 loo high, you natf fall ihort of what it was with'm yl 
 |>ower to have reached. Inftead of attaining to ei 
 cnce, you may expofe yourfelves to derifion ; liav, 
 fering upon your h^i manifold difafters. I J^-yta 
 ry man that is aviong you^ not to think of himjeif 
 highly than- he ought la think , hut to think Joht-rh,* 
 
 Whatever your aims be,. there is one exercife ofj 
 deration which muft be enjoined to tho£b of the grej 
 abilities as well as to others \ that is never to tranfj 
 the bounds of moral duty.. Amijlft the warmth of i 
 fuit, accuilom yourfelves to fubmit the reflrainta, w| 
 religion and virtue, which propriety and dccen^y^ii 
 regard and reputation and character, impofe,, Ihii 
 that there are no barriers which ought to ftop voi 
 grefs. It is from, a violent and impetuous ipirit thij 
 the ev)ls fpring, which are fo often found to accor 
 ambition. Hence, in private life, the laws of trut 
 honor are violated.. Hence, in, public contcfts, thei 
 and welfare of nations, have beea fo often lacrificc 
 the ambitious projects of the great. The man of i 
 ration, as he is temperate in his wifhes, fo in his 
 fuitshe is regulated by virtue.^ A good confcience] 
 him more valuable than any fuccefs. He is not fo 
 bent on the accomplifhment of any defign, as to 
 diflionorable ftep in order to ccfimpafs it. He can! 
 .patience. He can brook difappointments* He caul 
 ^ unfurmountable obftiicles 5 and, by gentle andgrj 
 progrefs, i® more likely to fucceed in the end, thai 
 trs are, by violence and impetuofity.. In his highe( 
 terprife, he wifhes not to have the appearance of; 
 tieor, wiiich fires tiie atraofphere \ or, of a comet, 
 ««lioniilie8 the public, by its blazing, eccentric courfd 
 iaiher to rcfemblo thofe fteady luminaries of h^ 
 Dphich adtasice ia their orbits, with ^^ fitent and 
 motion. He agproves himfelf thereby to the vit 
 ,&h&wtle, vR^^^smim^ %: and, by a ti^nxperate 
 
 <" Eoa.jKiL3.: 
 
ng nt a 
 IS witiiin m 
 ling toe 
 >ni liay, 
 I f»<.y to 
 
 hiMf 
 
 tercife of 
 >f the grc 
 • to tranfj 
 arm til of 
 :ramt3, wi 
 
 e„ Ihl 
 iop yow 
 i fpirit thi 
 to acco 
 } of tru 
 efts, the 
 . lacrifici 
 man of 
 in his 
 )nfcience 
 s: not fo 
 n, as to 
 He can 
 He can 
 le andg; 
 md, tha 
 lis highej 
 ance of 
 comet, 
 ic courft 
 es of h 
 at and 
 the vi 
 
 prionablc^r^<iaa, efcapes *hofe dangers which peyJ 
 fof an oppoute defcription afe p«rp|tua% readjTfj 
 
 t. Be moderate in your eipeaations. men yoOT 
 « flouriftinj;, ,nd the courfe df events proceeds aei 
 
 51 'w'L**' '"^-' "°' youir'B'inds to be Vainly 
 !d up. Ratter not Jourfdves ,*ith high profpeas o^ 
 ^ncreafing favor, o/ (be world, a>«l Ae continuing 
 
 < Sands Jrong, md JhuU unt> be mov.d. J iLltnto. 
 
 •du^untly.~—'l^ „e betraying yduri^lves 5 yo« 
 ■ring a fore foundation of dif .fpointment and i^if" 
 rliM yQu aUow your fanty to foar to fuch lofty pin- 
 rfconfident ho: '■ ?f In-Ji'ling ycmr horfe fn tf.i, 
 region, you are preparjng for yourfelves a great and 
 tan. Your//-,^„ thejp.dtfs vjit-. You ,ni4 
 
 fi i>u/ ,tfi„U „ot ,ndu„. tor, to man on eirth ft 
 
 l^nl? A°^'/°^='"^y =''"'« »>oi-M ortop^rf^ 
 
 n one traa of unmterruped profperity. Unpleaf; 
 
 ,?c,ffitude, ne,er fail to fucced tho^ ,ha^t wereTa^I 
 
 dt^"-!""/"" rT''*^' ''°»' g^y " fmilin/focY. ' 
 W'ih, and often pajTeth fuddenV, ',»„... * 
 
 «-ant of moderation of our hopes, we not only in. 
 
 dej.^.on when difappointment cb«e6,but we a^ 
 
 *e difappomtmcfc, , we brin^ forward/with great- 
 
 ti. d.fagreeable changes in our ftate. For the 
 
 LZlZT « P'f'""-I««'>"' expeaation.". 
 
 fat threaten h,m , and Wb fall will be forefeen, 
 
 L^„ i^ '"."'"P'«^s 'hem againft hin.felf. BV 
 ■t"2:^ ""'">'' '-^ either provokes entity. 0? 
 
 
 *i?5 
 
 ligion, and to prudence. The world' canl 
 rrovtdcnce feldom fails to 
 
 fuch a fpirit 5 and 
 
143 
 
 IW|.|i,rDFmAT10J|. 
 
 ?!jC5k,il. The Almightsi tselipWs with difpjcafure 
 who# iiitojilc«cd with protpcmj^ forget their 4, 
 dencconthat Supreme Pow^r which rajfcd theni 
 Bina^ot ijovetiunent of the vorll<^ has bcc» in*»oil 
 ppr^i: coi)^upii9.^p infringing low iht hfty loai^ 
 nmih'^^if&^fftrtw^he prsud in the imaginaim ^ /i 
 minds, -^is not thlrtfye gtrsaf l^altlon^ wkich 7 L 
 Auilt hy thf might of my pwe* ^ ana for the honor oj\ 
 M»i*fftx^* Thus ^Kicliwcd the prefumptuous n 
 afjch, In the pride of Art. But,Io1 when 
 
 word wa« yet IP lys mov Jie ?ifitali6n from h<., 
 Cjime, andflbe voice was heard x O^I\ibuckoi'nez%at\ 
 in thet if IsfpQhn : thy hingd0m is departed from I 
 — //> that e^mitfih'him/eJ/^^fiaU be humbled :' cni 
 that humhleth hinftlf Jhail k* eicuited^f A ternp 
 Ipirii, and moderate expe^iations^ arc the bcft fafcj 
 <» the naind in fchisruncertain and charfging ftate. ' 
 ena|}ic 'US to pafs thrbigh life with moft coi 
 When wcr^e in the world, they frontributc io our 
 ration % and, if w^ mw^ fjiil, they repdcr Qiur faBi 
 
 jyil^ter* ■• ■■" ^ '■'/'■■:' ' ' ' ' ^ "'. y/-'"-'''}' ■ . '! 
 TV. Mojd^ration in our n^eafures is an importaiiti 
 Cfcife Qf the virjt^p which we are. now canfidering. 
 IS an invariable law.of our prtfent condition, that & 
 |lleafure which i$ purfiied to excei3» convert? itfelfl 
 poifon. What WHS intvnded for the cordial and refii 
 ment of human life, through watit of moderatioiiJ 
 tui^ to its bane. In all the p> afures of fen^, it m 
 parent, that only, when indulged within certain linf 
 they confer (atisfaction. No fooner do we pafs thej 
 which temperance has drawn, tfian pernicious c| 
 come forward, and fhow themfclves. Could I layj 
 lo jour view the monuments of death, they, wouUl S| 
 |w:upe in favor of moderation, much more ppw 
 :than.any thiJt the moft eloquent preacher can givi^, 
 would behold the graves peopled with tl^e vi^i 
 
 JIMVVm^ 
 
 tatiwv. 
 
 
 Miwi.u %^mm% 
 
 .frPamAi%,3Qjf^. 
 
 f^JUtk^ jufVV Jtf? 
 
0» JiODE RATION, 
 
 I 
 
 33 
 jrkness hung round, on every side with fl,^ f^««t.- 
 
 "iJ^^S"""''' '"'^"'P-^e-urcs ha, slain i. 
 
 While the want of moderation in pleasure brinp- 
 itn to an untimely grave, at the wim- ,L- .1 i ^ ' 
 Tive fh.Tp if ».,{ ° . ™. """^ "■"*• "nt'l they 
 
 Uerlwe ' rr T' '"'* '*"="' them with evils in^ 
 taerable. To what *ause, so much as to- this arc 
 
 Itea l»cly,_and « enfeebled mind 1 together with ,li 
 ^ long tram of diseases,, which the indEce of an 
 ...e_and sense have introduced into the world" Heair 
 
 iS ranee "&'• ""/"T" *» be the' o%rins 
 Itemperance. The man of moderat on brinesto all thr 
 hral and mnocent pleasures of life that l.L 
 mptedxelish whic'h gives hin. a n;u*"fu,re'n.":: 
 nt of them than the palled and vitiated anpetUe o/^l 
 fupmary allows him to know He rnK « 
 every allowable gratificationTwithtt i^^Z^ 
 k.l the-flayorbe lost. He tastes the sweets If eT 
 Ipkasure wuhout pursuing it till the bitter drees rile' 
 fe the man of opposite character dips so C 
 
 K« \' u """"^ °f 'he cup-In the pleasures 
 Ides which are regulated by moderation, the^e i" a ! 
 
 telTlL^ ^^'"^ r? "'°"8 ^"h innocence No 
 I needs to be ashamed of tl.cm. They are cor-iVt 
 M. honor J with the favor of God, Ld of man 
 »*e sensuahst, who disdains all re.tr^iw h, Ms plea' 
 , .s od,ous in the public eye. His vice tiome" 
 
 'b« den" K r T^'' ' '"'^ ''= -"'» i"^e! 
 I»bu,den both to himself and to socie'ty. Let me 
 ft you, once more. ^ J-cc me 
 
 ^.iln • I " ^= «">■■« requisite, becauRJfesr* is • 
 Kon m iiuman nature but what has, of, rrS t 
 
i4 
 
 fii:^ kODAllTXO!?. 
 
 rt ndcucy to run into ezcei$. For all patsion implies 
 vtoicnc emotion of mind. Of course, it is apt to4e< 
 i4nge tlie regular coarse of our ideas i and to produi 
 contusion witiiin. |ii0tliing, at. the same time, is moi 
 seducing than passionf During tlie time when it gro' 
 and swells, it constantly justifies, to our apprchensli 
 the tumult which it creates, b]r means of a tlioi 
 Mind false arguments which it forms, and brings to i 
 aid.-— Of some passions, such as anger and resentmci 
 the excess is so obviously dangerous, as loudly to 
 tor moderation. He who gircs himself up to the im 
 Mosity of such passions, without restraint, is uni' 
 sidly condemned by the world ; and hardly accounted 
 man of sound mind. But, what is less apt to be attei 
 ed to, some eyen of those passions which are rcckoi 
 innocent, or whose tendency to disorder and evil is 
 apparent, stand nevertheless, in need of moder; 
 and restraint, as well as others. For, such is the f( 
 bicness of our nature, that erery passion which has 
 its object any worldly good, iS, in hazard of atta 
 us too strongly, and of transporting us beyond 
 bounds of reason. If allowed to acquire the full 
 unrestrained dominion of the heart, it is sufficient, 
 various situations, to render us miserable i and ali 
 in erery situation, by its ingrossing power, to rendi 
 negligent of duties which, as men or Christians, wc 
 bound to perform. 
 
 Of the insidious growth of passion, therefore, If '^ ^/""^f^' 
 have great reason to beware. We ought always to 4i°"* ,5 ^^ 
 i^j^jOid considerations, which may assist us in tem~"" ^ ^^^^^ « 
 its >l^|if mth, and in regaining possession of our 
 Let M» be persuaded, that moments of passion ai 
 ways moments of delusion ; that nothing truly is, 
 it dmn seems to be ; tiiat all the opinions which we 
 
 fixptn ar#> #>rr<ineous : and all th 
 
 all then 1 
 ason shal 
 occasion 
 iown by ▼ 
 if men bu 
 rcngth of 
 ndcr the d 
 rson is in 
 hich bein 
 ards objc( 
 itrcngth of 
 iassion, not 
 ast within 
 iccording tc 
 ;««!on. 
 
 Thus I 1 
 odcration 
 ishcs ; mc 
 pes ; mod 
 pission*-. I 
 Ifluenc- OUT i 
 f the soul. 
 Tlie grea 
 Wards imme 
 fiand. The 
 porary scene 
 !cf existence, 
 
 i*:fifriTi#*nf« wrhu 
 J— & 
 
 past, are extravagant. Let moderation accustom 
 watt mntil the fumes of passion be spent i u 
 St whick it has rait«i:||^ia to ke diatapited 
 
 earthly pursi 
 roper title t 
 3>ower to enj 
 re conceivec 
 [more than t< 
 ippcar great 
 i^'li into.a di 
 ith objects < 
 
•a IIODIHATION. 
 
 
 jiall then be aV: to sec where trvfh and right lie; anU 
 
 •ason shall, by degrees, rcsuir.e the ascendant On 
 
 > occasion let us imagine, that strength of mind U 
 
 hown by Tiolcncc of passion. This in nor the strr ngth 
 
 |>f men but the impetuosity of children. It ii th« 
 
 itrcngth of one who is in the delirium of a fc?er, or 
 
 bndcr the disease of madness. I'he strength of such a 
 
 crson IS mdeed increased. But if is unnatun.! strenc^rD ^ 
 
 rhich bemg under no proper guidance, is directed" to- 
 
 rards objects that occasion his destruction. IVuc 
 
 btrcngth of mind is shown in gOTCitiing and resiKtmir 
 
 bassion, not m givmg it scope, in re-»training the wild 
 
 beast withm ; and acting on the most trying occasions, 
 
 bccordmg to the dictates of conscience, ;nd tcmpcr«f« 
 
 reason, '^ 
 
 Thus I hare pointed out. in fcveral i^na^^e^ hew 
 nodrration outrht to be displayed ; moderation in mir 
 rishcs ; moderation m our pursuits ; moderation m our 
 lopes ; moderation in our pleasures ; moder.uion Iv owr 
 ipission.. It IS a principle which should hiibitu;,]!^ i». 
 Muenc- our conduct, and form the reigning tempemtui* 
 ■of the soul. « o r 
 
 Tlie great motive to this virtue is su-rfre^fe d hf thr 
 
 wards nnmedi.tely following the text ; we Lord is ai 
 
 than^. 1 he Judge is coming, who is to clo^e this tern- 
 
 Iporary scttne of things, and to introduce a higher state 
 
 of existence. The day is at hand, which will place the 
 
 Igreal concerns of men in a point of view very di«r rent 
 
 lirom that m which they arc at present beheld ;' will i^tnp 
 
 Ithe world of its false glory; will detect the vanity of 
 
 Icarthly pursuits ; and disclose objects which have th-* 
 
 proper title to interest a rational mind. Objects acquirv 
 
 Ipower to engage our passions, only in proportion as they 
 
 hre conceived to be great. . ut great, or little, are no 
 
 pore than terms of comparison. Thost ihtn»« #hk.k ^ 
 
 #pcar great to one who knows nothing greater,lrjii ' 
 
 «^K intoa diminutive size, when he becom^ a^^^^^ 
 
 ««b objects of 4 higher nature, M^cre it ofteij^l^^r 
 
1^6 
 
 ON THB JOr 
 
 thoughts, that the Lor J is at hami, none of those thini 
 which now discompose and agitate worldly men, \^ou« 
 appear of sufficient magnitwle to raise commotion in oui 
 breasts. Enlarged views of the future destinction ol 
 inan, and of the place which he may hope to possess ii 
 an eternal world, naturally give birth to moderation oi 
 mind. They teml to cool all misphced ardour about tlii 
 advantages of this state j and to produce that calm am 
 temperate frame of spirit, which becomes men m 
 Christians. They give no ground for entire disregan 
 of earthly, concerns. While we are men, we mxiftiee 
 and act as such. But they afford a good reason why, 
 they who believe the Lord to be at hand, should let their 
 moderation appear, ahd be known unto all nten* 
 
 SERMON XIII. 
 
 On the Jot, and % Bitterness of the Heart. 
 
 PROVERBS XIV. 10. 
 
 J The heart howeth hii own hiitern^iSf and a. siyafj^nl 
 doth not intermeddle UQith his joy, 
 
 IT is weJI known, that men have always been itiuchj 
 
 inclined to placp their happiness in the .ulvaiiia^-es d 
 
 iortune, and the distinction of rank. Hence these have 
 
 been pursued hy the muUitude with such avidhv, thatl 
 
 every prihciple of honor, probifv, and viitue* have 
 
 been sacrificed to the attaiument of'tLem. At the sam^ 
 
 tune, mnnycircumstances miglit have convinced mm 
 
 that suppoMUg' them to be successrulin the nur««;t.1i 
 Lw no mt=:nn« *V^H/•,..^..,^ *x.^^ \ i '. . * 
 
 AVI 
 
 ci with S5J 
 
 to pass, til 
 
 ipend theii 
 
 cupy the hi 
 
 the begger 
 
 lure of tti 
 
 there ate < 
 
 often overl 
 
 feet the hea 
 
 power, th; 
 
 This is the c 
 
 what I noM 
 
 of the chiei 
 
 hoiveth^'zw 
 
 intermeddle 
 
 provements 1 
 
 If we inqi 
 
 bitterness of 
 
 |iy two ; tha( 
 
 land temper j 
 
 {with some oi 
 
 |circumstancc 
 
 iap»)ine8s are, 
 
 |ingg. 
 
 f. Every n 
 
 'f. to himseli 
 \x every mai 
 lote connect 
 Jject. He ii 
 n thoughts 
 things, coi 
 luiet.^ What 
 ler high or lo 
 his behav 
 
 uy 110 means tciiou^cd, that happiness was to 'bethetefi^ 
 ^'ard. Eor if hapj)mess,>e, in trutii, essentially sonnecj 
 
 •»».>VM» Upon 
 
 to hi 
 '^-m rcpr 
 
*»!• THt BltTtKNEBl Of THt tltitr. ,3;. 
 
 ti with .plendM fortune, or exalted rank, how comca it 
 .0 pass, d«t many ir, the inferior station, of life. Sr 
 .pend the,, day, with more comfort, than they U" o7 
 cupy the higher dtpartments of the world ? Wh t doL 
 
 .ure of reflection on our nature might satisff us. that 
 there are other principle, of happi'nes, or mLry. too 
 
 feXT? ^^^ ^^'^' T'"''' ^Wchimmediate^af!. 
 feet the heart, and operate there with grealtr force an,« 
 
 power, than any circumstance, of *•,»»? or fortune.' 
 rh>s.stheol«enration of the wise man i„ the text a„J^ 
 „T fhf "°':P"'P'*»= '? "il^'tate. I *al! take a riew ' 
 
 f the chief «,urces of tftft Htffn^ss which th, W 
 W/*. and of that y,, «„•//; ^huh a Ura.,g,r doth.Z 
 ,nUrm,ddUt and then ,hajl point out the proper im. 
 prorements to be made of the tubject 
 
 If we inquire carefully into the source, of the ior or 
 
 Wo tSalt •'"'"' *• ?•""/-«.*« they areihlfl 
 iy two , tha» 4|hcy arise either from a man's own mind 
 Md temp«rvor from the connectiori^in which he stands 
 with «,me of lus fellow-creatures. In other word " th^ 
 bcumstance, which most essentially affect erery ma„'a 
 kmness are, hi, perwnal character, and hi, Jial fed! 
 
 I ''^T'TWan'* own mind and temper i,. necosarl 
 r, to himself a source of much inwird^y or bitterneM 
 or erery man. if we may be allowed tie «prt^o"!*: 
 .ore connected with himself, than with any exterad 
 r^L. t '* constantly a companion to himself in his 
 n thought, ; and what he meet, with thete, mu^t. of 
 ^"'S'. contribute most to hi. happiness or his di. 
 «et Whatever his condition -r. We^worid L wt 
 
 rhi^hS:^'' 'f.h/ fi"!"" cause fo vt-braid h|m«^l} 
 r hts beharior : ,f he be satisfied thft his conHoc" 
 
 few*."*t" * ™'°"''.' P'»n-. 'f. »n>idst the faJHrtgs 
 gdent to humanity, bis consdente be, in tbe^S 
 
 «4] rrcsage, of fntunty j tft: 'aifeUtraa^s -idd for 
 
 M 2 
 
'38 
 
 ON THE JOY 
 
 :i 
 
 a phcul an4 agreeable tenor of life. If to this you add 
 a calm and cheerful temper, not easily fretted or clbturb. 
 ed, not subject to envy, nor prone to violent passion 
 rnuch ©f that joy will be produced, which it is said inj 
 the text, a stranger wtermcddleth not with. For this ii 
 an intrinsic joy, independent of all foreign causes, m 
 upright man, as it is written, /'f satisfied from himsA 
 Undisturbed by the vexations of folly, or the remorse oj 
 guilt, his nights will be peaceful, and his d?ys serene] 
 His mind is a kingdom to itself. A good conscience] 
 ..nd good temper, prepare, even in the midst of poverty] 
 a continual feast . ' 
 
 But how sadly will the scene be reversed, if the firsti 
 thoughts which occur to a man concerning himself, shall 
 be of a gloomy and threrttening kind j if his temper, in] 
 ?stead of calmness and self-enjoyment, shall yield himnol 
 thing but disquiet and painful agitation ? In any situa] 
 tion of fortune, is it possible for him to be happy, whoi 
 mind is in this troubled state } The spirit of a md 
 will sustain his infirmities ; but a wounded spirit, who J 
 bear r* Vigour of mind, may enable a man to sustai] 
 many shocks of adversity. In his spirit, as long as iti* 
 sound, he can find a resource, when other auxiliaries fail 
 But if that which should sustain him be enfeebled an] 
 broken ; if that to which he has resource for the cm 
 of other sorrows, become itself the wounded part ; 
 what quarter can he turn for relief ? 
 
 The wounds which the spirit suffers are owing chiel 
 ly to three causes ; to folly, to passion, or to guilt. The 
 frequently originate from folly j that is, from vain, an, 
 improper pursuits, which, though not directly crimnJ 
 are unsuitable to a man's age, character, or condition, 
 :he world . In consequence of these, he, beholds himsi 
 degraded and exposed ; and suffers th«?pains of nwoj 
 mortifying reflectioii and many a humbling comparisopi 
 iiimsek witli others., i'hc distress occasioned bya sense j 
 folly, js aggravated J>y any violent passion being alIowe«^ 
 ke possession of the heart. Even though it be of 
 
I AND THE BITTERNSM OF THE HEART. ,35 
 
 lis you adjlw'rft'iosewhich are reckoned innocent v,-t ;f:. i 
 or clmurui^ly 'eiwd and overpowrered a man if'^S; l*' 
 
 :nt passion* Suillity. and bring, ^ „,Z LTa 'p^ ^^stn '' 
 U said i*'f« be a passion of the black and vicTol kind ti: 
 For this ilic.««t to blast th. most flourishing conZon a J »„ 
 ■uses. *'^' h"Joy3. Iftothos.. wouml infli ted b;?'„;° 
 m hmulffU -on you add the wound of euUt the ri^Zl^. 
 remorse of ^r Produced by crin,i„al deed,, y^u h I up the m/ 
 =ys serenJ'eot pa,n,andbmerness of hea t'^ Ofe"ri\veth: 
 consciencJ'ors of cous-ienee occasioned inwir.l n^rl 
 ofpovenJlem agitations of mind. A rl^d S;;,!^. 
 ■ud seems, to thsconscioun sinner f« C k • ^ 
 if the firfk^d- He who belieVes himself H°^ .""^'".^ °^" 
 mself, .l,|men,5»„d who dreads, a the ,a „e .Trf ' °' ''""*• 
 
 irr *oniff % "t ^'^"-' ^- Sem'IfS 
 ild himno»fs o* A»*e. The bitterness of his hpnr^ ;„f • ,/• 
 
 . any si, „* every draught which pleasur oTr to h S ""'^ 
 
 ?py, whojThe external misfortune of life. disanVoin.mJ f' 
 
 ./ a «,*. »"d sickness, are nothitir „ '0^^°'. ' /' E""' 
 vW W,»fard distresses ^f mi„d;!:;';fr-mF^^^^^ 
 
 . to suslaif ". and by guilt. They may indeed nreva[li„!i-& 
 .ngas ilf degrees, according as one brother of Z, •" 
 
 iliariesfafsis predominant. ^But they are tlln J ■'i'"."" 
 Feebled al"der from one another , W when as^t ^ft K ^" 
 r the c.|v an the tl>ree are complicaTed. ^he „«« ft 
 
 • vIs,ar.lHf ? ^f '"IS'"'' t^'^omesof all thL, the 
 
 rred refuge, of seeking relief in death frnm o vT 
 .en,Utered to be any fonger en" J'l^^j? 
 
 l~rSr:r^::f^i2!i!'i^'-"'. «h«- 
 
 ""^Mon- Su?h causes of sorrow or joy areof an ex- 
 
 y crimni 
 iidition, 
 ids him 
 i of maff 
 iparisop 
 V a sensi 
 alio 
 be of 
 
tcraal nature. Religion docs not teach, that all 
 •ources of inward pleasure or pain arc dirired from 
 tempers and moral hehavior. These are indeed 
 principal springs of bitterness or joy. In one wa 
 other, they affect all the pleasures and pains of life; 
 they include not, within themselves, the whole of t' 
 Our, Creator did not intend, that the happiness of c 
 individual should have no dependence on those who 
 around him. Having connected us in society by 
 ties, it is his decree, that these ties should prove, i 
 during their subsistence^ and in their dissolution, ca 
 of pleasure or pain, immediately, and often deci 
 affecting the human heart. My doctrine, therefon 
 not, that the bitterness which the heart knoweth ai 
 fwn, and the Jey with which a stranger interme(mth, 
 11 dependent on every thing external. What I assert 
 that this bitterness^ and this yo;', depend much mon 
 other causes, than on riches or poverty, on high fir 
 stations in the world } that, equally in the conditioi 
 elevated fortune, and of private life, the most mati 
 circumstances of trouble or felicity, next to the stati 
 our own mind and temper, are the sensations and a 
 tions which arise from the connections we have 
 •thers. 
 
 In order to make* this appear, let us suppose a k, 
 
 in any rank or condition of life, happy in his family 
 
 hisfnends; soothed by the cordial intercourse of 
 
 affections, which he partakes with them ; enjoying 
 
 comforts of doing them good offices, and receiviiij 
 
 return their sinccrest gratitude ; experiencing no jeali 
 
 sy nor envy, no disquiet or alienation of aflect 
 
 among those with whom he is connected; howm 
 
 and how copious sources of inward joy open to m 
 
 man ! how smooth is the tenor of a life that proa 
 
 „.,=: = w«is^ ; vv iirtc a siuitiug aspect docs thc iovei 
 
 parents and children, of brothers and sisters, of frii 
 
 and relations, give to every surrounding object, 
 
 every rcturaing day! With what a lustre doss i 
 
4NIT THE BITTERNBts OF TH« HEiRT. 14, 
 
 in the small habitation -wh^rt^ atxr-y, •.!••• 
 
 4 uninterruptedly to one anotheH «"'*f=^"<»n «uc. 
 
 less does the heart know ! This in VL . • 
 ■erof any external circumstance wh tever to afForl 
 
 irort to the mourner. The nrlnr** o« i .1! ' 
 
 ■equally feel their own S "3 ' fit dtforth'' 
 incholy remembrance of iors tha are I=. ^j ^'^ 
 one forgets his poverty , Te ofherTes'p ^JheS' 
 trappings of his stnte. Both, in th.^ Wh l„ ^ ■ 
 
 F»en,,iMc, t!„u en the favors^ £ ' iJdene'J! 
 
 ;o make ma,, happy i„ tlus world. ^^ ^' ' 
 
 M.t IS ivot only the death of friends wi^.V!, • i 
 
 kof a ,ccmingly prosperous stat^ i^ Sf t'o brin ■- 
 
 Ms home to the heart. Prom viri- ,7; f,- " 
 
 tdi:f;::s-j-^ 
 
 [tmmsh 7t"nrocee<l''f^"n^' T"" .'^?:''<'""' harshjtes 
 
 yet ruffles r^d frl .K "''"' "'•"'"='' '^f «""*- 
 
 Vw ,1 .k "^" "^'^ temper. Social liie har 
 
 Jwd. those petty vexations, resembles a road wiicL" 
 
 i"'SifiKk,f^ 
 
S43 
 
 •K TBI JOT4 
 
 a man is doomed daily to trayel ; but finds it rc^ge 
 and stony, and painful to be trod. 
 
 The case becomes much worse, if the base and crin 
 aal conduct of persons whom we hare once Ioyc 
 dissolve all the bonds of amity, and show that our co 
 fidence has been abused. Then are opened, some oft 
 deepest springs of bitterness in the human heart. 
 hold the h'^urt of the parent, torn by the unworthy 1 
 kavior and cruel ingratitude of the child, whom he 1 
 trained up with the fondest hopes ; on whom he had] 
 wished his whole affection 5 and for whose sake he 1 
 labored and toiled, through the course of a long 
 Behold riic endearments of the conjugal state, chanJ 
 into black suspicion, and mistrust ; the affection 
 epouse, or the virtuous husband, left to mourn, wi 
 broken heart, the infidelity of the once beloved par 
 of their life. Behold the unsuspecting friend betraJ 
 in the hour of danger, by the friend in whom he trj 
 «d i or, in the midst of severe misfortune, meeting! 
 thing but cold indifTcr^nce, perhaps sccrn and center 
 Vvhcrc he -had expected to find the kindest gympal 
 Arc these, let -mc a k, uncommon scenes in 
 world ? Are such distresses peculiar to any rank 
 *tatioii ? Do they chiefly befd persons in humbk 
 and have the great any prerogative which affords 
 exemption ? When the heart is sorely wounded hi 
 ingratitude or faithlessness of those on whom it had 
 ca with the whole weight of affection, where shal 
 turn for relief ? Will it find comfort in the recolleif 
 of honors and titles, or in the contemplation of surroj 
 ing treasures ? Talk not of the honors of a c| 
 Talk not of the wealth of the ea .t. Thes?:, in thel 
 of heart-bitterness, are spurned, as contemptible andi 
 perhaps cursed, as indirect causes of the present diii 
 
 The dart has m^de its way to the heart. There, 
 
 *- ' ^- • '^"^^ ^ _ _-'■'''• • _ •• • 
 ii ia pjtcci. i sv. vciy beat oi i^eiuig iH as^aiieo ; a 
 
 proportion to tfie sensibility of the sufFcr's head 
 
 Ike teuderne»f ofhi^ affectiuns| such, Hnfortunatdri 
 
Ihii degree of anguish. A good conscience, and hope 
 God, may indeed bring him consolation. But under 
 ich distresses of the heart, as I have described, fortune, 
 ;it as flourishing as you will, is no more than an emp- 
 [ pageant It is a feeble reed, which affords no sup- 
 brt. It IS a house of straw, which is scattered before 
 wind. 
 
 I Thus you see this doctrine meeting us from many 
 
 barters, that the heart knows a bitterness and a joy of 
 
 sown, altogether distinct from the uneasiness or the 
 
 leisure tliat is produced by the circumstances of exter- 
 
 bl fortune ; arising either from personal character, and 
 
 k state of a^ man's own mind j or from the affectioni 
 
 kcited by the relations in which he stands to others. 
 
 Riis joy, and this bitteniess, are, each ot them, of so 
 
 bch greater consequence than any distinctions of for- 
 
 be, that blessed with the former, X)nc may be happy, 
 
 far as human happiness goes, in a cottage; and af- 
 
 icted with the latter, he must be miserable in a p%hcc. 
 
 ci us now proceed to an important part of the subject. 
 
 kcpractic.il improvement to which this doctrine leads. 
 
 First, Let it serve to moderate our passion for riches! 
 
 nd high situations in the world. It is well known, that 
 
 be eager pursuit of these is the chief incentive to the 
 
 hmcs that fill the world. ^ Hence, among the middle 
 
 M lower rinks of men, all tl.e fraud, falsehood, and 
 
 ktchery, with which competition for gain infestt 
 
 ^cicty. Hence, m the higher stations of the world all 
 
 k atrocious crimes flowing from ambition, and 'the 
 
 bvc of power, by which the peace of mankind has m 
 
 Iften been broken, and the earth stained with blood 
 
 ^ad these coveted advantages and power, when obtained* 
 
 Censuring joy to the heart, and rendering it a strange? 
 
 I bitterness, some apology might be offered for the vi^ ^, 
 
 ice to which they have given occasion. The ^ 
 
 jc might be supposed wortliy of being acquired at a 
 
 jh expence, when so much depended on the attain- 
 
 pent. But I have shown, I hope with satisfactory cvi- 
 
 mm^ tUt fhc cMtrary it ek* tnuk. I mi| not, tJbiit ifct 
 
lU 
 
 •K IIIE-JOlf, 
 
 advantages of fortune deserve no regard from a wigj 
 a. good man. Poverty is ahv; distressing. OpulcjJ 
 and rank are both attended with many comforts, J 
 maybe rendered subservient tO' the most valuable p| 
 poses. But what I say is, that jt-is a. great error to il 
 them beyond their just value. Secondary advantagl 
 inferior assistances.to felicity, they are -; and no mj 
 They rank below every thing that immediately affei 
 the heart ; and that is a native source of joy or bitt 
 ness there. ;If a man be either unhappy in his dispc 
 tipns, or unhappy in all his connections, you heap up, 
 him in vain, all the treasures, and all the honors, whi] 
 kings can bestow. Divest these things, then, of \\ 
 false glare which the opinions of the multitude thr 
 around them. Contemplate them with a more imp 
 tial eye. Pursue them with less sagerness. Above 
 never sacrifice to the pursuit any degree of probity] 
 moral worth, of candor or good affection ; if you woi 
 not lay a foundation for that bitterness of heart whii 
 none of the goods of fortune can either compensate i 
 cure. 
 
 Secondly, Let the observations which have bej 
 made, correct our mistakes, and check our complain] 
 concerning a supposed promiscuous distribution of haj 
 piness in this world. Th^ charge of injustice, whil 
 so often, on this account hath been brought against Pro{ 
 dence, rests entirely on this ground, that the happinJ 
 and misery of men may be estimated by the degree] 
 their external prosperity. This is the delusion unc 
 which the multitude have always labored ; but whici 
 just consideradon of the invisible springs of happine 
 that afiect the heart, is sufficient to correct. If y( 
 would judge whether a man be really happy, itisiJ 
 solely to his houses and his lands, to his equi).age jj 
 his retinue, you are to look. Unless you could see li 
 ther. and discei'ii ixrhai' Jnw nv «rl-»o«- k-t-t-ovn^so i^i.^ Uo-, 
 
 feels, you can pronounce nothing concerning him. Tii 
 proud and wicked man, whom you beJiold suiroutd 
 
 "^Sr" 
 
I AW TH£ BITTERNESS OF THE HEART*-' ,4$ 
 
 m a wJ«th state and sipcndor, and upon whom you think th* 
 Opuljivors of Heaven so improperly lavishe/; lav t , 
 
 usdis^»t.y known E,Wy n'ot thf pr^ ^e ° ; VfVnTrr 
 heap upfudge not of the real condition of men, from wha't floa I 
 Vly on the surface of their state. ■ Let u^ 7^L 
 ri nrdly. Turn our attention to those intern,Tsour 
 
 ir *u^ u ^tpc.uab. AS tar as the bittcrnes*; or inx, 
 
 ... J the heart arises from the fir^tnffK "^^rn^ss or joy 
 
 probi,|hich 1 a.,igned to ,t, ^^J^'^^^^'^^:::^: 
 
 lave bef ho thereby attains a rl'r? »f <i'v>ne grace.. He 
 omplainlar, free U Ul-hu^or aX L." .'^2"^ "'"^ "' 
 mof hJws, and from vcxio^r^Lrjc, •*'?•• """"'^"'P^"- 
 
 ce, wh|enjoym,,.„rof Wn?enuchsur^"„^ah '"T'i"'' 
 instProf he were uma,sinjr thousands to "n" ""'' ,'"°="'«' »!>»" 
 happiJwith rejau) to c ol' L T'^ '"» estate. 
 
 L ' M, I- • *^"^^^ connections are nc- alw^v- «f 
 
 , It IS if :-c;ciations.. Yet here too l^ ,,, '''W^^"/^l ^' their 
 ^age fpcr re,u4.tioa of^ S^rfi^f ^' ^"^"'^ ^^^^ ^^^ 
 I.;. uMnrA. .V..J r .''"P*:'^^">' ^^^e joys which our .dn 
 
 iAia i:v:^ --..-i ^;iu iOr miiiir-iriri,, »k„ • /• ... 
 
 -r miugating th« griefs whic? 
 
 im ^^•<'>>l 
 
 '" ni iy render unavo 
 Qil;» Of reUtion» 
 
 1 our conTi^e". 
 
 i^^^We. As far as the ch^.v 
 
 :0!cc Ot- 
 
 ii 
 
i I 
 
 46 
 
 ON THE JOT, &C. 
 
 virtue and worth ever direct that choice, if we look fori 
 any lasting felicity from it. In all the habits and attacl 
 liientsof fecial life, after they are formed, let it be ou 
 iludy, \o fulfil properly our own part. Let nothing 
 wanting on our fide, to nouriih that mutual harmony 
 and affectionate friendfliip which, in every situation o^ 
 life, as has been shown, is of fo great confequence tocua 
 peace and fatisfaction. It is not, indeed, in our powe 
 to preferve always alive thofe friends, in whom our hc«rtj 
 delight. It is often not in our power to prevent the in] 
 gratitude and unworthy behavior of other friends, froi 
 whom we once expected comfort. Eut under thofe af| 
 flictmg incidents of life, much may be done by prope 
 employment of the thoughts, and direction of the afFec| 
 tions, for obtaining rr.lief. To a purifitd and well re 
 giilated heart, reafon and religion can bring many aid 
 for healjng its wounds, and reftoring its peace 5 
 which, to the negligent and vicious, are wholly unknowi 
 The greater experience we have of the viciJTuudes 
 human life,, with more weight will that precept of tli 
 wife man always come home to our remepibrancd 
 Keep thy heart with all diligence ; for ant of it are th 
 iJJ'ue of //yr*=^ Hence arife«, 
 
 In the fourth and laft place, another inflruction, thj 
 iS of the utmoft importance tous all ; — ^freq^ently tolc 
 up to Him who made the human heart 5 and to imploj 
 his affjftancc in the regulation and governnient ot 
 Known to him, are all the fources of bitterncfs and jj 
 by which it is affected. On him it depends, to let thJ 
 forth, or iliut them up ; to incrcafe, or to dimiiii 
 them, at pleafure. In a ftudy fo infinitely impoj 
 ant to happinefs, as that of the prefervation of inwa 
 peace, we cannot be too earned in befceching aid fr(j 
 the great Father of Spirits, to enable us to keep 
 hearts free from diftress and trouble. Befides the 
 Tiitance which we may hope to derive from divine gi 
 
 Profc. 
 
 IT. 3* 
 
•N CHARACTERS OF IMPERFECt GOODNESS. 14^ 
 
 Idle employments of devotion thcmfelycs, form one of 
 the moft powerful means of compofing, and tranquilli- 
 ling the heart. On various occafions, when the Ic^urces 
 of heart-bitternefs have been mofl overflowing, devotion 
 has been found the only refuge of the fufferer. Devo 
 tion opens a i*inctuary, to which they, whofe hearts 
 have been nioft deeply wounded, can always fly : 
 mthn that qmetand facred retreat, they have often found 
 a heal ng bafam prepared. When grieved by men ,they 
 have derived, from-the afoentof the mind towards God 
 and ccleftial objects, much to sooth them at prcfcnt, and 
 much tohop^form.future. Let us, therefore, neglect no 
 mean with which religion can furnifh us, for promoting 
 |the joys, and afTuaging the bitternef^ of the heart 
 jAmidft tHe frailties of our nature, the inconftancy of 
 jmen, and frequent changes of human life, we ihiU 
 jfiii'l every affiftance thatcan be procured, little enough 
 for enabling us to pafs our few days with tolerable com! 
 [fort and peace. 
 
 I 
 
 SERMON XIV. 
 
 On Characters of Imperfect Goobness; 
 
 Mark x. i a. 
 
 Thenjesusy beholding him y UveJ him. 
 
 THE charaaersrof men which the world present! to m 
 ire jnnnitely diverfificd. In fomc, either the good or 
 pebad qualities are fo predominant, as ftrongly to mark 
 isjie caaracter, to difcriminatc one perfori as virtuous, ano- 
 Iher as a vicious man; In others, thefe qualities »c fo 
 Nxed together, as tp leave the charaae/doubt/ul." The 
 Bight and the (hade arc fo much blended, the col6rs of ■ 
 
1^9 ON CHARACTERS OF IMPERFECT GOODNFsg^ 
 
 
 virtue and vice run in fuch a manner into one anothcrj 
 that wc^san hardly diftinguiln where the one ends and] 
 the otherbeginsj.and we remain in fufpcnce, whetheH 
 to blame or to praife. While we admijc tljofe who, arel 
 thofwofghly good, and deteft the groisly wicked, it is pro- 
 per aUo to beftow attention on thefe imperfea charac- 
 ters, where there may.be much to praife, and fomewhat 
 to blame : and where regard to the commendable part] 
 fliali not hinder us iroDi remarking what is dcfcdive or 
 iauhy. Such attention will be found the more ufefuL 
 A$ characters of this mixed fort are, moie frequentlyl 
 than any other, exhibited to us in the commerce of foj 
 cicfy. f 
 
 it was one of this fort, which gnTe occafion to the inciJ 
 
 dctiC recorded in the tcjct. The incident feeins to havj 
 
 i>ecu conl^dcred as remarkabiC, ilnce it is recounted bj 
 
 *hrce of the evangelical writers ; and by them all, wiii! 
 
 iiearly the fame circumilances. 'the perfon ta 
 
 whom the hiftory relates was a ruler ; one of higriel 
 
 rank and ftation than thofc who ufually reforted to Jcfus] 
 
 He wd»a rich man : He was a young man. His whn|( 
 
 behavior was prepossessing and eng.igingc He apprars f] 
 
 hwc coiiccived a high opinion of our l-ord. He addrjl 
 
 led him with the- utmoit refpvCl: ; and'tiie queftion \\v\l 
 
 he put to him was proper and important. Ht hntcUi 
 
 ti him i und saidy Goud Mofter^ IrhatjhoU Ida t'hA 
 
 i may inherit eternal iije ? His condudt in the worli 
 
 hati been regular and decent. He could prcteft, that... 
 
 had hitherto kept himself free from any gross vice ; an 
 
 \\\ his deai'iiiigs with odiers, had observed tiie preceptt 
 
 of God. Our hox^y\beholding him^ is said to have lovX 
 
 htm } whence wc have reason to conclude, that he wa 
 
 not hypocriti«ra1 in his profelfioris j. and that his couute 
 
 jiance carried the expreffion of good dispofitions, as h 
 
 speech, and manners, were altogether complacent ani 
 
 gciitic. Ytc this person, amiable as he wag, when his virj 
 
 tiie was pat to tif^ teft, disappointed the hopes which hi 
 
 hadgii'en reaton toforra. Attached, in all probabiiir) 
 
"St. I ON CHARACTBRJ OF IMP.CtFiCt CO.NtSS, 1-49 
 
 T^T^^k'}' i"'^".'gj"" °f =«« and pleasure, he wanted forti- 
 e ends 'ndlude of mind to part with the advantages of the world 
 .. whethef or the sake of religion. When our llrd requrreS 
 e who wfc fulfil his good intention., by relinquifhing his fortun^ 
 ^, .t IS proAcorning one of his followerj. and preparing hi^tf ,0 
 a characi .counter suffering,, the sacrifice app?are/to him ,0^ 
 I fomewl,.|„at. toprcinon, of virtue, however ftill remained o" 
 daWe part*, mind. He was senfible of what he ought to have 
 =fca.ve .llone ; and regretted his want of courage to do it. He 
 .oreufeful|.«Mrr»«/>/:He w.is gnn,«i : Y rt hf w,nt »u>ay ' ■ 
 trequeinlJ Persons of a charafter somewhat resembling this' all 
 :rce of fo|f us m,y have met with -, especially, among the young 
 ,. * • -fcTI '"°'^*''° have been liberally educated, and ll 
 to the .ncjfted by good society. They abhor open vice, and crime« 
 ms .0 h,v|at disturb the world. They have a respeafor reHgiC 
 counted bfbcy are willing to receive inftruaion for their condua 
 ™. all. w,«l.ey are mgdcft and unafluming ; refpeaful to the r 
 
 Tf r rter '";S' "'■ **'''"" • 8'""^ '" 'he'raddref, r'n' 
 : of h.gKe|rjnfive and courteous m their whole behavior. They 
 
 :d to Jeiute fond of obl.g.ng every one; unwilling to hurt or 
 H» wh-lffp e„fe anv. fcuch petfbns we cnnnot but love We 
 appraruf Id y proin.le well of them : and are difpofedto for 
 Hea,U,r,|rdandaffiftthem Yet fuch is the weaSrf our 
 lK,n », icfture, that =t the boltcn, of this charaacr there may 
 H. «,w,f , as we fee ex. mpHlicd in the inftance before u^ fomi 
 /,/. /*Aret and material defeas. That vigor of mind that 
 the worf nnel. of principle, may be wanting^hich Ts re ' fit] 
 ft. th.tlf enabUngthem to aft with propriety, when thdr, r: 
 vice i an».s put to a decifive trial. The foftnefsof the r nL 
 ,e precep»e IS unfavorable to a fteady perfcverance in the co J fe 
 have ;.,.* integnty. fhcy poff.fs the amiable qualities b.! 
 hat he *#rc ,s ground to fufpea, that in tlic eitimab e'one 
 7. re defiant. VV hile, therefore, wc by „o mea^ 
 s them among the bad. we dare not give them ?he 
 II praife of virtue. When thev Of ™,f : .f.^! 1 1?! *!?* 
 
 ■ot pronounce with conlid.nce. what coTfirZW^ 
 
 character 
 
 IS count 
 3118, as h 
 latent an 
 en hisvirj 
 which hi 
 trobabiiir 
 
 » "ic.r cnaracter will affjme .• nor how fur tic, can 
 a-p.;Uedupo.>, m future life. Allow me n?w ,0 
 
 N 3 
 
1^ f^o Oa' CHIRaCTErS OFIllPKRfECTCOODNBlJ, 
 
 point out iliC dangers which fuch perfons are moft llkcij 
 to incur ; and to (Ito^v what is requifite for tliem farthc 
 to lludy, in order to their fulfilling the part of good mcr 
 and true ChriRians. 
 
 I. Perfons of this defcription arc not qualified for ^'\{\ 
 charging aright many duties, to which their fituation in 
 life nnay call them. In certain circumftances, they be] 
 have with abundance of propiety. When all is calm and 
 fmooth around them ; when nothing occurs to agitatJ 
 the mind, or to diflurb the tenor of placid life, n-jne ol 
 their defeats come forward. They are beloved ; and thci 
 are ufefKl. They promote the comfort of human focicl 
 Ty ; and, by gentlenefs, and courtefy of manners, fcrvj 
 to cement men together in agreeable union. But to faj 
 on the tranquil furface of an unruffled lake, and to fteej 
 u fafe CQurfe through a troubled and ftormy occ:in, re 
 quire different talents : alas ! human life oftener refer 
 blcs the flormy ocean, than the unruffled lake. ~ 
 (hall not have been long embarked, without finding tli 
 resemblance to hold too clofely. 
 » Amidfl the buflle of the world, amidfl the open coij 
 tcntions, and fccret enmities, which prevail in every f| 
 cicty, mildnefs, and gentlenefs alone, are notfufficiem 
 carry us, with honor, through the duties of our difTcrej 
 ftations j as heads of families, citizens, fubje£ls, magj 
 tra*.U''> or as engaged in the purfuits of our fevcri 
 callings. Disturbances and trials arife, which deman 
 vigorous exertions of all the moral powers ; of pattenc 
 vigilance, and self-denial ; of conflancy and fortitude,! 
 fupport us under danger and reproach, of temperancj 
 to reflrain us from being carried away by pleafure ; 
 firm and determined principle, to make us defpife 
 bribes of fin. Thefe manly difpofitions of mind arei 
 . difpcnfably necefTary to prepare one, for furmonntiwg 
 difcouragements of virtue ; and for flruggling honoj 
 
 
 
 Krj%-^ {Vj ir*e f\9 MTip- 
 
 T Tnl/^ftt h/t hp t]mSn thtit- Jinlin 
 
 k 
 
 armed and fortified, whatever good intentions have 
 in his heart, they are likely to be fruflrated its a<?\M 
 
 ^ 
 
0» CK1»aCter8 op imperfect GOOBfCESS. fjl 
 
 ^Ing that Is great, c^in be undcrtkken. Nothing that 
 |lilRcuIt orj hazardous, can be accompllflied. Nor arc 
 \ to imagine, that it is only ^in times of perfccu- 
 In, or war, or civil commotions, that there is occa^ 
 In for thofe (tronge* efForts, thofe mafculine virtues of 
 tfoul, to bedifplayed. The private, and feeminjrly 
 kict, nations of life, often call men forth, in the days 
 Ipeace, to fevere trials of firmnefs and conftancy . The 
 leof very few proceeds in fo uniform a train, as not to 
 liigethem to difcover, in fomc fituation or other what 
 fcrtion they poiTcfs of the eflimable qualities of man. 
 fence It fometimcs happens, that persons, whofe man- 
 rs were much kfs promiCng and engaging than thofe 
 others, have, neverthelcfs, when brought ro a^ a part 
 Icritical circumftances, performed that part with more 
 Wullicd honor, and firmer integrity, than they 
 III. Perfons of the chara^er fhave defcribcd are III 
 kcd, not only for difcharging the higher duties of iif«. 
 It alio for refiftingths Gonimon temptations to vice, 
 rith good difpofitions in their mind, with a dcfire, like 
 ''young ruler in the text, to knew wh^t they fhall do. 
 inheni eternal life yet, when the terms requireii of 
 em mterfere^with any fa vrorite enjoyment, JlW Ilmi 
 ley :Arc sorroivful ; and go away. The particular tri^ 
 I to which he was put, may appear to be a hard one. 
 Id to exceed the ordinary rate of virtue. Our Lord, 
 fo difcerned his heart, faw it to be neceiTary, in hi^ 
 lie, for bnngmghischaraaer to the tcft. But in ca- 
 fe, where trials of much lefs difficulty prefcnt them- 
 Ilv«, they who partak* of a charaaer fimilar to liis 
 : often found to give way. The good qualities which 
 tj polkls, border on certain weaknefl^s of the mind : 
 !d thcfe weaknefTcs are apt to betray them infenfibly 
 p vices, with which they are conncded 
 Good nature, for inftance, is in danger of running 
 r, " r -_-""""- -viiipia:i«ijcv, vritiuu iiiiitnii.ttes men 
 loofe manners of thofe v^m they find around 
 Phant, and yielding irj.^eir tcmptr, they 
 
 I 
 
^fij:' 
 
 I5Z ON ClIAf ACTEns OF IMPlRFKCTGOODNeSS. 
 
 hire not force to ftind by the dccifioni of their 0^ 
 minds with regard to right and wrong. Likr the anir 
 wkich is faid to aiTumc the color o( every obje^ 
 which it is applied, they lofe all proper charaOcr 
 their ©wn ; and arc formed by the charaiflcr of thfl 
 with whom ther chance to aflbciate. The mild arc ] 
 to fink into habiti of indolence and floth. The cheer] 
 and pay, when warmed bf ploafurc and mirth, |J 
 that fobrifty and fclf-dental, which is eflential to thcfj 
 port of virtue. Even modefty and fubmiffion, qiulitj 
 fo valuable in themfelvcs, and fb highly ornamcr.talf 
 youth, fometimes dep;f nerate into a vicious timiditJ 
 a timidity which retrains men from doing their dl 
 with firmnefii *, which cannot ftand the frown oft] 
 great, the reproaches of the multitude, or even the r| 
 icule ai^d fnecr of the fcorner. 
 
 Nothing can bi more amiable, than a con^ant dd 
 
 to pleafe; and an unwillingnefs to offend or hurt. 
 
 in characters which this is a predominant feature, 
 
 ic^i are often found. Fond always to oblige, a| 
 
 afraid to utter any dif.igreeable truth, fuch perfonii 
 
 Momtimcs 5cd to dificmble. Their love of truth ii 
 
 crified t > their love of plcafing. Their fpeech, 
 
 their manncr«f, affiime a ftiidied conrtefy. You canr 
 
 alwayi depend on their fnile ; nor, when they promii 
 
 be furc of the performance. They mean and iatfl 
 
 well. But the good intention is temporary. Like vri 
 
 they yield eafily to every jmpreflion ; and the tranfifl 
 
 friendlhip contracted with one perion, is efFiced by { 
 
 next, Undiftinguifhed defire to oblige, often proJ 
 
 in the prefcnt ft.itc of human things, a dangerous half 
 
 They who cannot, on many occafioiu, give a firm i 
 
 fleady denial, or who cannot break off a conneiftid 
 
 which has been haftily and improperly forrnrd. fluid! 
 
 the brink of many mifohiefs. They \»mII be jlduccdl 
 
 V:.-i::.iI-CU Wi 
 
 .U t-C. 
 
 ,. _^A \... »lJ 
 
 in whom they had plac.rd thcT trid. Unfufpi 
 fiicmfcivcs, they were fluttered with the belief t?f havi 
 
OS CiiAflACTFRS OF lMp£Rri:CT COODNilt, j^^ 
 
 , fricnrfs around them. Ei^^^ed with l^inguinc honei, 
 checrfu fpint., thcy reckoned, that^ fcn^orlow 
 
 Jt 'Li II ^'-^f ""7' '"^^"^^^^^^ Injudicious 
 ditv, and thoug htleft profuf.on, arc the con/cqucncc. 
 I, in the end, the ftraits to which they arc reduced 
 If them into mean or diihonorablc courfes. Throuch 
 jccnt but unguarded wcakncft, and from want of 
 kvcrer virtues, they arc, in proccf. of time, bctray- 
 
 ,7.hlrr'l^ ,'."T- ^"^^ 'n^y be the conclL 
 lof thofc, who, hke the young ruler before na. witK 
 
 ly amiable and promifing difpofitions, had berun 
 ircarrer in Jife. ^ 
 
 JI. Such perfons are not prepared for fuftalnina, 
 fc propnay and dignity, the diftrcfle. to which oS 
 IS Jiablc. Ihey were equipped for the feafon of 
 une ami f.ren.ty ; but when the sky ., orercaiV, and 
 Idays of daricncfs come, their feebJc minds are dc(H- 
 :oi fli.lter, and ill provided for defence. Then •• 
 tin., when more hardy qualities arc required j when 
 
 r^VT r.f'^'r^"'' ^'""ft'-^ncy fupport pain, patU 
 tpClsufdfmtiiemldft of diIcouragemcnt.,,n^2 
 iin.ity c!ilpl-.y its contempt of fhrcatenings. l{ xhoU 
 virtn.s be- altogether ftrangers to the mind, the 
 and gentle wdl certainly fink, under the torrnt of 
 llt-rs. Ihc ruler in the text couM plead, that hi« 
 iv.nr to others, in the courfe of focial life, had 
 unexceptimuble. So far, the reflcOion onhis corv 
 w'uld afford him comfort amid a adverfity. But 
 m IS wit}.out failings. In the dejefting feafon of 
 be ,t wiii occur to every one, that he has been 
 y of frequent trangrefllon , that much of what ought 
 bve b<5eu done, was negleaed 5 and that much of 
 has been done, had better have been omitted. In 
 Iituations. when a tKoufand apprehenfions arifc to 
 iconfcience, nothing is able to ouiet it« un^afi^.r. 
 n well-grounded truft m the mercy and acceptance 
 I f'^^ It »8 firm religious principles, aain/upon 
 hlyand enlightened mind, , that givet dignity to^h? 
 
 k 
 
 ipf 
 

 liiig) atiil i 
 !tl of tcin| 
 tortfist pic 
 intciftic \ 
 lake a sdci\ 
 of God ai 
 
 154 ON CHArICTERS of IMPerFeCT G00DN1S8. I 
 
 ■povrerful 
 character, and xiompofurc to the heart, under allB' *^^^^ .^* 
 troubles of the world. This enables the brav^ andl'^'^ **^^*^' 
 tiious man, with fucccfs to buffet the ftorm.. Whilei"""'* ^^ 
 who had once fparklcd in fociety with all the chA ^* ?'^' 
 of gay vivacity, and had been the delight of cverv l"''^*. *' >5'' 
 cle in which he was engaged, remains difpiritcd,'o§*^0'"'g "' 
 whelmed, and annihilated in the evil day. ■lafitctions 
 
 Such are the failings Incident «to pcrfons of mV^^^ ^Y ^^' 
 and imperfca goodnefs : fuch the defeas of a chara ' ' '^ * 
 formed mc^^ciy of the amiable, without the cftid 
 <5ualities of man. 
 
 It appears frpm this, that we mufl not place tooiJ 
 truft in the fair appearances, which a charafter mJ 
 firft exhibit. In judging cf ethers, let us always iL 
 tht beft, and employ the fpirit of chanty and caiil"'^*"! 'J>Jt 
 ButiA judging of ourfelves, wrought to be more i'eji"*^*^ » <^»<-'' 
 Let us remember him whom our Lord beheld, and /jl'f*' i»»^d ii 
 vind who yet fell fhort of the kingf^om of heaven, r l>*^bavlor 
 lis not forget, that fomethiig more than gentlenefsfcy r«*oinis( 
 modefty, than complacency of temper and afftbilil worthy fii 
 manners, is requifite to form a worthy man, and al''"'*'nce, t 
 Chnftian. To a high place in our efteem, thefeJ'^^'^c us 
 ties are juftly entitled. They enter efientially into f *'^' ""oc, 1 
 rygood man's charaaer. They form fome of itsln^^uct, in t 
 favorable distinftions. But they constitute a part o|*'^>^'ii n^^*] 
 not the whole. Let us not, therefore, rest on thcJ'" prosper i 
 tirely, when we conceive an idea of what manAi (-iMil 
 persons we ought to be. It our lot in 
 
 Let piety form the basis of firm and establisheJf dctermiiic 
 tue. If this be wanting, the character cannot be J'lihall bo, 
 and entire. Moral virtue wili always be endangfcuH'SS and 
 often be overthrown, when it it separated from itf fuchdifcip 
 est support. Confidence in God, stiengthened byi agi*inft iIk 
 in the great Redeemei of mankind, not only, amid 'n tlic mod 
 
 ' .^vwiw! v«*»..xi xii vuiuc, ^»vC'5 CuiiSiaiicy lO tfic lilt 11(1 — 
 
 by nourishing the hopes of immorality^ adds wi 'c fliaji atii 
 and elevation to the affections. They whose cond " ^ " 
 Hot animated by religious principle, are deprived 
 
300DNBS8. 
 
 :, under all 
 ; braY« and 
 
 rm.. While 
 
 w»w' 
 
 erfons of m 
 ;s of a chara 
 it the eftiii 
 
 place too 
 hara£ier ms 
 us always t 
 ity ami can 
 
 be more k 
 
 povrcrful incentive to woril.y ;uul honorable dcciU. 
 tiuch djfciphnc, ntxt, be .iiu(iic<l, as nuy fonu 
 the active aiul nunly virtues. To naiurai i;ro(l 
 
 .„.>"»» J^^ "n never entirely trust our comhict. 
 
 I all the ch» ^* . ^' »^'^" shown, may sometimes be w.irpcc*. 
 htof cvervr'»^*. *' ^- ^'^'^S ♦ ^"** ^^^cn will prove insulrricnt, 
 difpiritcd,'*'T"5 "5 ''i^^'tly through all jhc duties of iil.-. 
 ■lofltctiOMS arc highly val..;;blc ; but they n.u.i be 
 
 fcrted by fixed ft\\n;\uks, r.iativaL':d in ihc under. 
 
 ling, and lOotcd in the htaii. Jlabiis must be uc- 
 
 111 of icinpciuntc and selfdefii.il, that we m..y be 
 
 kortfist pleasure, and endure p.iin, wl.cn eiihcrof 
 interfere with our <luty ; ih.ii wc m..y Ik; nrrp^red 
 
 bke a snerifiec of any worMIy Ifucre^t, wi.on ilu. 
 
 of God and cou.sv.iii,. c dc -i-.aul it. .Let us ..Kv..)'. 
 
 nikr, that u-ithout fjnltuue i.r m-.K'., :hcre k a^ 
 Jiopd i thete can be no perseverance in vimic. Ld 
 held, and /jl'fd and inviol ible rc^jard for truth rei^'ji im cut 
 jf' heaven. |i; l>*^i»Jvlor. htt us be diktiii^uiilied fm- Gdclii/ 
 1 gentlenefsty promise wi li;n'C nu^le^ and for constancy in 
 and afFtbilil' worthy friendship we iiavc formed. Let no r/tak 
 inan, and al'"»*'"cc, undue icj^ard to the opinions of men, 
 em, thefe J"ii»liC us betray the lights of conieiencc. What 
 itially intof'^^'^^ce, upon owe eon.sideration, adopted as rulca 
 bme of itsPn^^uct, to the^e let u$ avlhcrc un^hakcn. Howtw.rr 
 ite a part ol^'^rid may change arouml us, let it fmil ui the 
 ■est on thcJi" prosperity aiid adver- ity ^ faithful to God and 
 ivhat mannl'^i fjtthfrl to the convietionji of our owii heart, 
 ■tour lot in the Ai-orld may b<', is not ours to forc- 
 l establisheifdeterininc. l^ut it is ours to resolve, that what- 
 :annot be sjiiih-*'! bo, it fhall find us persevering in our line of 
 be cndangftnii'ss and honor. 
 
 ed from its fuch difciplinc, fuch attemions a« thefc, wc arc to 
 thened by ' aj^ainft thofe failings which arc fometimcs found 
 only, amid '" the mod cn|ra^T|„g chiiraeters. Joining; in pro- 
 j the iniiid "ion ihc amiabie and die cllimabic <jualiiiej, by the 
 jy adds Wi 'c fliali attrj£l t!»e good i and by die oiher, c(»m- 
 hosecond rcfpc£l from die bad. Wc ftiali both I'ccurc our 
 deprived o 
 
 m 
 
i'tti 
 
 own int 
 
 of what 
 
 one pan 
 
 that fmi 
 
 that brai 
 
 (}uir thci 
 
 fummcr. 
 
 pri parcti 
 
 A hig 
 
 ttr as I 
 
 prclcntC( 
 
 behold a 
 
 tabic. ] 
 
 Paul eni| 
 
 ffess fiMfi 
 
 itics be i 
 
 and diflii 
 
 aft'abic, c 
 
 miiiarly ^ 
 
 not tlictn 
 
 lie chimly 
 
 provocatj 
 
 ol h[^ coi 
 
 and pr«y< 
 
 fiinc Ji.fu 
 
 Yirtuc i i 
 
 with prc\ 
 
 A'tiin^ J'i 
 
 tlio p'ropl 
 
 in tilt: im 
 
 ftigmatlzi 
 
 without I 
 
 rai-eou* m 
 
 which w.r 
 
 honors Ik 
 
i'tti 
 
 •N ciiAJiACTCns or iMfKiiEcr coodni:st. 
 
 own intfpriiy, ^m\ flwll cilubit to others a proper view 
 of what virtue is, in its native grace and m.iicav. T,, 
 one part of our charaAcr, we fliall refcmblc the flower 
 (hat fmilcsin fpri ,g j in another, the firmly rooted tree 
 that braves the winter aorni. For, remember wc muft* 
 that there is a fcafon of winter, as weli as of fprinR ami 
 fummer in human life j and it ccnccrns us to be cquallr 
 prepared for both. * ' 
 
 A higher and more pcrfcft example of fuch a charac 
 terras I now recommend, cannot he found, than what is 
 orclcnted to us .n the life of Jefus Ch.ift. In him, w 
 behold all that IS gentle, united viith all that is rcfpec- 
 Ub»c. It IS a remarkable fxprcifion, %vhich the Apiftlc 
 laul employs concerninR him ; J h^euh you hy ihmteL 
 ms ..mfj'^thnesi cf Christ^ ^Vdl .right ihrfc qu.!. 
 
 and d.ftmgu.flied. We fc I,im in bis whole behavior 
 
 affable courteous, and cafy of r.ccefs. Me convcrfed fi- 
 
 miharly with all whoprcflnial t)v-n.fdvcs ; and defniAd 
 
 not theme|intft. AVith all the iniirt^mics of his difc iplcs 
 
 k chlmly l>ore 5 and hi > reb.Ars Vcr^J mild, when their 
 
 provocations were great. He w,.vt over the calimiric, 
 
 cl his country, which perf. cuud him, and apclo i{,J 
 
 and pr.yed for thrm who put him to death. Vrt jlic 
 
 lime Jtfus wc behold, awful in the (Irianfs r>*- h-^ 
 
 rirtue i infl -xiblc in tiie cause of truth ; uuronip:>iMr 
 
 yux prcynhng manners, when he found them c«rri'p£ ; 
 
 A'tim^ his face boldly againft the Svpocritir.l Irader-of 
 
 tuo p'rople } ovfT^awed by none oi tlicir thrcitciiin^s ; 
 
 in tnc mod indignant terms, reproving ^their vicca and 
 
 Ihgmatizi.g their charadcrs. We behold him penile 
 
 without being tame j firm, with<;ut beinir ftcrn 5 cou- 
 
 raucous without being violent. Let this mind he i,i us 
 
 whuh «;,„ ah^,„ Jesui Christ / and wc ihaU attain to 
 
 Honor^ both wiUi God and with matt. 
 
 • t Cbr, f. i. 
 
)a the S 
 
 Preached i 
 
 ht'I say 
 
 \fruit of 
 
 xoith you 
 
 WITH 
 
 kiist con< 
 f sacrair 
 jhich, sole 
 |ore80, b) 
 ir Lord h 
 I appear in 
 \ .'lad, all 
 
 enemies 
 I prevail ag 
 pinning, ^ 
 pjincd fai 
 iwas now 
 
 in whic 
 tly knew 
 s was the 1 
 
 had beei 
 nts of all 
 <|ulct an 
 
 within ; 
 ^d society, 
 
 1 to j)e pu 
 
?f ^f«api.iii ^i^:r-<wf "T»inp^^«^«fwiv»f ».' ^ 
 
 SERMON XV. 
 
 to the S«*»MBKT of the LoH«'s Svppe,*, ^ ?« J 
 JP4R4TJ0JJ for Death. 
 
 ^^mh^ « the eeld«tioo of the Eacitecm^f Ae Lord* 
 
 Sapper. 
 
 Matthew xxvi. 29. 
 
 «"M^,« ,„ my father's khg^l. ""'' " '•'«' 
 
 « sacramew of tL SappT It"- '"'«"*»" of 
 kich. «,l=mn and ven3 b it,e f I t J""?* '?,'! 
 "eso, by the circumstances S "i; "''''''^'".'" 
 "rLorahad now, for abouf ^, •'"on-pamcrf it. 
 
 appear in his prWic character " J'.'"' ^'"""'"^'1 
 ; "ad. al. along! ^^tS':,^:^^^ 
 ' enemies, and the time was come J^^• '"' ^ 
 Pr'^va,! against him. A fev We^^ 1* A V -;; *1^^ 
 bnnmg. selected, wi,o, i„ e*e,rvk;/r„Ht r • "'" '"^ 
 k'n».d faithfully attsclled t^ f, S u^*^'" =""«• 
 was «ow meeting for AewL ^ f *'='-' «^"<J' 
 • in which he L t^tn^^'T^d ^i-tf "h^ "'"■ 
 tly Icnew a)l that was to befa^hi.r H ' I f'^'' 
 
 was the last meal in whieh C^l^ ^^^.^^^ - 
 
 4uiet JlS^lZ^J^'l^'lS^v'^M.n: 
 
 c^-^ society, byrba:d""f :,*:; °,^^"1'^'^«^« 
 
 
t&MT' 
 
 
 1 1 ' ■ 
 
 Wi f 
 
 ■ii ?; 
 
 158 ON THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER, 
 
 'a heart melting with tenderness, he said to thi 
 twelve Apostles, as he sat down with them at table 
 // ///; desire I huve desired to eat this passover with youk 
 
 J ore I suffer*, And^ then, having gratified himself fc 
 the last time in their* society, and having instituted thj 
 commemoration of his deith which was to continuv " 
 
 ^ the Christian church until ihe end of ages, he took 
 
 sol-mn and afFectiohate farewell of his friends, in xl 
 
 ^^ uuls of the text, / say unto you, that I will not dm 
 
 henceforth 9f this fruit of the vine y until that daywhenl 
 
 drink it new with you tn my father* s kingdom. ^ J 
 
 As these words were uttered by our Lord, in tj 
 
 pro.pectof his sufferings : when -preparing himself ' 
 
 hi. death, and looking forward to a future meeting wij 
 
 his fri?!ids in heaven ; let us, under this view, consiJ 
 
 the facrament which he then instituted, as a prtparatiif 
 
 for all the fuflerings of life, and especially, a preparatij 
 
 for death. It is fit and proper, that such solemn prj 
 
 pects should enter into the service which we are ' 
 
 day to perform. "We have no reason to imagine, 
 
 thpy will render it a gloomy service. A good and wl 
 
 man is often disposed to look fo/ward to the termirati 
 
 •f life. The number of ou» days is determined by Gc 
 
 and certainly it will not tend to shorten their 11 umlj 
 
 that we employ ourselves in preparing for death. I 
 
 the(jontrary, while our days last, it will tend to ml 
 
 us pass them more comfortably, and more wisely, f 
 
 us now, then, as if for the last time we were to par 
 
 of this sacrament, consider how it may serve to pre| 
 
 us for the dying hour. 
 
 I. It is a high exercise of all those dispositions 
 
 affections, in which a good man would wish to die. J 
 
 would surely wish to leave this %' orld, in the spij 
 
 • devotion towards God, and of felIo'.i^iup and charity! 
 
 all his fc' ithren on earth. Njw, uiese are the v ryj 
 
 ikrents^ which the sacrament ^a ^he Lord's Supi 
 
 tuke xxii. 15, 
 
AS A PrEPAKATION FOr DEATH- 
 
 ^59 
 
 prres into the heart of. every pious coromunicant. It 
 
 icludes the highest acts of devotion o€ which human 
 Lture is capabh. It imports, a lirely sense of the infi- .. 
 W mercies of Heaven ; of the gratitude we owe to tliat t ' 
 
 God, who, by the death of hia Sons, liath restored the ij 
 lorfeited happiness and hopes of the human race. It Ij 
 jimports, the consecration of the soul to God ; the entire 1? 
 Resignation of ourselves, and all om concerns-, into hi« 
 Jhaiiils i as to the God whom we serve and love *, tl 
 Iguardiunin whom we confide. To ihee, O Lord» do / 
 m up my soul. I wiil go to the- altar of God, to God my J 
 Vxcer ding joy, 1 will come into thy home in the multitude I 
 y thy mercy / and in thy feary I wilJ worship towards I 
 \hy holy temple*, , ' f 
 
 The^e devout aiFections towards God are, on this oc- 
 casion, necessarily accompani^fd with benevolent disposi- 
 )km towards men. Our communion ij not only with 
 pod, but with one another. In this solemi) service, th^ 
 [listinction of ranks is abohshed. We asjfegmbJeincom- 
 wn before our great I-.ord, f rofessing ourselves to be 
 kll memb:rs of his family, and children of the same Fa-^ 
 kher. No feud, nor strife, nor enmity, is permitted t©4";j 
 bproach the sacred table. All within that hallowe*^* '^ 
 Ipace, breathes peace,, and concord, and iove. If thou\ 
 |/7,"^' ihygiftto the altar^and there rememherest that thy f 
 \rother hath ought against thee ; leave there thy gift htfore ^ 
 'he altar, and go thy ivay / first be reconciled to thy bro^ 
 'her ; and then come and offer thy gift\. What can be 
 nore becoming men and Christians, than such sentiments 
 f piety to the great Father of the universe } gratitude t'^ 
 [he merciful redeemer of mankind, and charitv and for- 
 »iveness towards all our brethren ? Is not this tlie temper 
 II which a good man would wish to live ? more e>pv.*ci- 
 illy, is not this the frame of mind which will give both 
 lignity and peace to his last moments ? How disconv 
 
 . . J J • - -^ 1 • . . 1 ■ • . . I . T 
 
 
 ii-Ha Cmoittcicu Wiii tiles 
 
 ' Psalm xiiii. 
 
 4. V. f. 
 
 important 
 Matthew 
 
 meracais 
 
 33- Uf 
 
t60 ON THE SACrAJENT OF LORD's S¥PPER^ 
 
 unacqun 
 
 we woul 
 
 will be a 
 
 foreign t 
 
 acquired 
 
 ety and 
 
 confer ne 
 
 of life. 
 
 temp.-r, ai 
 
 prove, if, with a mind soured by the remembrance c 
 unforgiven injuries, with a breast rankled with enmitv 
 with a heart alienated from God, and insensible tc devo 
 tion, one be forced away from life ? 
 
 Contemplate the manner in which our blessed I. or 
 
 died y which the service of this day brings particular! 
 
 into your view. You behold him, amidst the extrtniit 
 
 of pain, calm and collected within himself j possessing hi 
 
 spirit with all the serenity which fublime devotion, ani 
 
 . exalted benevolence inspire. You hear him, first, lamtntl yT'^^^r* ^ 
 
 ing the fate of his unhappy country j next, when he wal jj ^? / 
 
 fastened to the cross, addressing words of consolation tl ?\ * T 
 
 hU afflicted parent i and bstly, sending up prayers, mix! jf ^p? •' 
 
 rd with compassionate apologies for those who were shdl . . * . ^ 
 
 ding his blood. After all those exercises of charitv, ycJ • ^ ^^"^^ ' 
 
 behold him in an act of devout adoration and tru«i, .J "^j >;'^^^''^"f 
 
 :;i signing his breath ; fa/ her, Into thy hands I (onimcnd tml, T^ 
 
 |//»r,/.— Can any death be pronounced unhappy, hoJ ^""^/^ 
 
 , distressing soever its circumstances may be, which il '^^ ^^"^ ''^^'^ 
 
 '|hus supported and dignified ? What could we wish ffl|^P^f*^scap 
 
 '^ore in our last moments, than with this peaceful franil.^"*'Jf j7'" 
 
 si mind, tliis calm of all the affections,, this f^xaltationJ.^''^j^.jjy ' 
 
 ' if heart cowards God, this difttision of benevolence t ^""^ 
 
 wards men, to J.\M adieu to the world } 
 
 m which sc 
 pions of gu 
 tien. 
 
 But, 
 
 If, in such a spirit as this, we would ai'' wish to c.i't',l7 "', 
 
 Jet i&s think, that now is the time to prepare for it, bf "^^ mqi, 
 
 seasonably cultivating this spirit while we live j by imlr!'"'^'^'^^^^'^ 
 
 bibihg, in particular, from the holy sacramtnt, those clisJf!,^^"™^^ "^^[^ 
 
 positions and affections w! kh we would wish to ros.^csi • ?^^ """^^ 
 
 rntne prosp 
 
 ^fc- 
 
 posinuiis aiiu lufccuons w; icn we would wish to pos 
 at our latest period. It is altogether vain to imagine, thai 
 when the hour of death approaches, we shall be able tc 
 form -ourselves into the frame of mind which is thct 
 must proper and decent. Amidst the struggles of natiir'? 
 and under the load of sickness or pain, it is not tim^foi 
 unaccustomed exertions u-, be mrule, or for new refo^ma 
 tior,s to he hf ;Tun. S%Jlrifnr ot.rl tvirt*.^ I. V,,,., ...Of. ,.:..„» 
 
 /e- Jjut dn. is the -viis (hae'f. It wili be too late to as- 
 «ttme then the hero, or the baint, if we have been totailj 
 
 often seen to 
 rious methoc 
 iig this anxit 
 ^'ery feeble | 
 C'r protectioi 
 pipits have 
 eart«, to h 
 ^oughtless al 
 in this st4U 
 
PEK. 
 
 mbrancc c 
 vith cnmitVj 
 ible to devo 
 
 * 
 
 )lessed I. on 
 particularl 
 le t'Xtrtniit 
 Dssessing hi! 
 votion, am 
 irst, lamtnti 
 
 ^S A PREPARATION .OR DEATH. ' j^jl 
 
 win.bo alien a' d'^tr t o us "SULT"''';""' 
 f^»re,jrn to the heart It is on r in / °''"''' ^"<» 
 
 acqaired in former and ^^1 """»=«!"<="=e of habit, 
 
 temper, are the de/o on ^of ' h "day TnTh"" °''"''' » 
 
 nsolation J ^'^' ^^f *« would wish to be whe the Li ^ 
 raye.-,, mi J "^f^'}} .»''»» come. ''"*" '^'^ "^mo-s 
 
 ) were shdl , V' . ' '"' f crament becomes a preparation C,r J-,.i 
 
 charitv. J.V''""»='^T'''"'°" fo^ P-=«ce with cTd Wh? '* . 
 d tru.;, .J ™':"'^'--'"f " fhe close of life, i, no on^ the tem^ " ^ 
 
 «--l J:e tnd^iX^: .r^' »>- tr-'-^"^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 As- the inquisition of the Supreme Yd J f'' '^'^^ 
 jemembered transgressions crowd '^l^'fL'*^ '^' 
 .becomes strongly realised totheL "^"1^. T'^l g""« 
 
 'isli CO ci't',| 
 
 ; for it, b 
 
 e ; by im 
 
 agiiie, thai ^ • * - -uiu.c; luvi^iinie world- \vK,r.k • " 
 
 be able t. *=" ^^-^n'o attend the bed of de.th. He ' e tho '° 
 ich Uthe. "7 '""''°^'' ^-hich superstition hasdS/orl" •':' 
 of natur- "S '''^™'"«y i ''>« tremblInK mind ea»er I ^"!"- 
 « lin*efoi "^l^f^- Pi-'k on which it^-an ay h'fdyanTfl'''''^ 
 
 rrefafn,a. P'^f^""" '° '^e most unavailiilgIidP.jVe 1 ^/"^' 
 „ . .Ipmt, have been then t"" - ?, . -f™ stoutest 
 
 i. 
 
 ulew^""' *° ""= hobbled. Thev"wtm*^'L"" P''^*'^'' 
 
 '- S ^^^- about their »pimualln:i"* ,rj:,-"' 
 ,^ B m tnis state ocfore tliey die. *'^>^^y> perliaps. 
 
 £en 
 
I 
 
 if ^ 
 
 ;i' 
 
 fi52 ON THE SACRAMEN OF THE LOfto's SUPPEtU 
 
 The diftppfisation of grace, discovered in the p:o«;pet, 
 flfforas the only remedy against thofe terrors, by thf- 
 promise of pnrdon, extended to th.^ p-ni-ent, thr.Mcjh 
 the merits©' . \r Lor I Jesu<i Christ. It is the very es- 
 sence of i' A", SiiCi-.ir.icnt, to exhibit this promised grace 
 to mankind ; My body which wis brAm for yot : mj 
 blood shed for many, for fhe remission jf sin^. Here, 
 shines from above, the ray of hope. Divine justice, wc 
 are assured, is not iuexor^H^ I>tvine mercy is neres'^ible, 
 to all who believe and repent. The participaion of 
 this sacrament, therefore, naturally imparts comfort to 
 the worthy communicant ; as it supposes, oti his part, a 
 cordial compliance with those terms, on which pardon 
 is offered by the gospel to mankind. 
 
 I mean not to say, that the participation of this sa 
 crament, how pious and proper soever our disposition 
 at the time may be, is, of itself, sufficient to ensure us o 
 comfort at death. It were unwarrantable to fljtte 
 Christians, with hopes of thjs extent. No single actcl 
 the jmost fervent devotion can afford assured hopes o' 
 peace with Heaven, until- these hopes be confirmed b| 
 the succeeding tenor of a good life. But what may safej 
 ly be asserted is, that communicating iu a proper man 
 ner, makes way for such hopes. It is an introduction ti 
 that state of reconciliation with God, which will giveyo 
 peace in death. It is the beginning of a good coutsi 
 Avlnch, if duly pursued, will make your latter end bb 
 cd. It is the entrance of the path of the just ; the mor 
 }^<r oi thTit ii^ht which shineih more and more n 
 ih- perfect d.uy. For this holy sacrament is a professed 
 3Kuncrtion of the vices and corruptions of the worlj 
 It 1 - a professed dereliction of former evil habits, a soler^ 
 return, on our part, to God and virtue, under the fi 
 trust, that God will* through Jesus Christ, show mc 
 to t)ie frailties of the penitent. If you continue to s 
 port the character which you this day assume, the iiiv 
 ble woild inW no longer present to you a scene of terr 
 To'j will k comf orusd witii the view of goodness 
 
 '>«^''f!«?¥>' 
 
 6ompa«!s 
 
 mv er.ie 
 
 you wii 
 
 you hav( 
 
 tnt fted, 
 
 (loiv of 
 
 Thy r:d 
 
 III '\ 
 
 $treni2rth( 
 
 Christ th 
 
 rious wa 
 
 particuJa 
 
 Majesty ( 
 
 in the fct 
 
 inspires i« 
 
 be too .sti 
 
 it, throu 
 
 sumes a i 
 
 proach. 
 
 this grea 
 
 t>f the hi 
 
 especially 
 
 us closely 
 
 It is the a 
 
 this div[n< 
 
 in him, a 
 
 protector 
 
 under th 
 
 which fid( 
 
 impfy, of 
 
 His pan 
 
 couragemc 
 
 gether ceh 
 
 utmost ext 
 
 thizingaid 
 
 of life, ?ix\ 
 
 text, with 
 
 Ikis approat 
 
PEtU 
 
 tlK G:o«;pet, 
 )r3, by thf* 
 t, thr'Mi^h 
 Kc very es- 
 lised grace 
 
 >7x. Here, 
 justice, wc 
 i nores'^ible, 
 cipAtlon of 
 comfort to 
 n his part, a 
 »ich pardon 
 
 I (if this sa' 
 disposition! 
 ensure us o 
 ,e to flatte 
 single act cl 
 red hopes ol 
 >n firmed b 
 at may safei 
 iroper man 
 roductionti 
 will give yo| 
 
 good COUTS 
 
 er end ble? 
 ' ; the mor 
 more vr. 
 professed 
 F the wortj 
 >its, a sole 
 ider the fi 
 show me 
 itinae to s 
 If, the iiiv 
 ne of tern 
 joodncss 
 
 is A PREPARATION FOR nEATFI. 
 
 I^ 
 
 ru will be able toLt " T'^'"^"^^ '^''^'' 
 
 ycuhave worshipncrl :xuA tL "^ .^^ ^^^ ^'^L.whom 
 
 J«» I hib sacrament prepares w^ fnr , k r , 
 
 Chr«. th..r Saviour. 1 his i., h c.,m^a=o„ wH T'^ ""'' 
 nous way,, redound, to theirb^nef w wH '<?" "j 
 pjrUcul„rly.on.,latoryat the houro Je fh ..t ^""?1 
 
 Majesty of Heaven is in Han,. .• c f ^ '^^ 3wfuf 
 
 in tie Lb,e moZrof ^^^Vi:^;- -^\f -■"« '''«-• --' 
 
 be too strong for hs then ,.i bt ,r Wh , , ""S'" 
 
 «. through : Mediator aJd Int "ce.Tor LT m"' "^ '^ 
 sumes a 1, ilder aspect, and Cr^^^'lT\ • ^''^"'J' *»- 
 preach. Whatever ,hercLeTr"o '"^"^'"'^'P- 
 this great Mediator. l^lo^^.l^irT'T'''^'''^ 
 o( the human ruce, mu.t bc?^^o,t deirr.t ""'' *"''"" 
 «specialfy to the ,!ying rt,a,>. Tow C ""^ "•" '' 
 
 U3 closely witli hirn U „ T ' [ I^^^^ment unite* 
 
 Jn K;r« . . course, it strength >ns our fcihK 
 
 III nim, as our guide thrr.„.-,y^ i;r j " ■' '" ""» laita 
 
 protector in deafh It ™:!' 'a litl^lT' f '-'•'»,'"'l 
 under the confidenr,.^l^f ,^ ° '°°'' "P '"him, 
 
 which fidelity on .he o.-^^'" •''"''"''"'' ^"S^Sc-nent 
 
 -p-7. of prw -on r thr:!ther'"'^''"'~'-»'°"'^ - 
 
 cether cele^n:.] i,« ci<^nvc in>m no beinrr a to- i 
 
 ^ciiitrr celestial, how grncfous or beippn <:n/^t- . i ^ 
 
 tttmost extremitv w« p.m k ^<^»'g^ soevt r In our " 
 
 .'ii^in,aid,^::^^o'M::;.trri?^r.i'^.'^"'i'- 
 
 w ate, and o; the terror^ of de«hr%'-^l«;pT* 
 text, witl, what ftrn, tranquillity t l^S""'*'**?-'''*^ , 
 
 1 
 
 M: 
 
 m 
 
 IV 
 
A3 
 
 ■f 
 
 II' 
 il (• 
 
 1 
 
 con ncc tec 
 derive til 
 ify your 
 nment of 
 mind abo 
 ailbciate o 
 
 n4 ()H THE SACfiAMENT Of THE LORD's SOPfFH, 
 
 great Master, may be expected to infuse into us ^omeW^^^^"' 
 degree of the fame happy composure of mind. It isW^'^^" ^^ * 
 owing to our losing out of view this perfect model ; to '"^*"" 
 
 our following the crowd, and adopting the common spi- 
 rit of the world, that we become mean-spirited and babe; 
 servilely attached to life, and afraid to die. liid we, ac 
 cording to our engagements at the Lord's table, keep oui 
 eye fixed on our divine Le.»der, and attempt to foljowl 
 hts steps, a portion of his spirit would descend upon uiW*^ exalted 
 at the hour of death. It wftuld be as the mantL^ of Eli-fr^^''^ their 
 jcih, falling on a chosen disciple ; and would enable mM^^ ^^^^' 
 as it did Elijah of old, to smite, and divide the waterj^^o the h 
 We believe our .Saviour now to rule in the world of spi 
 rits. the gra'-e, therefore, bars not his followers fru 
 access to him. In the grave, for our sake, he once la\ 
 down, that he might dispel the gloom which appear? t 
 us to cover that formidable mansion. la a short time h 
 arose from it, in order to assure us, that the dark a^idB J^^ J^^^^ t> 
 narrow house was not to confine his followers for ever*"* ^* ^"^ ^ 
 By his death, he conquered death ; and him that had th 
 power of it » an<^l his voice to us i^, Baause I Ihe^ y^ 
 shall live ,./)>. Hence, as long a» we preserve that at 
 tachnient to him which we this day prof'ss, we are furnl''^" ^""^ ^'^^ 
 whcd with a variety of considerations proper for sup# ®^"^''* '^e 
 porting us in the prospects of ourdii58olution. This IcadB'^" ^y ''^*' 
 
 me to observe, C'V""t'\ 
 
 IV. That the sacrament of which we are to partakl" *; * J*'*^'^ct 
 
 prepares us for death, by confirming and enlivening oul"'^'' ^^^'"^J" 
 
 hope of immortality. In this sacrament, my friends, yoi^ ^^ "1^ 
 
 act for both worlds. As inhabitants of the earth, youarff^'^on froi 
 
 th. 
 
 on this day to look forward, with cue, to your f'-'^ujp. « ^^ , 
 behavior in it. For vou arc not, by any means, difai**""!*' f"^^ 
 • i..„. *-.Jii.. c^^^ fT,;. i;fo o«^ ;fe />i^«^iml«^hich ittrai 
 
 ds of the 
 
 ation, tha 
 
 lament, h( 
 
 lies to a ft 
 
 aphorical 
 
 ing, whei 
 ink it, in my 
 thefe word I 
 
 le same time, you are not to consider yoii' y ^^ ^ ^^' 
 izens of this earth only •, but also as citizeif *» ^ &°°* 
 
 you. 
 fc/lves 
 
 At the 
 as citizens 
 
 \^ 
 
 .-^T**^. 
 
 Sf^W*"*. 
 
AS .A PREPARATION FOR DEATH* 
 
 1G5 
 
 iHeavcn. You are to recognifc, on this occafion, your 
 Wan to a higher and better country, with which you 
 ^connected by th« moft facred ties •, and from which 
 derive thofe comforts and hope??, that will botE 
 I'ify your life, and render your death happy. Ihc 
 iment of the ifuppcr is, in this view, an afcent of 
 mind above terrcftial things. At the Lord's table^ 
 taflbciateourfclves, in fome degree, with fpirits of a 
 bre exalted order. We declare, that we are tetdiMg 
 lards their fociety ; and have fixed our final reft with- 
 |the veil. This view of the inftitution, fo comforra- 
 !to the hft period of life, is plainly given us in the 
 hh of the text. For it is worthy of particular oK- 
 ktion, that, as foon as our Lord liad inftituted this- 
 Irament, he ftraightway leads the thoughts of his dif- 
 iles to a ilate of future exiftenre Iiiiipioynig tiiat 
 itaphorical ftyle. whicli the occafion naturall.y fuggeft- 
 I he tells them, that though he was not henceforth to 
 nk of the fruit of the vine on earth, yet a day was 
 ning, when he was again to drink it wi/h them ; to- 
 Ink it, in my Father's Kingdom. Two diftindt ideas are, 
 Ithefe words, prefented to us. One is, the abode into 
 lich our Saviour was to rc/nove j his Futher^s kihg^dom^ 
 le other, the fociety which he was thereto enjoy \%vith 
 I,/// my bather* i kingdom, '1 hefc corrcfpond to the twa 
 |ws, under which death is moft formidable to men ; 
 khof which he intended to banish, by the inftitution 
 JtJas facrament : firft, that death is a tranlitioi. to a 
 h iiiid unknown world ; and next, that it is a final 
 Jaration from all the friends whom we have loved qu 
 rth. ^ 
 
 [Firft, if death terminates our exiflSnce here, the abode • 
 Iwhich it tranflytes the faithful followers of Ghrift, n the 
 Wdcm of his Father. 'I he inftitution of this facra-^ 
 ht, difpels all the gloomy ideas annihilati ii, of non- 
 iU'-r.CC... of total darknrik'. wViirii n«hr itnaiTinifirvn ^«s 
 
 \ y to aflbciate with the grave, wll^arc here aflured, 
 k to good men, death is not the clofe of being, h«t 
 
 i 
 
H 
 
 166 ON THE SACRAMENT OP THE LORD's SUPPJ 
 
 a change of ftnte ; a removal from a diftant and obfci 
 province of the univ -rfe, into the city of God, the d 
 feat of their Father's kiiigdon). They have every 
 fon to bcheve, that the obj^^dls which art to meet t} 
 there, how new and unknown foever, fhall all be pre 
 tious and friendly. For into the kingdom of his Fad 
 their Lord has declared, that he is entered as their /a 
 runner. I go to tuy Fat he r^ and your Father ; t\ 
 God^ and your God, In my Father's ho Je are A 
 rnaKJtons, I go to prepare a place for you* I will\ 
 again, and receive you to my fflj\ that zvhere I am, t\ 
 y may be also. What reafonings, that fpeculations, 
 have power to impart fo much peace to the dying ml 
 ^s a promil> fo dired: md explicit, coming from 
 who is truth iifeif, and cannot lie ? // // were m\ 
 1 ivould have told you^'-. The profpt^ft becomes ftiil m| 
 cheering and relieving when we conclude, 
 ^ The other circumftance mentioned in the text ; the 
 ciety to be enjoyed in that future ftate of being, m 
 you, IJhalld^irik of the fruit of the vine in my Fatki 
 kingdom. In Iiow amrabJe a light does our Saviour hi 
 appear, looking forward to a future re-unioii with tli| 
 beloved friends, whom he was now leaving, as to a ( 
 cumftance which ihould encreafe both his own felii 
 arid theirs, when they met again in a happier worj 
 Thus, m the m oft afFedionate manner, cheering til 
 drooping and dejec1:ed fpirit^ ; and by a fimilar pr 
 pea, providing lor the comfort of his followers in 
 ture generations, when they fhould be about to leave 
 world. 
 
 The expreffions in the text plainly fugged: a joyful I 
 tercourfe among friends, who had been f^pirated 
 death , and therefore fcem to give much confirmatil 
 to what has always been a favorite hope cf good ml 
 that friends fhaUknow and recognife each other, and] 
 Qcw their fornAeonne^tions, in a future ftate of 
 
 * John xiv. a. 
 
AS A JPREPARATION FOR DEATH. 
 
 167 
 
 ncc. How many pleafing profpefls, does fuch an 
 
 jimation open to the mind ! How much does it tend 
 
 jcompcnfatc the vanity of life, and to wiitigate the 
 
 jrows of death ? For it is not to be denied, that one 
 
 [the moll bitter circumftanccs attending death, is the 
 
 Ll reparation from beloved friends. This is apt equal- 
 
 jto wring the heartf; of the dying, and the furviving ; 
 
 jiii: is an anguiCh of that fort, which defcends moll 
 
 biy kuo the virtuous and worthy breafl. When, fur- 
 
 Lnclcd with ar, affe£lionate family, and weeping friends, 
 
 jood man is tiiking hislaft adieu of all whom he held 
 
 bit dear on earth ; with a feeble voice, he is giving 
 
 U his bleliing, before he leaves them for ever, when, 
 
 thelaft time, he btholds the countenance, he touches 
 
 hand, he hears the voice, of the perfon nearell his 
 
 brtj who could bear this bitternefs of grief, if no fup- 
 
 jrt were to be miniilered by religious hope ? If there 
 
 re no voice to wifpcr to our fpirit:^, that hereafter we, 
 
 ,1 thofe whom we love, fliall meet again in a more 
 
 Ifsful land ? What higher view can polibly be given, 
 
 the benefit redounding from this divine inllitution, 
 
 bn its affording us confolation in fuch fituations of cx- 
 
 be diftrels,' by real in ng to our fouls the belief of an 
 
 imortal il.ite, in which all the virtuous and worthy 
 
 ll be re-united in the prefeiice of their common 
 
 rd? 
 
 [IJbus I have fet before you many c^nfiderations, arif- 
 [from tfejfacrament of our" Lord's fupper, wliich rcn- 
 irita prop2t»|>r|0ition, not only for a good life, but 
 Jr a comfortabm anv! happy death. Ihc great im- 
 lovfrnent to be made of the fubje£l is, to J)ring to the 
 Jarot God fuch difpofitions of heart, as may give us 
 jound to hope for this blcITed effecSl. Let us approach 
 Jthc facrament with the fame fcrioufnefs of frame, as 
 jit were the lall time we were ever to partake of it ; 
 if we were making provifion for a' journey to that 
 
 11(1 wli enrff nnnr* rfnim • ac if wf twMfp iM-^raw *^^ J ..2^L^ 
 
 this manner, <?/ /^^/r«// of the vine until tlM da f 
 
 M 
 
?"«i^ 
 
 i08 ON THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPI»{ 
 
 -when we drink itt with thofe whom we have loved, 
 i»kr father's kingdom God only knows to whom t 
 may be truly fpokcn I God knows who of this afleinK 
 ihaJl never have opportunity to approach again to the I 
 cred taH^, and to meet with their brethren, onfj 
 an occanOn, in the courts of the Lord's houfe ! '\^\ 
 ever our doom is to be, whether we are appointed 
 life or for death, fuch is the frame of mind which nl 
 bcft. becomes, and will molt improve us^ in partakj 
 of the holy faciament. j 
 
 J '"t me caution you, before I conclude, againft jui 
 ■ .^ f the propriety of your difpofilion m this soicl 
 Ate of worftiip, folely by th«^ warmth of your affediol 
 and the fervor of your devotion This ftate of he/ 
 how defirable foever it may be, cannot be at all tit 
 poffcfled. It depends, in fome meafure, on natu 
 fenfibiiity. All are not equally endowed with wa 
 «nd tender feelings. Even they who are fufceptible 
 the higheft degree of pious and virtuous icnfibility,ci 
 not, on every occahon, command that happy tcmpti 
 cure of mind. We are not, therefore, to judge uri 
 vorably of curfelves, if this be not alwa^^ the privi! 
 of our devotions it is chiefly a fcdate ind coir po 
 frame of fpirit, that v/e muft ftudy to cultivate \ ari( 
 from grave and fober thoughts j from f^ rious and pd 
 tent recollection of pa ft t rrors ; from good puid 
 for the future } and from a deep fenfe of the apprc 
 ing -vents of deatli and immortality. Penetrated 
 fuch difpofitions, you have ground' ^ dsNfne to theal 
 of Goti wi h humble truftand joy ; under the belief ( 
 you are approaching, through the great RedcemcrJ 
 that Hie. ciful Creator, to whom in tke high and \ 
 place of eierrtityy the devout afpirations cf his fervj 
 9R earth, arc ever acceptable and pijeafing. 
 
 *«i 
 
SEllMONXVI. 
 
 '^n the Use and ABmz of tlic Wokm 
 I Corinthians vii. jt. 
 
 -r/.o' A*«/ uuthhmitU, a, mt abusing it.— 
 
 ^l^ffceirlV't -'r^' ••epreftmea m Scripture as the 
 CrS dlr" ■ '?. I ^'"•'ftf'"- ft f«» before hfa^ 
 r ^^d 1 rV"''"'^ are incumbent on him tope^ 
 
 proper for W^l'"' '«« to guard, 'i.k p^ which 
 I X tSs of t^f '"'^ "I comp.ifed in^hefe two 
 
 e n^%o «l"f ''!Sr?i5««« °f "-Wch, I pro. 
 «ancc. as?, dew™- H ^"^^'^ ? °^ Ae higher im- 
 
 .urgreatefttf "' "*'" f°"' "'"^^^ ""' f^ncl^ 
 
 l&c members of hun^ln fS ' ';;'"? '" 'f' "^""^ 
 Pich belongs to his ftati™ w '^ ' aflummg tlwt rank 
 f t«.r/,/ who lives Jilr' »° °"^ '^" '^' '■•''^ t° "> 
 
 V« no? of mS* clir™ """."S thofc who ap. 
 
 hWe be^ffi:!^^ tot-hl^rrS- ;?^d- 
 
 hially who abft.;n 2ft^?™*?.'^"5 *«= ^°'W » and 
 
 fcarance of aMufementV lut w'mf ,'"'L'r' '"" 
 
 ■"»' "ow piouj and fmccre 
 
 i!l 
 
 1.^1 
 
 I' 
 
 •A-j,, n 
 
 4 
 
 's; 
 
II 
 
 170 ON THE USE AND AIUSS OF THE WOKfiD. 
 
 Ibcver the intentions of fich pfrfons may be, tlicy el 
 tainly take not the pronercft method, either for inmn 
 
 with ufeiul fplcndor throughout the circle of focid 
 they confine it within a narrow compafs. According i 
 the metaphor employed by our Saviour, after the c\ 
 die is lighted, they put h vn4er a bufheU Inftcad 
 recommending reHgion to the world, they exhibit it 
 dcr the forbidding afped of unncccflary aufterity. I| 
 ftead of employing their influence, to regulate and t« 
 per the pleafures of the world, by t modekte particiji 
 tion of thofe that are innocent, they deliver up all tl 
 entertainments of fociety, into the hands of the Ic 
 and giddy. 
 
 The; Tarioui dangers which the world prefents lo 
 wh« ^ defir«us of maintaining his piety and integrij 
 have given rife to this fcrupulous caution concerning t 
 ufe of the world ; and fo far, the principle is commend 
 kle. . But we muft remember, that the vijU'lie of a Chr 
 tiin is to be Ihown, in furmounting danacrs which he I 
 ctlled to encounter. In ♦^o the poft of danger we wj 
 ordered ^y Provide nee, wheji we wctc wought ir 
 this world. We were piaccd as foldiers, on the fi^ 
 of battle. It is there, that our;fidelity to our grJ 
 Commander muft appear. The moft fignal virtues whij 
 adorn and improve the human character, are diipla) 
 in active iife. There, the ftrength of the mind 
 brought forth, and put to the telt. There, all theam! 
 ble difpofiti^ns of the heart find their proper exeicii 
 Fiumanity is .cultivated ; patieice, fortitude, and f^ 
 denial, come forvard in all their forms ; and the 
 of good men's works fo ihine before others, as told 
 them io glorify their Father which is in Heaven* 
 
 It may be alfumcd, therefore, ag i principle juftif 
 by the text, md by the whole flraia of 8criptur«^ t 
 to ttfey and in a certain degree to enjoys tht worlds isj 
 
 :ifl 
 
OK THE U.'iE AtMgm^iH or THE WOULD. 1 /l 
 
 ether conflilent with religion. According to ths 
 Ik which ipen poiT.fs in foci. ty, according to th.^ir 
 fc, their cmpioy.iicni a.id conncaions, tiie-- iiuercourie 
 phtne wo-!d wih be uiore or Icfs extended. In pri- 
 hfe, thsv ufe the v.or]d with p.opriciv, who are 
 live and mduiinuus In their cahiags ; juli and up- 
 Itin tiieir de.ihn^s ; fob.r. contented, and chceriul 
 Ithcir lUtion. V/heu the circumlU^ices of men aU 
 ^tliem a wider coniin^nd of .lie ei.joyuicnti of the 
 ^Id, ot thoie enjoyments they may "freely p.^t^k.-, 
 ^hm the bounds ot temperance, moderation, and <je- 
 cy. n.^ Ji^g^^^ft fituations of rank and opulence, 
 tat^to be a^iiaiguifficd by dignity of charader j hv 
 fenuve bcnuncence, ufcfulnefs, and public fpirit ; by 
 gnihcence, without oftentation j ^nd generous hoil 
 blJty, Without piofufion. 
 
 Wc fnullhave a ckarer view of the proper ufe of the 
 Iricl, when we coutrafl it with thatabufc ol the world 
 |ich ^ we too often obferve. Thcfc abufes manifcib 
 |inkivcs ni various forms ; but in general may be 
 ILd under three gre^t heads. 
 
 I. p.ey an abufes of the world, who intemnerateU^ 
 e taemfclves up to its pleafurcs, and lead a life oV 
 noafounefs, not, and dillipation. Amidd the wealth 
 B luxury of the prefent age, it will bs admitted, tha^ 
 lonaot this defcription are not unfrequent, who, b .- 
 [opulent mfortanj, and perhaps in high r«nk. think 
 Inifcives mtiiled to pafs their days in a carelefb man- 
 Without any other objed in view, than th^ Prati.i. 
 Ion of their fenf.s and paflions. It fmll be granted 
 Ithcy are i: ot obliged to that exaa economy and at ' 
 |ion in their manner o: VAng, which the ftatc of 
 unernay require of r. ic •. Gaiety fli all be permir- 
 |to them J change of ..cne, ^nd variety of amufc» 
 Jts But let them not forget, that as men and mem^ 
 Jof fociety, not to f.y prd-eifors of the Chriifian 
 81 ' ' ; - - -^ "" '-'^l,-'' '"'^rt III lucjr rareer ot ple^w 
 
 Rill .' A 
 
 4 
 
 <»' 
 
 a^- soon as it bsconiCi diijracefui uj themfd 
 
 ve§ a-:/.'* 
 
I 
 
 172 ©N TUB USB AN/) A»USF, OF THE WORLB.. 
 
 Burtful to the world. By the train of life which th 
 lead, they defeat every purpofc for wkich' Pr-oviden] 
 heftowed on them the bleflings of prcfperiy. They fij 
 every talent which they po^cfi, into ufelcfa infignij 
 eancy. They corrupt the public manners by example 
 and difFufe among others the fpirit of extravagance ai 
 folly. They beliave m a manner altogether unfuitali 
 to the condition of the worI4 in which we live ; whcl 
 we are expcicd to fo much chtngc, furrounded with ! 
 »ach diftrcl3, and daily behold (o many affecSling feed 
 as ought to awaiken feriout reflcdion, and chaften dii 
 Jute mirth. 
 
 With indigrnnt eyes, the fobcr and tliinking part 
 mankind, view the luxury and riot of thofe abufersoftj 
 
 "T"^'^^!. '^ * ■ ^'^'^ '^^^ c-wing the discontents cf the pod 
 t'ieir ir'f.il-lc'Joii lo their fupCTioiT,, their proncnffs toi 
 tiurb Ih^ face of ilie world. \Mifn the p.oor behc 
 srcrahh properly ufed, tliey look up with rcfpea to th« 
 who poiTtfs it. They nil contented in their ftation ; n| 
 blcfs the juft and the j^cnerou?, from whofe munificciJ 
 dicyreccii'e employment and reward. But when tli] 
 heboid thofe it\en of pleasure, diOipating, in vice and fl 
 ly, the fortune which their forefathers had honoraf 
 eiirned ; when they beheld them opprefllng all thcT 
 pendents, mfreiy that they may revel in luxurious extj 
 vagancr, then ihfir hearts fvvcll within them ; with mi 
 murs of fallen grief, they eye their own mean haba 
 tion, and i\tci.\y family ; and become prepared ford 
 l)eiy, tumult, fc;dition and every evil work. I 
 
 ihe condud of fuch abufcrs of the world, is not oj 
 pernicious to the welfare of fociety, and to the inter/ 
 of virtue j it is equally ruinous to thcmfelves. I Ihall 
 infill on the lofs of reputation, the wafte of fortune,! 
 broken health, and debilitated frame, which are the w) 
 kt;Qwn confequencesof a life of intemperate pleafurl 
 flirtll not recount all the better and more fubftantialj 
 joymetif3 which they forfeit:. Amidft the turbulencj 
 
 i.1,. 
 
 •.w <m%^ <kAfcV>^ 
 
we live : whcl 
 
 O'l^ THE USE AND ABUSE Ot THE vVORLD. Hij 
 
 rational entcminmets of regular life ; the enjoyment 
 the face of nature ; the pleafures of knowledge, and an 
 .proved mind ; the pleafures of private friend/hip, tnd 
 .meftic fociety.theconfciousfati.faaion which atcom- 
 oies honorable labors, and the juflly acquired eftcem of 
 .fe who furround them. All thefe they have throwa 
 ;ay; and in their room leave fubftiruted, what the v 
 "1 TV"? ^ '"^ ^'^^'^ pleafures. But of what nature 
 [e hofe pleafures ? /iv.^, in laughter the heart is L^ 
 phi I and the end of ^hat mirth ii keavinefs'',- 
 At the bottom of the hearts of all men, there lies a 
 ;ret Icnk of propriety, virtue and honor. Thii fenie 
 ajTbe fo far bluuted, as to lofe its influence in jruidiM r 
 ien to what IS right, whi'e yet it. retains its power of 
 ^^king them feel that they are ading wrong. Heiic- 
 norf. often gnaws the heart, which affects to apnea • 
 !ht,and gay, before the worldV Am^ng the croud oi" 
 aulements the voluptuary may endeavor to ftitle hi-. 
 icafmefi ; but through all his defences it will penc"^ 
 ite. A confcious fenfe of his own infigniiicance, when 
 fee others diilmguiiTifd for aclring a manly and wor- 
 l7 part : refleaion on the time he ha, wafted, and thr- 
 fucmpt he has incurred ; the galling remembranc^ 
 .his earlier and better days, when he gave the fair pro- 
 le ot accompiiiliments, which now am hlirted, have 
 fequsatiy been found to faddcn the feftive hour Th- 
 ine of merriavent may be heard ; but heavinefs lies at 
 ^.leart. Wnile the tabret and the viol play, a melan- 
 
 ^a"*.*^! ^',^"^' "' ^" "'*• '^^« ^*ft^^^ eftate, the 
 ,lected halls, and ruined manfioh of his fathers, rifo 
 
 view 1 he angry countenmices of his friends, fecia 
 tibre him in the face. A hand appears to come forth 
 
 the wall, aiid to v/riie his doom. 
 iRetreat, then, froia your dilhonorable courfes ye who 
 t]icentiouftie*s, extravagance and vice, are abufers of; 
 EWorld? You are degrading, you are ruiai:>,g yoijr- 
 
 i*i; 
 
 Prov, 
 
 SI7. 7: 
 
I 
 
 1 
 
 174- on THE USE AND ABUSE OF THE WORLD. 
 
 felvcs. You arc grofbly miftmploying the gifts of God 
 and the giver will not fail to punifh. Awake to th(, 
 purfuitscf inen of virtue and honor. Break loofe fron] 
 tbatmigic circle, within which you are at prefent held] 
 Rcjea the poifoned cup which the enchantrefs Pleafurfi 
 holds up to your lips. Dr^w afide the veil which ft^ 
 throws over your eyes. Tou will then fee other objca^ 
 than you now behold. You will fee a dark abyfs open 
 ing below your feet. You will fee virtue and temper 
 ance marking out the road, whith condu^s to true fe] 
 licity. You will be enabled to difcem, that the work] 
 is enjoyed to advantage, by none but fueh as follow thofJ 
 divine guides i and who confider pleafure as the feafonl 
 ing, but not as the buffnefs of life. 
 
 II. The world is abafed, not only by an intempe, 
 rate purfuit of its pleafures, but by a fordid attachmen 
 to its gains. This refpefts a fct of men of very differcn 
 dcfcription from the former ; more decent in their car] 
 ;riage, and Icfs flagrant in their vices ; but corrupted hi 
 the world in no Jcfs a degree. For the world is oftei] 
 nbiifed by the men of bufmefs, as much as by the mn 
 of pkafure. When worldly fuccefs becomes the folj 
 objea of their life ^ when the accumulation of fortunJ 
 fo engrofles them, as to harden their heart againft ever] 
 ifclingof moi.! obligatien; when it renders them inj 
 fcnfiblc to the calls of aiFc6lion, and to the impreflionl 
 of piety and religion -, they then come under the clafs ol 
 tlic covetous, whom, it is faid, the Lord abhorreth *. 
 
 The world, with its advantages, is a lawful objeft ol 
 purfuit to a Chriftian. He may feek, by fair induftry 
 to render his circumftances aflhien:. \A ithout rcprool 
 he may aim at dtftinaion and coniideration in the world 
 He may beftow a confiderable portion of his time and at 
 tention, on the fuccclkful management of his worWlj 
 interefts. AH this is within the limits of that allowabl 
 mid of the world, to which religion ^ivcs its fan(^i( 
 
 • Psalm X. 
 
 tL 
 
ox THE USH AND ABUSE OP THE WOULD. ITS 
 
 to a wi« and good man, the world is only a sccon. 
 
 bobject. He remembers there is an eternity iKyond 
 
 His care ,s, not merely to amafs and possess, but to 
 
 it L ^^ ''"^* "'^" " '*»« ''opes. or the fears 
 ihe world. He would rather forfeit an^ present ad- 
 tage, than obtain it at the expense of^vi^ fng he 
 
 U law, or neglecting his duty. This is tuinf the 
 
 kLd T^'"^ \'"'"'^'' °^ ''•' «'"'' community of 
 nk.nd. To such a man, riches are a blessing. He 
 
 bv enfoy hem w,|h magnificence ; but he will use them 
 lA hberahty. They open a wide field to the exercis^ 
 \k, virtue, and allow it to shine with diffusive -ustrt 
 
 Very opposite to this, is the character of the worldlyl 
 Ned. lotliem, the mere attainment of e.irthy pos- 
 
 Bions ,s an ulfmate aim. They cannot be said to „,. 
 
 r wsr/^-for to pofless, not to use or enjoy, is thei.- oh- 
 h. They are emphatically said in Scripiure. to had 
 h''fo" W'Jh thckchy^ Some sort of apologv may 
 
 fc f r "i'™."'"' T'' '° "*^'' from die^world! 
 
 b u re of one kmd or other. But for those who know 
 
 iple^tsure farther than „dding house t, huse.andfieU 
 fd, and calhng them their own, it is hardhr pos^bie 
 I frame any apology. Such persons are idolaters of 
 worftkmd i for they have made the world their God. 
 
 bey daily worship and bow down before it j and hold 
 Nhmg to be mean or base, which can promote the en- 
 
 rfement of their fortune. He is an abuser of the 
 lorld, let h,s possession of it be ever so ample, who 
 ^m nothing higher than the gains of the world. He 
 I aft abuserof the world, who s.crifices probity, virtue, 
 r humanity, to its mterests. He is an abuser of the 
 lorld, wno cannot occasonally retreat from it, to consi- 
 >r what character he bears in the sight of God ; and to 
 that issue his conduct will bring him at last, in a word. 
 
 fXr TT-r_t_1 
 
 Uit: ii, 
 
 'dUil 
 
r7G 
 
 ON Till! USE aUD abuse O^ tUt WOItttP. 
 
 ¥ 
 
 the wdrld is then properly used, when it is generous 
 and beneficently enjoyed : neither hoarded up by a. 
 nee, nor squandered by ostention. ^ J • 
 
 in. The world is abused, by those who empW ll 
 advantage to the injury or opprefllon of their- brethreJ 
 Under this class arc included, the worst and most ci^ml 
 nal abusers of the world ; who turn' against their felloe 
 creatures, those advantages with which it has please 
 Heaven to distingui.Ii them. It is a class which con 
 prehends, the sovereign who tyrannizes over his people 
 the great man who oppresses his dependents j the mLti 
 who is cruel to his servants; .very one, in fine, M 
 renders his superiority of any kind, whether of wealr] 
 or power, unnecessarily grievous to those who arc h 
 •nferiors : Whose superciliousness dejects the modest 
 whose insolencctramples on th« poor ; who^ti rigor makd 
 the widow and the orphan weep. Persons of this ch^ 
 ncter, whils thus abusing the ac' vantages of the worll 
 may, for a whJile, enjoy their triumph. But let therl 
 not think, their triumph is always to last. Their turl 
 shall come, to be humbled as low as thofe whom the 
 now oppress. For there is a vigilant eye in the heaven/ 
 attentive to observe their procedure. There is anii3 
 partial ear, which listens to every just complaint prefej 
 red against them. There is an irrcsitible arm stretclie! 
 
 m^ their heads, whofe weight they shall one <lay fe^ 
 th» Sovereign of the universe cliarartc.j.es himself i 
 the sacre-^ writings., as peculiarly m adversary to the i 
 Solent jnd haughty . Fcr the oppression of the poor, h 
 the si^bmg of the' nndy, now i will arhcysa'tth the Lori 
 I will set him in safety from- him thcJ pwjfeth at him*, 
 will come near to ym in judgment ; and I will be a iwi, 
 ivitnesi against those whooppress the hireling in his wa^t 
 and the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn am 
 the stranger from his right\, H^ that oppresseth ih 
 posr, reproach his Maker^. The Lord tviU pkad tkl 
 cuufe : and spoil the soul of those that spoiled tkeml 
 •Pfiilmxii. ?. t Malachi iii. f , 
 
 \ Troy. xiv.;i. 
 
 fl I'rov. xxii- aj. 
 
«# THE r ^, AND ABirSW Of THE Woni;D. 17-7 
 
 After hearing these awful words, is it not strange, 
 )men, at oticc infatuated and cruel ! that you cannot 
 t the woriij, without abusing it, to the distress of pur 
 cthren Even supposing no punishment to be ihrcat- 
 d, no am. to be Hfted up against y«u, is there nothing 
 fcithin you, that relents at the circumstances oi thosebc- 
 V )ou in the world ? Is it not enough, that they suf- 
 tl -ir own hard fate, without iis being aggravated, by 
 lour fcverity and oppression ? Why must the agtd, the 
 por and friendless, rcmble at your greatness ? Can- 
 Dt you be happy, unless you make them eat their scan- 
 f morsal in bitterness of heart ?— You happy I profane 
 ct the word, what is such happiness as yours, compar- 
 iwith that of him who coul<' say, ff%en the nu- Lrtud 
 f,/bni if l/Iessi'd ffie : and when the eye iriij me^ // ^are 
 vltness to me : because I delivered the poor thai a iedy and 
 hfafheriesSi and him that had none is help him. / %vas 
 [father to the poor. The blessing of him that ivas ready 
 h perish, came upon me ; and / caused the widoiv'i heart 
 hsing for joy\. How properly did such a man wjf the 
 W/V/, and' with what just honor did he flourish in it ! 
 mo me men gave ear ; they kept silence, and waited fr 
 k counsel. 1. he princes rej rained talking. Tbe^aged arose 
 ml stood up. My root was spread out by the waters ; and 
 p dczv lay upon my branch. Not only unknown to yoiv 
 Ire such pleasures of virtuous prosperity j but, even 
 previous to prepared punishment, be assured, that re- 
 morse is approaching to wring your hearts. Of the 
 jworld, which you now abuse, in a short time nothing 
 Ishali remain, but the horror arising from remembered 
 Icrimes. The wages, you have detained, the wealth you 
 have squeezed from the needy, shall lie heavy on your 
 louls. The stately buildings which your pride has erect- 
 Fcl, by means of violence and oppression, shall seem 
 punted by injured ghosts. ^ The stone shall cry 
 
 t Job xxixe 1 1 —16^ 
 
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I 1.8 OK THE ViE AND ABCSl Ot THE WORLJi, fl 
 
 ft J- T ■clfcallor 
 
 '^. ^uf of the wall; and the he am cut o^ the timber ,hm'^'^^^^ 
 
 mswer it\ When you He on the btd of death illabuse gr 
 
 poor, ^hom you have oppressed. %h2^i pnpear to'vrP'ilc thcy 
 
 as^gfthcred toged^er ; sivetcLlng forth their lanj 
 
 and Ij.tmg up their voices agaimt you, at the tribunal J 
 
 . V^X; / If %'■ '^r^-^ked great in fower, a\ 
 
 spreading hmscl} hh a green bay^trre. But he pau\ 
 
 cjway, and was not. 1 sought him, hut he cauid noil 
 
 , jound, 1 hey arc brought d.wn to devolution in a J 
 
 mepty armvttnly cemumed with termors, Jt a c/re,i 
 
 when one owahih .,, Lord, when thou aw.keX 
 
 thou Shalt deptse their imc/gtf. - 1 
 
 Thus 1 have shov/n what it is to u/e, and what J 
 
 .^uset^e world. When, according to our difl^rent st| 
 
 ^^., we n^oythe advantages of the M^orld M'ith pi 
 
 rnc.y,ai,d decency ; temperate in our pleasures : modj 
 
 ra:e m our pursuits of interest j n^indful of cur duty tJ 
 
 God, and at the same time, just, humane, and gcneroJ 
 
 to our brethren ; ^hen, and then only, we «.. 1 Jl 
 
 «s become men, and Christians. Within these linJ 
 
 v_e may safely enjoy all the comforts which the wo J 
 
 affords, and our stations allows. But if we pass beyonj 
 
 these boundaries, mto the regions of disorderly and viJ 
 
 pus pleasure of debasing cove to usn ess, or of oppress! J 
 
 insolence, the world will then serve only to coJ^upt oJ 
 
 mmds, and to accelerate our ruin. The licencious, thl 
 
 avaricious, and the insolent, form the three great cLsJ 
 
 of abusers of the world. ^ 1 
 
 Let not those who arc in wealthy and flourishing cirl 
 
 cumstanccs, complain of the restraints which relicioul 
 
 doctrines attempts to impose on their enjoyments. Fori 
 
 h;r fl! f\'^f .'^^''^^ints amount ? To n« more dJ 
 
 this, that, by their pleasures, they would ccither iniuJ 
 
 themselves, nor injure others We call not on the younj 
 
 to relinquish their gaiety j nor on the rich, to fore/o thl 
 
 opulence ; nor on the great, to lay a.idc their state, wl 
 
 *,Habak. ii. ,: f Plalm Ixxvii, 35. Ixxil. .9; | 
 
4N ttXTREMKS, Sec. 
 
 XTU 
 
 pIjT call on them, not to convert gaiety Into licentious;* 
 fSs i not to employ opulence in mere extravagance } nor 
 kbuse grettness for the oppression of their inferiors : 
 rhilc they enjoy the world, not to forget that they a re 
 fejccts of God, and are soon to pass into another state. 
 It th* motive by which the Apostle enforces the cjc- 
 ^tationin the text,j)re8ent itself to their thought 5 1/^^ 
 Us world as tiot abusing it ; for thefashtm «/ the wot Id 
 Sssefb away. Its pomp and its plcatures, its riches, mz&e 
 ficencc, and glory, are no more than transient show. 
 |cry thing that we here enjoy, changes, decays, and 
 ■jnes to an end. All floats on the surface of a ri^er, 
 hich, with swift current, is running towards a bounU- 
 "I ocean. Beyond this present scene of things, above 
 sublunary regions, we are to look for what is per- 
 aent and stable. The world passes away ; hut God, 
 I Heaven, and virtue, continue unchangeably the same! 
 pare soon to enter into eternal habitations : n«d into 
 t?e, our works shall follow us. Hje consequences shall 
 f ever remain of the part which we have acted ns good, 
 bad men ; as faithful subjects cf God^ or as servants 
 [ a vam ^orld. 
 
 SJ 
 
 ^1 
 
 SERMON XVIL 
 
 EXTREME! in Religiows and Moral Condwcs*. 
 
 PROVElBliv. 37. 
 
 Turn not to the right hand^ nor to the left. 
 
 5/ ^ILL behave mpelf wisely, said the Psalmbt I^vfd, 
 l« perfect way*. Wisdom is no leis necessary in re- 
 |0U55, and moral, than in civil e©if<|i|c;t, Unless there 
 
 Ps^Im ci %i 
 
 ^^.V..^r. 
 
a«o 
 
 ON IXThemustN 
 
 U'\ 
 
 be a proper degcce of light in the understanding, it Agird'tot 
 not kc enough, that there are good dispositions in ^^e prqpc 
 heart. Without regular guidance, they will often *r of dut^ 
 from the right fcopc. They will be always waveAn, what 
 and urrfleady ; nay, on ibme occafions, they may bet Jed. Rec 
 us into evil. Ihis is too much verified by that propX jjght am 
 fitv to run into extremes, which £o often appears in^rc word 
 behavior of nrien, How many have originally fct Xpcrftious 
 with good principles, and intentions, who through 
 of dif&etion in the application of their principles, ,« 
 in the end injured themfelves, and brought difcredit 
 religion ? There is a certain temperate mean, in the 
 fervance of which piety and virt«e confiit. On 
 fide there fiejs a dangerous extreme. Bewildering j 
 open 5 by deviating into which, men are apt to f< 
 all the praife of their good intentions ; and to finifli « 
 rcproateh, what they had begun with honor. This is 
 ground of the wife man's exhortation in the text. 
 ihine eyes look rght <m, and let thine eye-lids lookjlra, 
 before thee. Ponder thtpath of thy fett^ and let all 
 ways be ejiablijhed, Tw^n not to the right hand^ na 
 the, 'ft ; remove thy foot from evil. In difcourfing fr^-, f.-.j, 
 thefe words, I purpofe to point.out fome of the extrcifti.H m^a^ 
 into which men are apt to run in religion and morA^^ ^„ S 
 and to fuggeft direaions for guarding againft them. Jl^, "'''^ 
 With regard to religious principles in general, it ni!; T" "r 
 perhaps be expcaed, that i fhould warn you of the m,L%^ 
 ger of being, on one hand, too rigid in aciherint to .lef j-a t 
 and, on the other hand, to eafy in relaxing it. Bull Z\ ! 
 diftinaion between thefefuppofed extremes, I conce j- "f 
 
 to have no foundation. No man can be too ftria, t^^fj 
 his adherence to a principle 6f diity. Here, there is iv i !! .i 
 extreme. All relaxation of principle, is crinuj ^u . 
 Whatconfidcnce diaates,is tabe ever obeyed. Itsid ^^v^^""*^* 
 paands are univerfally facred. Even though it slid rnx^ ^ 
 be mifled. vet. aslmur ;»«««. mf^n^'r^^ \i- *«..**-# c^nbeju 
 
 landments 
 fhich ougl 
 ic law. ( 
 IS and un 
 
 Jine, wi 
 
 «fin, tha 
 
 (Though 
 
 infcience, 
 
 ing too r 
 
 :rc praaii 
 
 turn to 
 \tth and a 
 !at propri 
 
 faith, oi 
 
 be mifled, yet, as long as we conceive it to uttct »„ . 
 voiceofGod,indofobcyingitwefin. The error, t>ie ' 
 tore, to be here avoided is, not top fcrupulous or tcni 
 
 pleafe 
 
^«tIGl6tJl ANft MOnAL CONDtJCY. 
 
 r*« 
 
 •?dmg, It Agifd ta cortfcicncc, but too little care to haie confci- 
 •sitions in tlnce^prqperly enlightened, with refpea to what is mat- 
 will often »r of duty and of fin. Receive not witha.t ex9min«- 
 vays waver»>fi, what<^'rt human tradition has confecrated as fa- 
 ey may .hei«ed. Recur on every occafion, to r ho fe great fountains 
 y tnat propA hght and knowledge, which are opened to you in the 
 appears m t|»re word of God. Difti .guifli, with care, between the 
 ipcrftious fancies of men, and the everlafting com- 
 landments of €od. Exhauft not on trifles that zeal, 
 fhich ought to be refcned for the Weightier matters of 
 ic law. Overload not confclence, with what is frivo- 
 ls and unncceflary. But when you have once drawn 
 ■line, with intelligence and precifion, between duty 
 «/in, that line you ought on no occafion to tranfgrefs. 
 (Though thefre is no extreme in the reverence due to 
 bfcience, there may undouhtediy be an extreme, in 
 Ting too much fti-efs, cither on mere principle, r on 
 re praaice. Here we mi^ft take particular care, not 
 turn to the right hand, nor to the lejt ; but to hold 
 \\h and a ^md conjcience united, as the Scripture, with 
 !at propriety exhort us*. The error of resting wholly 
 
 f the eyrri.nf;.^?*^^' ^'' ^"'t'^'i "" "^^^^^ ^^ "^^^ ^^ ^^0^^ ledua-ons, 
 
 1 and rnnrl'^''^ """"^ ^'^^'^^ ""'^^"'^ '"^^ ' ""^^'f t^c femblunce of 
 
 inft them T^^ **"'^^ ^"^ ^^'^'^ ' ""^^ ^^ ^"^^^"^^ °" ^^^ other. This 
 . • Bnot an error peculiar to our times. It has obtained in 
 
 ery age of the Chriaian church. It has run through 
 
 idherinrtol'-^r^ ,^5^*.''^ '"'''^^' ^^^^^* religion. It forms the 
 iuhcnn|to f diftma-icnof«ll the various fcas which have dt. 
 
 es 'iconce ^''^' ^"^^ ^'^^^^^^ ^'" «^0"t5n^^- 't«> divkle the church j ac- 
 
 e too ftri^ '"^'"f ''^'*^"'y '^^'^ ^'^'"^^ ^""^ to t^e fi^ of belief, 
 etooitnct, to the fide o^ moraHty. ^^ ^ 
 
 ^'Shnk ^i^ ^e ^^» ^^n^^Miy to the voice bf Sa-ipttire, ¥" 
 ^ed lA \ ^"^^^A "S^!»^^^ either extreme, i^lje Apoftlc 
 Lii iS ^""V ''''^'*' ^^^^S^. that by no works of our own 
 
 it %n \vVtM \ ^^^ ^ justified J and that, without frith if h imbc 
 
 "m(M^ ^^^//^^irG.^. The ApoftleJ^une/as clearly /h(^;^ 
 
 ilouso/tcn( » f Tim. i. ,^ ^^ 
 
 l!"-^,(. 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
t^^ 
 
 0>',EXTRH%fES H? 
 
 that faU?>, if It l>e,unprodu£llve.of good worTcs, juftj„ 
 ro man_ >Betw«en.thofe fentimcnts, there is no oppo 
 tton. F.iitt.M.'ithoJJt wrorjcs. is ijygatory and irisignii 
 cant. It is a iaimdation, .without any fapcrftruib 
 raifed upon it. .It l« aiouiitain ..which fend» forth i 
 Jtream } a trc^c, which neither bars fruit, nor alFon 
 Jhade.v Good works, again, ^if),out good principl 
 ^•re a fa^r, but airyftrudure ; without firmnefs or fta* 
 iity. They reftmlDle the houfe buiit.on thcsfand ; tl 
 reed, which (Imltcs with every wind. You iriull join t 
 two in full union, if you would' exhibit the chnraacr 
 •a real Chriftian. He who.fets faith in oppofition to m 
 rals, or morals in oppofition toiaith, is equally an en 
 my to the interefts of religion. He holds up to view i 
 jmperfeaand disfigured form in the room of wh 
 ought to command rtfpea from aiJ beholders. By lea: 
 ijigtrt one extreme, he is.in danger of falling into /ic 
 by the other, ot running into impicry. 
 
 Whateverthebelief of men be, thry generally pri 
 themfelves in tlie poffefhon cf sonic good moral qualitii 
 The fenfe of duty is deeply rooted in the human hea 
 Without fome pretence to virtue^ there is no felf-cfteen 
 and no manwiflics to appear in hir-own tl^v/, as entire 
 M'orthlef?. But as there is a conftint ftrife betv.een ti 
 iower and higher parts of our nature, between irjchujiti 
 «nd principle, this produces muc.i ccnrradidc' ^^ y.vdi 
 confiftcrcyin condua. Hence arifemofl of ti;- ex r mi 
 into which men run in their mpral bt-haviri 
 ing their whole worth on that good qualirw, f'^ 
 by conftitution or temper, they are moR incliif t 
 
 One of the firft and moft common of tluf xj: n. 
 is, that of placing all virtje, either in juft;t;ecn >' -( 
 hand ; or in generofity, on the other." 1 
 between thefe, is moft difcernablc air>o';g 
 dalles of men in fociety. They v ho h-\ 
 fortune by a laborious and indtiftriou Vv^ 
 trn.nciousof what they have pnnfully .- • 
 eice,.they confidcr themfelves as obii^td ^ 
 
 
 .wo fl'ff^lifl 
 
 ;tl-v 
 
<JM EXTRflMEd m 
 
 **■: 
 
 i€*j; 
 
 It inaasof kindncfs, they confider as fuperfluous 
 txcrayagant. Tliey will wot take any advantage of 
 ;rs, which confcicnee tells them is iniquitous ; but 
 iiihwr Will they make any allowance for their neceffifica 
 )d wants. '1 iiey cont^md, with rigorous exuancis, for 
 Ihat 13 due to thenifelvcs. Thiy- aie fatiaficd, if no 
 m fufflr unjuftiy by them. That no one is benefited 
 ftlKm givea them little concern.— Another fet of mca< 
 lace^their whole merit in generofity and mercy ; while 
 lijultice and integrity they pay small regard. Thel^' 
 rcpcrfuas generally of higher rank, and of easy fortune. 
 I&th^n^jufticc appear* a sort of vulgar virtue, requil 
 p chiefly m the petty. transa^Ions, which thofe of in. 
 Inor Itation carry on with om another. But humanity 
 hi liberality, ihey confider as more refined virtue/, 
 Ifiich dignify their charaaer, and cover all their Lilings 
 pey can relent- at r<'prefcntatior-. of diftrefs j can bef- 
 wwith oftentatious generofity ; can ev«n occarroiially 
 arctheirwealth with a companion with whom they 
 te foiid i Willie, at the same time, they with-hold from 
 JikTs what IS due to them ; are negligent of their fa- 
 mily and their relations ^ and to the juft demands of' 
 Mir creditors give no attention. . 
 Both thefe claiTcs of men run to a faulty cxt^isme. 
 bty divide moral virtue between them. Each tales 
 Jjitpartofit only, which faits his temper. X^ ithout' 
 notice, there Id no virtue. But without humanity and 
 crcy, no virtuotis charaaer is complete. \ The one 
 an Jeans to the extreme of parfimony. The other, to 
 :t oi profulion The temper of the one k unfe^in-. 
 ^-■i ;.c- ■ fiouity of tiic other is thoughtkss. The orie yoU^' 
 !«v la sume degree refpca ; but you cannot love. The 
 i r iuay bt loved i but cannot be respea^d : and it is 
 
 u'l to s^y, which charaaer is moft defcaive. We * 
 
 t uadr/abtat ly begin with being jufl; beiFore we attempt 
 
 ■iK ^ly^cruus. At the fame time, % .^ht) goes no far- 
 
 . .rnn bate juiiice, flops at the beginning of virtue. 
 
 : arc conumnda to d& juftly ,-. but to hv€ mlrcy. 
 
 wn 
 
The one vmoe, reguj^es our aftiona. The other, im 
 wove, our heart »nd affiaion.. Each i. equall. need 
 
 O^at upholds the whole fabric of ..umanfociety. M 
 
 ^ ~^'""^"^' ^'.'"'^^ '■'"" ""'* *""» 'he habitatio,' 
 « men. "le perfeftro^of ourfocisl charaaerconfilU 
 r„.5^^"u^ '""f.*""S "»<=««'<' with one another =3 
 holding that middle courf?, which ^dtaita of our beini 
 juft. without being rigid 5 and allows u, to be gener^J 
 ; without being unjuft, 6. .""»s| 
 
 We muft next guard again ft either too great severietJ 
 or too great facility of manners. These are ex3 
 of which we every, day behold inftances in the world 
 He who Jeans to the fide of feveiky. i, harih in his era 
 
 5^; '1 ""•""(:•'" ^'" "P"'""'- He cannot condd 
 Zrt T " L "r'" .'■""«' '"Jiffof ""l- He has no aliowJ 
 IT LT*"" ^" ''"'"'"' ^"^'y ' "' f°' «h^ difference' 
 ^!t:»." <■' r, ,'^™P"' """"« Mankind. With him, J 
 gaiety IS Imful levity 5 .a„d every amusement i- a crbtej 
 
 de'rftn!!/."^!"?'' the admoaitiou of Solomon may be iJ 
 derftood to-beloGg ■& »./ W,,*/„«, ,„,^ „,„,i /„„-,iJ 
 
 iZ.iJ ', ', "=»«;«/ of .n.anners is hypocritical, m 
 worft n ft' -'^ '"/'"" ''>«l"'g«nce, it^V one of ihd 
 
 not as the eff.a of defign, but of natural aufterity of ten3 
 per, and of contraftsa ma.xims of conduft. Its i„flJ 
 eace_upon the person himself, i^ to render him gloj 
 and fpur j upon others, to alienate then, both, from hi 
 J.ocic-ty, and lus counsels ; upon religion, to fet it fortS 
 «a a morose ami forbidding principle. The oppofite cil 
 treme to jhiii is, perhaps ftiU more dangeroui i tLt of tod 
 gre-«t ticility and accomodation to tliewaysof othctsl 
 %ihe manofthiichar :^er, partly from indolent weakneff 
 and,p,utIy.fromsoftnessoftemper, isdifposedto a taiJ 
 sujrf, lUJiytrsai aflfftit. Averse either to comradict or 
 
 *-Ece{. vii. 14., 
 
ON EXTREMES IS I35 
 
 e, he goes along with the manners that prevail. He 
 lewj every character with indulgent ey* ; and with 
 k)d dispositiuns in Iiis bread, and a natural reluctance^ 
 profligacy and vice, he ii inticed to the commiiHon of 
 •ils which he condemns, merely through want of fardv 
 ide tooppofe others. 
 
 Nothing, it mull be confcffd- in monil conduct, la 
 m difficult, than to avoid turning here, either to the 
 Ight hand or to tlie kft. One of the greatcft trials both 
 ^wifdomaud virtu- is, to prcfjrve ajuft medium, bc- 
 ;een tha harlhnefs of auftoricty, which dis.;L(ls and 
 liciiates mankind, and that weakntfs- of guod-nature, 
 rliich opens the door to sinful exccfs. Tiie one fepa- 
 ites us too much from the v/orld. '1 he other connccti 
 5 t(X) clufely with it j and seduces us /^ fi.'Lzv the mul-. 
 \liuie :>! doing evil. One who is of tlie former cliarac- 
 sr, itudies too little to be agreeable, in order to 
 :nder himfdf ufeful. He who is of the latter, by 
 tudyin^ too much to be agreeable forfeits his inno- 
 ;«ce. If the one hurt rsiigiun, by cloathing it in the 
 bbof unnecclKiry ftrictncfs ; the other, by un warrant- 
 ee cumpliance, (Irengthcns the power of curruption iu 
 ifi world. The one borders on the character of the 
 arlfee J the other, on that of the Sadduf.e. True 
 rgion enjoins us to fldnd at an equal diftance from both 
 \i to pursue the difficult, but honorable aim, of uniting 
 food-nature with {y^Lcd relcgioui principle ; z^Mc mant 
 p, with untainted virtue. 
 
 Farther ; we ran to one extreme, when we contemn 
 
 bgjstiicr the opinions of mankind ; to another, when 
 
 re court their praise too eagerly. The former difcov^'rs 
 
 liigh degree of pri le and fjlf- conceit. The ht'tle b'j- 
 
 lys fervility of spirit. We are formed by nature aud 
 
 ovideuce, to b; connected with 4iiy another. No 
 
 \m can (land entirely alone, and itU:iet3dent of all his 
 
 lllow creatures. .^ reasonable rcgar^l, therefore, f^r" 
 
 leir eflcem and g^josJ^pinion, is ^ commend^^priiici- 
 
 fe* It ficws from ii^i^nity i and coi;jiides^|li the 
 
 H3 
 
 w 
 
 #fe- 
 
VORAL A-^D RELIGIOUS CO^Dt/Cf. 
 
 lefire of being mutually ufefu'. But, ifth.it reganUt 
 carried too far, it becomes the fource of much corruption 
 For in the prcfent (Vatc of mankind, the praifc ot 
 thi world often interf cres with our afting' that 
 iteady and confcicntious part, which gains the ap. 
 probation of God. Hence arifcs the dilhcuhy o{ 
 drawing a proper line, between the allowable regard foi 
 reputation, and the cxcefTive defife of praife. Oh the 
 one fide, and on the other, dangers meet us •, anti 
 either extreme will be pernicious to virtue. I 
 
 He who extinguifhcs all regard to the fehtiments o 
 ma-.ilcind, fupprefTcs one incentive to honorable deeds 1 
 nay, he removes ono of the flronge ft check? on vife] 
 Tor where there is no dcfire of praife, there will be alfj 
 no fenfvi of reproach and (HimQ ; aiad when this fenle is 
 deftrov^^d, the way is paved to open profligacy. On thd 
 othtr hand, he who is aduated folely by the 'love of hu] 
 man praife, incroaches on the higher refpe^ which hd 
 owes to confcience, and to God. Hence, virtue is ofreK 
 counterfeited ; and many fplendid appearance has been 
 exhibited ta the world, which had no bafis in real pria 
 ciple, or inward afTe^ion. Hence, rfeligidus truths havJ 
 been difguifed, or unfairly reprefenteu, in order to be fuit] 
 cd to popular tafte. Hence the fcribes and Pharifees rej 
 jefted our blefTetl Lord, hecaufe thj loved the praise A 
 men more thm the prahe of God.^^MXXi, therefore, neil 
 ther to the right hand, nor to the left, AfTefl not to deil 
 pife what the world thinks of your condua and characl 
 ter \ an4 yet, let not the fentiments cf the world entirdj 
 rule you. Let a defire of cflcem be one motive of youl 
 condud ; but let it hold a fubordinate place. MeafurJ 
 the regard that is due to the opinions of men, by the M 
 gree in which thefe coincide with the law of God. L 
 
 Allow me next to fugg«fl:, the danger of running tl 
 the extreme of anxiety about worldly iaterefts on the onl 
 hart#, ^nd of negligence on the other. It is hard to il 
 wHicIii j^thcle extreqj^es is frought with mofl vice, anl 
 W'^ft W^i^y- I»claftry and diligence are unqueftionab 
 ^ud^/;|lri.flly enforced on all Chriaians j andrhs ^i 
 
L'r. 
 
 0I» EXTHtlMES isr 
 
 i.it reganl 
 h corruption, 
 le praifc o' 
 aftmg' tha 
 jairij the ap 
 dilBculry o: 
 le fegarj fo 
 ife. On th 
 eet us V ani 
 
 l» in making, fuitable provifion for his Iioufi-hoM , a 
 hily. IS pronouncca to be worf. tLn InTnfil . n^ 
 Ire are bounds, within which Lr.T ^'^''^' ^"^ 
 
 I of human life. It dcbaf« rh. ^ , ^^"^ '^"'**" P^^- 
 
 1(1 torrticnting cares ; a,,,! |,aj, .i.Vm'^ V f T^-^'Ons 
 
 ght to be .h? gre.tVcope o?hi,.^^3^t/''T ";'"" 
 [.n g.„er.,I. the efRft ■ „? , , ~ »«^«"- Anx.etr ^ 
 
 ftnce IS conimon y, the offinrln^ , e ,. ^?^^' ^«^Ii- 
 rentiments„|ay, tl>e p.r.,'t^r«:fe^Hi^^^^^^ 
 >rab!e deeds ftn render yourfdves miferable r1 ^" By anxiety, 
 ck, oa vifXnoccafl the ruin of Ctr. '^.K'^S'-e^-'^' X^" «°0' 
 will be alfolt votary of riches • th,. 11 r »»"ou4 man is 
 
 1 this fenfe il,fure. Kachoffi'r,,.1 '^ f "* ""'"•''"= votary of 
 
 elove of hulan iadl tai/b l^dw tie of r"?""'^/"''' "'""^^ 
 =a which hid improvcmen .f the pre/em ro i"^ 'nioyment 
 
 nce ha. keiiKsent. as to ftore the future wM.^ .«"J»y'"f 'be 
 in real pdafrae virtue holds a temhr^r, ? "rtain miferles.— 
 s truths1,„|mcs ,- neith r ca iXf „ ""r'l '^**^'" 'ilf <"= "- 
 Jertobeteluch thought f6r it diliLtT^' "<^.»Wng too ■ 
 Pharifees relnt, but not covetoL'; a f ^d ve t^^r •","""'"/ P"-"" 
 h' -prahe Icomodation on earth bSeflr.'^ '''."'"*'"'''''« 
 erefore, neftasures in heaven. '"''"" '='"'''y <=°ncerned.' ,o lay up ■ 
 
 ft not to delf J (hiill only warn vou forth*.,- v.- -''a. <. 
 and charac|ga«i„g in^ courfjof life tn^ Fr** .*f ""*"'• °f 
 rorld en(irel|5oVi„g%ourfelves1o one tl . .• V^ " "^ 
 
 3ti,e of yo.|e are Irme 1 fora ^^f!°L Ir'l-"'' ""*«P'oy«d: 
 e. Meafuiiur conneftions wkh fS afl t^""" ?"•• ''='^"'- 
 «, by the die duties which w'oWo'nf k' P"'^°™="c«= of 
 fGod. Ige«sinaa.V^^e mT» *"'""'"^"'y=»- 
 r running Ites occafion ^ J^^" ^^ T T^'"'' ''• 
 h on the onfthe buftle of the worM cann!^ !^ """"u "?' "'^"^^ 
 : hard to flays preferve hio v° ue nurf' ^ " ° ^' ^'==":5'*' "'- 
 ift vice, anlill be deprived et- ihTnl'^^ Sentiments ' of piety 
 iqueftionabley Would deive tLZZ'^^-""' ""^ ^"^P"'"' '^^'<^^ 
 
 
 ri'! m 
 
 Sf 
 
 111 
 
 I 
 
HiH|.i|W%|iw, j.i nipnLui pii>«9^|ppm||ppi||| 
 
 iH 
 
 MOitAL ANi>*'str.iGi6«r» eviibvf^. 
 
 lions will be kept t^o much on the (tertch. From tf 
 cd«ta;^Iou!r manners which every where abound, he wL 
 not be <rble to avoid Contracting fomc dangcious infec 
 tion. Or the otHei' hand^ic who fitci* to total retreal 
 In order cither to ^joy eaic^ or to escape from the temt 
 tations of the worl4^wiU ofren find disquiet meeting hi 
 in folitude. and the 1|Dr(V tern|>|ationi arifing from with 
 ill himftlf. Unoccuj&cd by a^ive and hoilorable pur 
 fiiits i unable to dcvot», his whol^ time to improvin] 
 thoujjhu, many an evil paffiun will dart ' up^ and occul 
 py the vacant hour. Sullcnnefs and gloom will be if 
 danger of overwhelming kini. Pccyifli difplcafure 
 and fufpicions of mankind, arc apt to perfccutc ihoil 
 who withdraw themfelvcs altogether from the kaun* 
 men. Jitter therefore a middle courfe, between a llf 
 oppreiled with bufinefs onthe one hand ; and burdend 
 for the burden is no Itfs, with idlenefs on the otlitJ 
 Provide for yourfclves matter of fair and honcft puvfuij 
 tor afford a proper objc«!l: to the aflivc powers of the rr.ini 
 Temper bufinefs with ferious meditation ; and cnlivcj 
 retreat by returns of aftiohand indullry. 
 
 Thus 1 have pointed out fomc of thofe extremes int 
 
 which men are apt tO run, by forfaking the line whicj 
 
 religion and wifdom have drawn. Many more, I aii 
 
 fenfible, might be fuggcfted j for the field is wide, aiij 
 
 hardly h there any appearance cf pitty, virtue, or gc 
 
 condu£t, but what the folly of men is apt to pufn i:U 
 
 undue cxceftf, en one or the other fide. W liat 1 hay 
 
 mentioned, will be fainct^t, to fho^V the ncceiTity 
 
 prudent circumfpefiion, in oidcr to cfcape the dangtj 
 
 which fcefct us in this ftate of trial. La us ftudy to a| 
 
 tain a regular, uniform, confident chara<flcr ; whq 
 
 nothing that i^ excefliv: or dilproportioned ftiuU cor 
 
 forward to view ; which fliali net plume itfclf v.ithl 
 
 fairihow on one fide only, while in other quarters it i\ 
 
 •plains unadorned, and blemiflied ; but^ M'herc the dif 
 
 rent parts of worth and goodnefs (hall appear united, n 
 
 cich ij^all exert its proper influence on ccndu^. Uli 
 
on. tcowvnQ at «iMoi»ia. |^ 
 
 Bipg nehhcjf to the ri^fc hand, nor to the left, wm 
 
 l,a.fara8ourfrailtjrpetmit, approach to the pe^ 
 
 honor the human charaacr ; and IhaJl have reifon 
 
 to be aflxamcd whcn.we have equal • refpea to A 
 
 I's commandmantg. *^ ** «»» 
 
 SERMON :?^VIII; 
 
 On Scoffing at Rehcioi^. 
 
 2rPETE»uh 3* 
 
 ^TherefliaU cmw in the hst days Sc^fft^t, 
 
 IAS the Chriftian religion isadvcrfc ta the inclinatioai 
 
 ipaffionaof the corrupted part of mankind, it hai 
 
 n Its tate, in every age, to encounter the onpofitioo 
 
 Irarious foes. Sometimes, it has undergone the ftormt 
 
 Iviolence and perfecution. Sometimes, it has bca*. 
 
 hcked by the arins of falfe reafoning, and fophiftrv ; 
 
 fccn thcfe have failed of fucceft, it Ua at other ttflm 
 
 n expofpd to the feoffs of the petulant. Men of jX 
 
 y irtvglous mmds, who had no compi^henfion^if- 
 
 ught for difcernmg what is great, an«i no foliditv of 
 
 gment for.deciding on what is ti:ue, have taken upon 
 
 ^ to t?eat rchgion with contempt, as if it were of^«v 
 
 f cL^^.ni '%K^ '^'r ^!I!«'^!^^»^-f«bric, which ha» fa 
 gcom'^andea the refpeft of mankind j which, for 
 8, tae learned haye fupported, and tiie wife have ad- 
 «cl, as havmg no better foundation than the Ktoomv 
 
 ^.ir^'Tw /'"^'^'' and yifionaries. Of this %mx^ 
 nm ^itjcoffers, prediacd by the Apoftle ^ arill; 
 
*?0f 
 
 9S SCOIFBXS AT RELTGIOIfi,^ 
 
 \m 
 
 \m 
 
 *^f. ?'Lt\'' ^ P'«^*<^on which we have fecntc 
 •ftcn fulfilled. As the fjf* colors which fuch nK 
 ^Biow on religion, are apt to irapcfe on the weak and'is 
 mm, let us now cxaniiue, whether religion affords an 
 Jijlt grounds for the contempt or ridicule cf the Icoffe 
 They inuft be either the dcariiies, or the precepts J 
 Kiigion, which he endeavors to hold forth to contempt] 
 Ihedoarines; of the Christian rcl.Jion are ration! 
 and pure. A;1 th.t it has revealed concerning the pJ 
 icttjons of God, his moral government and Ir.,w&, the M 
 tanatlor^of man. and the rewards cf puriniimnts ofl 
 luturc Itatc, is perfedly confonant to the .t.oII niii^l 
 
 tened reafon In. fom:: articles wlich traufcend the 
 
 Biits of our pref^nt faculties, as hi what rehtes to the n 
 fence of the Godhead, the faUen Ikte of mankind, a. 
 their Kdemption by»Jefui Chrift its doarines may appJ 
 inyfteiious and dark, Againft thefe, the fco&r has o 
 ten direaed his attacks j^as if whatever ctnrfd not he cf 
 
 l^f "d "^' ^^^^ "^^" ^^^^ account to be exploded! 
 ^It is unneceflUry to enter, at prcfcnt, on any particul 
 d^cnceofthefedcaiiRes, as thercis one obfervatiol 
 ^hich,u«'diiJy weighed, is fufScient to filence the cavl 
 t I ?f"' ^' ^^ "^* compelled to admit, that t| 
 ^lole fyftem of nature around him is full of myftcnj 
 What rea(on,thcn, had he to fuppofe, that the doarin 
 01 reveiation, proceeding from the same Author, wej 
 to contain no my fteiiousobfcurity? Ail that is reqj 
 fite for the condua of life, both in nrture and in reliidJ 
 .aivme wifdom has rendered obvious to all. As natu] 
 Has afforded us fufficicnt information concerning wh^tl 
 ncccffary for our food, ouraccomodatioiiv and our fafetJ 
 to lehgion has plainly inftruaed o» in our duty tcwd 
 
 -.--"', v-ji vuiiwiiij 13 ciiccKuii \ arid uarkncls tm 
 W on ivery fide. What the eifcnce is of thofe meter 
 *od2CS which vre fee and han<ilc ; how a ktA groM^i 
 
 ^m^ 
 
»trce } how man U formed in the womb- rtrfc«« 
 
 pc iiioif oMcure jnd diffieult parts cf revpktion TOi 
 
 ^erpianation of it ex««d, our tufe^ '^^' *°»««' 
 .After theif*„e manner, in nataral reripion. ci,-ft;„„. 
 hfc concerning: Recreation of the world Zmi!:!'^ 
 V origin .,f<;vil under the gorernmem tf TLTI' t^' 
 
 kand the conf,ftenoy-of''H„maTL;%'Svb 
 
 Kcence which are of a. intricate a naturrinrf o7« 
 
 .icult .o ution, as a«y .quettion, in Chr tian theolotv 
 
 Ithe Godhead. .Inallhiswa« th- 4i„- '"= "?" '^"*» 
 -e,ntion.4atLJSlit^^^^^ 
 
 XrtrtrL?dTi:"''irr "-^^ '^ - 
 
 .Christian fyft.n'^been'eZetl.Sfo'oIir''': *'"^- " 
 L^^h' '" ''"* 'y""" °^"«'""l religioii Whe«! 
 
 Miscoverhu Ignorance. aLd the aor.ZeW^^ 
 
 --?r 
 
 J: 
 
 m 
 
 ' Kf'vemifJ kettgitm 
 
 iiifiiop tiuUer, in hi. Analogy i^^^ 
 
 mwrai 
 
tsg 
 
 on MKSQfitmo At Mtlkmui*. 
 
 '1 
 
 ■l-l 
 
 Let m next proceed to what relates to practicCt^r a 
 .f receptive part of religion.-Thc ckifies which relij 
 mom us to perform towards God, arc thofe wh3 
 •^▼c oftcfiest furnished matter to the scoffs of • the lit 
 tious. They atwmpt to repref^nt these as so idle ai 
 laperfluous, that they could owe their Wrth to nothd 
 but enthufiasm—For, is not the Diety fo far exalted 
 boveus, as to receive neitheir advantage nor nieafj 
 from our worihip f What are our i^rayers, or our praifJ 
 to that mfinite mind, who, refting in the full enioymJ 
 of hisown beatitude, behold, all his creatures paffil 
 before him, orily as the infects of a day'? What bnt si 
 perstituous terrors, could have dictated thofe forms 
 homage, and thofe distinctions of faered days, in whi 
 •Tulgar minds delight, but which^he liberal and enlaJ 
 look upon vj^ith fcorn ? °| 
 
 Now, in return to such infultsof the fcoffer, it mjJ 
 be suilicient to obferve, that the united fentimentsf 
 mankind in every age and nation, are against hi 
 Ihoughtlefs as the bulk of men are, and attached only 
 objects whicn they see around them ; this principle h 
 never been extinguifhed in their breasts, that to the grq 
 Parent of the human race, the univerfal, though in visibl 
 benefactor of the world, not only internal reverence, J 
 external homage is due. Whether he need that homa] 
 or not, IS not the question. It is what, on our part, i 
 J^^<^?J>*cdly owe J and the heart is with reafon,held 
 be bafe, which stifles the emotions of gratitude to a bcJ 
 factor, how independent foever he may be of any retud 
 .True virtue, always prompts a public declaration of d 
 grcatful senuments which it feels ; and glories in expJ 
 sing^them. Accordingly, over, all the earth, crowds 
 worlhippers have aCembled to adore in various forn. 
 the ruler of the world . In these adorations, tlie philoi 
 phcr, the favage, and the faint, have coualiy joiiid 
 None but^the cold and jnfceiliig can look up to that j 
 KCiiCicnt Sdng, who Is at the head of the univerfc, wH 
 out some inclination to pray, or to praise. Ir 
 
berrTorc, would the fcoffer Hw!,). t. . . S 
 
 rf nature demands anTtftffi" ''h,'''''*^ ''^•™« i 
 Us. the general and deiw^ Lae of ^1^ ^''""''" ^ 
 But apar< from this eonsiH,/fr,^ *"■"""» "^^ 
 
 ^y Ws licentious rWicuLXhrS".? ^irf"' -^"r; 
 fce institutions of divine worftin he ;, f^i^- "'"' "' 
 ^wer of conscience over m^:\-" ^""''Wn'g ll.e 
 peat pillars of focietv he if • •'" " ^"''^•''""'"■g the 
 public 'order, and ^ t^p^l",^ '^T' '^'"^ '" 
 hothmg fo much, as on the eeneri Lr <• r *** "''" *"■ 
 »'it<Hf,, and the general venr5*^.°'^""" ""''"■"'? 
 Governor. On th^'stel er andli '" ""^^^"^ 
 fc-onded the whole obH^ld™ nf ^^""ation, i. 
 
 Nch, govcr„n,e„. col Z be Th '- ' ""'""" 
 fourts of justice act; co„m.v"rsies c. u"'"T''' '^'»' 
 Vied, nor private propel vh. T^ "°* ""-■ ''«■-•••- 
 
 fie restraints of human h^.!^ crimes, to wh ch 
 
 &an invisible J^Zl tZJT? l'''^'' *» '^-^ •^"''d 
 
 --*e.ic.e,;:^":3;„-^--'^^«^ 
 
 h no facred in'tit'u font no 7'' T "''S'""' ''^"'- ■ 
 Vrftip, inorderlo bS' " ^^'^f ^P^« for divine . 
 
 *e existence and%K;"L:,:^rG^^^^^^^^ /°J"-'"' 
 Niire account they have tr. .n V-^? 'i • l". =""' "^ "'«" 
 fo all ranks of men th^ f *l- '''"' "'^'''" »" fiini ? ' 
 
 o-uends to awaken a«fl ,""''"''' T^J^'' P"''"'^ '="" 
 *refpeftto,hei"ft .Vrd:fl7ir' ^ff'"''- B"^ 
 hnlj- principles which r'ltrt .'" '^"°*"' '^=" 
 fcu'red m the reli" ous .ffi . ™' ,*'°™ "*'' "« 
 
 J--. i^CMitureof the adv: nta^e.' n^rir:,'^^^ 
 i» Ignorant, m 
 
 K 
 
 M 
 
 iic- 
 
 "tages of reguly, ^duca- 
 
 ii.s';,ViKs'";;L°'/-'-i 
 
 fijitd idcay of 
 K 
 
 noi aiid 
 
 
ON SCOFFING. AT RELIOI^Sr. 
 
 riety, to. which others of more knowledge have bfen 
 
 ^ined ;^%vcru thoic-ficred temples deserted, to w'ich 
 
 l^y npw refort, hey would be in danger of degtnera- 
 
 dng into a ferocious ract , from whom liwiefs violence 
 
 X;as perpetually r bedrcudcd. ' 
 
 ^,,; H*i> therefore, who treats ficred things with any de- 
 
 |f fee of levity and fcorn, is a<aing the part, perhaps 
 
 Lwithout his seeing or kr,o^^^J^g it, of a public enemy to 
 
 pl^iety. He i^ precifciy .the madman described in the 
 
 P i>ook of Proverbs, * who c fieth firebr^-nda^ Gmw and 
 
 |: aW/j / and faith am i not in J port .^ /We -fliall htar 
 
 L him, at times, complain loudly of the^xndutifulrtfs of 
 
 P^children, of the diihonefty . of fervants, of the tunuHts 
 
 I and infolence of the lower ranks i, while he himself is, 
 
 1^ «^n a great Qjeafure, refponfiblc for the diforders.of<w^ich 
 
 be complains. By the example wl}ich he fetsy of ton- 
 
 tempt for ^religion, he becomes acceflary to the manifold 
 
 crimes, wl^ch that contempt occafions among others. 
 
 By his fcoiiing at- facred inftirutions, he is encouraging 
 
 the rabble to uproar ail, violence, j h<e is emboldening il« 
 
 falfe witnefs to ti^ke the name <^ God in vam j he is, in 
 
 efFca, putting arms into, the hands of the highwayman, 
 
 and letting loofs the robber on the ftreets by night. 
 
 • c come next to con fidcr that great ciafs of , duties, 
 which refpeft our condu£l towards our fellow-creatures. 
 The abfolute ncceflity of thcfe to genera- welfare is fo 
 apparent, as to have fecurcd them, in a great degree, 
 ^ from the attacks of thf fcqffpr. ; He who (hould aiten»pt 
 to turn juft ice, truth, orhonefty, into liiicule, would k 
 avoided by every one. To thofe whp had any remaius 
 of principle, he would be pdious. To thofe who attend 
 cd only to their interell, he would appear a dangerot! 
 ir»a n But though the fociatvirtuc s are treated in gene 
 ral as rcfpedlable and facred, there are certain forms ai 
 degrees of them, which have not been exeirpted frou 
 ih^ (corn of the unthinking . 'I hat cxtenfive gt nt rofity 
 
 ♦ Pro?, jcxvi. iR, 
 
 and h 
 
 own 
 
 gbodj 
 
 will n< 
 
 truth j 
 
 who ^ 
 
 ftoop ( 
 
 prevail 
 
 who r 
 
 oriitr t 
 
 repr.fe 
 
 ary not 
 
 live in ] 
 
 Such 
 
 ridicule 
 
 which a 
 
 the grea 
 
 5»uthorit 
 
 tude. ' 
 
 ef corru 
 
 is alwayj 
 
 enc.oaci^ 
 
 cordingh 
 
 ibie virtu 
 
 nion, wh 
 
 have emi 
 
 who have 
 
 oppreflbri 
 
 falling ri| 
 
 honor on 
 
 have been 
 
 hiit poftc 
 
 we the j 
 
 lure ages, 
 
 . 5*ri», 
 
01^ SCOPFlNfG AT HSl,G,o». 
 
 r g'Kjd . and tU'i^'Z'^^ZJT' J^'^' ^'^ 
 will not allo«r one, on any oceTn ' '^ ^■^"'^'* *^^''^ 
 n-"Ch i have often bU„ Zl^T I' '° ^"'^'"^ ^*°'» '1*6 
 who .r. called men of .h" :l,:"^^r*""r ''^"'^i 
 ftoop to flatter the i£reat Jh^ it. -^ '''''° *'" "Otl 
 prevailing man,.er,fwhen The. .- '" !'' '^"'"Pfy *ith I 
 -''" -fufe to .afcel f. ! 4i:;^:;^^^^ 
 onlcr to p.ocure the ereateft h, f 1,''""^ "^ 0'*^", ir» J 
 repr.-fented as perfoi of . ''^ for themfdves ; arc 
 
 =7 notions, J^7^:^r:LZt'l:''t''' ="'' ^'«''"- 
 live in it, ^ "^ *""• Mie worfd, and- unfit <9 
 
 which approacht'^o::„'e:"S*%'''t'=* "^ ^^'f'^' 
 the great fupporcer, -,Z.T' ^^' ""^X "«- '« truth. 
 
 authiity o/X r ch rafr''""' "^l^WiUrder. The 
 tfde, the weight of tSir°7'=' the giddy multi- ]■ 
 
 ?f corruption JhLbta«™f'^„ri7''''rP'''«'^'"« 
 ■'always too ant to <>,ai„ /'ffr;^"''.?^ """='''. *hich I 
 
 lit 
 
 encroachment, on ^everf T„l, '^"'^'"?V''"'^ '° '^•»'^= 
 fordingly.it !s this hirK^^^^V^^-'^^^^y-' '^<=- 
 
 , 'hk vrtue, this regard t^riSf'"'"* *'» ''-■«^^- |j 
 n»n. which has everm^rJZ^,' ^''S''''""' *° ^^ 'P5- '«i 
 ha^^e eminently dislgi '^^^'-"^^^^^ 
 who have patronifed thecaufe oH ft " '" P""^"' «fr iv 
 oppreflbrs ; who in c L"al til^"^'" "8?" « Powerful f»| 
 allmg rights^and lib^r eslf m^' '"'. '^"PPO'ted the 
 
 honor on their nation Jnf 1 "1"" '"„'"' '>='« reflca,,! 
 
 r rv-vv..*ij «as done them i.m«L • h.- — ^ " » 
 Jare the pqrfons, whofe n?. ^""P^^ ^^^^^^« i and they 
 
 pure ages/ and who are thnH^^ are -^f.orded to f al f 
 lmira!!?n t ^^^ '"OUght arid fpokm of -ItK .-! M 
 
 l^he 
 
 prin. 
 
 * Mcimre temporizer thp *«,« r 
 r-i.»-«, and inferior v/rue m.vr ^^^comodation prrn- 
 
 Wiiii. among h,s fnend* and followers 5 bi 
 
198 
 
 ojj sconma at belicio!^ 
 
 I ?'f°5''.'»f"=;>o>'ownefe ofhU principles is aeteflerfJ 
 
 Irne e»ce)lei)ce of man By . ffeaing to throw an, dlf 
 t cotTagements on purity Jd ftriftnefe ofmoTal. ^h, 
 
 *« only expofe tl.cmfelv« to jull contempt, but pr3 
 
 „ gate f.m,n,e„ts very dangerous to fociety.'^ For "^[f U 
 
 l.loofcn the regard due ,o virtue in any of its palt ^ 
 
 vfa'e" fti htT'' ?«■'-'/ P^flipte at. once He de! 
 ■ V-a' "/P>;ft<;P. from eonfcience. If the lo-fe cJ 
 
 "^^ rbl "'"?''' '^P^fent to be ncccfliry for every Z' 
 who knows the world. >->tiy mar 
 
 whW.'a/e of tl?' " i""" ^ "" •" '"=""°"' "* twJ 
 wnicli are of a perional nature, and which refoefl ,h,l 
 
 ions Here, the fcoffer has always cenfidered himfS 
 
 V r^t".'"^ Tk •"P'' '""='•*• Of'^" =""» often, have 7u 3 
 
 V rtuc, as fobriety, temperanse, modefty, nd Xftitr 
 
 ^ ana tne gay, hibits, which are the efTea of low eduraJ 
 .on, or of mean fpiri«,orofmere feeblenefs of conftll 
 tion s. while fcoffcrs. walking, as it is tortr, Iv r.'j f" 
 -Vn, by ,he Apoftle. after Lir iVs ,, boaft V h J 
 .«nma„„.„ as liberal and free, a, ma^fy and fpir 
 
 c^Jd '":'d hol?=^;'"rK f'-' *'="•''' ""'-■'^ '^"'M 
 
 derljbfl ' '"'S" '»'"'<'» of regular and or- 
 
 fiifatuatctl men ? M7^,^ r..- . .u . . i 
 
 wbich they make"fp„r,,'„o7;.;;^,:;?;, {"=.;*""« f 
 
 fro.,, tiff Uwsof God. but are ^„~ '^S' ^*°"''i 
 
 but are moreov.ei; cOentiaJl 
 
 I «». 
 
. , „ D «»S0O»FING AT aeticiosi ln»^ 
 
 rone to deridelf I °°"' '° PwHfc and priwte hann.-- « . J 
 
 ^ Httkneft „1'''''K™« of their KcentioC pLZP T* \''" ■"ll 
 Hand not .hl„^"*^ ="' ^'V"* »"<• v.gor r.mam7r?ew /";; ' ^''"<=. «? 
 
 >row any diJi^T'^.''?/ ■'"dividual to pcrfeverc u^r^ft°"'^'!."^"«* ^ 
 n, but prom*'"", ="^'^''' ""'' rfif.rc!er in hi" S \'''*"«P'«= '" hS 
 
 it has been! ^\'^'^'^"'' ^-PP'^""* i fuppofe k Jlf^^, ?'''""» ' 
 ice He de J"r'" """ •'^'* ^J^'"" they c n tb. ? ^ . '"' '*'''» 
 he Io..-fe c J'^"' "• ^"«h the intemperat? the rLt "' "(P'^'f-re j 
 
 ' diftoneftrj:?"'? *'^"'" »" '^S>-H to fobrttv hT' '"'' •'''^°'"*«. 
 ;row out fc "'^''f' '^^ ■'bo'ifted , IbH,' din'"';- '"'' P"" 
 
 >r every maXl!;'''' "'''^' '" *Wch mankind hJ^^'^"' "'^"- 
 ery niaB|nrj^ turbulence and uormr . k ''^°'^" '° dwell ! 
 
 r<;s and pafXlS «k"J^ ^ aflbciated for life »,Vh ? ''r" '" 
 
 ofconftituXlinn. W'"^'',''eis mterefted?l-Le ... ""H*' 
 ^".yjaid ofeXV- tXl^: :f ''/^at-Ue^p^ 
 «) ?„^ ^'t"'^ *«" =h"aae//S "^ ^''y kind, ;(hould 
 
 l» and oJ ^ft^e^l^rfet^^J-^^^^^^^^^ 
 
 Jldft of his Innf. ^I..r.^ ^"/^ . ^e thought I if. m .K - 
 
 v^orj.!,, ftouw ,;..^;rs,^d "^^f ^?"^ that hiso;;; 
 
 authontyljue of thofe private virtuel ' i^ u^" '''^^^ •*»^«Ti the 
 
 temperance, a; 
 
 i 
 
 m 
 
 ** 
 
 purit^j 
 
H5 
 
 6».«C0PHH(j AT. nttatiftl. 
 
 I Inil a"" "■? ** foundation, of all public orJer «, 
 ai,*.m,ferable abode, ^founding with terms of Zmr 
 
 K%.«able mthe hunaao-eharaaer. You xhanee 2 
 fOiuiumto a brute, ' «.i"B8c tn 
 
 ^ The.conclufion firom aH-the teafonhg. which we ha« 
 
 forms, eithfr of doctrine or of precept ; of pitty towari 
 God, integrity toward, men, or regilariWS, 
 condua J are fo far from affording any Wnds of rid 
 cute to the petulant. Aat they are^emiS^toot hlh ' 
 veneration i^^they are names, which ftiould nem I 
 
 t""?^!^^, F,o/s mah a m,rk. at fin * They lad ben 
 
 ?.Aj;a T?""/-" ''"''^ 'hefc„ public .calamirie, fonh 
 futjea of h., fpott, you would not be inclined'toU 
 
 as a nwo of diftejnpered mind, from whom you mH 
 be m hazard of receiving a fudden blow. yITc^^ 
 .t IS. thatto the gr|at fociety of malAind, Cn is a S 
 
 i^fn?'' i'^' °»'y/' """O-nal causes of mifery. ft 
 the iins and vices of men, are perpetual fcourges ofi 
 world. Impiety and injuttice. fraud and falfebood. , 
 
 SS:: U^""^'^"""^: "^ .''^"y producing S 
 and diforder ;. bringing rum on individuals ; tearing fa, 
 
 fand tragical Icene, on this unhappy thea^e> *!„ prop 
 tion as _manner8 are vicious., mankind are unhT 
 ^b/^^f r °^^r« ^W-^h «i«ns in the wc^ld ,S 
 »aS thSef '' " *' ^-'^ "'='^*''°'f' '^^^^ P" 
 
 .1- ^"' *"^f°W. we obfenre an. tendencv to tj 
 fehgion or morals with difrefpeft and levit- ■ ■ ■ 
 
 mhsii 
 
 i«# 
 
 *• 
 
 ProT. 
 
 X17. «i 
 
 SUCH! 
 
 iftd J an ^ 
 fiblemn awi 
 [Moon had 
 Imman Toi< 
 h the high 
 
 To a big 
 
 ponumentG 
 
•He order, ari< 
 oufc a djyidecl 
 ■ms of IhameJ 
 leave nothing 
 1 -chaage th« 
 
 vhich we hai, 
 ► in. all thcij 
 pi^jr towardi 
 itjr in prlvatd 
 )und8 of ridi] 
 to our highei] 
 uld never 
 It is faid ir 
 ^y had bette 
 mine. Wit] 
 cities for thJ 
 lined to aflbf 
 "Xhana foolj 
 
 P» W« CREA^roW OV^ TlfB.WORt., 
 
 19f'**. 
 
 he -a furc indication of a nerv-r*-^ j « 
 a depraved heart. /" m/ ?'7'"^, ^nderftartding; 
 
 ^ffer anfes let us maiivtain the hohor of *our^^" '^T 
 k Redeemer i and refoktely JCLLTu ***' ^"^ 
 ^rtueand|roc>dneft.r 7/,/^/Z TAa v ^^ ^^^^^^^ ^ 
 
 ft Lqrd IS the begin in^ of w'f'^n, . ) l f •/''"' ^ 
 W conin.mci.nenithep,U luJu^^r ^' '^'' ^'^'^ 
 
 h'j •' 
 
 
 iicy to trj 
 
 SERMON Xl^i . 
 Onth. Creation 0/ tie WoU». > 
 
 Oe»esis i. I, , 
 
 1;m"^™ " ** wnmencement of the iiiftrtn, „<■ !i; 
 
 Md, an «», to which we muft ever l„„t ^ u """- 
 Jfclemn awe, and veneration R-f .. ?,^ '*"'' *''* 
 ploon had h^„ ,ri^~e h^f" *k ^^ ""^ *>«= 
 |«ma„ ,oice ^ hea"d. or Ae iaS *' f»«n^ *t 
 
 '-To a big:nn^g;„,r::;,K'2TJL^i^j^^ 
 
 i^'"» uiav«,0w cxiits ; by ail hiftnrw ..11'""" '^/^•'ly 
 |mo„un,e„t. of .ntiqui/y. ^ In tracl^ rS^' ""i 
 
x'-^^"*~is-'"' 
 
 tob 
 
 osr nt» cRiATi<m 6v the woRLtft 
 
 the infancy of the human face. We behold the wor 
 prnpled by degrees. We alcend to thfe origin of xhoy 
 wfeful and neceff^ry^arts, without the knowledge of whic 
 m^^nkind could hardly fubfift. Wt difcfrn fociety jm 
 civilization arifing from rude bigitinings, in fvery cotne 
 of the earth 5 and gradually advancing to the ftate' ii 
 which we now find them : All whiJh afford ^lui-n^ cv 
 dcnce, that there was a period, when' mankind began tl 
 inhabit and cultivat^^theearthv What is vetf remarki 
 ble, the moft authentic chronolo^^y and hiftory of mo 
 nations coincides with the account of Scripture; a 
 makes the period during which the w< rid has been in 
 habited by the race-oi men, not to extend beyond fi 
 thoufand years. ,■ - 
 
 To the ancient "Philofophcrt;' creation from nothi , 
 appeared^ an unintelligible id: a. They maintained thl 
 eternal exiftenceof matter, which they fuppofed tob 
 modelled by the fovereign mind of the univcrfc, intothi 
 form which the earth now exhibits. But there is noth, 
 ing in this opinion which gives it any title to be oppof 
 ed to the ati^ority of revelation. The do£lrine of tw( 
 icif exiftent, independent principles, God and mattefj 
 the one aftive, the. othei- paflive, is a hypothefis whicl 
 prefents difficulties to human* reafon.. at leaiV as great 
 the creation of matter ^rom nothings Adhering thei 
 to the tcftimony of Scripture, we believe, that in the ht, 
 ginning G$d createdy or from unexiftcnce, brought intJ 
 '^r\^i the Heaven and tht larth.t^ ^ 
 
 But though there wa* a period when- tliis globe, wttli 
 all that we fee upon it. did not exift, we have no reafon 
 to think, that the wifdom and power of the Almightj 
 ^ercthen without cxercifc or employment. Boundld 
 hike extent of his dominion^ .'^Ojmer globes and worlds 
 C^Bghtened by other funs, nay tten have occupied, a- 
 they ftill appear to occupy » ^e imm^nfe regions of fpaccL 
 Numbcrlefs orders of beings, to us unknown, people thji 
 wide citcpt of the universe ; and afford an end lefs \ 
 fiety of oi^e<^i to the ty^n^ care <rf the great Father 
 
ON THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. 
 
 2(^ 
 
 At length, in the courfe and progrrfs of his govi^rn- 
 
 fnt, there arrived a period, when this earth wis to 
 
 called into exigence. When the fignal lYiomcnt, 
 
 edeflined from all eternity, was come, the Deity arofc 
 
 [his might ; and with a word created the world.- 
 
 |hat an illuftrioua moment was that, when, from non- 
 faacncc, there fprang at once into being, this mighty 
 lobe, on which fo many millions of creatures now 
 reil ! — No preparatory meafures were required. No 
 nci circuit of means was employed. He /pake ; and it 
 Lj done : He commanded ; and it flood fofl. The 
 trth was at first, without form^ andvtd : and datknejs. 
 Y on the face of the deep. The Almighty furvcyed 
 be dark abyfs % and fixed hounds to the feveral divifions 
 1 nature. VLt WiAy Let there be Vt^ht ; and there xvis 
 \U. Then appeared tlie fca^ and the dry land. 1 he 
 ountains rofe ; and the rivers flowed. The fun and 
 oon began their courfe in the skies. Herbs and plant* 
 Dathcd the ground. The air, the earth, and the wa- 
 k, were ftored with their rtfpeaive inhabitants. At 
 ft, man was made afier tlie image of ^pU He ap- 
 bred, walking with countenance ere£t ; 1^ received 
 is Creator's benedi^ion, as the lord of this new world. 
 lie Almighty beheld his work, when it was finiflbed >, 
 id pronounced it good. i>uperior being; faw with 
 onder this new acceffion to exiftencc. 1[he morning 
 \r^ fang together : and all the jmt of God Jhouted for 
 
 But, on this great work, of creation, let u^'n^t merc- 
 [gize with aftoniihment. Let, us confider how it 
 
 uld atTv£l our condu£l, by prefenting the divine p^r- >,y 
 
 ^ions in a light which is at. once edifying, and com- % 
 
 ting, to man. It difplays the Creator as fupremi^JB 1 
 
 wer, in wifdom, and in goodness - % f 
 
 As supreme in power When we cor fid er with -M 
 
 much latx)r and difficulty human oower peiibrgpi Mi 
 
 
 m 
 
 iS',\ 
 
 * J«b xxxviii. f» 
 
V 
 
 «02 OK TUE CHEATro» or twr wolitn, «,),£„ „ 
 
 it« inccnfi.kTaUe wotls , what time it cofta to rear thl r ' '" 
 an.l how e.f,ly, when rcare.l. they are deilroye, I »?' 
 very .dea oftreating power, overwheln.s the Ju'dWrfl 
 awe. Let us look around, and furvey this ftupenl'/ / a 
 
 ufr'V "•;'''"'=''"" •*='" admitted to inh bh f f '"*^ 
 u; thmk of the extent of the diifcrcpt elimate, a„dl;i,.f^ 
 g1on» of ,he cartl, ; of the magnitude of the moun^' '"'' J^ 
 and of ,he txpansc of the ocean. Let us conceive ' J, 
 
 >n,menle glohr which contuns thea,, launXH , " ''''' 
 ro,„ ,,,e i...aof the Ahni.hty ; .naderrett: 'f^: t 
 
 ZZZ T "!'' '^l' " '"'t'h' produce the viciffu, , ' mi 
 of day and n,gh, ; thrown forth, at the fame time , uT, 
 ru,, ,ts annual courfc in .nerpunal circuit, throu b ,, "ha 
 t«»v=n.i after fucha medixation. where is the g, "^e d .« 
 ncfs. where ,s the pride of ma,. I Into what total \, ;,* ('" 
 
 v.,,„f ,Ur ^orks ar, «.///V.-Heve,ence a^d l ^^l 
 
 We ^.doration. ought fpoWaneou.ly. to arife He " *''!'^ 
 
 eels no propenfuyto w^orfhip andLoreT t-dea^Hofc, ^\ 
 
 thf ln/'"':"'"l''r " '•'' "^Jf y » ^'■' extiuguilhed on| o T 
 h. mod natural feeling, of the human heart. 4^3 • e 
 
 kn:anlhib of hi, h„„^, r n ■'^ •^ •■n.tormert- 
 
 o"" W not only 
 
 and defci 
 
 ,^o,kn:anJh,p of hh h„„ds. Let us w.r/hip !, 
 
 .^^j- A' " r '^K'"-"'"" and rule, none h <■ 
 and direft as tfi.t of a Creator, the convifttn 
 •n every breaft, that he who gave us being. ^ an 
 ftlute right to regulate our conriutt This ei 
 fa,.a,on to the pr. cepts of God, which the mcft 
 dc-ned d„re not .; urovcrt. When it i a Creator a 
 rathei t:;,t ^caii., wto would „.,t ■■li.-n and obt 
 ATcjuit,:.. nd, , urnanity his dcchr.tf laws, 'and iL 
 -we *h. ri! tut vMtcrdsv !>.- ca'l--- .V,-, .i.I j. ,1 1 
 wpom tu- morrow he can reduce Into ^h.ft -. 
 
 ■ '^ ^^ tor, ,' 
 ii "nd all 
 r\ 
 
 [I. The.w 
 "lom. It 
 
 If, fro 
 
 g 
 
 or jihiur 
 
0^ THE C|lBAl>tON 0» THE W0RL9. 
 
 206 
 
 I there any little interefts of our own which we dare 
 >ft, in oppofiiion to the pkafurc of him who made 
 
 Ft-ar ye not me, Jaith the Uru ; will yc not tremhU 
 y^ prejetice, wh. h.ve fiiced the J'anfi j$t the hund 
 hjn, by a perp'tual decree, th t it cannot f,ij> /// 
 Vjlretchjarth mi. h,r\d ovxrthi earthy and none hin* 
 
 V. 
 
 \i th/ fatnctinie, the power of a Creatof is encourag- 
 
 , a. well :is awful. Whilr it en font's duty, it \i\m 
 
 t% CGivfidcucc undv? ;.ffli<^ioM. it brings to vi^ sv a 
 
 Jt;OM, which- \ix\^xt ondermfsand comfort; l»>i it 
 
 lis the cowpTrlfion of a f;ithfr. .In the time of 
 
 kbif, ma.V;nd arc led bv natural impuUe, to fly for 
 
 It- Him, who knows the wcaknefs of the fiame 
 
 licli he his made j wiio retuembers tie are du/i ; i?nd 
 
 the d.uigcr"^ in wldch we are environed. <« I nm 
 
 mt ; for hou h ft mide me :Folfike njt the work of 
 
 inc own handf,' isoneofthe moft naturalejacul .ti.>n8 
 
 fK dilirtsscd n)i4ul ~Hxm blessed are the virtuous, 
 
 jo can rrft under the prot^dion of that powerful arm 
 
 lit b made the earth and the heaven ? The omnipo- 
 
 ■ce wliich renders God fo awful, is to them a fourcc 
 
 jjoy. In the whole toM paf< of nature, tiothing is for- 
 
 bble. to them, iVh. firmly repofe their truft in the 
 
 b»or. To thenri every noxious power can be rendered 
 
 fmlefs ; every threatened eiril, if not averted, can be 
 
 ^formed into good In the Author of nature, they 
 
 I not only the author of their being ; but their protec- 
 
 and defender, the lifter up of their heads. Happy is 
 
 Vbat hoth the (Jo U) Jacob for his hep ; iLh.je hope it 
 
 he Lor, his God :whch made heaien ai>d larth, the 
 
 )^und all that therein is ; whi(^h keepeth truth J &r 
 
 F • 
 
 II. The work of creation is the difplay of fu pre me 
 ^.lom. It carries ao charaaer more ( onfpicucus than 
 If, from the ftruaure and maclwaifm ot fome c£ 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 JWalni cxivi. 5, 6^ 
 
«04> 
 
 ON THE CREATION OF THE WORtB. 
 
 
 'h.'- ■ 
 
 |lv 
 
 V'; 
 
 the moft complicated works of h iman art ^ve are led! 
 high admiration of the wifdom of the contriver wl 
 aftoiiiihmcnt may fill our mind rj, when we think of i 
 ftruiflurr: of thv univcrfe ; It is not only the ftupendc 
 builiHng hfelf, whic!» excites admiration j but the t 
 quifite skill, with which the cncUeifs variety of its tJ 
 pre adapted to their rcipeaive purpofes. Infornud 
 that the ftudy of nature, which, -for ages, has employj 
 the liv'S of fo m^ny learr.ed men, and xhkh is Ifiii 
 far from Seing exh^u^cd, is no other tiian the fturiy 
 divine wifdom difplayed in the creation, ihe faith 
 our refearches arc carried, more ftriking proofs of it e\ 
 
 . cry where meet us. '» he provifion nude for the co| 
 Staht regularity of the univerfej in the dispofition of J 
 heavenly bodies, {o that in the courfe of feverai thousuj 
 ytars» nature fhould ever exhibit the fame ufeful ai 
 grateful Variety ,^ in the returns of light and darkness, i 
 fummer and winter ; and ever furniih food and habitj 
 tion to all the animals that people the earth j must 
 a la tin^' thf me of wonder to every refleiSting mind. 
 
 But they are not only the heavens that tieclarg the A 
 ry o/^Go<'\ antJ the firrvnmetit that jheweth forth hishani 
 W'jrk. In the most incohliderable, as well as in the mo] 
 illustrious works of the Creator, confu imate art ar. 
 defign appear There is not'a creature that moves, no 
 a v -getable that grows, but, wljen minutely examie^ 
 fuvrufiKs materials of the highest admiration. The fan 
 wifdom that placed the fun in the centre of the syster 
 and arranged the planet? around him in their order, ha 
 no Jess ftjown irfelf in the provifion made for the foe 
 and dwelling of every bird that roams the air, and ever, 
 beast that wanders in the defert ; equally great, in thj 
 fni.illest, and in the mo t magnificent obje£^s ; in thf 
 star, and in the infia ; i:i thfe depj^nt, and in the fly 
 in the beam that (hines from heavcrt, and in the ^x^ 
 th:^i: clothes the ground. Nothing icj overlo(-k»d. ~N( 
 f'^ing is carelef^sly performed. ¥.vcry thing that .xa 
 
 €S acjapted with perfea symetry to the end for which 1 
 
mtB. 
 
 ONT THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. 
 
 205 
 
 r 've are ledEws defigned. All this infinite variety of particulars 
 ^*''"^*^y» wftnuft have betn present to the mind of the Creator \ ail 
 t'e think of Mkhdd with one glance of bis eye ; all fixed and arranged^ 
 tre itupeudo from the beginning, in his great defign, when hefonn- 
 ij out thee td the heavens aiifi the earth. Justly may we exchiiai 
 ^ty O^f Its pai Rrith the Pfalmist, How excelkm, O Lord, is thy mine 
 :s. ^nfornuc \n ali the earth ! How ma mf old are thy works ! InwJ- 
 
 h as employ iomh<Jithou made them^alL No m-in canfiid lut the 
 h:ch IS l,.iii ^^j^^ fij^t (.lod maketh from the beginning to the end. 
 n-the fturiy ^uch knowledge is too won/e/Jui/or us. It ts high ; we 
 
 X he faith pnnot attain unto it. 
 roofs of it ev Ihi^ wifdom, difpbyed by the Aimiglity in the crea- 
 e for the co tion, was not inteiuled riiv^rely to gratify curiofrty, and 
 pofition of tl to raifc: wonder It ought to beget profound fubmilTion, 
 vcral thousui and pious trult, in every heart. It is not uncommon for 
 ne ufeful ai many who fpeak with rapture of creating wifdom, to be 
 id darkness, ( guilty, at the fame ti.nc, of arraigning the condud of 
 )d and habit; Providence. In the ilrudur^^ of the univerfc, they 
 ifth i must I confefs that all is g;vodly and beautiful. But in the gav- 
 mg mind. e nment of human affairs, they can fee nothing but dif- 
 declart thegl order and confufion.— Have tiiey forgotten, that both 
 ^orth his hum the one, and the other, proceed from the fame Autlior ? 
 as in the mo Have they forgofen, that he who balanced all the hcav- 
 
 imate art an mly bodies, and adjuftcd the proportions and limits of 
 lat moves, n( jature, is the fame vdio hath allotted them their coadi- 
 itely examie( ion in the world, who diftributea the meafures of their 
 ru The fam irofp rity ana' advcifity, and fixes the bounds of their 
 f the systen labitation ? jf their lot appear to them ill fort al, and 
 eir order, ha hdr condition hard and unequal, lettii-m only put the 
 
 for the foo lueilibn to tiicir own minds, whether it be molt proba- 
 air, and ever u , that the great and wife Creator hath erred in his 
 
 great, in th liltribuiion of human tiiiugs, or tliat they have erreJ, 
 3jt-a:s; in tb a the ju.igm-ii* which tney formed concerning the loc 
 nd in the fly illign^^d to them ? 4:an they oelieve. that tiic divme 
 i in the ^^ra#r,iil, after he had contrived and fiaifli^^d t!)is eartii, 
 ' habitation of men, with fuch aduiirable wifdom. 
 
 looked. N 
 
 g that .xi: 
 
 vuuid 
 
 ifor which •'oik \ v>^ould laJ^r thj uii' 
 
 ^a.n tbiow It out of his hands as a n^<d.jctid 
 
 s 
 
 Hi iiiliabitaiits to pro- 
 
 i 
 
li 
 
 ©N THE CREATION 6F THB WeHLD. 
 
 ceed by chance-; and would behold them without con i 
 ctrn, running into rtiifrule and difordcr ? Whtr" wJ 
 then that confiftcncy of condua, which wcdifcovtr m 
 all the works of nature, and which we cannot but as 
 cribe to a pcrfea being ? - My brother ! wiien diy planj 
 are difafpomted, and thy heart is ready to defpair ; vi/hen 
 virtue IS opprcffed, and the wicked pn.fper around thee J 
 m thofe moments of difturbancc. look up to him wlid 
 created the heaven and he earth ; and confide, that he 
 who made hght to fpring from primaeval diirknefs ^n\\ 
 make order at laft to arife from the fccmiug confufion d 
 the world. ^ 
 
 Had any one beheld the earth in its ftate of choas 
 when the elements lay mixed ^nd confufed ; when the 
 catch wa without form and void, and daiknefs wac or 
 the face of the deep ; wouid he have believed, tiiu ij 
 was p,dfcntly to become fo fair and V7ell or('^>red a kIoBi 
 as w« now behold ; illuminated with the piuidor of thi 
 fun, and aecorated with all the beautv of nature ? Th] 
 lame powerful hand, which perfeftcd the work of ere 
 ation, {hall, m due time, difemhroil the plans of Provi 
 dence Of creation, we can judge more clearly, becaut 
 rt Itood forth at once ; it was perfect from the beginning 
 But tne courfe of providence is progreffive. Time is rd 
 quired for the progreffion to advance ; and before it 
 lit.iihsd, we can form no judgment, or at leaft, a vcr 
 impeifa one, concerning it. We muft wait until r'a 
 gicaf jera .^rrive, when the fecrets of tiie univerfe fhaj 
 be unfolded ; when the divine defign (hall be confui! 
 ated i when Provident Oiall bring all things to the fa 
 completion which creation has already attained. Ih 
 we have every reafon to believe, that the wife creat 
 fh .11 appear in the end, to have been the wife arid j 
 ruler ol the world. Until that period come, let Ub 
 contented and patient ; let us fubmit and adore 
 
 ;ji ri:t_-t 
 
 ..1 
 
 uj'^it, tii5.5u iuait iiui icc Mm, yctjurigmd 
 is beiore him i therefore, trull thou in him*. This 
 
 . * Jub XXXT. 14. 
 
 fcem 
 (Iranj 
 diihci 
 the mi 
 liniitc 
 as tht 
 theie 
 have I 
 ful an 
 sd, by 
 or no: 
 Ma, 
 dfftort 
 can fu; 
 nlijnit^ 
 volent 
 a prof I 
 the fac 
 fen ted 
 his war 
 gratify 
 tain hi 
 Indeed, 
 nieniori 
 fxcept, 
 lupremt 
 waits V 
 fio J of 
 tures w 
 
fi^' THE CRIATIOX OP THE WOULD. 
 
 [tortition will receive more force when we; 
 
 \nd. no7itZ^'T'°n'' ="^"1''^^ of fup^me good- 
 wis no ief. than of Wiidoni and powtr It is the con*. 
 
 mumctmn of numberkfs benefits to all who HveT 
 
 'of the goodnefs of the Lordf Throughout th, whole 
 fyftem ^of thtng,, we behold a manifeft'tendencv trnro 
 
 be ler;K„ T^ P'-"' °^ '"'"'^' ""' '^-"i^-'cy may 
 
 fcmufeltrn ^" '"°'i'^^»- ObKh. which to ul 
 Lun uftlcfs, or hurtful, n.ny fometimes occur; and 
 ftrange u were ,f in fo vait 'and complicated a f Ite^ 
 diihcul ,es of th,s kmd flioul.l not occahonally prefj : 
 hen>felves to beings whofe views are fo narrow a, f. 
 
 .Wilted as ours. It is well.tnni«n ti..*. • '^^ *^'"i 
 i.« • ( , ■■«■ 13 wca- Known, that in Diooort nti 
 
 as tne knowledge of nature has increafcd am^onsn n 
 heie did,cu t.os have dimia.fl.ec). Satisiaaory ucL" ts' 
 h^ve oeen g.veu of n.any perplexing appear.ncls. ud 
 H K UT' :"T^" ^''^ been fomlul 'to be pron^ot- 
 :; nJxt!ilf ' "''"■' "'="' ="1"'^' ''-"S'" ""P-fi"bL 
 Malignant muft be the mind of that perfon : with a 
 
 Sfoea^'^h ; > "" '"I contemplat Jcreati^n ; ho 
 can lulpea that it is not the produaion of infinite be- 
 n^m ty and goodaef.. How many clear marks of l^nl- 
 volent intemions appear, every where around u, ° Wh!t M 
 profufion of beauty and ornament is pouved f;,t^4l-| 
 t^VlT^'' ? What a ma^nificel; Ipeaacle^ '^ 
 hswanK^wr"^"""- ' ''^"'■"PPly contrived fol' 
 . tlfH IW " " ""'^'y "^"''^^^ f^brfore hin,, to 
 g atify his lenfes, toempoy his undcrftanding. to en er- 
 
 ndeed thr'^'""'"?. '° "^'^ and gladden". s he." 
 indeed, the very exdtence of the univerfe is a ft.ndinp 
 men,orui of the goodnefs of the Creator. For no h nf 
 
 JfKpt, goodnefs co„ld nrlain.iu 1' or nothing 
 
 n, yet lurii'rotifuDrrmp n.;,,» r ir ". "'" 7 f'""'F' '-i..acion. liie J/fjj 
 
 "o J of felicity or Phrv wv tn rrfuh ^^ i • r -1 
 
 ttire<4 whnm L ^ ; • T '^'^i^itto iiimt, from crea- if 
 
 uirc. wiiom he made. It was ^oodneis cowmuiiicati^^ f 
 
It COS 
 
 ON THE^CBEATION OF THE WORLD. 
 
 nnd pouring itft If forth, goodnefs delighting to impar 
 Jw.ppmcfs in all its forms, which in the beginning creatt, 
 the heaven and the «arth. Hence, thofe innumerabl. 
 orders of livincr creatures with which the earth h pco 
 pied ; from the lowed clafs of fenl^itive being, to th 
 higheft rank of resfon and intelligence. Wherever then 
 13 life, there is fome degree of h?ppinefs ; there are en 
 joyments fuited to the different powers of feeling ; an 
 «:arth, and air, and water, are, with magnificent liberalit 
 made to teem with life. 
 
 . Let thofe ftrikmg difplays of creating goodnefs cai 
 forth, on our part, refponfive love, gratitude, and vene 
 ration. To this great Father of all cxiflence and iife 
 to Him who hath raifed us up to behold the light of dav 
 and to cr.joy all the comforts which his world preftnts 
 let our hearts fend forth a perpetual hymn of praife, 
 Evenmg' and morning let us celebrate Him, who maketl 
 the morning and the evening to rejoice over our heads 
 xvho openeth his hand, and ^itisfieth the defire of ew 
 ry living thing. Let us rejoice, that pre arc brought in 
 to a world, which is the produdion of infinite goodnefs 
 over which a fupreme intelligence prcfides ; and when 
 nothing happens, that was not planned and arranged 
 from the bighming, in his decree. Convinced that h 
 hateth not the works which he hath made, nor hat, 
 brought creatures into exiftence, merelv to fuffer unne 
 ceiTary pain, let us, even in the midft of forrow, r-cciv 
 with calm fubmifiion, whatever he is pleafed to fend 
 th.)Tikfulforwhat he beftows; and farisficd, that with 
 out good reafon, he takes nothing away. 
 
 Such, in general, are the elTeas which meditntion o, 
 the creation of the world ought to produce. It pre 
 fciits lach an aftoniihing conjun£l:ion of power, wif 
 donu ami goodnefs, as cannot be beheld without reii 
 gious j^eneration. Accordingly, . mong all nations. o| 
 :: r~~'\"» '- "•^~ e*^^" '^"' '■^ rcu^nous oeuei ana wor 
 
 fh 
 
 'p. Vhe mod ignor.int zm\ favage tribes, when the 
 
 IvJoked reund on the earth and the heave 
 
 ns c 
 
 :<^Id 
 
 ncl 
 
 avoid 
 caufe, 
 deed, 
 which 
 have ii 
 fuperl] 
 ' to be 
 them i 
 multiti 
 ror, br 
 an^;ry i 
 pear.in 
 
 COMftdi 
 
 op Tuti 
 throug 
 him. 
 
 Tiiis 
 
 more p 
 
 ed to 
 
 minds ' 
 
 and gr< 
 
 us to vi 
 
 with a 
 
 then be 
 
 the eart 
 
 timer e 
 
 as obje<^ 
 
 pear ani 
 
 thor, ^ 
 
 fpring p 
 
 when au 
 
 its awfu 
 
 himfelf I 
 
 fields. 
 
 WesF 
 hold ou; 
 of that u] 
 
)RLD. 
 
 ting to imparl 
 jinning creait 
 fe innumerabl 
 ; earth is pco* 
 being, to thi 
 Vherever ther 
 there are en 
 ^ feeling ; an 
 itent liberiil 
 
 ON TfiE (iJftaATIOy OF THfi WOftLH. 
 
 209 
 
 goodnefs ca 
 icie, and vene 
 :ence and iife, 
 e light of dav 
 -'orld preftnts^ 
 nn of praife, 
 , who maket 
 =r our heads 
 lefire of eve 
 re brought in 
 lite goodnefs 
 ; ; and whe 
 md arranged 
 inced that h 
 le, nor hat 
 ) fuffer unne 
 irrow, r'-ccivj 
 afed to fend 
 lI, that with] 
 
 nedit.itJon oij 
 ace. It pre) 
 power, wjf 
 without relij 
 dl nations ol 
 ici and worl 
 ► when tb( 
 as c(^ld nol 
 
 z»>^d afcnkng their origin to fome invifible defiirnin* 
 aZa'T f'',"S ^ Pfopenfity to a.'.o:e. They are, in- 
 I I ^''- T "' ^PPf^^^'^ces of the Creator's power by 
 wh,ch chiefly they have bee,, in, prcfled , and which 
 have m.roduced t„to theirworfliip fom.ny rites of dark ' 
 fupcrllu,on. Whe. the ufuat courfe of .Lture feemed 
 to be m errupted ; when loud thunder rolled above 
 tlien. m the ciouds, or earthqu;,k"s (hook the ground, the 1 
 mult^ude fell on^their knees, au.l, witl, trembling hor! ' 
 ror, brought forth the bloody facrilke to appeaft- tha 
 an.ry d,v,n„y. But it is not in thoie tremendous ap! 
 .p-ar.nces ot power merely, that a good and well in- 
 iluilcd man beholds the Crsator of the world In the 
 co.,fta-„ -nd regular working ofhis hands, in the filent' 
 op Tationr,r.f his w.fdomand goodnefs, ever coins oti 
 throughout nature he delights to contempate and adore 
 
 This is one of the chief fruits to be derived from that 
 more perfeft knowledge of the creator, wh.ch is impart- 
 ed to u. by the Chnftian revelation. Impreffing our 
 mmds with a juft Tenf- of all his attributes, as not^w°fe 
 and great Only, but as gracious and merciful,' let it lead 
 us to view every objea of calm and undifturbed natufe 
 r i,\''^^''"",-' 7^^^^"'='=^ '»"' Author. We shall 
 hen behold all the fcenes which the heavens and 
 the earth prefent, with more refined feelings, and fub- 
 hmer emotions, then they who regard them folely 
 as objeas of curiofity, or amufeme, l. Nature will a^. 
 pear annnated,_and enlivened, by the prefence of its Ai- 
 thor. When the fun rifes or fcs in the heavens ; when 
 fprmg paints the earth, when fummer fliincs in its glory 
 when aut«mn pours forth its fruits, or winteY retuni, in 
 Its awful forms, we ftall vi, w ,he creator minif.fting 
 hnnfcif m hit works. Wp fl„ll ^o». j,:. _,^„„ ■ . ^ 
 
 We shall hear his voice m the wind. %c ft sil be- 
 hold ourfelves every where farrounded with the Klorr 
 o^that uiuyerfalbpirit, who fill,, pervade., and upffoldj 
 
 I 
 
210 
 
 ON THE DISSOLUTION? OF THE ^OLltfD^ 
 
 all Wc fhall live in the world as in a great and aurjuftl 
 temple i ^vhere the prefence of the divinity, who inhabits 
 It; mfpires devotion. ^ 
 
 Magnified:! as the fabric of the world is, it was not I 
 however, intended for perpetual duration. It was erca. 
 ed as a temporary habitation for a race of beings, who 
 after afting there a probationary part, were to be re' 
 moved into a higher ftate of exiftencc. A. there whs 
 an hour fixed from all eternity for its creation, fo there 
 
 IZtl ui^^'u "? ^^fl'^J^f'on ; when the he.vcns 
 and the -^arth (hall pafs away, and their place fliall know 
 them na more.' ^The confide ration of this grL evenr 
 ^ the counterpart to the work of creation, ftiaU be the 
 fefejea: of the following difcourfe. 
 
 ■« «<git 
 
 SERMON XX. 
 
 On the Dis«oLUTi«N of the World/ 
 
 2 Peter iii. lo* 
 
 ^t^f the day of the Lord will cme as a thief in the night ; 
 '^n the ukuh the heavens Jhall pafs away with a great 
 notje, and the elements Jhall melt with fervent heat^ 
 the earth alfo, and the works that are therein, /hull h 
 burnt up* "^ 
 
 _ THESE words prcfcnt^ us an awful view of the 
 final cataftrophc of the world. Having ticatcd inihd 
 
at and auguft 
 who inhabits 
 
 , it was not, 
 It was ere<^- 
 »eings, who, 
 're to be re- 
 Am there whs 
 on, fo there 
 the hciivcms 
 e fliall know 
 great event, 
 (haU be the 
 
 -D. 
 
 7 fhe night ; 
 nth a great 
 'vent heat ; 
 iny Jhall bt 
 
 0N Tr!E blSSOLtJTIOM OP THB WORtD. 21J| 
 
 ced'no difcourfe, of the commencement, Jet us n'v* 
 cf a^n.plarc the clofr of all human things. The diflfo- 
 |kio|i©f th. material fyftem, is an article of our faithf 
 
 ifttn allut'-ct to in the Old Teftamcnt, and clearly pre- 
 tocd in the New, It is an article of faith, fo far from 
 beiriff i-.u rediblt, th^rm .ny appearances in nature lend ^o 
 the belief of it Wc f -c all terreftrial fubftanccs chang- 
 ing their form. Nothing that confifts of matter, h 
 formed for perpetual duration Every thing around us 
 is impaired and confumed hy time ; waxes old by degrees 
 ,and tends to decay. There is reafon therefore, to be- 
 lieve, that a ftruaure fo complex as the world, muft be 
 liable to the fame law ; and (liaM, at feme peri(>d, un- 
 dergo the fa'NC fate. Through many changes, the ear|h 
 has already paffcd ; many fhockc it has received, and 
 ftill is often receiving. A, gresit portion of what is now 
 dry land appears, from various tokens, to have been once 
 covered with water. Continents bear the marks of hav- 
 ing been violently rent, and torn asunder from one ano- 
 ther. New ill ndshave arifen from the bottom of the 
 ocean ; thrown up by the force of fubterraneou« fii-6. 
 Formidable earthquakes have, in divers quarters, fhaken 
 the globe ; and at this hour terrify, with their sbrms 
 many parts of it. Burning mountains have, for ages* 
 been difcharging torrents of flame ; and from time to 
 time renew their explofions, in various regions. All 
 thefe '^ircumftances Ihow, that in the bowels of the earth 
 the inftrumcnts of its dilTolution are formed To our 
 view, who behold only its furface, it may appcjir firm 
 and unfhakcn j while its dettruaion is prepar||^ in fe- 
 cret. The ground on which we t*-end is unSlrnuned 
 CombuftiWc meterials are ftorrd. Th^ tr' in is laid! 
 When the mine is to fpring, none nf n (an fqresee 
 
 4ccuftomed to behold the courfe of iiatuBe proteed- 
 
 
 iCaiiw ific, our 
 
 lew of the 
 ated in^ 
 
 (ures and perfuits with fulj fecurity ; and f-ich 
 
 a» 
 
 fcencs as the 
 
 5*^v*?Cul 
 
 c»nvu!fion of the el -m«-nts, rfl jh^ t^til^ilu- 
 tbn of the world, are foreign to our thought. Yet, aa 
 
 
 m 
 
 It 
 
s?r2 
 
 ON THE DISSOLVTIOM OP TITB WOnttT' 
 
 is tendin 
 |i!ull be] 
 |K*gin to 
 licene; i] 
 \kt us, 
 I. Coi 
 
 It IS certain that fome generation of men must wim 
 thr. great cataftropbe, it is fit .nd proper that w. {\1 
 fornet.me9 look forward ta it. Such profm-fts may n 
 m-^tcri be alluring to the bulk of men. But thev < k 
 a^ra^.lcurandfok-mnitv, which arr congenial to foof l. ^'o, 
 ofiK. r..iU!,gnih.-dfeehngsinour natufe ; and teJlution, a 
 to procluce elevation of thought. Amidit^ the circle Jworld. 
 
 wh-ch fill up the ordinary round of life, it is rieccil^nftncled ; 
 
 th.t w^ be occanbnaHy excited to attend to wh.t fs i. Jcrcation, 
 
 our, and gr^at.- Such events as are now to be the fubujto fulfil a 
 
 of our meditation, awake the slumbering m]nd ; cb^cliate. N 
 
 the l.centiousneii.ofidlethou^rl,r, ,nd bring home- ouldlfplay hi 
 
 ChriihZ '° nioft concerns u<, a. men anJhe has m 
 
 T .. Lfiri ^ « .^ I earth was 
 
 Ltt us thihk what ailbn.fhinent wouldiiave filled oulcd, when 
 
 mmds, and what devout emotions would have fvvHiJcome. Ir 
 
 tT- n/IL'' f/''"^''r ^5" '"P^««o« of the crealbring, ab( 
 
 rofe atfirft<.,/W/.rm .«d voiJ, and beheld it, p„|pires to r 
 In^^i ^r/, -T^ "?,':''» '^ '"= '^''d heard^!ilh»ple,f„, 
 
 from the dari„,Js ihut wa, en the face V Ihe ,i,M<: faw i 
 If we had feen the fun ari.nng, fof the'firft time in thlcni(hed. v 
 eaft, with majeftic glory ; and all nature inftantly beginjplifh, thei 
 mngtoteemw,th life. '1 his wonderful fcine, it 14 way Of 
 
 imDOffihie that anv fintvion «.,-c -,_..ij 11,,'- a, ; 
 
 chr^nge {h( 
 Lorci of tl 
 it is not oi 
 tion of n; 
 brougl^t at 
 jncnt are a 
 It is caj 
 
 • iri-i 1 » '^v/imcxiui icene. It was 
 
 impoffible that any human eye could behold. It was 
 
 a fpeaacle afforded only to angels, and fuperior fpirits. 
 But to a fpeaacle no lefs aftonifhing, the final diflblution 
 of the w^d, we know there shall be many human wir. 
 nefles. The race pf men living in that laft age, fliall 
 fee the paflages of the approachihg fatal day There 
 fliairbey^A. ,«//,.>;;, as the Scriptures i/forms us, it is ca 
 midfigmm the moon, and ^^^^^ the earth, dijireh peculiarly 
 
 w*. They ^a« clearly perceive, th»t univerfol natuwlBut tlmu|l 
 ■•■•. •tuke«i. ,^. Ifromthefe 
 
 »."f 
 
01? THK DISSOLUTION OF THE WOFLD. 
 
 2!S 
 
 pves toar'i 
 
 jistenaing to ruin. Thty Ihall fed the globe shake -^ 
 |j.iall behold their cities fall, and the final conflugmion 
 pgin to kindle around them Realifin;^ then this awful 
 Ifccne; imagining ourfclves to be already fpeaators of it 
 |kt us, 
 
 I. Contemplate the fupremc being direaing the diffi>- 
 jlution, as he dircfted the origir.al formation of the 
 Iworld. He is the great aeent in this wonderful tranfi 
 Isdion. It was by him forefeen. h was by him in- 
 Ittnclcd; It entered into his plan from the moment of 
 creation. This world was deflined from the beginning 
 Ito fulfil a certain period ; and then its dLtafi^.:»to termi- 
 nate. Not that it is any pleafure to the Almighty, to 
 difplay his omnipotence in dcftroying the works which 
 he has made ; but as for wife and good purpofes ihe 
 earth was formed, fo for wife and good ends it is ciffolv- 
 cd, when the time moft proper for its termination is 
 come. He who, in the counfels of his Providence, 
 jbrings about fo many revelutions among mankind ; who 
 Icfjr.ng^fh the times and the Jeajons ; who raifes up em- 
 Ipires to rule, in fucceffion, among the nations, and at 
 hit pleafure puts an end to their glory ; hath alfo fixed a 
 term for the earth itfelf, the feat of all human greatnels. 
 f A, »^^^eet. thai after the probationary courfe was 
 iiniihed, whit ' nerations of men were to accom- 
 
 jpi'lh, their prel.. -.inuion should be made to pafs a- 
 way Of the k ^.cncfs of the period when this 
 
 ch;^nge fliould take p^ace, no beingcan judge, except the 
 Lord of the univerfe. i htfe are counfels, into which 
 It IS not ours to penetrate. But amioft this great re vol u- 
 Ition of nature, our comfort is, that it- is a revolution 
 brought about by Him, the meafure« of whofe goverq^' 
 |jncnt are all fi unded in goodnefs. 
 
 It is called in the text, //f)^ day of th^ -lord ; 7i 6^y 
 Jpecuharly his, as known to him only ; a day in vhtch 
 iuc fiurll appear with uncommon nid trcmentJou,. m;ijf fty. 
 jBut tijough it be the day of th.e teirir.s of jh* T / xi .yt% 
 jfrom thefe terrors, his upright and faiihiui lubjra* 4^ 
 
 I 
 
 ' ;p 
 
 
 %#■ 
 
 -fn 
 
 f 
 
814 
 
 ON THK MaioLUTION SW TKI WOULD. 
 
 li 
 
 t 
 
 ■ It, I 
 
 lull ii^n 
 i.s anci 
 
 jr fdlleii 
 
 ;i!vcrfe. 
 This di 
 
 mf. a a 
 
 have nothing to apprehend. They may rf main fafc aj»;„„ „ 
 quiet fpcaator, of the threatening fcene For it is ,TL^ 
 to be a fccne of blind confufion ; of univcrfal, ru- ' 
 brought ;4bout y und- figniig chance. Over the slio', 
 ot tlie elements, ard tlie wreck of nature, Eternal W 
 dom prefides. According to its diredion, the contj 
 gratton advances wliich is to confume the earth. ] 
 midft every convulfion ofth.= world, God (h llcontin] 
 to be, as he was from the beginning, the dwelling pljL,„^ ^, 
 of h.5 ferv.,nts to all generations. The world.may bdf a^ 
 to them ; but the ruler of tlic worKl is evrr the f.Jt I! . 
 unchangeably good and juft. This i. thlhig , .o^r $: i^ 
 to which hey cr.r fly, and b. fafe. The riRhtcou, Lcl # w 
 loveth nghteoufncfs , and under every ,>.ri<,d of" i, f ,^7t 
 vernmei.t. h,s countenance brhold.ti. the upright fi; 
 
 as the end of all human glory. This earth has been iTonfound 
 ch : emenr"';-? «'"'JP^^-'f ' -'^ --/ ^< high} M it oi 
 
 facehafc ""''"^^ have triumphed. Its fit hall ov 
 face has been covered with proud and ftutely cities, l.inal dee 
 
 h ve «eA i'' ""-r* 8'°'r^ "' '^^" n,agnlli.„f„.hc boo 
 «onume„1^ »^^f "I!'*'' .""ft''^««' t^*^",' foundLuntain 
 affaurofL. T^''-'"'^!."','^''"^ '^'^r ^ll|rinti:ns 
 
 tl^rf U -J"/"'" '■ ""•• ''^"'■^'<' themfelves. that .L, in our 
 fame of their d.fcoveries was to be immortal.-Alas ! L^rd shall 
 
 T^^L!°u'''v''"' "'"*'""''* "f'^if pasHCth a« known ar 
 
 Ihe day commeth when all the glory of t!,i. world ft, 
 
 be remembered only as a dream wjien one awakei aeniy tne 
 
 which now delight our eyes 1 he wLdebi^niifnlf,* ' • 
 » airown down, never more to an,;- .U fo„n a. • 
 f flitftroying angel.has fo«ndeJ the lail trumpet, the e« 
 
 tfaom witl] 
 
osr 
 
 AiE 
 
 DIS«OLUTIOM 69 THE WORL» 
 
 <•«> 
 
 215 
 
 JIng mountains fall ; the foundations of the world 
 
 k ihakcn ; the beauties of nature, the dccorationi 
 
 tf .i.t, the labors of induftry, perish in one com- 
 
 fcon flame. fhc globe iifolf shall cither return in- 
 
 Ks ancient chaos, without form and void i or, like a 
 
 Lr fallen from the heavens, shall be effaced from tiic 
 
 |mvcrfc, and its place shall know it no more. 
 
 'This day of the Lord, it k foretold in the text, will 
 
 5m. as a thief in the night ; that is, fuddcn and untx- 
 
 aed. Mankind, notwithftanding the prefages given 
 
 hem shall continue to the laft in th-ir i/cntcd fecuritv. 
 
 ur Saviour tells u , that as its tk- ^uys of ISoah bejore 
 
 }hc flood, they Wire eating and u ^Hng^ marryinsi and 
 
 \mr>^ m marriage, until the fioorj ,ome, and took th.^m 
 
 ^ .way : Jo Jhall .7IJ0 the C9n^ ng cf*he Jon o' man /; ♦ 
 
 H.»w many projras and dcfigrg shall that day fuddeniy 
 
 bn*^,und; What long contrivui lexemes ofplc.furc 
 
 fchall It overthrow ? Wh.t plans f cunning and am- 
 
 bit'on shall It utterly blaft ? How miferable they whom 
 
 It hall overtake in the midft of dark eonfpiracie/of cri- 
 
 hiiiial deeds, or profligate plcafures ? In what ft.oiiff 
 
 blors JK their difmay painted, when they are represented 
 
 In the book ot l^evelation^, as calling, to the hilJs and 
 
 ■mountam to fall on them and cover tl.cm ? Such oes- 
 
 fcnnti -ns are apt to be confidered as ex -ggerated. Fhc 
 
 Imprelhon of thofe awful events is weakened by the 
 
 Igreat diiiance of time, at whic. our imagination places 
 
 Ithem But have not we had a ftriking image fet bt-fore 
 
 lus, in our own age, of the terrors wiiich the day of the 
 
 Lord shall produce, by thofe partial ruins of the world. 
 
 Ithe vifitation of God has brought on countrit-s well 
 
 nown and not removed very far from ourfely*,.. ? 
 
 jWhen, m the midft of peace, opulence, and fc curity, fcd- 
 
 Idenlytne earth was Mi by the terrified inhabitant, tp 
 
 Itr.-aiDle with violent agitation, below thtm ; when the ir 
 
 -j^ajs „xj ojju.*x, uv»-r uicir neaus, anti to ovcrwhrln 
 pom with ruinj, j the flood, at the fiime time, 
 
 i^-att. xxiv ?S. 
 
 '■•l 
 
 I 
 
m 216 on THE DiJSOLUTioN 07 THE World. 
 
 fii' » 
 
 from its bed, anJ to fwell around them ; when encoiri 
 pasHCil with univcrfal desolation', no iricnd could aiii a 
 nothcr j no profptdt of tfcapc appeared ; no plate o; 
 refuge remained ; how fimilar were i\nh fi:en<.*8 oi . c 
 tru£lion to tl»e terrors of the laft day ? What h.^iiai 
 fciifitions of dnad, and r-imorfe, and too lace rcpjiif.t c 
 
 liiiift they have ex< itcd among the guilty und prolanv. 
 
 I 
 
 Here, i 
 
 lexcellenc 
 
 ^autiful 
 
 than a fa 
 
 it is not ( 
 
 To fuc:: fo iniil.i'lc coiivulfions oi niiiurc-, we, in tlicsi earthly ti 
 
 happy iflands through the bleifing oi Heaven, are ftr.n 'op^"^ 
 
 g. V, ; ind ftrang<Ts to them ni iy we long continu. ceptible c 
 
 JBu uowcver we m.jy cfc^pr p:*rii d ruins of the globe whicli.W2 
 
 in its general and fi ial ruin, wc dfo mnft tc involved Capable ( 
 
 To u- mud come at laft that .twiul d^y, when the lui i^^'^r<^ » • 
 
 shall for the -aft time ai ife, to perform his com lui'ini ^^^^ ^"^ 
 
 circuit round the world. Th.ry how 'olvit, whom tlu f^spetrab 
 
 day ^ih dl fin^ employed in rciigious a£ls, or virtuou p^rilj^^blc 
 
 deeds i in the confcientioui difeharge of the duties o 
 
 iife ; it' the excrcife of due preparation for the coiiclu 
 
 (i >n ofluimm things, and for appeariiig before the grta 
 
 Ju ige of the world ! i-ict us now 
 
 , III. Contemplate the foul of man, as remaining un 
 
 hurt in the midil of this general dcfol.ition, when th Jody and 
 
 whole animal creation perifhes, and the whole franieo '.^ ^^ "^* 
 
 nature falls into ruins What a high idea does this pie "*^ fyften 
 
 fent, of the dignity pertaining to the rational fpirit V^^Y> "^^ 
 
 The world may fall back into chaos; but, fuperioi ti our origin 
 
 matter, and independent of all the changes of materia '^'"X ^ " ' 
 
 things, the foul continues the fane. When the iKavni v* 
 
 pafs tway with a great noise, and theelem«nls melt wit thcintrod 
 
 fervent heat, the foul of man. ftamped for immort liiti jovernme 
 
 retains its ftate unimpaired ; ajui is eapabl of llvuriihin 5^°^ *or i 
 
 in uadecaying youth and vigor. Very diiFtrent indvO ightcousi 
 
 the c»^d it ion of human f^irits is to be, accor<iing i ^things 
 
 their different qualities have marked, and prepared t^ '^^ ^"^ ^ 
 
 for ',difFcrent future manfions. But for futurity, th( dieted the 
 
 are all deftined. li.xiftence, ftill, is tiieirs. The cjp jetn empl 
 
 city ci pevinanent f-ii' ity tht-y ail pofTess j and, if tiitf^^^ons w 
 
 enjoy t not, it is owing to tiieiiiielvcs»- 
 
 and immt 
 cultivate "^ 
 self rftim 
 be whc 
 "cnfuality 
 
DIILD. 
 
 Nii 
 
 ON THE DrSffOLUTION Ofc" TUV. WOULD, 
 
 Iff 
 
 when encoiTi 
 
 cuuld iiiii a • . 
 
 i MO plate "C'"C» then, let us behold whsrt is the true honor an4 
 li:en(.*8 oi ,'ti wccllence of man. It confifls not in his body ; vvhicb 
 
 What fi.uiU beautiful or vigorous as it may now seem, is no other 
 ite r^pjuf.i CI ^h*" * fabric df duft, quickly to return toduft again, 
 and prolrii.v. ^^ '^ "Of derived from any connexion he can form witli 
 , we, in thcs< larthly things ; which, as we have seen, are all doomed 
 en, are ftt^n lop^"^ jf cortfifts in that thinking part, which ii sui- 
 ng continu. ccptible of intellectual improvement and moral worthy 
 of the globe '^i^i^^i'Was formed after the image of God; which is 
 t be involved capable of perpetual progrefs in drawing nearer to his 
 whtm the lui ni''ur<2» and fliiJl partake of the divine eternity, when 
 IS conclut'iiij ^^^^ 2"^ th^ world (hall be no more. This is all that iB 
 :. whoni tlu respeftable in man. By this alone, he is raised above 
 or virtuou perifliabie subflances, and allied to those that are cclcflial 
 the duties o and immortal. This part of our nature, then, let \m 
 ir the conclu cultivate with c-are ; anVi, on its improvement, ttfl: our 
 ore the gnj self cflimation. If on the contrary, suffering ourfe Ives 
 to be wholly immerfed in matter, plunged in the dregs of 
 jmaining un cnfuality, we behave as if we were only made for the 
 n, when th ^^Y ^^^ "s animal pleafures, how degenerate and bafe 
 hole frameo ^^ we become ? Dcftincd to furvive this vhole mete- 
 docs this pic "*^ fyftem, fent forth to run the race of immortality and 
 itional fpirii 5W>.^a^^ we thus abufe our Maker's good nef?, degrade 
 t, fupcrioi t tJiir original honor, and fink ourfelvcs into deferved mi- 
 es of matefij ^^^Y ^ It remains, that, 
 
 :nt!jchcavui 'V. We contemplate the diflblution of the world, as 
 nis melt wit tncintroduaion to a greater and nobler fyfti^m, in the 
 
 immorniiiftovernment of God. We, according to hii promife, 
 
 of iSvJuilhlnl^o'^ for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwclleth 
 iRrcnt indvet^g^tcousnefs*. Temporal things are now to give place 
 
 accor<iing •> things eternal. To this earthly habitation ia to fac- 
 )reparcd tkitjctl the city of the living God. The earth had com^ 
 futurity, thtf'^^ted the purprtfe for which it was rreatecl. It had" 
 I. TiiC capl^^.n employed a, a theatre, on which the Imman gene^ 
 
 and, if lif^tions were fucccflively to come forth, and to "fulfil 
 
 * » Peter iii. 13, 
 
 \ 
 
 '■^f 
 '■^'m 
 
 :t 
 
 .JT^i^ 
 
t/ 
 
 §ld 
 
 OIJ THE DlSSOLUTIOi: OF l^ltB'WNyRE*. 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 h 
 
 t 
 
 M^^ 
 
 :1( .- 
 
 { 
 
 i 
 
 HI 
 
 ri)eir term of trial A4 long as the period of trial 
 tinuccl, much obfcurity was of courfc to cover the 
 ff;f!s of Pi evidence. It was Mppointed,i that all th 
 fhould appea.r as >. -ming alike ti. all j that lihe rig] 
 {hould fecm often negic£lcd by He 
 
 aven, 
 in order 
 
 d the 
 
 w 
 
 that 
 
 be allowed extern.illy to profptr 
 •,ind pi^yty m'gbt undergo a proper tifl ^ tha' it m 
 be fliown wi!-; v/en: fincire adlierents 10 confi-icnce, an( 
 'uii'-werc mcce follower f.f fortun.. -The diy wiiicl 
 tenrjuiites the duration of the world, terminates ull thof( 
 feeming diforders. The time of trial is concluded 
 The final discrimination of chara£ters is made. hci 
 
 the rii',iueous go to everlasting happincf?, a\\{\ the wickei 
 are dif rifled into the regions of puniflinieiit, the wholi 
 mystery of human affliirs is unravelled, ; and the condufl 
 of Providence is justified to man. 
 
 Suiied t.^ a condition oftrinrwas Itae st::!te and for'!! 
 of the world, which we now inhabit. It was not defign 
 ed to be a manfion for innocent and Jiappy fpirits 5 bu 
 a dwelling for creatures of fallen nature, and of mixa 
 
 chara£lers. Hence, tliofe mixtures of pleafure and paii 
 of diforder and beauty, with which it abounds. Hence 
 fome regions of the earth, prefenting gay and pleafiiij 
 fcenes ; others, exhibiting nothmg but ruggednefs am 
 deformity ; the face of nature, fcMnetimes brightened b' 
 a ferene atmofpher-e, and a fplendid Tun ; fometime 
 disfigured by, jarring elements, and overcaft with trouble 
 skie^ .But far unlil-ie, fliall be the everlafting habitation 
 of the jull : Though how they are formed, or wh.<t ob 
 je£ls they contain, is net given us now to conceive *, noi 
 ill rdl probability, would our fatuities be equal to tli 
 conception. The emblematical defcriptions of them ii 
 fckripture, arc calculated to c::cite high ideas of magni 
 icence and glory, ihis one particular we know wit! 
 certainty, that ther<?in dwelleth righfeousnef^ ; thatj 
 complete virtue, and eternal order \ and wherever the' 
 are foynd, the moil perfect fourc <^: are opened of joy a 
 Hifs. Thisearth was acver intciided for more taaii ^ 
 
 otter CGI 
 
 counl' ^ 
 
 When th 
 
 part fhall 
 
 Th^in 
 
 on this fu 
 
 of the A 
 
 text i fe( 
 
 manner c 
 
 and god 
 
 which ha 
 
 mighty, a 
 
 ments, ar 
 
 vain ? W 
 
 pre fen r ft 
 
 which ih 
 
 chara61:er 
 
 with tha 
 
 know the 
 
 the Son c 
 
 would w 
 
 ihbuld CO 
 
 I kno\ 
 
 cannot be 
 
 feut age. 
 
 needs, it 
 
 Many pre 
 
 paratory c 
 
 for final j 
 
 none of u 
 
 mind you 
 
 and not f; 
 
 with the 
 
 1 IS, t 
 
 deat] 
 diflbJution 
 
 
 i© LiiC 
 
 cxtinguifh 
 [aoify' J bi 
 
ORtU. 
 
 itJ'rrdN OP THE world. 
 
 SI J) 
 
 of trial CO 
 vcr the coun 
 kat all thinjr 
 ■he riglit'vou 
 id the wicke 
 r that virtui 
 tha' It migh 
 nf'-icncc, an( 
 ; diy wiiicl 
 lates all thof( 
 fj concluded 
 ade. hci 
 
 id the wickei 
 c, the whol 
 I the condufl 
 
 ite and fern 
 Ls not defigii' 
 
 fpirits i bu 
 nd of mixet 
 fure and paii 
 ids. Hence 
 and plciifin 
 ggednefs am 
 n'ightened b^ 
 1 ; fometime 
 with troubiet 
 ig habitation 
 , or wh.<t ob 
 >nceive ; r 
 
 equal to tli 
 5 of tlicm ii 
 
 as of niuvani^ 
 
 e know wit 
 ncU ; that] 
 herever the« 
 ed of joy a«| 
 
 2It llidU 
 
 
 otter court, the porch through which the righteous were 
 I, pafs into the temple and fanduary of thel"Wvinity. 
 When that which is perfed is come, that which is iii 
 part fhall be done away. ^ 
 
 Th(j inference which follows from what has been fail 
 Ion this fubjeft, cannot be fo well exprefled as in the wordV 
 of the Apoftle, in the verfe immediately following iht 
 text i feeing that all thefe thij.gs {hall be diflblved, what 
 manner of perfons ©ught we to be in all hol^ converfation 
 and godlinefs ? Ought not the important difdoveries 
 which have been made to us, of the defigns of the Al- 
 mighty, and of the deftiny of man, to exalt our fenti- 
 ments, and to purify our life from what is vicious or 
 vain ? While we purfue the bufinefs' and cares of our 
 prcfenr ftation, and partake of the innocent pleafuics 
 which the world affords, let us maintain that dignity of 
 chara6ier, which becomes, immortal beings y let u;5 a6t 
 with that ' circumfpe6lion, which becomes thofe whn 
 know they are foon to (land before the judgment-feat of 
 the Son of God : in a word, let us fludy to be what we 
 would wifh to be found, if to us the day of the isord 
 fhbuldcomc/ 
 
 I know it will occur, that ' the profjied of that d.iy 
 cannot be expeded to have much influence on the pre- 
 fent age. The events of which I have treated, mufl 
 needs, it wi;I oc faid, belong to fome future race of men. 
 Many prophecies yet remain to be fulfilled. Many pre- 
 paratory events mull take place, before the world in ripe 
 for final jud^^ment. — Whether this be the cafe or not; 
 none of us with certainty know— But allow me to re- 
 mind you, that to each of us, an event is approaching, 
 and not far diftant, which fhill prove of the f^ime efFcd:, 
 with the coming of the day of the Lord. The day of 
 peata is, to every in<iividual,' the fame as the day of thtj 
 dilfoJution of the world. Tlic fun may continue to fhin^ 
 i i.9 liiciii wiiu arc iaia in tne ^lavc, ijis iiuiil is uiiaifv 
 tinguifhed. The world may remain a<^ive, biify'r^nd 
 ify 5 but to them, all is filence. The voic: whki 
 
^2a 
 
 oj? THE irtsaroi<uTipN oi 
 
 
 IJ* 
 
 
 
 gives the mandate, Return again to your duft, « the 
 fame w,th the found of the laft trumpet Oeath fi« 
 the doom of every one, finally and irrevocably. This 
 fureJy ,s an event which none of us can remove in ou 
 thoughts to a remote age. To-morrow, to.day, the fa- 
 tal mandate may be iffued. Watch therefore /be fobcri 
 TOme*K! ' ^^ ^"°^ ^^^ ^^ what hour the. Son of maa| 
 
 Having now treated both of the creation and difToIu, 
 
 tion of the MTorld, I cannot conclude, without caDinj 
 
 your thoughts to the magnificent view, which thefe el 
 
 vents give us. of the kingdom and dominion of the All 
 
 T^r^' , ]^^f^ ^e^erence we conteii^plate his handsiJ 
 
 the fignal difpenlations of Providence among men ; del 
 
 5iding the fate of battles ; raifing up, or overthrowing 
 
 «mpi|fesi caftmgdown the proud, and lifting the lo^ 
 
 from rhe du^ But.what are fuch occ«rrences to the 
 
 power- and wifdom, which he di^Iays in the higher re^ 
 
 Tplutions of the umverfc ; by his word, forming, or did 
 
 folvmg worlds j at his pleafure, tranfplanting his creal 
 
 turcs from one world to another ; that he may carry oJ 
 
 iiew plans of wifdom and goodnefs, and filf all fpacd 
 
 with the wcaders of creation ! Succeffive generationVd 
 
 men have arifen to poffcs the earth. By turns thd 
 
 have pafled away, and gpne into regions unknowi 
 
 U« he hath raifed up, to occupy; their room. We to<l 
 
 ihall (hordy difappear. But human exiftencc never perl 
 
 i«ics Life only changes its form, and is renevvedJ 
 
 Creation is ever filling, but never fiill. When the whdl 
 
 intended courfe of the generations of men ihall be finiiw 
 
 cd, then, as a (hcpherd leads his flock from one paftud 
 
 to^ another, fo the great Creator leads forth thr fou^ 
 
 which he has made, into new and prepared abodes of life 
 
 They go fiom this earth to a new earth, and new ha 
 
 yens i and ftjil they remove, only from one. province ( 
 
 the divme dominion to another. Amidft all thofe charu 
 
 j[C8 of nature, the jrrcat Ruler himfelf n-maine ,«.:.kJ 
 
 ^ii^lencfs Of &auow of turning. To him, thcfc ful 
 
 T 1 
 
 6^ 
 
.\-i%- -^ 
 
 rE DISSOLUTION OP THE WORLD. 
 
 2SV 
 
 our duft, iM thA^flive revolutions of being are bat as ycftcrday when it. 
 
 ^ %^th fixeapi paft. From his eternal throne, he beholds worlds 
 
 :vocably. ^ FhiJiiiing and paffing awuy ; mcafures out, to the creatures- 
 remove in outlvho inhabit them, powers and faculties fuitcd to their 
 to.day, the faJftate } and diftributes among them rewards and puniih- 
 
 '?^c' ^ ^<>Mjncnt8, proportioned to their aaions.— What an afton- 
 
 the Son of maalifhing view do fuch meditations afford of the kingdom 
 I of God ; infinite in its extent ; everlafting in its dura- 
 ion and di/ToIu, tion; exhibiting, in every period, the reign ofperfca^- 
 
 ivithout calling righteousnefs and wifdom ; PFho by Jearching can find 
 which thefee, '#»/ God} who can find out the Ahnighty to perfeaion I 
 
 monofthe Al, Great and marveliQus are all thy wo ks^ Lord God Al^ 
 
 te his hands in mighty ! Juft and true are all thy ways, thou King #" 
 
 ong men; dc, Saints, 
 overthrowing > 
 
 lifting the lo 
 
 Jrences to th 
 the higher re 
 
 )rming, or di£ 
 
 itirig his crea 
 
 : may carry oi 
 
 \ fill all fpac 
 
 generations 
 
 By turns the 
 
 )ns unknow 
 
 3om. We t 
 
 ncc never pcd 
 
 3d is renewed^ 
 
 ^hen the wholj 
 
 ihallbe fiml 
 
 m one paftur^ 
 
 >rth the fouli 
 
 abodes of life 
 
 and new hea 
 
 le. province 
 
 lU thofe chai 
 * • • 
 
 in, thcfc fu« 
 
 PI NI a