years old, "he not only got the better of

his adversary, but of his old age."* When Dr. Clarke was charged with recanting his religious sentiments on his death-bed, it produced the most unequivocal evidence that he retained his "fcripture-doctrine of the trinity" to the last hour of his life. When, alfo, an eminent living writer, diftinguished by his great learning, and rare abilities, and excellent character, was reported to have taught atheism, the imputation was done away by testimonies which accumulated fhame and disgrace upon the fabricators and circulators of the story, and reflected as much honour and respect upon the name of the innocent and injured party as it was capable of receiving.

To conclude. It is the portion of most men to pass through evil report and good report, but it is the proper business of us all to deserve a good name; whether we acquire it or not, is a different confideration. Though our thoughts and intentions are not known unto men, and our words and actions are frequently misunderstood, we ought to perfect

Mr. Horace Walpole.-See Hoadly's "Works,"

life of the author. Vol. i. p. 32. note (q).

our title to the favourable opinion of those to whom we are known, by doing every good work in our power to affist and support the cause of religion, virtue, and the common happiness of our brethren. The reward we fhould feek is the approbation of God, and in this we shall not be disappointed; the countenance of man is a very inferior consideration, though it ought not to be wholly disregarded, except, indeed, where the attainment of it would interfere with our better views and higher obligations. The truth is, the opinion of the world may and does influence us; and while it contributes to keep us in the way wherein we ought to walk, we shall do well to avail ourselves of every concurring encouragement. The spirit of a man is fupported by the undiffembled approbation of his brethren; for as" iron tharpeneth iron, fo a man sharpeneth "the countenance of his friend."* A confidential and affectionate counfellor is highly to be prized; he will give life to exertion, and encouragement to perseverance.

The woe threatened by our lord, to those of "whom all men speak well," has reference

* Prov. xxvii. 17.

to

to fuch as follow a multitude to do evil, and who confequently attach to themselves the good word of that concurring multitude; it has reference alfo to fuch as endeavour to procure the good opinion of mankind by ways and means which, though they are fometimes fuccessful, are abfolutely inconfiftent with the obligations of religion and virtue, and equally abhorrent from the principles of truth, integrity, and honour.

SERMON XIII.

MAN ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS ACTIONS, CONSISTENTLY WITH GOD'S GOVERNMENT OF THE WORLD.

PROVERBS XVI. 9.

A MAN'S HEART DEVISETH HIS WAY: BUT THE LORD DIRECTETH HIS STEPS.

THE interpofition and direction of the providence of God in the concerns of this nether world are admitted by perfons of a certain description, chiefly with a view of excufing their own perfonal follies and vices; and occafionally for the fake of interpreting the disappointments and afflictions of others into immediate judgments of heaven.

This procedure is not always the result of ingenuous principle in its patrons; it is more frequently declaratory of their fecret wishes, than of their deliberate convictions. But,