that we may think it necessary to give up some of our wonted indulgencies; but, let us beg God daily to cleanse our hearts by the inspiration of his Holy Spirit, and to enable us to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. Are there any who will say, upon the consideration of what has been now spoken, "Alas! you impose upon us a hard task. Situated as we are in the midst of business, and being so connected with the world, it is hardly possible to be so scrupulous and exact, as you say, we ought to be." But, consider, what will it profit, if you gain the whole world, and lose your own souls? Only be willing to become the servants of God, and the difficulties, which now frighten you, will speedily vanish. Give up your hearts to God, and the strictest obedience will then become pleasant. Hesitate not a moment about the choice, which you should make, because, as surely as you are now alive, you must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and, if you die impenitent and unreformed, must have your portion with the workers of iniquity, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. May the Lord incline you to attend to the things, which have been spoken, and make you his obedient servants to the end of your lives. SERMON XIII. MATTHEW, Vii. 1. Judge not, that ye be not judged. THE Christian Religion does not only enjoin a particular set of doctrines, but is designed, as Saint Paul informs us, to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. It obliges him to live soberly, that is, in the constant habit of temperance and, moderation; righteously, strictly observing the laws of equity and justice towards his neighbour; and godly, having a constant regard for all the will of God. It becomes him to add to his faith virtue, not merely avoiding wickedness, but so ordering his conversation, that he may in all things adorn the Gospel of God his Saviour. The Christian, who thus understands the nature of that admirable religion, by which he is bound, will gladly attend to the explanation of any of the divine precepts, and not be slack in examining how far he acts in conformity to the same, saying G g |