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superstition. They had some knowledge of the unseen God; but, being ignorant of his perfections, their worship was imperfect: The apostle Paul was sent to turn them from "darkness to light." He addressed them in the following remarkable words: "Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious; for as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Divinely inspired men have de clared the perfections of God, as far as it is necessary for those perfections to be known; and their declarations are recorded in the scriptures for the instruction of mankind. These sacred writings inform us, that God is from everlasting to everlasting; that he is a pure and invisible spirit; that he is infinite in wisdom, almighty in power, and boundless in goodness; that he is holy, just, merciful, and true; that he is every where present; and that he is unchangeable. Let us study these perfections with pious attention, that we may know how to conduct ourselves towards our God, so as to meet with acceptance in his sight.

3. We should know his works. Christians are cautioned against the philosophy and vain deceit of the heathen nations; but philosophy, as it implies a knowledge of

creation, founded upon reason and experience, should be pursued. The study of nature is important in a religious point of view; and a pious man should be conversant with God in all his glorious works, A knowledge of the works of God enlarges our views of his perfections, and exalts him in our sight. These glorious works lead pious minds directly to himself. They see him, not only in the globes of light which roll above their heads, but in the grass and flowers beneath their feet; and, how pleasing is the thought, that he who made all things is our Father and our God!

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4. We should know his providence, God governs the universe; and the meanest creature is a constant object of his care. A sparrow does not fall to the ground without his notice. His providence, indeed, is a great deep, which mortals cannot fathom; but they may rest assured that he does all things well. A knowledge of providence is a perpetual source of comfort to good men. They feel quite easy amidst the storms of life. Winds may blow, and waves run high; but there is a pilot at the helm, who safely guides their little bark. Wars may alarm, and kingdoms fall; but God directs their steps, and upholds their goings. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth

in his way. Though he fall (into affliction and disgrace) he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."

5. We should know his word. Men have written many useful books, which may be read both with pleasure and profit; but mere human compositions, however great or good, are stamped with marks of imperfection. The word of God is perfect; and every page discovers evident marks of divinity, to him whose eyes are opened by the Lord. This blessed book will teach us how to live and how to die: it will point out substantial happiness, and inform us. how it may be attained. Read this book by night and day, and store thy memory. with the sayings of the Lord.

6. We should know his grace. Men are sinners; but God is gracious. They are lost; but he has provided a Saviour. "God so loved the world, that he gave his onlybegotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.". Let us be diligent in acquiring correct views of those merciful methods which infinite wisdom has devised to save our souls from death. When we examine this wondrous plan, divine wisdom and goodness appear in every part; and we are led to love and praise the Lord. If we accept this plan upon the terms pro-.

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posed, we shall obtain an experimental knowledge of our God; without which alf other knowledge is in vain. In theory we may know there is a God; but experience only enables us to say, "My God." We know his wisdom experimentally, when we follow his directions; we know his power experimentally, when he saves from sin and danger; we know his mercy experimentally, when we obtain mercy; and we have an experimental knowledge of his purity, when we are pure in heart. Above all, let us seek a knowledge of God in these respects, that we may enjoy him as our God both in time and in eternity.

II. WE SHOULD SERVE HIM WITH A PERFECT HEART, AND WITH A WILLING MIND.

1. We should serve him. God has a right to demand our services, because we are his creatures; and we are wholly dependant upon him both for life, and breath, and all things. Obedience to his will has ever been allowed, by wise and good men, to be a reasonable service. We should serve him with all our powers; and we should serve him at all times, as our obligations to serve him never cease. Angels and glorified spirits serve him without intermission. Let us enter into his service now. We have served lusts and passions long; and devils have long tyrannized over

our unhappy spirits. Every man has a master; and God should be the master of every man. Who is our master? By whom are we governed? Lord, bring us into subjection to thee; and may we serve thee all the days of our lives!

2. We should serve him with a perfect heart, By the heart, we are to understand the intentions; and the word perfect signifies sincerity; so that we are to serve God with sincere intentions. When religion is po pular, many profess to serve him merely to obtain applause. Others serve God outwardly, for the sake of worldly gain; and religion is made subservient to their Covetous desires. In our service we should aim at his glory, and our own salvation. The heart, actuated by other motives, cannot be perfect. Never let us lose sight of these great principles; but let us serve our God in a pure and perfect way.

3. We should serve him with a willing mind. God is a good master. He affords plentiful support; he gives abundant wages; and his work is pleasant. Let these considerations induce us to be cheerful in his service, and to take delight in obeying his commands. While others view him as a tyrant, and serve him with slavish fear, let us view him as the best of beings, and serve him with filial love, Religion without this can neither be pleasing

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