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men in examining the affairs of others, and discussing their conduct. Were their time and attention thrown away only, the evil would, in some degree, be less. But they are worse than thrown away: they` are not merely fruitless, but productive of much mischief. Such a habit of thought is connected with a thousand vices. It is the constant source of rash and severe cenIt arises from envy and jealousy. It foments ill-nature and pride. It propagates misunderstanding and discord. All those evils would be prevented, if the reproof which our Lord administers in the text came oftener home, with proper authority to the reflection of men: What is that to thee? Each of us have more material and important business of our own to fulfil. Our task is assigned; our part VOL. IV. allotted.

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order to render ourselves useful in this w and fit for a world to come.-Where instead of being critics on others, le employ our criticism on ourselves. others to be judged by him who seard the heart, let us implore his assistanc enabling us to act well our own part, ar follow Christ.

JOHN, xiii. 7.

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know

bereafter.

THESE words of our Lord were

OC- SERMON

casioned by a circumstance in his behaviour which appeared mysterious to his disciples. When about to celebrate his last passover, he meant to give them an instructive lesson of condescension and humility. The mode which he chose for delivering this instruction, was the emblematical action of washing their feet. M 2

When

Simon

· IX.

"this instance, may seem unaccount "to you at present; but you shall a "wards receive a satisfactory explana "of the intent of that symbol whic "now employ."

The expressions of a Divine Per on this occasion, can very naturally properly be applied to various instan where the conduct of Providence, in administration of human affairs, rem dark and mysterious to us. What thou knowest not now. We must fo while be kept in ignorance of the des of Heaven. But this ignorance, tho necessary at present, is not always continue. A time shall come wher commentary should be afforded on all is now obscure; when the veil of mys shall be removed; and full satisfac be given to every rational mind.

servation will not be called in question,

It

is indeed very readily admitted by all; and ever since the beginning of the world has been the foundation of many a complaint, and of much scepticism concerning the government of Heaven. That human affairs are not left to roll on according to mere chance, and that Providence interposes in them to a certain degree, is made evident by various tokens to every candid mind. But the perplexity and trouble of the thoughtful inquirer arises from observing that Providence appears not to pursue any regular or consistent plan. An unaccountable mixture of light and darkness presents itself to us, when we attempt to trace the affairs of the world up to any wise and righteous administration. We see justice and order begun ;

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