PROVERBS, Xi. 3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them. XV. RIGHTEOUSNESS and sin are, in this SERMON book of Proverbs, frequently contrasted with each other, and the advantages of the former displayed. The righteous man is shewn to be more excellent than his neighbour, as the ways in which he walks are ways of pleasantness, while the way of transgressors is hard. Honour is represented as attending the one, while shame is the portion of the other. The path of the one leads to life; that of the other all the intricacies of life. The inte of the upright shall guide them; or it is added, to the same purpose, in a lowing verse, the righteousness of the pe shall direct his way. There are many will admit, that integrity is an amiable lity; that it is entitled to much respect, in most cases ought to influence our b viour; who nevertheless are unwilling allow it the chief place in the direction their worldly conduct. They hold, a certain artful sagacity, founded knowledge of the world, is the best c ductor of every one who would be a s cessful adventurer in life; and that a st attention to integrity, as his only gu would often lead him into danger distress. In opposition to tenets of kind, I now purpose to shew that, ami all perplexities and dangers, there is u gu wisdom. Ir will not take much time to delineate the character of the man of integrity, as by its nature it is a plain one, and easily understood. He is one who makes it his constant rule to follow the road of duty according as the word of God, and the voice of his conscience, point it out to him., He is not guided merely by affections, which may sometimes give the colour of virtue to a loose and unstable character. The upright man is guided by a fixed principle of mind, which determines him to esteem nothing but what is honourable, and to abhor whatever is base and unworthy in moral conduct. Hence you find him ever the same; at all times, the trusty friend, the affectionate relation, the conscientious man of business, the pious VOL. IV. U worshipper, rather fail of success, than attain it reproachful means. He never shews a smiling countenance, while he medit evil against you in his heart. He n praises you among your friends; and joins in traducing you among your mies. You will never find one par: his character at variance with anot In his manners, he is simple and u fected; in all his proceedings, open consistent. Such is the man of integ spoken of in the text. Let us now pro to show, in what manner, and with effect, integrity serves for the guide of life. EVERY one who has begun to r any progress in the world, will be sens that to conduct himself in human af with wisdom and propriety, is often a |