doubtful conjectures concerning the events that are likely to happen. They may take some turn altogether different from the course in which we have imagined they were to run, and according to which we had formed our plans. The slightest incident often shoots out into important consequences, of which we were not aware. The labyrinth becomes so intricate, that the most sagacious can lay hold on no clue to guide him through it. He finds himself embarrassed, and at a loss how to act.-) - In public and in private life, in managing our own concerns, and in directing those of others, the doubt started by the wise man frequently occurs; Who knoweth what is good for man in this life? While thus fatigued with conjecture, we remain perplexed and undetermined in our choice inclines us to what is easy. In the sultations which we hold with our mind, concerning our conduct, how are we thus divided within ourselves; zled by the uncertainty of future ev and distracted by the contest of diffe inclinations? It is in such situations as these, that principle of integrity interposes to light and direction. While worldly fluctuate in the midst of those perp ties which I have described, the virt man has one Oracle, to which he resort every dubious case, and whose decis he holds to be infallible. He consults conscience. He listens to the voice God. Were it only on a few occas that this Oracle could be consulted, value would be less. But it is a mis to imagine, that its Responses are sel W nenever the mind is divided within it self, conscience is seldom or never neutral. There is always one side or other to which it leans. There is always one scale of the balance, into which it throws the weight of some virtue, or some praise; of something that is just and true, lovely, honest, and of good report. These are the forms, which rise to the observation of the upright man. By others they may be unseen, or overlooked; but in his eye, the lustre of virtue out-shines all other brightness. Whereever this pole-star directs him, he steadily holds his course. Let the issue of that course be ever so uncertain; let his friends differ from him in opinion; let his enemies clamour; he is not moved; his purpose is fixed. He asks but one question of his heart, What is the most worthy and honourable part? What is the part most SERMON XIV. On the MISFORTUNES of MEN being SERMON PROVERBS, XIX. 3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way, and his heart fretteth against the Lord. HOW many complaints do we hear from every quarter, of the misery and distress that fill the world? In these the high and the low, the young and the aged, join; and since the beginning of time no topic has been more fertile of declamation than the vanity and vexation which man is appointed to suffer. But are we certain that this vexation, and this vanity, is altogether to be ascribed to the appoint a manifest decision in favour of their plan. But, instead of resting on a few instances, let us take an extensive survey of the course of human affairs. Let us inquire who the persons are that, in all the dif ferent lines of life, have gone through the world with most success; and we shall find, that the men of probity and honour form by far the most considerable part of the list; we shall find that men of plain understanding, acting upon fair and direct views, have much oftener pros pered, than men of the deepest policy, who were devoid of principle. How few are the instances of persons who, by fidelity, worth, and stedfast adherence to their duty, have either lost their fortunes, or incurred general displeasure, in times when human affairs were proceeding in their ordinary U 4 |