That consideration produces these salutary effects, has been experienced by godly men in every age of the world; and that you may be induced to begin and continue such a useful exercise, the following discourse may perhaps prove advantageous for edification and instruction in righteousness. In prosecuting it farther in detail, 1 shall endeavour to shew,

I. What is implied in the duty here recommended. II. The manner in which it ought to be performed. III. The advantages arising from such a course of discipline.

I. The duty here recommended, includes many particulars, which are all necessary to be observed, in proceeding with caution through the various stages of the Christian life. In entering upon a journey, every considerate man will ascertain the distance of the place at which he wishes to arrive, the nearest and safest road which leads to it, and prepare himself for undergoing the perils of the way in which he is to walk. Thus, also, the true Christian considers, that the place of his destination is that heavenly country beyond the grave, which is to be the future residence of all the faithful. He knows also, that the appointed course in which he must travel thither is, the path of God's commandments, from which he must not swerve, by turning aside to the right hand or to the left. This he will find delineated in the scriptures of truth, which are given as a light unto our feet, and a lamp unto our path.-In them the path of the just is represented as leading in a certain direction through the world which lieth in wickedness. In them we are required "to walk before God in the land of the living, and to set him at all times before us," to act as in his presence and under his inspection, to look up to him for his guidance and support, and to maintain a good conscience before him who is the witness of our actions. In them we are instructed to please him in the whole tenour of our behaviour, that we should intend to serve him in every action we perform, and "whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God." In

them we are taught, that every habit which we form, should be such as is consistent with his will, and such as may promote our sanctification and growth in grace. In them we are informed, that we should live every day "in all holy conversation and godliness," that we should spend our time in such an innocent and useful manner, as may redound to his honour and our own advantage. That our labours and employments, our pursuits and amusements, should be regulated by the rules of propriety and decorum; so that "in every thing we may approve ourselves to him in well-doing." That our conversation should be such as becometh the gospel, "denied to all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, and righteously, and godly, in the world." That we should adopt other maxims than those which the generality esteem, that we should refuse ourselves many pleasures which they deem desireable, have no value for riches which are their only portion, and "look not so much at the things which are seen and temporal, as at those which are unseen and are eternal." This is such a course as religion recommends, and it therefore becomes every one who would proceed in the path which leadeth unto life, to enquire whether he is walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless; and whether he is endeavouring in the daily tenour of his conduct to act according to the directions contained in the scriptures for his edification and instruction in righteousness.

When the true Christian has ascertained that he is sincerely desirous to obey the divine will, as far as the frailty of his nature, assisted by supernatural grace, enables him; he will next consider the motives which should prevail with him to engage in the service of religion, with a perfect heart and a willing mind. He will reflect, that unless he strives to enter in at the strait gate of a renewed nature and a holy life, he shall not attain as the end of his faith the salvation of his soul. That all the virtues enjoined for our acquirement are the appointed means of rendering us acceptable to God and righteous in ourselves, that they are necessary to form our characters to excellence, and a preparation for the celestial society of saints

made perfect. That they are even requisite to pass through life with satisfaction and comfort; that the ways of religion" are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace;" and that every thing which is good will accompany us, "so long as we continue to walk uprightly." These and the like motives being frequently represented to the mind, will gradually influence every considerate man to think on his ways and turn his feet unto the divine testimonies, to make haste and delay not to keep God's commandments. Let us impress upon our minds such considerations, and by reiterating them from time to time, let us fix them so deeply on our hearts, as to incline our wills after the practice of every duty which is right and commendable.

For the same purpose it will be equally necessary, to invigorate our minds with a stedfast resolution to sustain the difficulties, and resist the temptations which we meet with in our Christian career. We must lay our account with finding many obstacles in the progress of our journey towards heaven. Our own selfish indolence will be often suggesting, that the course which religion prescribes is too arduous for human nature to accomplish, and therefore we may content ourselves with a more easy and practicable mode of living, suited to our own inclinations and desires. Sometimes our lusts and passions will propose, that it is more pleasing to yield to their gratification, than to maintain a rigid habit of self-government at all times and on all occasions. Sometimes the world will present to us certain allurements and delights, which may be apt to captivate our minds in an unguarded moment, and tempt us to run to the same excess with those who have no fear of God before their eyes. Against these and similar temptations which occur, the Christian must arm himself with steady resolution to "hold fast his integrity and not let it go, that his heart may not reproach him so long as he lives." His reluctance to engage in the strict and necessary duties of religion must be opposed by his determination that "he will keep all God's righteous statutes;" his wayward propensities must be encountered with the resolution that " his heart should not

Let

transgress;" and the counsel of the ungodly he must resist by saying, "away from me all ye wicked persons, since I will keep the commandments of my God." us ask ourselves, whether we have thus adopted the determination, that we will adhere to our duty amidst every temptation by which we are surrounded, and endeavour to preserve a conscience void of offence."

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But as we are sometimes called unawares to the performance of many services for which we are unequal, and to suffer trials which we are unable to endure; therefore the Christian will often take a prospective view of the several accidental circumstances in which he may be placed, so as to be prepared for acting his part with dignity and honour. He knows that certain seasons may arrive, when his fortitude may be put to the severest trial, and therefore in the time of prosperity he anticipates the days of adversity, and considers how he must bear those privations which await him at a future period. He is aware that some special virtues require to be exercised either towards God or man on various occasions; and as he has often failed in performing them aright, he therefore thinks of them at his leisure moments, and endeavours by many a mental effort to acquire a disposition after well-doing, which may be more easily realized in the occurrences of life. He has also often experienced the prevalence of sins which easily beset him, and felt the strength of that law in his members which warreth against the law of his mind; and therefore reflects on the usual causes which instigates his latent corruptions, and resolves either to avoid them altogether, or forms plans for counteracting them with most success. This is an exercise in which perhaps very few men engage; but if we are vigilant and circumspect, we shall often think of our spiritual dangers before they arrive, and be well provided against their assaults. Let us then by previous discipline, prepare ourselves for discharging the duties, bearing the trials, and overcoming the temptations of the Christian life.

Of equal importance shall we find it to render all our present actions conformable to the will of God, as the

end which we should propose in their performance. It is certain that he hath a right to be obeyed by his intelligent creatures, and that he hath commanded us to direct our conduct agreeably to his good pleasure. It is only thereby that we can secure his favour in this world, and attain that happiness which is reserved for the righteous in the world to come. How careful then should we be, that the general mode of conduct which we adopt is consistent with that rule of rectitude, which God hath established in his word, "for leading and guiding us unto all truth." We should lay down such regulations for the general tenour of our daily behaviour, as are therein recommended for our practice. Thus, if we are required "to love God with all our heart, and soul, and mind, and strength," let us make it a part of our habitual plan of living, to express our gratitude to him for all the mercies we are daily receiving from his hands; if we are commanded "to fear him," let this principle constantly restrain us from every action which is displeasing in his sight; if we are enjoined "to trust in him," let this confidence be exerted in committing all our concerns to his disposal; and if we are instructed "to worship him," let us perform this duty in sincerity and truth. If we are taught "to do good to all men, as we have opportunity," let it be our daily study to promote the comfort of every one with whom we are connected, either in the circle of domestic society, or within the sphere of our acquaintances and neighbours. If we are directed" to keep our hearts with all diligence," let us preserve our thoughts from wicked imaginations; let us meditate on serious and useful subjects; let us govern our passions by the discipline of reason; let us deny ourselves every indulgence which is forbidden and pernicious; let us maintain our souls in peace, by cherishing dispositions of humility and meekness, contentment and patience, that so we may spend our days with satisfaction and happiness. This is such a general course of life as we should prescribe to ourselves for our daily behaviour, and such an one as the gospel requires of all who assume the Christian character. By acting thus we shall please God, and grow in con