number of the most capable and upright SERM. Judges, if we are inclined to ftand by X. their arbitration, is abfolutely impoffible. Nothing then remains, but that we choose for ourselves after impartial and ferious. examination: Which, as it is the way that God hath plainly pointed out to us in the very composition of our nature; fo is it the only method that is suitable to Beings endued with reason, and accountable for their principles and behaviour.

SECONDLY, Let us beware of an exceffive affectation of popularity, which has a natural tendency to enflave us to prevailing opinions and customs. To feek the just esteem of our Fellow-creatures in all lawful ways, and, particularly, by a condescending, gentle, obliging deportment, is doubtlefs very commendable. because it will render us more easy and comfortable in Society, and enlarge our influence and usefulness. But if we anxiously pursue this as an ultimate point on which our main happiness depends, we stand as it were on the edge of a precipice, and are in imminent danger of facrificing our integrity out of a fervile complaifance to R 2 the

it

SERM. the humours of the Multitude. Nay I very X. much question, whether it be even poffible for any man to practise all the neceffary arts of popularity with perfect exactness, and yet preserve his Innocence. But furely it can't be worth our while, for such a trifle, to forfeit this ineftimable treafure, which is our chief honour and fecurity. For the esteem of the Multitude generally fprings from base and mercenary views; is not the effect of Judgment, but of Paffion and Intereft; their Favour and Prejudice are alike variable; and if we look above the Vulgar, Men of high degree are Vanity, as Men of low degree are a lie: Should we therefore depend on either as the spring of our happiness, we may, by means of innumerable accidents, befides fickleness and mutability of temper, be disappointed in all our expectations. But if, inftead of courting with too much earnestnefs and affiduity fame and applause from Men, we are principally follicitous to fecure that honour which cometh from God only, our profpects are built on a fure and îmmoveable foundation.

Το

To conclude; We may learn, from SERM. this difcourfe, how to distinguish rightly X. between a just and taudable, and an improper and criminal fingularity. And what follows is the true ftate of the cafe-That to be fingular in vice is the utmost point, which we can imagine, of impiety and hardness of heart. - To be fingular in trifles is either childish affectation, or oddnefs of humour, or ftiff conceited obftinacy-But to venture to ftand up, as it were alone, for the laws of God, and the rectitude of his rational works, and rescue Human nature, our country, and the age we live in, from the foul shame of being universally ftain'd with Vice and Dishonour; this certainly argues the greatest purity and ftrength of reason, the most complete command of Appetite and Paffion, fedateness of thought, a generofity above temptations to meanness, a refolution not to be fubdu'd or intimidated, and, in short, every ingredient that is neceffary to form a perfectly amiable and worthy character-Let this then be our deliberate and unalterable choice.

PHILLIPP, iv. 8.

Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are boneft, whatsoever things are just, what foever things are pure, whatfoever things are lovely, whatfoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praife, think on the fe things.

T

HE whole of moral duty re- SERM. fults from one principle, and XI. that is, the natural and un changeable difference of things. This is the only reafon, which we can have, for making a distinction