To those who are really in earnest in seeking the salvation of their souls, the temptations which they have to endure in this world, are rendered beneficial in various ways. We have already observed, that from the very constitution of our minds, as well as from the character of true religion, they have a direct tendency to cherish and strengthen the resolutions of a devout and penitent spirit.

1. True religion is not a notion, but a character. It consists not in abstract and metaphysical speculations. It consists not in a clear and vivid perception of doctrines, which require a certain quantity of intellectual powers to become intelligible. True religion is that which can exist and flourish in the bosom of the poor, the illiterate, and the simple. It is a devoted attachment to that glorious Being to whom we owe our salvation. It is a stern integrity of honest purpose. It is a holy fear of offending our Heavenly Father; an implicit submission to His will; a delight in the contemplation and adoration of His goodness. It is a love of God so deep and

so full, as to overflow in kindness and charity to our brethren. This is true religion: and all this, not in momentary excitements or better feelings, not in passing aspirations or impotent regrets, but in a settled, steady, every-day, habitual disposition, living and expressed in our conduct, our manners, and our intercourse with mankind. Now, is it by a single resolution, that such a character is to be formed? With such a resolution, I grant, it may, and sometimes does, comBut to bring such piety, (and this is no romantic or exaggerated description of Christian piety, but that which may be found in many that the world sets little store by,) to bring, I say, such piety as this to maturity, is not the work of an hour. It is not, as we have already observed, to be taught by books or sermons. Like every other character, it is to be acquired by time, and to be formed by habit.

mence.

Besides, we must remember, that, in all this, we have to contend against a corrupted nature, ever prone to listen to any and every voice which will allure it from the path of

its allegiance. We have not only to acquire new propensities and dispositions: we have to subdue and mortify old ones; born with us; hereditary to us; congenial with all the contagious elements with which we are surrounded. Nay, in most men, not merely are new habits to be formed in opposition to the depravity of their nature: but rooted habits and confirmed tastes are to be unlearned, and destroyed, and eradicated; and evil associations and trains of thought to be banished from the heart, where they had long held an undisturbed dominion. How is this to be effected, but by repeated efforts? It is by a long course of resistance to temptation, that the mind acquires such a promptitude in obeying the suggestions of the Holy Spirit, as makes that easy and natural which was once impossible: and it is the unceasing succession and combination of our trials and temptations, which continually demand this resistance, and make watchfulness and circumspection the employment of our lives. Compelled by continual assaults to a continual consciousness of the nearness of

their enemy and their danger, the soldiers of Christ acquire a personal interest in the issue of their warfare, and become identified with the event of the great struggle between good and evil, between the Almighty and the powers of darkness. Thus it is: the very trials which destroy the souls of the unbelieving and impenitent, are the means of invigorating the faith and steadfastness of the children of God. The assaults of Satan but quicken their vigilance and devotedness; and by the very efforts and artifices he uses to ruin their souls, he is compelled to be the instrument of their sanctification and salvation. Surely we may say with the Apostle, "O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out 1."

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2. Again true religion consists also in that patience and gentleness of temper which is the distinguishing characteristic of our Blessed Saviour. "Take my yoke upon you," he says, "and learn of me, for I am 1 Rom. xi. 33.

meek and lowly in heart'." The happiness that is reserved for those that love God, whatever may be its enjoyments, and whatever its freedom from all that can in this life alloy our happiness, mainly consists in that state of mind which only is capable of permanent tranquillity and joy. "Blessed are the meek," saith our Saviour, "for they shall inherit the earth"."

It is, indeed, a distinguishing feature of the religion of Christ, and a most striking proof of its divine original, that it gives so decided a preference to the passive virtues, and that, in the measurement of the Gospel, the felicity and glory of a Christian is to be estimated, rather by what he has endured, than by what he has accomplished. The world forms a very different estimate. The man of honour, the man of a high spirit, the the man of quick resentments, the man who cannot be insulted with impunity,-this is the man whose wisdom and virtue are admired and emulated. But the eye of faith sees all things differently, and discerns a force, a nobility, and a grandeur, in patience, 2 Matt. v. 5.

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Matt. xi. 29.