VIII.

SERM. language as this expreffes the native fentiments of our hearts, we join ourfelves in fome measure to the angelical choir above, and anticipate the employments of the bleffed.

Some may perhaps imagine, that what has been faid of the importance and the advantages of drawing near to God, approaches, in fome degree to mysticism and enthusiasm. I admit, that if religion were reprefented as confifting wholly of internal and devout emotions, the representation of it would be imperfect and falfe. It is defigned to be an active principle, regulating the conduct of life, and exerting itself in good works. But very ignorant he must be of human nature, who perceives not, that in order to produce fuch effects, it is of high importance to engage the affections and the heart on the fide of virtue. It is not by reafonings addreffed folely to the underftanding, that men's characters are formed, or their general conduct actuated. If you wish to work any confiderable effect on their life, you muft

you must bring over the affections and S E R M. inclinations to your fide. You must VIII.

not only fhew them what is right and true, but make them feel what is defirable and good. If you attempt to make religion so very calm and rational, as to exclude from it all warmth of sentiment, all affectionate and devotional feelings, you will leave it in possesfion of fmall influence on conduct. My fon, give me thy heart, is the voice of God; and the voice of reason is, that according as the heart is affected and difpofed, fuch will be the general character and conduct.

The application of the whole subject to the holy facrament which we are now to celebrate, is natural and obvious. No more folemn opportunity can be afforded us of drawing near to God, than what we there enjoy. All that is encouraging and comforting in Chriftian faith is fet before us, in this most effectual proof of God's mercy to mankind, giving up his fon to the death as a facrifice for our fins. In celebrating the memorial of this great event, we are placed

VOL. V.

VIII.

SER M. placed as under the immediate brightnefs of heavenly light, and under the warmest ray of divine love. If there be any confolation in Chrift, any fellowShip of the Spirit, any pleafing hope of eternal life and joy, it ought on fuch an occafion to be drawn forth, and deeply felt. Let us endeavour to kindle, at the altar of the Lord, that facred fire, which shall continue to diffuse its vivifying influence over our hearts, when we go abroad into the world, and mingle again in the ordinary concerns of life. We are now to draw near to God. Let us draw near to him as our Father; but with that reverence and humility which becomes us on approaching to a Father who is in Heaven. Let us draw near through that great Mediator, by whose merits and interceffion alone our services find acceptance at the divine throne. No man cometh unto the Father but through him; and none who cometh unto God by him, will be caft out.

SERMON

IX.

On WISDOM in RELIGIOUS CONDUCT.

PSALM, Ci. 2.

I will behave myself wifely in a perfect way.

WISDOM, fays Solomon, excelleth fol- S ER M. ly, as far as light excelleth dark

nefs*. In our prefent ftate, there is no fituation in which we can, confiftently with fafety to ourselves, act thoughtlessly, and at random. In whatever enterprife we engage, confideration and prudent thought are requifite to bring it to a good iffue. On every occafion, there is a right and a wrong in conduct; there is one line of action which is likely to terminate

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IX.

SER M. according as we wish; and another which, for certain, will land us in difappointment. If, in the ordinary tranfactions of life, we cannot profper without a due exercise of wisdom and prudence, a higher degree of it is certainly neceffary in those momentous parts of conduct which regard our everlasting welfare.

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It is indeed confeffed, that in religious conduct the fundamental and most important article is fincerity of heart, and goodness of intention. At the same time, let the intentions, be ever so pure and fincere, they will be in hazard of falling into fome wrong direction, unless they be properly guided by wisdom. Too many inftances have appeared, of perfons, who, fetting out in life with fair and virtuous purposes, have been so far bewildered by mistaken forms of goodness, as to be betrayed, first into er'rors, and then into vices and crimes. In order to act our parts with propriety and fteadiness, there must be a due proportion of light in the understanding, as well as of warmth and goodness in the heart. The

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