In the speaker, many imperfections a infirmities may be discovered. The diso veries of the Gospel are represented in Scri ture, as a hidden treasure brought to ligh but, by the appointment of God, we ha this treasure in earthen vessels *. It is n the spirit of curiosity that ought to bring to church. Too often, it is to be fear we assemble there merely as critics on preacher; critics on his sentiments, language, and his delivery. But, such not the dispositions which become us on serious an occasion. It is with humili with fairness, and candour, with an inte tion to improve ourselves in piety and v tue, with a view to make personal app cation to our own character, that we oug to hear the word of God. When enter the sacred temple, let us ever consi

* 2 Corinth. iv. 7.

oursel

On the Slavery of Vice.

203

X.

have undergone under the discipline of SERMON religion.

It will perhaps be contended by some, that although the representation which has now been given of the slavery of sin holds true in certain instances, yet that it is applicable only to those who come under the description of atrocious sinners. They imagine that a certain moderate course may be held in vice, by means of which, men, without throwing altogether aside the restraints of reason, may enjoy an easy and pleasurable life.

By rea

soning thus, my friends, you flatter and deceive yourselves to your own destruction. Be assured that, by every vicious indulgence, you are making an approach to a state of complete slavery; you are forfeiting a certain share of your liberty; how soon the whole of it may be forfeited, you are not aware. It is true, that all which has now been said of the servitude of sin, applies only to a character corrupted in the extreme. But remember, that to this extreme no man ever arrives at once. He passes through many of those intermediate stages, in one of which

.

you

204

On the Slavery of Vice.

SERMON you are now perhaps found. Vice always X. creeps by degrees; and insensibly twines

around us those concealed fetters by which we are at last completely bound. — As you value therefore your liberty and your happiness, avoid every approach to evil. Consider all vicious pleasures as enchanted ground, by entering on which, you will be farther and farther ensnared within the magic circle, till at length you are precluded from all retreat. The most pure and virtuous man is always the freest. The religion of Christ is justly entitled the perfect law of liberty*. It is only when the Son makes us free, that we are free indeed: and it was with reason the Psalmist said, I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts. †

*James, i. 25.

+ Psalm cxix. 45.

passing away.

I COR. vii. 31.

-The fashion of this world passeth away.

XII.

Το use this world so as not to abuse it, SERMON is one of the most important, and at

the same time one of the most difficult lessons which religion teaches. By so many desires and passions we are connected with the objects around us, that our attachment to them is always in hazard of becoming excessive and sinful. Hence religion is often employed in moderating this attachment, by rectifying our erroneous opinions, and instructing us in the

206

XI.

On the Importance

SERMON degenerate into mere superstition, equally unacceptable to God, and unprofitable to man. Hence they are so often treated in Scripture, with high contempt, when substituted in the room of the important duties of a virtuous life.

Notwithstanding this, it is certain that external services have their own place, and a considerable one too, in the system of religion. What their proper place is, no one can be at a loss to discern, who will only make a just distinction between the means, and the end, in religion. It is evident there is danger in man's erring here either on one side or other; and it is certain that they have erred on both. After it was observed, that mankind were prone to lay too much weight on the external parts of religion, it began to be thought that no weight was to be allowed to them at all. The time was, when all religion centered in attending the duties of the church, and paying veneration to whatever was accounted sacred. This alone sanctified the character, and compensatedevery blemish in moral conduct. From this extreme the spirit of the age seems to

be