ing in the splendours of moral glory through all the ages of eternity, has something in it so transcendent and ineffable, as to satisfy the most unbounded ambition of an immortal spirit. Christian! does not thy heart glow at the thought, that there is a time marked out in the annals of Heaven, when thou shalt be what the angels now are; when thou shalt shine with that glory in which principalities and powers now appear; and when, in the full communion of the Most High, thou shalt see Him as he is?

The oak, whose top ascends into the heavens, and which covers the mountains with its shade, was once an acorn, contemptible to the sight; the philosopher, whose views extend from one end of nature to the other, was once a speechless infant hanging at the breast; the glorified spirits who now stand nearest to the throne of God, were once like you. To you as to them the heavens are open; the way is marked out; the reward is prepared. On what you do, on what you now do, all depends.

SERMON X.

ON THE VIRTUE OF MEEKNESS.

MATTHEW V. 5.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

THEY mistake the nature of the Christian religion very much, who consider it as separate and detached from the commerce of the world. Instead of forming a distinct profession, it is intimately connected with life; it respects men as acting in society, and contains regulations for their conduct and behaviour in such a state. It takes in the whole of human life, and is intended to influence us when we are in the house, and in the field, as well as when we are in the church or in the closet. It instructs

men in their duty to their neighbours, as well as in their duty to God: It is our companion in the scene of business as well as in the House of Prayer; and while it inculcates the weightier matters of the law, faith, judgment, and mercy, it neglects not the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price. All that refinement which polishes the mind; all that gentleness of manners which sweetens the intercourse of human society, which political philosophers consider as the effects of wise legislation and good government; all the virtues of domestic life, are lessons which are taught in the Christian school. The wisdom that cometh from above is " gen"tle." The fruit of the Spirit is "meekness." As the sun, although he regulates the seasons, leads on the year, and dispenses light and life to all the planetary worlds, yet disdains not to raise and to beautify the flower which opens in his beam: so the Christian religion, though chiefly intended to teach us the knowledge of salvation, and be our guide to happiness on high, yet also regulates our conversation in the world, extends its benign influence to the circle of society, and diffuses its blessed fruits in the path of domestic life.

In farther treating upon this subject, I shall

in the first place, describe to you the character of meekness which is here recommended; and, in the second place, shew you the happiness with which it is attended. I am, in the first place, then, to describe to you the character of meekness which is here recommended.

Every virtue, whether of natural or revealed religion, is situated between some vices or defects, which, though essentially different, yet bear some resemblance to the virtue they counterfeit; on account of which resemblance they obtain its name, and impose upon those who labour under the want of discernment. This meekness which is here recommended, is not at all the same with that courtesy of manners which is learned in the school of the world. This is but a superficial accomplishment, and often proceeds from a hollowness of heart.

It is also quite different from constitutional facility, that undeciding state of the mind which easily bends to every proposal; that is a weakness, and not a virtue. Neither does it at all resemble that tame and passive temper which patiently bears insults and submits to injuries; that is a want of spirit, and argues a cowardly mind. This

meekness is a Christian grace wrought in tis by the Holy Spirit: it is a stream from the fountain of all excellence. A good temper, a good education, and just views of religion, must concur in forming this blessed state of the mind. It becomes a principle which influences the whole life. Though consistent in all its operations with boldness and with spirit, yet its chief characteristics are goodness, and gentleness, and long-suffering. It looks with candour upon all; often condescends to the prejudices of the weak, and often forgives the errors of the foolish.

But to give you a more particular view of it, we may place it in three capital lights, as it respects our general behaviour, our conduct to our enemies, and our conduct to our friends.

With respect to his general behaviour, the meek man looks upon all his neighbours with a candid eye. The two great maxims on which he proceeds, are, not to give offence, and not to take offence. He enters not with the keenness of passion into the contentions of violent men: he keeps aloof from the contagion of party-madness, and feels not the little passions which agitate little minds. He wishes, and he studies to allay the angry pas