there is to be done, but it is not to be ours, but the service of God. Only thus far it is our work that it is for our good; and if it is called the Lord's service, and serving the Lord, it is because God is graciously pleased it should be called so, that he may reward our service as done to him. Indeed, the Gospel has freed us from that superstitious observance of this day which the Jews had run into; for works of necessity and charity are to be done on all days, because mercy is better than sacrifice; that is, acts of mercy are the best ways of serving God. But then we must be careful not to call that necessary which is not so; which is the extreme we are run into. If servants are freed on this day from bodily labour, and worldly business, it is that they may know they have a Master in Heavena master far greater than any master on earthwhom they are to serve, to honour, and to pray to; and not that they may be let loose to idleness and to serve the devil, as the manner of too many is.

In short, all that own God for their Creator and Preserver, all that own Jesus for their Redeemer, all that expect the assistance of God's good Spirit, to enlighten their minds with saving knowledge, to strengthen them against temptations, to comfort and deliver them in the hour of death and in the day of judgment, will observe this good day religiously: that is, they will be sure to go to God's house, and confess that they altogether depend upon him, both for this world and the next. They will acknowledge

their own weakness and sinfulness, and desire his pardon, they will hear his holy word, and beg his grace to observe it; and they will give him thanks for the mercies they every day receive at his hands. And because that it is greatly for God's, glory that the number of his servants should increase, all good men will endeavour, as much as may be, to instruct those of their own families in the ways of righteousness; or, at least, take care that they go where they may be instructed. To this end they will breed up their children in a sense of the blessing and sacredness of days of public worship, considering that all people are just what they are bred; for they that are kept strictly to church, will be uneasy not to be there, and they that are bred in a profane neglect of holy days never care for the return of such days.

But then, let us have an especial care, that custom do not bring us to observe this good day only by outward and bodily attendance and service : "this people draw nigh to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me," was God's complaint against the Jews; and so it will be with us, if we are not careful of our hearts, and do not endeavour to keep them near to God, by considering that he knows the very secrets of our hearts. And, indeed, if people did but set their hearts to serve the Lord, the business of the Lord's day would be a delight, and not a burthen. The works of the creation may, in some good measure, be seen and thought on with pleasure, even by the meanest person; and

the

the blessing of a redemption is what all are concerned in, and all may know, who do but know that they are all sinful helpless creatures. And

these are the two proper subjects for our thoughts on these days; and which none are excused from, either on account of business, or for want of knowledge.

And God grant that we may esteem it a privilege and a happiness to have a day set apart for his service, may we call it a delight, and truly make it so, that we may come to the rest that remaineth for the people of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. To whom, &c.

SERMON VI.

FORNICATION FORBIDDEN BOTH IN THE LAW AND IN THE GOSPEL.

EPH. v. 3, 4, 5.

But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints: neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

THE things, good Christians, I am going to warn you against, are the sins of fornication, and

other

other impurities, forbidden both in the Law and in the Gospel; concerning which the apostle saith, "That no whoremonger, nor unclean person hath," nor can have, "any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." But that is not all for St. John adds, [Rev. xxi. 1.]" That such shall have their portion in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone." These are frightful words; and I repeat them, that you may be prepared to hear what I am going to say upon this subject, with the greatest serious

ness.

I. My first instruction shall be to such as have not defiled themselves by these crimes. And, when I have plainly laid before you, first, how happy they are who keep themselves undefiled: and innocent from such foul vices;-secondly, what an evil thing and bitter it will be, to fall into such courses;-thirdly, the great danger people are in of falling into this sin; and lastly, the means which God has afforded us of avoiding both the sin and the danger :-when this is done, those that hear with attention, will be convinced, I hope, that they have reason, that they may and ought to preserve their innocence as they value their souls.

And first it is a great misfortune that very often we do not see our happiness till we feel the want of it-We see people, for example, exceedingly ashamed when their wickedness comes to light; blaming their folly, lamenting their condition, their friends reproaching, and the laws correcting them. This should make us to abhor

such

.

such vices; to be very thankful to God who has hitherto kept us from falling: and to see the wisdom and the happiness of those that fear God, and keep his commandments. And then, they that value a good name above all things, and labour to be esteemed, they know very well that sobriety and modesty are necessary to gain the good opinion of all wise people. On the other hand, the attire of an harlot, the wit of an impudent women, the beauty of one that is dishonest, pleases those only who are void of all worth and goodness. But these are worldly considerations only: they may serve to restrain, but can hardly make us virtuous. The true happiness of - such as keep themselves pure consists in doing the will of God, whose will is, "that we abstain from fornication;" [1 Thess. iv. 3.] in knowing that the good spirit of God will not forsake them, while they are free from pollutions; in a constant. experience of the power of God, delivering them from evil; and lastly, in the testimony of a good conscience, that they use their best endeavours to mortify their corrupt affections, as well as to preserve their reputation with the world.

II. But the happiness of those that lead a chaste life will better be seen when compared with the wretched condition of such, as, being possessed with an unclean spirit, do commit all iniquity with greediness. The apostle saith, [Eph. v. 3.] "That fornication, and uncleanness, are sins which should not be named," should not, if possible, be "known amongst Christians." For

they