Sermons on some of the social and political Duties of a Christian, etc

SERMON III.

ON THE NECESSITY AND ADVANTAGES

OF LABOUR.

GENESIS iii. 19.

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.”

WHEN the first parents of our race dwelt in Paradise, a virtuous and happy pair, it appears that not only their moral state, but the condition of nature itself, differed considerably from that under which it is

now seen.

The description which we read in the Bible of the garden of Eden, represents it as a place blessed with every comfort which could render happy the innocent life of the first created beings. There were no violent rains nor cold, "but there

bers of the Church of England, inhabitants of the same parish: how much might we, and ought we, to do, to draw closer together the bond of religious union, and help each other onward in our Christian warfare!

I beseech you, my beloved brethren, think seriously about this matter, and try whether you cannot, each one of something in the common cause.

of

you, do

If any

you have relations or dependents who neglect their religious duties, use your legitimate influence to save them from their dangerous state; if any of you know a family whose unnatural parents are careless of their children's immortal interests, remind them, and urge them to avail themselves of those means which are open to them for instruction in God's holy word. And so in other matters,always be ready to interest yourselves for the spiritual good of those around you. I do not recommend a busy interfering spirit; far from it; that defeats its object: but are there not a thousand opportunities where Christian kindness, and legi

timate authority, may do much to lead into the paths of duty, those who are not now walking in them? And can any one of the members of a Christian community hold himself justified in the sight of God and man, if he keep himself aloof from the interests of the Christian body to which he belongs; and do not endeavour, as far as in him lies, to render it more perfect and holy, and more worthy of Christ its head?

I have spoken on the most easy and obvious duties which it is incumbent on every Christian member to perform for the well-being of those around him; but of how much closer and nobler union is the Christian body capable, if we did but follow out to the utmost those principles of holy love which the gospel of peace affords us ! How much nearer might we approach to the harmony of saints and angels, if we did but all walk worthy of our calling, "with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," -if we could but be all of one spirit, as

well as one body,—one in heart and affection, as we are in duty and interest.

This, my beloved brethren, is that true Christian charity which Saint Paul so highly extols, "the very bond of peace and of all virtues." It is the exact reverse of that solitary selfish spirit of independence of which many so strangely and so unwisely boast; it is the habit of thinking of others as well as ourselves, of rejoicing with those who do rejoice, and weeping with those who weep. It is that feeling which causes us sincerely to lament for the fall of any one of our brethren, not only for his own sake, but also for the sake of the mischief done to Christ's body; and to rejoice with the good angels for every sinner that repenteth, not only because a soul is saved from hell, but because another member is joined to the holy communion of the saints.

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Finally, therefore, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you '."

1 2 Cor. xiii. 11.