Page images
PDF
EPUB

1

[ocr errors]

if I may fo fpeak, has received a criminal taint for in common discourse, the expreffion, a plain 'well meaning-man,' is always apprehended to imply, together with fincerity, fome degree of weaknefs; although, indeed, it is a character of all others the moft noble. In recommendation of this character, let me obferve, that in this, as in all the particulars mentioned above, the ' wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that 'walketh uprightly walketh furely.' Suppofing a man to have the prudence and discretion not to speak without neceffity; I affirm there is no end which a good man ought to aim at, which may not be more certainly, fafely, and fpeedily obtained by the stricteft and most inviolable fincerity, than by any acts of diffimulation what

ever.

But after all, what fignify any ends of prefent conveniency, which diffimulation may pretend to anfwer, compared to the favour of God, which is forfeited by it? Hear what the Pfalmift fays: 'Who fhall abide in thy tabernacle, who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh up-rightly and worketh righteoufnefs, and fpeaketh the truth in his heart.'-Let us, therefore, add this to the other views of the Prophet's comprehenfive prayer, Remove far from me va--nity and lies.'

[ocr errors]

For the improvement of this part of the subject obferve,

1. You may learn from it how to attain, not

only

only a justness and propriety, but a readinefs and fulness in the duty of prayer.

Nothing is a greater hindrance, either to the fervency of our affections, or the force of our expreffions in prayer, than when the object of our defires is confufed and general. But when we perceive clearly what it is that is needful to us, and how much we do need it, this gives us, indeed, the fpirit of fupplication. Perhaps it is more neceffary to attend to this circumftance, in what we ask for our fouls, than for our bodies. When we want any thing that relates to prefent conveniency, it is clearly understood, because it is fenfibly felt. There is no difficulty in crying for deliverance from poverty, fickness, reproach, or any other earthly fuffering; nay, the difficulty here is not in exciting our defires, but in moderating them; not in producing fervour, but in promoting fubmiffion. But in what relates to our fouls, because many or moft temptations are agreeable to the flesh, we forefee danger lefs perfectly, and even feel it lefs fenfibly; therefore, a close and deliberate attention to our fituation and trials, as opened in the preceding difcourse, is of the utmost moment, both to carry us to the ' throne of grace, and to direct our spirit when we are there.'

2.

1

What hath been faid will ferve to excite us to habitual watchfulness, and to direct our daily converfation. The fame things that are the fubjects of prayer, are alfo the objects of dili

gence

[ocr errors]

gence.Prayer and diligence are joined by our Saviour, and ought never to be separated by his people.-Prayer without watchfulness is not fincere, and watchfulness without prayer will not be fuccefsful. The fame views of fin and duty, of the strength and frequency of temptation, and the weakness of the tempted, lead equally to both. Let me befeech you, then, to walk circumfpectly, not as fools, but as wife. Maintain an habitual diffidence of yourfelves: Attend to the various dangers to which you are expofel. Watchfulness of itself will fave you from many temptations, and will give you an inward warrant, and humble confidence, to ask of God fupport under, and deliverance from, fuch as it is impoffible to avoid.

3. In the last place, fince every thing comprehended in the petition in the text, is viewed in the light of falfehood and deceit, fuffer me, in the most earnest manner, to recommend to my hearers, and particularly to all the young perfons under my care, 'an invariable adherence to truth, ⚫ and the most undisguised fimplicity and finceri" ty in the whole of their conversation and carriage.' I do not know where to begin or end in fpeaking of the excellency and beauty of fincerity, or the bafenefs of falfehood. Sincerity is amiable, honourable and profitable. It is the moft fhining part of a commendable character, and the most winning apology for any mifcarriage or unadvised action.' There is fcarcely any action

[ocr errors]

in itself fo bad, as what is implied in the hardened front of him who covers the truth with a lie befides, it is always a fign of long practice in wickedness. Any man may be feduced or furprised into a fault, but none but the habitual villain can deny it it with steady calmness and obstinacy. In this refpect, we unhappily find fome who are young offenders, but old fin

ners.

D

It is not in religion only, but even among worldly men, that lying is counted the utmost pitch of basenefs; and to be called a liar, the 'moft unfupportable reproach.' No wonder, indeed, for it is the very effence of cowardice to dare to do a thing which you have not courage to ayow. The very worft of finners are fenfible of it themselves, for they deeply refent the imputation of it; and, if I do not mistake, have never yet arrived at the abfurdity of defending it. There is scarcely any other crime, but fome are profligate enough to boaft of it; but I do not remember ever to have heard of any who made his boaft, that he was a liar. To crown all, lying is the most wretched folly. Juftly does Solomon fay, 'A lying tongue is but for a mo'ment.' It is easily discovered. Truth is a firm confiftent thing, every part of which agrees with, and strongly supports another. But lies are not only repugnant to truth, but repugnant to each other; and commonly the means, like a treacherous thief, of the detection of the whole. Let me, therefore

therefore, once more recommend to every one of you, the noble character of fincerity.-Endeavour to establish your credit in this respect fo entirely, that every word you speak may be beyond the imputation of deceit; fo that enemies may themselves be fenfible, that though you should abuse them, you will never deceive them.

SERMON

« PreviousContinue »