son also binds you to persevere as you have begun; for the more faithfully you cleave to the Lord, the more steadfastly you resist temptation, the greater peace and tranquillity you will have in your own minds. Nay, the obstacles which now make your progress difficult and painful, will gradually disappear, and at length you shall find, that "Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and that all her paths are peace." In a word, whatever good reason we had to set out in the Christian course, the same reason will hold for our perseverance in it. If we began it from bad or from worldly motives, our religion is but an empty profession, without any reality. In this case we are not yet Christians; and therefore the exhortation in the text doth not belong to us. Consider, in the

2d place, That all the bribes which can be offered, in order to seduce you from your adherence to the Lord, are vain, precarious, and unsatisfying. How often have men (( made shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience," for a mere shadow of expectation, which was never realized to them? But though you should obtain all that this world can present to you, yet how bitter is that advantage which is purchased at the expense of inward peace and tranquillity? Nay, how vain and precarious are the enjoyments of this world at the best? "Riches often make to themselves wings and flee away;" and then they leave the person much more unhappy than they found him, under the dominion of inflamed appetites, without the proper objects to satisfy them. The joy of the wicked is like the "crackling of thorns under a pot;" vain whilst it lasts, and soon at an end. Balaam loved the reward of unrighteousness, and he obtained it: but what did he reap from it at last? he returned to his own country loaded with riches, but all his enjoyments were embittered by " an evil conscience," and he himself was soon after brought to an untimely end by the victorious arms of the Israelites. So deceitful are the offers with which this world would seduce you from your adherence to the Lord. But in cleaving to the Lord, you can never be disappointed in your expectations; for he hath said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Consider, in the

3d place, What obligations you lie under to this Lord to whom you are exhorted in the text to "cleave with purpose of heart." He it was that befriended you in your greatest necessity, and that brought salvation with his own arm, when there was no other eye to pity you, nor any other hand that could help you. Think on the greatness of the love of Christ, and on the costly proofs he gave of it, in condescending to become a man, and “ a man of sorrows," and at last to die under the bitterest agonies, for the redemption of your souls; and then let gratitude suggest to you what returns may reasonably be expect ed from creatures so iufinitely indebted to him as you have been. Did the Lord Jesus, without any importunity from us, and even contrary to our desires, persist in his gracious design of saving us, till he could say upon the cross," It is finished?" and shall not we persevere with steadfastness in our duty and allegiance to him? Surely, if his heart clave to us, when he had nothing to merit or invite his love, much more should our hearts cleave to Him, who is not only infinitely amiable in himself, but, which is still more interesting, infinitely kind and gracious to us. more, in the

Once

4th place, Consider that this duty, although difficult, is by no means impracticable. Thousands of our brethren, all men of like passions with ourselves, have perservered to the end in cleaving to the Lord, and are now enjoying the glorious reward of their steadfast adherence to him. All necessary aid is provided for you, and ready to be conveyed to you as often as you shall ask it. For "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Indeed, had you no other strength but your own, to exhort you to "cleave unto the Lord," would only be to mock your misery. But help is laid for you on One who is mighty, and is no less willing than powerful, to support you under all your trials. He can perfect strength in your weakness; and whilst you are stretching forth your feeble arms to embrace him, he will inclose you in the arms of his Omnipotence, and work in you effectually

"both to will and to do of his good plea- | ing must not therefore be extended to

sure."

Having thus explained the exhortation in the text, and endeavored to enforce it by some motives and arguments, I proceed now, as was proposed, in the

Third place, To offer some directions, which, through the blessing of God, may be useful to those who are desirous of complying with this exhortation. And, in the

those whose understandings are visibly weak, and unapt to receive or to retain instruction; for out of the mouths of such babes and sucklings, God may, and often doth, perfect his praise. But when men are quick enough to learn other things, and yet remain ignorant of the great truths of Christianity; when they discover no anxiety, nor use any proper endeavors, to acquire the knowledge of them; this 1st place, Labor to have your minds as voluntary ignorance, whatever they may richly furnished as possible with true pretend, is a plain proof of an unconverted Christian knowledge. Study the nature state. Let none who acknowledge and and the reasons of the religion which you lament their ignorance, and who use the profess, that you may be able to confute means to have it removed, be discouraged gainsayers, or at least to withstand their at what I have now said; for they are not attempts to seduce and pervert you. the persons concerning whom I speak. Knowledge must lie at the root of our But if I could meditate a reproof of more steadfastness; otherwise, let the cause in than ordinary sharpness, I would address which we are engaged be ever so good, it to those who, amidst Bibles and Serour adherence to it is nothing else than mons, and other excellent helps for their obstinacy of temper; which can neither spiritual improvement, remain stupidly please God, nor bring any real advantage ignorant of the most essential points of to ourselves. In such a case, if a man is Christianity, without any shame and conin the right, it is merely by accident: he cern. And, alas! what numbers of this might as readily have been in the wrong; description are to be found among us? and it is very possible, nay extremely How many claim the peculiar privileges likely, that some new wind of doctrine" of Christians, who know little more of may seduce him, and that he may become Christianity than the name? Nay, is it as violent in his enmity to the gospel as not to be feared, that many who partake he was once warm in supporting it. It is of the holy sacrament of the Lord's Suptrue, indeed, there may be a great deal of per are so grossly ignorant of the nature sound knowledge in the head, where there of that ordinance, that, with respect to is no real grace in the heart. A foreigner them, the communion-table itself bear may learn to speak the language of Zion the same inscription which Paul found so well, that it will be difficult to dis-upon the altar at Athens, "To the untinguish him from one who is "an Israel known God." This, my brethren, yields ite indeed." But, on the other hand, it us a very melancholy prospect: for surely is absolutely certain, that grace cannot consist with gross ignorance: For the first operation of the Spirit of God is to open men's eyes, and to turn them from darkness unto light: Consequently, where there is no light, it must be concluded that there is no grace. Some exceptions there may be; and there have been examples of persons, in whose temper and practice the lineaments of the New Creature could plainly be discerned, who, by reason of their natural dulness, were incapable of acquiring any distinct knowledge of the principles of religion, or at least of expressing what they knew to the satisfaction of others. This rule of judg

may

they are not likely to prove steadfast Christians, who know so little of Christianity, that it is hard to find out upon what grounds they are Christians at all. I would therefore recommend it to you, with the greatest earnestness, to study the principles of that religion which you profess. Spare no pains that may be necessary to get a thorough acquaintance with them, and then you will be in less danger of forsaking them when an hour of trial comes. "They that know their God," said the angel to Daniel, "shall be strong and do exploits." "For understanding shall keep thee," saith Solomon, "to deliver thee from the way of the evil man,

from the man that speaketh froward things, | tle considered by the generality of Chriswho leave the paths of uprightness, to tians. We commonly think ourselves sewalk in the ways of darkness." But, cure when out of the way of external 2dly. Besides the speculative know- temptations, and suffer our minds to roam ledge of divine truths, you must also at large wherever fancy presents an amuslabor to acquire an inward experience ing object. Whereas we ought to consider, and relish of them. Did we truly feel that whatever inflames our passions, or their influence upon our own hearts, it gives them an improper direction, is would serve in place of a thousand ar- equally hurtful to the soul, whether the guments to prove their divine original. cause be real or imaginary. Nay, I am He would be a cunning sophister, indeed, persuaded, that the tempter doth often who could persuade a man that honey was make greater havoc in our hearts, by bitter, whilst he tasted the sweetness of it mingling his poison with the suggestions in his mouth. It is an experimental con- of our own minds, than by all the other viction of the truth of the gospel, which methods of temptation. If we would keep fortifies the true Christian against all the our hearts indeed, we must watch their arts of seducers. He hath a witness motions as carefully when we are alone, as within himself, and can bring a proof from when we are abroad, and in the midst of his own heart, both of the truth and ex- danger. The presence of God should concellence of the religion which he pro- stantly overawe our most secret thoughts, fesseth. It was a stubborn question which and have equal influence on us in our reAthanasius put to the heathens of his tirement, as when we act in the open view time, who denied the resurrection of of the world.-A Christ. "If Christ be not alive," said he, "how doth he yet destroy your idols, and cast out devils, and convert and subdue the world to himself? Are these the works of a dead man ?" In like manner can the sanctified soul say, "Have I felt Christ opening my blind eyes, binding the strong man, and casting him out? Have I felt him stamping his image upon my soul, and bringing me with boldness into the presence of that God whom I had of fended? And after this, shall I doubt whether there be a Christ, or whether this Christ be able to save me?' Thus can the true believer, who hath felt the power of Christianity, bring unanswerable arguments for its truth from his own experience: arguments which neither the temptations of Satan, nor the cavils of wicked men, will be able to overthrow.

4th direction I shall give you in the words of the apostle Paul, (Romans xi. 20.) "Be not high minded, but fear." Remember what our blessed Lord said to his disciples, "Without me ye can do nothing." Nothing is more offensive to God than pride. When our hearts begin to swell with an high opinion of our own strength, he is provoked to withhold hist grace from us; because all that is poured into the proud soul runs over in self-applause, and so is like water spilt on a rock, with respect to any good that it doth to a man himself, or any glory which it brings to God. The proud heart, like the towering cliff, is never fruitful. If we would in due time be exalted, we must first humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. This is the way to obtain fresh supplies of his supporting grace. 3dly. If you would cleave with stead-"Happy" is the man," saith Solomon, fastness unto the Lord, attend constantly "who feareth always." A holy diffidence to the inward frame and temper of your of ourselves is the true temper of a Chrishearts. Make conscience of watching over your most secret thoughts. Suffer them not to wander without control, or to spend their strength upon things which cannot profit you; otherwise you will open a wide door to the enemy, and even furnish him with weapons which he will not fail to improve against you. I am afraid the importance of this direction is too lit

tian, and will both serve to keep us out of the way of temptation, and teach us to act with the caution of men who perceive their danger, and are careful to shun it.

5thly. Avoid, as much as possible, the fellowship of wicked men. This is an advice which I am inclined to repeat as often as I can find occasion for it; and indeed it is scarcely possible to insist upon it as

all this we must add constant and fervent prayer to God. By this we maintain correspondence with the "Father of lights, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift." Prayer is the messenger which he hath appointed for conveying to us help in every time of need. He hath promised his Spirit to them who ask it. Let us "ask and receive, that our joy may be full."

Thus, my brethren, I have suggested to you a few plain directions, which, through the blessing of God, may be of use to assist you in maintaining that firm adherence to the Lord which my text recommends. All that now remains is, that I entreat you to reduce them to practice. And what motive can I present to you

much as its importance deserves. A man who is careless of his company, disregards his own soul. If therefore you would cleave unto the Lord, imitate the holy Psalmist, and give charge to evil-doers to depart from you. Let the saints, the excellent ones of the earth, be the men of your counsel. We stand much in need of all the assistance which we can derive from our fellow Christians: "Woe to him that is alone when he falleth," saith the wise "for he hath not another to help man, him up." Whereas, when Christians join together in holy communion, like trees planted in a thicket, they shelter and defend one another. They have boldness to face their adversaries, as well as strength to baffle their attempts to seduce them. | "Let us then exhort one another daily, so powerful as the consideration, that "to lest any of us be hardened through the them who, by a patient continuance in deceitfulness of sin." Like brethren, let well-doing, seek for glory, honor, and im us dwell together in love and unity, having mortality, God will render eternal life.”. all our spiritual goods in common, being "To him that overcometh," saith Christ, ready to distribute, willing to communi- " will I grant to sit down with me on my cate," according to the measure of gifts throne, even as I also overcame, and am and graces which it hath pleased our set down with my Father on his throne." heavenly Father to bestow on us.-In the The time draweth In the The time draweth near, when you shall be 6th and last place, If we would obey placed beyond the reach of temptation, the exhortation in the text, we must be- when your warfare shall be accomplished, ware of neglecting the instrumental duties and your struggles at an end; and who of religion. Let us carefully read the would not sustain a short, though it were Holy Scriptures, which God, in mercy, hath a sharp conflict, that he might obtain a Some of us pergiven us to be a "lamp to our feet, and a triumphant victory? light unto our path." "The law of the Lord haps have but a few more efforts to make, is perfect, converting the soul: the testi- and a few more assaults to sustain, before mony of the Lord is sure, making wise the Christ shall call us home to receive the simple." To reading you must join the enriching reward—a reward not of debt hearing of the word preached; that power- but of grace; even that exceeding and ful ordinance which God hath so remark- eternal weight of glory, with which our ably countenanced in all ages of the light and momentary afflictions are not church, and made effectual, by his blessing, worthy to be compared. Let us all then both for the conversion of sinners, and for be persuaded, "with purpose of heart to the establishment of his own people. Un- cleave unto the Lord." Let us count all der this head I would particularly recom- things but loss, that we may win Christ, mend to you a devout attendance upon and be found in him, not having our own the holy sacrament of the Lord's Sup- righteousness, but that everlasting rightper, which is so peculiarly calculated to eousness which he hath prepared for them strengthen our faith, and to build us up in who "cleave to him." Let us go from holiness and comfort, unto eternal life. this place, saying as Peter did, only with This hath been found, in the experience more humility, "Though all men should of all the saints, to be a most blessed in- forsake thee, yet will not we." And "now stitution, which hath in every age enabled unto him that is able to keep you from men to hold on their way with alacrity falling, and to present you faultless beand joy, and in every situation hath as- fore the presence of his glory with exceedsisted them to renew their strength. Toing joy: To the only wise God our Sav