example of Christ, as he was obedient to the law for us: nor may we follow even a prophet or apostle further than he followed the Lord.

Christian principles, therefore, will teach a man as far as he is influenced by them, to recede from his right for the sake of peace and love, in all things that consist with our duties; and to "fol"low peace with all men," so as to pursue after "it" even when it flees from him. The consistent believer will especially aim to promote the peace of the church, and avoid whatever may disturb it. He will, "if possible, live peaceably with all men,' and only deviate from this conduct when compelled to it by duty. He is also a peace-maker, as far as he has influence, both among his brethren and neighbours. He desires to be of one mind and judgment with all who love the Lord; and if he must differ from them in sentiment, he would differ amicably, and reluctantly; for he "endea

46

vours to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond "of peace." He would "do all things without "murmurings and disputings," and nothing "through strife and vain glory:" knowing that "the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle towards all men; in meekness instruct'ing those that oppose themselves." He is aware that God alone can, "give men repentance to the " acknowledgment of the truth;" and that revilings and bitter sarcasms are none of the means which he has instituted, and on which a blessing

may be expected. His self-knowledge and experience forbid him to disdain or despair of others ; and so long as he deems it right to address himself to them at all, he will do it with a hope and a prayer, that they may yet be saved by the abounding grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The same principles influence the believer to cultivate an habitual forbearance, and a readiness to pass over and forgive the manifold little faults, mistakes, and petulances, which we must expect to meet with, even in the best of men whilst they continue in this imperfect state: for he knows that he needs such reciprocal forbearance from them; and without this mantle of love covering the multitude of faults, no peace can be expected in human society. He has been taught to bear without much concern those affronts, which proud men deem it a point of honour to resent, whatever consequences ensue and if he be ridiculed or reviled for his tameness, he remembers the meekness of Christ amidst the scorn and cruelty of his enemies. His point of honour is, not to suffer himself to be overcome by any kind or degree of evil; but to overcome evil with good," and to subdue his own spirit: and his fortitude is shewn, by facing dangers and enduring hardships, in the cause and after the example of Christ. But when he is conscious of having injured or affronted others; he readily submits to the most humiliating concessions or reparation for the sake of peace. His

T

4

£***

principles also teach him, to avoid all irritating expressions, and to stifle every rising of resentment for injuries received; to fear harbouring a prejudice or grudge against any man, (for anger restethi" only "in the bosom of a fool;") to watch for opportunity of convincing an obstinate enemy, that he bears' him no ill-will, but' would gladly live amicably with him; and to forget, as far as he can, the hard treatment that he has met with, not liking to mention it, or liear others expatiate on it; and only recollecting it in order to pray for the injurious party. But on the other bad the same views will lead bi to remember and to mention, when proper, the kindness shewn him; for they tend to cherish gratitude, not only to the Giver, but also to the instruments, of all our comforts.

of a more o

I might enlarge on the candour in judging of men's motives, and of those actions that ma may admit less fa favourable construction, and the courteousness, affability, and affectionate behaviour which christian principles proportionably effect; but I must not at present proceed any further. The apostle's description" of that charity or love, which is even greater than faith and hope, includes all that hath been advanced, and much more than

I am able to express. As a natural philosopher would define gold by its peculiar properties, which exist as really in a grain as in a talent; so he shews the nature of love itself, without regard to the

16

quantity possessed by any individual. Charity "suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; "charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth "not behave itself unseemly; seeketh not her "own" (interest, credit, ease, or indulgence,) "is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all

things, endureth all things;-Charity never fail"eth:"" As far then as christian principles prevail, peace, harmony, and comfort abound: and were their influence universal, they would rectify the whole moral state of the world. What then shall we think of those who spend their lives in running them down, or representing them as of licentious tendency? What shall we say concerning those who take occasion from the gospel to indulge their selfish, sensual, or malignant passions? Or to what shall we ascribe the improper conduct even of true christians, but to their want of a fuller acquaintance with the tendency of their principles, and a more complete experience of their efficacy?

1 Cor. xiii.

}

ESSAY XX.

On the Believer's Attention to relative Duties.

THOSE

HOSE dispositions which a real belief of evangelical truth never fails to produce, will be especially manifested by a conscientious attention to the duties of the several relations which constitute human society, according to the precepts and exhortations of the holy Scriptures. By this indeed the excellency of our principles is peculiarly displayed, and true holiness distinguished from all counterfeits.

Our natural propensities are so diversified by constitution, education, habits, connexions, and pursuits, that they sometimes assume the appearance of things spiritually good: for instance, a courageous temper may be mistaken for christian firmness and fortitude; and an indolent or yielding turn of mind may pass for christian meekness, pliancy, and compassion. Yet the counterfeit is perfectly distinct from that holy temper which it apparently resembles; and has very little effect on the general conduct, though it may be very conspicuous in a few detached instances: at the same