els: our hearts will be enlarged, to correspond, according to our measure, with

the divine charity; till we apprehend that, Phil, iii. for which alfo we are apprehended; catch 12. the fame spirit, by which the Redeemer was moved to lay hold on us; and know Eph. iii. the love of Chrift, which paffeth knowledge.

19.

SER

SERMON VI. ·

I TIM. ii. 1.

I EXHORT, THAT FIRST OF ALL, SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND GIVING OF THANKS BE MADE FOR ALL MEN.

T

HE focial affections, which lead

directly to the general good, are the fources of the highest fatisfaction to the individual; and the devotions and prayers, which are offered up to God for others, are those which bring down the greatest graces and bleffings on the petitioner. You do not wonder to find features of resemblance between Morality

and

"

and Religion, two very nearly related, as well as infeparable, companions.

A wife man, therefore, would cultivate in his mind a regard to others, were it only out of refpect to himself; and a pious Christian is frequent in the exercife of Interceffion, for the amendment of his own heart, and the increase of his happiness, both naturally, and by the divine bleffing. We are content to perfuade men to mutual kindness, upon any principle; and bring them into a happy habit of generofity, whatever may be the motive to it. The harshness that is in the original feed, may wear out by cultivation, and the root of Selfishness yield the fruits of Love.

However, both to do juftice to the doctrines of Scripture, and give pleasure to the generous mind, we may fafely add, that there is yet another argument

in recommendation of this duty of Interceffion; and that is, the welfare and happiness of those persons, who are the fubject of your prayers. There is ground to hope, that they may reap benefit from this act of your charity, and be rewarded openly for the petitions which you put up for them in private.

Yes furely; and what occafion for this caution? (as a plain man might be apt to argue;) for if my interceffion can be of no use to them, why do I make it? For your own fake, replies the philofophical. Chriftian, and for the exercise and improvement of your charity. Can my charity be employed, when all the benefit is to be confined to myself? Is it charity, to introduce into my prayers the names of other perfons, without any view to their advantage? Why, yes: because, speaking of them as perfons to whom you wish well, you bring your mind

F