Imagini ale paginilor
PDF
ePub

the law of heaven; and it should be the law of earth. For this we devoutly pray in the wellchosen words of our Saviour: "Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Matt. vi. 10.

Submission to God is a duty from which great advantages will result. God approves of it, because it is wise, and just, and good; and our conscience approves of it, because it is a reasonable duty; a duty fit for God to command, and fit for man to obey. It brings the soul into a calm tranquil state; regulates all its disorderly and tumultuous passions; and raises the affections to things above, where all is sweet peace and divine order. When we entirely submit to God, a considerable portion of primitive happiness is restored to our souls in the present world; for all our sufferings may be traced up to rebellion against the King of kings. It promotes peace and harmony amongst men; for when all submit to God, there is no strife who shall be the greatest; and when this strife ends, war ceases in the earth; men sink into profound humility; and God alone is exalted. Isai. ii. 17.

X. When piety is the ruling principle of our hearts, we shall enter into the church of God, and share all the privileges of his people.

It is advisable to join some religious body of people; and to honour God by an open profession of his name. "How can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him: and a three-fold cord is

not quickly broken." Eccles. iv. 11, 12. United to the people of God, we enjoy their counsel, have an interest in their prayers, and reap much benefit from their example. But amidst the various sects, which unhappily divide the Christian world, what sect should we join? That claims our highest regard, by whatever name it may be called, which comes nearest to the Scriptures in its doctrines; which worships God with holy and pious simplicity; which enjoys the life and power of religion; and which adorns the doctrines of God our Saviour by a holy life. Such a people may be despised, hated, and persecuted; but let us say to every one of them, Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Ruth i. 16.

66

When we are united to such a people, we should steadily maintain the Christian character; and endeavour, in every possible way, to propagate the pure religion which we profess and enjoy. The people should assist their Ministers in this blessed work, and use their united efforts to turn men "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith" in Christ Jesus. Acts xxvi. 18. Thus we may be instruments of salvation to our families, to our neighbours, to our friends, and even to our foes. This will prove an abundant source of solid pleasure in the present world;

and will meet with a suitable reward in that which is to come. For "they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever." Dan. xii. 3.

But it is foolish to expect perfection in any church on earth. Ministers themselves, however worthy, are but men; and the people are subject to many weaknesses and imperfections. But let us exercise charity, and put the best construction we can on all we see and hear in the religious world. This will keep our minds in peace; and greatly promote the peace of our companions in tribulation; but if we are always finding fault, both with men and measures, we shall be instruments of mischief to the pious and humble followers of the Lamb. That man who disturbs the peace of the church, merely that he have his own will and his own way, is may nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing.

186

CHAPTER XI.

THE CHRISTIAN TEMPER.

The tempers of men in a state of nature are various; but in a state of grace they are regulated by the influence of the Holy Ghost-The temper of a Christian is humble-meek and gentle—courteous and kind-ready to forgive injuries -contented in every state-patient in sufferings-prudent in the affairs of life-zealous in the things of God-firm in truth and righteousness-sincere, spiritual, and heavenly— and full of a blessed hope.

THE mind is the man. The body is the instrument, or the organ, by which the mind acts in all the walks of life; and he who studies the temper of a Christian, will discover the beauties and excellencies of Christianity, in the renewing influences of the Holy Ghost. And nothing in the whole compass of nature is more excellent, or more valuable, than that temper which is regulated and governed by Christian principles. Our views of this subject are expressed in the following general propositions.

I. The tempers of men in a state of nature. are various; but in a state of grace they are regulated by the influences of the Holy Ghost.

One man is proud and ambitious, vainly imagining that the world was made for himself; another is gentle and mild, but too pliant and yielding; another is envious and malicious, miserable when others prosper, and always

ready to defame and injure them; another is hot and passionate, raging like a wild beast, on the slightest provocation; another is revengeful and cruel, inflicting pains and penalties on all he deems his foes; another is selfish and covetous, grasping all he can lay his hands upon, whether right or wrong; another is artful and cunning, hiding his real views and feelings by hypocritical appearances; another is fickle and changeable, and unstable as water in all his works and ways; another is low and mean, unmanly and vulgar; another is sour, peevish, and waspish; another is careless, indolent, and easy in every state and circumstance; and a few are noble and generous, ready on all occasions to promote the happiness of all with whom they stand connected.

But in a state of grace, whatever is good in the natural temper of man is improved; and whatever is evil, is either removed or subdued. In this state, new views of God and men greatly influence the temper, and produce surprising effects in every disposition of the mind. To this we may add the constant influence of the Holy Spirit, guiding and governing every principle of the inner man. The Christian is led by the Spirit of God, in all the tempers of his soul; and for this reason, he may be called a son of God: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Rom. viii. 14. Nor is this all for the pious connexions that

:

« ÎnapoiContinuă »