what is abomination in the sight of God, is in truth of little value, although it may be highly esteemed among

men.

If we proceed one step farther, and turn our attention upon the qualities of the human mind, here also we shall find, in too many instances, the declaration of the text verified-many things pass for virtues and excellences among men, which are odious to a righteous and merciful God.

What sort of knowledge commonly commands the most respect, and is in the highest estimation among men? Is it that meekness of wisdom, which delights more to retire from the confusion of the world, and in privacy to cultivate the good affections of the heart, than to mingle in the turbulent scenes of life, and to employ all the arts of controlling and directing the storms of human affairs? Is it that heavenly science, by which we are instructed to acquire the riches of divine grace, and thrones of immortal glory, rather than the mammon of unrighteousness, or seats of temporal authority? The children of this world may be wiser in their generation than the children of light: they may lay their plans with more art, and prosecute them with more ardour: they may attract greater attention, and command more of the applause of every bystander. But, how transitory and perishable are the best acquisitions of this worldly wisdom! The fruit can scarcely be tasted, before the tree withers and dies. When the skill of the politician has ceased to direct the movements of civil society; when the imagination of the poet has ceased to wander over fields of enchantment; when the eloquence of the orator no longer commands the passions of his audience; the true wisdom which

cometh down from above will be justified of all her children: it will then be found, that length of days, even immortality, is in her right hand; and, in her left hand, the only permanent riches and honour.

Far be it from every one of us, to depreciate any branch of secular science which tends to improve and embellish the present state of human existence: but, let it ever be remembered, that the intellect of man can never be so nobly and so usefully employed, as in acquiring the knowledge of those things which concern his eternal welfare. We must learn our duty before we can perform it; and the word of divine truth has determined, "the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; to depart from evil, that is true understanding."

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In the opinions which we are apt to entertain of the dispositions of the human heart, it may again be observed, "That which is highly esteemed among "men, is abomination in the sight of God." The children of this world most highly esteem that restless and ardent temper of mind, which is ever going forth in quest of strange and dangerous adventures; that proud and lofty spirit which is jealous of the slightest indignity, and ready to punish every supposed offence, even by sacrificing the life of the offender; that hardiness of soul which, under the specious appearance of liberality, will venture to attack the most venerable institutions, human and divine. But, how totally discordant are these dispositions from those which are every where inculcated in the blessed Gospel of Christ? Here, it is most expressly required, that we study to be quiet, and be content with such things as we have; that on all occasions, we be inclined to forbear, and ready to forgive one another; that we submit to every ordinance

of man, for the Lord's sake; and yield implicit obedience to all the commandments of God, to the tithing of mint, and anise, and cummin, as well as to the weightier matters of the law.

In the business of religion, how frequently is the great bulk of mankind egregiously imposed upon by empty show and vain parade? The hypocritical Pharisee, full of self-importance, makes long prayers, though he gives not much alms; he assumes the appearance of excessive zeal for the honour of God, and tender solicitude for the welfare of men; with sanctimonious scrupulosity he travels along, as if he were searching for objects to excite disgust, and to provoke reprehension, when his pride prompts him to say to a fellowtraveller, "Stand off, for I am more holy than thou," it is done under the pretence of extreme anxiety to preserve the most spotless purity of character; and, when he indulges his censorious disposition by slandering his neighbour, he wishes to make the world believe that it arises from a delicate attachment to the cause of virtue and religion. All this is done merely to be seen of men. God knows, and every accurate observer of the workings of the human heart has abundant reason to suspect, that it is all hypocrisy and affectation; still, too many will be deceived, and highly esteem what ought to be universally detested. It was this character which our Lord had particularly in view, when he uttered the words of the text; and his determination is, however men may applaud, “to God, who knoweth "the heart, it is abomination."

Thus do the sentiments of the man of this world disagree with those of God, who can, in no wise, be deceived: the one seeks wealth; the other recom

mends holiness: the one prizes the applause of his fellow-mortals; the other directs us to prefer the praise of God: the one admires shining talents; the other commends humble virtues: man wishes for a long life in this world, furnished with all temporal accommodations; God calls our principal attention and care to the securing of a happy eternity: man pursues the vanities of the earth; God commands us, before all things, to seek the substantial glories of heaven. And shall we not listen to the voice of boundless mercy and unerring truth? Let us be ever on our guard against these deceptions into which we are so liable to fall; and, with this view, let the following directions be so deeply impressed upon our hearts, as to influence our conduct.

1st. Let us ever remember, that the God whom we 'serve is truth itself; that infinite wisdom cannot be deceived; that boundless mercy cannot deceive others; from him is derived whatever truth is to be found in the world; every ray of light that beams forth upon the habitations of men, proceeds from this great source of light and glory. Bewildered mortals! in this obscure place of your earthly sojourn, lift up your eyes to this glorious luminary, and let your footsteps be directed into the path of virtue and true holiness. Thanks be to our merciful God, that we have not been left in a state of utter darkness! Notwithstanding the obscurity which sin has spread over the face of the earth, we still enjoy the feeble light of reason and conscience; and to this has been added the bright effulgence of the Gospel of Christ. Upon us the sun of righteousness has risen. To us the light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us. Let us, then, attend to the word of

"

God; the revelation of the divine will: let this be the comfort of our life; and, on all occasions, the unerring guide of our conduct.

2dly. Let us look forward to that awful day of final decision, when the truth of God's declarations will be manifested in the sight of angels and men; when the erroneous opinions of weak and sinful mortals will be corrected; and when it will be too late to lament our errors. We may now disregard the determinations of infinite wisdom with respect to the true means of human felicity; we may vainly imagine that this consists in the multitude of our earthly possessions; we may say with fatal unconcern, "Soul, take thy rest, "for thou hast much goods laid up in store, for many years to come." But, let us think in time, that the day is fast approaching when this vain confidence will utterly fail; when this unsubstantial fabrick of our happiness will be totally subverted. Let our will, therefore, be now conformable to the will of God. By his wisdom let our ignorance be instructed. By his rectitude let our crooked paths be made straight. Let us shun the ways of vice, which, however agreeable, he has apprized us, lead to misery; let us resolutely pursue those of virtue and religion, which, notwithstanding some present unpromising appearances, he has positively assured us, will terminate in perfect happiness and ineffable glory.

3dly. Let us see and acknowledge the vanity of being highly esteemed among men, if we are abominable in the sight of God. Can the estimation of man alter the real nature of things? Can it change the leopard's spots, or make the skin of the Ethiopian white? Can it quiet the clamours of conscience, of VOL. II.

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