freely bring their differences into conversation; if they be mentioned at all, they should be dismissed as soon as the temper begins to be ruffled, and the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit endangered. For although we have all faith, and all knowledge, and understand all mysteries, it avails not, if we have not charity.

Having cautioned against improper, or inexpedient subjects, let me,

4. Mention such as are most profitable, if we are anxious to edify one another. Macknight on the text observes, quoting as he says from Chandler, that, "It were much to be wished, that Christians, entering into each other's true interests, would banish from their conversation that calumny, slander, folly and flattery, which engross so much of this short, transitory life; and by discoursing of things of substantial worth, endeavour to fortify each other against the snares of life, and those innumerable temptations which lie in wait to ruin us. With what comfort, he asks, should we meet each other at the great day, were we, on that occasion, able to recollect that in general we had managed our conversation to our mutual advantage! For we should then be sensible, that in some measure we owe Our glory to our concern for, and our fidelity to each other. Besides, the remembrance of this will enlarge the love of the saints to each other in the future state." This is a good description, on the whole, of edifying conversation. What is the end to be attained by the gospel? What is the great object of true religion? It is "to redeem us from all iniquity, and

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to purify us unto Christ, a peculiar people, zealous of good works." This, then, should be the object of religious conversation. It should tend to improve our knowledge on the most important points; to strengthen and enliven our faith in things unseen and eternal;" to awaken our mutual ardour in seeking "the things which are above," and this by more earnest endeavors to acquire and perfect that character and those dispositions and affections, without which they can never be attained, or if they could, could never be enjoyed.Here is field enough for the most interesting and animating and improving conversation. We may dwell on the essential elements of Christian character-piety to God, and the duties involved in that comprehensive term, charity to men, and the duties implied in that broad affection; self-government, and the various duties embraced in it. You see we shall not lack argument of religious converse, even if personalities and controversies should be excluded. But when two christian friends are conversing together in affectionate confidence, they may be personal in their conversation; that is, talk over things personal to themselves. They may mention freely their doubts, and fears, and difficulties in their christian course, for the benefit of each other's counsel; and might learn how to vanquish the former, and to surmount the latter. But without enlarging on this fruitful topic,

5. Let me say, that Christians should not always wait till their counsel is asked, but should hasten to speak, when the wants, or dangers, or temptations of

any seem to require it, and they can hope to be useful. The apostle, in the subsequent context, exhorts Christians "to warn the unruly, to comfort the feeble minded, to support the weak." The duty enjoined in regard to the unruly, is not usually welcome, nor desired by him who needs the kindness. Another may see his danger before he himself is aware of it: if he is aware of it, he may be too proud and self-sufficient to desire, or take kindly the warning given. But we must not suffer sin upon our neighbour, without rebuke. Let it be done with the kindest feelings, and in the gentlest manner, for its efficacy may depend on the manner. And when a soul is to be saved from death, and a multitude of sins to be hidden, it richly deserves our best endeavours and our best manner. The feeble minded" must be comforted. They may not desire our friendly efforts to relieve them; they are wont to suffer in secret, and to shrink from observation. But they are to be truly pitied in their spiritual dejection; and we should approach them as the physican draws the curtain of a sick friend; and listen to their tale of symptoms, and apply those remedies which the gospel so richly provides. "We must sustain the weak." There are always Christians of this description, who need the care of others. They are in danger of being misled by interested guides, of having their passions improperly excited, and of imbibing prejudices, and thus of being soured in their temper, and perhaps drawn into disorder. They may be in danger from temptations, of which they stand not in

proper fear-and if left to themselves, may fall into sins of sensuality. Much may be done for Christians of this description, and much ought to be done to preserve them in that course which shall be safe to themselves and honorable to religion.

But it is time for me to close this important subject. Let us remember the double duty of our text, and comfort and edify one another, by a wise and discreet, by an affectionate and faithful conversation. And let us give a deep and affecting interest to our religious conversation, by a frequent reference to the rich grace of God, "who has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ;" and to the death of our compassionate Redeemer, which he willingly endured for us, with all the horrors of the cross, that he might bring many sons and daughters to glory. And let us animate one another to zeal and persevering fidelity in our holy course, by the certain expectation of the Saviour, at the last day, to judge the quick and the dead, and to carry them back with him to heavenly glory. God grant that we may be of the number, his sincere and faithful disciples.

Even so come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.

SERMON IX.

FAMILY RELIGION.

JOSHUA xxiv. 15.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

He

This was the pious resolution of Joshua, announced to the tribes of Israel, assembled before him. gives a very concise account of God's goodness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to the twelve tribes, who descended from them; of their deliverance from Egypt, their passage of the Red sea, their wars with the Amorites, and Moabites, and their victories, and finally of their passage over Jordan, and their entrance into possession of the land of promise. In the view of God's signal goodness to them, he solemnly exhorts them "to fear the Lord, and to serve him in sincerity and truth;" at the same time he regards them with jealousy, and manifests anxiety, lest they should fail of a due return for benefits received. Joshua had too