but to subdue his own heart first to the will of God, and to soften the hearts of others by temperance of conduct, kindness of reason, and purity of life. "And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts."

The word of God is the Christian's rule of politics; not the false, fanciful, ignorant, and impracticable speculations of men, who knew not their own hearts, and who, deriving all from their own stock, could not have true wisdom or grace, and consequently could not truly and really govern themselves. Whatever principles, temper, and conduct, cannot be sanctified by the word of God and prayer, are absolutely unholy to a Christian, and strictly to be avoided.

CHAPTER III.

THE REAL CHRISTIAN WILL PUNCTUALLY OBEY THE LAWS OF HIS COUNTRY IN EVERY THING, NOT OPPOSITE TO THE WILL AND WORD OF GOD.

INIQUITY, not righteousness, is the object and occasion of law. Without law, so sinful is man, there could be no society, property, liberty, or peace. And though real Christians would, as such, do nothing but right, were there no law at all; yet as the number of these is few, and as the nature of man is frail, and requires order and direction, they cannot better show, that they could live without laws, than by the most exact attention never to break them.

There is only one case in which a Christian can withdraw his obedience; namely, when the laws of men are directly opposite to the will, and word, and laws of God. But he ought to be very sure that they are so, and should not trust to his own single judgment; lest, instead of suffering for God by resisting man, he only set up his natural self-will against that of others, and so disgrace rather than glorify the cause of goodness and truth.

The laws of his country ought to be very dear, at this time, to a British Christian; and also to an American, because he is most unreservedly protected by them, in his liberty, property, and religion. He can now sit and kneel too, under his own vine, none making him afraid.

A professor in religion acts unworthily, when he strives to evade the spirit and intention of the laws, or to profit by secretly breaking them. It is no act of faith either to smuggle, or to eat, drink, and wear such things as the prudence of the state hath forbidden. Persons who can allow themselves in this licentiousness, ought to examine the uprightness and sincerity of their own consciences, and whether they would not yet further contribute to the ruin and confusion of their country, if the punishment and force meant for ungodly men did not restrain even them. The christianity of a smuggler, or shuffler of just duties and taxes, is as much to be doubted, as the honor and justice of a professed highwayman. It may be added, that the man deserves the highest blame, who, professing religion, can do what both religion and reason uniformly condemn. By his profession he renders himself both a cheat and a hypocrite; whereas, without it, he would have proved himself only a knave. These are hard and bad names; but they cannot be so bad or offensive to us, as the persons, whom they describe, most certainly are to HIM, who hateth iniquity.

CHAPTER IV.

HOW A REAL CHRISTIAN SHOULD CONDUCT HIMSELF TOWARDS THE CHURCH OF GOD.

THE untamed corruptions and natural blindness of the human heart have introduced a great variety of disorders into Christian profession, and occasioned the whole multitude of sects and parties. All believers agree, that there is but one spiritual church, the bride of Christ and the mother of the faithful; but all believers do not act as if they really consented to this truth. What mischiefs hath not the carnal mind produced in all ages! Superstition, bigotry, persecution, pomp, parade, and intolerance, are all of them the proper fruits of an evil heart, uncircumcised, unsubdued, untaught, by the Spirit and power of God. They are the evil and detestable weeds in the spiritual field, which do nothing but stifle, overrun, rob, and impoverish the corn.

There are real Christians perhaps in every Christian church or society; and it will scarce be denied, that there are hypocrites, formalists, carnalists, and ungodly men, in all. Let the Christian's conscience be free; for God is his only master in these things; but to whatever particular profession he may belong, let his conversation be edifying to that, and let his charity be shown to all the rest He should be willing to think the best things of any good men, considering the prejudices of education, the differences of situation and temper, and the advantages which God hath given to some above others; and especially considering, that real Christians of all denominations are sincere in their views, and under deep concern for the salvation of their souls. These considerations beget tenderness

in every spiritual mind; and the want of this tenderness in any man is no proof that he is not yet carnal. "In things necessary there should be unity, in things not necessary liberty, and in all things charity."

Whatever difference be in the outward mode or form of real Christians respecting their worship of God, their life and spirit of worship are one and the same. As believers under the law had the like grace of faith with those under the gospel, though there was a vast disparity in their outward dispensations, so these last have an inward and substantial unity, yea, and uniformity too, one with another. Let each then, in his several vocation, not so much strive for the honor of a party, the love of party being only the love of self; but to glorify Christ with all the gracious power which may be given them. It would be happy indeed for themselves, and honorable for the Christian religion, if all its professors were like-minded in all outward things; but as this is not to be expected, while evil can mingle with good, or darkness with light, they ought however to labor hard, on all sides, to keep the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Let him that useth ceremonies, be candid to him that useth them not; and let him that will not observe times, and days, and rituals, pray for, rather than revile, those who do. The love of Christ preaches this lesson, which the apostle of Christ, almost in so many words, enforces and confirms.

With respect to those of the same denomination, the Christian is called in a more especial manner, to show forth his works of faith, and labors of love, for their comfort and edification. He will see that the true distinction of a believer in Jesus, is not to rise over all and to set up himself as a great somebody, but to be the servant of all, showing all meekness, patience, gentleness, and truth. The infirmities of others he must not magnify, but pity and pray over, knowing that he him

self also is in the flesh. The attainments of others he must not envy, because these are the free gift of God, which if a man can allow himself to envy, it is only because he doth not know this gift aright. Strength of spirit inspires another conduct: weakness of the flesh alone submits to this. In fine, whether he be a public servant or a private member in the visible church, he will pray that he may demean himself according to the settled order, with all gravity and decency, that he may lay no stumbling block in the way of the weak, and no offence before the eyes of the strong; but that he may be an example of godliness, humility, faith, resignation, and charity, to all about him.

This, surely, is far better than any nickname; for this is the true life and essence of the best name. a Christian.

CHAPTER V.

ON THE RECIPROCAL DUTIES OF MINISTERS

AND PEOPLE.

IT would be presumption in me to offer to teach those, by whom I would most gladly be taught. My words, therefore, on this head, shall be few; and I trust they will not offend.

The faithful minister is the servant, the shepherd, or pastor, the overseer, the teacher, the guide, the physician, the helper, and the comforter of the people committed to his charge. It is not, consequently, a light business for light heads; but an awful and solemn concern, which reqnires all the grace, wisdom, prudence, learning, courage, faith, patience, and holiness,