SERMON XVI. MATTHEW xv. 8, 9. THIS PEOPLE DRAWETH NIGH UNTO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOURETH ME WITH THEIR LIPS; BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN THEY DO WORSHIP ME, TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN. WHEN Our Saviour was upon earth, and residing amongst the Jews, he had not much to contend with, of open and avowed irreligion; nor was he surrounded by idolators; but he had to contend against a body of people, who were very strict in their external duties, and in general very correct in their creed. This was not indeed the case with respect to the Sadducees, but it was eminently so as it regarded the Pharisees, who yet seem to have been the most constant, and the most bitter, of our Lord's opponents. It was therefore a matter of prime importance with him, to shew how wide is the difference between external forms, and internal piety; between a strict and punctilious attention to ceremonials, and that religion of the heart, which can alone satisfy the demands of the "God of the spirits of all flesh." The Jews, indeed, verily believe, there is not one, who would not feel shocked at the idea that he were excluded from all intercourse with God, and that he would never be permitted to pray. Nay, I believe that it is only to some such feeling as I have been speaking of, that we are to attribute the regularity with which many attend places of worship; they cling to the notion that there is a sort of friendly intercourse still open between man and God. Now there can certainly be nothing more pleasing, than to behold a number of people, in decent order, with devout appearance, assembling themselves from time to time, for the avowed purpose of honouring that God, to whom they are indebted for their existence and support, by rendering him the glory due unto his name. Nothing can be conceived more proper-nothing more beneficial for man, than that an intercourse with heaven should thus be maintained, in the way which God himself hath appointed. And again, when we consider this appointment, as resulting from the merciful provision which God has made for reconciling sinners to himself, the sight of numbers flocking to draw nigh to God in this manner, would give one a cheering view of the state of the world; it would lead one to hope, that the depravity of man, and the alienation of his heart from his Maker, was not so great, nor so deeply seated, as had been represented. Take, for instance, the present state of this country. We -- allow, we are forced to allow-that there is an immense mass of wickedness and ungodliness in every part of it. Yet, look at the multitude of places of worship which exist in it; consider how these are increasing every year; and reflect again upon the number of persons, who on every Sunday are assembled, throughout the kingdom, avowedly to draw nigh to God, and to honour his holy name. The impression left upon the mind, after such a survey, at first might be, that there was a great deal of religion in the country—that the people had not departed from the living God-but were disposed to seek his favour and to serve him. But, my brethren, how different will be our feelings on making careful inquiry into the true state of things! The number of our places of worship, or even of those who frequent them; is, alas! no distinct evidence of the number of spiritual worshippers ;such "worshippers as the Father seeketh to worship him." It is true, that where many frequent the house of God, we have ground to hope that there are some, who offer him the worship of the heart; but there is too much reason to believe, that the amount of such is comparatively small. Oh! if all, who attend even here, were such, what a happy, what a holy place would this be. But alas! this is by no means the case,—the text shews us, what I believe many of you feel to be, the real state of things. "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with and precious promises, which are given for the support and consolation of his people. We may have the world, the flesh, and the devil to contend with, but if we are earnest and sincere, we shall be made more than conquerors through him that hath loved us; and let us remember for our encouragement, the gracious declaration of our Lord-" To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." 1 "Be ye therefore," my Christian brethren," stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Rev. iii. 21. SERMON XVI. MATTHEW xv. 8, 9. THIS PEOPLE DRAWETH NIGH UNTO ME WITH THEIR Mouth, AND HONOURETH ME WITH THEIR LIPS; BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN THEY DO WORSHIP ME, TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN. WHEN Our Saviour was upon earth, and residing amongst the Jews, he had not much to contend with, of open and avowed irreligion; nor was he surrounded by idolators; but he had to contend against a body of people, who were very strict in their external duties, and in general very correct in their creed. This was not indeed the case with respect to the Sadducees, but it was eminently so as it regarded the Pharisees, who yet seem to have been the most constant, and the most bitter, of our Lord's opponents. It was therefore a matter of prime importance with him, to shew how wide is the difference between external forms, and internal piety; between a strict and punctilious attention to ceremonials, and that religion of the heart, which can alone satisfy the demands of the "God of the spirits of all flesh." The Jews, indeed, |