of probation; that no temptations have be- SERM. fallen us but such as are common to man;

We

that those trials which we meet with, are
such as are allotted us by our Creator, and
that it is in combating and subduing these
that our spiritual warfare consists.
are not to say, if we had been born rich or
powerful, if such or such misfortunes had
not befallen us, if we had not been entang-
led in such or such unfavourable circum-
stances, we should, in that case, have re-
tained our integrity; no-we are to do our
duty in that state, in which it has pleased
God to place us, assured that thus alone we
can work out our salvation,

XV.

SERMON XVI.

SINS OF MEN ARISING FROM A WANT OF
THE FEAR OF GOD,

AND THE INSTIGATIONS OF THE DEVIL.

PROV. XVI. LATTER PART OF v. 6.

By the fear of the Lord men depart from

evil.

THE wickedness, which is so prevalent SER M.

amongst the human race, owes its existence to various causes; there are, however, two which have a more general and extensive influence than the rest; one of them, more particularly, in a greater or less degree, enters into the production of every crime.

Q4

XVI

SERM. crime. These two causes are, a want of a

XVI.

due apprehension of the Almighty, and, the instigation of the devil. The legislature

of our country, on account of their great pre-eminence, has singled them out as giving rise to all these enormities, which require the interposition of the law: when the culprit stands charged with a breach of the public tranquility, it is stated, you know, in the indictment, that he had not the fear of God before his eyes, and was seduced by the instigation of the devil.

It shall be my endeavour, in this discourse, to prove that these causes, and more particularly the first, are the only origin, not only of these enormities, which are of that magnitude and notoriety to call for human punishment, but of every other deviation from innocence, however slight

or secret.

And first, I assert, that all guilt arises from the want of a due fear of the Almighty;

XVI.

this is the prime and grand cause of it. SER M. The fear of God is frequently described in the scriptures as wisdom, as understanding, as righteousness, that is, as being productive of all these in the person with whom it resides; and, certainly, when it is entertained in that degree, which the majesty and sanctity of the object demands, such ef fects cannot but flow from it. For consider who God is, and what are his chief qualities; he is the creator and governor of the universe, he who spake, and it was done,commanded, and it was made fast; he is a Being of infinite power, he is present every where, and privy to our most secret transactions. If we had these ideas constantly before our eyes, is it possible that we should ever dare to affront him by our iniquities? He made us, I said; he has therefore a title to govern us, he has a right to our unlimited obedience; he is holiness itself, and therefore of purer eyes than to

behold