Imatges de pàgina
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into pruning-hooks ;" and our brethren of the military character, shall leave the fatigues of the camp, to improve in agriculture, that peaceful, but too much neglected art.

The consideration of the infinite advantages of this conquest over our spirits, may well inspire us with resolution to encounter all the difficulties that lie in the way hereof. And that there are difficulties, great and numerous, is a truth, which, far from denying or concealing, I must repeatedly insist upon, and strongly urge the belief of such difficulties as many shall faintly seek to overcome, and shall not be able: such as will require all our strength and fortitude to resist; and all, will be found too little, without power from on high. He only "that formed the spirit of man within him," can form it to a new and divine temper. To him therefore, let our thoughts be directed: to him let us all repair: His grace let us earnestly implore and for our encouragement herein, he has declared himself ready to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him and if we "walk in this Spirit we shall not fulfil the unlawful desires of the flesh and of the mind."

Let us "war a good warfare," and "fight the good fight of faith;" humbly "looking to Jesus, the captain of our salvation," without whom we can do nothing; but through the assistance of whose Spirit "we can do all things;" and shall come off more than conquerors in this spiritual conflict. This victory, my brethren, will produce the happiest consequences. It will enable us to enjoy ourselves, and our friends. It will lay a foundation for present comfort, and usefulness. It will secure peace and safety at the close of life.-It will give the temper of heaven, and render us meet to enter the mansions of glory.

Let us endeavor to lay our souls open to the full power of these important considerations, and act under the influence of them, until "the same mind is produced in us which was also in Christ Jesus;" and we are prepared to enter his peaceful kingdom, where universal love and harmony reign for ever and ever. AMEN.

SERMON

DELIVERED AT A

PRIVATE MEETING IN FRAMINGHAM,

ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1761.

Aev.

BY JASON HAVEN, A. M.

PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN DEDHAM.

PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE HEARERS.

BOSTON, N. E.:

PRINTED BY D. AND J. KNEELAND, IN QUEEN STREET,
FOR J. WINTER, IN UNION STREET.

SERMON.

PHIL. iii. 9.

“Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law."

ONE main thing of which the great apostle of the Gentiles discourses in his writings, is the way in which a sinner is made just and righteous in the sight of God. This he opens and explains, in a clear and rational manner, vindicating it from the false and reproachful interpretations put upon it by the judaizing teachers, and frequently declaring it to be on account of what Jesus Christ has done and suffered in our room and stead, in opposition to the works of righteousness which we have done; though at the same time, he is very careful to establish the law as a rule of life, and to show the constant and necessary connection between believing in Christ and maintaining good works.

Several sentiments like these, we find in the chapter which contains our text; and if we attend to these words, as they stand connected with what precedes and what follows, I think we shall find the apostle in them making a full renunciation of all personal obedience, privileges or performances, as bearing no part at all in his justification before God. "Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law." I shall endeavor to lay open the meaning and design of this passage, by showing,

I. What that righteousness is, which the apostle disclaims, and when we may be said to depend upon it.

II. Why this should be renounced, as bearing no part in our justification before God.

III. That all sincere Christians heartily join with the apostle in such a renunciation of it.

To which may be added some brief hints by way of improve

ment.

In each of these I shall endeavor to speak in such a plain and

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