largely on doctrines and nice distinctions, do not declare the commands of the Gospel; but those doctrines, however important, are but a part of God's counsel. Others declare the duties of Christianity, without explaining and proving its doctrines; but their preaching is defective, because they only declare a part of the counsel of God. And there are a few who declare Christian experience, without sufficiently adverting to doctrines and duties; but the same charge lies against them, for they only preach a part of God's counsel. He who preaches all the counsel of God, prudently unites doctrines, duties, and experience in all his sermons. He declares the "truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." Such a ministry is a blessing to mankind, and tens of thousands will have cause to bless God for it when time shall be no more!

The apostle Paul had not shunned to declare all the counsel of God. Ministers of the Gospel should be diligent in their high calling; and though many difficulties lie in their way, they should never shun their work. The Apostle met with many difficulties; but he surmounted them all; and there is the same grace for us that there was for him. He might have shunned his duty through idleness, for preaching was a laborious work; but he was a pattern of diligence. He might have shunned it through shame, for the Gospel was despised; but he was "not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." Rom. i, 16. He might have shunned it through fear, for persecution raged with great fury; but he was a mighty champion for the truth. He might have shunned it through covetousness, for preaching was not a lucrative employment in those days; “but none of those things" moved him; "neither" did he "count" his "life dear unto" himself," so that" he "might finish" his “ course with joy, and the ministry which" he had "received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." Acts xx, 24.

A faithful Minister is assisted in his work by the grace of God; and his reward is from the Lord. He cannot live without food and raiment; but these are provided for him by the providence of God. Temporal wants are no great burden to his mind. He has enough; and he is content. But he knows "both how to be abased and how to abound: every where and in all things" he "is instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Phil. iv, 12. His great concern, in all the labours of his calling, is, to be an instrument of saving souls from death; and when that is accomplished, he rejoices, and pursues his course with a glad heart. Have we such Pastors? Then let us bless the name of the Lord. Our faithful Pastors should be dear to us; and we should bear them up in the arms of faith and prayer. We shall soon lose them, as the Ephesians lost the apostle Paul; but if we see their face no more in the flesh, we shall meet them with joy in the world of spirits.

III. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT.

First, wherever there is such a ministry, as that of the apostle Paul, the ignorant are well instructed. They gain correct views of the being and perfections of God. They gain a knowledge of themselves as fallen, degraded, and perishing sinners. Jesus Christ is made known to them in all his sacred offices and characters. They are well instructed in

Christian duties, and in Christian experience; and they gain clear views of the general resurrection, the day of judgment, and the eternal world. Thus they are turned "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God."

Secondly, such a ministry promotes the best interests of Christian believers. They are edified, or built up, on their most holy faith; and they make rapid advances in knowledge and true holiness. Their doubts and fears are removed; and their hands are strengthened in the Lord. The Christian graces take deep root in their hearts, and produce lovely tempers, and a holy conversation. Babes are fed by the milk of the word; and every one receives a portion of meat in due season.

Thirdly, those Ministers who follow the example of the apostle Paul, are free from the blood of all men, and enjoy sweet peace in their own souls. They know, that, if any perish through their neglect, the blood of such unhappy persons will be required at their hands; but while they declare all the counsel of God, they are at rest on that subject. With what pleasurable feelings do they leave the pulpit, when they have preached the Gospel in all its fulness, and have faithfully warned sinners to flee from the wrath to come! They have their trials and temptations; but these are over-balanced by peaceful and joyous reflections.

Fourthly, Jesus is honoured by such a ministry as that of the apostle Paul. He is set forth in all his perso:l glories; in all his gracious designs and purposes; in all his merciful undertakings; in all his love; and in all his grace and mercy. Holy Ministers love to dwell on these delightful themes; and they make it appear, "that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father." John v, 23. When this is the case, Jesus is precious to believers; they worship him with delight; and they follow him, in the regeneration, through evil and good report.

Fifthly, many precious souls are saved under such a ministry. Hardened sinners are brought to repentance, and to an acknowledgment of the truth; and their Minister can say to them, "I have begotten you through the Gospel." 1 Cor. x, 15. Many who had heard the apostle Paul were pardoned; and many were sanctified. Eph. i, 7; 1 Cor. vi, 11. And in every congregation where all the counsel of God is declared, many persons may be found in similar circumstances. These blessed fruits of the Christian ministry are of more worth than all the treasures of the earth, for when every thing that is earthly fails, these remain in full vigour and glory in the heavenly world.

Sixthly, but such a ministry as this, with all its excellencies, has its enemies. The Jews "spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming." Acts xiii, 45. And when the Gentiles "heard of the resurrection of the dead," under the sermon which he preached before them at Athens, some mocked." Acts xvii, 32. And in those days, the preaching of the Apostles, which was "the savour of life unto life" in believers, was "the savour of death unto death" in them that perished. 2 Cor. ii, 15, 16. precisely the same. That word which brings life and hated and abused, is the savour of death unto death.

And it is now salvation, being

On the whole, let us bless the Lord for an enlightened and faithful ministry; and let us carefully improve it, that our profiting may appear to all. May it be continued to us and to our children from generation to generation! We might have been left in heathenish darkness; but we have seen a glorious Gospel day! Then let us "who are of the day, be sober and vigilant, putting on the breast-plate of faith and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation." 1 Thess. V, 8. Amen.

SERMON CXL.

CHRISTIAN MORALS.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. PHILIPPIANS iv, 8.

THIS fine compendium of Christian morals should be fixed in our memory, and deeply engraven on our hearts, that our whole "conversation" may be such as "becometh the Gospel of Christ." It contains every thing that has real worth and excellency; every thing that is great and noble; and every thing that is useful and ornamental in the con duct and character of man. The heathen philosophers taught a few good morals in their academical groves; but many of their views were incorrect, and their laboured systems were built upon a sandy foundation. Christian morals include the whole duty of man to man; they proceed from renewed hearts; they are performed by the aids of Divine grace; and they are built upon the atonement of Christ. Many things of high importance are named in our text. Let us examine them one by one.

I. WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE.

We should acquire a love of truth. If this be wanting, all the rules that can be laid down, to direct the mind on this subject, will be useless and unavailing. No man will follow that which he does not love; and if truth have no charms, we shall be quite indifferent about it in all our thoughts and words. But how should we love truth? We should love it ardently, constantly, and eternally.

When truth is lovely in our eyes, we shall diligently inquire after it, whether it relate to history, to science, or to religion; and we shall require such proofs of every thing as the nature of the subject demands, not resting satisfied with vague reports or fanciful conjectures. But he ho searches after truth should be divested of prejudice; his mind

should be open to conviction; and he should dig deep, as for hidden

treasure.

But while we use our reason in these inquiries, as far as it can carry us, we should ask counsel of God; and if we acknowledge him in all our ways, without leaning to our own understanding, he has graciously promised to direct our paths. Prov. iii, 6. This is a safe plan: "for the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." Prov. ii, 6.

We should speak the truth on all occasions, whether it be for us or against us; and at the same time abhor lying and dissimulation, flattery and deceit. Truth should be held as a sacred principle in all our bargains, contracts, and agreements in trade and commerce. This will give men confidence in all our dealings with them; and raise our character in the estimation of all the respectable members of civil society.

When we read the thoughts of men on any subject, we should ask ourselves, Are these true? When any doctrine is proposed to us as an article of faith, we should inquire, Is this true? And when we hear reports of men, whether they be good or bad, we should always put this question, Are these true? On this plan we shall frequently detect error and lying; and we shall furnish our minds with ""whatsoever things are true."

But, above all, we should carefully acquire that knowledge of Divine truth which relates to God and ourselves; to Christ and the plan of salvation: and to all the duties of Christianity. It is shameful to be ignorant of men and things: what, then, shall we think of that man who is wilfully ignorant of saving truth? The Word of God will open our eyes on this deeply-interesting subject, and direct our feet in the paths of righteousness and peace.

II. WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE HONEST.

To be honest, in the common acceptation of the word, is to be upright, just, and sincere. An honest man, according to this definition, seizes nothing but what is his own; renders to every man his due, as far as he can; and is free from hypocrisy and deceit. But the original word, vos semnos, signifies venerable, grave, decent; and it includes that heavenly temper and conduct which becomes a man of God and an heir of glory.

The following things make a man venerable: age and experience; wisdom and piety; correct morals and dignified manners. In the behaviour of such a man, we find nothing that is low, or mean, or friv olous; but all his words and actions, both in the sight of God and men, are honourable and praiseworthy. Such characters are but rarely found in this sinful world; but their virtues should be admired and imitated.

Religious gravity is an indication of wisdom and stability; but levity is a sign of folly and inconstancy. The one is the effect of a solid judg ment and sound principle; but the other, of a weak head and a depraved heart. The gravity of a pious man is mixed with innocent cheerfulness, and is widely different from that dull and senseless stupidity which we see in some persons. Christian gravity is neither formal, morose, nor unsocial; but it is always serious, prudent, and deliberate.

Decency implies every thing that is fit, suitable, and becoming, in the appearance and behaviour of a Christian believer. Where this is found, there is a deep concern to maintain an unsullied character in the sight of men, that the cause of God and truth may not be reproached. Such persons are decent in their dress, in the furniture of their houses, and in their mode of living; carefully avoiding the fashions of the world, the luxuries of life, and every other thing which would appear indecent in their particular circumstances.

III. WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE JUST.

An even balance is an emblem of justice; and in all our dealings with men we should hold an even balance. Do no wrong to any man, either in his property or in his character; but render to every one his due, both in word and deed. If this fine principle were followed by all men, injuries and oppressions would come to an end in our world, and peace and harmony would triumph over war and discord.

Whatsoever things are just in our dealings with men, should be steadily followed with the most exact scrupulosity, without any reference either to gain or loss. Whatever is due to them should be given by weight and measure, without any attempt to gain their property either through their ignorance or necessity. Four classes of men violate the principles of justice in their dealings with men: first, poor people who contract debts without a probability of paying them; secondly, tradesmen who live in idleness and luxury at the expense of their creditors; thirdly, masters who grind the face of the poor; and, fourthly, thieves and robbers, who seize the property of other men by fraud or force. Let us carefully guard against these crying sins.

Let us do justice to the characters of men. We should not exalt any man too high by unqualified praise; nor should we degrade any man by severe and unjust censure. Both may be acts of injustice; and either may prove extremely injurious. Do justice to the character of friends, and do justice to the character of enemies. Weigh both in the balance of justice; and let no predominating prejudice influence the scale. Four classes of men frequently offend in this case: first, whisperers, who separate chief friends; secondly, slanderers, who speak well of no man; thirdly, backbiters, who make painful reflections on absent persons; and, fourthly, weak and mistaken friends, who give unqualified praise to their favourites. That we may guard against these evils, let us watch and pray, remembering that the Judge is at the door.

In short, it is just and right to dedicate ourselves to God, and to employ all our powers, whether mental or bodily, in his service; for he is our Creator, Redeemer, and Benefactor. It is just to instruct our chil dren and servants in the duties which they owe to God and man, and to train them in the way they should go; and the man who neglects these duties, cannot be said to do justice either to his children or his servants. Governors and magistrates should do justice, by protecting the innocent, and by punishing the guilty. "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same." Rom. xiii, 3.