IV. WHATSOEVER THINGs are pure.

This includes universal chastity. Carefully avoiding fornication, adultery, and every polluting work of the flesh. There is no duty that is more frequently urged in the New Testament than that of chastity. There every approach towards uncleanness, even in the wandering of the eye, is expressly forbidden. Matt. v, 28.

Follow purity of heart. The soul is polluted by sin. It should be cleansed by the sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost. Use the appointed means to obtain this blessing. It is necessary in the present world; and without holiness no man shall see the Lord in the kingdom of heaven.

The life should be pure and holy. All sin should be abhorred; all sin should be avoided; and we should live in all holiness. Every action of our life, whether private or public, should be holy. "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Rom. xii, 9.

God is transcendently holy. Heaven is pure and holy; angels and glorified saints are holy; and we must wash our robes, and make them "white in the blood of the Lamb," before we can stand before the throne of God. Rev. vii, 14. Are we now prepared, by holiness of heart and life, for that happy world?

V. WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY.

Christian tempers are lovely: such as pity for sufferers; meekness under provocation; patience in deep affliction; contentedness in poverty and want; generosity to enemies; and kindness to all men. These tempers are lovely in the sight of good men; and they command the respect of the vile and worthless.

An unassuming behaviour, and a desire to please all men to their edification, have charms that attract every observing eye. They win the hearts of men, and command respect wherever they are seen. These are what the world calls gentlemanly manners; and they are found in all real Christians.

Pure benevolence, and disinterested acts of kindness, particularly to the poor and needy, are very lovely. They resemble the love of angels, who visit our suffering world, and serve the royal heirs of glory; and they are admired by those who are utter strangers to generous and noble feelings.

Returning good for evil is a lovely practice. The heathen world. knew nothing of this virtue. They allowed revenge; and their tender mercies were cruel. But hear the voice of Jesus; "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matt. v, 44.

Moderation in the possession and exercise of power is a lovely sight It shows a good heart, and a great mind, which always win the esteem of sober, thinking men. Who would not wish to live under the government of such a ruler? A ruler who employs all his power to make men happy is worthy of our highest regards.

Humility in exalted stations is truly lovely. It is rarely found; but it is a virtue of sterling value. Its worth cannot be estimated. It gives

glory to God, who is worthy of all praise; but it takes no praise to itself, but lays a man in the dust before the Lord.

Entire submission to God in painful and calamitous circumstances is a lovely sight. It is an indubitable proof of sincere piety; it does honour o the Christian character; and it is a fine example to all who witness it in scenes of sorrow and sadness.

VI. WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE OF GOOD REPORT.

All men should pay a due regard to their character among men. He who does not care for that, will not care how he conducts himself in the walks of life; for men who are lost to a sense of shame, are hardened in their evil ways. But while there is a sense of honour, there is a fear of open sin; and some care to avoid it, especially in appearance, and before the public eye.

But the good report to be desired, is not limited to our own party, as professing Christians. It extends to mankind in general, independent of all party-feeling; and there are some things which have good report of all parties, and of all nations. We shall confine our observations to temperance, fidelity, and a public spirit.

Temperance is of good report. It has been admired by Heathens, Jews, and Christians of every name; and when we consider its importance in reference to bodily health, and to mental improvement, we must acknowledge that it deserves the good report of all men.

Fidelity is of good report. All nations require it in their compacts and engagements with one another; and all individuals require it in their intercourse with one another. Without fidelity man could not live with man; but civil society would be dissolved. It is found among barbarous tribes; and it is admired by men in the highest state of civilization.

A public spirit, which extends its benign influence to all nations, is of good report. Man should be a friend to man, without any exceptions to colour or climate. All are pleased with this; and all speak loudly in its praise. What, then, shall we say of our Bible Societies, and our Missionary Societies, which have in view the good of the whole world? They may be condemned by a few; but they have good report of all worthy men in every part of the earth where they are known.

VII. IF THERE BE ANY VIRTUE, OR ANY PRAISE, THINK ON THESE THINGS. If there be any virtue not enumerated in this beautiful passage, think on that; acquire it yourselves, and recommend it to others. Whatever is manly, noble, generous, or brave, think on that; for the word virtue signifies manliness in that passage, "add to your faith virtue," or manly courage. 2 Pet. i, 5. And if there be any praise, or any thing praiseworthy, think of that; and be ready to commend it, wherever it may appear. But, especially, take care to follow whatever is praiseworthy yourselves. Then you will have peace and joy, whatever men may think or say of your motives and conduct.

But how should we think of these excellent things? Think seriously, for they are vastly important. Think frequently; for your thoughts cannot be better employed. Think deeply, and examine these things to the bottom; for superficial thinking will not be followed by any good result. Mix prayer with your meditations, that God may open your

understanding, and direct your steps. Think, that you may understand; think, that you may practise; and think, that you may recommend these things to other men.

But, above all, seek that grace which renews the heart, and without which there can be no such thing as holy living; and when you have done all, in the best manner you can, repose entire confidence in Jesus Christ. He is a Saviour, and a great one. Look to him for salvation from sin, from death, and from hell. Then grace will be yours; and heaven will be yours for ever. To conclude, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all." Amen.

THE END.