212 SERMONS UPON HEBREWS XI. [SeR. XXXVIII.
speaking of the bishop of the Trallians, saith, that he was of siicli severity of life, that I think the greatest atheist that is woukl even l)e afraid to loolc upon hira. Mortification shines effectually into the con- science of a wicked man. The strictness of God's children darts itself into their breasts, and begets a veneration and reverence.
Use 1. To press christians to walk so that they may even preach in their conversations, that you may condemn the world, not by your censures, — that is not the christian way, it is forbidden in the gospel — but by your lives, especially ministei's to second their doctrine with ])ractice. It concerns all christians, especially when we have to do with them that are without. ' Walk wisely' saith the apostle 'toward them that are without,' Col. iv. 5. There needs a great deal of wisdom and care, whenever we are cast upon the comi)any of wicked and cai-nal men. Of all things, be careful of your conversations before wicked men ; you are one of Clod's witnesses that must reprove and condemn them ; therefore be careful that thou dost not disparage thy testimony. Tliat you may do so, take these directions and motives.
First, For the directions.
1. Be sure to show forth those graces which they approve in their consciences, though they are loth to practise them ; as strictness of life, which naturally strikes a veneration into the heart of a sinner : Mark vi. 20, ' Ilerod feared John, because he was^a just man, and holy.' A loose christian that walks like the men of the multitude is a disgrace to his profession, and hardens carnal men in their wicked ways. Then diligence in the means of salvation. Certainly the world will see that there is somewhat in it when men are so busy and in earnest ; when they see the cliildren of God, that are wise and discreet, so diligent in the m'eans of godliness. It is somewhat answerable to that which is spoken of in the text : Noah's preparing an ark, and providing beasts to enter therein. So when you work out your salvation with fear and trembling, the world Avill think there is somewhat in it, or else you would not be so busy and careful. So for charity : James i. 27, ' Pure religion, and undefiled before God and the Father, is this, to visit the fatherless and the widow.' The world is mightily taken with these things: so that, Rom. v. 7, 'For a good man one would even dare to die.' A man that is only of a rigid and severe inuoceucy, a sour man, it may be he may have little love in the world ; but he that is good and charitable, the world esteems him exceedingly. So also for suffer- ing and constancy in the matters of religion. Venture somewhat upon your hopes, that the world may know they are worthy hopes. So for a contempt of the w^orld ; it doth mightily affect a natural conscience, for they are transported with a greedy desire of earthly things ; there- fore they wonder when they see christians deny their interests and overlook their concernments upon just and convenient reasons; this hath a marvellous influence upon a natural conscience. I do the rather instance in this, because worldliness is a corruption that is incident to men that are serious, and of that kind of temper which is fit for religion. When you are full of cares, and covetous as the men of the world, you do exceedingly disparage and stain your profession, and you do not con- demn the world.
2. What you do, do it in such a way as morality cannot reach it.
VeR. 7.] SERMONS UPON HEBREWS XI. 213
There are many corruptions which nature discovers, and we may avoici them upon such arguments as nature suggests. Now yon are ' to show forth the virtues of Christ/ 1 Peter ii. 9, and the influences of the Spirit of Christ, and not ' walk only as men,' 1 Cor. iii. 3. When men only content themselves with the civil and orderly use of reason, they n^ay be just and temperate ; this is but to act as men. Your way should be above the rate of the world ; you should be holy, and maintain an aweful reverent fear of God ; this is such a way as the world cannot reach : Mat. vi. 46, ' If you love them that love you, what reward have ye ? Do not even the publicans the same ? ' You should do somewhat above that which is enforced by the light of nature ; as. in giving, forgiving, and righteous dealing, a christian should be a point above others ; so in loving enemies, in providing for the glory oij God, and laying out himself for good uses. A christian should not be contented with the proportions of nature, but do somewhat to answer the self-denial of Christ, who when he was rich in the glory of the godhead, became poor for our sakes. There is a height becoming religion, above the size and pitch of morality ; and this you should aim at.
3. Let all things come from the force of religion, and not from by- ends. There is nothing amiable but what is irenuine and native. Forced actions lose their lustre and grace, and do not prevail with tlie world. It is said of the children of God, that they were altogether bent for the heavenly recompenses : Heb. xi. 16, 'They declared plainly that they sought a country.' You should declare plainly you have no designs but for heaven. Do all things for the love and tear of God ; by-ends will never hold out. It is said of the hypocrite, Prov. xxv., 26, ' His wickedness shall be showed before the wiiole congregation.' Varnish will off; and whenever it happens, it will be much to the prejudice and disgrace of religion.