3. Because they show us the way to heaven more clearly and com- pendiously. Lonrjum iter per prcecepta, brieve per exempla — The way is long by precepts, but short by examples. Men can sooner under- stand an example than they can understand a rule. We see how religion is to be acted and carried on. The ignorant understand it by practice rather than description ; and therefore Christ would not only give us a rule, but an example how we should walk in his steps. There are many disputes about the rule and doctrine, but Christ's example is obvious to every considering eye. So by proportion the example of the saints ; it is not so exact as the example of Christ, but for the main they are such in the world as he was in the world; and therefore their example is instruction, so far as the rule is exemplified thereby. The apostle saith that many that are not won by the word may be moved by the example of those that profess it, 1 Peter iii. 1. In practice, they see the beauty and usefulness of religion ; in the rule it is but in notion and idea. The best discourses will not reclaim them when example may reclaim them. Religion put into act is a less disputable thing than religion in the theory. The beauty, use, and excellency of it is seen in practice. Many suspect a rule when strangely surprised by practice. It affects their senses, and by their senses, their minds and hearts.
4. In the example of others we have encouragement as well as instruction. Indeed, this is the great use of examples ; they do not bind so absolutely, as encourage, because men are not infallible or im- peccable. We may be mistaken if we take them as a rule, but yet when the rule is clear they are a great encouragement. Though they do not prove a duty so surely, or that all is commanded which is prac- tised by them, yet they are an encouragement, as proving that those duties required are not only possible but comfortable. We have no- thing to do but what many thousands have done before us : Jer. vi. 16, ' Stand upon the ways and see, and ask for the good old paths, where is the good way? and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls.' And there is nothing to suffer but what they have suffered : 1 Peter v. 9, 'Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world;' 1 Cor. x. 13, 'There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.' We want no grace, help, or comfort which they had ; we seek and hope for the same glory which they possess : Heb. vi. 12, ' That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the pro- mises/ If we were now to begin before the way were smoothed, it were more discouraging ; but the ice is broken, the briars and thorns are cut down, the way to heaven is not untrodden. Others have ven- tured on the promise of the Mediator, why not we ?
Use 1. To show us that good examples must be given and taken.
1. Given, and how exemplary we should be to others. To this end —
[1.] Consider what reverence we owe to weak christians, that we may not set them an ill copy. The poet could say, Maxima debefur puero revereniia — We owe more reverence to a child than a man. His meaning is, it is dangerous to let them be privy and conscious to any lightness of ours, lest they adopt it into their manners. Young be-
VER. 17.] SERMONS UrON PHILIPPIANS III. 117
ginners in religion are apt to take offence, and it is a dangerous thing to lay stumbling-blocks in the way of young converts. Gehazi's crime is mainly aggravated upon this account : 2 Kings v. 26, ' Is this a time to receive money and garments ? ' A Syrian nobleman had newly experience of the goodness of the God of Israel, which was a means to gain him ; the master had refused a reward, and should the servant with a lie receive it, and prejudice Naaman against the true religion which he had newly begun to like?
[2.] We are to account for those sins we cause or draw others to fall into. It is often repeated that Jeroboam the son of Nebat caused Israel to sin by his command and example ; his idolatry outlived him. When Jehu destroyed the idolatry of the house of Ahab, or the worship of Baal, yet he kept up the idolatry of the house of Jeroboam, or the calves of Dan and Bethel. And so a man may sin after he is dead. His example surviveth him ; therefore, that none of us may be involved in more sins than his own, we had need be cautious. Ah alienis parce servo tuo, Ps. xix. 13. It is a mistake ; they read mrim for zedim ; but it bears a good sense. It is worthy the care of every good man not to ' be partaker of other men's sins,' 1 Tim. v. 22. What is done by our example will redound to our account. We were first in the transgression ; and then what is done by others is but a copy and transcript of our practice.