The ordinance before us goes further still, and prescribes, II. The means by which we are to obtain it —
True it is that no distinctions in dress are pre- scribed to us : the ordinance in this respect is annulled. But, as a means to an end, the appointment of the fringe may teach us,
1. To make a spiritual improvement of sensible
objects —
[This loas the direct intent of the fringes on their gar- ments : they were as monitors, to remind the people of their duty and obligations. And why may not we receive similar admonitions from every thing around us ? Has not our blessed Lord set us the example ? For instance, What part of hus- bandry is there which he has not made a source of spiritual in- struction ? the ploughing, the sowing, the weeding, the growth, the reaping, the carrying, the winnowing, the destruction of the chaff, and the treasuring up of the wheat, are all improved by him in this view. There are some things also which he has expressly ordained to be used for this end. What is the water in baptism, but to remind us of " the answer of a good conscience towards Godc?" What are the bread and wine in the Lord's supper, but to be signs to us of his body broken, and his blood shed, for the sins of the whole world? We acknow- ledge that those things only which he has appointed to be signs, are of necessity to be used as such ; but we are at liberty to use every thing in that view ; and so far from its being superstitious to do so, it is highly reasonable and proper to do it : it then only becomes superstitious, when it is rested in as an end, or used as a mean for an end which it has no proper tendency to effect. Some have been offended with the use of the cross in baptism : and if it were intended as any kind of charm, they might well be offended with it : but it is, as the Liturgy expresses it, " a token that hereafter the child shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified:" and, if it serve to impress the minds of the sponsors in that light, it is well: if it do not, the fault is not in it, but in them. The same may we say in reference to the names, the titles, and the habits that are in use amongst us. Our Christian name, as it is called, should never be mentioned without bringing to our remembrance him, " whose we are, and whom we are bound to serve." The titles which are given to men, either on account of their rank in society, or of their consecration to the sacred office of the ministry, may well be improved for that end for
c 1 Pet. hi. 21.