which they were originally given ; not merely to shew to others what respect was due to the individuals, but to shew to the individuals themselves what might justly be expected of them, and what their rank and office required : the one should main- tain his honour unsullied ; the other should be so heavenly in his deportment as to constrain all to revere him. In this view, the use of the surplice was doubtless well intended ; and happy would it be if all who wear it were reminded, as often as they put it on, how pure and spotless they ought to be, both in their hearts and lives. The very sight of a lofty church should remind us, that we are temples of the living God ; whilst the spire pointing upwards, may well direct us to lift up our hearts to God.
Let us not be misunderstood. Vvre contend not for any of these things as necessary ; but we learn from our text that they may be rendered subservient to a blessed end, and that it is our privilege to make every thing around us a step towards heaven.]
2. To get the law itself written in our hearts — [Whilst the fringes had in themselves a practical use, they were also emblematical of benefits which were to be more fully bestowed under the Christian dispensation. As a sign they are abolished : but the thing signified remains in undiminished force. What the thing signified was, we are at no loss to determine : it was, that the law, of which a visible memorial was to be worn by the Jews, was to be inscribed in lively cha- racters on our hearts. To this effect Moses speaks repeatedly, when giving directions respecting those other memorials of the law, which were to be worn on the forehead, and on the neck, and arms : " These words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart : and thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyesd." And again, " Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul6" Hence the real design of God even as it respected them, and much more as it respects us, is evident. Moreover, God has promised this very thing to us, as the dis- tinguishing blessing of the new covenant : "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts f."
Now this is the true way to attain that constant sense of our duty and obligations to God, which have been before men- tioned. For, if his law be written on our hearts, we shall find the same disposition to meditate upon it, as a covetous man does to meditate upon his gains, and an ambitious man on his distinctions. It is true, the heart has more to struggle with in the one case than the other ; but, in proportion as divine grace prevails, holy exercises will be easy and delightful.]
d Deut. vi. 6—9. e Deut. xi. 18 — 20. See also Prov. iii. 3,
f Jer. xxxi. 33. with Heb. viii. 10.
262.1 korah's rebellion. 87
• 3. To exhibit that law in our lives —
[The fringe was a distinction which shewed to every one of what religion they were. Thus there is a singularity which we also are to maintain : we are to be " holy, harmless, undenled, and separate from sinners." If others will not walk with us in the narrow path of holiness, it is not our fault that we are sin- gular, but theirs: we are no more blameable for differing from them, than Noah, Lot, Daniel, or Elijah, were for differing from the people amongst whom they lived. As to singularity in dress, it is rather to be avoided than desired. Our distinctions must be found only in the conformity of our lives to the word of God. Whilst the world are clad in gay attire, let us " put on the Lord Jesus Christ," and be " clothed with humility." yea, let us "put off the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and put on the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness." This is the way to honour God; and the more we strive to adorn our holy profession, the more peace and happiness we shall enjoy in it. In a word, holiness is our fringe : let us wear it : let us not be ashamed of it, but rather endeavour to " make our light to shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven." Of course, I must not be understood to recommend any thing like ostentation : that is hateful both to God and man : but a bold, open, manly confession of Christ crucified is the indispensable duty of all who are called by his name : and " if we deny him, he will assuredly deny us." I say then again, let us wear the fringe, and not indulge a wish to hide it. But let us be careful that " the ribband be of blue :" it must not be of any fading colour : our piety must be uniform in all places, and unchanging under all circumstances. We must be the same in the world as in the house of God. We must be " steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ;" and then we are assured, that " our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord."]