a 2 Chron. xxv. 2. ^2 Chron. xxxi. 20, 21.
c 1 Chron, xxviii. 9. '• Matt. vii. 13, 14.
excused, " he that departeth from evil is considered as a prey^," which all are at liberty to hunt and devour. But the testimony of Samuel, confirmed as it is by numberless other passages of Holy Writ, is sufficient to outweigh all that the blind votaries of sin and Satan can bring against religion. It is most assuredly, not only the right, but the ''good" way; and though other ways may be more pleasing to flesh and blood, there is not any so productive of happiness, so perfective of our nature, or so conducive to the welfare of society.
Many, who feel convinced that fervent piety is both right and good, yet will not be persuaded that it is necessary. They acknowledge perhaps that ministers, and others who are de- tached from worldly engagements, should cultivate the fear of God: but a just attention to divine things seems to them incompatible with their own peculiar state and calling. Let none however imagine that any lawful calling is an impediment to religion : Adam even in Paradise had work assigned him by God himself, as being no less subservient to the welfare of his soul than to the health of his body^. The truth is, that religion is " the one thing needful ;" nor though, like Samuel or David, we had a kingdom to govern, could we plead any exemption on account of the multiplicity or importance of our engagements. The word of God to every living creature is, " Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man s."]
That while we acknowledge our duty we may also be led to practise it, let us consider,
II. The argument with which it is enforced —
The Jews were singularly indebted to God for their deliverance from Egypt, their preservation in the wilderness, their investiture in the promised land, and the many wonderful interpositions of the Deity on their behalf in the time of their Judges. But waving any further mention of them, let us call to mind the mercies vouchsafed to us :
1. The temporal —
[Numberless are the blessings which every individual amongst us has received; as are those also, which are con- ferred upon the nation at large. But on the present occasion it will be proper to contemplate rather the privileges we enjoy in our corporate capacity ^ And should not these
e Isai. lix. 15. f Gen. ii. 15. s Eccl. xii. 13.
^ If this were the subject of a Commemoration Sermon, the peculiar privileges that are enjoyed should here he stated : but if of a Thanks- giving, the special occasions for thankfulness should here be opened.