temples only in the heart. To bring the Jewish nation to a more consistent state, the Prophet Elijah expostulated with them in the passage before iis ; and, for their conviction, proposed to put it to the trial, whether Baal or Jehovah were the true God.
We do not intend to consider the text as connected with the history, because we reserve the history for a distinct discourse : we propose at present to illus- trate and recommend decision of character.
Now decision of character ought to shew itself,
I. In our sentiments —
To form our opinions strongly upon doubtful points, or without sufficient evidence, is no part of that character which we wish to recommend : on the contrary, we would advise all to examine care- fully every sentiment before they embrace it, and, when they have " proved all things, then to hold fast that only which is good." But
The sentiments which we profess to hold, are not doubtful —
[As members of the Established Church, we hold that " there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all." We hold also, that " all who woi-ship this God, must worship him in spirit and in truth ;" and that it is not a mere bodily service that he requires, but the service of the heart, and the entire devotion of the soul. Respecting these two points, the proper object of our service, and the service which toe are required to render him, we apprehend there can be no doubt at all. Whether we consult the precepts of the Gospel, or look at the examples of the holy Apostles, the matter is equally clear ; we can have no doubt but that it is both our duty and our privilege to serve God, yea to serve him with ovu" whole hearts ]
On these things therefore our minds should be fixed and decided —
[If we consult the opinions of those around us, we shall be continually wavering in our judgment. But it is not from the vain conjectures of men that we are to form our senti- ments : let men speak as they will respecting the propriety of serving Mammon, and of being satisfied with mere forms of godliness; let them agree to call everything else by the odious