directory to heaven. With respect to the latter idea, namely, that of its countenancing worldly pleasures, surely no one can deliberately put such a construction on our text. If Religion's ways be pleasant, must therefore Pleasure's ways be religion? If so, what can be meant by St. Paul, when he says, " She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth'^?" What could St. John mean, when he said, " If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not iu him'^? " And what could our Lord mean, when he said, " They are not of the world, even as I am not of the workU?" Be not deceived, as though carnal and worldly pleasures were the only sources of enjoyment; but be assured, that the renunciation of them will contribute more to your happiness than the indulgence ; and that real pleasure is to be found in God alone.]
2. The disciples of Christ —
[The wicked know that you profess to find more pleasure in religion than they can obtain in the world : give them not then any reason to think that you are disappointed in your ex- pectations. If they see you lukewarm in religion, will they not conclude that it has not charms sufficient to allure you, or benefits sufficient to reward your labour? And if they see you joining in their company and vain pursuits, will they not, how- ever they may encourage you in such a conduct, suppose that religion is not able to make you happy, and that you are forced, after all your professions, to come and borrow of their cai'nal pleasures, in order to eke out the scanty pittance that religion has bestowed? O bring not such disgrace upon your holy profession. Shew that you despise the vanities of this world, and that you have no appetite for husks after living upon " the bread that is in your Father's house." Our Lord has said, " My yoke is easy, and my burthen is light;" shew therefore that you feel it so ; and let it be seen by your zeal in religious duties, that they are not a weariness to you, but a delight. Thus will you recommend to others the paths you tread, and prove to them that " your feet are guided into the way of peace."]
1 1 Tim. v. 6. ex John iii. 15, 16. f John xvii. IG.