when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee ; and when thou awakest, it shall walk with thee."]
Application —
1. Are there now any present, who are prejudiced aga'mst religion, ?
[Know what true religion is. It is not by any means that thing which prejudiced persons are ready to imagine. " It is wisdom, sound wisdom, and discretion." There are doubtless in the Gospel many things which surpass our comprehension. But so there are also in all the other works of God, whether of creation or providence. But if there are truths at which a proud man will stumble, there is not one which will not com- mend itself to an humble and childlike spirit. And as far as it operates upon the sovd, it induces discretion in every part of a man's conduct, and assimilates him to the very image of his God. Who amongst us will say that the Saviour's example was not good ? Yet his enemies condemned it, and accounted him worthy to be crucified as the vilest malefactor. And may there not be a measure of the same prejudice in you, a pre- judice that blinds your eyes, and makes you to hate those whom you should love and honour ? But, at all events, know this : whatever corresponds not with religion, as described in our text, we disclaim. If there be folly and indiscretion in any who profess the Gospel, let them bear the blame, and not religion. But if you will condemn the care of the soul as a needless preciseness, and a cleaving unto the Saviour as an enthusiastic and vain conceit, you shall bear the burthen ; for, blame these things as ye may, know that " Wisdom will be justified of all her children."]
2. Are there those here who profess to love religmi?
[Beware, lest by any thing imprudent ye " cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of:" yea, seek rather to the utmost of your power to " adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." On your conduct much depends. Men will not judge of religion so much by what zve say, as by what ive do. In vain shall Solomon himself describe it as forming such lovely characters, if you contradict his statements in your life and conversation. However we may expose the folly of so doing, men will identify religion with the conduct of its professors ; and will take occasion, from any thing that is unbecoming in you, to cast refiections upon religion for your sake. But, knowing this propensity in them, you should be doubly careful not to cast a stumbling-block in their way. See to it, then, that ye " walk worthy of your high calling." If ye be children of the light, let it be seen by the holiness of your conversation : and, wherever ye go, be ye epistles of Christ, known and read of all