to create obligations which did not exist before, but to impress your own minds with a sense of those duties which are indis- solubly connected with every child of man.]
But to bind ourselves to these things by solemn vows is a duty truly and properly evangelical —
[Some would imagine this to be a legal act : and if we were to engage in it with a view to establish a righteousness of our own, or with an idea of performing our duties in our own strength, it wovdd then indeed be legal: but if, in humble dependence on divine aid, we devote ourselves to God, it is no other act than that which God himself has specified as charac- terizing his people under the Gospel dispensation''. The very manner in which this act shall be performed is also specified ; and it is particularly foretold, that all who are duly influenced by Gospel principles shall animate one another to the perform- ance of it'.]
Such then are the vows which we have made : they are comprehensive indeed, but highly reasonable, and relating only to things which are in themselves necessary ; and the making of which is as much a duty under the Gospel dispensation, as ever it was under the Law.
We now proceed to notice,
II. The importance of performing them —
But how shall this be painted in any adequate terms ? In it is bound up,
1. Oiu' comfort in life —
[Many foolishly imagine, that a life devoted unto God must be one continued scene of melancholy. But is not the very reverse declared in Scripture 1 " The work of righteous- ness is peace," says the prophet : and " the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance for ever." Yes, " Godliness has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come : and we will venture to appeal to the consciences of all, whether even the greatest despisers of religion do not think that truly pious people are happier than they ? In the very nature of things it must be, that they who are delivered from the tyranny of their lusts are happier than those who are yet bond- slaves of sin and Satan : their minds must be more tranquil, and their consciences more serene. But if we take into the account, that God "will manifest himself to his faithful servants as he does not unto the world," and " shed abroad his love in
^ Isai. xix. 21. • Jer. 1. 4, 5.