bringeth salvation, was designed to teach us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world'1."']
But it is not the occasional existence, so much as the abiding habit, of holiness, which is to distinguish this day —
[" Judgment is to dwell, and righteousness to remain" in this our field. At all times, and under all circumstances, piety is to prevail. We are to be " fruitful in every good workk, and "filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God1." Our blessed Lord told his disciples, that he " had ordained them that they should go and bring forth fruit, and that their fruit should remainm:" and through the whole world are they to be distinguished as " a holy nation"," " a peculiar people zealous of good works0." Now it is greatly to be desired, that this distinction should be visible amongst us. But, if a heathen were directed by this mark to find the Gospel ministered in its purity, would he fix on us, on us individually, on us collectively, as possessing that inestimable treasure 1 Would he, if he followed us to our re- spective places of abode, and beheld the whole of our deport- ment through the day, and witnessed our spirit and temper under circumstances of trial, would he say, " That is the garden of the Lord, and those are the trees of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, in which he is glorified1'?"
O Brethren, look well to this matter, and take care that you " shine as lights in a dark world, holding forth the word of life," not by your profession merely, but by the whole of your conduct and conversation i.]
That you may be encouraged to these exertions, consider,
II. The fruit of Gospel experience —
" The fruit of righteousness is peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." To this also the whole Scripture bears witness : and it is confirmed by fact also, that happiness is the in- separable companion of true piety. It is an attendant on piety,
1. As the natural result of holy habits —
[A man cannot commit sin, but he will find it sooner or later productive of pain. He may roll it as a sweet morsel
1 Tit. ii. 11, 12. * Heb. xiii. 21. ] Phil. i. 11.
m John. xv. 16. n 1 Pet. ii. 9. ° Tit. ii. 14.
p Isai. lviii. 11. and Ixi. 3. 'i Phil. ii. 15, 1G.
r.2