either condemning us, or acknowledging the folly of their own ways. This latter they do not choose to do : and therefore, in self-defence, as it were, they adopt the former, and load us with obloquy on account of our needless, or hypocritical pre- ciseness. They will pretend indeed to cast the blame on our principles : but it is with the practice that they in reality are offended. If we would but conform to their habits, we might hold whatever principles we pleased, and no man would find fault with us : but if we venture to turn out of the broad road, and to walk in the narrow path which the Scriptures have marked out, we shall be sure enough to be comprehended under some sweeping term of reproach, which, whilst it pur- ports to attack our principles, involves in indiscriminate cen- sure all, however opposite their principles, provided only they agree in their practice. That this is the true ground of their enmity, appears from what our blessed Lord has said respect- ing the treatment shewn to him : " The world," says he to his disciples, whose light was obscured by their proximity to him, " the world cannot hate you : but me it hateth, because I testify of it that the works thereof are evilx." So in whatever place we bear our testimony, the people who hate the light will wish to get rid of us, and will, in heart, if not in express terms, say to us as Amaziah did to Amos, " O thou seer, go, flee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and pro- phesy there ; but prophesy not again any more at Bethel," to molest and trouble usy.]
That this subject may be brought more home to our own bosoms, permit me to address,
1 . Those who through the fear of man are induced to continue in evil —
[It is certain that many, where the Gospel is preached with fidelity, are led into clearer views of their duty, than they can prevail upon themselves to carry into effect : they are kept back by " the fear of man, which bringeth a snare." But let me ask, What is there that man can do, in comparison of what God will do, if we violate our conscience, and prove " rebel- lious against the light" which he has given usz? Hear the kind and tender admonition of our Lord : " I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do : but fear Him, who, after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell : yea, I say unto you, Fear Hima." Think with yourselves, not only what a folly it is to fear man rather than God, but what base ingratitude
x John vii. 7. >' Amos vii. 12, 13.
z Job xxiv. 13. a Luke xii. 4, 5.