with it, but at the same time live in a state of poverty, meanness, and ignorance, how few would shew them- selves like-minded with God in this matter ! Indeed, how few seek this knowledge at all, or even give it the least place in their thoughts ! On the contrary, the generality treat it with contempt ; and too many seem to apprehend, that we cannot glory in our God, but we must presently be beside ourselves : but (as says the Apostle) " let God be true, and every man a liar ;" let the whole universe combine to extenuate the guilt of neglecting God, and to exalt wisdom, power, and riches, as the chief good of man; their opi- nions are of no avail : for " thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might ; let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, who exercise loving-kindness, judg- ment, and righteousness in the earth ;" that I am He, who will amply and eternally reward those who glory in me, and will assuredly execute judgment upon those who idolize the world. While therefore we pay a just attention to those things which God allows, and the interests of society require us to pursue, let us take shame to ourselves for having preferred the perishing things of time and sense, to an acquaintance with our God ; let us fear lest we be left to take the fruit of our choice, and to have our portion only in this life ; let us receive the united testimonies of reason and revelation; and, in compliance with their dictates, let us prize above all things, follow with un- wearied assiduity, and supremely delight ourselves in, the knowledge of this Saviour ; that through him we may be mighty in subduing our evil habits, rich in faith and good works, and wise unto salvation ; so shall we have cause to glory here, and be partakers of everlasting felicity in the world to come. Now to God, &c.b
b The analysis of this is added, to shew how easily the short skeletons may be formed into entire sermons.