remains any thing to be done. If an arduous service occur, we should not draw back from it, like the Rich Youth in the Gospel; but should rather address our- selves to it with increased energy, and regard it as a favourable opportunity of displaying our zeal and love. If we could be freed from his yoke, we should decline the proffered liberty, and, like the servant under the law, request that our ear might be fastened to the door-post, in token that we account his service to be perfect freedom, and that it is our desire to continue in it to the latest hour of our lives. We should find our reward in our work, and our happi- ness in honouring and enjoying God. We may indeed without impropriety " have respect also to the recom- pence of the reward," which we shall receive in another world : but our principal incentives should be of a more disinterested and ingenuous nature : we should perform the will of God, because we love the very things which he prescribes ; and because it is our highest ambition to please and glorify him.
But truth compels us to observe,
II. That however attentive men are to fill up their duties in domestic life, they are universally prone to neglect their duties towards God.
Amidst all the depravity which has deluged the world, there may be found, in many instances, a con- scientious regard to relative duties. If some have reason to complain of disobedient children and un- faithful servants, others can testify, that the persons so related to them are deserving of the highest com- mendations on account of their fidelity and affection. Even where spiritual religion is overlooked and de- spised, this attention to relative duties frequently obtains. A good natural disposition, united with a sense of honour, and a regard to interest, will often produce habits, which may provoke to emulation those, who profess to be actuated by the sublimer principles of the Gospel.
But where, except among the despised followers of Jesus, shall we find those who fulfil their duties to