humility, what others in vain seek for by dishonesty and arro- gance ! This is well illustrated in the parable before us. Let us then simply endeavour to glorify God by a holy conver- sation, and leave our temporal advancement to his all-wise disposal.]
2. The excellence of religion —
[Religion does not merely impose rules for our conduct towards God, but should regulate every disposition of our minds, and every action of our lives. Where it has its full influence, it gives a polish which is but poorly mimicked by the refinements of modern politeness : it will not indeed con- vert a clown into a courtier ; but it will teach every one to act as becomes his station. Let us then exhibit in our respective spheres that simplicity of mind and manners, that, while it adorns the Gospel, shall disarm the malice of our enemies, and, if possible, conciliate their esteem m.]
m Rom. xii. 10. 1 Pet. v. 5.
Luke xiv. 12 — 14. Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours ; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind : and thou shalt be blessed ; for they can- not recompense thee : for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
IT is a thing yet to be learned in the religious world, that there is no part of Christian duty beneath the attention of those who hear the Gospel, or those who preach it. The Church is a building, which must be carried forward till its final completion. Its foundation must be laid ; but in laying it, we must not imagine that it is of any use of itself ; it is laid, in order to have a superstructure raised upon it ; and the builder must advance in his work till he has " brought forth the top-stone." St. Paul would " not be always laying the foundation of repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, but would go on unto perfection." Thus we would do : and