of God must be accounted madness, then take up your cross bold y and say with David, " I will yet be more vile for the Lord. J
2. Be careful to give no just occasion for them—
[There certainly is such a thing as enthusiasm, and under the influence of it many are led to act so as to excite strong prejudices against religion. But these have much to answer for before God. Religion, in its most exalted state, is " a reason- able,' and I may add also, a rational, " service :" " The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understand- ing." Endeavour then to shew, that " God hath given you, not a spirit of fear, but of love, and of power, and of a sound mind1" Endeavour to " walk in wisdom toward them that are without," yea, and to " walk wisely also before God in a perfect way." Ever remember, that " truth and soberness " must go together, and the justness of your sentiments must always be marked in the blamelessness of your conduct. The first thing certainly is to embrace the truth with the simplicity of a little child, not exalting some favourite doctrines, and overlooking others, but giving to every doctrine precisely that degree of importance which it appears to bear in the Holy
Scriptures* The next thing is, to carry your principles
into effect, by regulating the whole of your conversation accord- ing to them, and fulfilling the duties of your own particular
situation, whatever it may be, with care and diligence
This will " cut off occasion from them that seek occasion against you ;" nor is there any better way of " putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men, than by well-doing."]
1 2 Tim. i. 7.
k Some are always dwelling on predestination and election, others on faith, and others on good works : some on the sufferings of Christ, others on the light within. To give every truth its due&weight and proper place, should be the endeavour of a wise and sober-minded Christian.