with us: we may think that we are under the influence of a religious principle ; whilst, in fact, we are manifesting a temper that is truly Satanic. Let us remember this ; that whatever proceeds from pride, from passion, from interest, or from any corrupt principle whatever, is wrong ; and that we then only are right, when our zeal for God is blended with love to man, and when we are ready to weep over the persons whom we are constrained to offend.
Lastly, I would say, Be open to conviction. Diffidence becomes every child of man. A backwardness to receive re- proof, or to listen to one who would point out to us a wiser path, is a strong presumptive evidence that we are wrong. We should be jealous over ourselves. We see mistake and obstinacy in others; and we should guard against them in ourselves. Our first care must be, to " prove all things," and then to " hold fast that only which is good."]
Address —
L Those who are yet strangers to " sound doc- trine "—
[You have at least seen, this day, that the Gospel is not, as some slanderously affirm, opposed to morality: you have seen, on the contrary, that " the grace of God which bringeth salvation teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world''." Do not then impute, as many do, the indiscretions of professors to the Gospel which they profess. It is not to be supposed that young people should all at once become so wise and discreet, that they shall not err in any thing. They are " of like passions with yourselves," and are in the midst of a tempting and ensnaring world ; and have, moreover, deceitful hearts, and a subtle adversary ever en- deavounng to turn them aside. Be not offended, then, if you do see somewhat of indiscretion in youthful professors. Ascribe it not to their religion, but their inexperience : and if you see them growing in sobriety of mind and consistency of conduct, let the honour redound to that Gospel by which they are animated ; and to that God, by whose gracious influences they are instructed and upheld.
There is one danger to which the indiscretions of religious people may expose you ; and that is, the confounding of cold- ness and indifference with sobriety of mind. Be assured, that however faulty religious professors may be in the exercise of their zeal, you can never be right in indulging a lukewarm spirit. This is offensive to God, and odious in the extreme. Religion requires the heart, the whole heart; nor will God
d ver. 11, 12.