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SERM. at fuch partiality, but even in our own XV. judgments, by preventing that greater luftre, which the removal of objections cafts upon the Truth itself. Whatever is feriously and candidly propofed, with any appearance of reafon on its fide, has a title to be fairly confidered, by them who have leifure and abilities for that purpose, as well for the clearer manifeftation of truth, as in charity to weaker perfons, whofe fcruples are not to be removed without it. But here is the ufe of a mature and manly judgment, fortified by the gracious aid and illumination of the Holy Ghoft: not to be driven from our ground by mere appearances, but to be fo rooted and built up in Chrift, and stablished in the faith, as we have been taught, that we may abound therein with thanksgiving and be able to

*

vain infinuations and the fophiftry and

which,

of deceivers. In order to

III. THIRDLY, It will be needful to add fome proper rules and directions for this purpofe. Thefe indeed are not of one fort for all orders and degrees of men. They who are to inftruct others by their miniftry, and to filence gainfayers by argument and difputation, will have need to understand languages, and to learn arts and fciences, to read many books, and to confult ancient * Col. ii. 75

monu

monuments, in proportion as their flationSER M. may require or give them opportunity. But XV. this can never be the bufinefs of all: it is matter of too much leifure and too deep enquiry, for the generality of thofe, whofe application to fecular affairs is neceffary to preferve the order and welfare of fociety. Yet even fuch as thefe are concerned, that they hold faft the form of found words, and profefs the doctrine which is according to Godlines; that they ftand their ground againft the bold pretences and fubtle infinuations of thofe, who lie in wait to draw them into error and delufion. It is chiefly therefore for their ufe and improvement, that I would go on to lay down the following directions. Namely,

1. First, I would recommend it before all things, as neceffary to this purpose, that they fhould have a fincere and earneft fenfe of Religion. Whilft men look upon it as a matter of indifference what notions they entertain, or what fyftem of doctrines they profefs to believe, it is not greatly to be wondered, if they be wavering and inconftant, and lay but little ftrefs on a matter they fo lightly esteem. But, if they look upon it as a matter which relates to falvation; if they are thoroughly perfuaded that fin has fo corrupted human nature as to make a feparation between God and us; and that, in order to the pardon and extirpation

A a 3

SER M.pation of it, there will be need of the DiXV. vine mercy and aid; this will reasonably

dispose them to be ferious and diligent in their enquiries, by what means they may obtain remiffion of their fins, and be moft effectually forwarded in a future reformation, and fo learn the knowledge of that true wisdom, which may make them wife unto falvation. The light of nature manifeftly is too weak and feeble to direct them in this matter, and, fince they who pretend to adhere to Revelation, are yet fplit into various and inconfiftent sentiments, it will ask a serious and fedate temper of mind to determine ourselves between them, that we may neither be doubtful which fide to embrace, nor eafily fhaken or removed afterwards, by every propofal of a new opinion. But, to this purpose,

2. Secondly, It will be farther neceffary that we fhould offer up our earnest prayers to Almighty God, for the fpecial illumination and guidance of his Holy Spirit. The Spirit of truth, is the only certain and infal lible guide that can fecure us against the Spirit of error. And, though his inftructions are delivered in thofe holy oracles contained in fcripture, yet they are plainly li able to be mifapplied and perverted by ill men; fo that, instead of promoting the caufe of Truth, they have fometimes been made fubfervient to the propagation and fup

port

port of Falsehood. To prevent which hor- SER M. rrible abufe, it will be needful to apply to XV. God, by humble prayer, for the fecret aid and direction of his grace, to open our eyes, that we may behold the wondrous things of his law, to let us into a right understanding of the sense of scripture, and lead us into all neceffary faving truth. If any man lack wif dom, let him afk of God, and the inward communications of Divine grace will fo ftablish, strengthen, and fettle him, that all

the blafts of vain doctrine shall not be able to shake or discompose him, all the wandering ftars, or ignes fatui, of delufion and imposture, fhall not be able to withdraw him from that right way, which is pointed out by the brighter and more fhining light of Revelation. Only it must be remembered, in the

3. Third place, that, in order to make fuch prayers effectual, there is this qualification requifite on our parts, that we be humbly and earnestly difpofed in all points to discharge our duty, fo far as it is dif covered or made known to us. If any man will do the will of God, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God. It is in vain to expect the illumination and instruction of the Spirit, fo long as we fubmit not our wills and affections to his direction and government. So that, if we hope to have our prayers heard, we fhould be careful

SERM. to put ourselves in fuch frame and difpofiXV. tion as may render us fufceptive of the influences of Divine grace; we should walk humbly with our God, and chearfully observe the duties of every relation in which he has placed us. For, be refifteth the proud, but giveth grace to the bumble: Them that are meek fhall be guide in judgment, and fuch as are gentle them shall be learn his way. They only who have fhewn themselves docile and tractable, in what was formerly communicated, have any reasonable ground to look for fuller difcoveries and cominunications of his Truth: Whilft they who withdraw from his difcipline, and fubmit to the empire and dominion of fin, may expect to have the fuccours of his Spirit withdrawn, and be given up to the delufions of that Apoftate fpirit, who has already gained fuch an afcendant over them, Such connexion there is between undiffembled piety, and foundness in the Faith. Again,

4. Fourthly, We should be careful to acquaint ourselves with the ground and foundation of the principal doctrines of our faith, and acts of worship. The Apofiles and Evangelifts, as well as the Prophets, and other holy men of old, have delivered down thofe lively oracles of truth and righteoufnefs, which may ferve throughout all ages for the edifying of the body of Wang idadecarv Chrift,