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ness of his temper, the simplicity of his heart, the sincerity of his understanding, gave life and vigour to his sermons when they were delivered, and render them now the most amusing productions of that age, and, to us, perhaps the most valuable. As a faithful court preacher he excelled.

but there is one that can soften it. Thou canst not repent! Thou must repent; and Christ has been exalted to his throne to give repentance as well as remission of sins. To-night, begin to-night: trifle no longer; come to a parley. Thou art not happy; thou canst not be. There is conflict in thy bosom; there are warning" Bishop Latimer, having preached a voices thou must hear, and checks thou must feel. Oh, come, come to the Saviour! Except thou repent, thou wilt perish; and believing in Christ thou must be saved. But if, after this invitation, thou continuest still impenitent and unbelieving, the hour is at hand, when thou wilt curse the day of thy birth-when thou wilt curse the hour in which thou didst ever hear a gospel sermon; but chief of all thou wilt curse thine own folly, under all the poignancy of remorse, for neglecting the invitations of mercy, and continuing in sin. God in mercy preserve thee from this misery, which is now as inconceivable, as when it comes it will be intolerable! Amen.

THE PULPIT GALLERY.

NO. IV.

BISHOP LATIMER.

HUGH LATIMER was born in the year 1470; when fourteen years old he was sent to Cambridge-at the usual time he took his degrees in arts, and entering into priest's orders, was remarkably zealous in defence of popery. By the influence and exertions of Mr. Thomas Bilney who favoured the reformation, Mr. Latimer was led to examine the corrupt features of the Romish church, and at the age of fifty-three, became a decided protestant, and was as active in supporting and propagating the reformed doctrine, as he was before in efforts to destroy it. He, more than any other man promoted the reformation by his preaching. The straight forward honesty of his remarks, the liveliness of his illustrations, his homely wit, his racy manner, his manly freedom, the playful

sermon before Henry VIII. in which he touched on some topics displeasing to his majesty, was commanded to preach again the following Sunday, and to introduce an apology for the offence he had given. After naming his text, the Bishop thus commenced his sermon :- Hugh Latimer, dost thou know to whom thou art this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king's 'most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life if thou offendest; therefore, take heed that thou speakest not that which may displease. But then, consider well, Hugh Latimer, dost thou not know from whence thou comest, and upon whose message thou art sent? Even by the GREAT GOD, who is all-present, and beholdeth all thy ways; who is omnipotent, and able to cast both body and soul into hell together; therefore, take heed, and deliver thy message faithfully.'

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"He then proceeded with the same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday, and confirmed it with redoubled energy. The sermon being ended, the court was full of expectation to know the fate of this honest, plain dealing Bishop. After the dinner the king called Latimer, and, with a stern countenance, asked him how he durst be so bold as to preach in this manner? Falling on his knees, Latimer replied, That his duty to his God, and to his prince, had enforced him thereunto; that he had merely discharged his office and conscience in what he had spoken, though his life was in his majesty's hands.' The king raised the worthy prelate from his knees, embraced him, and exclaimed, Blessed be God that I have so honest a servant!" " He died at the stake, with Bishop Ridley, October 15, 1555.

SERMON IX.

THE BEGINNING, PROGRESS, AND END OF SIN, OR THE HISTORY OF TRANSGRESSION.

BY THE REV. T. EAST

OF BIRMINGHAM.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."-James i. 15.

THAT the general state of society in this kingdom is becoming more and more alarming, is generally acknowledged. If we go among the lower or the higher orders; if we associate with the young or the aged, the rich or the poor, we find ourselves approaching a considerable degree of moral corruption. Public morality is no longer a fine, vigorous, blooming tree; but it is smitten, and its health is gradually falling away. We employ our parental and ministerial influence to ward off the impending evil, yet one after another is brought to ruin. If the course were as honourable as it is disreputable; -if it led to peace as it does to misery; we need not wonder at its influence on the heart. But when we consider its awful tendency, we are astonished and affected to see what it has done, and is doing, among the race of man. Those who have advanced far in this course, corrupt and corrupting, frequently attribute all the evil to the Author of all good. But, "let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

In calling your attention to this subject, I propose to consider the beginning, the progress, and the end of sin, in the history and experience of the transgressor.

First. THE BEGINNING OF SIN.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." This is the source of all evil: from hence all evil takes its origin. Before the act can be committed, the purpose must be formed in the breast; which takes time, design, deliberation. Seduction, theft, perfidy, drunkenness, injustice, murder, the popular vices of the day, require design, arrangement, decision. Lust must be conceived before the act can be performed.

There is the seducer! His victim is not dragged to the altar at once-no-he must form a thousand artifices, he must lay innumerable plans, he must make new professions, &c. And "lust when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin."

There is the thief! He sees what he wants, or knows where he can get it. He forms and arranges plans with his companion. The place, the time, the circumstances are agreed upon. They go forth, and "lust when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin."

There is the perfidious! The man who is in possession of all the secrets which have been committed to him by his friend, and goes about to betray him. It is true, the fear of reproach and disgrace keeps him back from his purpose for a time; but actuated by lust he goes forth, and at once sacrifices his friend, and his own honour. Thus "lust when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin."

PROGRESS OF SIN.

Mark the drunkard! How cautiously | to swear? No;-he cared not for God! he puts the cup to his lips! He tastes was it because it was dishonourable? the liquor, and professes to dislike what No;-for this he cared not!-But he He tastes heard his child swear! he turned pale, has overcome thousands. again, and again,—and again :-the ha- and he abandoned the practice. If, then, bit is established. Regardless of his there is this anxiety to make men wise own happiness, of the happiness of home, and good, it is evident that evil must have of the happiness of those he has sworn its preparatory course before it can be to protect, he indulges in it habitually. perfected.-Let us consider, "Lust when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin."

How

See the artful, ensnaring man! he entangles his victim till he has got his And how property within his grasp. does he act? Alas! he who in youth would not touch any thing which was not his own, by having it in his power, wishes to possess it, and at length, ruins another, while he dishonours himself. Thus lust when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin."

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1. The causes brought into operation to produce this.-One is

THE POPULAR READING OF THE AGE. This is denominated a reading age. If we have not now many giants of literature, there is yet much intelligence diffused throughout all classes of society. By means of the National, the Lancastrian, and other schools, an appetite for knowledge is excited;-and it is likely to be supplied.

But, alas! alas! the

press of Britain teems with publications which are calculated to do immense misThe author is a sceptic;-he chief. aims to throw down the barriers of virtue;-he exhibits vice in the most pleasThis is dreadful;ing colours; he throws much wit, skill, and address, into the character of his hero. And while the young man takes it up to pass away a leisure hour, he imbibes the scepticism it contains; and if he does not actually rise a sceptic, he is, at least, prepared to become one.

Observe the murderer! This crime is very rarely committed but after cautious plans. Here are two individuals; suddenly they quarrel, and the life of one is sacrificed to the other. -but it is nothing compared with deliberate murder. The murderer, in this case, fixes on time, on place, has the weapons in his own hands, &c. O how dreadful! The sun rises and sets as usual, but for the last time as it respects the unfortunate victim! He retires, perhaps, to rest; he hears the footsteps of one he knows not; and, ere he can inform himself, he "Lust when it falls to rise no more! hath conceived, bringeth forth sin." Notice,

Secondly. THE PROGRESS WHICH IT MAKES IN ITS INFLUENCE OVER THE HEART

AND CHARACTER OF MAN.

All who have studied human nature with the Scripture in their hands, must confess that no man becomes suddenly wicked. God has made man naturally covet the welfare of those on whom his welfare depends. Efforts are therefore employed to make them wise, and virtuous, and good. Parents who are themselves corrupt are generally anxious that their children should be virtuous and religious. I once knew a swearer who suddenly abandoned the practice. Why? was it because God commanded him not

But

AsASSOCIATIONS, also, are a cause. sociations with those who have made some advances in vice. A young person who has had something like a pious education, feels respect for goodness and for good men. He regards the Sabbath, and the means of instruction; he is often deeply and powerfully impressed by the terrors or the glories of the world to come. let him go abroad into company, and if he be not instantaneously disgusted, as virtue would be if surrounded by the vices,-his ruin, if not sudden, is inevi table. Relaxation is necessary after the labours of the day evening parties are And formed: some place is chosen where they may spend their time together. what is the name of that place? How is it situated? Where does it rear its head? Where stands its base? Shall we call it the TAVERN!-you have hit the name. And then CARDS are introduced?—" Well,

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sir! and do you forbid cards?—And You once thought, but you do not now. would you abolish places of innocent re- Pardon me; I sometimes mistake, even sort? Yes, sir! I do, sir!-As I would in the pulpit; you do think; but with not let my child touch a jewel, if it had what pain! been on the finger of a man infected with the plague; so I would not suffer that which may end in an association with devils and damned spirits! It is the fruitful source of almost every evil.

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2. Let me show how these principles advance. "When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." No man can become suddenly wicked. At first there must be awful violence done to the conscience. When the child of religious parents first steps over the line which separates good from evil, conscience condemns, conscience alarms :-the book is closed with disgust and thrown at the feet-companions are forsaken-and he breaks away from the charm which is about to overcome his better principles and his finer taste. Yes! it is hard work to force himself into the circle of damnation. Here is conscience with its reproaches-here is the recollection of his father's prayers, and his mother's tears— here is the appalling dream by night, and here is the waking reality of the morning

The THEATRE is another cause. Though its interests are advocated by some semiChristians, and even from the pulpit of the present day. It is often said of these places, (where some Christians go BEFORE family prayer!) that they are schools to mend the genius, and exalt the heart; that there the vices are portrayed in all their hideous characters, and the virtues attired in all their beauty, more captivating even than they appear in real life; that there they learn to speak elegantly and correctly, &c. Sometime ago, I called to see a mother; she was in distress; she not merely wept, but wept aloud. "What is the matter?"-"O my child!"-and she wept again. "O my-here is God-here is the devil-here is child is just committed to prison!" and she wept again. "O my child is just committed to prison, and I fear he will never return to his father's house!" and then she wept again; and with all my firmness I could not forbear weeping too. I was afraid to ask the cause; I did not need; for she cried, "O that THEATRE! he was a virtuous, kind youth, till that theatre proved his ruin !"—This was her testimony, and it was the testimony of the young man himself.-Now, if all persons who attend these places loved home, and respected the conjugal character, and cultivated domestic order, we might wonder at such a catastrophe. But no; there is no domestic order, there is no morality. It was but the other day that a bird of the air, or something else, whispered in my ear to put this question to such persons :-Do you go before prayer or after? If after, how do you frame your petitions?-O you forget it altogether that night!-O tell me, young man, tell me honestly, if these things have not an influence on your heart. You once prayed, but you do not now. You once read your Bible; but you do not now.

hell with all its terrors, and heaven with all its glories! But when you have once gone into this moral contamination; when you cast off the fear of man, no one is astonished, because previously to this you have cast off the fear of God. And when you glory in your shame; and when you take a letter from your mother, and turning hastily to the part which informs you of the health of the family, throw it away, and say to your associates, "Well! I have had another lecture from my mother, but I have disregarded it :”—when you can drag yourself for half an hour to hear a minister to whom you have been accustomed, that you may hold him up to ridicule; then-then-then let me tell you, you may sin with comparative case! It was difficult at the first, but now, now you may go on and take your rest. God may not awake to vengeance; but the state of that individual is most alarming, of whom he has said, "LET HIM ALONE!" Conscience, let him alone!-Visions of the night, cease to scare him with your awful forms!-Instances of goodness, charm him no more!-Appalling effects of vice, cease to alarm him! O yes! you

may then bless the triumphs of your new notions; you may then hail the effects of the principles you have embraced! But believe me, believe me, there is an end coming! "When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." Notice, therefore,

Thirdly. THE end of sin. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace." If I were to consult my taste, and the predominant feelings of my own heart, I should proceed to describe the end of the good man: which is peace. I am not so inured to danger, as to laugh at the storm; no, I would rather go into the calm than into the tempest; no, I would rather go into" the chamber where the good man meets his end," and "mark the upright man, whose end is peace." The apostle said on one occasion, "I am in a strait betwixt two ;" and on this occasion I feel perplexity. How shall I decide? Shall I proceed according to my usual custom, and having announced my plan, abide by it?—I will. Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." First, the death of the body. Secondly, the death of the soul. Both must die :-but there will be this extraordinary peculiarity connected with the soul, that it will be dying without ever being extinct; that it will ever be living in misery, and ever under the sentence of condemnation! "Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth,"

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sin caused the purpose to be executed, and when finished, it ended in the death of most of the party! O how does sin subject its devotees to dreadful accidents, and to alarming diseases! I read in my Bible, "bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days." The glut ton, the intemperate, the lascivious person, the debauchee, all these men shorten their days. And why is this? Do they want to be damned before their time?— Why? Do they wish to hasten to the judgment-seat? They sin against their own selves, becoming rotten in crime, and by awful strides they force their passage to the flames. "Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." If I chose to-night to proceed, I could exhibit before you the emaciated state of the body, and the rapid influence of disease to produce this effect;-but the time tells me that I must advance. Sin bringeth,

2. The death of the soul. And what is that?I cannot tell. What is it for a soul to die?—I cannot tell. What is it for a soul to die eternally?—I cannot tell. There are some facts, I believe, which I cannot describe: there are some truths to which I assent, that I cannot explain. One ministerial qualification I do not possess ;-I do not know, I do not want to know, I had rather sink down into the grave without knowing, how to describe the feelings of a soul as it passes from the body. I do not want to know the feelings of a condemned soul as it passes 1. The death of the body. The awful through the valley of the shadow of death. sentence denounced against sin was, "In I do not want to know how a soul conthe day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt demned feels, as it enters the regions of surely die." And this sentence, with the lost! When a little boy, I went out two exceptions, has been executed on all with my father; he was busily employed, that have lived. "Death has passed upon and I was lost. I can remember someall men, for all have sinned." This thing of my emotions: I burst into tears; sentence, indeed, stands recorded against I asked several persons, "Where is my the saints of God, as well as against the father?" And I shall never forget the most malignant transgressor. But there emotions of my mind when my eye again is a natural tendency in sin, to hasten caught a glimpse of my father! And this end. I have lately read an account why do I mention this? Because I am of some persons who chose to spend the not aware that I can employ an illustraSabbath on the water. The party went tion more natural. When you are conout in a boat, the boat upset, and most of demned, when you are banished from the them perished! O what a transition! presence of the Lord, and from the glory What an illustration of the text! Lust of his power, you will find yourselves eonceived the idea of violating a Sabbath, LOST! But you will not be permitted the

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