XV.

grity, always opens clear and distinct to SERMON his view. But this is not his only advantage, to be freed from embarrassments, by having placed himself under the charge of one constant guide. He is also rewarded with the sense of having chosen his guide well and wisely. He is delivered from all inward upbraidings, from all misgivings of mind, from all alarms founded on the dread of discovery and disgrace. A good conscience enables him to look back on the part which he has acted, with satisfaction; and to look forward to the issue which it may bring, without concern. is in the case of one issue only, that the man who acts from worldly interest can enjoy satisfaction; that is, when his designs have succeeded according to his wish. But it is the felicity of the man who acts under the direction of integrity, that, in every issue, he has something to comfort him. Though success has failed him, the consolation remains of having done his duty, and studied to approve himself to God.

It

This reference of all his actions to divine approbation, furnishes another source

of

SERMON of satisfaction and peace.

XV.

He looks up,

1

with pleasing hope, to a protector in the
heavens, who loveth righteousness, and whose
countenance beholdeth the upright. The man
of worldly wisdom is conscious of having
no title to the favour of that high admi-
nistration which rules the universe. By
quitting the path of righteousness, he has
left that straight road, in which God had
appointed him to walk. He has taken the
direction of his way to himself, and chosen
to be his own guide and master. To his
own abilities, therefore, such as they are,
he must trust; and is become wholly
responsible for the issue of his conduct."
But the man of virtue hath committed his
way to the Lord. He follows the divine
signal. He co-operates with the divine
purpose. The power which sways the
universe, is engaged on his side. By natu-
ral consequence, he has ground to expect
that any seeming disappointments which
he may now incur, shall be over-ruled at
the end to some salutary effect. Hence.
that
peace of God keeping the heart, to which
worldly men are strangers. Hence a de-
gree of firmness and resolution in conduct,

which it is impossible for them to possess. SERMON Especially when we add,

In the fourth and last place, that he who thus pursues a course of integrity, has always in his view the prospect of immortal rewards. That surely is the wisest direction of conduct, which is most amply recompensed at last. But what recompence can worldly wisdom bestow, comparable to what is promised by the gospel to them who, by patient continuance in welldoing, lock for glory, boncur, and immortality. The recompence indeed is distant but the hope of it is present; and hope is one of the most powerful principles of human action. Let a man be firm in the belief that he is acting under the immediate protection of Heaven, and that through all eternity he shall be rewarded for what he now performs; and, as far as this belief is prevalent, his conduct will be steady and determined. Wherever religion directs him to hold his course, he will advance with intrepidity. He will submit to restraints without reluctance.

1

He will meet dangers without fear. To

every

XV.

SERMON every motive which reason suggests in XV. favour of virtue, the hope of life eternal adds supernatural strength.-Accordingly, in the behaviour of many holy men, under the most trying circumstances of distress, we behold this effect eminently exemplified. It appears, with much lustre in the spirited and magnanimous sentiments of the Apostle Paul, when he had the prospect of death before him. Behold I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befal me there, save that the Holy Ghost

witnesseth that But none of

bonds and afflictions abide me.
these things move me; neither count I my
life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my
course with joy *.. I am now ready
to be offered, and the time of my depar-
ture is at hand. I have fought a good
fight; I have finished my course; I have
kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me
at that day †.

*Acts, xx. 22, 23, 24.

2 Timothy, iv. 6, 7, 8.

Thus

;

XV.

THUS I have endeavoured to shew in SERMON what manner the integrity of the upright guides them and what the advantages are, of placing ourselves under its guidance. If it be the line of safety, or the line of honour, which we choose to pursue; if we consult our present comfort, or look forward to future rewards ; in all these respects, the course which integrity points out is by far the most eligible.

Plans

It is a great recommendation of the guidance offered to us by integrity, that it is easily understood by all men. of worldly policy are deep and intricate; and experience shows how often the ablest persons are mistaken in the measures which they adopt for carrying them on. But when men's intentions are fair and upright, it will be found, that a moderate share of understanding and attention is all that is requisite, for conducting themselves with safety and propriety. Providence never intended, that the art of living happily in this world should depend on that deep penetration, that acute sagacity, and those refinements of thought, Vol. IV. X which