XIV.

That which is highly esteemed among ft men, is abomination in the fight of God.-Luke xvi. 15.

Look into any part of life, and you will find this truth ascertained. We are continually doing things, which are highly efteemed among men, but abominable in the fight of God. Maxims in trade and bufinefs, are directed chiefly to the accumulation of wealth. Amusements are carried far beyond the idea of relaxation, and end in diffipation and riot. Even the pursuits of fcience are often carried too far-and end in what the scriptures call worldly wisdom-often in infidelity.Now all thefe things, and various other things, which may be claised with them, are highly efteemed among men, though they are abomination in the fight of God.

The great conclufion therefore is, that the opinion, and judgment of the world should never be made the criterion of our actions. We have a true criterion given us in the scriptures, and there we fhould feek it.

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XV.

God is able to make all grace abound towards you; that ye always, having all-fufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work -2 Cor. ix. 8.

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THE word grace has here a worldly, rather than a spiritual fenfe. The apoftle is difpofing his converts to a charitable contribution; and the doctrine of the text seems to be, that God will recompenfe the charitable man with worldly blessings; and in reward of his charities will not fuffer the barrel of meal to wafte, nor the cruse of oil to fail.

But now for what end was this doctrine thrown out? Not furely as a motive to charity: for when a man is charitable on this motive, he turns his charity into avarice.

The doctrine of the text therefore feems to be held out only as an encouragement to those pious, good people, who are fometimes checked. in their charitable defigns, by fearing left they fhould exceed their circumftances, and bring

their families to want. To fuch persons the text fays, Be not afraid of falling into want yourself from your kindness to others; for God hath faid, and feems to mean it in a literal sense, that, he who foweth plentifully shall reap also plentifully.

XVI.

Early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.-Pfalm v. 3.

I will lay me down in peace, and take my reft; for it is Thou, Lord, only that makest me dwell in fafety.-Pfalm iv. 9.

THESE

HESE two paffages mark the limits (the morning and evening) of a pious day. The religious man, in whofe life fuch a day makes an accustomed part, rifes early and directs his prayer unto God. All is calm and quiet around him. His mind is not yet engaged in the bustle of the day; and he dedicates to God those moments of peace. The adoration of the divine attributes a request for the affiftance of God's holy fpirit, in all difficulties-a grateful thankfgiving for the protection of the past night—and a humble request for the continuance of that protection through the following day, are the immediate fubject of his prayers.--Under the holy influence of fuch fentiments he then goes abroad into the world; and whatever his business

business is, he pursues it with chearfulness, industry, and honefty. Yet ftill he hath God in all his thoughts. He hath always about him a fenfe of God's continual prefence-and a fenfe of duty, which reminds him, that as he is a member of fociety, he is also a creature of God.

As night draws on, his cares end. Recommending himself again to God, he lays him down in peace, and takes his reft; For it is · Thou only, O Lord, he cries, that makeft me dwell in fafety.