DISCOURSE 1. THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERS OF 1 COR. XIV. 20. In malice be ye children; but in understanding be men. IT has been observed by a celebrated writer, that YOUTH IS THE SEASON OF VIRTUE. He might have observed, with equal truth, that it is THE SEASON OF VICE; since every age of human life has vices as well as virtues, which are almost peculiar to itself. The decay of our minds is not, like that of our persons, uniform and general; for here the grace which one feature loses, is frequently transferred to another: single parts may grow deformed or disproportioned, * Preached before the late Duke of Newcastle, Chancellor of the University, in the year 1754. B while the sum of beauty continues still the same through the whole period of our existence. There is as little reason for the reflections we often hear on the improvement or decay of national merit. Kingdoms, as well as men, have their different stages, of infancy, of maturity, of old age; and each of these is by turns admired or censured, according to the different point of view in which it is considered. Some applaud the industry and frugality of a rising people; and complain without ceasing of the effeminacy and luxury of more polished times. Others again are delighted with the improvement of arts, the extension of commerce, the refinement of manners, which are found in a settled and flourishing state; and look back with contempt or pity on the ignorance and barbarity of their ancestors. Both have a shew of reason; and they have only a shew of it, on their side. The circumstances they observe are, indeed, what they seem to be; but the observers are deceived, when they draw a general conclusion from an imperfect and partial view. There is no time of life in which human virtue is not exposed to difficulties and dangers; but it is never exposed at any one time to dangers of every kind. Our trials are various; but they are successive: and we have no sooner removed one obstacle in our road to perfection, than we are crossed by another. Hence the Scriptures have taught us to consider the whole course of our lives as one continued warfare. The different enemies we have to encounter, do not attack us with united force; but come on singly to the charge their attacks however follow, one after another, without any interval or intermission; we are subject to perpetual alarms and fears, and it requires our utmost vigilance to make good that post in which we are stationed by the decrees of Heaven. It is the business then of a Christian, who is sincere in his profession, and animated by the prospect of that immortal prize, which will one day be the reward of his labours, to compensate the disadvantages of his situation by the steadiness and resolution of his conduct; for, however he may be tempted, he is not compelled to be vicious. He may, if he pleases, acquire those virtues which are most uncommon in the station he possesses; and forbear those vices which are most peculiar to it. The task indeed is difficult; but it is great, it is glorious; it is worthy the ambition of a man and a Christian. Agreeably to this representation, the apos→ tle exhorts us to unite in our characters qualities which are usually found separate; the Benevolence of Youth and the Wisdom of Age. If we resign ourselves to the dominion of Chance and Nature, and leave our manners to be formed, as it may happen, by the different circumstances of life, we shall begin our course with a foolish and undiscerning generosity, we shall end it with a selfish and malicious prudence; but though this be the natural course of our passions, it is not the course prescribed to them by reason and religion. These will teach us to distinguish in both characters between what is valuable and what is hurtful, to be children in malice, and yet men in understanding. At our first entrance into the theatre of the world, the novelty of the objects with which we are surrounded, inspires us with alacrity and joy. Every step we take discloses to us some new scene of delight and pleasure; and this constant succession of agreeable spectacles prevents all suspicion of the dark and gloomy prospects, which are soon after to open on our view. Hence, from a thoughtless gaiety of heart, we are pleased, we are satisfied, with every trifling occurrence; and mistake empty shew and parade for solid happiness. Such a disposition of mind, though springing only from ignorance and inexperience, is yet extremely favourable to our social passions. Cheerfulness and Good-nature are almost inseparable companions. The more easily we are pleased, the more apt we are to love and to forgive; the more willingly we open our hearts to sentiments of generosity and friendship. The joy we feel in our breasts will not be confined there; but naturally overflows in grateful acknowledgements to those who have been the authors or instruments of it, and in kind offices to all around Unaccustomed to suffer harm, we are unapt to suspect it; and he who is free from suspicion, is free from malice, us. |