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"walked with God," and the patriarch Abraham was solemnly admonished, "walk before me, and be thou perfect." This righteous pair are also represented as walking in all the commandments and ordinances of God: They did not regard their duty to their Creator as a "by-work," as an inferior service which might be pressed out of its ordinary course by the pleasures or business of the world: They considered the fear of God, and the observance of his commandments, as "the whole of man," as the most dignified of their daily exercises, and the most delightful of their daily enjoyments.

In the history of Zecharias and Elizabeth we behold religion as not only refining and ennobling the human character, but receiving even in the present world a great reward. He was favored with the visions of the Almighty, and they were honored with a son "who was great in the eyes of the Lord, and was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb." We learn also from their example and conduct, that notwithstanding all the deceitfulness of the human heart, and the allurements of the world, a high degree of perfection may be attained. Christians are sometimes so discouraged, through a consciousness of their own frailty, and a recollection of the innumerable instances in which their hearts have betrayed them, that they almost despair of making any considerable advancement in holiness; they sit down contented with a bare hope of future salva

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tion, without aspiring after great attainments in sanctity or usefulness here. But this reasoning proceeds rather from indolence and irresolution than from any real conviction that little can be done. The very consideration that we are commanded "to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect," obviously evinces that by keeping our hearts with all diligence, by watching the door of our lips, by attending in a humble, spiritual manner the means appointed for our edification, by avoiding the company of those whose conversation might pollute, and associating with those whose conversation may profit, very high degrees of perfection may be attained, and that after these we ought most earnestly to aspire.

As a means of encouraging you to press on towards this perfection, permit me to enumerate those ordinances which are appointed of God for that purpose, and also to shew that each of them, in its own place, should be carefully observed.

1. Prayer may be noticed as one very important ordinance to which we ought conscientiously to attend. This is a duty explicitly enjoined by the Head of the church, and has been acknowledged by the children of the kingdom in every age as a principal means of fellowship with the Father of spirits. We are thus commanded to "pray every where; to pray always and not to faint; to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation." After the apostle had

pointed out the various parts of the armor of God; after he had recommended to our use the shield of faith, the breast-plate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit; after he had shewn their importance in the spiritual warfare, he concludes with the exhortation, "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." From this passage we are taught the necessity of mingling prayer with every service of religion. Although a complete armour is furnished for the spiritual soldier, yet he is unable successfully to wield it in opposition to the enemies of his salvation without strength derived from above, and this strength is to be derived by prayer as the principal means. Whatever be the circumstances in which the christian is placed; whether he be called to resist a strong temptation, or perform an arduous duty, he ought by prayer to look up for grace sufficient to the occasion. We thus find Jacob in the solitary wilderness, Jehoshaphat in the field of battle, Jonah in the midst of the waves, David driven by an unpitying adversary, Paul in the prison, and Stephen in the arms of death, all importunate in prayer to him who was able to support or deliver them.

2. The frequent and careful perusal of the scriptures is an ordinance of the Living God, and calculated to promote our spiritual edification. When a very inconsidera

ble part of the sacred cannon was written, the use of them was solemnly enjoined upon the nation of Israel, and through them upon the church of God in every age. "These words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way; when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." The very occasion when this command was delivered may tend to enforce the observance of it. The Israelites were enjoined "to love the Lord their God with all their heart," and, as a means of cherishing this love, to be familiar with the oracles of divine truth; to be reflecting upon them when alone, and talking of them when together; more especially to be frequently reading and repeating them in the circle of their private families. We ought to revolve them in our own minds as our "joy and rejoicing" we ought to teach and recommend them to our children as their inestimable portion. It was mentioned as the distinguishing privilege and glory of Israel, that to them pertained "the giving of the law, and the promises," and the autho rity of God unites with their own interest to constrain every true Israelite faithfully to improve them. After David indulges himself in describing the excellence of the inspired oracles, that they "rejoice the heart," that they "enlighten the eyes," that

they "endure for ever," he adds with elevated emotions of gratitude and love, "more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb: I have chosen thy testimonies as mine heritage for ever, they are the rejoicing of my heart." The use of the living oracles, which was early enjoined under the former dispensation, is urged by our Lord with additional arguments under the present; "search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life;" there the treasures of grace and glory are clearly revealed; there they are unconditionally offered: And he proposes another reason for improving them which must powerfully interest the hearts of all who have tasted of his love, "they testify of me;" they reveal my glory as God, my condescension and grace as Mediator, my ability to save to the very uttermost, and my readiness to receive with open arms every sinner who returns.

3. The sanctification of the christian sabbath is another ordinance of religion, which it is equally our duty and interest to observe. The consecration of a seventh part of his time to the immediate service of his Creator was required of Adam, and enforced by a consideration which remains equally impressive throughout all generations, the example of Jehovah in the creation of the world. This command relative to the sanctification of the sabbath was repeated with

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