as you are concerned in it, do those things therefore which will secure you a better.

In this light then you see the text is clearly connected with the context: for what can be more closely united than death, and a future life?

The reasoning too of the text, is equally just: for what can be a stronger incentive to sobriety and holiness, and charity, than the consideration that this world is passing away?

HAVING thus considered the former part of the text: the latter will give us little trouble. Be ye sober, and watch unto prayer; and above all things have fervent charity among yourselves.

Whoever is acquainted with the manner of writing usual in the holy scriptures, well knows, how customary it is to place one duty for all the duties of that class. The scripture proceeds on this supposition, that he, who practises one duty on a true christian principle, would be influenced by the same principle to practise all other duties

as

as he, who can knowingly, and with his eyes open, be guilty of one sin, would not scruple any other. We have here therefore the whole duty of man sketched out, in few words, as it relates to himself-his Creator-and his fellow-creatures.

Sobriety is sometimes opposed in scripture to pride, and other disorders of the mind *. And sometimes it is opposed to sensuality +. So that we may consider it as respecting the whole government of ourselves.

The duties of prayer, and watchfulness, are frequently mentioned together. St. Peter, in particular, could never forget the lesson which he himself once received on that subject. What! could you not watch with me one hour? Watch, and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Watchfulness in prayer therefore signifies, that collected spirit, with which we should endeavour to overcome the infirmities of nature in our intercourse with the Almighty. The man who can attain this, has made a great proficiency in heavenly affections. He who can pray well, will also live well. His affections are well-ordered. But, alas! the best of men have occasion to complain of languor and inattention on this subject; and need often be

* ROMANS, xii. §.

† TITUS, ii. 6.

reminded

reminded of the great duty of watching unto

prayer.

We are next exhorted, above all things to have fervent charity among ourselves. I do not suppose that the apostle meant by the expression above all things, to exalt charity above piety: unless he meant to lay an emphasis upon it, as the great principle, which is to lead us on from earthly love to heavenly; according to that of St. John, He who loveth not his brother whom he hath seen; how can he love God whom he hath not seen?-Fervent is neither a gocd word, nor a good translation.-In the first place, fervent expresses the passion, rather than the affection. It has too much of carnality in it; and gives us a very different idea from the original word, which signifies properly extended, or universal. Here comes in then precisely the christian idea. Fervent charity should be universal benevolence.

THE great conclusion arising from the whole is, that we have here that disposition pointed out to us, under which every good christian ought to live. Let the children of this world build houses, and plant vineyards-pull down their barns, and build greater-and say to their souls, you have much goods laid up for many years: eat, drink,

-mindedness; and a holy communion with ther of spirits-endeavouring, while we conin this earthly tabernacle, to exercise our ions towards our fellow-creatures, and so re and qualify our minds for that divine love, is to be the height of our enjoyment here

XXI.

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Cor. v. 6.

THIS was a proverbial mode of speaking among the Jews; and is used sometimes in a good, and sometimes in a bad sense. It is here taken in a bad sense; the apostle fearing lest the christian converts at Corinth migh: be infected with the manners of their country, which were very profligate. In a good sense it is taken, where our Saviour compares the growth of the gospel to leaven hid in a bushel of meal. I shall make a practical use therefore of both senses; and take occasion from them to shew you, the great obligation we are all under with regard to exactness in our words and actions, merely as far as others are concerned; because a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

No man then can answer for the effect, which the lightest impropriety in his words, or actions, may have upon another. It may touch some -string in unison with it, which might never have struck a note, if it had not been for this vibration. You may yourself be a serious man, and reve

rence