difficult. These difficulties, however, do not arise from the nature of Christianity, which, in itself, is pleasant and delightful; but, partly, from what we feel in ourselves; partly from the world in which we live; and partly from the temptations of Satan.

Whoever resolves to seek eternal life, will find a host of foes within himself. Old and almost confirmed prejudices and habits, are difficult to overcome. The body has many propensities, which, in every period of life, are extremely difficult to conquer. The understanding is not always well-informed; the will is prone to rebel; and the thoughts and affections are prone to wander. The passions, originally planted in our nature for valuable purposes, are often violent and irregular; and many unsanctified tempers rise up in battle array against our best desires and purposes. To keep these in a right state, requires constant watchfulness, earnest prayer, and vigorous exertions. Solomon felt the force of these truths when he said, "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Prov. iv, 23.

The world in which we live presents innumerable difficulties to a good man. He finds it difficult to transact business with a good conscience. He finds it difficult to deny himself of those pleasures of sin, which present themselves daily to his view. He finds it difficult to bear the contempt which is frequently poured upon him, by ignorant and wicked men. One calls him an enthusiast, and another represents him as a profound hypocrite. He abhors affected singularity; but finds it necessary, amidst reproaches, scorn, and contempt, to be singular in his whole deportment. Thus, through the depravity of human nature, and the prevalence of evil, the way to eternal life is strait and thorny.

At the same time, that wicked spirit who tempted and overcame our first parents in the garden of Eden, uses every artifice that malice can suggest, to increase the difficulties and dangers of a holy man. Sometimes, to delude the unwary, he appears as an angel of light; and at other times, to frighten the most cautious and courageous, he appears as a roaring lion. Nor will his wicked attempts cease, till the followers of Jesus are called to the enjoyment of that life and glory which they so much desire. Through every stage of their journey to the fields of light, he will make their way difficult; and, perhaps, their struggles with him may be the most violent, when they are just about to enter into that "rest which remaineth for the people of God." Heb. iv, 9.

II. WHY ARE MANY WHO SEEK, UNABLE TO ENTER?

We cannot suppose that our Lord, in this awful passage, had an eye to any previous decree of damnation. Reprobation, from eternity, is a doctrine which dishonours God, and fills the mind of man with horror. The Divine Being is full of wisdom and goodness; and all his decrees, like himself, are wise and good. The reasons why many who seek are not able to enter, are the following: They seek in a wrong way; they seek in their own strength; they seek, but do not strive; and they seek when it is too late.

Many seek in a wrong way. The Jews, "being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, did not submit themselves unto the righteousness of God." Rom. x, 3. God

his an undoubted right to save men in his own way; and he who seeks to be saved in any other, seeks in vain. Israel attained not to the law of righteousness. "Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law." Rom. ix, 32. This is a point of vast importance. We have no right to contrive a method of salvation. One says, I should think this is right, and another says, I should think that is right; but the question is, What does God say in his holy word? If our religion be contrary to that of the Bible, we must necessarily seek to enter into life without being able.

And if we seek the kingdom of heaven in the way which God has pointed out, but never look to him for strength, vainly imagining that we can do all things of ourselves, we shall not be able to enter. Man has natural power to sow and reap, to plant and build; but his power to enter in at the strait gate is a special gift of grace. Without Jesus Christ "we can do nothing." John xv, 5. But when he strengthens us, we "can do all things." Phil. iv, 13. Many have failed in all their efforts, by relying on their own strength.

Some who have seen the right way, and felt a need of Divine help, have failed for want of vigorous exertions. A man may seek with careless indifferency; but he who strives, exerts all his powers, like a man who struggles in an agony. Religion requires this exertion, nor can any man, who does not agonize, enter into the holiest place. Lukewarmness is hateful to Jesus. Why then halt we between two opinions? Pure and undefiled religion here, and the glory of heaven hereafter, are worth all our exertions. A cold wish, a feeble desire, a weak resolution, will accomplish nothing. We should imitate an army which enters a city by violence.

But perhaps the principal reason why those who seek are not able to enter, is, they seek too late. "When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity." Verses 25-27. God has given every man time and opportunity to prepare for heaven. Therefore, "whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest." Eccles. ix, 10.

III. THE EXHORTATION, STRIVE.

That we may strive, we should see the vast importance of eternal life. Who would strive for a shadow? Who would spend his strength for nought? But that religion which prepares the soul for heaven, is the most serious and important subject that the mind of man can contemplate. It is important, as the only source of solid happiness; as the only way of safety; and as the only path to honour, glory, and immortality. Those who are destitute of religion are miserable; in danger of eternal ruin; and loaded with disgrace. What, then, is of equal importance? View life, with all its vanities and vexations; view death, with all its awful attendants; view eternity, and strive to enter in at the strait gate.

The short and uncertain continuance of life, is another reason why we should strive to enter in at the strait gate. We have a great work to do, and but a moment on our hands. This day, this hour, this moment, may end our probationary state! The door may be shut against us, and shut for ever, before another sun appears. While the door remains open, let us enter in without delay. Procrastination has ruined many immortal spirits. In the name of God, let us work while it is day: For "the night cometh, when no man can work." John ix, 4.

Consider how the men of the world strive for trifles. How anxious is the merchant to gain wealth! What risks he runs! How abundant are his labours, cares, and anxieties! The valiant soldier ardently strives for glory! He foregoes the comforts of life, and exposes himself to hardships, toils, and death, for that honour, which, when gained, can never satisfy the unbounded desires of his heart. The man of pleasure is in good earnest to gain the fleeting pleasures of a day, which often leave a painful sting behind. And shall we, who have a heaven to gain, be less in earnest? O, let it no longer be said, that "the children of this world are, in their generation, wiser than the children of light!" Luke xvi, 8.

Recollect how Satan strives to ruin men. That restless, unhappy spirit, never ceases to use the most artful and terrific means to destroy the human race. Shall we be less diligent in the work of salvation, than he is in the work of destruction? God forbid! He strives to ruin the world, because he hates both God and men. Let us, from a principle of love to God, and our own souls, "give diligence to make our calling and election sure; for, if we do these things, we shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto" us "abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. i, 10, 11.

Look at the conduct of holy men in ancient times. They strove to enter in, with all their might. Patriarchs and prophets, martyrs and confessors, are worthy of our imitation in this respect. To them the world had but few charms. They considered heaven as their eternal home, and forced their way to it, through racks and tortures, fires and flames. Some have viewed them as fools and madmen; but they certainly were the excellent of the earth. Let us follow their ardent zeal, and steady perseverance, that we may rejoin them in our Father's house. View all the glorified human spirits who have entered into the kingdom. There is not one spirit, in that glorious assembly, who has not agonized to enter in at the strait gate. Their crowns of glory, and harps of gold, are the rewards of this glorious strife. Do we desire to mix with them, and to share their honours? Then let us be "followers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises." Heb. vi, 12. Like them, let us be diligent in all the means of grace, and in all the duties of religion. Let faith and love abound. Pray much, and watch with constant care. Resist and overcome every temptation to evil, and be ready to every good word and work.

This glorious strife will soon be over. Our difficulties will quickly come to an end; and then the glories of heaven will open to our view. After the lapse of a few fleeting days, we shall "gain the prize of the

high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. iii, 14. Careless triflers, who never were hearty in the cause of religion, and who did not seek in time, will be shut out; while those who, through Divine strength, have sought in time, in the right way, and with earnestness and zeal, shall be admitted to the marriage-supper of the Lamb. May we enjoy that heavenly feast, with all the saved of the Lord, through Jesus Christ our adorable Redeemer! Amen.

SERMON XI

OBJECTS OF GOD'S HATRED.

These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination to him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood: An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and him that soweth strife among brethren. PROVERBS vi, 16-19.

THE Lord hates nothing but what is hateful; and he loves nothing, with complacency, but what is lovely. This necessarily arises from his adorable perfections; for he is infinitely wise, and transcendently good. Men should endeavour to imitate these perfections, by loving what the Lord loves, and by hating what he hates. Our text mentions six things which the Lord hates; yea, seven which are an abomination to him. Let us examine them one by one.

I. THE LORD HATES A PROUD LOOK.

A proud look proceeds from a proud heart. Some men endeavour to conceal their pride; but they who indulge a proud look, expose themselves to every beholder. David, probably, was charged with this crime; but he appealed to the Lord for his innocency: "Lord, mine heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty." Ps. cxxxi, 1. The general causes of a proud look are some supposed excellencies, either of birth, fortune, talents, or education; but none of these form a sufficient excuse for pride, which, in every point of view, is hateful both to God and men. A little reflection will discover the abominable nature of pride. It puffs men up with self-sufficiency and self-satisfaction; so that they despise others, and idolize themselves. Pride robs God of his glory, and places the creature upon his throne. Devils fell through pride, and those who copy their example, must fall into the same condemnation It is generally the first sin that appears in human nature, and the last which is destroyed. As pride is hateful to God, it must either be totally destroyed, or man must fall into destruction; for "pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Prov. xvi, 18.

II. THE LORD HATES A LYING TONGUE.

A lie is something which is spoken with a design to deceive. If a per

son relate an untruth without that design, he cannot be charged with lying. The best of men are subject to mistakes and errors; but when mistakes and errors are not wilful, they are not hateful to God.

Truth in our words is of vast importance. Without truth all confidence would be lost among men. God, whom all should imitate, is a God of truth. A liar is universally and justly detested; and not only exposes himself to shame and contempt, but is the author of much confusion and mischief. Let us, therefore, sacredly attend to truth our selves, and teach our children, from their infancy, to abhor a lie.

There are many sorts of lies, and many designs in lying. Some tell lies to make sport; others to make mischief; others to promote their own reputation, and to blast the character of their neighbours; others to conceal their faults; and others to make peace between contending parties: But this is doing evil that good may come.

There are many awful proofs, recorded in the Scriptures, that God hates lies of every quality. Ananias, and Sapphira his wife, were struck dead for lying. And this sin is most expressly forbidden, and threatened with punishment "in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." Rev. xxi, S. The devil has been a liar from the beginning; and all liars are his children; but both shall have their part in that place of torment.

III. THE LORD HATES THOSE HANDS WHICH SHED INNOCENT BLOOD.

Magistrates, to whom the power of God is committed for the punishment of crimes, are allowed, in certain cases, to take away the life of man; but they should proceed with great caution. It is better that a hundred guilty men should escape, than that one innocent man should suffer death. Private murders are horrid crimes; but they seldom escape the hands of justice. Cain shed innocent blood; but that blood cried from the ground unto the Lord, and speedy punishment was inflicted. Much innocent blood is shed in wars, very few of which can be justified. In all wars there is an aggressor; and the blood that is shed lies at the door of the aggressor. What a dreadful account will the great ones of the earth have to give in the day of judgment, for having embroiled whole nations in the horrors of war! Life is a sacred thing, and he who presumes to take it away, without a just cause, may look for the vengeance of that God who has said, "Surely your blood of your lives will I require: At the hand of every beast will I require it; and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." Gen. ix, 5, 6.

IV. THE LORD HATES THE HEART THAT DEVISETH WICKED IMAGINATIONS.

The imagination of man is a fruitful source, both of error and of wickedness. To devise wickedness in the imagination, is to invent and contrive methods of practising and promoting wickedness: And it is a much greater crime than that which is done by the sudden impulse of a moment. The minds of some men are as deep and as dark as hell. Their imaginations are at work, both day and night, to devise plans and schemes of lust and cruelty. Religion, with all its beauties and excel