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and therefore, while in deep humility we are to rely entirely upon his grace, and to stand prepared from our inmost soul to say, "not "unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name give glory;" we still are to be no less watchful, and no less diligent, than if our final success depended only upon our own unassisted exertions. We are to study the word of God-to abound in prayer-to attend diligently upon public ordinances to guard against temptations-to shun those places and that society which have a tendency to lead us into sin, or to produce vanity and lightness of mind, or to draw us off from attention to our great, our spiritual welfare. Thus we may hope to be making progress-to be gaining ground, in our heavenly course; and may be encouraged, by the cheering expectation, that our "labour "shall not be in vain in the Lord."

III. But in the last place, let us advert to the great encouragement which we have, while we thus labour for this prize.

Whatever may be the care, whatever the zeal and the prudence, with which the votary of the world pursues his favorite object; and however flattering his prospects may at times appear; he can never be sure of success. Such is the uncertainty which attaches to all

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earthly things, that no man can ever confidently say, that he shall not be a prey to disappointment. But no such uncertainty attends our pursuit of heavenly blessings. In this race, the prize is ordained by God himself. It is He that has marked out the track which we are to pursue, and we have his faithful and unchanging word of promise, that no one who follows his directions, shall ultimately fail of success. And surely, my brethren, this is a sufficient encouragement. The prize is of infinite value. It will be ours, if only we pursue it in the proper manner. We say not here, as we do about the earthly race, (6 one receiveth "the prize." It is attainable by all. Let us hear the triumphant language of the Apostle, "I have fought a good fight, I have "finished my course, I have kept the faith: "henceforth there is laid up for me a crown "of righteousness, which the Lord, the righte"ous Judge, shall give me in that day: and "not to me only, but unto all them also that "love his appearing." This prize then, is not confined to apostles or martyrs, but is given to all who are "not slothful, but followers of "them who through faith and patience inherit "the promises."

1

! 2 Tim. iv, 7, 8.

Yet still, my brethren, there is a danger lest we should not obtain it; a danger lest pridelest love of the world and of sin-lest carelessness and vanity of mind, should keep us from duly seeking it. Let me then call upon you, seriously to consider, whether you have ever set out in the good ways of your God? Whether you are truly and decidedly seeking for heavenly joys? If you are, let me exhort you to be increasingly diligent, and to follow the example of the great Apostle-" This one

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thing I do--forgetting those things which are "behind, and reaching forth unto those things "which are before, I press towards the mark "for the prize of the high calling of God in "Christ Jesus."

Finally, I would say, let no man deceive himself. Let no man quiet his mind by saying that, though he is not perhaps so earnest in religion, as it is desirable that he should be; yet, still he trusts, he is not in any great danger of coming short. Men do not expect thus to obtain the prize in an earthly race, without exerting all their energies. If you are not running in the christian race with vigour, you will not be considered as a candidate for the crown of glory. Oh! then, look well to your goings. Think of the value of the prize, which is set before you; and of the awful consequences

which must result, if you fail to attain it. And may God, of his mercy, assist and enable you to

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lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth

so easily beset you, and to run with patience, "the race which is set before you: looking unto "Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; "who for the joy that was set before him, "endured the cross, despising the shame, and " is set down at the right hand of the throne of "God." 1

1 Heb. xii, 2.

SERMON XIV.

EXCUSES FOR NEGLECTING RELIGION

CONSIDERED.

ST. LUKE xiv, 18.

And they all with one consent began to make excuse.

WHEN we consider the inestimable value of those blessings, which in the word of God are made known to man, and reflect upon the tendency they have to advance his highest interests; it must appear that it is his wisdom and duty, with eager diligence, to use the appointed means of obtaining them. The sacred scriptures are intended to teach men the way, by which alone the wants of their souls can be satisfied; by which they may obtain a provision for their happiness in a future state, and escape the awful doom which impends over them, as transgressors against the Most High God. In them, the great Creator deigns

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