friend of sinners; without the delicate softening of Christian graces and tempers, what is woman, often, but the sport of her own vanity, or the victim of man's selfish and often cruel dominion? Invest her with Christian hopes, raise her to fellowship with her Saviour and her God, breathe into her heart the spirit of prayer, throw around her the sanctity and the security of religious principle, and you place her in a position to overcome the weakness of her own nature, to become man's guide rather than the subject of his despotic rule," and to bless, in a thousand ways, the world. The Psalmist felt this; hence he prayed, "That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace." Shall not this beauty be supremely sought by us? Is it not indispensibly required? Parents, would not its possession by your beloved offspring remove many a fear, and impart real joy to your hearts? Would it not make them more than doubly your honor and delight? Young friends, would it not vastly increase your happiness, your holiness, your usefulness, and your hold on public respect? Then seek it. Let it be your first and chief pursuit; for it is the pearl of great price. But in judging of the desirableness of this beauty, let us look at its influence on the multitude. And as this prayer was originally offered for the Jews, let us ask, When were they blessed with the memorials of God's presence? When were they victorious over their foes? When were their name and power both respected and feared by the surrounding nations? And when did they most extensively impress those nations with the holiness and glory of God? Was it not when they cultivated and displayed this divine beauty? This it was, which compelled the ungodly Balaam to say, "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! and thy tabernacles, O Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign-aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedartrees beside the waters. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. He shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reck oned among the nations. Who hath counted the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his !" Oh, my hearers, there is a moral power in this divine beauty which impels the guilty head to cower, and impresses all with its majesty and worth. What was it made the church so attractive in the first ages of Christianity? What gave its members such power over the foes of Jesus? What contributed so greatly to its extensive advancement? What removed every obstacle to its unity and growth? What but the eminent possession of gospel holiness? And though the church is not so distinguished now, what is still its glory? What separates it from the world? What makes it the light and the salt of the earth? What attracts men to its fold? What leads men to honor its ordinances, and gives it such influences with the world? It is, unquestionably, the degree of moral beauty it still possesses. This gone, and it would be as salt that has lost its savor, cast out and trodden under foot of men. Notwithstanding the low state of the church, yet to it are the nations of Christendom indebted, under God, for their elevation above the other kingdoms of the earth. That degree of moral beauty found in it has given them their strength, security and glory. And in proportion to its spiritual purity and influence, has been their eminence and power. Proof of this is found by contrasting Popish with Protestant countries, as France and Italy with England; or Spain and South America with the United States. The church, under God, is the benefactor of the world. In it are matured those holy fruits which spring forth to bless the world. By it are propagated those righteous sentiments which control and elevate the world. And from it go forth those saving influences which will convert the world. Let the church increasingly cultivate this moral beauty; let it arise, shake itself from the dust, and put on its beautiful garments, and it will not only silence and confound its foes, but advance in numbers, fruitfulness and strength. It will be the acknowledged depository and exemplar of all real virtue, truth and love. Men will flock to it, as doves to their windows; while its power and victories shall advance until it becomes an eternal excellency, the joy of many generations. But the blessed fruits of this beauty are not confined to time, they extend to eternity. Then it will be perfect and glorious,— without spot, or blemish, or wrinkle, or any such thing. In heaven its possessor shall be welcomed to the Saviour's throne, walk with him in white, and be crowned with honor, immortality and eternal life. Should not this beauty be supremely desired by us? Is there not wisdom and piety in this course? Is not God calling us to this by the example of Moses in the text? Many of you are alive to the beauties of nature; you love to look on them, to talk about them, and to watch their development; but you are indifferent to the beauty of holiness, and yet this is far more important, and it is indispensible to your safety and peace. Soon the time will come when, while your love of the former will depart, the faintest hope that you are the possessor of this, the least sign that it adorns your character, will afford you more real joy than the possession of a world. Without this beauty, you cannot be acknowledged by Jesus. You cannot be welcomed to heaven, you cannot share in the glories of paradise, but you must participate in the miseries of the lost. Oh! listen to that heavenly voice, which now commends this blessing to you; for the spirit of God is calling us to its pursuit,he is now waiting to adorn you with its robe. He calls, that he may clothe you with the garment of salvation;" that he may cover you "with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels." What, in the light of this subject, shall we think of the gospel, of the institutions of religion, of the measures adopted to extend this moral beauty? Who are the greater benefactors of the race? those who are praying and laboring for its extension, or those who are indifferent to its spirit? Who are the more enlightened patriots? those who are laboring to increase its hallowed power, or those who, however distinguished their talents, are regardless of religion? Whence proceeds the more beneficial influence? from that circle where religion is banished, or but lightly esteemed, or that where its spirit is diligently cherished? From the church, or the places of fashionable amusement and resort? Which are more to be desired? those works which fascinate but to corrupt, or those which lead to the maturing of holy dispositions? Which will more contribute to lasting beauty? elegant accomplishments, or personal piety? Which secures the greater and more solid pleasure? worldly amusements, or the enjoyment of religion? Oh! there cannot be a doubt. "Tis religion that can give Be the living God my friend, Then my bliss will never end." By the solemn injunctions and claims of God, by your regard to personal pleasure and safety, by the wants of perishing thousands around, by your concern for the interests and glory of the land, let me intreat you to cultivate the spirit of holiness; and fervently pray that the beauty of the Lord our God may be upon us. SERMON LXI. LIGHT IN DARKNESS. Who is among you, that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Isaiah 1: 10. THE life of the Christian very much resembles that of the traveller, passing through various scenes, fertile valleys, rugged mountains, favored with sunshine and darkness, the clear sky and the stormy tempest. The life of the Christian is like that of the mariner, now having the calm and then the tempest; now sailing with the favorite breeze, all the canvass full, and then beating and conflicting with head winds, etc. Our text presents the Christian in circumstances of depression, walking in darkness, etc. And gives advice for his safety and consolation. Observe in the text, I. Two essential features in the godly man's character. 1. He feared the Lord. He holds God in supreme reverence, contemplates him with awe, and sincerely desires to avoid grieving him. lectual principle, and not a superstitious dread. This fear is an intelIt is an affectionate principle, and not the result of guilty alarm; the fear of the affectionate child, and of the loyal subject. 2. He obeys the voice of his servant. The prophets, etc., were the servants of God. So the apostles, etc. So also those who instruct men out of his word; who teach the way of salvation, etc.; who open to men the Scriptures of truth. Now the godly hear the word and revere it, love it, and obey it. Obedience is the great test of godly sincerity. The Christian delights in the law of God, etc. His word is more precious than thousands or gold, etc. Observe, II. The supposed condition of the godly man. "Walketh in darkness and hath no light." 1. Now this is not the ordinary condition of the Christian. He is a child of light, translated into the kingdom of light; he walks in the light; his path is as the morning light, etc. He is obtaining a meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light. (1.) He has the light of divine knowledge in his understanding. (2.) The light of truth in his judgment. (3.) The light of hope in his soul. (4.) The light of joy in his experience. (5.) The light of holiness in his life. He is not of the night nor of darkness. 2. Yet this is sometimes the condition of the best of saints. It is the result, (1.) Of providential trials. We are affected by the changes of life; sometimes they are sudden, great, etc. Jacob, Aaron, Eli, Elijah, David, Job. Thus the mind is bowed down, soul discouraged, etc. (2.) Often the result of nervous depression. An intimate connection exists between the mind and the body. The musical instrument out of tune, yields not its usual melody. The windows of a house may be so dusty and dim that much light is intercepted. Mental diseases are often treated by some Christians mistakingly, and the blame is thrown upon God. (3.) Often the result of living at a distance from God. Neglecting spiritual exercises, groveling in the world, inattention to the means of grace, and in various ways following the Lord afar off. When the darkness arises from this cause, there must be an earnest |