"rest subservient to the most important inte"rest of myself and of all within the circle of my influence?"

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My brethren, propose these questions to your own hearts, and see how far you can satisfactorily reply to them. See whether you have hitherto kept the Sabbath in a manner suitable to the end for which it was appointed. Be ashamed for past neglect. Henceforth, by renewed exertions, by increased circumspection, redeem the time. And may God give you grace so to observe this blessed institution, that it may be a source of augmented consolation and delight on earth, and a theme of eternal gratitude and praise in heaven !

SERMON XI.

ON THE DANGER AND MISERY OF SELF

DECEPTION.

MATTHEW, Xix. 16.

And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal Life?

OF the numerous persons who applied to our Lord, during his ministry on earth, few addressed him on the concerns of their souls. Some worldly good, some temporal blessing, the removal of a bodily disorder, or the recovery of a diseased or dying relative, constituted the usual subjects of their application. Master, speak to my brother that he divide the inheritance with me.- Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.- Sir, come down ere my child die. Such were the requests which most frequently assailed the ears of Jesus. Some examples, however, of a different conduct oc

We have an instance in the petitioner in

the text. Good master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? It is spiritual instruction which he seeks. It is an heavenly, not an earthly good, concerning which he desires information and advice. It is the attainment of eternal life to which his inquiry is directed.

The interesting conference, of which this inquiry is the commencement, in an especial manner lays claim to our notice, by exhibiting a memorable instance of the most dangerous Self-Deception, and of the admirable wisdom with which our Lord proceeded to detect the disorder, and to apply the remedy.

And behold, one came and said unto him, Good master, what good thing shall I do, that Į may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus saith, Thou shalt do no murder; Thou shalt not commit adultery'; Thou shalt not steal; Thou shalt not bear false witness; Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet? Jesus saith unto him; If thou wilt he perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow

me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.

In endeavouring to make a profitable use of this instructive portion of Scripture, I shall propose to your consideration,

I. The state and character of the person who here addressed our Lord.

II. The conduct of our Lord on this occâsion.

I. On comparing the several accounts of this transaction, we discover many circumstances which are calculated at first sight to impress us with very favourable sentiments of the state and character of the person here introduced to our notice. He was a young man, it is probable of an appearance more than usually prepossessing, of engaging manners, and of amiable dispositions. His moral conduct, it may also be inferred, was decent and exemplary. At that season of life, in which youth is too often alleged as a palliation at least of vicious indulgence, he had been free from the practice of licentious irregularities. Even the additional temptation which riches, by facilitating the means of sensual gratification, administer, had not induced him to swerve from the strict line of virtue and temperance. His whole deportment, we may conjecture, had been distin

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guished by a propriety and a moderation, which, under similar circumstances of youth, and affluence, are rarely to be found.

To these commendable traits in his character, another feature of superior excellence may be subjoined. He professed a serious regard, for religion. He was not infected with the Sadducean principles of the times. He believed in a future state. The question which he proposed in the text intimates an anxiety for his spiritual concerns: while the earnest and respectful manner in which he preferred his petition (for he came running, and kneeled to Jesus)*, evinces the honourable opinion which he entertained of our Lord, as a teacher sent from God.

So far then as the character under review has been examined, it exhibits a pleasing combination of many attractive and interesting qualities. But hitherto we have surveyed the surface only. What is the state within? Does the hidden man of the heart correspond. with this graceful and promising exterior? We are compelled to assert the contrary. We are compelled to assert, that, notwithstanding these hopeful appearances, the young man is still in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Amiable, moral, engaging, seemingly,

Mark, x. 17.