SERM. morofe and severe, and to stretch their auVIII. thority beyond the bounds of reason: nothing

hinders, but that they may aim at escaping, that mistake, and exceed them in mildnesse and gentleneffe. There can be no good reafon affigned, why children should not be better than their parents, if they are able: ftill preferving a humble and dutiful refpect to a fuperior relation, which is a neceffarie part of true goodneffe, without which they cannot excell.

V. It is a great and fingular happineffe, when there is a general agreement and harmonie in things of religion among friends and relatives, and the feveral branches of a familie.

This happineffe is not univerfal. It was not the cafe in this familie. Nevertheless, it does not appear, that Timothie's father obstructed those who depended upon him in following their own convictions: nor that he hindred them from embracing any farther discoveries. Nay it does not appear, that he opposed his fon Timothie's undertaking the office of an Evangelift, and accompanying

the Apostle Paul in his journeys for promot- SERM. ing the gospel.

VIII.

However, upon fome occafions, there will be not only differences of fentiment, but much animofity in families, on account of the principles of religion. Says our Lord: Suppofe ye, that I am come to fend peace on Luke xii. earth! I tell you, nay: but rather divifions. 51...53. For from henceforth there fhall be five in one houfe divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the fon, and the fon against the father: the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother.

Sometimes children are difobedient, ftubborn, and refractorie. They forfake the guides of their youth, and are a grief of heart to thofe, who have the most tender affection for them, and fhew a wife concern for their true intereft. They will not fubmit to authority, nor hearken to reafon. They will not be perfuaded by the most earnest and affectionate importunity to attend to the things that make for their welfare here or hereafter.

On the other hand, fometimes the progreffe of virtue is obftructed or discouraged N

by

SERM. by fuperiors in age and station. And the VIII. ferious and well difpofed bring upon them

felves hardships by being more than ordinarily diligent and inquifitive in things of religion. Their fuperiors are not duly apprised of the rights of confcience. And the smalleft difference of opinion is thought to deferve the keenest refentment. They who are the most fincere in their regard to the general obligations of religion, and most dutiful and respectful to their parents, from a principle of confcience, are nevertheless difcouraged, because of difference in opinion upon fome fpeculative points. This is an evil. And it is a trial, which the virtue of fome meets with.

There are alfo happy and defirable cases. When children readily receive the great truths and doctrines of religion, and the grounds of them, from their parents, or other inftructors: When they embrace the commandment, and walk therein, that they may live. This is most agreeable to those who have been concerned for them, and have labored for their welfare. It must likewise be exceeding comfortable to those younger perfons, or others in a ftate of dependence,

upon

upon whom the principles of religion have SERM. made a deep impreffion, to be encouraged VIII. and animated in their religious ftudies and. enquiries by thofe, whom they love, honor and esteem.

In a word it is a very agreeable circumstance, contributing as much to the happineffe of this state of imperfection, as any thing that can be thought of: When there is agreement between friends and relatives in the great things of religion, with forbearance, as to differences about leffer matters: When real holineffe and true virtue have the higheft regard and difference of opinion about things of fmall moment, whether proceeding from want of understanding, or from greater measures of light and knowledge, produce no alienation of affection. For fuch a fituation every one who enjoys it, ought to be thankful. To be at liberty to do what our confcience dictates, without moleftation from others, is a delightful privilege. Such have the perfuafion of the divine favour and acceptance, and enjoy also the good will, approbation and encouragement of earthly friends. This makes duty eafie. If it had been otherwife, they could not have drawn. N 2 back.

SERM. back. They would have been obliged for VIII. the fake of Chrift and his kingdom, to forfake father and mother, and all worldly poffeffions. But they have both, the favour of God, and of men: or at left the favour and good will of thofe, whom they most ef

teem.

I have mentioned these things, as useful hints. Parents ufually love those children beft, that advance themselves in the world. But true virtue and goodneffe ought to be the greatest recommendation. Nor ought any advances therein to be discouraged.

Application.

I hope the words of the text may be applied to you, my friends. I have no reason to doubt, but that the unfeigned faith, which firft dwelt in your pious parents, is in you alfo, according to your years, and upon the ground of a rational evidence and conviction. And fuch a confideration gives joy and fatisfaction.

But there can be no harm in recommending to you, to cherish, maintain, and emprove the principle of goodneffe. I appre

hend