example permits, that "if it be possible" the cup may pass from you; but enabled to say with "nevertheless not as divine master, your I will, but as thou wilt."* Then, again, I say unto you, rejoice! for you may trust that your love is more than an outward profession, because those things which would otherwise be against you, are manifestly working together for your good. And this, wherever the work is commenced, is the pledge, if you remain patient in well doing, of greater good yet to come: for though we are justified in rejoicing, if we find the things which are appointed us here working for our good, "mortifying the works of the flesh, and our earthly members, and drawing up our minds to high and heavenly things,"+ yet the crown of our Christian rejoicing will be this, that our obedience springing from love to God, is also the assurance of God's love to us; and that as now, in our earthly trials, we are strengthened by

* Mat. xxvi. 39. + Article XVII.

his grace, so in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, we shall be "more than conquerors through him that loved us:"* which may God, of his mercy, grant through Jesus Christ our Lord.

*Romans viii. 37.

G

SERMON IV.

1 St. PETER ii. 21.

"LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, THAT YE SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS.

WE know as Christians of whom these words are spoken. Of whom, indeed, but of one, could it be said that "he left us an example," understanding that word in its proper signification, as a pattern in all points to be followed; of whom else could this be said?

For the word used implies such a copy proposed for our consideration, as was set before scholars for their instruction; and which, therefore, they were to view narrowly, to consider in all its bearings, and so to imbue

themselves with its signification and teaching, as to be able to give in their imitation or portraiture, a faithful transcript of the original. This is the meaning conveyed to us in the expression, "leaving us an example." Viewed in connection with the Apostle's argument, it is confined more particularly to the enforcement of patience under undeserved suffering; "For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering, wrongfully:-because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps ;"* but we properly enlarge it to a general demand upon our conduct; that in "whatever things are just, or honest, or pure, or lovely, or of good report," in these our blessed Lord left us an example, that we should follow his steps. And what, we may demand, at first sight, more reasonable-what more natural, than that those who profess themselves followers of any master, should

* 1 Peter ii. 19-21 + Phil. iv. 8.

tread in his steps? it has been thus in all times. They who, in the heathen world, professed themselves to be the disciples of any sect, or school of philosophers, followed diligently in the steps of their teachers their words were attentively considered; their actions made the subject of imitation; their steps, in a word, were followed.

In the practical concerns of life, this principle is equally acknowledged. The masters in any science or art, which is to lead to worldly prosperity, are diligently hearkened to; their words are fully weighed; their practice sedulously imitated: for who could look to be distinguished for eminence in any earthly pursuit, who should neglect to follow in their steps who have already achieved success? The principle on which the words of the text are based is, therefore, abundantly acknowledged; and it is withal, a principle so just and undeniable, that its operation will continue through all time; and it will be found