conduct in spirit rather than in reality, and to gather, from what he did in his vocation, what he might be expected to have done in our own. This is the strongest argument for the frequent perusal as well as careful study of the word of God; because it is not only necessary for us to understand its import, but to have its several parts so familiar to our minds, that they may rise up in our recollection at the moment when they are required-in the time of temptation-in the day of trial-in the hour of danger. It is when assistance is most wanted, that it is generally least likely to be found; and happy is he, who, at such an hour, can call readily to mind the conduct of his Master in similar circumstances, or can feel at once what would have been his conduct had similar circumstances fallen in his way. If we could become thus imbued, as it were, with a knowledge of the character of him whom we are bound by our profession to imitate, and would honestly and sincerely follow his steps wherever they may seem to lead us, what

a change would be wrought in our own habits; and, if the principle were universally adopted, what a revolution in the world in general! It is lamentable to think how little progress the true spirit of the Gospel has even yet made in the world, notwithstanding it has been preached for so many centuries, its sovereignty established, its benefits experienced and acknowledged! Many passions and many habits which are in direct opposition to its spirit, and are positively condemned by its precepts, are not only tolerated, but even applauded, in the midst of a Christian land! Who that had formed his notions only from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, would expect to find revenge, selfishness, worldly-mindedness, and pride, all praised and encouraged (under different names indeed) by men who profess to be following the steps of the meek and lowly Jesus? Yet so it is. Mankind form their opinions from what they find current in the world, and not upon what is written in the Gospel; and thus error is handed down from generation to gene

ration, because men hew out to themselves broken cisterns, instead of having recourse to the living fountain of truth. Let it be our care not to imitate their example. Let us rather, without prejudice or self-deception, study to understand the portrait of a complete Christian, which the Gospel presents to us as our model, and let us adopt and follow it, as far as our ignorance and our frailty will allow us. The title which our blessed Saviour delights to bear, is that of the good Shepherd'—one who is the companion as well as the guardian of his flock-one" who calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out, and goeth before :" and he adds, “ the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." Let us fail not to give this evidence, that we are indeed the sheep of his pasture. Let us "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth;" and especially where the task is perhaps the hardest,—when we seem to ourselves" for conscience towards God to endure grief, suffering wrongfully." It is

1 See the Gospel for the day.

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2 Rev. xiv. 4.

in this point that St. Peter in the text declares that it is the disciple's peculiar duty to imitate his Lord: in this, then, as in all others, let us follow, in humility and in sincerity, the steps of our gracious Master; and let us fervently pray "that he, who hath given his only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life, would give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord 1."

SERMON XXII.

THE DEGREE OF HOLINESS REQUIRED OF

THE CHRISTIAN.

MATT. V. 20.

I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

THIS passage, with which the gospel of this day1 opens, may well excite our curiosity, and arrest our utmost attention. It speaks of that great topic which is of all others the most important to manthe ultimate end to which he aims-the great reward proposed to his labours and his hopes the prize, which to gain or to lose, is all in all to him-the kingdom of

1 Sixth Sunday after Trinity.