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tion of what was substantially good and SERM, most conducive to his final peace, he vII. should have surrendered himself to those idolatrous and immoral practices, which he found in the end to be productive only of vanity and vexation of spirit. Yet hence we may draw this instructive lesson, that the wise man should not glory in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his might, nor the rich man in his riches; for all these endowments without the concurring grace of God are of no avail in maintaining his integrity against the several temptations which attend on human life. Whatever be the station that we hold in society, whatever be the qualities which recommend us to the notice of the world, we may learn from this example to distrust those advantages in which we make our boast, and to look with diffidence and humility on our own qualifications and attainments.

Thus

rendered sensible of our own insufficiency, we shall be put upon our guard against those temptations which most easily beset us, and we shall be disposed to repair in supplication to the throne of grace for wisdom to direct and

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SERM. for strength to support us through the VII. pilgrimage of life.

But if

That Solomon so distinguished for wisdom should fall into folly, so favoured of the God of Israel should labour to forget him, is a most deploreable instance of human frailty. we see cause of offence in his lapse from God and goodness, the offence is in some degree removed, if we look to the conduct of his latter days. He lived to be sensible of his follies, to repent of his errors, and to amend his life. After giving himself for a time to other Gods, in the end he returned unto the Lord..

But would we avail ourselves of a clearer and less exceptionable Guide, the Gospel points our attention to a greater and wiser than Solomon, even to the Prophet of the Christian dispensation; whose doctrine was the whole counsel of God, and whose example in every point illustrates and improves his doctrine.

The arguments used by Solomon for the choice and cultivation of wisdom seem to have a principal reference to the present life; though indeed he closes his discourse with an express acknowledgement of a future judgement

as

as the most prevailing motive for a wise SERM. and proper choice. That he does not vII. more closely and more copiously insist upon the recompence of another life must be imputed to the dimness of the divine light under the revelation of the Law. During that economy this important article of faith was a Treasure hid in a field, was a Pearl of great price not yet duly estimated. It was reserved for the Author and Finisher of our faith to bring this. Treasure forth to light, to disclose the worth of this inestimable Pearl to the knowledge of the world. He hath opened unto us the treasures of divine grace: he hath expanded heaven to our view, and proposed it for the object of our ambition and desire. Here are pleasures altogether pure; here are riches incorruptible; here are honours of transcending worth: they are all excellent in degree, and in duration they never have an end.

Nor is he disposed in the common order of Providence to abridge us of any genuine good upon earth, while he offers us an incomparably superior happiness in heaven. For godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and also of that which is

to

SERM. to come. While the man of pleasure is VII. giving himself up to indulgences that must end in pain; while the covetous man is heaping up riches that cannot profit; while the ambitious man is pursuing a phantom that continually evades his grasp; the truly religious man is establishing for himself a good foundation of happiness both in time and eternity. Unannoyed with those pangs which immoderate pleasures bring on the body, those cares which attend an inordinate love of riches, those fears and jealousies which perplex and haunt the walks of ambition, he is provided with more certain means of preserving health to the body and peace to the mind. Undisturbed by the reflexion, that he has sacrificed his integrity to any worldly pursuit, he retains the approbation of his own conscience, and he humbly hopes for acceptance with his God.

When so great are the blessings resulting from the purchase of this inestimable pearl, it is most beneficial counsel which our Saviour gives in his Sermon on the Mount, that we be not fretfully solicitous after the goods, as they are called, of this present life, that we take no immoderate

1 Tim. iv. 8.

thought,

thought, what we shall eat, or what we SERM, shall drink, or wherewithal we shall be vII. clothed. For after all these things did the Gentiles seek: they were anxious to make the most of this life, because they had no firm trust in Providence, and no sure confidence in a life to come, But Christians have better notions of God from the light, which he has imparted in the gospel, and more comfortable hopes for themselves, which are grounded on certain promises. And therefore instead of being painfully solicitous like the children of this world for the mammon of unrighteousness, our Lord continues to exhort us, But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righte ousness, and all these things will be added unto you. If our principal concern be given to our eternal interest, the providence of God will supply what is convenient for us in this life. He will either shed a blessing on our temperate pursuit after worldly goods; or if he sees cause in his unerring wisdom not to grant us what the world accounts the good things of life, he will take care in the end to make us abundant compen

* Matt. vi. 31, &c.

sation,

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