the Charager of his true D fciples. 221 endure to the end (hall be faved, and to them S E R M. alone who remain faithful unto death, the IX. crown of life is promifed. Now, the only pofíible fecurity of this ftedfaflnefs, is love to Chrift, and to religion and virtue, above all. Without it; whenever the intereft of any prevailing obje& of affefion comes in competition with our duty, we fhall defert it, and cleave to the more beloved idol. St. Paul tells us, 2 Tim. iv. io. That " Demas " for,föok him, having loved this prefent " world." And, indeed, according to the account which the apoffle John gives us of the love of the world, *that it comprehends the " lufl of the fell, the lull of the eyes, and " the pride of lfè," or the pleafures of the external f-nfes, riches, and honour, to it mull be attributed the numerous herefies and apoflacies of the primitive times ; efpe- cially if we add to it, cowardice, which is an undue love of life, or loving it more than Chrift and our duty. I (hall only add, that a fl:edfafl, and uni- verfal obedience to him, is imported in our being worthy of Chrift, or his fincere dif- ciples. The very notion of a chriftian is one who keeps the commandments of Chrift. * r John ii. 16. Without`
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