the Charatler of his true D /ciples. 225 greater regard to Chrift, than to his life, S E R H. and to men, if to fave it, he denies him be- IX. fore them ? But, we may apply this alto to other, and more ordinary purpofes in the praftice of religion. If the commanding love of Chrift be a fufficient defence againft the ftrongeft temptations, it may well fupport the mind againft leffer ones. And indeed tho' the greateft things in religion may be effeéted by the force of this principle, the leaft and the eafieft cannot be done without it. There are other trials of integrity and virtue, be- fides perfecution, arifing from the common relations, and affairs in life : And the friend - fhip of this world too commonly betrays men into enmity againft God. Our affec- tion to our friends and worldly interefts may miflead us, by flattery, as well as terror : and their infinuating fmiles may prove a fnare as well as their frowns. If a chriftian then (hall be in fuch an unhappy fituation even in his own houfe, as to be folliéited to fin, by his moft intimate friends ; if their example, or perfuafions allure him to that which is evil; let him remember that firft and moft indifpenfable law of his religion, to love his God, and his Saviour, more than VOL. I. " Father
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