Abernathy - Houston-Packer Collection BX9178.A33 S4 1748 v.3

20 Attending public Inflruí`lion, S E R 1bi. fanEtion to enforce it, the cleareft inftrudion, XI. and the pureft manner of adminiftration, as well as the moft convincing evidence of its truth and divine authority, were worthy of fuch a meffenger. But I will confider the open appearance of wifdom and the public plan of her doc- trines and rules, abftraEtly from what is pe- culiar in any difpenfation. The refped which is due from men, is, to hear, and the text pronounceth them bleffed who do fo. Their duty is farther thus expreffed, watching daily at the gates of wifdom, and waiting at the polls of her doors. As the gates and avenues to the houfes of the great are filled with retainers, as fervants, fubje!ts, vaffals, and other dependants (according to the various diftin Lions of men in higher or lower nations) who are continually thronging thither to pay their homage, and to prefent their petitions ; and as fcholars in- tent upon learning, diligently attend public 1eEtures, and all other means of teaching, fo we ought to make our court to wifdom, and be moft folicitous to embrace every op- portunity of admif3ion into her favour. It will be no difficulty to underftand the par- ticulars which are reprefented by this allu- fion, that is, the inftrumental duties of re- ligion,

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