SEAM. XX.] TRUTH, SINCERITY, &C. 543 God : They seem humble, penitent, and pious, when the rod of heaven is upon them, but when that is once removed, they forget their sorrows and their seriousness together: Such were the rebellious and inconstant Jews of old, when the Lord slew them, they sought him early, and enquired after God ; but they took every newocca- sion to murmur and rebel again : There was no truth in their religion, their heart was not right with God, nor were they stedfast in his covenant, Ps. lxxviii. 34, 37. In trouble they visited thee, O Lord, and poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them ; but their goodness was like a morning cloud, and as the early dew, it vanished away, Is. xxvi: 16. Hos. vi. 4. There is another sort of men who behavewell enough in matters of virtue and religionwhen theyare in peace- ful and easy circumstances; but if once they are smitten in their flesh, in their good name, or their estate, or have any of the comforts of life irnbittered to them, they grow peevish and passionate, and nothing can please them; they vent their impatience on their friends, and throw their vexation of spirit all around them, as though they resolved to imitate that brutal character which the prophet mentions, like a wild bull in a net, struggling, and raving, and full of fury under the rebuke of the Lord, Is. li. 20. Surely both these qualities are very contrary to that serene and uniform practice of true godliness that be- comes a saint. 3. In all places, as well as in all times and circum- stances, the true christian appears the same, and is just to his own profession. Wheresoever he dwells, or so- journs, where he spends an hour or a year, he is con- stant to himself, and consistent with himselfstill. He ever maintains the same pious designs, and adorns and glorifies the doctrine of the gospel in all things. When at home and when abroad, he is the same person. When at church paying his honours and devotions to heaven ; when in his own family among his children and servants, or when in his shop and in theaffairs of life ; when in the street or on the exchange conversing with the world, friends and strangers, known and unknown ; when in his closet and secret chamber, still he is the same good man : still acting consistent with himself and his profession, z 4
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