SERM. XXIX.] A GOOD REPORT, &C. 489 food against his conscience. And the apostle practised this self-denial, lest he should sin against his weak brother, lest he should grieve him by this uncharitable license; as Rom. xiv. 15. This holy caution and tenderness of offending the weak, was the constant practice of that blessed saint, who had more knowledge than all of us, but he had more condescension and self-denial too. O that we might all make him our pattern, and practise the charity that we preach so loudly, and profess with such a modern assurance ! There are other practices which might be comprized under this general character, and recommended as things of good report. But I must not draw such discourses out to a tiresome 'length, which perhaps may create but too much pain and uneasiness, by the very sense and subject of which they treat. Yet certainly it is a part of our duty and our interest to know, and meditate, and prac- tise those things that maygain us a good name and repu- tation in the world, and may brighten our character among the churches of Christ; arid to avoid every thing that would blemish our honour, or sink our esteem among wise and good. men. What arguments may be drawn. from the light of na- ture to .enforce this exhortation, or what more powerful motives are derived from the gospel, to awaken and ex- cite us to the practice of all that is honourable, shall be considered in the next discourse, when I treat of the matters of virtue and praise, which are recommended in the last words of my text. HYMN FOR SERMON XXIX CHRISTIAN MORALITY, viz. THINGS OF GOOD REPORT. LONG METRE. IS it a thing of good report, 'To squander life and time away? To cut the hours of duty short, While toys and follies waste the day ? To ask and prattle all affairs, And mind all business but our own ? To live at random, void of cares, While all things to confusion run ? Doth this become the christian name, To venture neár the tempter's door ? To sort with men of evil fame, And yet presume to stand secure? Am I my own sufficient guard, While I expose my soul to shame? Can the short joys of sin reward The lasting blemish of my name? Omay it be my constant choice , To walk with men of grace below, 'Till I arrive where heavenly joys, And never- fading honours grow
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