SEAM. XXX.] COURAGE AND HONOUR. 503 ment of the apothecary to send forth. a stinking savour; so does a little folly disgrace a man who is in reputation for wisdom and honour," Eccles. x. 1. The blemish that arises from one base or foolish action will darken a bright character, and cancel the honour that has cost the labour of many years to acquire: And the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will suffer much by it also, if those persons once descend to folly and disgrace, who have risen high before in the regions of wisdom and public esteem. Happy those christians who walk closely with God to the end of life, and keep' their garments unspotted ! When they die, they leave a perfumed name behind them to the churches, and to the families to which they have belonged ; and perhaps they bequeath a lasting ho- nour to religion as long as the world shall stand. Such has been the character of some of the saints in ancient ages of the world, such in the elder and later days of christianity: The brightness and savour of their good name abides to this day amongst us, as an ornament to religion, and a rich perfume to the gospel of our Lord Jesus. , To him be glory and dominionfor ever and ever. Amen. HYMN FOR SERMONXXX CHRISTIAN MORALITY, viz. COURAGE AND HONOUR. COMMON DO I believe what Jesus saith, And think his'gospel true ? Lord, make me bold to own my faith, And practise virtue too. Suppress my shame, subdue my fear, Arm me With heavenly zeal, That I may make thy power appear, And works of praise fulfil. METRE. If nies shall see my virtue shine, And spread my name abroad; Thine is the power, the praise is thine, My Saviour, and my God ! Thus when the saints in glory meet, Their lips proclaim thy grace;, They cast their honours at thy feet, And own their borrow'd rays. END OF VOL. I.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=