SERMON XXII. Christian Morality, viz. Truth, Sincerity, &c. PHILIP. iv. 8.Whatsoever things are true, think on these things. WHEN HE we are ever so well informed in the nature of our duty, we still want arguments to make our consciences feel the obligation. Flesh and blood are frail and sinful ; grace is feeble and imperfect in the present state ; temptations surround us in this lower world, and are ever ready to allure or affright us from the pathsof holiness : we have need therefore ofpowerful motives . to enforceevery duty upon our practice. In the first discourse on this subject, we have heard the natureand extent of that truth or sincerity which the gospel re- quires. In the second we have considered what obligations are discovered by the light of nature to be faithful, upright and con-. stant in our words and our ways ; and what additional motives the religion of Christ has furnished us with, to practise the same virtues ; and may the good spirit of God make our souls feel the power of them ! But nature is dark, as well as feeble. We are unskilful in the matters of holiness, and know not how to secure our virtue, and toguard ourselves from temptation to the contrary vice, unless we are informed by particular directions. I begun this work at the end of the last discourse. And as truth was divided into three parts, viz. veracity, faithfulness, and con- stancy ; so Iproposed to give special rules for the preservation of each of them. The directionsto preserve our veracity, were these : 1. Bewell persuaded in your minds, that a known andwilful lie isutterly unlawful : Let your heart be established in this doc- trine; for a slight conviction may be easily overcome by some advantageous circumstances, and the temptationwill soon prevail. 2. Be sober, modest, and cautious in the manner of your speech, and do not allow yourself in those ways of expression which border upon lying; for if you often accustom your tongue to venture near a lie, you will be in danger sometimes of falling into it. -3. Take care to do nothing that you need tobe ashamed of, that so you may not be under the temptation of a lie to cover or excuse it. -4. Watch against the violence of any passion.; for this will sorely endanger the veracity of your lips. Passionwill VOL. t.
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