SERMON XXX. 410 esteem and reputation among men, they will be more ready to hearken to our,counsel, and comply with our advice. We shah have more influence on mankind, both to promote the honour o God and the benefit of men. A word that we speak, will make deeper impression, and be attended with greater success. A word or a look of Cato among the Romans, would do more to restrainvice, and to shame the vicious,than the frown of an em- peror. III. There is so much real and inward satisfaction arises from a good character, obtainedby a life of virtue and piety, that a man who knows the pleasure of it, would not renounce theprac- tices which may attain it. I confess it is a more important matter to secure a good conscience than a good name, and to obtain praise in the sight of. God, than in the lips of men : But where both these are joined together by the favour of divine provi- clenee, our virtue andpiety has a larger reward, and Mir natures are so framed and composed, that we cannot help taking some satisfaction in it. Prov. xv. 30. A good report makes the bones fat; that is, as one expresses it it revives the heart to such a de-. gree, as renders the body more'healthfuland vigorous. Methinks those persons have something very degenerate in them, and their conduct is a little unnatural who seem to have lost the very desireof a good name or reputation. I cannot but won- der to hear a person boast of his scorn and contempt of it in such language as this ; " I will pursue my own designs, I will gratify and please myself, and I care not what the world says of me." Surely if suchlanguage did-become a ehristian, the scrip- ture would not be so solicitous to recommend a goodname and things of good report, This naturally leads me to consider, what influence Christi- anity has to excite us to the practice of reputable actionsand such as deserve honour amongst men. Here we may first take notice, how often the scripture pro- poses honour as a reward of goodness and virtue. Our Saviour promises it to those that are humble and condescending; if thou art ready at some entertainment to seat thyself in a lower place ; Luke xiv. 10. The master of the feast shall exalt thee, and thou shalt have worship in the presence of those that sit at meat with thee; for he that humbleth hirrzselfshall be exalted. St. Paul tells the christians, do that which is good, and thou shalt havepraise from the ruling power,for magistratesare appointed for thepraise of them that do well; 1 Pet. ii. 14, Solomon proposes the same Motive ; Prov. iv. 7, 8. Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom ;she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her. The apostle recommends often tothe Christians of his day a 4 e3
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