426 SIOLY FORT/V./DE. Only to the dim and glimmering light of nature, as a sufficient refuge for their souls, and their onlyguide in matters of religion A poor doubtful guide, and a dangerous refuge ! And yet these men are continually instructing one another to wage war against the blessed gospel, and rise in arms of defiance against the only Saviour. It is proper then for us to enquire, are we ready to declare ourselves christians if we are called to it, when deists and scoffers surround us with their abominable jests, or their wanton cavils ? For though sometimes they argue against our creed with Calmness and decency, yet it must beconfessed that those are the most common weapons which this sort of menmake use of. Darewe now make a profession of Our faith among men ofinfidelity, and not value their banter, and +heir insolent re-. proaches ? Let us remember, that christian courage must en- counter mockeryand slanders as well as other terrors: Courage must guard us against sinful shame, as well as against sinful fear. Can we glory ina crucified Saviour asthe wisdomand the power of God, if we shouldbe placed between the Jews on one side, and the heathens on the other, who load this doctrine with folly and scandal. St. Paul was a brave example ; O that every soul of us could as bravely imitatehim ! But let us proceed to some more occasions of courage a-kin tothis. Perhaps we content ourselves to be christians in our closets, and to frequent the public assemblies of worship without shame or fear, because our neighbours do the same : But I would en- quire of such general professors of christianity, why are you so backward to give up your names to Christ, and attend on the special ordinance of his holy supper ? Is it notbecause you are ashamed to appear in such a strict profession of godliness, and to be known and observed by the world, as those that have devoted themselves to the Lord in his church ? This iscertainly the case of some younger converts. Let them here be put in mind of their former, neglects, and their present duty. Be strong in the Lord, banish a shameful shame, and seal your covenant in the blood of Christ. His cross is your hope, and whyshould you not make it your glory too ? Ifyou are ashamed of such a public profession in peaceful times, what will ye do if days of trial should come? Would you be ready to vindicate your separation from the church of Rome, and all its superstitions ? Would youhavecourage enough to maintain the purityof your profession,and your close adherence to scripture, in opposition to all the inventions and traditions of men ? Would your heart be strong to persist in your peculiar practices of religion, in the most scriptural forms of it, in an hour of persecution anddanger ? Blessed be God fora protestant king on the throne, and a glorious race of protestant princes to succeed
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