Watts - BX5200 .W3 1813 v.1

SERMON XXXIII. 471 ly, how we should treat our fellow-creatures; but we ask our lusts and our passions, we enquire of our ambition and pride, our covetousness, our wrath and revenge, how we should be- have to others. Reflect, O my soul, how often thou hast turned aside from this blessed rule of thy Saviour, by consulting with the corrupt principles of flesh and blood. How often hast thou neglected this holy precept, to follow the vicious customs of a sinful'world, and a degenerate age ! A degenerate ageindeed, that has forgot the practise of truth and love! Where shall we write this rule in large and golden letters, that theWhole citymight read it daily? Shall we engrave it on every door, that all who pass by may see it ? Shall it stand fixed to every post of the house, that it may direct all your domestic conduct? Shall it meet us at the entrance of every shop, and thus guard our traffic from iniquity, and sanc- tify all our commerce ? Shall we make a philactery of it, and wear it on the borders of our garments, that we may never put it off, -unless we lie down to sleep, acid cannot act ? But the Spirit of Christ is the best writer of his own golden rule, and .the heart of man is the best table to receive and bear this writing. O that the holySpirit would write this sacred law of justice and love more deeply, more effectually in all our hearts, that the religion of our Saviour might look like itself, all amiable and holy; and that while we give glory /to God on high, for his _saving grace, we might find peace and truths spreading through áll the earth, and good-will multiplied ámong the children of . men. Thus the will of God would be done on earth, as it is in heaven, and the kingdom of our Redeemer come in its expect- edglory. Amen. Even so come Lord Jesits. IIYIVIN FOR SERMÓN XXXIÍI, The Universal Rule of Equity. BLESSED Redeemer , how divine, How righteous is this rule of thine, "Never to deal with others.worse, Than we we would have them deal with us." This golden lessonshort and plain, Gives nor the mind nor memory pain: And every conscience must approve This universal law of love. 'Tis written in each mortal breast, Where all our tenderest wishes rest; We draw it from out inmost veins,. Where love tO self resides and reigns. Is reason ever at a loss? Call to self-love to.) udge the cause; Let our own fondest passion skew How we should 'treat our neighbours too. How bless'd would every nation prove, Thus rul'd by equity and love ! All would be friends without a foe, And form a paradise below. Jesus, forgive us that we keep Thysacred law of love asleep ; And take our envy, wrath and pride, Thosesavage passions, for our guide.

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