SERMON LIII. 135 The second thing I proposed was to show you some of the advantagesof such an agreement for christian- fellowship among others I might mention such as these: 1. " It gives courage to every christian to profess and prac- tise his religion, when many persons are engaged by mutual agreement in thesame profession and practice." We do not love to be singular, and to be pointed at by the world, as standing and acting alone, especially in the affairs of God and religion; but when a good company unite themselvestogether for such a sacred purpose, tlis takes away the reproach of singularity, they all strengthenone another's hands in the ways of the Lord, and they 'bear up with more Amines of heart against the reproaches of the }world. 2. " It is more for the particular edification of christiáns, that such societies should be formed, where the word of Christ is constantly preached, where the ordinances of Christ are ad- ministered, and the religion of Christ is held forthin a social and honourable manner to the world." Hereby every christian knows whore to go to hear the gospel preached, And multitudes are in- structed at once in the great things that relate to their eternal peace: Hereby those who have known the things of Christ more easily call to:mind what they have learned, and are admonished of their daily duty by the publicpreacher : Here their prayers are united, and their songs of 'praise ; and such an union of prayers and praises is delightful and acceptable tò him who inhabits the praisesof Israel, andwhohas encouragedthem to agree in asking mercies from God, and to strive together in prayer. United de- votions aremuch more likely to obtain success. 3. Such a holy fellowship and agreement to walk together in theways of Christ, is a happy guard against backsliding and apostaey, it is a defence against the temptations of the world, and the defilements of a sinful age." Having givenmy name up to Christ`in á public' manner, how shall I dare to renounce him ? Ilavingjoinedmyself tothe followersof Christ, how shall I break those bonds, and depart from them, or disgrace that holy fellow- ship by any known sip ? Having made a public profession of my avowed obedience to 'Jesus as a Lord and king ; how can I dare decline his service, or indulge myself in those iniquities which his gospel forbids' 4. " Christians thus united together bymutual acquaintance and agreement, can give each other better assistance in every thing that relates to religion, whether public or private :" They warm one another's hearts by mutual holy conversation ; they support one another when ready to fall, and raise and restore those that arefallen in a spirit ofmeekness i Gal: vi. 1. But as ,5olonionwarns us, Who to hint that fallswhile he walks atonal
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