SECTION IV. 6223 comes a soldier ; 2 Tim. ii. 3, 4. Be watchful or.vigilant, lest yoube too much entangled with the affairs of this life, that you maybetter please him who has chosen you for an officer in his bat- talions, and that you may not be easily surprised into the snares of sin. Guard against a love of pleasure, a sensual temper, an indulgence of appetite, an excessive relish of wine or dainties; this carnalizes the soul, and gives occasion to the world to re- proach us but too justly. Watch carefully in all your conduct, that you give no of-. fence, as far as possible, neither to Jew or Gentile, nor to the church of God, thatso the ministry may not be blamed; 1 Cor. x. 32, 2 Cor. vi. 8. Maintain a holy jealousy over yourself and your conduct, that the name of Christ and his gospel suffer not the reproach of tongues and impious blasphemnies through your méans. Oh how dreadful is the mischief that a scandalous mi- nister does to the gospel of ourblessed Lord ! What a fearful train of consequences may attend his indulgence of any sinful ap- petite, or any single criminal action, even though it be not re- peated! What a fatal stumbling-block does he lay before the feet of saints and sinners ! Ile turns away the heart of sinners from God and religion, who perhaps began to think of setting their faces, towards heaven ; he discourages the hearts of young Christians, and weakens the hands of all the friends of Christ. Woe be to the preacher by whom-such offences come. H. Let your conversation be exemplary in all the duties of holiness and virtue, in all the instancesof worship and piety to- ward God, and in those of justice, honour, and hearty benevo- lence towards men. Be forwardand ready to engage in every good word and work, that you mayhe a pattern and a leader, of the flock, ,that you may be able to address the people committed to your care in the language of the blessed apostle, Be ye fol- lowers of me even as I also am of Christ ; 1 Cor. xi. I. .Bre- thren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. For our conversation is 1w heaven; Phil. iii. 17, 20. Those things which ye have both learned and received, and heardand seen in me, do you practise, and the God of peace shall Be wit /s you ; Phil. iv. 9, III. Let your conversation be grave and manly, yet plea- sant and engaging. Let it be ;rave; manly, and venerable: remember your station in thechurch, that you sink not into levity and vain trifling, that you indulge not any ridiculous humours or childish follies, below the dignity of your character : keep up the honour of your office among men by a remarkable sanctity of manners, by a decent and manly deportment. Remember that our station does not permit any of us to set up for a buf- foon ; nor will it be any glory to us to excel in farce and comedy. Let others obtain the honour of being good jesters, and of have
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