presses it, who offends not in word* ;" and therefore, doubtless, he that speaks least, offends in this respect more rarely. "But in the multitude of words, as the wise man observes, there wants not sint." To speak much, and also to the purpose, seldom falls to the share of one mant. Now, that we may avoid loquacity, we must love solitude, and render it familiar; that so every one may have an opportunity to speak much to himself, and little to other people. "We must, to be sure, says a Kempis, be in charity with all men; but it is not expedient to be familiar with every one§." General, and indiscriminate conversation with every one we meet, is a mean and silly thing. Even, when we promise ourselves comfort and satisfaction, from free conversation, we often return from such interviews with uneasiness; or, at least, have spoken and heard such things, as, upon serious reflection, may justly give us concern. But, if we would secure our tongues and senses, or keep safe our hearts, and all the issues of life, we must be frequent at prayer, in the morning, at noon, and at night, or oftener throughout the day, and continually walk, as in the presence of God? always remembering, that he observes not only our words and actions, but also takes notice of our most secret thoughts. This is the sum and substance of true piety: for

† Χωρὶς τὸ τ' ἔιπειν πόλλα και τά κάιρια.

§ Charitas certe habenda est erga omnes, sed familiaritas non expedit.

he, who is always sensible, that that pure and all-seeing eye is continually upon him, will never venture to sin, with set purpose, or full consent of mind. This sense of the divine presence, would certainly make our life on this earth, like that of the angels; for, according to our Lord's expression, it is their peculiar advantage, "continually to behold the face of our Father, who is in heaven." By this means Joseph escaped the snares laid for him by his imperious mistress; and, as if he had thrown water upon it, extinguished that fiery dart with this seasonable reflection, "Shall I do this great wickedness, and sin against God*." He might have escaped the eyes of men, but he stood in awe of that invisible eye, from which nothing can be hid. We read of a good man of old, who got the better of a temptation, of the same kind, by the same serious consideration; for, being carried from one chamber to another, by the woman that tempted him, he still demanded a place of greater secrecy, till having brought him to the most retired place of the whole house, here, said she, no person will find us out, no eye can see us. To this he answered, will no eye see? Will not that of God perceive us? By which saying, he himself escaped the snare, and, by the influence of divine grace, brought the sinful woman to repentance, But now,

Let us pray.

PRAISE waits for thee, O Lord, in Zion; and to * Gen. xxxix. 9.

be employed in paying thee that tribute, is a becoming and pleasant exercise: it is due to thee from all the works of thy hands, but particularly proper from thy saints and celestial spirits. Elevate, O Lord, our minds, that they may not grovel on the earth, and plunge themselves in the mire; but, being carried upwards, may taste the pleasures of thy house, that exalted house of thine, the inhabitants whereof are continually singing thy praises. Their praises add nothing to thee, but they themselves are perfectly happy therein. While they behold thy boundless goodness, without any vail, admire thy uncreated beauty, and celebrate the praises thereof throughout all ages. Grant us,

that we may walk in the paths of holiness, and, according to our measure, exalt thy name, even on this earth, until we also be translated into the glorious assembly of those who serve thee in thy higher house.

Remember thy goodness and thy covenant to thy church militant upon this earth, and exposed to dangers amidst so many enemies: yet we believe, that, notwithstanding all these dangers, it will be safe at last it may be distressed, and plunged in the waters, but it cannot be quite overwhelmed, or finally perish. Pour out thy blessing upon this our nation, our city, and university: we depend upon thee, O Father, without whose hand we should not have been, and without whose favour we can never be happy. Inspire our hearts with gladness, thou, who alone art the fountain of solid,

pure, and permanent joy, and lead us, by the paths of righteousness and grace, to the rest and light of glory, for the sake of thy Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ; Amen.

LECTURE XXIII.

Of PURITY of Life.

IN every act of religious worship, what a great advantage would it be, to remember that saying of our great Master, which nobody is altogether ignorant of, and yet scarce any know as they ought, "That God, whom we worship, is a spirit, and therefore to be worshipped in spirit and in truth *." He is a spirit, a most pure spirit, and the father of spirits: he is truth, primitive truth, and the most pure fountain of all truth: "But we all have erred in heartt." We are indeed spirits, but spirits immersed in flesh; nay, as it were, converted into flesh, and, the light of truth being extinguished within us, quite involved in the darkness of error: and, what still sets us in greater opposition to the truth, every thing about us is false and delusive; "There is no soundnesst." How improper, there

*John iv. 24.

† ἡμεῖς δὲ πόλλοι καρδια πλανώμενοι.

† ἐδὲν ὑγιές.

fore, are we, who are deceitful and carnal*, to worship that spirit of supreme truth? Though we pray, and fast often, yet all our sacrifices, as they are polluted by the impure hands wherewith we offer them, must be offensive, and unacceptable to God; and the more they are multiplied, the more the pure and spotless Deity must complain of them, as the grievance is thereby enhanced. Thus, by his prophet, he complained of his people of old: "Your new moons, saith he, and your appointed feasts, my soul hateth: they are a trouble to me; I am weary to bear them: therefore, when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you, and, as it were, turn my back upon you with disdain but, if you will wash you, and make you clean, then come, and let us reason togethert.” as if he had said, then let us converse together, and if there be any difference between us, let us talk over the matter, and settle it in a friendly manner, that our complaints may be turned into mutual embraces, and all your sins being freely and fully forgiven, you may be restored to perfect innocence:

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Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be redder than crimson, they shall be whiter than wool: wash yourselves, and I will also wash you, and most completely wipe away all your stains."

But that we may be the better provided for this useful and altogether necessary exercise of cleansing + Isa. i.

* Σάρκικοι και ψευσαι.