midst of what seems pleasure, there is found many a sorrowing heart; and under circumstances of the greatest distress, how the spirit of a man may be sustained. Still it is undoubtedly true, and it is enough for our present purpose, that the general tendency of religious habits is to increase happiness.

The first particular, in which we may instance this effect, is in bodily health. Habits of sobriety, of temperance, of regularity, the absence of those violent passions, which wear out the animal frame, and of those too great anxieties about worldly cares, which prey upon the mind, all these have a direct tendency to produce and continue that most inestimable of earthly blessings, good health. The disorders, to which we are subject, from causes over which we have no control, are few in number, compared with those which indolence, luxury, intemperance, and excess of every kind, have introduced. In as far, then, as practical religion is opposed to all these evil habits, so far is it immediately conducive to health.

A second benefit, analogous to this, is the internal peace of mind, which is the reward of a life well spent. As there is no torture so great as that of an accusing conscience, so is there no satisfaction so perfect as that of a conscience void of offence. The holy joy

which results from this source, is a gratification of no ordinary kind. It is that religious joy, which has been eloquently characterized as "a masculine and a severe thing: the recreation of the judgment, the jubilee of reason, the result of a real good suitably applied; commencing upon the solidities of truth, and the substance of fruition: not perhaps displaying itself in voice, but filling the soul, as the presence of God pervades the universe, silently and without noise; refreshing but composed; like the pleasantness of youth tempered with the gravity of age; or the mirth of a festival managed with the silence of contemplation."l Another reward, usually attached to a sincere profession of religion, is the esteem of those whose favour is most valuable. The world is not so depraved, but that many can be found, who honour true piety wherever it is seen. Many are the knees, which have not bowed unto Baal. And the approbation of one of these should, in the estimation of a reasonable man, outweigh the scoffs of many a thoughtless tongue.

2. But far be it from any one to represent the rewards, which this perishable world offers, as the only rewards, which God in his infinite

1 See South's Sermon on Gen. i. 27. Vol. I. p. 22. folio edition.

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mercy has in store for those who truly serve him. These rewards are fading and uncertain as the world itself. They may perhaps be felt but in a small degree, or for a short time, or be totally withheld. Still, even if these blessings are removed, religion can convert our very trials to our good. Sickness and pain will, at some period, be the portion of every man. But if religion will not avert sickness, it will teach us to employ it aright; it will bring us to acknowledge with David, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." m

Conscience will not always speak peace. There is none on earth who liveth and sinneth not. The mind will sometimes write bitter things against every man, and make him to possess the iniquities of his youth.n But this godly sorrow will, by the grace of God, work repentance unto life not to be repented of: it will lead us to seek for mercy, not for our own merits, but through the mediation of our Saviour, by which alone we can be accepted of God.

The obloquy of the world may be directed even against our best intentioned actions: but if, in consequence of our religion, in the world we do have tribulation, religion will still cheer and support us, for it will enable us to overcome the world.

m Psalm cxix. 71.

" Job xiii. 26.

3. But the exceeding great reward, which is reserved for those who through faith inherit the promises, is to be looked for after this world, and all that it contains, shall have passed away. It is a reward which no man can conceive, much less describe. We know not even, with certainty, wherein it shall consist. But it is represented in the most exalted terms which language can express; still accompanied with the assurance that it is inexpressible. The reality, we are certain, will not be inferior to the imperfect figures under which it is represented. It is described as the fulness of joy in the presence of God, and pleasures for evermore at his right hand:o as a state, in which God shall wipe away all tears from all eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. And when we have strained our faculties, to obtain some faint conception of the full meaning of these and similar expressions, we are at once humbled and consoled with the assurance, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those that love him."9

• Psalm xvi. 11.

* 1 Cor. ii. 9.

P Rev. xxi. 4.

Such then being the warnings, which we receive from the Scriptures, and such the rewards promised to our obedience, let us beware that we refuse not him that speaketh. For the regulation of our lives is the punishment declared, and the recompence proposed: and it now rests with ourselves, while our day of grace remains, to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, assured that God will by his Spirit work in us effectually both to will and to do, if we neglect not the means, which his grace affords.

Although our future happiness is made to depend upon something more than we can do for ourselves, it is most requisite that we use all caution not to deceive ourselves upon a point so important; not to desist from our efforts, as if nothing were to be done by us: not to relax our exertions as if we were already perfect. In the ordinary state of a Christian's life, he must not expect any sudden, sensible indications of the operations of the Holy Spirit. It acts silently, secretly, invisibly, though effectually. There are means of grace by which it may be expected to be conveyed, such, for instance, as constant prayer, and the faithful use of the Sacraments ordained by Christ himself. If we use means like these worthily; the grace of God will not be withheld. But, like all