66

it is expressly recorded concerning the Apostles, when the Holy Ghost came down upon them the first and second time, that they were all with one accord in one place, as if that had strongly conduced to attract His presence: (Acts ii. 1; iv. 24, 31.) and, consistently with such a notion, exhortations to "be all of one mind," and to “glorify God with one mouth,” and to "edify," or build up, "one another in "love," are frequently delivered by them, in their Epistles. (1 Peter iii. 8; Romans xv. 6 ; 1 Thess. v. 11.) Altogether therefore, it undeniably appears, that, almost equally in the present, as in ancient times, men should beware of either causing, or consenting to divisions, and that nothing of an ordinary character is more unbecoming, than the rash and wilful behaviour, which is still prevalent in things pertaining unto God.

Next to these important topics, let me derive from the history of Jeroboam, a warning for you against what may justly be denounced as the root or origin of every sin;-I mean an evil heart of unbelief. When men once cease to depend on the promises of God, and imagine that they can take better care for themselves, than He can, or will take for them, then are they sure to fall into mischief. God will either ordain some special calamity against such per

N

sons, or will inflict on them a punishment equally sure, only less swift, by causing them to "eat the fruit of their own ways, and to be "filled with their own devices." (Proverbs i. 31.) The Almighty promised to confirm Jeroboam in his new kingdom, provided he would keep His statutes: Jeroboam, however, supposed that he could more surely confirm himself by breaking them; and the consequence was, that he incurred destruction. Consider this, my brethren, and learn prudence. Unto you have been given by the word of God, many great and precious promises; for instance, it is written-" Whoso hearkeneth unto "me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from "fear of evil;" (Proverbs i. 33.) also" Seek

66

66

ye first the kingdom of God, and His right"eousness; and all" necessary "things"-meat, and drink, and raiment-"shall be added unto you." (Matthew vi. 31, 32, 33.) Is it your habit to observe these conditions, and to trust in God for a sufficient measure of temporal conveniences and comforts? Do you constantly wait on Him, in the way of His Providence, for these blessings, or rather act upon the principle, that you have to obtain them entirely of yourselves? In the former case, you may rea-sonably hope that He will deign to prosper your exertions; in the latter, there will pro

bably ensue increasing weariness, and vexation, and ill success. Whereas, no proper good shall be withholden from them who lead a godly life, to the ungodly, none shall be allowed. The man who will not trust in God, can have no ground of confidence whatever. Such an one may not unaptly be compared with a ship at sea, without either an anchor, or a pilot. Like a vessel thus unprovided, he may possibly float a while here and there on the "waves of this "troublesome world," as the course of them: may chance to carry him about; but, though they should remain ever so calm, nothing better finally awaits him than to disappear, and find destruction in the gulf beneath.

There remains to be proposed one other serious admonition, suggested by the example under review, which St. Paul hath plainly expressed, where he says" Be not partakers of "other men's sins." (1 Timothy v. 22.) Do you not perceive, that from having set up the golden calves, Jeroboam made himself a partaker, by anticipation, of the sins of the multitudes who worshipped before them, the many ages that they continued to stand? He indeed was presently cut off; but his sin which he invented survived him and accordingly, the transgressions, in that particular, of successive generations seem to have been heaped, like

coals of fire, upon his head. This, at the least, we know, that the infamy and reproach of them were continually attached, by inspiration from God, to his name and memory amongst mankind. Here indeed is a very awful consideration, and one which can hardly enough be laid to heart. The higher a man's station may be, the further, no doubt, his corrupting influence will extend itself; and Jeroboam was much higher than any of us.

However, by

reason of the naturally pervading corruption, a bad precept or example will always more readily attract followers, and more easily retain its influence than a good one. Scarcely any, therefore, are so low and insignificant, as not to have some opportunities, some power, if they will use it amiss, to lead astray, or settle others in transgression. A profane word, or an ungodly deed, not only of a king before his subjects, but also of a father before his children, and, I will say generally, of a man before his neighbours especially those of them who are younger than himself—has not unfrequently had the effect of inducing generations yet unborn to sin. Whatever things one adopts from another in this way, he will, oftener than not, hand down to his children, or companions, and they again to their's, until the corruption becomes too extensive and inveterate to be cor

rected by ordinary means. And, though the plea of bad example must not be supposed at all to excuse the sin of any, who might have known, or have learned, better, nevertheless, the person who hath left such example, or hath been the author of an evil custom, may have to experience an aggravated condemnation, bearing proportion to the number of those who shall have been beguiled into following his steps. Being dead, he yet seduceth men by the practices of wickedness which he hath invented, and left behind him.

Wherefore, my brethren, in conclusion, flee from all approaches to the evil character of "Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel "to sin." That you may stand decidedly clear of his ungodliness and final destruction, resolve to continue steadfast in the fellowship and doctrine of Christ's apostles, and in the sacraments, and holy ordinances of His church: "hate the sins of unfaithfulness," determining that none such shall cleave unto you; and take especial care never to come forward as the inventors of unlawful things, or as, in the smallest degree, encouraging and promoting them. Surely, "the curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but He blesseth the habitation "of the just." (Proverbs iii. 33.) Endeavour then, to exhibit in your conversation to