XCVII.

Efteeming the reproach of Chrift greater riches, than the treasures of Egypt.-Hebrews, xi. 26.

THE world, in general, thinks the rules of the gofpel fo ftrict, that by a fort of common compact, it has formed a more commodious religion for itself. Christianity, it is true, is the bafis of this religion. The name of chriftianity is ftill preferved the facraments are ftill in ufe-and religious affemblies are now and then frequented. All these things are outward performances and require little trouble. But when we come to enquire into nicer matters-into the purity of thoughts-into the rectitude of motives-into heavenly mindednefs, and contempt of the world-why then we fee the established religion of the world revolts from all this, as incompatible with thofe fcenes of pleasure, and amusement, which men would willingly perfuade themselves the gentleness of religion allows. Hh

VOL. II.

This

This liberal mode of religion is very fascinating. It ferves God-believes in Chrift-and enjoys the pleasures of life, with great comfort all together.

Now as it is a disagreeable thing to run counter to the general opinion of mankind in trifles-fo, on the other hand, it is noble to stand even fingle, in the gap, when religion, and duty are the objects of defence. When we allow the world to fright us from our religious strictness, and our religious opinions, we are literally ashamed of Christ, and of his words and we know the confequence. If then we cannot avoid fingularity without adopting the vicious manners of the world, let us not hefitate a moment whom we are to obey-God or man?

One of the nobleft instances on record, of defpifing popular opinion, when it opposes duty, is furnished in the text. Mofes was in the highest credit in the court of Pharoah, and enjoyed all the luxuries of Egypt. He had had intercourse with the Ifraelites, no doubt, in various fhapes; and was well acquainted with the prophecies of Christ, from the times of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had that faith therefore, which all true Ifraelites had, in a promised Saviour; and in obedienee to

that

that faith he thought it his duty to break away from all the allurements of his fplendid condition, and take his fortune with his poor oppreffed countrymen.—Many, no doubt, were the reproaches he fuffered on this apparently strange choice. The wit, and ridicule of Pharoah's court would undoubtedly be pointed against him: and all who heard of his leaving fuch advantages, for no confideration, as it appeared, would deride his folly. Mofes however confidered thefe fcoffs of the world, as trials only of his faith; he had respect unto the recompence of the reward; and esteemed the reproach of Chrift greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt:

XCVIII.

We all with open face, beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the fame image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.-2 Cor. iii. 18.

THE apoftle draws a comparison in the chapter, from which this verfe is taken, between the jewish religion, and the christian-between the obfcurity of the one; and the clear revelation of the other. The veil, says he, still remains on the hearts of the Jews, while in reading the Old Teftament they look no farther than the letter. But this veil he adds, is now done away in Chrift. We chriftians, with open face, that is, with faces unveiled, beholding as in a glafs the glory of the Lord, are changed into the fame image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. We fee in the fcriptures the very image of our Lord reflected as from a glass: and are enabled to contemplate his glory.

The

The great advantage of this clear revelation might be the subject of a discourse, under the following heads.

The glass, in which we behold the glory of the Lord, is the holy fcripture. Here we read his 'precepts, and fee his example.

Secondly, by reading his precepts, and following his example, we are changed into the fame image. In the fcripture language, we put on Chrift.

Thirdly, this obedience, and imitation carry us from glory to glory,-from his likeness in this world, to his presence in the next.

Laftly, we are affured, that this glorious change cannot be wrought in us through any power, or righteousness of our own; but by the spirit of the Lord.