XXIX. SERM. To conclude, then: The Son of man came into the world not to deftroy men's lives, but to fave them. How many amongst those who call themselves Chriftians act the direct contrary parts, spend their whole lives in embittering the lives of others, rail at, opprefs and perfecute their fellow creatures, and feem as if (in oppofition to their great Master) they came into the world not to fave men's lives, but to deftroy them. Let us, my brethren, adhere to the great example and standard of perfection, Jefus Chrift the righteous: let us by every method in our power endeavour to promote the peace, welfare, and happiness of socięty, and of every individual in it; let us endeavour to instruct, and not to perplex, to fave; and not to destroy: let us not, by our idle and fruitless diffentions about matters, in themselves frivolous and indifferent, break the chain of love and harmony XXIX. harmony which fhould link us together; SERM. but let us endeavour to ftrengthen it by the bonds of mutual love and affection ; let us fhew ourselves followers of Chrift by imitating his conduct; fo fhall we enfure to ourselves the applause of our own confcience, the approbation and friendship of all good men in this life, and the certain and well-grounded hopes of everLasting peace, joy, and happiness, in that which is to come. |