possessed of such powers, that, if we will but exert them, there is no need of assistance from the Divine Spirit; and that all who deny this are fanatics and enthusiasts.

The shades of the human character are numerous; and, in all probability, from what we see in surrounding objects, the wisdom of God designed it should be so from the beginning; and, if this be admitted, we may conclude that it will be so for ever: but, in the unregenerate, they all take their rise from, and centre in evil; for a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. There are, it is acknowledged, many pleasing traces of good-nature, as it is called; of generosity, affability, liberality, urbanity, fidelity, &c.; all which strengthen our stock of manners, and tend to the promotion of domestic and public tranquillity; but while it is affirmed that such as "are in the flesh cannot please God," these cannot be considered as good in his sight; the sources from whence they spring not being such as he requires. All these actions may spring from a high sense of honour, from a desire of praise, from the effects of education and example, from a desire to attract admiration, an indulgence of vanity, or from ambitious views. Man looks on the countenance, "the Lord looketh on the heart." While, therefore, any "love darkness rather than light," whatever may be their outward deportment, "every imagination of the thoughts of their hearts," in the sight of God, is "only evil continually." Gen. vi. 5. And how, indeed, can it be otherwise, while the wisdom that influences their minds, is not that pure wisdom which cometh from above, but that which is from beneath; which the apostle declares to be earthly, sensual, and devilish? These sayings may sound harsh in the ears of such as would reduce the gospel to a system of cold, decent, morality. The gospel, however, requires other and better principles, accompanied with better fruit. Haying just hinted at the brighter side of the human character, let us now attend to the darker, and endeavour to trace out those dispositions which discover our departure from the living God, beginning with

Those who are of a crooked and perverse disposition.-If the divine law ought to be the rule of human actions, and nothing is approved of, except what runs parallel with that sacred rule, then this charge belongs to multitudes who neither fear God nor regard man. Their will is their law, and, right or wrong, they pursue the way they have chosen. No matter how offensive it may be to God or man; or what consequences may be supposed to follow. No argument can move them; no description of the weakness, folly, and inconsistency of their course, can work upon them; no similar character, in the same pursuits, however plunged in infamy or misery, can deter them; no dissimilar example attracts their notice; no advice, however kind, prudent, or salutary, is regarded. Whatever anxiety may be expressed, or sorrow occasioned to others thereby, it is all one. They will be what they please, go where they please, and do what they please. Like the deaf adder, they shut their ears, and refuse to hear the voice of the charmer. The discovery of their error, in abundance of cases, does not reclaim them. They neither acknowledge their faults nor attempt to make reparation. They are as briers and thorns in the way; and such as have to do with them, prove them a source of trouble and sorrow. Firmness in the cause of virtue, piety, and truth, is highly commendable, and worthy of imitation; but this obstinate self-will, this untoward behaviour, this conceited wisdom, this stubborn rebellion, is contrary to religion: (Prov. viii. 8.) it is displeasing to the Lord: (Deut. xxxii. 5, 19,) and is threatened with sudden destruction. Isaiah xxx. 13. Persisting in the wrong meets with the unqualified disapprobation of all who imbibe the principles of justice; and all such will permit me to say, that such a disposition is a real blot in the character of

man.

The disposition of some is more artful and crafty in effecting their purposes. These generally arise from a discontented mind, whose cravings cannot be satisfied without the possession of something difficult of attainment. To

remove or lessen that difficulty, without creating suspicion, especially, as base, avaricious, and ambitious characters, are led to entertain the same view of others that they do of themselves, requires no small share of worldly wisdom. Before they can proceed successfully, men must be known, Sieges must be carried on according to the nature, strength, situation, and defence of the places, without which military courage is of little worth. So the artful man, like a skilful commander, proceeds with caution, watches his opportunities, makes his attacks, and springs his mines, to secure his own ends, without regard to either honour or conscience. The mask of friendship, politeness, apparent disinterestedness, zeal, piety, and virtue, must be seasonably worn. Some must be awed, some indulged, some flattered; while warm protestations and promises of gain, honour, or pleasure, are made and proposed to others. The weak, ignorant, and unsuspecting, if possessing the wished-for good, are their proper prey. Like the watchful spider, their nets are spread in every corner, and whoever falls into their snares must shift for himself as he is able. "Both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart is deep." Psal. lxiv. 6. Who can enumerate the evils arising from such persons? How often have the innocent been betrayed, the peace of individuals and of families destroyed, right treacherously invaded, jealousy excited, revenge promoted, simplicity divided, property purloined or sequestered, character defamed; and, in short, what an abundance of iniquity and sorrow have they occasioned! Such may attempt to shut their eyes, that they may not understand the truth, and turn away their ears from hearing the law, that they may follow their deceitful practices in contempt of their Almighty Judge, they may say, "Tush, thou God carest not for it." But, "his eyes are upon the ways of men, and he seeth all their goings, and he will repay them to their face."

There are others whose disposition is vain and satirical. Such, full of conceit of their own parts and abilities, and admired for their wit, consider themselves at liberty to sport

with what and who they please. Lightness and trifling are highly gratifying to the carnal world: by these their gloominess is diminished, their vacuity of thought supplied, their irksomeness and indolence relieved; and, what is very agreeable, all serious reflection on their present and future state is thus banished. Their foolish and frothy conversation and eccentricities captivate their vain admirers. Every subject, religion not excepted, is turned into ridicule and merriment. Buffoonery, jesting, and raillery, are their element; and every one not of their humour or taste becomes an object for mimicry and burlesque, without the smallest regard to his feelings. No matter how much trouble and vexation they cause by their loquacity, rudeness, and impertinence. Full of the spirit of contradiction, obstinacy in debate, and contempt of their opponents, they boast of the effects produced by their wranglings; and what vexes and grieves others is to them a matter of joy and exultation. Under the semblance of kindness and openness, they are adepts. in hypocrisy, lovers of flattery, retailers of scandal, inconstant, capricious and whimsical, ready in promising, slow in performing, fond of pleasure and amusement, dissipated themselves, and promoters of it in others. They are injurious to some, the fools of others, but always their own enemies; since there are but few dispositions which render grace more ineffectual, it being altogether contrary to that command, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling."

Some again are stupidly inclined. The brutishness of this disposition discovers itself in many, by shunning the more improved part of the community, and by despising their improvements. Regardless both of their own and others' characters, they yield up themselves the willing slaves of vice and intemperance. Quarrelsome, passionate, and hard-hearted, they are often creating broils, confusion, and clamour; and expose both themselves and others to dangers and to death. Ever prone to retaliate, their minds foster revenge, which frequently discovers itself in gross in

sults, severe language, bitter wishes and imprecations, or personal injuries. Their pursuits are low, mean, and base, and the very dregs of society are their choicest companions. Though awed by a few higher than themselves, and sometimes civil through self-interest, they are not, in general, to be restrained by others. Their obstinacy arms them against authority, their insensibility against kindness, their pride against reproof and advice, and their vicious habits against virtuous example. Some are stubborn, blustering, and cowardly; others bold, and unjustifiably adventurous, from vain glory. It appears hateful to them to depart from evil; and the precious privileges of real piety are neglected by them, or trodden under foot with as little ceremony as swine would trample down in the mire the most valuable pearls. Like Nabal, they discard human kindness from their bosoms; and their hearts, like his, are often made to resemble a stone. They harden their hearts against God, and become brutish and ferocious; living like brutes, and meeting death with an unconcern apparently as great as they.

Others are of an avaricious disposition.-The principal thing with these is money. Gain is their god, and they duly and truly worship it. The making up of another and another sum, is the grand subject for meditation. More wealth—give, give, is the unceasing prayer. Abundant prosperity, good bargains, and no losses, excite their thanksgivings, and call forth their praises; and they are most constant in watching against enemies and depredators, and in raising their expectations, that they shall yet have the, desire of their souls-to increase in riches as they increase in days, and to have greater abundance at their death than all around them. For this they rise early, and sit up late full of care and contrivance how much may be laid up and how little laid out, they make dismal complaints concerning heavy taxes, bad trade, exorbitant prices, dear markets, hard times, extravagant bills, bad debts, troublesome relations, importunate needy neighbours, and the prodigious increase of knaves and sharpers. Such, in scripture

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