Page images
PDF
EPUB

be our sole and constant aim-that being stedfast in Faith, joyful through Hope, and rooted in Charity, we may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that we may finally come to the land of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

ST. MATTHEW, CHAP. viii. VER. 10. Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great Faith; no, not in Israel.

THERE seems to have been something more than common in the faith of the Centurion, of whom these words were spoken; since our Saviour not only complied with his request, in healing his servant, but gave this public testimony of the approbation of his conduct to all those who were present at the performance of this miracle; and indeed it appears that his faith

was at all times supported by his good works, by his own particular meekness, and humility, by his piety to God, and tender charity to his neighbour. The fame of his virtues had spread over all Judea, where he was considered as a good man by the Jews themselves, who besought our Saviour to grant the favour which he had required, saying, he is worthy for whom thou shouldst do this; for he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue. It cannot but raise our admiration to find a man born and nourished in the dark errors of the heathens; an officer too of rank and authority, who seemed entitled more than any to the pleasures of the age, leading a life of singular piety and devotion, and at the same time fulfilling all the duties of his station; so charitable, as to take particular care of the health of his meanest servant, doing no wrong, no insolence, no injury to any one!

[ocr errors]

This example should bring fear and confusion on all those who pretend that it is not in their power to attend to the cares of their profession, and at the same time to lead a christian life; who vainly imagine, that their employment and the affairs of this world can excuse them from the work of their own salvation. This delusion, dangerous as it is, is yet too common in the world, where we continually hear new excuses and seeming difficulties, which are supposed to attend the practice of virtue and careful discharge of our duty. But I shall endeavour to shew, that it is not only in our power to be just and holy in every condition, but that our very engagements in life may lead us to the means of obtaining our salvation. As this is a truth which destroys on one side all the false pretences that neglect or idleness can invent; and on the other hand, may quiet the scruples and fears raised by weak minds, let us rest it on the surest and most solid foun

dation. There are many reasons strong enough to convince those who will take the pains to reflect on them; the first is, that every state and condition of life has its proper means adapted to it; the grace of God is universally dispensed to mankind, and inspires us with an inclination and power to discharge our respective obligations. There is a general Providence watching over and regulating the affairs of this world, where we perceive every thing to be planned and executed with infinite wisdom; there is a particular one also allotted to the different capacities and situations of men; if then every station has the grace of God for its assistance, to affirm that we cannot labour for our salvation in such or such conditions of life, is to accuse the Almighty of injustice, in requiring a task of us which we are not able to perform; it is to declare, that the order and wisdom of Providence are the cause of our disorder and irregularities; it is to make

« PreviousContinue »