it is steady and uniform, being founded in the heart, and governed by an improved understanding. And above all, he proves and perfects his sincerity to God by universal obedience. This essential principle of Religion does not endeavour to separate Piety from Morality, but directs our attention to all the laws of God without distinction. The upright worshipper performs his duty to his neighbour and himself from a regard to the Divine Authority. He can never be tempted, by a prospect of secrecy and impunity, in any instance, to do his neighbour wrong. He speaks the truth and keeps his promise though to his own hurt; and is strictly just to all, especially to those who are unable to defend themselves, and have none but God for their avenger. In his whole conduct he looks up to that Being who is now his witness, and who will one day pass a decisive sentence upon every action of his life, and upon every thought of his heart.

To conclude, the bare wish to indulge in any unlawful gratification shows insincerity it demonstrates that however pious and good we profess and appear to be, we are insincere in our hearts. In our affections God will have no rival. In the sacrifices of Devotion as well as Liberality, He requires an honest and cheerful giver; and through the whole course of life a steady perseverance in well doing, without any essential deviation from the laws of sobriety, righteousness and piety. This, let us pay Him, and it will be well with us both now and for ever. The advantages of sincerity will be the subject of the next and the last Lecture.

LECTURE L..

In the preceding Lectures, I endeavoured to explain the nature of Sincerity, as it refers to ourselves, our fellow-creatures, and our Maker. In this concluding Lecture, I shall offer some arguments and motives, to the practice of this most comprehensive and important of all virtues.

Before I proceed to display the excellence of Sincerity, and to point out the advantages of which it is productive, let me remind you not to be prejudiced against it, on account of its plain and homely appearance. Perhaps the virtue which I am most solicitous to recom-. mend, is not conspicuous in circles composed of the gay and fashionable part of mankind. Perhaps, after you have

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sought in vain for Sincerity in the lofty palaces of the great, you may find her retired to the humble dwelling of the unpolished mechanic, or the artless rustic. She is, however, at all times and in every situation, worthy your highest regard. Like a precious stone, Sincerity is to be valued for its intrinsic worth and excellence, though like it, a certain polish may be necessary to display its lustre and set it off to the best advantage. But though this is the case, let it be ever carefully remembered, that all the studied formality of artificial politeness, all the dignity and gracefulness which appear in courts, all the advantages which birth and fortune can bestow, if sincerity be wanting, are insufficient to render a character complete. Superior wisdom, or eminence of rank or power, may call forth the external tokens of respect, but that tribute of voluntary applause which proceeds immediately from the heart is paid only at the shrine of Integrity. To whatever the world may annex the ideas of noble,

or honourable, there is great truth in the observation of the poet :

"An honest man's the noblest work of God."

Sincerity, therefore, stands recommended to us by its native worth and intrinsic excellence. The path of Sincerity, before the heart is corrupted, is a natural and easy path. Convinced I am that if we follow the natural dictates of our own minds as well as consult our ease and tranquillity in life, we shall in all respects be honest and sincere. Virtue and righteousness are straight and evident paths, so that persons of the meanest capacity, with an upright intention, cannot err therein. On the contrary, the ways of injustice and deceit are infinitely various and uncertain, full of intricate mazes, and many obscure and perplexed windings. Whatever may be thought, it has been proved by all who have made the trial, that to play the hypocrite successfully is not an easy, but a very difficult task. How many have we known, who