There is a remarkable aptitude in the figure which is employed in the text. The idle and unprofited attendant upon the ministry of the word, is fitly represented by the unwise man, who prepares himself a place of residence without foresight or reflection; and whose views are wholly limited to the present moment. He contemplates no changing seasons, and therefore makes no provision against the winter's tempest. The enchanting scenery, and the delightful prospect, are sufficient to decide his determination; and whatever may be the result, he proceeds to erect his abode, and leaves the consequence for time to develop.

Now, in this similitude, you will remark, that the person in question is not a man of no pretensions to religion, but a man of false religon :-one who hears the gospel, but either misunderstands or neglects its precepts. The sin of which he is guilty, is not that he does not admit the truth of "these sayings," but that he does not reduce them to practice. He may have enrolled his name as the disciple of Christ, and may, therefore, pass for a Christian among men; may have acquired a degree of eminence in the profession of the truth; may be a zealous and liberal supporter of the interests of the church; may be well instructed in the letter of Christianity, and be able to defend its divine claims against the attacks of its adversaries; may rigorously observe the "outward signs" of the worship of God; and he may even yield a partial obedience to many precepts of the word of life; and yet build on the sand, and, therefore, finally perish. And as this is a consideration of great importance, I shall endeavour to set before you a few classes of the hearers of the gospel, to whom such a statement is truly applicable.

First. It applies to all who build their hope of heaven upon the mere belief of the doctrines of Christianity. These persons are referred to in the context, as men who

plead their faith, profession, and strict regard to certain parts of religion, but who, nevertheless, will be disowned in the final scrutiny, and condemned as workers of iniquity. These are foolish builders indeed; and it is matter for serious apprehension, whether there are not many such in the visible church of Christ. The deceitful heart of man frequently turns mercies into a curse; and the blessings of a gracious Providence become a snare unto him. The observation is equally true with respect to the bountiful provision of the gospel, as it is of the supplies which are given for the support of nature. Because we are justified by faith, and saved by grace, therefore many have thought themselves released from all obligation to the discharge of moral duties, such as this sermon on the mount enjoins. It ought to be, however, constantly remembered, " that faith without works is dead, being alone," and that the belief which is unaccompanied and unattested by the fruits of the Holy Spirit, cannot be genuine. One grace is never given apart from the rest. The natural disposition may render some graces more conspicuous than others: this Christian may be more confiding, and that more zealous, and a third more retiring; but all have the same essential principles; "faith, hope, and charity." The existence of one is infallible evidence of the existence of all; and, therefore, we may know the truth of our faith by the quality of its foliage and fruits.

It has long been one of the " devices" of the enemy "to separate what God has joined together." Hence there has been, in a painful number of instances, an exclusive regard to some points of Christian theology; while the practical exemplification of the lovely duties of justice and mercy have been wholly neglected. Unscriptural as such partiality is, it is, however, perfectly congenial to the fallen heart of man, whose dislike of the truth originates in the purity of its nature, and the holiness of its influ

ence, when fully received. O how welcome to him are those pernicious notions which persuade him that he shall do well at last, although he neglects the "weightier matters of the law!" He believes that he shall be adjudged to eternal life by some hidden decree, rather than by the rules of revealed truth; and that if he only believes in two or three of the sovereign purposes of Jehovah, which were never designed to be the rule of action to man, his salvation is quite secure. He, therefore, builds his house on the orthodox opinions he has formed, and considers the sanctification of his corrupt inclinations altogether unnecessary. Consistent with this dreadful persuasion, he regards prayer as legal,-repentance an abridgment of privilege, and therefore sinful,—self-denial wholly gratuitous and unrequired, and efforts to do good to immortal souls, taking the work out of God's hand! With these duties blotted out of the code of Christian morality, it is impossible to determine in what his religion consists; except it be in hearing sermons, and sitting in judgment upon them! and the minister who does not employ his terms, and use his phraseology, "is blind, and knows nothing!" He never attends the house of prayer to make confession of his sins,-to be instructed in the knowledge of his duty, and to obtain grace for its discharge; all he seeks is comfort, flattery, and presumptuous confidence in his own salvation, and the perdition of others! My dear brethren, let me affectionately admonish you against this sandy foundation. Believe it; for it is the declaration of this blessed book, that without regeneration, repentance, and holiness, no man shall ever see the Lord, or enter the kingdom of heaven.

Secondly. The description in the text also includes the individual who builds upon his own goodness, and rejects either in part or whole the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a foundation of sand, equally dangerous

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with the preceding. If the mere believer in doctrines foolishly reposes his hope of heaven on such belief, the self-righteous dependance of the Pharisee is equally unwise and unsafe. Moral actions and holy living, as the fruits and evidences of faith, are essential to salvation; but they cannot supersede the "corner-stone which God hath laid in Zion for a foundation." The law of the Moral Governor of the universe is perfect; it can neither relax its claims on the obedience of man, nor lower its standard in order to accommodate human weakness. human being be saved, it will not be from any change in the eternal and immutable law of the Most High; but because that law has received a perfect fulfilment by the mediation of the Son of God. Allow me, therefore, to ask, if you have performed, at any time, one duty so perfectly, as to entitle you to the enjoyment of the smile and felicity of the divine favour? "If there could have been

If ever a

a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”* Suppose, for instance, you try your claims to heaven by your prayers, will they bear the test? Have they been offered so perfectly, expressed so correctly, and presented so fervently, as to reach the elevated standard of the law? Have no sinful desires-no wandering thoughts-no cold indifference--no want of confidence, ever deformed them? But extend it to other duties, and consult your conduct generally. Bring to the bar of God your resistance of evil; your exercise of Christian charity; your contentment with providence; your meekness under wrong; your love to your enemies; your submission to the will of God; -will either of these virtues, as performed by you, stand

* Gal. iii. 21, 22.

the ordeal? Did you never fail in the inward conflict, or in the donation of your goods to feed the poor? Have you never repined under your afflictions, or rebelled under the chastisements of the Almighty? Ah! who of all the sons of men can be justified by the deeds of his hands. My brethren, erect not your dwelling, I beseech you, on the sandy and insecure foundation of your own good thoughts, intentions, or doings. All without Christ is sliding sand-is yielding air-is a breaking bubble.

Thirdly. The foolish builder represents likewise, the hearer of the gospel, on whose mind its divine truths only partially operate. The imperfect influence of the preached word upon all who hear it to a considerable degree, must be admitted. In few instances, indeed, does it produce these divine effects, which are so important and valuable. But by the person in question, is meant the individual who reforms a little, but not wholly,-who puts away some sins, but retains or adopts others. It is to be feared, that there are many still like Herod, who, when he heard John, "did many things, and heard him gladly;" but he did not put away his sin. We often find individuals under solemn providences, or the admonitions of conscience, who amend some parts of their conduct, and forsake some improper courses, who, nevertheless, cherish many dispositions which the word of God does not allow. He only, says a late writer, is a faithful hearer of the gospel, and, therefore, a wise builder, who does not pick and choose his duties, or the precepts he will obey, but who diligently labours to fulfil every known commandment. Disobedience to one scriptural injunction, is virtual and constructive disobedience to all. A divided allegiance and partial attention to one portion of truth above another, when all rests upon one common authority, cannot be the obedience of faith and love. This is the sentiment of sincere attachment to the will of God: "Therefore I love thy commandments