Chap. III.]

DUTY OF WORSHIPPING GOD.

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what is natural to us, and what has been acquired by us, than wecan what is the effect of our own endeavours, and what is theresult of the influences of the Holy Spirit.

Those, who disbelieve the assistances of divine grace becausethey have not an inward sense of them, should consider, that aninward and distinct perception of the motions of the Holy Spiritwould be inconsistent with that degree of freedom, which is neces-sary to a state of probation. If we could trace the inward work-ings of the Spirit, it would be too great a restraint upon us, andwould overpower the will. Such a manifest evidence of thedivine presence in us, as the sensible influence of the HolySpirit, would be overbearing and irresistible, and would impair,if not destroy, the freedom of the will. We walk by faith andnot by sight , — by faith grounded upon rational and substantialproofs,— not by sight , not by any sensible indications of theSpirit dwelling in us, and working distinctly in us. The proofof the indwelling of the Spirit consists in the effects producedupon our hearts and lives.

3. Of the part of divine service which consists in giving in-struction by reading the Scriptures, preaching, and catecheticalinstruction, it does not seem necessary for a moral philosopherto notice any but preaching and catechetical instruction. Theobject of preaching is, to enlighten ignorance on the most im-portant of all subjects, to rouse indifference, to awaken the care-less, to encourage the desponding, and to edify and build up thepious in the holy faith and order of the Gospel. To effectall this, the preacher has peculiar advantages. He is investedwith a commission from the King of kings ; and, by virtue of thiscommission, he proclaims truth of transcendent importance. Thepastoral relation, too, by which the preacher is connected withhis flock, is one of the most interesting which exists on earth.The preacher publishes truth, also, in the most effective of allways, — by the living voice. He announces it, moreover, toan assembly withdrawn from the business, the amusements, andthe perplexities of the world, and on a day set apart for thispeculiar, this holy purpose. With a view to effect and impres-sion, he may select any subject within the wide range of theologyand morals. One of the strongest passions of mankind is love