This is Evangelical Morality, not confined, as you may observe, to the external conduct of life; but reaching inward, even to the secret thoughts and inclinations of the heart. What is generally called morality, I am afraid, is little more than an external decency, and common sobriety; and it is well, if, in every instance, it is carried even so far. But surely none, but the truly Regenerate Christian, acting under the immediate influence of the DIVINE SPIRIT, can properly be called a moral man. For morality, without an inward principle, is but a name; and the Scriptures tell us of no other true principle, but "the LOVE OF GOD shed abroad in the human heart by his HOLY SPIRIT." Having thus given some of the marks or characteristicks by which the Regenerate Christian, or the "Born of GOD," is to be known, let us now enquire what the Apostle means, by "overcoming the world," and ascribing "the victory to Faith:" "Whatsoever is born of GOD, overcometh the world; and this is the Victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith." "Overcometh the world!" methinks I hear some say--"that is impossible--human nature has passions, and the world abounds with objects suited to gratify them. Surely the GOD of nature hath not placed man in his present circumstances, to make him miserable. He created us for happiness, and hath furnished us with the means of obtaining it. What a senseless doctrine this, that would shut us out from all the joys, which earth holds forth for our acceptance?" Alas, vain man! who told thee, that GOD had given thee such corrupt passions, as now solicit for indulgence? Who told thee, that GOD created thee for this world; and that thou art to take up thy rest in that visionary happiness, which thou findest here? These passions are the proofs of thy fall; for thou hast them in common with the beasts of the field. This world is thy temporary prison, though thy disordered imagination may represent it as a palace. Thou art dreaming, though thou thinkest thyself wide awake. Thou art in darkness, and canst not distinguish the true appearance of objects around thee. Let but the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS dart one beam into thy benighted soul, and thou wilt soon discover the deception, and long for the power of his Grace to enable thee to triumph over those passions, that have been leading thee blindfold to destruction; and to overcome that world, which hath been cheating thee with visionary gratifications.