Have we not much reason to mourn that there are some among us _who walk as enemies of the cross of Christ_? Phil. iii. 17. I would have you, says the apostle, _be followers of me_, walk as I walk, _as you have me for an example_. I would have you walk as those who have eternal life begun in them, that you may be honours to the gospel. _But there are many who walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, they are enemies of the cross_, and dishonours to the gospel, instead of evidences of the truth of it; their _end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame_; whereas _our conversation is in heaven, whence we expect Jesus the Saviour_; 18, 19, 20. We who are here upon earth, and have believed the gospel of Christ, we should live as though we had part of ourselves in heaven already, our conversation should be so holy and divine. Eternal life begun in our hearts, should break out, and disclose itself, and shine bright among the persons we converse with. O! how much is the propagation of the gospel obstructed, how much the honour of our Lord Jesus Christ obscured, and how much the good of souls prevented and hindered by those that discover not this eternal life, this sacred witness, in the holiness of heart and practice! _But, beloved, we hope better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak_; Heb. vi. 9. and yet we must speak thus, with a sacred jealousy for the glory and evidence of this gospel, with a warm concern for the peace and welfare of your souls, and with holy zeal for the conversion of the unbelieving world to the faith of God our Saviour. DIVINE HYMNS FOR SERMONS I, II, AND III. _The Inward Witness to Christianity._ _Long Metre._ Questions and doubts be heard no more: Let Christ and joy be all our theme; His Spirit seals his gospel sure To every soul that trusts his name. Jesus, thy witness speaks within; The mercy which thy words reveal, Refines the heart from sense and sin, And stamps its own celestial seal. ’Tis God’s inimitable hand That moulds and forms the heart anew; Blasphemers can no more withstand, But bow and own thy doctrine true. The guilty wretch that trusts thy blood Finds peace and pardon at the cross; The sinful soul averse to God, Believes and loves his Maker’s laws. Learning and wit may cease their strife When miracles with glory shine; The voice that calls the dead to life, Must be almighty and divine. _Common Metre._