6. There is one other specific form, wherein pride exhibits itself; which is (if possible) still more absurd and foolish, and more unbecoming a rational being, than any that we have hitherto considered. I mean what may be denominated, unless there be an irreconcileable disagreement between the terms, the pride of religion. How indeed such a quality can harmonize with the idea of any religion, especially with the idea of the Christian religion, it is impossible to conceive. Our holy faith cooperates with the testimony of every man's conscience, in representing us as fallen, weak, miserable, and sinful creatures; exposed to the just anger of God; lost, but for the atonement and intercession of Christ; constantly requiring the aid of the Holy Spirit; and still, notwithstanding that powerful assistance, sinking under the pressure of a corrupt nature, continually falling into sin and error, and continually needing to be forgiven. It represents self-abasement, and humility both towards God and towards our neighbour, as essential duties of a

Christian, and peculiar objects of the divine favour. It represents arrogance and self-conceit, as incompatible with the Christian character, and peculiar objects of the wrath of God. It commands us, even could we do all that is required of us, to look on ourselves as "unprofitable servants:" and it warns us, when we think we are standing, then more especially to "take heed lest we fall." That the professor of such a religion as this should swell with spiritual self-importance; that he should" trust in himself that he is righteous, and despise others" for a fancied inferiority in religious attainments; is an incongruity, which a casual observation of human nature would hardly lead us to expect. That such an incongruity does exist is a most deplorable evidence of the frailty of that nature; and shows the dangerous preponderance of a principle, which first rendered a Redeemer necessary, and which is the most formidable obstacle to the influence of his Spirit on the heart.

These remarks may suffice to show the folly, as well as the wickedness, of pride;

its inconsistency with reason and good sense, as well as with the Gospel. I am the more disposed to press the subject on your attention, because, if there be any justice in the remarks, with which I introduced it, we may appear not enough on our guard against so odious and so mischievous a quality. Too much upon our guard against it we cannot be. Like other passions, which are "not of the Father, but are of the world," the seeds of it are naturally planted in our hearts; and very little encouragement is wanted, to make them

"Grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength,"

with a rapidity, proportionate to the malignity of the plant, that springs from them. To correct so dangerous a principle within us, we have need of all the assistance we can procure from the divine grace: nor shall we be careless about procuring and exerting it, if we have a due sense of the evil that besets us; if we have regard for our characters, as reasonable beings and as Christians; if we would cherish "brotherly love" towards our neighbour; if we

would follow the example, and keep the commandments, of our Saviour; if we would enjoy the fellowship of his Holy Spirit; and finally be admitted into the pre

sence of our Father, which is in heaven.