hers, which serve as a foil to
act off our fancied goodness; and especially by the knowledge of
certain great sins in others, of which we know ourselves to be clear.

Some in Moses' situation, would doubtless have adopted that language
--"God I thank thee that I am not as other men are--not as this
people." Very different was the effect it had on him--it reminded him
of his sins, and led him to cry for mercy.

It is of vast importance that we know ourselves--if we attain this
knowledge, from sense of demerit, we shall add to our prayers for
others, _but if not, blot me, I pray thee out of thy book which thou
hast written_.

III. If we do not mistake the sense of the text, the strange doctrine
exploded in the beginning of this discourse, finds no support in it.
And surely the doctrine which reason rejects cannot be supported by
revelation. Reason directs us to pursue that line of conduct which
will be most for our advantage taking the whole term of our existence
into the account. And revelation doth the same--"in keeping God's
commandments there is great reward." If we look through the holy
scriptures we shall find abundant rewards annexed to every
requirement. The idea that despising the promises, and being willing
to renounce the desire and hope of them, should be made a condition of
receiving them, is pitiable weakness and absurdity.

Quite a different spirit is displayed in the history of the saints,
whom we are directed to follow. All the worthies of old "died in faith
not having received the promises, but seen them afar off."--The
renowned leader of Israel "had respect to the recompense of reward"
--yea, "the captain of our salvation," the divine son of Mary, "for
the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the
shame." *

* Hebrews xi. 26, xii. 2.

Here the way of duty requires self denials. The good man is often
called to take up his cross; but the rewards which follow are
constantly held up to view, in revelation, as infinitely surpassing
the losses and sufferings of the present life. "Blessed are ye when
men shall revile and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against
you falsely for my sake: Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is
your reward in heaven." Every one who forsaketh worldly advantages,
out of regard to God, will "receive an hundred fold reward, and
inherit eternal life."

This was made known to the primitive Christians. Therefore their
fortitude and zeal to do a