ciples of rectitude--of not being
determined, at all events, to do right, whatever may be the
consequences.

Pilate's duty was plain. He knew his duty--felt his obligation to do
it, and wished to do it, that he might feel easy, and not be concerned
for consequences. But he had formerly sacrificed conscience to
appetite, passion, or selfishness, and it was known. This exposed him
to temptation again to do wrong. He who had violated conscience to
gain worldly ends, might do it again. Pilate had exposed himself by
past conduct--could not justify his past administration--his enemies
might report him to Caesar--he could not answer for himself before
Caesar; but if he would again violate conscience, oblige the Jews, in
a matter they had much at heart, he hoped their friendship--that they
would spread a veil over his past conduct, and report in his favor at
Rome.

Such was the situation into which he had brought himself by willful
deviations from duty--thence temptations to farther and greater
deviations--temptations not easily overcome--temptations by which he
was overcome, and seduced to the most horrid wickedness--crucifying
the Lord of glory!

Those who would maintain their integrity, and stand in the evil day,
must resolve to do right; to obey the dictates of conscience; they
must beware the beginnings of sin; hold no parley with the enemy;
never hesitate, whether it is not best, in any case to yield to
temptation; nor make attempts to please those who wish them, and dare
to importune them to counteract the light of their own minds--
"trimming their way to seek love."

To enter on such a course, is to go on forbidden ground. It is to
pass the bounds, and go into the way of seduction. "Enter not into the
path of the wicked, and go not into the way of evil men. Avoid it,
pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." *

* Proverbs iv. 14.

What the poet observes, respecting one species of temptation, holds,
in degree, of every other.

"In spite of all the virtue we can boast, The _person_ who deliberates
in lost."--Young.

* * * * * *

SERMON XIII.

The Trial of Peter's love to Christ.

John xxi. 15, 16, 17.

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of
Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?' He saith unto him, 'Yea, Lord;
thou knowest that I love thee.' He saith unto him, 'Feed my lambs.' He
saith to him again a second time, 'Simon son of Jonas, lovest
thou me?' He saith unt