The true penitent
is sensible of it. He relies on grace alone; and asks mercy of God for
the sake of him "who died for his offences, and rose again for his
justification." He seeks in the use of appointed means because it is
the way of duty, and the way in which God is wont "to have mercy, on
whom he will have mercy;" who are commonly chosen from among those who
seek his face.

As fear puts some on duty, it excites others to that which is not
duty--puts them on doing things which are not required. Such are the
pilgrimages and penances of the Romanists; and such the severities
which some others have practised on themselves with a view to atone
for sin and render Deity propitious.

These have no tendency to conciliate heaven. A curse is more likely to
follow them than a blessing; yet in this way some have thought to
atone for sin and make peace with an offended God!*

* Vide Sermon on Colossians ii. 8.

IV. There is yet one other kind of fear which leads to destruction
--that _which causes men to shrink from the hardships of religion_;
and decline the difficulties which lie in the way of duty.

Difficulties and temptations were not peculiar to the first ages of
Christianity. St. Paul, after mentioning his own, declares them, in a
measure, common to all Christ's followers--"Yea, and all who will
live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution."

The trials and difficulties of the righteous are divers, but none
escape them. Many arise from indwelling corruption--many from an
insnaring world--many from Satan's malice and devices.

In fallen man there is a bias to error and wickedness. Not to suffer
his own lusts to draw him away, and entice him to sin, requires great
self denial.

From a wicked world temptations also arise and difficulties spring up.
In this land, the enemies of religion, have not power to kill and
destroy the faithful; but they have power to pour contempt upon them.
Cruel mockings may severely try those who fear neither the gibbet, nor
the stake. These do try the people of God at this day.

Neither do the powers of darkness cease to trouble and afflict--to
assault the faithful with their temptations, and to lay snares to
entangle them.

"Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking
whom he may devour." Satan's devices are without number--his attacks
are made from every quarter; and he is often so hidden that it is
difficult to discover him. Sometimes he assumes the m