SERMON. 315 



selves and others in the choice and pursuit of our proper end, 

 everlasting happiness. For surely, of all advantages, this will 

 be found the greatest to ourselves; and God will esteem ii so 

 too; because thereby our own, and probably other's souls will 

 be gained to Him; which is the only gain that he accounts of. 

 The wisdom of directing our own ways aright, viz. being wise 

 for ourselves is doubtless the prime point of all wisdom : 

 according to that of Solomon : (Prov. 14: 8) "The wisdom of 

 the prudent is to direct his way." And whoso is wise will 

 make the knowing and securing of his own eternal happiness 

 his ?nain business : and being sensible, (as he presently must, 

 that at all considers this matter) that without a truly religious 

 life, and a pure and holy conversation no man can be accept- 

 able to God, or admitted into his joys ; - - will labour above 

 all things after sanctification, to please God both in body and 

 soul: that if he cannot do any further service to his maker, he 

 may be sure however to glorify him in working out his own 

 salvation. But withal knowing that such a private spirit is 

 very short of that of Xtianity (which would have all men to 

 be saved) will find himself obliged moreover to become exem- 

 plaky in goodness, that he may by the loveliness of his ways 

 win others to the like, and y c service of God, and righteousness. 



