Introductory Lessons On Morals And Christian Evidences

of Him"; that our great Master came into the world, and lived and died for us, "that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Whenever, in our Scriptures, the unspeakable love and goodness of God towards us is set forth, in sending his blessed Son for our salvation, we are always called on to show our gratitude and love towards Him in return, by a zealous and watchful endeavor after personal holiness. " If ye love me," says the Saviour, "keep my commandments." And he warns us that to those who lead a sinful life, even though they shall have preached in his name, and " in his name done many mighty works," He will say at the last day, " I know you not; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity." § 3. ? Divine Approbation of Virtue an Encouragement. Now it is indeed true, as was remarked above, that if Man had been a Being destitute of moral sense [conscience], no knowledge of the divine will could have given him the notion of Duty; and anything we might do, in compliance with God's will, on grounds of mere self-interest, would not be at all of the character of Virtue, but would be only Prudence. But Man being such as he actually is, ? capable of understanding the difference between moral good and evil, but of a frail andimperfect character, and exposed to many temptations to sin, ? such a Being is of course greatly encouraged in virtue, and deterred from sin, by knowing that our Maker requires what i...