The works of the Rev. William Thom, late minister ... - waughfamily.ca

34 SERMONS.fatlon, have a furprifing influence upon the turn ofthe mind, the feelings of the heart, and our behaviourin life. How often hath an impure hint, perhapsunmeaningly thrown out, polluted the mind of thehearer, given rife or growth to diforderly appetites orpaflions, which have foon after been exerted into action,and iffued in his remorfe and fhame. Whenthis happens to be the cafe, hath not the unwaryfpcaker reafon of deep mourning and regret, and hatJrnot the unfortunate hearer reafon to repent that everhe v/as in fuch company, though it may have beenthat of his near relations or intimate friends ? Mightit not be an effectual check to all fuch dangerous converfation,did the fpeaker paufe a little,and confider,"What mifchief may this word, this ftory cccafion ?"What fm may be committed in the confequence of it ?V/hat ihame, what punifhment may fome unliableperfon be brought to fufPer by it ?—How often alfo,,,and I fpeak it with pleafure, how often hath a fimpleman who was tottering,hint raifed and cherifted the devout and friendly affections,—caughthold of aand jufl upon the verge of falling into fome foul tranfgrellion,been the means of eftabiifning him in virtue,and fixing him in a laudable and Chriilian courfe ofa6lIon ? Hath not many a man felt the emotions ofgratitude flirring in his breaft, by being put in mindof God's loving kindnefs toward him ? Even an ac:i- fdental expreflion concerning the excellency of religion,and the furpafTmg love of Jefus,. or concerningthe dignity, the reality, and beauty of virtue, amidftall the prefent corruption and difTipation of the world,is often not without efFecl. It awakens in the fouiadmiration and love to God j it kindles a v/arm defireof virtue in the heart of the hearer, and cherifhesthat fame defire in the heart of the fpeaker. He «voften hath foft perfuafion pacified wrath, and ftei rimedthe impetuous tide of paOion ! How often hn.hit excited pity and commiferation, ?nd allayed tii-;