Consider the various tryals that surround you, my brethren, as matter of great joy; knowing this,

If any of you is deficient in prudence, let him ask it of God, who liberally gives to all without upbraiding: and he will give it.

let the rich be humbled by his instability: for he is as transitory as a flower in the field.

Let no man under temptation, say, it is God that tempts him; for as he is incapable of moral evil, he can't influence any one thereto.

throw off then your vices as dregs and scum: and receive with docility that genuine doctrine, which is effectual to your salvation.

If, agreeably to the scriptures, you observe that royal law, "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self," you do well.

for he that violates but one precept of the whole law, is as obnoxious to punishment, as if he had broke thro' all the rest.

speak and act as those, who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

it will be said, "you have a speculative faith, but mine is practical. where is your faith, if no effects appear? as for me, my actions will vouch for my faith.

you believe there is but one God, very well: the demons believe as much, and tremble."

was not our father Abraham treated as just, in consequence of his actions, when he had attempted to sacrifice his son upon the altar?

it was then, that those words of scripture were accomplished, "Abraham believed God, and he was regarded for it as a man of virtue, and was the favourite of God."

was it not likewise for her actions, that Rahab, formerly a loose liver, was accounted as just, for having entertain'd the messengers of Joshuah, and dismiss'd them the securest way?

as the body then without the soul is a meer carcase, so faith without its effects is lifeless.

a ship too of the greatest burthen, tho' the wind bears hard, by means of an inconsiderable helm, veers about as the hand of the pilot directs her.

As for you, who affirm, "to-day, or, to-morrow we will go to such a city, we will stay there a whole year, there we will traffic, and find our account."

As for you that are rich: weep, and lament the miserys that are falling upon you.

you have liv'd on the earth in voluptuousness and luxury: you have indulg'd your selves as in a day of sacrifice:

As for you, my brethren, bear your sufferings with constancy, till the advent of the Lord. the farmer, from the prospect of a golden crop, patiently expects the showers of the spring and the autumn.

Elias was only a man, as we are; however, having ardently prayed, that it might not rain, it did not rain in that country for three years and a half: