but constancy should be brought to its perfection, that you may be entirely accomplished, without any defect.

but let him be fully persuaded of the lawfulness of what he asks: for he that is diffident about that, is like the waves that fluctuate with the wind.

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

a man is instigated, and drawn into the snare by his own vicious passions, which once indulg'd, are productive of sin,

Don't be deluded, my brethren;

'tis he that has voluntarily renew'd us by the oracles of truth, that we might be the first converts of the new creation.

Wherefore, my dear brethren, let every one be eager to hear, averse to contradiction, and deaf to passion.

for a bare auditor without practice is like one who sees his image form'd by a mirror:

My brethren, let not your christian profession be accompanied with partiality.

consider, my dear brethren, has not God chose the poor of this world to be rich by faith, and to inherit the kingdom he has promised to those who love him?

but you, who despise the poor, are not you oppress'd by the rich? is it not they who drag you to their tribunals?

they who blaspheme that sacred name by which you are distinguish'd?

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

for he that has not shewed mercy, shall be condemn'd without mercy: while the merciful shall triumph at his trial.

suppose one of your brethren should be destitute of cloths, and of his daily nourishment,

and one of you should thus address him; "go and prosper, I wish you a warm fire, and a full meal:" without relieving his wants, would he be the better for your wish?

just so faith, if it be not operative, is intirely lifeless.

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.

My brethren, don't affect many of you to be doctors, considering, that those of us who are such, shall be tried with the greater severity.

you see how manageable horses are made by the application of a bit, which makes them take what motion we please.

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.

creatures of every kind, beasts, birds, reptiles, and sea-monsters, are frequently tamed by human industry.

By that we give praises to God the father: and that pronounces curses even against men, who are form'd after the divine resemblance.

from the same mouth shall blessing and cursing proceed? this ought not to be practis'd, my brethren;

does a fountain throw up salt water and fresh, by the same conveyance?

Whoever is a skilful moralist, let him show by his virtuous conduct, that he practises the humble precepts of wisdom.

or do you imagine that passage of scripture to be insignificant, "does the spirit that dwells in you, incite you to vice?"

be afflicted, be mournful, and weep: let your mirth be converted to sadness, and your joy to vexation.

your language ought to be this, "if the Lord pleases to give us life, we shall do this, or that."

your wealth is wasted, your wardrobe is devour'd by the worm,

and your gold and silver by rust: that rust shall convict you: that rust shall corrode your flesh like a caustic, which you have treasur'd up against the last days.

be you equally patient, and exercise your fortitude, for the advent of the Lord is nigh.

don't repine, my brethren, against one another, for fear you should be condemn'd. behold, the judge is at the gate.

let the prophets, my brethren, who were commission'd by the Lord, be your examples; suffer persecution with constancy like them.

we pronounce those happy, who have so endur'd. you have heard of the constancy of Job, you know with what success he was crown'd by the Lord, who is all mercy and compassion.

Above all things, my brethren, don't swear, neither by the heaven, nor by the earth, nor use any other oath; but let your affirmation, or negation, be sincere, lest you fall under condemnation.

the prayer that proceeds from faith, shall save the sick; the Lord will raise him up, and his sins that may have been the occasion, shall be forgiven.

confess then to one another the offences you have committed, and pray for one another, that you may be healed; the fervent prayer of a virtuous man has great influence.

then be pray'd again: the heavens sent its showers, and the earth push'd out its fruit.

My brethren, when any of you deviates from the truth, whoever sets him right, may be assured,