there is a system of faith professing to be divine, which in its influence is most benignant, certainly affords a presumption that God has revealed himself. Does not then the most forcible obligation rest upon all men to examine the proof urged in favor of this system? And should not this examination be conducted with candor, with a diligence commensurate with the importance of the subject, and with great seriousness of mind. So far from condemning it unheard, should not the mind be exceedingly opened to reasonable conviction, and disposed to allow all due influence to the arguments adduced? If all this be done, and without effect, men may be justified in disbelieving the gospel.

But is this conduct characteristic of the unbeliever? Does he not condemn and proceed to the confutation of the Scriptures, without having ever attended to their contents, or the evidence upon which they rest? It is a noble and invaluable testimony in favor of our holy religion, that in many instances, an attentive examination and an accurate acquaintance with the sacred writings, have been instrumental in convincing those who had been strongly prejudiced against them. I could name illustrious individuals, upon whom an intimate knowledge of the sacred Scriptures had this happy influence. I could adduce instances, where the first resort to the attentive study of the Bible was with a view to its confutation; and I could point to the

effects which flowed from this study, in able and eloquent defences of Christianity, by those who cherished the faith which they once designed to destroy. Such is the majesty and influence of truth, and so important is a thorough knowledge and candid examination of the contents of divine revelation.

It is therefore most seriously urged upon those who may yet be unbelievers, that they do patiently, and with a sincere desire of arriving at the truth, examine into the evidence upon which the Scriptures found their claim to inspiration. In the course of this investigation let them consider the momentous nature of the pretensions to be substantiated or disallowed, and proceed with becoming deliberation, to the formation of their judgment.

It is also a reflection which should be ever borne in mind, that the truth of the gospel is not merely a matter of speculation. The evidence presented may be abundantly sufficient to convince the judgment, and yet the man may remain an unbeliever. The reason of which is that there exists in the human heart an aversion to the truths which God has revealed-there is something in the nature of man, and in the relation which he sustains to his Creator, which indisposes him to acknowledge the fact, that a revelation has been made. Such an one will reason thus: If God has indeed declared his will, then am I inexcusable in not obeying it ;

if the Scriptures contain divine truth, then am I sunk in sin; and without repentance, faith, and holiness, must perish.' These are disagreeable truths, and you cannot bear them-you do not wish to be disturbed in your repose, nor that the complacency with which you view yourselves and conduct, should be destroyed. You will not therefore trouble yourselves with an investigation which will be productive of such painful and humbling feelings. But the authority of the Bible is the same whether you believe or disbelieve it, and God has certainly appointed a day in which he will judge all men, although you may have persuaded yourselves of the contrary. If you are not convinced now, you must be hereafter-but this will be unavailing; for in the world which shall be, " no device, nor work, nor knowledge, nor wisdom," can suffice for the salvation of those who have in this world continued impenitent to their end.

The observations which have been made respect one of the two classes of hearers which come under our observation, and which correspond with those mentioned in the text. I shall on another occasion, take up the case of those who with undecided minds, reply to the gospel admonition, We will hear thee again of this matter.' This reply indicates some conviction of the importance of divine truth-and we may suppose, that those who give it, design at

some future time, to attend to the great concern of their salvation.

But, perhaps there are some of you who have never gone thus far-all our admonitions have been disregarded. You have never felt that you were in imminent danger of destruction-and you have never thought of being any thing else than you now are. Whether this carelessness has arisen from a deliberate disbelief of the gospel, or the mere neglect of its instructions, the effect is the same, and you are involved alike in guilt and danger. You are earnestly besought to consider these things. If the Bible has been disbelieved, or if it has been neglected, let it be thus no longer-attend to its warnings and instruction, and you will be convinced of guilt, and learn its remedy. No longer neglect therefore, the great salvation which has been provided. Do not render yourselves vessels of wrath, more and more fitted for destruction. But let the glorious fact that Jesus, after having died for our sins, arose from the dead, induce you to believe on him, and encourage you to trust in him, that you may also arise from the grave to the inheritance of everlasting life.

343

SERMON XXX.

ON NEGLECT OF RELIGION.

ACTS Xvii. 32.

And others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

ON a former occasion, while considering the reception which St. Paul's preaching met with at Athens, we were led to address some reflections to those who either treated the gospel with scorn, or utter neglect. It was at that time promised that the conduct of those who were undecided in regard to religious duty, should be made the subject of future examination. With this engagement I now proceed to comply, while I address those who, in some degree convinced of the necessity of repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ, do, nevertheless, decline attending to these duties at present; whose reply to the warnings and exhor