PRACTICAL VIEW PHEVAIUXG- KHlG IN* TUB KlalKR AXD CONTRASTED WITH i IED iocs WILLIAM WILHKUPOKCE, ESQ. * HvArrh the Kpfijiuit*-*'." " Httw I'tunniti/ i* Divisr. I'u N't Jurh STi'l crrtl^l, tltiii V Hut iiuijiiciiJ ai K Ajol5u% lr/,o, And 4 pripuw;', fiyil rtf r{ irM n Whrrr no ctulo AUirfnt ro'TJUi." TWKNTY-TUIHD K X.ONDON : OUBEBT AND BIVWGWON, ST. JOHN'S CONTEXTS. ~ IM-KOMTTIOX. Author's Apology, Design of th CHAPTER I. oMT.iMov^ or rtu: IMVMUTAMT. OF CHRISTIVNITY. Th<> popular notions eoneornin;; th<> importance of Chris- tianity e\tr ( :nt h inadequate- .,.."> IMPIOUS ignorance criminal , , K* ImvuMnmhlo to cvpcrt to become- proficients in Christianity without inquiry and pains . . . .11 Sei'iptnre n'pn i *intationsof th importance of i'hriHtiamtj . 1- Th* k maxinij that it is of no importuuee what ti man believe*-, k \poseii . . . . . .14 Also the maxim, that sincerity is all in all . . l r > True sincerity, \\hat itieludcd in it * H> CHAPTER II. I'ouun'iiov (r nt MAN NArrut:. SKIT. I.- fn^l^U'it^ <'<*. /.'i.w.* <./ tit? I'urnqilun rd**r of the world . 17 Popular tuitions i*oiuiwj5n^ human corruption . . 18 The litnVrcnt h>*onH on this suhjert which Christianity tcaehtH, pr(\td by the euutra^t !M>h\een what wo iniiiht '\}>ret front man, atul \\hat we ftinl him in prautice . Ml Kii'ht, iu the mu*.f pniished nations of unti|uity . . 20 Ne\t, in th inhahttautK of the New WnHtl (n ith fir-^t discovery . * . . .21 N*vt, in tho gewral state of tli> Christian worM . . SSS La-fly, even uinon^tru** Christians . . . sJA Tho nrijuinent HUinnb'd np ;uttl eufoivcil . . iJtt The Seriptwri* r**preM*ntationtf human corruption . . *tt T, I L- />V fytnt, -A'-ifwAc/ NM/.- ,/ JWiw* . , *JtJ> Kxi^tenee antl uy<'iwy of tho Kxil Spirit, though plainly 3V CONTENTS. PAGB Christianity breaks in ... .34 Practical importance and uses of the doctrine of human corruption ...... 35 Practical advice in relation to this subject . ib SECT. III. Corruption of Human Nature.--0bjection . 37 The objection, that our corruption and weakness being natural to us, will be excused or allowed for, stated and 37 3tt 3D 40 41 considered The objection how best treated Fallacy of this objection proved by Scripture Danger of admitting the above objection Humility becomes man Folly of busying ourselves with what is above our compre- hension, and neglecting what is plain and practical . 42 CHAPTER III. CHIEF DEFECTS OF THE RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF THE BULK OF PRO- FESSED CHRISTIANS, IN WHAT REGARDS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH A DISSERTATION CONCERNING THE USB OF THE PASSIONS IN RELIGION. SECT. I. Inadequate Conceptions concerning our Saviour and the Holy Spirit 43 Leading doctrines concerning Christ and the Holy Spirit, as stated in Scripture. .....& Inadequate conceptions in the above respects charged on the bulk of professed Christians, and enforced . 45 Great ingratitude hereby evinced . .48 Inadequate notions concerning the Holy Spirit * 49 1 Language of one who objects against the religious affec- tions towards our Saviour . .50 And against the Holy Spirit's operations . . & Eeply to the above j unreasonableness of arguing from tho abuse of a thing against its use . . . .52 Religious vulgarity, not to be too much disgusted by it . 55 SECT. II. On the Admission of the Passions into Rtfyion . 56 The opinion that the affections are misplaced in religion, discussed and refuted ..... it. By reason of the thing . . . ib. By the nature of man ..... 57 By the 'authority of the Scriptures and of Scripture cha- racters ....... 58 True test and measure of the religious affections . . 60 Religious affections, different according to natural temper, &c .63 CONTENTS. The affections not merely allowable in religion Imt highly necessary, proved by analogy . . .04 Christ the just object of our warm affections . . (>7 The objection, that we are not susceptible of affections towards an invisible Being, discussed . . . (J<) t?. l>ivin< k help promised for producing religious affections . 7" Unreasonable conduct of objectors in this instance . 7' Appeal to facts, in proof of the reality of the religious affec- tions. The martyrs of our own church, and the Apostles 77 Si-XTT. IIT. TiHitkqtMte Conceptions concerning the Holy Spirit's 0/>< rations . . , * .78 Scri])tnre doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit's operations . 7# IV. Mistaken Because resulting from relations common to all Christians . ih. Proof from the strong practical precepts of Scripture . 107 From God's requiring the heart .... 108 From the glory of God being prescribed to us as our great object, and from the criminality of idolatry . . 20.0 Extreme importance of the above considerations . . 110 SECT. II Ill Notions of practical Christianity generally prevalent . ib. They allow to religion only a partial jurisdiction . . 112 Mischievous consequences of the above error . 1 13 The preceding statement confirmed by an appeal to various classes of nominal Christians, particularly of the higher order .... 114 To the idle and dissipated To the votaries of sensual pleasure . To the votaries of pomp and parade . To the votaries of wealth and ambition To other classes no 117 us no 120 Conclusion from the preceding review, and general fault in principle of all the above classes, that of transferring tho heart from God to some other master . . .122 Effects of the fundamental error above mentioned, on our judgments and practice in the case of others . .123 Farther effects ; religion degraded into a set of statutes, and quibbled away accordingly . , , .125 Another eifect Religion placed in external actions, rather than habits of mind . , . . .128 Yet the internal principle all in all . . . 12D As an evil resulting from the last-mentioned error, Christian dispositions are not cultivated . . . .130 Instances of the preceding position j the generality forgot that the Christian's life is a life of faith, and the true Christian's character in this respect . .131 Another distinction between nominal and real Christians, grounded on their different tastes and relish for religious subjects . . . , .132 Proof drawn from the different manner of their employing their Sunday, and hints on that head . . .134 Other internal defects ; particularly in meekness and humi- % 138 CONTENTS. Vll PAGE SECT. III. 0)i the Desire of huinan, Estimation andJpplame. The generally prccailiny Opinions contrasted with those of ifie true Christian ...... 139 Universality of the desiro of human estimation . . ib. Common oulogium of tins pasbion, both as to its nature and effects ....... 140 The above vindication questioned, even by the Pagan moralists . . . . . . .144 Essentially defective and vicious nature of this passion, stated and explained in Scripture .... ib'. The world'b commendations naturally misplaced . . 14G Yet Christians taught in Scripture to cultivate with mode- ration the good opinion of tho world, as an instrument of usefulness . . . . . ib. But points out a higher object of our ambition . . 148 The inordinate love of human estimation generally preva- lent, and the natural result .... 149 Proofs from various considerations ; from the House of Commons . . . , , .150 From duelling . . . . . .151 Duelling, wherein its essential guilt consists . ,152 A peculiarity in respect of this vice . , ib. Commonly supposed value of the inordinate love of human estimation, questioned and disproved . . . 153 Reasonings of Christian moralists on this head often bear few traces of Christian morality , . . 154 Conduct of the true Christian, in what regards the love of human estimation ..... 155 The most effectual method of moderating this love . 161 The true Christian guards against it on small no less than on great occasions ; in religion, no less than elsewhere . 163 Parting counsel to those who wish to bring this passion tinder due regulation ; particularly to cultivate love and humility ...... 16*5 SECT. IV. The yew rally prevailing Error of substituting ami- able Tampers and useful Lives in 'the place of Religion, stated ami confuted ; with Mints to real Christians . , 169 Amiable tempers, and useful lives their merit commonly exaggerated ...... ib. Stated to be the sum of religion, in substance, if not in name ....... ib. The distinction between morality and religion fatal . 170 The worth of amiable tempers, as estimated by the standard of unassisted reason, commonly overrated . . 171 Many false pretenders to them , . . . ib. Vlll CONTENTS. Essentially defective nature of amiable tempers when not grounded in religion , .172 Their precarious and short duration . 173 Worth of useful lives, when estimated by the standard of unassisted reason, overrated . . - .175 The particular good of them more than countervailed by the general evil . . . . .170 Worth of amiable tempers and useful lives, when not grounded in religion, proved to be greatly overrated, if estimated on Christian principles . . ib. Their nature essentially corrupt . . . .175 The true Christian really the most amiable and useful character .180 Admonitions to true Christians in the above respects . 181 To the naturally sweet-tempered and active . .182 To the naturally rough and austere . . . 183 Amiable tempers and useful lives, their just praise . 186' Apt to be deceived by them in our own case . 1 87 Danger to true Christians from mixing too much in worldly business . . . . . .188 Advice to those who suspect this to be their case . .189 Exquisite sensibility, its flimsy texture ; school of Bousseau and Sterne 193 Sterne reprobated for indecency . . . .194 SECT. V. Some other grand Defects in ike practical System of the Sulk of Nominal Christians , . .195 Inadequate conceptions generally prevalent of the guilt and evil of sin . . . . . z"6. Proofs from our common language . 197 Different standard in the word of God . . 1JJ8 Inadequate fear of God generally prevalent , 199 Sin, its baneful nature ..... $6. The future punishments of the wicked represented in Scrip ture as resulting from established relations . ib, State of the world at the time of the Deluge . 202 Inadequate sense of the difficulty of getting to heaven ft. And of the necessity of acquiring a peculiar character ii order to fit us ior it .... 203 True Christian's efforts in this great work . 204 The Christian's life, represented under the character of a journey through a strange country . ., . 205 The bulk of nominal Chribtians defective in the love of God 207 Practical excellence of this quality . . . 208 The Stage tried by this test ... 209 CONTENTS. IX PAGE Our referring the Stage to this test justified by political analogy __ ...... 211 Bulk of nominal Christians defective in love of their fellow- creatures . . . . . .212 True marks of love of our neighbour . . .213 The Stage tried by reference to this test . .210 SECT. VI.- Grand Defect, Neglect of the peculiar Doctrines of Christianity ...... 218 Grand defect in the practical system of nominal Christians, their neglect of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity; and practical evils resulting therefrom, in the case of persons desirous of repentance and reformation . . ib t Advice of modern religionists to persons of this description 221 Advice given to them by the Holy Scriptures, and by the Church of England . . ' . .222 Extreme importance of this point ; nature of true holiness, and Ckr'istian method of obtaining it . . . . 223 Practical ubu made by the true Christian of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity ..... 224 The same use of them made in the Scriptures . . 226 Usu of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity in enforcing its importance . , . . . ib. In enforcing an unconditional surrender of ourselves to God ib. In enforcing the guilt of sin, and the dread of its punishment 227 In promoting the love of God .... 228 In promoting the love of our fellow-creatures . . 229 In promoting humility and meekness . . .230 In promoting a spirit of moderation in earthly pursuits, and cheerfulness in suffering . . . . .232 In promoting courage, confidence in danger, and heavenly- mindedness ...... 233 Grand distinction between nominal and real Christians, the place practically assigned by them to the peculiar doctrines of Christianity . . . . . .236 CHAPTER V. ON THE EXCELLENCE OP CHRISTIANITY IN CERTAIN IMPORTANT PARTICULAHS. ARGUMENT WHICH RESULTS THENCE IN PROOF 01? ITS DIVINE 01UGIN. Consi&tency between the leading doctrines, and practical precepts of Christianity . . . . .238 Between the leading doctrines of Christianity among each other ....... *6. X CONTENTS. PAGB Between the practical precepts- of Christianity among each other ....... 239 Higher value set by Christianity on moral, than on intellec- tual attainments ...... 242 Intrinsic excellence of the practical precepts of Christianity 245 Strong evidence of the truth of Christianity, afforded by the number and variety of the kinds of evidence by which its divine origin is proved . . . . . t&. CHAPTER VI. BRIEF INQUIRY INTO THE PRESENT STATE OF CHRISTIANITY IN THIS COUNTRY, WITH SOME OP THE CAUSES WHICH HAVE LED TO ITS CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES. ITS IMPORTANCE TO US AS A POLITICAL COMMUNITY, AND PRACTICAL HINTS FOR WHICH THE FOREGOING CONSIDERATIONS GrlVE OCCASION. Tendency of religion, and especially of Christianity, to pro- mote the well-being of political communities * . 248 A general standard or tone of moral practice in every com- munity ....... 249 Christianity has raised this general standard or tone . . 250 Effects on religion, of adversity and prosperity respectively 251 Natural presumption concerning the present state of religion among us, afforded by the preceding consideration . 252 Causes from which the peculiarities of Christianity slide into disuse . - 254 Still farther decline to be expected . . . .255 The above presumptive statements justified by facts . 256 One cause assigned which has principally operated in reduc- ing Christianity among us to a mere system of ethics . 258 Christianity, such as it is stated in the present work, the re- ligion of the pillars of our church . . H>. Its corruption accelerated by the civil commotions of the last century ...... 259 The peculiar doctrines of Christianity, at length almost left out of the system ; this position confirmed by an appeal to our best novels ...... 261 The literati of our days sceptically disposed . . 262 Consequences to typ expected . . . .263 The objection, that the author's system is so strict, that if it were to prevail, the world could not go on, stated and re- tted 264 Happy effects to us as a political community, from the pre- valence of eitaZ Wristwntiy . , . .267 The position, that Christianity is hostile to patriotism, op- Ps?d .268 Superior nature and extent of true Christian benevolence . 269 CONTENTS. XI Christianity peculiarly adapted to promote the well-being of political communities, from its hostility to selfishness . 271 Political expedients for preventing the mischievous effects of selfishness on civil communities, and superior efficacy of Christianity in thib respect .... 272 Means by which Christianity produces the above effects . ib Vital Christianity can alone produce them . . . 276 In the present circumstances of this country, we must either have vital Christianity, or we shall have none at all . ib, Appeal to experience, in confirmation of the above position . 278 Political good effects from the revival of vital Christianity among us, and bad ones from its further decline . . ib. A state of great civilization, no security against great moral corruption ....... 280 Practical hints for the conduct of men in power, suggested by the above statements ..... 282 No time for half measures. A decided line of conduct called for *&. Duty enforced on us of checking open profaneness, and, above all, of giving religious instruction to the rising generation 284 Evangelical Christianity alone likely to produce any real amendment ...... 285 The above remark pressed on the bishops, the clergy, and our universities ...... ib. Apology for having treated of religion so much with a view to its political effects . . . . .286 CHAPTER VII. PRACTICAL HINTS TO VARIOUS DESCRIPTIONS OP PERSONS. The common sort of Christianity does not deserve the name 287 Some considerations preparatory to self-examination ; one of them peculiarly awful ..... 288 Causes of self-deception suggested .... 289 One cause of self-deception, the mistaking our merely out- growing or changing our vices, for forsaking all sin ; ap- peal to life 290 Charge of being uncharitable repelled, and what really charity and uncharitableness .... 292 Women naturally more disposed to religion than men ; do- mestic advantages therefrom .... 294 Innocent young people, the term how much abused . . 296 The reformation held sufficient by the world, how much it falls short of true Christian regeneration . . . 297 Practical hints to such as having hitherto been careless and irreligious, wish to become true Christians . , 299 Excellent nature and practical benefits of humility . . 302 Love enforced ...... 304 Xli CONTENTS. Base and mercenary nature of the religion of the bulk ^of nominal Christians, and opposite character of true Chris- tianity . 304 The charge repelled, that we render Christianity a gloomy "iflT service ... *> u ' Multiplied sources of pleasure to true Christians . . 308 Superior situation of true Christians over men of the world in point of comfort, especially in our days . . .310 SECT. II. Advice to some who profess their full assent to flu fundamental doctnnes of the Gospel. . . . 312 A loose way of holding the true doctrines of Christianity, too generally prevalent in our relaxed dajs . . . * 313 Its danger and mischievous effects .... 314 Watchfulness and diligence enforced ; and the study of the lives of eminent Christians recommended . '315 SECT. HI. Brief observations addressed to Sceptics and frui- tarians ...... . 310 Presumption in favour of the truth of Christianity, from tho greatest and wisest men having embraced it . . iA, Infidelity gradually growing on young men as they advance in years . . . . . . .317 The above natural history of scepticism confirmed by experi- ence, and by the written lives of sceptics . . 3U) Infidelity, a disease of the heart rather than of tho under- standing ....... 3:20 Unitarianism often resorted to, from a wish to escape from the strictness of Christianity . . , .321 Deists and Unitarians have possessed a great advantage in contending with the orthodox Christian, from being the assailants ; practical hint which this suggests . , 322 Half-unbelievers ; their system peculiarly irrational and criminal ....... 324 Increasing evidence of the truth of Christianity . . 3 k j|( Unbelievers must stand the issue .... 327 SECT IV.-r Advice suggested by the state of the times to true Christians . . ... tft. Real Christians peculiarly bound to exert themselves in the present times ...... 328 Bound in particular to be eai'nest in prayer for their country 32J) Avowal of the Author, That to the decline of religion, he cliu^ij ~"H our national misfortunes, aiid that his bat hopes are Christians . . , . " 330 Motives which nave powerfully prompted the Author to the* prosecution of the present Work . . . 331 JLINJL JtlUJLJ U UJLJLUJN i IT lias been, for several years, the earnest wish of the writer of the following pages, to address his country- men on the important subject of religion ; but the various duties of his public station, and a constitu- tion incapable of much labour, have obstructed the execution of his purpose. Long has he been looking forward to some vacant season, in which he might devote his whole time and attention to this interesting service, free from the interruption of all other con- cerns ; and he has the rather wished for this oppor- tunity of undistracted reflection, from a desire that what he might send into the world might thus be rendered less undeserving of the public eye. Mean- while life is wearing away, and he daily becomes more and more convinced, that he might wait in vain for this season of complete vacancy. He must be content, therefore, to improve such occasional intervals of leisure as may occur to him in the course of an active and busy life, and to throw himself on the reader's indulgence for the pardon of such im- perfections, as the opportunity of undiverted atten- tion and maturer reflection might have enabled him to discover and correct. But the plea here suggested is by no means in- B 2 INTRODUCTION. tended as an excuse for the opinions which ho shall express, if they be found mistaken. Hero, if he b< i in an error, he freely acknowledges it to bo a deli- berate error. He would indeed account himself unpardonable were he to obtrude upon the pubhV, his first crude thoughts on a subject of sucli vast importance ; and he can truly declare, that what ho shall offer is the result of close observation, serious inquiry, much reading, and long and repeated con- sideration. It is not improbable that he may be accused of deviating from his proper line, and of impertinently interfering in the concerns of a profession to which he does not belong. If it were necessary, however, to defend himself against this charge, he might shelter himself under the authority of many most respect- able examples. But to such an accusation surely it may be sufficient to reply, that it is the duty of every man to promote the happiness of his fellow- creatures to the utmost of his power ; and that ho who thinks he sees many around him, whom her esteems and loves, labouring under a fatal error, must have a cold heart, or a most confined notion of benevolence, if he could withhold his endeavours to set them right, from an apprehension of incurring the imputation of officiousness. But he might also allege, as a full justification, not only that religion is the business of every OIKS but that its advancement or decline in any country is so intimately connected with the temporal inte- rests of society, as to render it the peculiar concern INTRODUCTION. O of a political man ; and that what he may presume to offer on the subject of religion, may perhaps be perused with less jealousy and more candour, from the very circumstance of its having been written by a layman, which must at least exclude the idea, an idea sometimes illiberally suggested to take off the effect of the works of ecclesiastics, that it is prompted by motives of self-interest, or of pro- fessional prejudice. But if the writer's apology should not be found in the work itself, and in his avowed motive for under- taking it ; in vain would he endeavour to satisfy his readers by any excuses : he will therefore proceed, without further preamble, to lay before them a general statement of his design. The main object which he has in view is, not to convince the sceptic, or to answer the arguments of persons who avowedly oppose the fundamental doc- trines of our religion ; but to point out the scanty and erroneous system of the bulk of those who be- long to the class of orthodox Christians, and to con- trast their defective scheme with a representation of what the author apprehends to be real Christianity. Often has it filled him with deep concern, to observe in this description of persons, scarcely any distinct knowledge of the real nature and principles of the religion which they profess. The subject is of in- finite importance; let it not be driven out of our minds by the bustle or dissipation of life. This pre- sent scene, with all its cares and all its gaieties, will soon be rolled away, and " we must stand before the B 2 4 INTRODUCTION. judgment-seat of Christ." This awful considera- tion will prompt the writer to express himself with greater freedom than he should otherwise be dis- posed to use. And he trusts that this consideration, while it justifies its frankness, will secure to him a serious and patient perusal. But it would be trespassing on the indulgence of the reader to detain him with introductory remarks. Let it only be further premised, that if what shall be stated should to any appear needlessly austere and rigid, the writer must lay in his claim, not to be con- demned without a fair inquiry whether his state- ments do or do not accord with the language of the Sacred Writings. To that test he refers with confi- dence. And it must be conceded by those who ad- mit the authority of Scripture, that from the decision of the Word of GOD there can be no appeal. CHAPTER L INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANITY. Popular Notions. Scripture Account. Ignorance in this case crimnal* Two false Maxims wyosed. BEFORE we proceed to the consideration of any par- ticular defects in the religious system of the Popular bulk of professed Christians, it may be proper Motions, to point out the very inadequate conception which they entertain of the importance of Christianity in general, of its peculiar nature, and superior excel- lence* If we listen to their conversation, virtue is praised, and vice is censured ; piety is, perhaps, ap- plauded, and profanencss condemned. So far all is well : but let any one, who would not be deceived by these " barren generalities," examine a little more closely, and he will find, that not to Christianity in particular, but at best to religion in general, per- haps to mere morality, their homage is intended to be paid. With Christianity, as distinct from these, they are little acquainted; their views of it have been so cursory and superficial, that, far from discerning its peculiar characteristics, they have little more than perceived those exterior circumstances which dis- tinguish it from other forms of religion. There are some few facts, and perhaps some leading doctrines and principles, of which they cannot be wholly igno- rant; but of the consequences, and relations, and prac- tical uses of these, they have few ideas, or none at all 6 INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE [CH. I. Does this language seem too strong in speaking of professed Christians? View then their plan of life and their ordinary conduct; and let us ask, wherein can we discern the points of discrimination between them and acknowledged unbelievers ? In an age wherein it is confessed and lamented that infi- delity abounds, do we observe in them any remark- able care to instruct their children in the principles of the faith which they profess, and to furnish them with arguments for the defence of it ? They would blush, on their child's coming out into the world, to think him defective in any branch of that knowledge, or of those accomplishments, which belong to his station in life ; and accordingly these are cultivated with becoming assiduity. But he is left to collect his religion as he may: the study of Christianity has formed no part of his education ; and his attach- ment to it, where any attachment to it exists at all, is, too often, not the preference of sober reason and conviction, but merely the result of early and groundless prepossession. He was born in a Christian country ; of course he is a Christian : his father was a member of the church of England ; so is he. When such is the religion handed down among us by hereditary succession, it cannot surprise us to observe young men of sense and spirit beginning to doubt altogether of the truth of the system in which they have been brought up, and ready to abandon a station which they are unable to defend. Knowing Chris- tianity chiefly in the difficulties which it contains, and in the impossibilities which are falsely imputed to it, they fall, perhaps, into the company of infidels ; where they are shaken by frivolous objections and profane cavils, which, had their religious persuasion been grounded in reason and argument, would have passed by them " as the idle wind." CH. I.] IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANITY 1 . 7 Let us beware before it be too late. No one can say into what discredit Christianity may hereby grow, at a time when the unrestrained intercourse, subsisting among the several ranks and classes of society, so much favours the general diffusion of the sentiments of the higher orders. To a similar igno- rance may perhaps be ascribed, in no small degree, the success with which, in a neighbouring country Christianity has of late years been attacked. Had she not been wholly unarmed for the contest, how- ever she might have been forced from her untenable posts, and compelled to disembarrass herself from her load of encumbrances, she never could have been driven altogether out of the Belt} by her puny assail- ants, with all their cavils, and gibes, and sarcasms ; for in these consisted the main strength of their petty artillery. Let us beware, lest we also suffer from a like cause ; nor let it be our crime and our reproach, that in schools, perhaps even in colleges, Christianity is almost if not altogether neglected. It cannot be expected, that they who pay so little regard to this great object in the education of their children, should be more attentive to it in other parts of their conduct, where less strongly stimulated by affection, and less obviously loaded with responsi- bility, Hicy arc of course, therefore, little regardful of the state of Christianity in their own country; and still more indifferent about communicating the light of Divine truth to the nations which " still sit in darkness." But religion, it may be replied, is not noisy and ostentatious ; it is modest and private in its nature ; it resides in a manV own bosom, and shuns the ob- servation of the multitude. Bo it so. From the transient and distant view, then, which wo have been taking of these unassuming Chris- tians, let us approach a little nearer, and listen to 8 INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE [CH. I. the unreserved conversation of their confidential hours. Here, if any where, the interior of the heart is laid open, and we may ascertain the true princi- ples of their regards and aversions; the scale by which they measure the good and evil of life. Here, however, you will discover few or no traces of Chris- tianity. She scarcely finds herself a place amidst the many objects of their hopes, and fears, and joys, and sorrows. Grateful perhaps, as well indeed they may be grateful, for health, and talents, and afflu- ence, and other temporal possessions, they scarcely reckon in the number of their blessings this grand distinguishing mark of the bounty of Providence. Or if they mention it at all, it is noticed coldly and formally, like one of those obsolete claims, to which, though but of small account in the estimate of our wealth or power, we think it as well to put in our title, from considerations of family decorum or of national usage. But what more than all the rest establishes the point in question : let their conversation take a graver turn. Here at length their religion, modest and re- tired as we are now presuming it to be, must be expected to disclose itself; here however you will look in vain for the religion of JESUS. Their stand- ard of right and wrong is not the standard of the Gospel: they approve and condemn by a different rule : they advance principles and maintain opinions altogether opposite to the genius and character of Christianity. You would fancy yourself rather among the followers of the old schools of philoso- phy : nor is it easy to guess how any one could sa- tisfy himself to the contrary, unless by mentioning the name of some acknowledged heretic, he should afford them an occasion of demonstrating their zeal for the religion of their country. The truth is, their opinions on the subject of reli- CH. I.] IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANITY. 9 gion are not formed from the perusal of the word of God. The Hible lies on the shelf unopened ; and they would be wholly ignorant of its contents, except for what they hear occasionally at church, or for the faint traces which their memories may still retain of the Icbsons of their earliest infancy. How different, nay, in many respects, how con- tradictory, would be the two systems of mere morals, of which the one should be formed from the com- monly received maxims of the Christian world, and the other from the study of the Holy Scriptures ! It would be curious to remark ia any one, who had hitherto satisfied himself with the former, the asto- nishment which would be excited on his first intro- duction to the latter. We arc not left here to bare conjecture. This was, in fact, the effect produced on the mind of a late ingenious writer 1 , of whose little work, though it hear some marks of his cus- tomary love of paradox, we must at least confess, that it exposes in a strong point of view the pov&rty of that superficial religion which prevails in our day; and that it throughout displays that happy perspicuity and grace, which so eminently charac- terize the compositions of its author. But after this willing tribute of commendation, we are re- luctantly compelled to remark, that the work in question discredits the cause which it was meant to serve, by many crude and extravagant positions ; a defect from which no one can be secure who forms a hasty judgment of a deep and comprehensive sub- jcctj the several relations of which have been imper- fectly surveyed ; and above all, it must be lamented, that it treats the great question which it professes to discuss, rather as a matter of mere speculation, than as one wherein our everlasting interests are involved. 1 It is almost auporftutms to name Mr. Soamo Jtmyns. 10 INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE [CH. I. Surely the writer's object should have been, to con- vince his readers of their guilt still more than of their ignorance, and to leave them impressed rather with a sense of their danger than of their folly. It were needless to multiply arguments in order to prove how criminal the voluntary ignorance, of which we have been speaking, must appear in the sight of G-od. It must be confessed by all, who believe that we are accountable creatures, and to such only the writer is addressing himself, that we shall have to answer hereafter to the Almighty for all the means we have here enjoyed of improving ourselves, or of promoting the happiness of others. If, when summoned to give an account of our stew- ardship, we shall be called upon to answer for the use which we have made of our bodily organs, and of our means of relieving the wants of our fellow- creatures ; how much more for the exercise of the nobler faculties of our nature, of invention, memory, and judgment, and for our employment of every in- strument and opportunity of diligent application, and serious reflection, and honest decision. And to what subject might we in all reason be expected to apply more earnestly, than to that wherein our own eternal interests are at issue ? When God of his goodness hath vouchsafed to grant us such abundant means of instruction, in that which we are most concerned to know, how great must be the guilt, and how awful the punishment of voluntary ignorance ! And why are we in this pursuit alone to expect knowledge without inquiry, and success without en- deavour 2 The whole analogy of nature inculcates a different lesson ; and our own judgments in matters of temporal interest and worldly policy confirm the truth of her suggestions. Bountiful as is the hand of Providence, its gifts are not so bestowed as to se- duce us into indolence ; but to rouse us to exertion ; CJI. I.] IMPORTANT!-, OF CHRISTIANITY. H and no one expects to attain to the height of ing, or arts, or power, or wealth, or military glory, without vigorous resolution, and strenuous diligence, and steady perseverance. Yet we expect to bo Christians \\ithout labour, study, or inquiry. This is the more preposterous, because Christianitv, being a revelation from God, and not the invention of man, discovering to us new relations, with their correspondent duties ; containing also doctrines, mo- tives, and precepts, peculiar to itself; we cannot rea- sonably expect to become proficients in it by the accidental intercourses of life, as one might learn in- sensibly the maxims of worldly policy, or a sche:ne of mere morals. The diligent perusal of the Holy Scriptures would discover to us our past ignorance. We tfmiitnn should cease to be deceived by superficial Amount. appearances, and to confound the Gospel of Christ with the systems of philosophers ; we should become impressed with the weighty truth, so much forgotten in the present day, that Christianity calls on us, as we value our immortal souls, not merely in ffMwrttl, to be v\f fictions and uwruh but specially to believe the doctrines, imbibe the principles, and practise the precepts of Christ. Jt might be to run into too great length to confirm this position beyond dispute by express ([notations from the word of God. And, not to anticipate what belongs more properly to a sub- suquont parts of the work, it may bo sufficient here to remark in general, that Christianity is always re- presented in Scripture an the grand, the unparalleled instance of God\s bounty to mankind* This un- spcakablo gift was graciously held forth in the ori- ginal promise to our first parents ; it was predicted by a long-continued series of prophets ; the subject of their prayers, inquiries, and longing expectation**. In a world which opposed and persecuted them, it 12 INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE [CH. I. was their source of peace, and hope, and consolation. At length it approached the desire of all nations the long expected star announced its presence- . a multitude of the heavenly host hailed its intro- duction, and proclaimed its character ; " Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will towards men."" The Gospel is every where repre- sented in Scripture by such figures as are most strongly calculated to impress on our minds a sense of its value ; it is spoken of as light from darkness, as release from prison, as deliverance from captivity, as life from death. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation !" was the exclamation with which it was welcomed by the pious Simeon; and it was universally received among the early converts with thankfulness and joy. At one time, the communica- tion of it is promised as a reward; at another, the loss of it is threatened as a punishment. And, short as is the form of prayer taught us by our blessed Saviour, the more general extension of the kingdom of Christ constitutes one of its leading petitions. With what exalted conceptions of the importance of Christianity ought we to be filled by such descrip- tions as these ! Yet, in vain have we " line upon line, and precept upon precept." Thus predicted, thus prayed and longed for, thus announced, charac- terized, and rejoiced in, this heavenly treasure, though poured into our lap in rich abundance, we scarcely accept. We turn from it coldly, or at best possess it negligently as a thing of no estimation. Bui a due sense of its value would assuredly be impressed upon us by the diligent study of the word of God, that blessed repository of heavenly truth and consolation. Thence it is that we are to learn what we ought to believe and what to practise. And, surely, one would think that much importunity would not be requisite. OH. I.] IMPORTANCE OF CIIRISTIAXlTy. 13 to induce men to a perusal of tho sacred volume. Keason dictates, revelation commands ; " Faith conies by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,"" "Search tho Scriptures," "Be ready to give to every one a reason of the hope that is in you." Such are the declarations and injunctions of tho inspired writers; injunctions confirmed by com- mendations of those who obey the admonition. Yet is it not undeniable, that with the Bible in our houses we are ignorant of its contents ; and that hence, in a great measure, it arises, that the bulk of the Chris- tian world know so little, and mistake so greatly, in what regards the religion which they profess '! This is not tho place for inquiring at large, whence it is that those who assent to the position, that the Bible is the word of Clod, and who profess to rest their hopes on the Christian basis, contentedly ac- quiesce in a state of such lamentable ignorance. But it may not be improper here to touch 2Wfrto? on two kindred opinions ; from which maxims tw- in the minds of the more thoughtful and ^*^ serious this acquiescence appears to derive much secret support. The one is, that It sifjMJiw UttU wlwtt a mail W/Vivw , look to hi$ practice. The other (of the same family), that sitwrity is all in all. Let a man's opinions and conduct be what they may, yet, pro- vided he be severely convinced that they arc right, however the exigencies of civil society may require him to be dealt with among men, iu the sight of God he cannot be criminal. It would detain us too long fully to set forth the various evils inherent in these favourite positions, of which it is surely not tho least, that they are of unbounded application, comprehending within their capacious limits, most of the errors which have been received, and mauy of the most desperate crimes which have been perpetrated among men Of the 14 INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE [CH. I. former of these maxims, we may remark, that it proceeds on the monstrous supposition already no- ticed, that although accountable creatures, we shall not be called to account for the exercise of our in- tellectual and mental powers. Moreover, it is founded on that grossly fallacious assumption, that a man's opinions will not influence his practice. The advo- cates of this fashionable principle require to be re- minded, that the judgment often receives a corrupt bias from the heart and the affections ; that vice is the fruitful mother of prejudice and error. Forgetful of these acknowledged truths, and confounding the most important moral distinctions, they place on the same level those who, carefully weeding from their hearts every false principle, occupy themselves in a sincere and warm pursuit of truth ; and those who yield themselves implicitly to the opinions, whatever they may be, which early prepossession may have in- fused, or which passion or interest, or even acquiescing indolence, may have imposed upon their minds. The latter of the foregoing maxims, that sincerity is all in all, proceeds on this groundless supposition, that the Supreme Being has not afforded us suf- ficient means of discriminating truth from falsehood, right from wrong : and it implies, that, be a man's opinions or conduct ever so wild and extravagant, we are to presume, that they are as much the result of impartial inquiry and honest conviction, as if his sentiments and actions had been strictly conformable to the rules of reason and sobriety. Never indeed was there a principle more general in its use, more sovereign in its potency. How does its beautiful simplicity also, and compendious brevity, give it rank before the laborious subtleties of Bellarmin ! Clement, and Bavaillac, and other worthies of a simi- lar stamp, from whose purity of intention the world has hitherto withheld its due tribute of applause, CII. I.] IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANITY. 15 would hero have found a ready plea ; and their in- jurod innocence should now at length receive its full though tardy vindication. " These, however," it may be replied, "are excepted cases." Certainly they are cases of which any one, who maintains the opinion in question, would be glad to disencumber himself, because they clearly expose the unsoundness of his principle. But ifc will be incumbent on such an one first to explain with precision why they are to be exempted from its operation, and this he will find an impossible task : for sincerity, in its popular sense, cannot be made the criterion of guilt and in- nocence on any ground, which will not equally serve to justify the assassins who have been instanced. The conclusion cannot be eluded ; no man was ever more fully persuaded of the innocence of any action, than those men were convinced, that the horrid deed they were about to perpetrate was, not merely law- ful, but highly meritorious. Thus Clement and Eavaillac being unquestionably sincere, they were therefore indubitably innocent. Nay, the absurd and pernicious tendency of this principle might be shown to be even greater than what has yet been stated. It would scarcely bo going too far to assert, that whilst it scorns the defence of petty villains, who still retain the sense of good and evil, it holds forth, like some well-frequented sanctuary, a secure asylum to more finished criminals, who, from long habits of wickedness, are lost to the perception no less than to the practice of virtue ; and that it selects a seared conscience, and a callous heart, and a mind insensible to all moral distinctions, as the special objects of its vindication. Nor is it only in profane history, that instances are to be found like those which we have mentioned, of persons committing the greatest crimes with a sincere conviction of the rectitude of their con- duct. Scripture will afford us parallels ; and it was 16 INADEdtJATE CONCEPTIONS, &C. [CH. I. surely to guard us against the very error which we have been now exposing, that our blessed Saviour forewarned his disciples: "The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doeth God service." A principle like this must then be abandoned, and the advocates for sincerity must- be com- p e ji e( j to restore this absurd term to its ceny ' genuine signification; and to acknowledge that it must imply honesty of mind, a faithful use of the means of knowledge and improvement, a desire of being instructed, humble inquiry, impartial con- sideration, and unprejudiced judgment. It is to these we would earnestly call you ; and to such dis- positions of mind, ever to be accompanied with fer- vent prayer for the Divine blessing, Scripture every where holds forth the most animating promises. " Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Ho ! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters :" such are the comfortable assurances, such the gracious encouragements held out to the truly sincere inquirer. How deep will be our guilt, if we slight all these benevolent offers ! " How many prophets and kings have desired to hear the things that we hear, and have not heard them !" Great indeed are our op- portunities, great also is our responsibility. Let us awake to a true sense of our situation. Every con- sideration is presented to us that can alarm our fears, or animate our industry. How soon may the bright- ness of our meridian sun be darkened ! Or, should the long-suffering of God si ill continue to us the mercies which we so much abuse, this will only ag- gravate our crime, and in the end enhance our punish- ment. The time of reckoning will at length arrive. And when finally summoned to the bar of God, to SECT. I.] IXAD1WATE CONCEPTIONS, &C. 17 give an account of our stewardship, what pica can we have to urge in our defence, if \\o remain willingly and obstinately ignorant of the way which leads to life, with such transcendent means of knowing it, and such urgent motives to its uunsuit ? CHAPTER IT. CORRUPTION OK HUMAN XATURK. SECT. I. J nadcyHttU Conceptions of the Corruption AFTKR aon.M and inclined to all virtue, is sometimes, almost in- voluntarily, drawn out of the right course, or is over- powered by the violence of temptation. Vice with them js rather an accidental and temporary, than a constitutional and habitual distemper; a noxious plant, which, though found to live and even to thrive SKCT. I.] CORRUPTION OF HUMAN MATURE. 19 in the human mind, is not the natural growth and production of the soil. Fur different is the humiliating language of Chris- tianity. From it we learn that man is "an True nc- apostate creatures fallen from his high on- ?J"?* l tmrm ginal, degraded in his nature, and depraved 'rmsMt'nmi in his* faculties: indisposed to good, and dis- fcri/>fr//v. posed to evil : prone to vice it is natural and easy to him ; disinclined to virtue it is difficult and labo- rious : he is tainted with sin, not slightly and super- ficially, but radically and to the very core. That such is tho Scripture account of man, however mortifying the acknowledgment of it may be to our pride," one would think, if this very corruption itself did not warp the judgment, none would be hardy enough to attempt to controvert. I know nothing which brings homo so forcibly to my own feelings the truth of this representation, as the consideration of what still re- mains to ns of our primitive dignity, when contrasted with our present state of moral degradation, " Into what depth tliou seest, From what height fallen." Kxamino first with attention tho natural powers and faculties of man; invention, reason, judgment, memory; a mind "of largo discourse," "looking before ami after, 1 " reviewing the past, thence de- termining for the present, and anticipating tho fu- ture ; discerning, collecting, combining, comparing ; capable, not merely of apprehending, but of admir- ing, tho beauty of "moral excellence: with fear and hope to warm and animate ; with joy and sorrow to solace and soften ; with love to attach, with sympa- thy to harmonize, with courage to attempt, with pa- tience to endure, and with the power of conscience, that faithful monitor within the breast, to enforce the conclusions of reason, and direct and regulate c "2 20 INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE [cH. II. the passions of the soul. Truly we must pronounce him "majestic though in ruin." "Happy, happy world !" would be the exclamation of the inhabitant of some other planet, on being told of a globe like ours, peopled with such creatures as these, and abounding with situations and occasions to call forth the multiplied excellences of their nature. " Happy, happy world, with what delight must your great Creator and Governor witness your conduct, and what a glorious recompense awaits you when your term of probation shall have expired !" * I, tone, quo virtus tua te vocat, i pede fausto, Grandia laturus meritorum preamia." But we have indulged too long in these delightful speculations; a sad reverse presents itself on our survey of the actual state of man ; when, from view- ing his natural powers, we follow him into practice^ and see the uses to which he applies them. Take in the whole of the prospect, view him in every age, and climate, and nation, in every condition and period of society. Where now do you discover the characters of his exalted nature ? " How is the gold become dim, and the fine gold changed !" How is his reason clouded, his affections perverted, his con- science stupified ! How do anger, and envy, and hatred, and revenge, spring up in his wretched bosom ! How is he a slave to the meanest of his ap- petites ! What fatal propensities does he discover to evil ! What inaptitude to good ! Dwell awhile on the state of the ancient world ; not merely on that benighted part of it where all lay buried in brutish ignorance and barbarism, but on the seats of civilized and polished nations, on the empire of taste, and learning, and philosophy : yet in these chosen regions, with whatever lustre the su^ of science poured forth its rays, the moral darknc SECT. T.] I'ORKrPTIOX OF IITMAX VAT ITEM. 21 was so thick " that It might be felt." Behold their sottush idolatries, their absurd superstitions, their want of natural affection, tlieir brutal excesses, their unfeeling oppression, their savage cruelty ! Look not to the illiterate and the vulgar, but to the learned and refined. Form not your ideas from the conduct of the less restrained and more licentious ; you will turn away \\ ith disgust and shame from the allowed and familiar habits of the decent and the moral. St. Paul best states the facts, and furnishes the expla- nation ; "because they did not, like to retain (Joel in their knowledge, he gave them over to a repro- bate mind V" Now direct your view to another quarter, to the inhabitants of a new hemisphere, where the baneful practices and contagious example of the old world had never travelled. Surely, among these children of nature we may expect to* find those virtuous ten- dencies, for which we have, hitherto looked in vain ! Alas ! our search will still be fruitless ! They are re- * FXompta dim, qua* pra-vitatitt humnnto vim ammo moo luculontor exliibcnt, non profcm* mm possum, Altoruni, downs ille Vn*giliu, alterunt riixTo, pro bus idt'in vcriquo studiosun, Ruppcditat. Virgiliub, hmoeuam eorto jmsturmn vitain depieturu.s, ita incipit, *' Fonnosum pastor Corydon ardobat Aloxim." Cicero in Hiiro dt k < MnViis prinio, ubi do aetioniims prout inter se aptr tt ("onvrnifiitcs sint, loci, tcinporis, ct agoutis rations liabita^ ntum sic ilhihtrat : " Turpi" Cht onim, valrobtttiono dixi.ssset, jmtc< l HHe cst, cum vir antiquorum pw- HtantiHHunuH adKeribcnduH, plnlos(j>ln:un, immo mores ct officia tnictann, tjilia doeurt't ! Quuluiu sibi ipse virtutis uonnam pro- posurrat, itti Ii