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Full text of "A Practical View Of The Prevailing Religious Systems Twenty Third Edition"

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