"Now, I tell you, before it come

Saviour, "believe me not." "Now, I tell

to pass, that when it is come to pass ye may believe, that I am he." "I speak as unto wise men," saith the apostle, "judge ye what I say." God requires us to believe nothing, which, on an impartial consideration of the evidence afforded, it would not be irrational to reject. Reason teaches us, that a religion, founded on miracles and the accomplishment of prophecy, must be true. It then teaches us, that every doctrine, certainly contained in such a religion, must likewise be true. Limited as our reason is, there are many things in the Scriptures, beyond its grasp; many which, without supernatural aid, it could not have discovered; many, the manner of whose existence is still incomprehensible. Such is the doctrine of a resurrection, and that of our Lord's incarnation. Neither of these is inconsistent with reason; but both are unquestionably above it; i. e. reason, unaided by revelation, can form no opinion on these subjects. Were the doctrines casually suggested to the mind, the understanding could neither affirm, nor deny. What then has reason to do with them? Plainly this, to determine whether they are taught in those Scriptures, which are given by inspiration of God. If they are, it is irrational to call them in question; because reason will not permit us to doubt the truth of the Almighty.

But revelation requires not only, that we proportion our assent to the evidence exhibited, but that we estimate objects according to their importance. If it forbids us to covet riches, it is because there is nothing, which "a man can give in exchange for his soul." If the Scriptures enjoin it as a duty to "love God with all the heart, soul, strength and mind," it is because of the infinite splendor of his moral perfections, and because of those "rivers of pleasure which flow at his right hand." If it directs us not to "set our affections on things below, but on those which are above," it is because "the things, which are seen are temporal; and the things which are not seen, are eternal."

As revelation teaches us to esteem objects according to their VOL. II.

31

importance, it demands, that our deportment should correspon with such estimation; by consequence, when there is competition between the favor of God and the approbation of men, between our future inheritance and our present advantage, it is made our duty, in both cases, to give to the former a willing and decided preference.

Now, even without taking into consideration what, in particular, that course is, which religion prescribes, it would be exceedingly obvious, that the influence of these general principles is conducive to the well being of civil society. How effectually would this be secured, were all men to make a right use of their understanding ;-estimate all objects according to their importance ;-and cherish feelings and character, corresponding with such estimation!

To throw additional light on the subject, we will notice distinctly a few of the moral precepts contained in the volume of inspiration Render to all men their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, but to love one another. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Recompense no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. The grace of God, which bringeth salvation, teacheth, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. In the decalogue is contained a solid compend of moral prohibitions; and our Lord has in a few words, enjoined every duty, which belongs to a man as a social being: Whatsoever things, ye would that men should do unto you, do ye the

same to them.

From that view of the subject, which has now been taken, does it not appear evident, beyond contradiction, that, in proportion as the principles of revelation are known, and practically adopted, the condition of man in a social and civil state, must be immensely improved? Would not these principles diffuse integrity and benevolence through all ranks of a community, making subjects virtuous and happy, and rulers wise and

lenient? When, therefore, the mass of the people in any nation, shall be "taught of the Lord," i. e. live under the influence of revealed religion, "great will be their peace. In righteousness will they be established; they will be far from oppression, for they shall not fear; and from terror, for they shall not be afraid."

For the enforcing of Christian principles, and the observance of Christian institutions, we have, therefore, exhibited a motive, to which no person not wholly indifferent to the present condition of his fellow men, can be insensible. But there is another view of the subject, which ought, in a much higher degree, to engage our attention. Though civil society is a very interesting state of human existence, there is another, which, in point of importance and duration, is infinitely more so. In less than a century, we ourselves, our families, and connexions, together with the present population of our country, and the world, shall, with enlarged capacities for enjoyment or suffering, be transferred to another state. As to the existence and duration of this state, Christianity is the only religion on earth, which gives us authentic and satisfactory instruction. Neither from any conditions its pains

other source, can we be informed, on what may be avoided, and its bliss obtained. Jesus Christ is himself "the resurrection and the life. Whosoever liveth and believeth on him, though he die, yet shall he live." The Bible does not indeed insure salvation to all, who read it; but it does render their salvation more probable, than it otherwise would be. It brings to their knowledge a series of events, and system of doctrines, in the highest possible degree calculated to exercise the understanding, te rouse the imagination, and affect the heart. It describes our ruin, and offers a remedy.

Whether we contemplate the Christian religion in regard to its influence on the present character and happiness of men, or in relation to that boundless scene, which it opens to our fears and hopes, the propriety of combining efforts for the purpose of extending its influence is strikingly apparent. In prosecuting this object, we know, that we are engaged in a good work. It is the

same work, which has employed the attention of apostles, prophets, martyrs, of Jesus Christ, and of God the Father. So far, therefore, as we are engaged in it, we are "workers together with God." If the contents of the sacred volume were worthy of being communicated from God to men by a series of miracles, are they not worthy of being conveyed from us to others, when it can be done by ordinary means, and with little labor? It is not the design of God, that his word should be confined to any one nation, or to any particular section of the earth. Wherever there are sufferings to be alleviated, vices to be reformed, or hearts to be renewed, his purpose is, that the doctrines of revealed religion shall be proclaimed. "Go," saith Jesus Christ," into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." One way of complying with this command is, by sending among the ignorant, whether in heathen or Christian countries, the discourses of Christ, and the writings of his inspired disciples.

We are to notice likewise, that this purpose of God in regard to the propagation of revealed truth, will be accomplished, "For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord." They, therefore, who, impelled by an ardent desire that all nations should be refreshed by streams issuing from the fountain of life, unite, for that object, their prayers and their labors, cannot be accused of indulging a vain hope.

But if such an event shall ever occur, you imagine, perhaps, that it will be produced by miraculous interposition, and, of course, that human exertions will be superseded.

A few moments' reflection on well known facts, will, it is believed, be sufficient to diminish your confidence in this conclusion. At the time when Christianity originated, far the greater part of Europe was inhabited by idolatrous barbarians. All Europe has now received Christianity. Yet this change was not effected by new miracles. That within one century from the present time the gospel should be preached among all nations, is not more improbable than ten years before their occurrence were some of those events which have taken place in our

own age. The time is within the recollection of almost all present, when the spirit of infidelity was widely spreading throughout all Christendom. In our own country, publications traducing revealed religion, were read with avidity, and, consequently, not without effect. The current against it was rapid and boisterous; and those who did not consider that "the foundation of God standeth sure," scarcely resisted the impression, that they saw a trembling in the edifice, which presaged speedy ruin. The Scriptures were falling into disuse, and were treated with disrespect. But, "when the enemy was coming in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raised up a standard against him." Societies for sending forth missionaries, for distributing the Scriptures, and for translating them into languages in which they had never appeared, have been multiplied to a degree, exciting general astonishment, though less, than might justly be produced by an event of so extraordinary a character, The same Scriptures, which were attacked with wit, derision, and a kind of malignant triumph, are now distributed in the four quarters of the globe, at the expense of many hundred thousands a year. That, which was spoken by the prophet, is now confirmed: They shall see, to whom He was not spoken of; and they, that have not heard, shall understand. If such has been the result of Christian effort, continued but for twenty years, the way being so far prepared, what may we not expect for a century to come; and that too without any thing, but a usual blessing on human exertions! In this connexion, and on this occasion, I cannot forbear to mention, that splendid and august combination of rank, wealth, talents, and religion, The British and Foreign Bible Society. Of such an institution I know not how to speak in language more appropriate, than that which the Scriptures afford: I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth; and the height thereof was great. The tree grew and was strong; and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth. The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much. Those leaves are, by the auspicious gales of heaven, wafted to distant