i PRACTICAL VIEW OF THE PREVAILING RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF PROFESSED CHRISTIANS ILi 3 . ILBERFORCE "7 x\ . It V* -JL A PRACTICAL VIEW OF THE PREVAILING RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF PROFESSED CHRISTIANS, IN THE HIGHER AND MIDDLE CLASSES IN THIS COUNTRY, CONTRASTED WITH HEAL CHRISTIANITY. By WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, Esq. -Search the Scriptures! John v. 39. How charming is DIVINE PHILOSOPHY ! Not harsh and crabbed, as dull Fools suppose, But musical as is Apolio's lute, And a perpetual feast of nectar'd sweets, Where no crude surfeit reigns. Milton. THE SIXTEENTH EDITION. Hontjott: PRINTED FOR T. CADELL, IN THE STRAND. 1827. Luke Hansard & Sons, wear Lincoln's-Inn Fields, London. CONTENTS. Introduction . — Author's Apology, Design of the work ------- page l Chap. I. page 5. Inadequate Conceptions of the Importance of Christianity, The popular notions concerning the importance of Chris- tianity extremely inadequate - - - 5 to 9 Religious ignorance criminal - 9 Unreasonable to expect to become proficients in Christi- anity without inquiry and pains - - - 10 Scripture representations of the importance of Christianity ibid. The maxim, that it is of no importance what a man be- lieves, exposed - - - - - - 13 Also the maxim, that sincerity is all in all - ibid. True sincerity, what included in it - - - 15 Concluding reflections - - - - - 16 Chap. II. p. 16. Corruption of Human Nature. Sect. I. — Inadequate Conceptions of the Corruption of Human Nature ------ 16 Popular Notions concerning human corruption - 17 The different lessens on this subject which Christianity teaches, proved by the contrast between what we might expect from man, and what we find him in practice 17-25 First, in the most polished nations of antiquity - - 18 Next, in the inhabitants of the New World on its first discovery -.--... 2 o a 2 Next, IV CONTENTS. Next, in the general state of the Christian world 21 Lastly, even among true Christians 24 The argument summed up and enforced - - 25 The Scripture representation of human corruption 27 Sect. II. — Evil Spirit. — Natural State of Man - 27 Existence and agency of the Evil Spirit, though plainly taught in Scripture, generally exploded 28 Nothing unreasonable in this doctrine - - ibid. Scripture representations of the Supreme Being calculated to inspire awe ------ og The same awful impressions excited by the divine threat- enings and punishments recorded in Scripture, and by the moral order of the world 30 Christianity breaks in 32 Practical importance and uses of the doctrine of human corruption ------- ibid. Practical advice in relation to this subject 33 Sect. III. — Corruption of Human Nature.— Objection 34 The objection, that our corruption and weakness being natural to us, will be excused or allowed for, stated and considered -------34 The objection how best treated 35 Fallacy of this objection proved by Scripture - 36 Danger of admitting the above objection - - ibid. Humility becomes man - - - - 38 Follv of busying ourselves with what is above our compre- hension, and neglecting what is plain and practical 39 Chap. III. p. 40. Chief Defects of the Religious System of the Bulk of professed Christians, in what regards our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit — with a Dis- sertation concerning the Use of the Passions in Religion. Sect. I. Inadequate Conceptions concerning our Saviour and the Holy Spirit 4° Leading doctrines concerning Christ and the Holy Spirit, as stated in Scripture ibid. •Inadequate CONTENTS. V Inadequate conceptions in the above respects charged on the bulk of professed Christians, and enforced - 42-44 Great ingratitude hereby evinced - - - 45 Inadequate notions concerning the Holy Spirit - 46 Language of one who objects against the religious affections towards our Saviour - ibid. And against the Holy Spirit's operations 47 Reply to the above ; unreasonableness of arguing from the abuse of a thing against its use 48 Religious vulgarity, not to be too much disgusted by it 50 Sect. II. — On the Admission of the Passions into Re- ligion -------52 The opinion that the affections misplaced in religion, discussed and refuted - 52-62 By reason of the thing - - - - - 52 By the nature of man - - - - - 53 By the authority of the Scriptures and of Scripture cha- racters ------- 54. True test and measure of the religious affections - 56-58 Religious affections, different according to natural temper, &c. - - 58 The affections not merely allowable in Religion but highly necessary, proved by analogy - 59-62 Christ the just object of our warm affections - 62 The objection, that we are not susceptible of affections towards an invisible Being, discussed - - 64 Close contact between subject and object, necessary to produce affection 66 And sufficient to produce affection without sight 66-68 This explains why public misfortunes affect us less than private or personal ----- 68 Means of strengthening our affection towards any ob- ject - - ibid. Special grounds for the affections towards our Saviour 69 Divine help promised for producing religious affections 70 Unreasonable conduct of objectors in this instance 71 Appeal to facts, in proof of the reality of the religious affections. — The martyrs of our own church, and the apostles 72 a 3 VI CONTENTS. Sect. III. — Inadequate Conceptions concerning the Holy Spirit's Operations - - . - . 73 Scripture doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit's operations 73-74 Sect. IV. — Mistaken Conceptions entertained by Nominal Christians of the terms of acceptance voith God - 75 Inference afforded by the inadequate conceptions already noted, that mistaken conceptions commonly entertained of the means of a sinner's acceptance with God 75-76 Different degrees of error 76 Nature and proofs of this error - - - 77 Their fundamental misconception of the scheme and es- sential principle of the Gospel 78 Practical consequences and confirmation of the above mis- conception ------- 79-81 Condemnation of those who abuse the doctrine of grace 8 1 Believing in Christ, what really implied in it - 82 Answer to objection, that we insist on metaphysical niceties ------- ibid. The atonement and grace of Christ further pressed, as the subjects of our habitual regard - 83-86 Advantage justly taken by the Socinian, of the above defects -------84 Practical application and address - 86-89 Chap. IV. p. 89. On the prevailing inadequate Conceptions concern- ing the Nature and the Strictness of Practical Christianity. Sect. I. p. 89. Inadequate conceptions of the practical strictness required by Christianity, generally prevalent - - 89-91 Strong presumption against their notions - - 9 1- 93 Practical strictness of Christianity, as stated in Scrip- ture - - - 93-94 Essential practice characteristic of true Christians 94 Excellence of this principle gs The CONTENTS. Vll The principle further opened, and shown to include the love of God - 95-97 The above principle of general application proved by the general terms of Scripture precepts - -^ ibid. Because resulting from relations common to all Christians. 98 Proof from the strong practical precepts of Scripture 99 From God's requiring the heart - - - 100 From the glory of God being prescribed to us as our great object, and from the criminality of idolatry - 101 Extreme importance of the above considerations 102 Sect. II. p. 103. Notions of practical Christianity generally prevalent, ibid. They allow to religion only a partial jurisdiction 104 Mischievous consequences of the above error - 105 The preceding statement confirmed by an appeal to various classes of nominal Christians, particularly of the higher order 106-7 To the idle and dissipated - 107-8 To the votaries of sensual pleasure - 108-9 To the votaries of pomp and parade - - 109 To the votaries of wealth and ambition - - 110 To other classes ----- 111-12 Conclusion from the preceding review, and general fault in principle of all the above classes, that of transferring the heart from God to some other master - 112-14 Effects of the fundamental error above mentioned, on our judgments and practice in the case of others - 114 Farther effects ; religion degraded into a set of statutes, and quibbled away accordingly - - 116-18 Another effect— Religion placed in external actions, rather than habits of mind - - - - 118 Yet the internal principle all in all - - 119-20 As an evil resulting from the last-mentioned error, Chris- tian dispositions are not cultivated - - 120 Instances of the preceding position ; the generality forget that the Christian's life is a life of faith, and the true Christian's character in this respect - 121-22 Another distinction between nominal and real Christians, grounded on their different tastes and relish for reli- gious subjects ----- 122-24 A 4 Proof VM CONTENTS. Proof drawn from the different manner of their employing their Sunday, and hints on that head - 124-27 Other internal defects; particularly in meekness and humility „ -128 Sect. III.— On the Desire of human Estimation and Ap- plause—The generally prevailing Opinions contrasted with those of the true Christian - 128 Universality of the desire of human estimation - 1 29 Common eulogium of this passion, both as to its nature and effects ----- 130-32 The above vindication questioned, even by the Pagan moralists - -133 Essentially defective and vicious nature of this passion, stated and explained in Scripture - 133-4 The world's commendations naturally misplaced 1 35 Yet Christians taught in Scripture to cultivate with mode- ration the good opinion of the world, as an instrument of usefulness - 135-37 But points out a higher object of our ambition - 137 The inordinate love of human estimation generally pre- valent, and the natural result - 138-9 Proofs from various considerations ; from the House of Commons - - - - - - -139 From duelling - - - - - -140 Duelling, wherein its essential guilt consists - ibid. A peculiarity in respect of this vice - - - 141 Commonly supposed value of the inordinate love of human estimation, questioned and disproved - - 142-3 Reasonings of Christian moralists on this head often bear few traces of Christian morality - - - 143 Conduct of the true Christian, in what regards the love of human estimation - 144-49 The most effectual method of moderating this love, 1 50 The true Christian guards against it on small no less than on great occasions; in religion, no less than else- where - - » - - - -115 Parting counsel to those who wish to bring this passion under due regulation ; particularly to cultivate love and humility - - - - 1 53 CONTENTS. IX Sect. IV.— The generally 'prevailing Error of substituting amiable Tempers and useful Lives in the place of Religion, stated and confuted ; with Hints to real Christians 157 Amiable tempers and useful lives, their merit commonly exaggerated ------ ibid. Stated to be the sum of religion, in substance, if not in name ibid. The distinction between morality and religion fatal 158 The worth of amiable tempers, as estimated by the stand- ard of unassisted reason, commonly over-rated 159 Many false pretenders to them - ibid. Essentially defective nature of amiable tempers when not grounded in religion - ibid. Their precarious and short duration - - - 160 Worth of useful lives, when estimated by the standard of unassisted reason, over-rated - - - 162 The particular good of them more than countervailed by the general evil - - - - - -163 Worth of amiable tempers and useful lives, when not grounded in religion, proved to be greatly over-rated, if estimated on Christian principles - - ibid. Their nature essentially corrupt - - - 165 The true Christian really the most amiable and useful character - - - - - - -167 Admonitions to true Christians in the above respects 168 To the naturally sweet-tempered and active - 169 To the naturally rough and austere - - - 170 Amiable tempers and useful lives, their just praise 173 Apt to be deceived by them in our own case - 174 Danger to true Christians from mixing too much in worldly business ------ ibid. Advice to those who suspect this to be their case 175 Exquisite sensibility, its flimsy texture ; school of Rous- seau and Sterne - - - - 1 79 Sterne reprobated for indecency - - 180 Sect. V. — Some other grand Defects in the practical Sys- tem of the Bulk of Nominal Christians - - 181 Inadequate conceptions generally prevalent of the guilt and evil of sin ------ ibid. Proofs from our common language - - - 183 Different standard in the word of God - - 184 Inadequate X CONTENTS. Inadequate fear of God generally prevalent - 184 Sin, its baneful nature - - - - - 185 The future punishments of the wicked represented in Scripture as resulting from established relations ibid. State of the world at the time of the Deluge - 187 Inadequate sense of the difficulty of getting to heaven, ibid. And of the necessity of acquiring a peculiar character, in order to fit us for it 188 True Christian's efforts in this great work - 190 The Christian's life, represented under the character of a journey through a strange country - ibid. The bulk of nominal Christians defective in the love of God -------- 192 Practical excellence of this quality - - - 193 The stage tried by this test - - - 193-96 Our referring the stage to this test justified by political analogy - 196 Bulk of nominal Christians defective in love of their fellow- creatures - - - - - - -197 True marks of love of our neighbour - - 198-200 The stage tried by reference to this test - - 201-2 Sect VI.— Grand Defect.— Neglect of the peculiar Doc- trines of Christianity ----- 202 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, 202-5 Advice of modern religionists to persons of this descrip- tion "■'•"" ' 2 ° 5 Advice given to them by the Holy Scriptures, and by the Church of England 206 Extreme importance of this point; nature of true holiness, and Christian method of obtaining it - - 206-8 Practical use made by the true Christian of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity - 208 The same use of them made in the Scriptures - 209 Use of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity in enforcing, its importance - - - - - -210 In enforcing an unconditional surrender of ourselves to God -------- ibid. In enforcing the guilt of sin, and the dread of its punish- ment ------- 210-11 In CONTENTS. XI In promoting the love of God - 211-12 In promoting the love of our fellow-creatures - 213 In promoting humility and meekness - 214 In promoting a spirit of moderation in earthly pursuits, and cheerfulness in suffering - - - 215-17 In promoting courage, confidence in danger, and heaven- ly mindedness 217-19 Grand distinction between nominal and real Christians, the place practically assigned by them to the peculiar doctrines of Christianity - 219-20 Chap. V. p. 220. On the Excellence of Christianity in certain im- portant Particulars. Argument which results thence in Proof of its Divine Origin. Consistency between the leading doctrines, and prac- tical precepts of Christianity - - - - 221 Between the leading doctrines of Christianity among each other ------- ibid. Between the practical precepts of Christianity among each other ------ 222-25 Higher value set by Christianity, on moral, than on intellectual attainments - 225-28 Intrinsic excellence of the practical precepts of Christi- anity -------- 228 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 - 228-29 Chap. VI. p. 230. Brief Inquiry into the present State of Christianity in this Country, with some of the Causes which have led to its critical Circumstances. Its Im- portance to ns as a political Community, and practical Hints for which the foregoing Conside- rations give occasion. Tendency of religion, and especially of Christianity, to promote the well-being of political communities 230 A general standard or tone of moral practice, in every community ------- 231-2 Christianity Xll CONTENTS. Christianity has raised this general standard or tone 232 Effects on religion, of adversity and prosperity respec- tively - - ^ - - - - - 233 Natural presumption concerning the present state of religion among us, afforded by the preceding con- sideration 234-5 Causes from which the peculiarities of Christianity slide into disuse ------- 236 Still farther decline to be expected - 237 The above presumptive statements justified by facts, 237.39 One cause assigned which has principally operated in reducing Christianity among us to a mere system of ethics -------- 239 Christianity, such as it is, stated in the present work, the religion of the pillars of our church - - ibid. Its corruption accelerated by the civil commotions of the last century 240-1 The peculiar doctrines of Christianity, at length almost left out of the system; this position confirmed by an appeal to our best novels » 242-3 The literati of our days, sceptically disposed - 243-4 Consequences to be expected - 244 The objection, that the author's system so strict, that if it were to prevail the world could not go on, stated and refuted - 245-48 Happy effects to us as a political community, from the prevalence of vital Christianity - 248-9 The position, that Christianity is hostile to patriotism, opposed 249 Superior nature and extent of true Christian benevolence, 250-1 Christianity peculiarly adapted to promote the well- being of political communities, from its hostility to selfishness 251-2 Political expedients for preventing the mischievous effects of self ishness on civil communities, and superior efficacy of Christianity in this respect - 252-56 Means by which Christianity produces the above effect, ibid. Vital Christianity can alone produce them - - 256 In the present circumstances of this country, we must either have vital Christianity, or we shall have none at all 256-7 Appeal CONTENTS. X1U Appeal to experience, in confirmation of the above posi- tion - - - - - ".■■"".■ 2 5 8 Political good effects from the revival of vital Christianity among us, and bad ones from its further decline, '258-60 A state of great civilization, no security against great moral corruption ----- 260-1 Practical hints for the conduct of men in power, suggested by the above statements - 262 No time for half measures. — A decided line of conduct called for - - 262-3 Duty enforced on us of checking open profaneness, and, above all, of giving religious instruction to the rising generation - - - - - - 263 Evangelical Christianity alone likely to produce any real amendment ------ 264 The above remark pressed on the bishops, the clergy and our universities ----- 264-5 Apology for having treated of religion so much with a view to its political effects ----- 265-6 Chap. VII. p. 266. Practical Hints to various Descriptions of Persons. The common sort of Christianity does not deserve the name ------- 266-7 Some considerations preparatory to self-examination ; one of them peculiarly awful - 267-8 Causes of self-deception suggested - - 269 One cause of self deception, the mistaking our merely outgrowing or changing our vices, for forsaking all sin; appeal to life ------ 269-72 Charge of being uncharitable repelled, and what really charity and uncharitableness - 272-3 Women naturally more disposed to religion than men ; domestic advantages therefrom - 2 73-75 Innocent young people, the term how much abused 275-6 The reformation held sufficient by the world, how much it falls short of true Christian regeneration - 276-78 Practical hints to such as having hitherto been careless and irreligious, wish to become true Christians - 278-80 Excellent XIV CONTENTS. Excellent nature andpractical benefits ofhumility, 281-2 Love enforced - - - - - -282-3 Base and mercenary nature of the religion of the bulk of nominal Christians, and opposite character of true Christianity - - 283-85 The charge repelled, that we render Christianity a gloomy service - - - - - - - 285 Multiplied sources of pleasure to true Christians, 286-88 Superior situation of true Christians over men of the world in point of comfort, especially in our days - 289-90 Sect. II. — Advice to some 'who prof ess their JitU Assent to the fundamental Doctrines of the Gospel - 290 A loose way of holding the true doctrines of Christianity, too generally prevalent in our relaxed days - 290-92 Its danger and mischievous effects - - 292-93 Watchfulness and diligence enforced; and the study of the lives of eminent Christians recommended 293-94 Sect. III. — Brief Observations addressed to Sceptics and Unitarians ------ 294 Presumption in favour of the truth of Christianity, from the greatest and wisest men having embraced it 294-5 Infidelity gradually growing on young men as they advance in years ------- 295 The above natural history of scepticism confirmed by ex- perience, and by the written lives of sceptics - 297 Infidelity, a disease of the heart rather than of the under- standing - 297-99 Unitarianism often resorted to, from a wish to escape from the strictness of Christianity - - 299 Deists and Unitarians have possessed a great advantage in contending with the orthodox Christian, from being the assailants ; practical hint which this suggests, 300-1 Half-unbelievers ; their system peculiarly irrational and criminal ------- 301-2 Increasing evidence of the truth of Christianity 302-3 Unbelievers must stand the issue - 303 CONTENTS. XV Sect. IV. — Advice suggested by the state of the times to true Christians - - - - - - p. 304 Real Christians peculiarly bound to exert themselves in the present times - 304-6 Bound in particular to be earnest in prayer for their country ------- 306 Avowal of the Author, That to the decline of Religion , he chiefly ascribes our National misfortunes, and that his best hopes are grounded on the persuasion, that tve have among us many real Christians - 307 Motives which have powerfully prompted the author to the prosecution of the present work - - 308 INTRODUCTION. IT has been, for several years, the earnest wish of the writer of the following pages, to address his countrymen on the important subject of Religion ; but the various duties of his public station, and a constitution incapable of much labour, have ob- structed 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 concerns ; and he has the rather wished for this opportunity of undistracted reflection, from a desire that what he might send into the world might thus be rendered less undeserving of the public eye. Meanwhile life is wearing away, and he daily be- comes more and more convinced, that he might wait in vain for this season of complete vacancy. He must be content, therefore, to improve such occa- sional intervals of leisure as may occur to him in the course of an active and busy life, and to throw him- self on the Reader's indulgence for the pardon of such imperfections, as the opportunity of undiverted attention and maturer reflection might have enabled him to discover and correct. But the plea here suggested is by no means in- tended as an excuse for the opinions which he shall B express, 11 INTRODUCTION. express, if they be found mistaken. Here, if he be in an error, he freely acknowledges it to be a deli- berate error. He would indeed account himself unpardonable were he to obtrude upon the Public, his first crude thoughts on a subject of such vast importance: and he can truly declare, that what he 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 he who thinks he sees many around him, whom he 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 one, 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 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 INTRODUCTION. Ill 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 5 in vain would he endeavour to satisfy his readers by any excuses : he will therefore proceed, without farther 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 ** 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, b 2 while IV INTRODUCTION. 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 Jacred 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 I. INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANITY. Popular Notions. — Scripture Account. — Ignorance ill this case criminal. — Two false Maxims exposed, BEFORE we proceed to the consideration of any particular defects in the religious Popular system of the bulk of professed Christians, Notions. it may be proper to point out the very inadequate conception which they entertain of the importance of Christianity in general, of its peculiar nature, and superior excellence. If we listen to their conversa- tion, virtue is praised, and vice is censured ; piety is, perhaps, applauded, and profaneness 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, perhaps 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 circum- stances which distinguish it from other forms of Religion. There are some few facts, and perhaps some leading doctrines and principles, of which they cannot be wholly ignorant : but of the conse- quences, and relations, and practical uses of these, they have few ideas, or none at all. Does this language seem too strong in speaking of professed Christians ? View then their plan of life b 3 and 6 Inadequate Conceptions of the [ch. i. 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 infidelity abounds, do we observe in them any remarkable care to instruct their children in the principles of the faith which they profess, and to furnish them with argu- ments 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 attachment 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 Christianity chiefly in the dif- ficulties 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.*' 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 sect, l.] Importance of' Christianity. 7 ranee 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 field 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 suiter 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 stimu- lated by afFection, and less obviously loaded with responsibility. They are of course, therefore, little regardful of the state of Christianity in their own country ; and still more indifferent about commu- nicating 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 man's own bosom, and shuns the ob- servation of the multitude. Be it so. From the transient and distant view, then, which we have been taking; of these unassuming Chris- tians, let us approach a little nearer, and listen to 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 nteasure 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 b 4 may 8 Inadequate Conceptions of the [ch. i. 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- gion are not formed from the perusal of the word of God. The Bible lies on the shelf unopened ; and they would be wholly ignorant of its contents, ex- cept for what they hear occasionally at church, or for the faint traces which their memories may still retain of the lessons 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 in any one, who had hitherto sect, l .] Importance of Christianity. 9 hitherto satisfied himself with the former, the asto- nishment which would be excited on his first intro- duction to the latter. We are not left here to bare conjecture. This was, in fact, the effect produced on the mind of a late ingenious writer # , of whose little work, though it bear some marks of his cus- tomary love of paradox, we must at least confess, that it exposes in a strong point of view, the poverty of that superficial religion which prevails in our day; and that it throughout displays that happy perspicuity and grace, which so eminently cha- racterize 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 subject, the several relations of which have been im perfectly 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. 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 God. 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 * It is almost superfluous to name Mr. Soame Jinyns. B5 of io Inadequate Conceptions of the [ch. I. 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 Ave in this pursuit alone to expect knowledge without inquiry, and success without en- deavour 1 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 ; and no one expects to attain to the height of learn- ing, or arts, or power, or wealth, or military glory, without vigorous resolution, and strenuous diligence, and steady perseverance. Yet we expect to be Christians without labour, study, or inquiry. This is the more preposterous, because Christianity, be- ing a revelation from God, and not the invention of man, discovering to us new relations, with their correspondent duties ; containing also doctrines, motives, and precepts, peculiar to itself; we cannot reasonably 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 scheme of mere morals. The diligent perusal of the Holy Scriptures would Scripture discover to us our past ignorance. We Account, should cease to be deceived by superficial appearances, and to confound the Gospel of Christ with sect, l .] Importance of Christianity. l 1 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 m general, to be religious and moral, but specially to believe the doctrines, imbibe the principles, and practise the precepts of Christ. It might be to run into too great length to confirm this position beyond dispute by express quotations from the word of God. And, not to anticipate what belongs more properly to a sub- sequent part of the work, it may be sufficient here to remark in general, that Christianity is always re- presented in Scripture as the grand, trie unparalleled instance of God's bounty to mankind. This un- speakable 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 expectations. In a world which opposed and persecuted them, it was their source of peace, and hope, and consolation. At length it approached — the desire of all Nations — Thelong 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 to- " wards 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 eye.s 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, b 6 the 1-2 Inadequate Conceptions of the [ch. i. 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. But 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, to induce men to a perusal of the sacred volume. Reason dictates, Revelation commands ; " Faith " comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of '* God," — " Search the Scriptures/' — ". Be ready to " give to every one a reason of the hope that is in " you." Such are the declarations and injunctions of the 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 the place for inquiring at large, whence it is that those who assent to the position, that the Bible is the word of God, and who profess to rest their hopes on the Christian basis, contentedly ac- quiesce in a state of such lamentable ignorance. Two false But it may not be improper here to touch maxim t ex- on two kindred opinions ; from which posed. m £ ne m i n ds of the more thoughtful and serious, this acquiescence appears to derive much secret sect, l.] Importance of Christianity. 13 secret support. The one is, that it signifies little what sound : we put no confidence at all in it, we chal- ff 'lenge nothing in the world for it, we dare not call ** God to reckoning, as if w r e had him in our debt- " books ; our continual suit to him is, and must