and worldly affluence and honours, become the CHIEF GOOD when religion is lightly esteemed; and those who seek it not, or relinquish it for the" things which "are not seen," are accounted in the world's estimate, fools or insane.

As to principles, the heart of man, be it remembered, can scarcely admit of Two very strong attachments at the same time. When the world has seized the affections, the unseen Deity, and all the duties which result from an acknowledged relation to him, will be viewed both in the busy and gay world with indifference, and more than indifference, even with disgust; because they will often appear repugnant to the favourite pursuits of sordid interest and sensual pleasure. In this state of the public mind, the voice of Infidelity will be heard with eagerness, while religious discourses and addresses will be treated with neglect, if, they should escape scorn. The affairs of the world, the great prizes which glitter in the eyes of pride, avarice, and selfish pleasure, will alone be considered as worthy the anxious care, and ardent pursuit of a

man

man of sense.

Numbers defend and

keep each other in countenance.

But it may be worth while to reflect a moment how nearly such a state approaches to ATHEISM. The name shocks

us, and is abhorred; but the reality is insensibly cherished by all who pay no worship to the Deity, though they profess to believe in one. The reluctance which men feel to admit the appellation of Atheist is, however, a proof that there are seeds of religious sentiments still remaining in them, which might be fostered by care, till in time, they might vegetate and bear fruit in abundance. Without care, they may perish, and the mind become a barren, dreary, dismal waste, uncheared by the sunshine of Hope.

If religion comprehend the worship and obedience due from men to God, and all the duties which they are bound to perform, either with the prospect of obtaining his favour, or the fear of incurring his displeasure; then, they who do not worship God; they who do not obey him; they who do not act with the hope of his favour, or the apprehension of his displeasure,

Y

pleasure, whatever their professions may be, or whatever name they may bear, are without religion, and consequently in practice, if not in theory, Atheists. The difference between practical and speculative Atheism is in effect small; they are both productive of wickedness, and terminate in misery. A man of this character must consider HIMSELF as the SUPREME and unaccountable JUDGE of his own conduct, and as the sole arbiter of his own happiness. His selfishness will, perhaps, lead him to avoid the infringement of human laws: but where criminal indulgence or villainous practices, conducive to worldly interest, are compatible with secresy and safety, what shall restrain him from the violation of the divine laws? what shall preserve him from internal guilt, the POLLUTION OF THE MIND? from pride, envy, malevolence, which, like weeds, take root and spring up in the bosoms of all human beings uncultivated and' uncleansed by divine grace?

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The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is one of the most effectual means of grace. The preparation for it, and all

that

that concerns the reception of it, is highly favourable to virtue; and whatever favours virtue must promote happiness, both private and social. But the man whom I have just described, however decent his external appearance and character, can never, while he continues to be comprehended under that description, avail himself of these means of grace and. these supports of virtue.

In the Gospel we read, that none were to go to the marriage-feast without a wedding-garment; that is, a disposition suitable to the solemnity:

**

Put on "Christ; put on the new man.”. This certainly is not to be done but by the assistance of the Holy Spirit; but how can he obtain the assistance of the Holy Spirit who never asks it in, prayer? In order to put on this holy vestment, a worldly dress must be first put off and laid aside.

How far are they from a state of mind proper for communion with God and man in holy love, whose hearts are engrossed with the love of this world, and inflamed with a spirit of rivalry, envy, wrath

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wrath, contention! Let us view men in the busy haunts of avarice; let us mark them at the gaming-table; let us observe them unceasing attendants at every place of promised pleasure or vain ostentation. How alien seem their behaviour, their conversation, their hopes, and fears, and wishes from the pure and benevolent spirit of Christianity! Self admirers, and claiming admiration from all around them; proud, so as scarcely to look upon those, who are out of the pale of fashion and grandeur, as fellow-creatures; irritable and angry to such a degree as to be ready to strike and take away life for a look, much more a word, of offence; hating and hateful; or, if there be the semblance of love among them, it is often but the love of interest, or a grosser passion partaking of the brutal, though varnished with the affected refinements of a false delicacy. Selfishness prevails even in the love which appears real; for the lover often relinquishes the object and cares not what dire ill may await her, after the gratification of an appetite: a scene in human affairs which evil spirits might delight in; but which

must

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