SERMON III.

FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS, v. 21.

PROVE ALL THINGS: HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD.

Since the creation of the world, there has never, perhaps, existed any institution, human or divine, which has not, at one time or other, been violently assailed by active opposition, severe censure, or contemptuous ridicule. However excellent it may be in its principle, and beneficial in its tendency; men are always found, who hesitate not to pronounce it bad in principle and pernicious in tendency; they ascribe to it effects with which it is not fairly chargeable, and eagerly seek its subversion. There are always many,

depraved in their own principles and habits; and others, affecting a superiority of intellect, experience, or piety; who refuse to walk in the beaten track, and to be confined within the limits of the old paths, in which the wise and good of former ages have trodden, and found both safety for their footsteps and rest for their souls. Like the Israelites, whom the Almighty graciously exhorted

and urged to search for the old paths, that they might discover the good way and walk therein; they would boldly refuse his invitation, despise his injunction, and exclaim, "We will not walk therein." On questions connected with religion, there are many who pay very little regard to the authority and long continued practice of the Church of Christ, and adopt a system comparatively new, and, as they conceive, far superior. They represent it as an intolerable burden, to be fettered by an institution, which prescribes a mode of worship or articles of faith: they resolve to have full liberty of ranging, as widely as their own inclination may lead them, from the old paths, and to choose for themselves new ways. When we ask for the old paths, we shall not be satisfied, merely because those paths have been trodden by holy men in ancient times; we wish to discover the good way, that we may walk therein. We desire to follow the Apostle's injunction; to "prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good." In advocating the system, we defend not the corruptions or abuses of any Establishment. But our adversaries, be it remembered, contend, that all religious Establishments are unlawful, unscriptural, and pernicious; calculated rather to destroy than to save the souls of men: and, though perhaps checked by considerations of present policy, they seem resolved to

attempt their overthrow. We have endeavoured in two former discourses to shew, that religious Establishments are sanctioned by the practice and testimony of ancient times, and that they are not unscriptural; that their principle is consistent with the principles of God's word, and their maintenance, directly or indirectly, sanctioned by Holy Scripture. If these points, then, be satisfactorily established, we may at once infer, that such institutions are conducive to the best interests of mankind, and, therefore, highly expedient. But I shall endeavour to shew from other considerations also, as I proposed,

3dly. THEIR BENEFICIAL TENDENCY AND

GREAT EXPEDIENCY.

We assume, what no Christian can deny, that man is naturally in a state of spiritual darkness; ignorant and regardless of his duty and obligations to his Creator; and destitute of that knowledge, by which he may be directed into the way of true peace and final happiness. The Almighty graciously communicated to mankind a revelation of his will, in all things relating to our duty and happiness, by his Son Jesus Christ, who "brought life and immortality to light."* It was the solemn injunction and express command of Christ to his Apostles, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel

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* 2 Tim. i. 10.

to every creature.”* The great and ultimate design of the Gospel revelation was, to bring before all men the knowledge of God and of his Son Jesus Christ, by which alone they learn the way of salvation. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to the present and eternal interests of the human race, that the great truths of the Christian religion be continually brought under their notice, and frequently urged upon their attention. When we speak of the beneficial tendency of a national Church Establishment, we assume, that it adopts and teaches the true Christian faith, the fundamental and essential doctrines of our holy religion, and also provides for the decent observance of Christian worship. Now, one manifest and important effect of such an Establishment, wherever it exists, and is efficiently maintained, is

1st. TO BRING THE TRUTHS OF RELIGIONTHE MEANS OF ACQUIRING DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AND OF JOINING IN THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD WITHIN THE REACH OF THE WHOLE

COMMUNITY.

It introduces into every part of the land that blessed light, which points out, to the lost and wandering sinner, the way to heaven. It tends to the diffusion of that knowledge, which makes all

* St. Mark, xvi. 15.

those, who really receive it, wise unto salvation. Averse as the heart of man naturally is to any search after divine truth, and even to its reception when offered, still, when it is continually presented to the notice of men; when places for public worship are regularly opened, and the Word of God is, from time to time, publicly read and explained; we have the promise of God, that the means shall not be ineffectual. We know, that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." But "how shall they hear without a preacher ?"* Amidst the more scattered parts of the population of a country, how many dark, dreary, half-barbarous, unpromising districts would be found, if Christian rulers should continue to look with indifference and neglect on the miserable inhabitants, destroyed for lack of knowledge," and should not care for their souls; or should leave them entirely to the chance of some occasional visits from some voluntary teacher? God is doubtless able to raise up teachers for the accomplishment of his purposes. The power and blessing are from him. But he ordinarily works by human means: and, if either rulers or individuals wilfully neglect the means which his Providence may place within their reach, are they employing their talents for his glory, in withholding

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* Romans, x. 14, 17.

+ Hosea, iv. 6.