is applicable to a great variety of cases, or rather, I should say, to every kind of way that is followed by man and condemned by God. Of course we cannot enter into all the cases which might be specified : it will be sufficient to notice two or three ways, which are the most commonly followed, and most fatal in their issue.
I. The Ji?'st way to which we would call your attention is that of gai/ licentiousness.
We cannot suppose any person so ignorant as really to think that licentious gaiety is right : but there are millions who do not think it materially wrong. Cri- minal excesses and indulgences are palhated by the mild appellations of conviviality and youthful indis- cretion : and they are deemed necessary to the well- being of society. They are even made subjects of boasting ; and persons who through age and infirmity are disabled from pursuing their former courses, will yet repeat them in effect, by glorying in the remem- brance of them, and encouraging others in the same career. So far from condemning these things in their minds, the generality will laugh at those who are scrupulous enough to doubt the lawfulness of such courses : and if any one were bold enough to bear a decisive testimony against them, he would instantly be characterized by some opprobrious name. To suppose that such indulgences, if restrained within moderate bounds, would subject a man to the wrath of Almighty God, would be considered as bordering on insanity : and every one is encouraged to regard such innocent liberties (as they are called) as perfectly compatible with a well-grounded hope of salvation.
Let us then inquire what foundation there is for such a confidence. Does God say nothing in his word respecting the issue of such ways ? or does he speak of them in the same gentle terms ? No : not a syllable of this kind is to be found in all the sacred records. A general caution is given us by Solomon in reference to carnal indulgences of every kind : " Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer