in every place take exceptions against Christ and his Gospel without ever examining for themselves : they even shut their ears against every thing which may be said in vindication of the truth ; and thus harden themselves in their iniquities, till they perish without a remedy. Whence is it that so many have their mouths opened against the followers of Christ, stigmatizing every godly person as an enthusiast or deceiver ? Have they searched into, and acquainted themselves with the real effects of the Gospel ? And have they been careful to distinguish between the tendency of the Gospel itself, and the faults of those who embrace it ? No : they have never considered, never seen, perhaps scarcely ever so much as heard, the Gospel : they have listened to some vague re- ports ; they have gladly entertained every story which could in any wise confirm their aversion to the truth ; and then they think they cannot exclaim too bitterly against it. But let us guard against indulging such an unreasonable disposition : let us hear and examine candidly for ourselves : let us consider whether the Gospel be not suited to our own particular case : and let us beg of God to open our eyes, and to " give us a right judgment in all things." If we use not these means of conversion, we shall be utterly inexcusable before God : but if we use them in dependence upon God, we shall surely be brought at last to the know- ledge of the truth, and to the enjoyment of those blessings which that truth is sent to convey.
Let us further learn from this subject,
2. The excellency of the Gospel —
If we compare the effects of the Gospel with those wrought by philosophy, we shall see that the latter never was able to produce any general reformation, while the former, in the space of a few years, triumphed over all the lusts and prejudices of man- kind. And, at this hour, the Gospel has the same power, wherever it is faithfully preached, and cordially received : there is no lust, however inveterate, which it will not subdue ; no enmity, however rooted, which
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