further still, and say in their hearts, " There is no Godb." Now, what a base return is this for all the benefits they receive; and what an impiety to deny the Providence, if not also the very existence, of Him, " in whom they live, and move, and have their being!" Truly they are justly called " Atheists in the world0 ;" and are eminently guilty of the wickedness that is described in my text.]
2. The infidel—
[The revelation which God has given us is a stupendous display of his goodness. In it he has shewn us how we are to obtain his favour ; and how, notwithstanding all our past im- pieties, we may be ultimately saved — ■ But many make
no other use of the sacred volume, than to hold it up to scorn and derision. They examine it, not to find instruction for their own souls, but rather to find occasion against it. Now, persons of this description do, in fact, tread in the very steps of Judas. He knew the Saviour personally, and availed him- self of that knowledge to render his treachery the more effectual for the destruction of his Lord: and these persons acquaint themselves with the Scriptures only with a view to undermine their authority, and destroy their influence in the world.]
3. The hypocrite —
[By assuming the Christian name, we, in effect, declare ourselves servants of Christ. But, behold the Christian world ! wherein do the gi-eat mass of them differ from the heathen themselves, except in the performance of some occasional rites, which have no effect whatever upon their character? Persons of this class are ready to condemn others as hypocrites, never once suspecting that they themselves are guilty of the crime which they profess to abhor. Why do they profess to believe the Scriptures, when they will not regulate themselves by them; and " call Christ, Lord, Lord, when they will not do any one thing that he commands?" To "name the name of Christ, whilst they will not depart from iniquity," is hypocrisy of the basest kind. And of such persons Christendom is full, even of persons "professing that they know God, whilst in works they openly and habitually deny him."]
4. The apostate —
[Rich is the grace, and sweet the peace, which the Lord Jesus Christ vouchsafes to the returning penitent. Where is there one, upon the face of the whole earth, who did not find him slow to anger, and ready to forgive, yea, to forgive with- out upbraiding? But yet, how many are drawn aside from the good way, and " leave off to behave themselves wisely!"
>' Ps. xiv. 1. ° Eph. ii. 12. the Greek.