new heart be given to a man, and all will be well : but, whilst the heart of man continues what it is, " the offence of the cross can never cease."]
Address —
1. Let none reject the Gospel on account of the offence attaching to it —
[Many conceive the doctrine of the cross must be erro- neous, because it is everywhere spoken against. But, if this is any argument against the doctrine now, it was so equally in the apostolic age ; for the enmity of mankind against it was most inveterate and universal. I will certainly grant, that the existence of enmity against any doctrine will not of itself prove that doctrine to be true ; for then the most pernicious tenets of the wildest enthusiasts would have a claim to our belief. But this is certain, that any Gospel which gives no offence, must be false. There are multitudes who hear what they call the Gospel, and are extremely well pleased with it : the worldly approve it: the self-righteous approve it: even the most pro- fligate find no fault with it. Can that, I ask, be the Gospel which Paul preached ? It is impossible. I know, indeed, that there is a way of preaching even truth itself without offence : but the truth, the ivhole truth delivered with authority as the truth of God must give offence. Men have no alternative left them, but to be offended with the preacher, or with themselves. And the very offence which they take is so far from being an argument against the doctrines they have heard, that it is a presumptive argument in their favour. If, then, you hear the doctrine of the cross firmly stated, and find that it gives offence, take it and compare it with the doctrine which St. Paul deli- vered: and, if you find that it accords with his, then embrace it, and hold it fast, and glory in it ; saying, " God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by which the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."]
2. Let none cause others to reject it, by giving any needless offence —
[Many who have embraced the Gospel are sadly inatten- tive to the feelings and prejudices of those around them. They will run into many absurdities, without ever considering what stumbling-blocks they lay in the way of their uncon- verted brethren. Some give great offence by the crude and partial statements which they make of the Gospel ; and others, by the harsh, uncharitable, and contemptuous way in which they speak of those who do not accord with their views. It is a great misfortune to the world to have such persons