been a considerable increase of Crime in this Country. Much stress has been laid on this circumstance by an eminent Prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.* But though it would be most uncandid and unjust to draw any conclusions from this fact to the prejudice of the Society above mentioned; yet we cannot but perceive that their success in reforming the depravity of the times has not been such as their sanguine abettors anticipated. it is that there is a great difference between the act of indiscriminately dispersing the Scriptures, and that of disseminating and promoting true vital religion. Many may have the Bible in their hands, who have few of its doctrines impressed upon their hearts.

So true

Let me however once more observe that I should be sorry to be misunderstood, as if I would discourage or depreciate the study of the Holy Scriptures. On the contrary, I cannot forget by what authority we are exhorted to search them: nor can I doubt that it is a duty incumbent upon all to become as perfectly acquainted with them as our several capacities and means of information will permit.

* Dr. John Milner, author of the History of Winchester, &c. See End of Controversy, Letter 30, page 148. Fifth Edition.

Nevertheless I think there are certain rules to be observed, if we would fulfil this duty in the most satisfactory manner, and render these lively Oracles most conducive to our comfort in this life, and our happiness in the next. When we take the Bible into our hands, we should recollect that it is a Book of no common kind; and that upon the proper use of it depends our confirmation and establishment in the Truth. We must not only read it with reverence and attention, but with a due regard to the times, circumstances, and objects of the several writers. Otherwise we may greatly mistake their intentions and misapply their arguments.

Above all, however, to the knowledge of our duty, we must be careful to add the practice of it. Without this all our reading and application will be nothing worth. Religion is more a practical than a speculative science, and, while it tends to enlighten our understandings, is principally concerned in improving our morals. If, after having the means of Grace and Salvation afforded us by an acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, we submit to be entangled in the pomps and vanities of the world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh; better will it be for Heathens and Barbarians-better will it be for those who have never seen the

Bible, (since some allowance may be made for their ignorance,) than for those who would be thought to comprehend "all mysteries and all knowledge," and yet hold the Truth in unrighteousness. For what is our Lord and Saviour's admonition upon this very point: know these things, happy are ye, them."*

"If ye if ye do

*John xiii. 17.

SERMON X.

THE PRINCIPAL DUTIES REQUIRED OF MAN.

MICAH VI. 8.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

To those who are even superficially acquainted with the writings of the Old Testament, the difference must be striking between the language of the Law and that of the Prophets. In the early ages of the Jewish Church great stress is laid on the ceremonials of Religion; which was not only consistent with the imperfect state of civilization of a people not capable, perhaps, of a pure and spiritual mode of worship, but also necessary to preserve them, as it was designed they should be, separate and distinct from the Heathen nations around them. Even at so late a period as the reign of Solomon the worship of God in the Temple consisted, in

a great measure, of Sacrifices, Burnt Offerings, and other external marks of devotion; though the wisdom, which we see displayed in the Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, must convince us that the Royal Builder of the Temple could not have considered all the Rites and Ceremonies of Religion in any other light than as outward and visible signs of the pure devotion of the heart. About two Centuries only from Solomon's time, we find the Prophet Isaiah speaking openly the language of Truth; recommending a more spiritual mode of worship; remonstrating against the corruptions which prevailed in the Jewish Church at that time; exhorting the people to repentance; threatening the obstinate, and holding forth to the pious and sincere worshipper gracious promises of better times; when the Nation should be reformed by the just judgments of God.— "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me, saith the Lord? I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. When you come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand? Bring no more vain oblations! incense is an abomination to me: the New Moons and Sabbaths, the calling of the Assemblies I cannot away with it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you: when you