error, right from wrong, the beauty and glory of holiness from the folly and degradation of superstition. The more refined and cultivated the mind which is applied to this subject, the more clear will be the perception of its truth, of its value, of its grandeur and its power. Doubtless, the most valuable instruction of Christianity is plain, adapted to common understandings, fit for man, who must be much, often too much, engrossed with something else. That which is most valuable, most practical, is so plain, that "he who runs may read," still he must read. You might as well expect a savage at once to admit and embrace all the advantages of civilized life, as to hope that without any mental culture, men could comprehend and feel the sublimest truths. The chief cause of the comparative inefficacy of religion is, that so few apply the powers of their minds seriously and steadily to adopt and understand it, and to trace its bearing upon the whole of their personal and social conduct, and to appreciate its peculiar value in all the changing circumstances of life. There is no book that contains such exalted views, such pure doctrines, such important information to our present and future welfare, as the Scriptures ; but like all other books, it must be read, it must be studied, it must be known familiarly for its contents to become ours, and to render us wise to salvation. A long and intimate converse with its style of thought and expression enables us to feel its value,

discovers to our perseverance new beauties, and leads us gradually to that intimate knowledge of the application of its principles, that in all our decisions we can arrive at the probability that "we have the mind of Christ." Could men be persuaded of the importance of making themselves thoroughly intimate with the treasure of knowledge which this holy book contains, to their general intellectual improvement, they would then apply to the study of it with energy and persevering application; and they would find it a fountain of water springing up to everlasting life. But whatever degree of attention men pay to religion, they will find that the cultivation of their minds in the attainment of knowledge admirably assists their progress in receiving and understanding the truth; and reflection will convince us that a mind totally neglected is not at all prepared for the entrance of that light which giveth life. Such a mind is in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. It is in the worst sense in a state of nature, and these things can only be spiritually discerned.

Happy is the man who, whatever be his station in life, endeavours to destroy all evil distinctions between himself and those who are enjoying the blessings of religion, those whose hearts are purified by faith. To this great and desirable end all the labours of our life should be directed, for this purification is that improvement of our nature which will qualify us for the enjoyment of a better world,

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while it will greatly increase our happiness in the present state. If we are blessed with any intellectual advantages, they become doubly valuable if they are applied to aid our religious improvement, to enable us more clearly to comprehend the extent of the Divine goodness in the revelation which has been made to enlighten our understanding, and to purify unto him who made it, a peculiar people zealous of good works. Let it excite universal gratitude to heaven, that by the influence of divine grace the rich may be sanctified, the poor made virtuous and happy; the unavoidable and even useful distinctions of rank and condition may be divested of all that is painful, dangerous, and offensive; and, in the great elements of improvement and happiness, no difference need remain, when each subjects his heart to the powerful and purifying influence of divine faith.

DISCOURSE XXVI.

THE CARNALLY-MINDED.

ROMANS viii. 6:

FOR TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH.

THE state of mind in which mankind too often pass the whole of life, is very different from that mental condition which Christianity tends to produce. Their professions may be great, their outward behaviour may be decorous and consistent ; but their mental discipline and improvement are neglected, and though their professions promise better things they are in the state which the text denominates "carnally minded;" and "to be carnally minded is death."

This unhappy state I wish to point out, and if I can detect it where men are falsely hoping more favourably of themselves it will be a lesson which all the sincere would gladly learn. For with great reverence for the person and character and office, there is often great ignorance of the spirit of Christ,

which should model ours: with confidence in the truth of the Christian religion, there is a prevalent ignorance of what that religion in all its spiritual influence urges us to acquire.

Of a large class of human beings there is no doubt, because they too openly avow it by their conduct, of the state of their minds. Sensual pleasures engross them. They live to seek the indulgence of the appetites. The low gratifications of the senses and the passions are their sole objects of interest and pursuit. Their cry is, "Who will shew us any good?" and their notions of the good are so limited and erroneous, that they must be perpetually restless and dissatisfied in its pursuit. The melancholy tendency of a life spent with no higher objects of ambition and desire than those which are purely animal, we cannot be so ignorant of human nature as not to know. Under the depressing influence of such propensities, every thing great, noble, intellectual, and spiritual sinks. All the kindlier feelings, which in minds better directed spring up as circumstances call for their exercise, are benumbed and lost. The improvement which experience teaches, which innumerable sources of knowledge and favourable means of using them would afford, never becomes the ornament and the treasure of those thus buried in sensuality. That moral purity which springs from self-command, which rewards the controul and regulation of the passions, is to them unknown; and the certain