or natural religion, does not furnish; but leaves the mind a prey to these distressing uncertainties.

We have now examined three of the four systems of religion which prevail among mankind; and it appears, if we admit all that they claim, they entirely fail of meeting the moral necessities of man. It now only remains to examine Christianity in the same light ; and to inquire, whether, admitting what it claims to be, it provides for the necessities of man's moral nature. We have seen that Atheism will not do for us. We must have some religion. We have examined Paganism, Mohammedism, and Deism, and find them. all insufficient to meet the cravings of an immortal mind, and the necessities of dependent beings in a state of probation. And now, if Christianity fails us, what shall we do? We shall, indeed, be in a pitiable condition. But I shall undertake to show that Christianity does entirely and perfectly meet the moral necessities of man. And,

1. It gives a rational account of the origin of all things; of the object of man's existence; of his relations and duty to God; and of his future destiny ; and this, on the authority of a revelation from the only Being who could impart this information. This last point, however, I am not about, in this place, to prove; for as we have done with the other systems, we are now to judge of the adaptedness of Christianity to meet the moral necessities of man, by what it professes to be.

What could be more sublime and worthy the credence of man, than the account which the Bible gives

of the origin of all things? "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth!" This, surely, must, if believed, satisfy the desires of the human soul; and why should we not believe it? And, then, what more worthy object of man's existence can be imagined, than what is taught in the Bible: that God created him to manifest forth his glory, and to impart enjoyment to him-the enjoyment of numberless benefits in this world, and a participation in his own glory in the world to come. And what more satisfactory account could be given of the relations of man to God, than that he is entirely dependent for all things upon the Being who brought him into existence? or, of his duty to God, than that he is bound to love him supremely, with all his heart, and mind, and strength, and above all other objects? And, what more worthy of God, as to his future destiny, than that, originally continuing in the state of holiness, he was to enjoy an eternal state of spiritual blessedness, in communion with God, and in the society of holy beings; and that, having sinned, a provision has been made, by an act of free grace, for his experiencing a renovation of nature, and being reinstated in the favor of God; or, as a punishment for disobedience and impenitence, to be forever banished from his presence, and shut out from the enjoyment of his favor? Is not information like this worthy of a revelation from God? And does it not satisfy the cravings of immortal desire in the human soul ?

2. The religion of the Bible furnishes a perfect code of morals, with adequate motives and sanctions. In the ten commandments, every thing wrong is for

bidden, and every thing that ought to be done is required. This is brought into a very small compass, by a classification of offences and duties, and forbidding or requiring the highest of each class. A close examination of them, in this light, will show that there is not the slightest defect in them; and that perfect obedience to them would secure a perfect state of society, like that which exists in heaven. The same may be said, also, of the two great moral principles laid down by our Saviour, requiring supreme love to our Creator, and equal love to our fellow men. these moral duties are provided with adequate sanctions and motives. Eternal death is threatened as the punishment of disobedience, and eternal life is promised to obedience; and then, to meet the case of the penitent transgressor, the law of love, and the promise of pardon, are brought in to take hold of his heart, and reform his character and life. Is not here a perfect code of morals, adapted to the case of man ?

And

3. Christianity, or the religion of the Bible, explains how man came to be in the wretched, fallen condition in which he finds himself. It carries him back to his primeval state, when he came pure and holy from the hand of his Maker; and traces back his depravity to the first act of disobedience, and shows his relations to the head of his race, as necessary to the social state, by which all mankind became involved in the consequences of his transgression. This is what no other system does; and it is what could not be learned but by a direct revelation from God himself.

4. It makes adequate provision for the pardon of sin, and the restoration of the penitent sinner to the

favor of God. And this it does in a way which com mends itself to the human understanding and heart, and relieves entirely the difficulty arising from the apparent collision of the attributes of justice and mercy. It provides a full and sufficient expiation for sin, in the sufferings and death of the Son of God, substituted for the sinner; and it makes this available to all mankind, upon the simple and easy terms of repentance and faith. And, when received, it satisfies the burdened conscience, and gives peace to the troubled soul. This is peculiar to the Christian system. Other systems have, indeed, their modes of expiation, but their sacrifices are not of sufficient value for the redemption of the soul; and they lack, also, the sanction of the word of God, to render it certain that they will be

accepted of him.

5. Christianity, also, makes provision for a radical and thorough reformation of character. It furnishes the special divine influence upon the heart in regeneration, changing the dispositions of the soul, and setting aright the springs of action. This is entirely peculiar to Christianity. Regeneration does not enter into the idea of any other system. It is even ridiculed by those who assume the name of Christians, while they deny its peculiar doctrines. But this is the secret of its transforming power. And this accounts for the wonderful changes it makes in the characters of men, often very suddenly. The gospel of Jesus Christ secures the accompanying influences of the Holy Spirit to render it efficacious upon the hearts of men.

6. Christianity takes hold on the heart, and inspires a devotional spirit. Hence, when the gospel is

preached in its purity, it secures a regular attendance upon public worship. The reason is, it is addressed to the heart. It is peculiarly a religion of the affections. Though it deals much in doctrines, and discusses and teaches strong truths, yet they are all such as come home to the business and bosoms of mentruths in which every man, woman, and child has a direct personal interest. It is entirely unlike the cold speculations of philosophy or abstract morality. It appeals to the heart; and it presents objects to the affections worthy of their highest exercise. It also wakes up intellect, and elevates the whole character of man. It likewise improves his social condition. By subduing evil passions, and cultivating the mild and tender affections, it softens, refines, and elevates the social character. To what other cause can be attributed the superior social condition of those countries where Christianity prevails, and that, just in proportion + to its purity? And I may add, also, of those towns, neighborhoods and families, where its transforming power is most deeply felt. What portions of the earth ever presented a population equal in their social condition to Scotland and New England? And, where was ever a population so thoroughly under the influence of the Christian religion, as Scotland since the reformation, and New England in its early history? And where was ever a people found of more energy and activity of intellect? Why is it that the canvass of New England has whitened every sea, and her coinmerce entered every port in the world? And why is it, that the enterprize of her sons has reached every town and village in this land? And why, that their