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SOCIETY is by no means to be considered as made up of the two classes, one of which cordially welcomes, and the other utterly rejects, the Gospel. There are several large bodies of individuals who occupy a sort of middle ground between the opposite extremes of faith and infidelity, of devotion and worldliness. Of these classes, perhaps the most numerous is what may be termed the undecided. Like the individuals reproved by the prophet in the text, they "halt between two opinions." Doubts and uncertainty hang over all their principles and actions. Suspended, as it were, between two worlds, they decide for neither; and live on, wavering and questioning, till perhaps death surprises them, and dismisses them to the region of everlasting and unspeakable misery.

It is chiefly to persons in this sate of indecision as to their religious principles and conduct, I would wish to address myself to-day; and, in dependence upon the divine blessing, to point out to them,

C

I. THE NECESSITY OF COMING TO A DECISION IN

RELIGION;

II. SOME OF THE CAUSES WHICH PREVENT MEN

FROM THUS COMING TO A DECISION.

And may it please Almighty God to bless our labours in pursuing these important inquiries!

I. In the first place, we are to inquire into

THE NECESSITY OF COMING TO A DECISION IN RELIGION.

1. To this end consider, the circumstances of every fallen creature. If, indeed, any security were granted for the endurance of life, indecision, for a season at least, might be less irrational. But that creatures, whom a breath speaks into existence, and another breath consigns to the dust-creatures standing on the very verge of heaven or hell-should procrastinate their decision, should continue to hesitate, when an hour may deprive them of all further power of choice, and carry them beyond the reach of repentance and mercy, is most affecting and awful. What would be said of the individual who, if his worldly circumstances were thus critical and solemn, should trifle with the danger, laugh at his advisers, and slumber on without adopting any means to avoid or avert the impending ruin? Should we not charge him with an infatuation almost amounting to madness? Is the conduct of those less unreasonable who are trifling and indecisive in the great and paramount concerns of eternity? Have we not a right to expect at least the same vigilance and seriousness here, which we exact in the affairs of the present life? Is not the indecision which respects the everlasting condition of our souls, of all others the most preposterous and awful?

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