"condemned?" Why may we not be well content, if it may only be permitted to us, in our just proportion, to teach as the Apostles taught "? "On this head, I cannot forbear from expressing, in the form of a note, an unequivocal dissent from the very prevailing practice among Christian preachers of separating their hearers, in their Discourses, into two broad classes, which can only be described, virtually, as the Christians of the flock and the unchristianized. I cordially sympathize with the feelings of an unknown writer in the British Critic (No. xiv. pp. 266-8.) on this general point; an indirect admission of the line of demarcation in question being (as appears to me) one of the two material blemishes in the delightful volume of Sermons there under review; (an extract from the preface to which formed the preceding note.) "Would not the Apostles now, as they did in primitive "times, address collective societies by the common title of "believers? and this, even while they were grappling with the "consciences of the unfaithful; while admonishing the un 66 worthy that destruction must be the end of those who, "professing themselves Christians, yet persist, to the last, in "living like enemies to the cross of Christ. And if so, "should we not listen with extreme jealousy and caution to "those who profess to teach us a more excellent way?" The Reviewer asks these questions. I grieve to think from how many names deserving of honour in the company of Christian preachers one is compelled to differ, in making answer-that I think we should listen with very great jealousy to such a manner of instruction; and that no method (directed in sincerity to the object of enforcing Christian truth) can present itself to my mind (I speak, of course, individually) as less Scriptural, or less deducible from any This is the point which it is earnestly desired to press more forcibly on notice. Reasonable as a desire may be, within due bounds, of praise for not having done ill in the particular specimen of teaching now exhibited, the writer is by far more anxious for a fair weighing of the general question here involved, than about any sentence-let it be of praise or blame-which may be passed on his own humble work. It shall only be added further, that the Sermons here offered, though bearing one upon another to a considerable extent, are by no means absolutely continuous. Consistency, rather than professed connexion, is (as I would hope) the bond that gathers them together. They may be divided into three divisions, of six each. Of the earlier six, the first is simply introductory; the four next, it is hoped, may lay a basis of sound doctrine that cannot be condemned; the sixth throws back some light on several points of that same doctrine, and serves at the same time very pointedly to illustrate the leading purpose of the whole volume, and to put pattern set by the Apostles, look to which of their Epistles we will. in a plea for more respect than many seem willing to afford to an impressive, but perhaps not popular, Office in our Book of Common Prayer. The six next form a more connected series in themselves; and they are likewise so far linked with the preceding, as in great measure naturally to grow out of them. These are, perhaps, the Sermons most expressly bearing on the general topic of the whole; (i. e. a sober application of Scripture principles to the realities of life;) but this main point is never lost sight of, in any portion of the volume. In regard to this middle set of six, some coincidences will perhaps be traced in the third of them, (Sermon IX. of the whole volume,) with one of the Hulsean Lectures of Mr. Benson. I hope that this Sermon in particular will not, by reason of mere sound of words, be misconstrued, as if its aim were unworthily specific, and only levelled, in a manner unbecoming of the pulpit, against a particular amusement. Nothing could be more at variance with the writer's notions of propriety, than such an approach towards a species of personality. The Sermon is directed only to the character of " pro"faneness;" which, alas! both may and does show itself, in equally destructive measure, not in one only, but in many and various indulgences allowed and followed by the world. And here I would take occasion to observe respecting the whole, that if the principles developed shall not be found general, there is so far a failure in the execution of my purpose. The statements were indeed sketched with reference to humble scenes of life and to the habits and employments of a country congregation; but if they set the truth forth as they ought to do, they will be found, in spirit, applicable universally. Nothing is more feeble than a merely local, or particular description, and too precise specification is too commonly a caricature. I hoped to have escaped the error of such delineation. In the six last, which are more miscellaneous and more entirely separate, it was my aim to "stir up the minds" of my flock "by way of re"membrance," that they might continue mindful of certain obligations which appear to lie at the very root of all well-being in Christian society, and also of the very great and special means and opportunities which dutiful members of the CHURCH OF ENGLAND constantly enjoy. |