ERRATA.

THE reader is requested to correct the following errata.

Page 182, line 12, for were, read are.

269, line 16, for every, read very.

403, last line, for point, read second point.

405, line 12, dele sacred.

426, line 3 from the bottom, dele however.

SERMONS.

SERMON I.

ON INDECISION IN RELIGION.

1 KINGS Xviii. 21.

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, how long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him."

A MORE striking appeal is scarcely to be found in the whole volume of inspiration. It was delivered under circumstances peculiarly impressive, and by one of the most eminent and most honoured among the prophets. According to the history of the transaction, we are to imagine a vast concourse of people assembled by the command of Ahab, at Mount Carmel : the prophets of Baal, and the prophets of the groves, and the multitudes of Israel. In the presence of this assembly came forth the prophet Elijah: he stood, as he believed, single and unsupported, amidst the thousands of his countrymen: but it was in the name of Jehovah,

B

that he appeared, and he addressed them with all the energy of a messenger of God. The sin which he reprehends, is that strange indecision of mind which led them to unite the objects of heathen adoration with the eternal Jehovah ; mixing with the worship of Him who created the heavens and the earth, an idolatrous regard to the work of their own hands. Those times have long since passed away; and to some persons it may appear that, in this age of the world, and under the circumstances in which we are placed, it can answer little purpose to recur to them. We are not planted in the midst of heathen nations, that we should be tempted to follow their example of idolatry: the danger is not now lest we bow the knee to Baal: yet the principle itself may be very powerful in its influence, and very fatal in its effects, even in the heart of a Christian country, and the bosom of a Christian church. Wherever we look, we cannot but discover a great want of that sincere, and pure, and undivided spirit of religion, which is essential to the faithful worshipper. How many things do we perceive continually joined with religion, the tendency of which is to debase its character and to lower its excellency! As if the service which God requires were not the

service of the heart; as if it were sufficient to render to Him occasional homage, or the worship of the lips, while the general feelings of the mind are at variance with our professions!

If the prophet, who addressed in these striking words the Israelites at Mount Carmel, were permitted to stand up in a Christian congregation, to how many among ourselves might he direct the same awful appeal, How long halt ye between two opinions? What can be the reason of this conduct? And what will be its end? If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him: make your election; and remember that you must abide by the consequences."

The subject on which I am to address you is INDECISION IN RELIGION; and it is my intention to consider the NATURE, the GROUNDS, and the UNREASONABLENESS of it. Let us endeavour to bring home the subject personally to ourselves, entreating Him, who searches the heart, to give us a right view of our own character, to preserve us from this treacherous habit, and to keep us firm and immovable in the simplicity of the gospel of Christ.

I. As to the NATURE OF THIS INDECISION

IN RELIGION.