the sensual breaks out in unsightly blotches, we are alarmed, and keep aloof; but the disorders produced by doubt, unbelief, and erroneous notions, do not meet the eye, they are buried deep in the man's mind. They scarce ever become offensive to observation; except to those whose love, of the Saviour makes them jealous of his honour, with a godly jealousy. There is an eye however, which sees the inmost soul, which discerns the latent speck of evil; the virus which contaminates the heart, and paralyzes all its operations. To him the mind of one who harbours a doubt, who boldly rises to a denial, must appear more offensive, than did the person of Miriam to the people, when her internal rebellion was marked by the hideous leprosy. There was in all likelihoods no visible diminution of beauty or strength in the bodies of Adam and Eve, when they had eaten the forbidden fruit; but the eye of infinite purity saw gross distortion and defilement in the mind. The knowledge of evil obtained, had indeed opened their eyes so far, that they discerned their own sinfulness, and strove to hide their depravity from their Maker's eye. It were well if their children had always retained a portion of that modest fear. Sin is made doubly offensive by

its obtrusiveness. When it is therefore presented to the Almighty himself, in the odious shape of denying his statements, refusing his grace, and blaspheming the person of his dear Son; it is impossible but that the heart indulging such notions, though as mere speculations, must appear to be tremendously guilty: That neither murder nor adultery defile the conduct, is but little defence, when the bold injury rises against the throne of heaven, and against him that sitteth thereon.

Surely, in whatever point of view we place the two delinquences, that of the mind must be greater than that of the body; that which rises against God more offensive than that which chiefly injures man. With all the energy with which one should caution a youth against the principles, practices, or haunts of vice, one ought to caution the thinking, the speculative, against the insinuations of philosophy falsely so called. The notion of mental error being innocent, is very false, and very deceiving. Error is a disease of the understanding, loathsome as any disease of the body; and like other diseases disarranging the functions, disorganizing the whole system of the mind, in its affections, resolution, and actual conduct. If

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one cannot touch pitch without being defiled, so neither can one come in contact with error without being more or less, as the heart accepts it, injured by its adhesion.

"Buy the truth, and sell it not." in God's word, his word is truth; part with it, or depart from it.

Study it

and do not

Keep this

divine wisdom, and she shall preserve thee.

CHAPTER V.

LET US ASK THE OPINION OF THOSE AROUND.

ARE we ourselves parties in the case, and liable therefore to have our opinions biassed by pre-conceived notions, or warped by roused feelings, either of attachment or anger? Let us then put aside these feelings in some degree, and endeavour to ascertain the judgment of those who, not having human sensations, may be supposed to act more consonant to the true state of the case in its several circumstances.

Let us inquire the opinion of angelic spirits; they are represented as flitting to and fro upon gracious errands, to those who are the heirs of salvation. Although we cannot subpoena them to give their testimony, yet possibly we may be able to guess the nature of it, what the nature of it would be, could we hear or see them, as they see and hear us.

Let us imagine, therefore, some holy spirit, full of life, from the immediate presence of

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God in heaven, delaying his flight awhile, in passing over one of our towns. He hears a confused noise from some full alehouse. It is the Lord's day, but the temple of intoxication is full. Oaths, and ribaldry, and the drunken song, assail his ears; his sight is disgusted with stupid, or inflamed countenances, with filthiness, and vomit. Possibly, in one corner, he discerns the nightly plunderers laying deep their plans for spoliation and murder. Or he sees the adulterer cherishing his lascivious design, impatient till the darkness may allow him opportunity for his base and injurious gratification. He wonders, is disgusted, and hastens from the scene of profligacy, with which his pure mind has no principle of assimilation.

Passing a street or two, he sees a building dedicated to worship. He will refresh himself. He sees a few are assembled, he finds the service is begun. He listens, expecting to hear something of Christ, the well-known object of worship in heaven, the well-known Saviour of the world of sinners; he is disappointed, his name is not mentioned. The leader was only in prayer. But he begins to instruct his hearers in the gospel; can this be done without ex