Those who have tasted the goodness of God can
never speak good enough of God. Reason teaches
that those should bless most who are most blessed.
What are carnal men to Christian men? The
power of God appears in the formation of one ; but
the stupendous grace of God shines illustriously in
the transformation of the other. In creation, God
has given the productions of the earth for our
bodies : but in redemption he has given himself for
our souls. Thus it appears to be a greater favor
to be converted than to be created ; yea, it were
better for us to have no being, than not to have a
new being.
Hosea 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
In a short time there will (we have reason to fear) remain but two kinds of persons among us, either those who think not at all, or those whose imaginations are active indeed, but continually evil. Of these latter it may be said, "Their foolish heart was darkened." Of the principles, I do not say of the detail, of political science, a sound theology is the only sure and steady basis. Now we trace the operations by which a destruction so extended in its consequences has been effected. The master-spring of every principle which can permanently secure the stability of a people is the fear and knowledge of Almighty God. The first operation of a principle of atheism, and perhaps one of the most formidable in its consequences, is that which leads political men to conceive of Christianity as a mere auxiliary to the State. Religion was not instituted (in the Divine council I mean) for the purpose of society and government, but society and government for the purposes of religion. As a...
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