ERRATA. Page 156, line 12, read her speechless. 66 66 266, line 8, from bottom, for had then begun, read did not then begin. 317, last line, read yourself. SERMON I. WALKING BY FAITH. II COR. V. 7. WE WALK BY FAITH, AND NOT BY SIGHT. In this chapter the Apostle is treating of the immortality of man. With great confidence, he expresses his hope of a future state of happiness. Nevertheless, he adds, we walk by faith, and not by sight. That is, this immortality is not a matter of knowledge, but of belief. We cannot demonstrate it, though we are firmly persuaded of its truth. The assertion of the Apostle is not applicable to a future state only; but in almost all the doctrines of revealed religion, we walk by faith and not by sight. Absolute knowledge, in few cases, is granted to us; what we believe may be probable, but it is not certain; for here we see through a glass darkly, and know in part. In a future world we hope to enjoy perfect knowledge; but the present world is in some measure a scene of obscurity. As a consideration of this subject is adapted to make us cautious, humble, and candid, it deserves attention. At the same time, it is of importance to show that the prejudices, which are entertained against religion on this account, are ill-founded; for if we walk by faith in reli gion, we are guided by the same light in almost everything else. We ought not therefore to object against revelation, because it cannot be demonstrated; for demonstration is not afforded us in other subjects. Man, however, anxiously wishes for certainty in everything of importance; and when he does not possess it, is disposed to complain. Why has not God made what we are to believe so plain and evident, as that all doubts should be prevented? is a common inquiry. Why has he not revealed himself so clearly, as that we should be as certain of his existence as of our own? Why do we, not only believe, but know, that he is one being, who is infinitely powerful, wise, and good, the creator of heaven and earth, and the judge of men? Why are we not enabled absolutely to determine, whether Jesus Christ is a pre-existent being, or only a man? Why do we not certainly know, whether or not, he is an object of prayer? Why have we not more than probable evidence of the truth of Christianity? Why are men permitted to dispute about the meaning of its doctrines? Why is there such obscurity in the language of the sacred writers, as that controversies should exist concerning the trinity, the atonement of Christ, original sin, predestination, and everlasting punishment? Why do we not understand St Paul as well he understood himself? and why should it be possible that so many different explanations can be made of his words? In particular, why do we not know that we are immortal? Why have we not such evidence, as that it would be impossible to doubt of a future state? Why does not a ghost return from the other world, or a dead man rise, and make this important doctrine certain ? We are frequently told, that we shall be punished hereafter for the deeds done in the body: we wish that we absolutely knew this; for certain knowledge would have |