How preposterous, my brethren, is the sinner!  What absurdities does he cherish in his heart!  For, in short, had the doctrines St. Paul preached to Felix been the productions of his brain:—­had the thought of a future judgment been a chimera, whence proceeded the fears of Felix?  Why was he so weak as to admit this panic of terror?  If, on the contrary, Paul had truth and argument on his side, why did Felix send him away?  Such are the contradictions of the sinner.  He wishes; he revolts; he denies; he grants; he trembles; and says, “Go thy way for this time.”  Speak to him concerning the truths of religion, open hell to his view, and you will see him affected, devout, and appalled:  follow him in life, and you will find that these truths have no influence whatever on his conduct.

But are we not mistaken concerning Felix?  Did not the speech of St. Paul make a deeper impression upon him than we seem to allow?  He sent the apostle away, it is true, but it was “for this time” only.  And who can censure this delay?  The infirmities of human nature require relaxation and repose.  Felix could afterward recall him.  “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will send for thee.”

It pains me, I confess, my brethren, in entering on this head of my discourse, that I should exhibit to you in the person of Felix the portrait of whom?  Of wicked men?  Alas! of nearly the whole of this assembly; most of whom seem to us living in negligence and vice, running with the children of this world “to the same excess of riot.”  One would suppose that they had already made their choice, having embraced one or the other of these notions:  either that religion is a fantom, or that, all things considered, it is better to endure the torments of hell than to be restricted to the practise of virtue.  Oh no! that is not their notion.  Ask the worse among them.  Ask whether they have renounced their salvation.  You will not find an individual who will say that he has renounced it.  Ask them again whether they think it attainable by following this way of life.  They will answer, No.  Ask them afterward how they reconcile things so opposite as their life and their hopes.  They will answer that they are resolved to reform, and by and by they will enter on the work.  They will say, as Felix said to St. Paul, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”  Nothing is less wise than this delay.  At a future period I will reform.  But who has assured me that at a future period I shall have opportunities of conversion?  Who has assured me that God will continue to call me, and that another Paul shall thunder in my ears?

I will reform at a future period.  But who has told me that God at a future period will accompany His word with the powerful aids of grace?  While Paul may plant and Apollos may water, is it not God who gives the increase?  How then can I flatter myself that the Holy Spirit will continue to knock at the door of my heart after I shall have so frequently obstructed His admission?