all the aid that extensive reading and critical research can furnish—­that they have carried the lights of science and philosophy into the dark regions of fanaticism—­and have become perfectly convinced, that the whole system is an assemblage of the grossest errors.  When, however, the array of argument is produced, its force seems to consist in the unwelcome impressions which the pure Gospel itself makes upon their minds.  They can see no wisdom or fitness in such an atonement.  They see nothing so very terrible in sin, as to require such an expiation.  Pardoning mercy, say they, is one of the natural attributes of Deity; and the doctrine of eternal punishment seems to them too horribly inconsistent with divine justice to bear reflection.  As for the substitution of the innocent for the guilty, and satisfying the claims of law by the blood of a sinless victim, they are amazed that any rational man can credit such absurd notions.  Tell them of the maladies and wounds of the soul, which can only be healed by the Physician of Calvary—­they can hardly conceal their contempt.  Tell them plainly, as the Bible does, that they are lost, perishing sinners—­that the wrath of God is revealed against them—­that the avenging sword is uplifted, and that, unless they fly to the cross and embrace it by a living faith, they must sink to perdition—­and you will witness the smile of derision or the frown of indignation.  They esteem the doctrine of the Trinity as a monument of human credulity and folly.  Their feelings are shocked beyond measure, at the incarnation of Deity, in the person of Jesus Christ.  The personality and direct influences of the Holy Spirit appear useless and incredible; and the necessity of a change of heart excites their utter scorn.  They cannot endure it.  Their disgust is inexpressible.

Instead, therefore, of these offensive principles, they substitute a system, not modelled from the Bible, but from what they consider reason and propriety.  This they adorn with all that is beautiful and attractive to the carnal eye.  Before this fair and flattering idol, of their own workmanship, they bow down in delighted homage.  This is a religion they can love, for it flatters, exalts, and dignifies human nature!  But as for human depravity, and other hated doctrines of the orthodox creed, they want words to express their aversion.  The simple account of the matter is, that the preaching of the cross, in their estimation, is foolishness.

Such are the various grades of hostility to the vital principles of the Gospel, from contemptuous indifference, to malignant and rancorous opposition.

We now proceed to enumerate some of the causes, of this deplorable state of feeling towards the truth as it is in Jesus.

The depravity—­the unholiness—­of human nature, may be considered the grand cause of all the enmity which has appeared against the doctrines of grace.  It is true, nevertheless, that the various degrees and forms, in which this enmity is manifested, depend upon the peculiarities of individual character and situation.