commerce with the objects that surround us) is removed by the light and the restraints of education. They remain, however, upon the understanding and the heart, to withstand but too effectually the truths and things of God, and to keep the intelligent creature from being determined by those motives, which are the only proper springs of action. The veil is still upon his eyes; the bias of his will wrong; and, therefore, "he stumbles, as in the night, even at noon-day* ;" and especially in matters of duty and revealed points is prone to except to what he does not relish. In this frame of mind his erudition comes unhappily to his aid, and improves his intellectual powers only to render him more expert in combating the evidences, and evading the force of divine truth. Such is, generally speaking, the just solution of literary error and infidelity..

Let us not then be surprised to find learning in such sad connections!-To attain soundness and consistency, she must take her stand on consecrated ground. When sanctified and governed by Christian principles, she becomes truly wise and discreet in all her pursuits. The fear of God is her shield, inspiring caution and selfdiffidence; humble trust in his secret direction and superintendency aids her native discern

* Isa. lix. 10.

ment, (for the expectation of faith shall never be disappointed) and with such a pilot at the helm, her course through the conflicting waves of discordant opinions is safe and prosperous.

Let it not be urged, in opposition to our statement, that under the wing of religion some of the most monstrous errors and crimes have found a shelter, and that her countenance has been often given to the weakest and most reprehensible plans of conduct !-This must doubtless be acknowledged.-But is Christianity responsible for the enormities committed under her name, by hypocrisy, superstition, or enthusiasm? We speak of her genuine influence, when sincerely embraced, and when well understood and digested, as we may justly expect her to be digested by her lettered disciples. In such cases the effect will be what I have stated. Nor is this all; for the interests of truth will be defended with firmness and zeal against all the furious attacks of its adversaries. What formidable adversaries it has to struggle with in these our days we all know; never, since the foundation of the world, was learning seen so shamefully abused to the worst of purposes. It is a melancholy, mortifying spectacle, we have long witnessed. Behold, philosophy in close league with anarchy and atheism, espousing principles the most delusive and flagitious! What lesson does such a dreadful event

obviously suggest? What, but that knowledge may consist with the utmost corruption of heart, and that, when so circumstanced, its light is mere darkness-like a wandering meteor, leading men under false appearances to infamy and ruin.

To conclude,- let us not be deaf to the warning voice of these portentous times, which press upon our regard with peculiar weight all the arguments that have been offered in support of the claims of revelation!-If we would not have our youth infected with the epidemic errors that meet and assail them at almost every turn, the antidote is at hand. It is to be found (as we have seen) in the principles of Christianity and in them alone; for the sublimest principles of science still leave the man a fallen creature, and as such, a slave, in his highest state of refinement, to earthly, sensual, and selfish tendencies, which at the best will not permit him "to bring any fruit unto perfection," and which not seldom hurry him away into the most unworthy projects and practices.

How then does it become the guardians and instructors of our youth, as they would educate them, not for time merely, but eternity,-as they would have them be "rich unto God," and sow upon earth what they shall afterwards reap in life everlasting,-how, I say, does it become

all, to whom such a momentous charge is committed, to endeavour earnestly that every plant, in these nurseries of education, may be visited with the kindly influence of heaven, and may grow up under the fostering care and blessing of Almighty God into "trees of righteousness," (as Isaiah speaks) laden with precious fruits,— the joint tribute of religion and learning, unto the glory and praise of him, who is the great and sole "Giver of every good and perfect gift."

Which may God grant of his infinite mercy, through Christ his Son! &c. &c.

DISCOURSE IV.

[Preached before the University.]

1 CORINTHIANS iii. 20.

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

THROUGH pride men fell; pride still constitutes the main strength of that moral evil in which he is immersed. To humble him, therefore, is one grand object of divine revelation, for it is essential to his restoration. With this compassionate design were passages the most apt to give offence delivered. None perhaps in the whole code of revealed truths have been more ill received than such as are levelled against the pride of intellect, though none are more necessary, on account of the strong tendency there is in literary men to overrate those attainments by which they are distinguished from the rest of their species. The illiterate, indeed, by way of