THE PURE GOSPEL REJECTED BY THE PERISHING.

1 COR. I. 18.--_For the preaching of the cross is, to them that perish,
foolishness_.

In the Christian revelation, there is an evident purpose of infinite
wisdom, that in all the provisions for man's salvation, his moral agency
should be left free and uncontrolled. Instead of accommodation to human
prejudices, there is ample scope for captious objections. And if
additional proof were needed, of the divine origin of the Bible, it
would be found in this characteristic. Were it a system agreeable to the
narrow views, in unison with the selfish feelings, and gratifying to the
depraved taste of human nature, it would more resemble the fabrication
of man, than the workmanship of God. But as the current of its doctrines
is so entirely opposed to our natural inclinations, as to render a moral
renovation indispensable to a perception of the glory of revealed truth;
all such ground of skepticism is removed.

Thus the obscurities and difficulties of revelation are admirably
adapted to exhibit human character, and constitute this state of
existence a real probation. For if the light of truth came upon the mind
with resistless energy, and the operations of the divine government were
clearly disclosed; if the motives and designs of infinite wisdom were
fully explained, and the realities of the spiritual world completely
laid open to view; one principal aim of this dispensation would be
frustrated. On the one hand, there would be no field for the exercise of
faith and humble confidence on the part of Christians; and thus a
precious test of their submission and obedience would be destroyed. On
the other, there could not be a full disclosure of the true feelings of