_But covet earnestly the best gifts; yet show I unto you a more
excellent way._
What was proposed from these words, was to consider at some length,
not merely the excellence of Charity or holy benevolent affection,
which is the meaning of the word Charity in the holy scriptures, but
the GENERAL EXCELLENCE of the Christian Religion. Two discourses have
already been devoted to the illustration of this, which of all others
is one of the most interesting subjects; interesting to every class
of hearers. For if any have scruples concerning the divine origin of
Christianity, this subject is as well adapted to remove them, as
almost any one which could be chosen. If any be heedless and
indifferent about its duties, doctrines, institutions, and proposals
of mercy and salvation, this subject is well calculated to reprove
their unconcern, and to excite their attention. If any have lost
their first warmth and zeal, their first love to Religion, their
relish and favour of its duties and comforts, this subject is
directly fitted to re-establish their faith--to re-invigorate their
zeal--to re-quicken their favour of divine things--to regain their
relish--to rekindle their affections, and to restore them from their
backslidings. To the aged, who have long attended to the duties of
the Gospel, and experienced its power, it ministers support; and the
young it invites to the paths of Virtue, in a most pleasing and
delightful manner. These ideas will apologize for confining your
attention, my hearers, so long to one subject; if any apology be
needful, but it is presumed none will be needful.--For no kind of
justice could be done to this theme, in a single discourse. A Volume
would be little enough for this end.----
We have already surveyed the EXCELLENCY of the Christian Religion in
four instances, though in a very brief and imperfect manner--_first,_
compared with all other religions:--_secondly,_ as it contains an
admirable system of doctrines, and plain and rational mode of
worship:--_Thirdly,_ as it lays before us the best system of duties
to be performed by us, all of which are perfectly reasonable, and
enforces these duties by the most weighty and solemn motives:--And
_fourthly,_ as it comprises in it the most precious promises, and
furnishes the richest supports in days of adversity and misfortunes,
far surpassing all that could be derived from reason and philosophy,
though these assistances are by no means to be overlooked.----