ked 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.

Destitution of early religious instruction, generally leads to an entire
indifference to the whole subject. Persons who are brought up in
prayerless, worldly families--whose young minds are not moulded by a
pious influence--are usually found very insusceptible of religious
impressions. In such hearts the power of ungodliness reigns
uncontrolled. Uncultivated and waste, they produce nothing but _thorns
and briers_. Nor is it surprising, that this numerous class of the
hearers of the Gospel should exhibit an utter disregard and contempt of
its authority. _The preaching of the cross is foolishness_ to them,
because they do not understand it, and will not take the trouble to
examine it.

A similar apathy is frequently observed in persons who have been well
instructed, when their whole souls have become engrossed in some worldly
pursuit. Their heads and hands are so entirely occupied, that serious
reflection is