absolutely excluded.

Contempt of evangelical religion is sure to be exhibited in places where
its professors are asleep or dead. In communities where real religion
flourishes, where its power is felt, and its votaries are consistent and
decided; whatever hatred may rankle in the breasts of opposers, they are
not apt to indulge in contemptuous derision. But where formality and
worldliness prevail, and no conspicuous standard of Christian character
is visible--the hearts of sinners will be manifested. They will, without
hesitation, avow, in how low and degrading a light they regard the
doctrines of the cross. Their contempt and loathing are wholly
irrepressible.

In many instances, the pride of rank and intellect is the cause why _the
preaching of the cross is_ utterly despised and accounted _foolishness_.
The lofty speculations of an aspiring intellect can with difficulty
come down to the simplicity of the Gospel. The command, to come to the
Saviour's feet with the humility of a little child, fills the proud
heart of those _who are wise in their own eyes_, with indignation. They
cannot endure doctrines, which level all vain distinctions, and require
the noble, the affluent, and the learned, to assume the same station of
penitence and contrition, with the lowliest peasant. They cannot consent
to lay their honours in the dust, and address themselves only to
sovereign mercies. It is beyond endurance, that the messages of grace
should come _to them_, as condemned, guilty, and perishing sinners; and
that as such they should be invited to the cross. Hence the scornful
air, the undissembled disgust, with which so many, in high life, turn
their backs upon _the preaching of the cross_. And hence, encouraged by
their example, multitudes cluster round the standard of a haughty and
malignant opposition to the Gospel.

While thus so many regard _the preaching of the cross as foolishness_,
and earnestly wish it were utterly false; it is not wonderful, that
efforts should be made to prove that it actually is so. Probably some,
engaged in this opposition, are perfectly sincere, and actually suppose,
as Saul of Tarsus did, that they are _doing God service_, by combating
the doctrines of the cross. But whoever obeys the natural dictates of
his own heart, and submits himself to the guidance of his own perverted,
blinded reason, refusing to supplicate the illuminations of divine
grace, will be likely to come under the power of _strong d