own fears, and to relieve the feelings of other sinners. It is, however, a very wicked employment to be “ crying peace when there is no peace." But when men will venture to teach such smooth and delusive doctrines, there always will be some who "love to have it so ;" but as a prophet says, "What will be the end thereof ?" Such deceivers of mankind are in danger of something worse than annihilation, even eternal damnation. If, as Solomon says, "he that winneth souls is wise," we may be assured, that he who ruins them, is exceedingly foolish. If the men who turn many to righteousness, "shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever;" we may infer, that corrupting the principles, debasing the morals of men, and fitting them for eternal destruction, must sink the agents into the blackness of darkness forever. In hearing that sinners are to be annihilated, and not eternally punished, many may venture on the commission of crimes, which, under different views, they would never have perpetrated. The belief of annihilation must be dangerous to the peace of society, as well as to the salvation of the soul. If, as has been proved, the notion is false in theory, and pernicious in its effects, inculcating it must be a high-handed act of iniquity. Every benevolent heart, therefore, should reprobate the promulgating of it, as a thing dishonorable to God, injurious to community, and calculated to populate the region of endless despair! But it is truly said by St. Paul, that "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." Dangerous errors, however, must be opposed in the spirit of the Gospel; yet, with perspicuity, ardor and perseverance. Bitterness is not admissible, however wicked, erroneous, and inimical to us, its abettors may be. It is the voice of God, "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle. unto all men, apt to teach, pa

tient, in meekness instructing those who oppose." In contending with heretics, it should be remembered, that we are, by nature, the enemies of God, even as others. If we have embraced the truth, it has been through Divine grace; and, therefore, we have no right to glory over any of our fellow men. We are bound to pray for the most erroneous and sinful part of men. It is our duty, however, to convince them, if possible, of their guilt and danger; for that is an act of real benevolence.

4. If sinners are not to be annihilated, but eternally punished, we may learn the importance of their being convinced of these things. No man is called upon to believe any thing without sufficient evidence. In the investigation of a subject of this nature, we may set this down as a fact, that there is no conclusive evidence of it, but in the Scriptures. No doubt, God can annihilate any thing that He has made; but whether He will, or will not annihilate sinners, our reason is incompetent to determine. The Bible, therefore, is the only rule by which the matter can be decided. The advocates for annihilation, we have seen, have recourse to Scripture for the support of their theory. Great care, therefore, should be taken in studying that Book, not to draw from it any improper conclusions. It must be allowed, that many different systems are professedly built upon that foundation. This must convince us, that many are wresting the sacred pages from their true meaning; for they cannot support opposite doctrines. To believe that those writings are obscure, would be a great reflection on their glorious Author. But if that is not the case, it must certainly follow, that many are not faithful to themselves, in the examination of that inspired Volume. By detaching a passage from its connection, and forcing a literal meaning on words that are highly figurative, and capable of different constructions, any thing may be easily

proved. But when we see a doctrine supported by express and unequivocal Scripture testimony, it must not be set aside, because doubtful passages are urged against it. It is an excellent rule of interpretation, to settle the meaning of doubtful texts by such as are clear and express; and not to explain away the meaning of positive assertions, by passages that are figurative, and capable of different solutions. By proceeding in such a preposterous way, many have deceived themselves and others. When passages are adduced to prove a theory, that is in itself congenial with the reigning depravity of the heart, their application may be consistently doubted. It is not to be expected, that divine truth will ever be flattering to human pride, nor pleasing to sinners. We have seen, that the eternal punishment of the finally impenitent, is supported by express declarations of Scripture; and, therefore, the passages which are pressed into the service of an opposite hypothesis, are, undoubtedly, misconstrued, and improperly applied. If we were honest, we might very easily settle the point in question. It is the deceitfulness of the heart, that presents the subject in a doubtful light, or determines the mind in favor of the doctrine of annihilation. It is wicked and dangerous to be halting between these opinions. Placing ourselves before the throne of God, with the Bible open in our view, and our hand upon our heart, let this great question be settled; for, in such a solemn attitude, we will, undoubtedly, come to a proper conclusion. Conscience testifies in favor of such a method of procedure; but, alas! the heart of the sinner is against it! He hates to be disquieted. It is much better, however, to tremble now, than to tremble at the sound of the last trumpet. Instead of annihilation, Jesus Christ saith, "The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth: they that have

done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." John 5. 28, 29.

Thus an attempt has been made, in four discourses, to reflect some light on this momentous subject. It is a duty, my hearers, which I owe to you, and I have endeavored to discharge it, I hope, with some degree of faithfulness. Let it rest upon your minds, that you must shortly give an account unto God for your conclusions, in relation to this subject. According to the best of my ability, I have tried to acquit my conscience in this matter. There is no indecision in my own mind, concerning the immateriality and immortality of the soul; nor about the eternal punishment of those who die in opposition to God. The careful examination of the opposite theory, has served to establish my former principles, if possible, more firmly. We must consider all other supposed evidence but the Scriptures, as being irrelevant to this subject. The doctrines which have been vindicated in these discourses, are firmly supported by that standard which ought to be sufficient evidence in our view.

5. If the wicked are not to be annihilated, but eternally punished, we may see how important it is, that they should become righteous immediately. As all men have sinned, it is a fact that they cannot become innocent; `yet, there is a way in which they may be justified; and that is through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. On this, St. Paul says, "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5. 1. He was "made sin-a sin offering-for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5. 21. He is able, therefore, to save to the uttermost, even the greatest of sinners, who come to God by Him. Repentance and faith are the con

ditions on which salvation is suspended; and these conditions may be easily performed by the willing mind. We are placed under such circumstances, that if we perish, our criminality will be great. It is no small consolation to know, that we may be as completely happy, and God as fully glorified, as if we had never sinned, through the atonement and intercession of Christ. Well might the angel say to the shepherds, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2. 10, 11. It is far more easy to repent, believe and prepare for heaven, than it is to vindicate the gloomy doctrine of annihilation, with its dependant and kindred errors. As far as that is believed, it is an effectual bar against all holy repentance. Eternal salvation, my hearers, is effected through grace, in opposition to every scheme of self-righteousness. There is no such thing as standing before God, on the ground of works, for the voice of his justice is, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things, written in the book of the law to do them." Gal. 3. 10. Again it is said, he that "offendeth in one point is guilty of all." James 2. 10. This cuts off every plea that can be made, on the ground of merit. "It is through faith we are saved; that it may be of grace; that the promise may be sure to all the seed"—the chosen of the Lord. All that is required of us, therefore, is to accept of mercy through the great Redeemer. To be righteous, in the gospel sense of the term, signifies one whose heart is renewed-whose sins. are pardoned, and whose person and services are acceptedin Christ, the Great Head of the Church. The greatest sinner on earth, may become a saint instantaneously. The difference between these characters is simply this; the one hates an infinitely Holy God, and the other loves Him