How widely different from this is the case in our day. Copies of the Holy Scriptures are multiplied beyond all calculation: not a village, scarcely a dwelling, where they are not, or may not be procured: and, instead of any persecuting power, forbidding the use of them, every possible encouragement is afforded, and every means devised by which they may be adequately understood. And such, under the divine blessing, has been the success of those means, that the greater portion, even of the poorest in this favoured land, are able to discover for themselves the light of life; to apply it for their guidance and comfort and eternal salvation.
And with respect to the preaching of the gospel, though it is not yet sufficient for the demand of our extended population, still it may be truly described as general throughout the land. Although, for “the plenteous harvest, the labourers are too few,” still are they every where abroad. And if it be objected, that “the word of truth is not always rightly divided,” yet are there portions of it uniformly read, in every christian assembly, on the Lord’s day; and in our own incomparable Liturgy, no inconsiderable part of the divine word, of its saving doctrines and duties, is actually embodied.
So much for our holy congratulation, for the honour and glory of our land, for the rich abundance of spiritual privileges and blessings, which, under the favour of almighty goodness, we have the happiness to enjoy. It were well, if the sequel of our subject afforded equal ground for rejoicing; that it equally redounded to our honour. But here there is a dark cloud resting, which casts over the scene a melancholy gloom. The value set upon the word of God, its preciousness in the heart of man, is not proportioned to the frequency and the fulness of its communication. It is in almost every dwelling, but not in every dwelling esteemed and loved; not devoutly treasured, not eagerly and diligently read, as it used to be in the days of scarcity. How many who possess it, perhaps superbly ornamented, in a variety of forms, and with goodly interpretations, seldom open it; seldom in comparison with its high and everlasting importance, for their enlightenment and edification: possibly it may be read on the Lord’s day as a cold customary exercise, and by vast numbers not even on the Lord’s day; they are positively unmindful of the sacred treasure, unconscious that it is so much as in their possession. No change of heart, no lively faith, no spiritual strength is derived from its exalted doctrines; no purification of the affections from its means of grace; no regulation of the life and character from its perfect law of righteousness. How should there be, when it is laid by, idly, carelessly, and contemptuously.
The Bible is grievously neglected both by rich and poor. The rich too seldom spare any of their abundant leisure, in storing their minds with the riches of heavenly wisdom; other books, of worldly interest or amusement, absorb almost their whole attention; an unimproving, nay injurious publication, the foolish dream of fiction, will be seized and read with avidity, whilst the oracles of eternal truth are treated with an indifference, that borders on disdain. The poor, it is true, have but little leisure; sufficient however, if that little were diligently used, to enable them to acquire a considerable knowledge of their Bible; but the great multitude of them seek their refreshment from other sources; from the pollutions of earthly pleasure. We might have expected better things: having fewer worldly possessions and comforts, it might be thought, that the poor would gladly supply such deficiency by the attainment of spiritual blessings; by raising their hopes and affections to the imperishable treasures of a brighter world to come: but it is too often found otherwise: the enjoyments of earth, however unsatisfactory and even debasing, are preferred to the abundant consolations and happiness of the gospel.
Thank God, there are many bright exceptions to these remarks, both amongst the rich and the poor; the number is great, and we hope increasing, of those to whom “the word of the Lord has been precious;” who have “received it with gladness;” who have “believed with the heart unto righteousness;” who “have seen the salvation of their God.” But still, when we cast our eyes upon the vast and reckless multitude, we are ready to weep over it and to say, O that ye would know, even ye in this your day, the things that belong unto your peace; before they be hid for ever from your eyes.
From this lamentable neglect of the word of God, we may readily account for the want of religious principle, for the decay of religious character, for the overspreading of corruption and vice, so notorious in the christian world. The astonishing circulation of the Bible through this country, of late years, might have reasonably led us to hope for a signal diminution of irreligion and crime. And God forbid, we should be of the number of those who maintain, that no such advantage has been derived from this dissemination of the word of life. But even the most sanguine person will not contend, that this holy exertion, this spiritual culture has produced a corresponding fruit: thousands of those, who have free access to the Bible, are lying, if not in utter darkness, at least in the shadow of death. And what is the cause? The scriptures are not valued in proportion to their extended circulation; they are not read with humble reverential attention, as the holy word of God; not understood or desired, as the fountain of light and life; not sought as a means of spiritual reformation and righteousness: and therefore, we may expect a greater prevalence of iniquity; as a judgment of the just and offended God, for so flagrant an abuse of the knowledge of salvation.
And thus with regard to the preaching of His word: where is that vehement desire, that deep interest, that holy concern to profit withal, which was observable in the days when preachers were few? We do not say, that it is utterly extinguished; but certainly not proportioned to the opportunities vouchsafed. How many in this our place and neighbourhood, refuse to travel, even the shortest distance, to hear the gospel; and of those who professedly go to hear it, not a few are led by mere curiosity or custom. How do we stand condemned by many a less favoured people! There are indeed lands, at this day, still thirsting for the knowledge of their God and Saviour; lands, to which it has but just been carried, where it is only beginning to be understood; and there the people will instantly repair at the very sound of the good tidings, and wait with eagerness upon the footsteps of the missionary, who bears in his hand the sacred treasure; but here, where the messengers are in every place, where the ministers of reconciliation abound, here are awful numbers, who never enter the house of God, for the single purpose of hearing His word: the gift is continually offered, without trouble or risk, “without money or price;” and, therefore, it would seem, perversely despised.
Similar remarks may be made, concerning all those divine ordinances and means of grace, with which this privileged land has been so richly provided. The public worship of Almighty God, the holy sacraments of our Church, the instruction afforded to her children, the means of private devotion and godly advancement, all these are pressed upon the notice and acceptance of all; it is not enough to say, that we are invited; we are urged to the participation of these abundant blessings; yet how often are we urged in vain. At this moment, in some of our countries or dependencies abroad, where Churches are sparingly scattered, and the visits of ministers are few and long between, these divine ordinances are coveted with a painful anxiety, and no opportunity is ever lost: here, in the mother country, is the fountain of blessings, and the “streams are ever flowing withal;” but thousands esteem not these waters of life, and many never care to taste them.
It is impossible, that the truth of these observations can be denied; and to every sincere and serious Christian the subject must afford a painful reflection. And well does it become us all, each in our several vocations, to exert our utmost power for the abatement of so crying and alarming an evil. Many of us, I trust, are gratefully sensible of the goodness and love of God, in having so liberally bestowed upon our land the blessings of the word of life; grateful from the experience of its inestimable benefit to our own souls: let each then in his station, and according to his influence and ability, recommend the word to those around him; and assist in waking a slumbering people to a sense of the glorious opportunities awaiting them. Many, from their education and rank, have it in their power to contribute largely to the success of this glorious cause, to become instruments of righteousness and salvation to their lost fellow-creatures: and the poorest may do much in this blessed work; they may train their families in the study of the Bible, may lead them to adore the God of mercy and of truth, and to save their souls alive; considerable also is the impression, which, by prudence and friendly care, they might make upon their poor neighbours; bringing them to join together in happy union, for the perusal of that word, which is their common interest and hope; which would elevate them above the troubles of a stormy world, would lead them to “lighten one another’s burdens,” and to “go on their way together rejoicing.” And, to say the least, every one has the power to recommend the holy scriptures by the light of his own example; by shewing, on all occasions, his love for the Saviour’s marvellous goodness; by duly reverencing and reading the word of truth; and manifesting the blessedness thereof, in the decided change of his own heart and temper, in his own character and life. And all such recommendations, let me add, the Lord is demanding at our hands, in return for His unspeakable mercy.
My brethren, let us suppose, that it should please God, for the heedlessness of this nation, to deprive us of the privilege and blessing of the Bible; and to declare, that the neglected ministry of His word should be continued no longer: we should undoubtedly regard this as the direst calamity, which could possibly befal us; we should immediately and cheerfully consent to any sacrifice, by which so dreadful a token of divine wrath might be averted. Then let us be consistent; and whilst we do enjoy this invaluable favour of heaven, let it be cherished and improved. Let the gospel, instead of being less precious to us, on account of its universal publication, and its facility of attainment, be therefore prized the more; and while we adore the Lord of mercy for diffusing this heavenly benefit through our dear and native land, let the treasure be laid up in our own bosom: what is intended for the good of all, is intended for the good of each: to bless God for giving the gospel to our country, and to undervalue or neglect it ourselves, is folly and hypocrisy; but too many individuals, amounting indeed to a large portion of our christian community, are guilty of this folly, and thus exposing the land to judgment, thus endangering “the ark of God.”