and that, in the fulness of time, it was effected by the mediation and atonement of Christ on the cross.

It is to the state of society, therefore, where his Holy Gospel has been received, and made the established religion of the country, that our attention must and ought to be chiefly directed, in forming an opinion on the present subject.

Not to mention the numberless tribes of savages, that cover a large portion of the earth, we cannot but reflect on the extensive empires on the vast continents of Africa and Asia, where millions of human beings appear to have remained, from time immemorial, quite stationary. There has been no improvement; and their condition is so abject, as scarcely to admit of further depression. But let it be carefully remembered, that in all these instances, the human mind has been degraded, and enslaved, by two predominant causes,-false religion, and despotic government. But do we see the same lamentable effects where Christianity has prevailed, and more particularly where it has been purified from the errors and corruptions of the Romish Church? We may safely reply in the negative. The question must be divested of partialities, and of some local exceptions. It is not to be decided, or

materially influenced, by the wickedness of a particular nation, at a particular period, much less by the crimes and atrocities of a few individuals. The important fact to be determined is, whether there be not a progress in human society, at present, towards further perfection, and whether the sum of moral, social, and religious worth be not, upon the whole, increasing, instead of suffering diminution.

We have the authority of the wisest of men for affirming that it is; and they who persist in saying, "The former days were better than these, do not inquire wisely concerning this." If Solomon could fairly come to such a decision with relation to the times that preceded him, surely we may, with much better reason, form the same conclusion, who have enjoyed the be nefits and blessings of Christianity. The prophets, indeed, announced the superior degree of knowledge, piety, and virtue, that should accompany the holy Gospel, under the most beautiful figures of oriental poetry. "The nations who sat in darkness were said to see a great light," and "the day-spring from on high visited them." It was expressly calculated, we read, “to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness." Its ef

fects in softening the fierce and hostile passions of our nature are represented under the strik ing images of animals losing their natural propensities, and reposing in peace with such as they were accustomed to devour. "The wolf," says the inspired Isaiah, "shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."

Now, shall we for a moment suppose, that the Almighty has not, in this instance, as in all others, adapted his means to the end proposed? or, notwithstanding the wickedness of any particular period, shall we believe, that He would ultimately fail, in accomplishing the purpose, which his wisdom and his mercy intended? That would be presumptuous sin. But the great work of divine love must go on gradually. Sudden and miraculous effects are not in the ordinary course of God's providence. Even the improvement of an individual is represented by the slow process of vegetation, or the gradual operation of building. Hence we are exhorted to "grow in grace," and every step we advance in the scale of Christian perfection, is called "our edification."

All that we contend for, therefore, is the position in the text, that the former days were not better than these ;-that the world is not in a state of degeneracy; but that with Christians there is a progress, (however quickened, or occasionally retarded by external causes,) there is a progress towards further perfection. To imagine, indeed, that the glories of the Gospel of Christ should be diffused throughout the world, without producing a continual accession of knowledge and of goodness, would be as preposterous as to suppose that the sun, after his wintry retreat, dawns on the frozen regions of the north, without occasioning any additional light, or heat.

The position of the text may be amply illustrated and confirmed, I trust, by a reference to our own envied and happy country. Let this reference be made, however, not with a view to national flattery,-not to indulge vanity, and foster pride; but with the pious intention of shewing the gracious providence of God;-of marking the efficacy of his divine word, and the gradual manner, in which he is pleased to develope the plans of infinite wisdom, and to bestow his blessings on his intelligent creatures. Although there are numerous sins of omission

and transgression throughout the land, that call aloud for repentance, and amendment of life;→ though no man can be permitted to say, I have fulfilled the measure of obedience that is required, and no effort to advance farther can be necessary; yet I am of opinion, that we are not so often shocked with the odious vices of drunkenness, swearing, and profane conversation as formerly. Our public amusements are divested of much of their grossness and immorality. The duties of public worship appear to be more generally and constantly fulfilled. The religion of Christ is no longer persecuting, or hostile; but is become mild, tolerant, and indulgent so much so indeed, that its establishments have more to fear from the excess of these good qualities, perhaps, than from any deficiency, or culpable neglect.

The most superficial observer cannot but notice the gradual amelioration of our constitution and laws;-the admirable manner in which justice, tempered with mercy, is administered throughout the land;-the public and truly patriotic spirit with which large sums are raised for any laudable purpose ;-the ample provision that is made for the poor;-and the numerous charitable institutions that are formed for the