Jonah 1:5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man to his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea… The man who, in ordinary circumstances, refuses a just and enlightened submission to the authority of God is, in the hour of calamity, of all others the most likely to degrade his nature and his name by the low and debasing services of a gross superstition. I. WHENCE DOES INFIDELITY ORIGINATE? 1. Not, assuredly, in the superior understanding of its subjects. Were it even so, that the most acute individuals were found in the ranks of infidelity, still infidelity gains nothing unless it can either be shown that it is itself the cause of this acumen, or that it results properly and immediately from its exertions. Infidelity is the vice not of mature but of juvenile minds, or of those whose minds never open beyond the attainments of indiscretion. 2. Infidelity, in very many instances, derives its origin from the distorted views of religion, which superstition or bigotry present. 3. The grand origin of all infidelity is the pride and pollution of the heart. Passion now usurps the authority over conscience, and the understanding submits to the will. What we strongly incline to we are easily persuaded to believe; whereas, a doctrine that opposes our desires, it is hardly possible to bear. The principles of infidelity may be held in the fullest harmony with indulged sensuality. II. TRACE INFIDELITY IN ITS RESULTS. Follow the history of the infidel to his ultimate manifestation. That sooner or later he will be revealed is what we are warranted to assume. In one or other of the following ways is his folly revealed. 1. By voluntary confession on his acceptance of the Saviour. 2. By the despair which must follow the rejection of this salvation. 3. By the degrading superstitions to which the infidel is constrained to apply. II. WHAT JUDGMENT OUGHT TO BE FORMED OF SUCH A SYSTEM OF PRINCIPLES? 1. Of its wisdom. Intellect is the boast of infidels. 2. Of its practical influence. The interests of society are concerned here. 3. What is infidelity with respect to its ultimate comfort?That is no religion for man which does not afford consolation. (James Simpson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. |
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