Very important to know why we prefer one religious system to another, and also why we ought to prefer it. A man is continually in need of having to give a reason for the hope that is in him. The higher religions find the field already occupied by many great systems, and have to vindicate themselves. The arguments employed here are those most commonly adduced, because most superficial. As appealing to the sensuous and material side of human nature, they are very influential.

I. WORLDLY ARGUMENTS FOR A RELIGION. Here they are employed on behalf of a false religion, an idolatry; but they are often made use of in recommending true religion. They are generally of two classes, viz. pertaining:

1. To authority. The idolatry here defended was

(1) general and fashionable;

(2) ancient;

(3) patronized by royalty;

(4) practised in the mother city of God's people.

2. To tendency. It was alleged to have promoted prosperity and peace.

II. THEIR INCONCLUSIVENESS.

1. Authority is only valuable as it helps to establish truth. Sin in its most flagrant forms, ignorance and inhumanity, have been more and longer prevalent than the greatest religions the world has seen. The most cruel and debasing religions are the most ancient in most countries. The only authority which can be admitted in such a connection is that of the best, i.e. the wisest and purest.

2. The tendency argument is open to similar objections. It is a great deal to say in favour of a religion that it has promoted the welfare and happiness of its supporters; but it is not so easy to prove it. Here the prophet alleges that it was their idolatry which lay at the root of all the misery of the people of Judah. It requires a very wide, varied, and lengthened induction of a people's circumstances ere such a statement is legitimate either way. And even if it were made out to one's satisfaction that a religious system had a beneficial effect upon the material condition of a people, it must still be remembered that man is a spiritual being, and that his moral and spiritual nature will sooner or later enter an imperious claim to attention and satisfaction. Only that which is right and true can meet the wants of the human spirit under all circumstances. And God is the one Being who can satisfy the spiritual aspirations and needs of his creatures. If the best and the holiest of men cannot be content with material advantages and comfort, but are ever yearning for something beyond, it is evident that utilitarianism must be interpreted in a very spiritual sense indeed ere it can pass muster as a tolerable criterion of any religion. It is chiefly because Christianity has revealed a Divine communion and a universal moral basis that it is destined to supplant all other creeds. But at the same time, it is also enforced by the test of utility in its more material aspect. No religion has so advanced the comfort, civilization, and peace of this world. - M.

I. IT DEVOLVES ON MINISTERS TO SPEAK TO SINNERS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

1. They represent to them their deplorable situation; they describe to them the horrors of the pit wherein there is no water, in which they lie; the miseries of that prison in which they are closely confined; the unprofitableness of the drudgery in which they are engaged; and the tribulation and anguish which they have to expect. "Knowing the terrors of the Lord, they persuade men"; and sensible that, if they are unfaithful, the blood of souls will be required at their hands, they are "instant in season and out of season," if by any means they Could persuade them to flee from the wrath to come.

2. They do all this in the name of the Lord.

(1)They speak in obedience to His command.

(2)They speak in perfect agreement with the Divine word.

(3)They preach in the hope of promoting His glory.

II. THE UNPLEASANT RECEPTION WITH WHICH THEIR MESSAGE OFTEN MEETS. "We will not hearken."

1. We hope that there are but few who would plainly say this in words; who are so hardened as to glory in their shame; or so incorrigible as to tell God's ministers that they cast His words behind their back, as unworthy of attention, and beneath their notice: yet we are persuaded that there are many professors who say this in their hearts, and who will not see when the hand of God is lifted up; for if this were not the case, would ministers so often have to lament over them, saying, "Oh, that they were wise"; and, "Oh, that there were such a heart in them, to keep His commandments and do them"? Careless hearers all say, "We will not hearken unto Thee." And oh, how few are there that will hear believingly! The word does not profit, "not being mixed with faith in them that hear it"; men often "reject the counsel of God against themselves," and disbelieve the record that God has given of His Son. Their conduct shows that they believe not in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

2. What is the reason that they will not attend to those things, which, it is evident, belong to their peace?

(1)Because they are in league with sin.

(2)What your ministers preach loudly speaks your condemnation.I would say, by way of inference, In what an awful state are those persons who are making the resolution contained in the text. They are evidently exposed to the loss of their privileges; to hardness of heart, and contempt of God's Word and commandments; and to utter and eternal destruction.

(T. Spencer.).