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.