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.