=4.= Thus analogy sanctions an arrangement, by which the ruinous consequences of vice or folly may be averted, at least in some cases. =5.= If the consequences of rash and inconsiderate acts, which we scarcely call vicious, are often so serious, we may apprehend that the bad consequences will be greater, in proportion as the irregularity is greater. =6.= A dissolute disregard to all religion, if there be a religion, is incomparably more reprehensible than the mere neglects, imprudencies, &c. of this life. =7.= As the effects of worldly imprudence and vice are often misery, ruin, and even death, no one can say what may be the consequences of blasphemy, contempt of God, and final impenitence. =8.= Nor can any one tell, how far the consequences of such great wickedness can possibly be prevented, consistently with the eternal rule of right. =9.= Still there would, from analogy, be some hope of room for pardon. IV. _There is no probability that any thing we could do alone, would entirely prevent the effects of our irregularities._ =1.= We do not know all the reasons for punishment, nor why it should be fit to remit punishment. =2.= Nor do we know all the consequences of vice, and so should not know how to prevent them. =3.= Vice impairs men’s abilities for helping themselves. =4.= Misconduct makes assistance necessary, which otherwise would not have been. Why should not the same things be so, as to our future interests? =5.= In temporal things, behaving well in time to come, does not repair old errors, why should it as to future things? =6.= Were it so in _all cases_ it would be contrary to all our notions of government. =7.= It could not be determined in what degree, or in what cases, it would be so, even if we knew it might in _some_ cases. =8.= The efficacy of repentance, as urged in opposition to atonement, is contrary to the general sense of mankind; as shown by the prevalence of propitiatory sacrifices. V. _In this state of apprehension, awakened by the light of nature, revelation comes in, and teaches positively, the possibility of pardon and safety._ =1.= Confirms our fears as to the unprevented consequences of sin. =2.= Declares the world to be in a state of ruin. =3.= That repentance alone will not secure pardon. =4.= That there is a mode of pardon, by interposition. =5.= That God’s moral government is compassionate, as well as his natural government. =6.= That he has provided, by the interposition of a mediator, to save men. =7.= All this seems to put man in a strange state of helpless degradation. But it is not Christianity which puts him so. All philosophy and history show man to be degraded and corrupt. VI. _Scripture, in addition to confirming the dim testimony of the light of nature, reveals a Christ, as mediator and propitiatory sacrifice._ =1.= He is “_that prophet_.” 1.) Declared the will of God.