Christianity cannot be to blame, as it would be most manifest injustice to visit upon a Revelation, the offences of unworthy members, of which their own sinfulness is the sole cause. But such is the mode of warfare of the light troops of the infidel host, who dare not attack directly the evidences, doctrines, and precepts of the Gospel; and yet from their numbers, activity, and malignity, have deeply injured the cause of religion, by insinuating doubts, and instilling suspicions into ill-informed and inexperienced minds. If those who bear the Christian name and believe the Christian faith would unite against this legion of evil spirits, and employ their rank, influence, talents, and learning, in bringing them into subjection to Him, whose easy yoke they have thrown off, for the service of Satan, the cause of religion would be immensely benefited. Not only because many unbelievers would probably be converted, but because the work of proselytism would be checked: at present, from the culpable supineness and indifference of many Christians, even in private families, infidelity is sometimes heard, unblushingly, to avow its detestable principles; but if the ban of proscription was placed upon its creed, the ears of believers would not be shocked, and the principles of the inexperienced endangered by direct or indirect attacks upon the great truths of our most Holy Faith. To effect a general co-operation of the great body of Christians, in the cause of religion, would be, necessarily, a work of immense difficulty and labour. Much, however, might be accomplished, if more of those, whom God has blessed with power and influence, set an example of labouring zealously to promote His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. How often, amongst the higher and middle classes of society, has the influence of a single individual, of talents and learning, but of still more eminent piety, been employed with the most beneficial effects. “A word spoken in due season, how good is it,” {178} has been fully proved, in the case of many, who, vibrating, as it were, in such perfect equipoise between good and evil, that a feather would almost suffice to incline the balance, have been led to “choose that good part, which shall not be taken away from them;” {179a} by having books recommended or supplied, by receiving friendly advice and encouragement, or by that most eloquent and attractive of the modes of conveying instruction—the winning grace and beauty of Christian example. If, therefore, even a few individuals or families, in any place, resolved that, by Divine grace, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord;” {179b} I will not be “unequally yoked with unbelievers;” {179c} as far as in me lieth, no one shall blaspheme the Holy Name by which I am called, nor malign the holy cause which in baptism I have sworn to defend; infidelity would be much put to shame and silence. And it is the duty of all sincere Christians