Southern Christian Advocate

From the Sunday School Friend.

INFIDELITY.

And pray what is infidelity? It is defined to be "the disbelief of Christianity." Many profess to be among the number of those who call in question the religion of the Bible; but is this disbelief the result of close examination and of sincere efforts after truth? In ninety-nine cases out of an hundred, this question would be answered negatively. From the prattling boy to the gray-headed sire, may be found those who are waging war with the "Lord's anointed," and yet many of them have not read one-tenth part of the sacred book they profess to condemn and execrate, and if they have ever looked into its pages, it has been only for the purpose of seeking occasion against the book itself, and are thus guilty of a much greater act of injustice towards the Sacred Scriptures, than toward any other publication in the known world. Unfortunately for infidelity and for the world, those who have been presumptuous enough openly to avow their disbelief in the religion of Christ, have been regarded too much in the light of superior men--giant minds. And their defiance of the armies of the Lord God of Hosts, has had almost the same chilling influence that spread itself throughout the camp of Israel, when, for forty successive days 'Goliath of Gath' lifted up his unhallowed hand and voice. But this estimate is the result of a great mistake. The sceptics at least of this present day, do not possess the most marvellous ability, and let any individual who wishes to test the truth of this assertion, bring his sceptical friend but to the Bible itself, and his destitution of acquaintance therewith will be manifest. But why are infidels so numerous? What is it that contributes to augment their number? With due deference this reason may at least be assigned. Infidelity is taught and promulgated from our pulpits! Startle not, gentle reader; but facts are stubborn things. The young and inexperienced minister, and too frequently the old also, advance in their discourse the absurd objections of the infidels, and attempt to refute them, but the mind of the young especially retain the objection stated, while the answer is forgotten, and it is feared that two-thirds of the prevalent infidelity of the present day, is first taught from the pulpit.-- Without any attempt at dictation, it would be better for the church and for the world, if more of Christ, and less of the objections of the infidel could be heard from the sacred desk, and at least the young and inexperienced preacher, minister or priest, should not go forth with Saul's Armour, when the Shepherd's Sling, and the smooth stones of truth would suit his capacity and his congregation far better

C.