But if it were not the divine purpofe to
introduce a more perfed: fyftem, much lefs
could the intention be, to cancel the obli-
gation to morality; or fuperfede that reli-
gion, which has its foundation in the un-
changeable will of God. For thofe devia-
tions from moral truth, which at any time
were diipleafing to the deity, could at no
time ceafe to be fo, or alter their moral name
and nature. In truth, that religion which
arofe out of the implanted diftindtion of good
and evil, muft ever retain its influence with
man, while common fenfe remains, and that
diftinction continues. It muft retain its in-
fluence, while native judgment, while natu-
ral confcience, reprefent the good an objedt
of delire, of purfuit, of admiration ; the evil,
in its nature, vile, pernicious and deteftable.
E 2 No



68 SERMON III.
No extraordinary interpofition of revelation
can be fuppofed to fet afide a religion founded
in the nature of things, however it may
affift the moral agent in the performance of
his duties ; or publifh an adt of grace, and
confer pardon, on offenders.
