[1] It is impossible for me, my brethren, upon our first meeting of this kind, to forbear lamenting with you the general decay of religion in this nation; which is now observed by every one, and has been for some time the complaint of all serious persons. The influence of it is more and more wearing out the minds of men, even of those who do not pretend to enter into speculations upon the subject: but the number of those who do, and who profess themselves unbelievers, increases, and with their numbers their zeal. Zeal, ’tis natural to ask—for what? Why truly for nothing, but against every thing that is good and sacred amongst us.

[2] Indeed, whatever efforts are made against our religion, no Christian can possibly despair of it. For he who has all power in heaven and hearth, has provided, that he will be with us to the end of the world. Nor can the present decline of it, be any stumbling-block to such as are considerate; since he himself has so strongly express'd what is as remarkably predicted in other passages of scripture, the great defection from his religion which should be in the latter days, by that prophetick question, when the son of man cometh, shall he find faith upon the earth? how near this time is, GOD only knows; but this kind of scripture sings of it is too apparent. For as different ages have been distinguish'd by different sorts of particular errors and vices, the deplorable distinction of ours is, an avowed scorn of religion in some, and a growing disregard to it in the generality.

[3] As to the profess'd enemies of religion, I know not how often they may come in your way; but often enough, I fear, in the way of some at least amongst you, to require consideration, what is the proper behaviour towards them. One would to be sure avoid great familiarities with these persons; especially if they affect to be licentious and profane in their common talk. Yet if you fall into their company, treat them with the regards which belong to their rank; for so we must people who are vitious in any other respect.