Destitution of early religious instruction, generally leads to an entire indifference to the whole subject.  Persons who are brought up in prayerless, worldly families—­whose young minds are not moulded by a pious influence—­are usually found very insusceptible of religious impressions.  In such hearts the power of ungodliness reigns uncontrolled.  Uncultivated and waste, they produce nothing but thorns and briers.  Nor is it surprising, that this numerous class of the hearers of the Gospel should exhibit an utter disregard and contempt of its authority. The preaching of the cross is foolishness to them, because they do not understand it, and will not take the trouble to examine it.

A similar apathy is frequently observed in persons who have been well instructed, when their whole souls have become engrossed in some worldly pursuit.  Their heads and hands are so entirely occupied, that serious reflection is absolutely excluded.

Contempt of evangelical religion is sure to be exhibited in places where its professors are asleep or dead.  In communities where real religion flourishes, where its power is felt, and its votaries are consistent and decided; whatever hatred may rankle in the breasts of opposers, they are not apt to indulge in contemptuous derision.  But where formality and worldliness prevail, and no conspicuous standard of Christian character is visible—­the hearts of sinners will be manifested.  They will, without hesitation, avow, in how low and degrading a light they regard the doctrines of the cross.  Their contempt and loathing are wholly irrepressible.

In many instances, the pride of rank and intellect is the cause why the preaching of the cross is utterly despised and accounted foolishness.  The lofty speculations of an aspiring intellect can with difficulty come down to the simplicity of the Gospel.  The command, to come to the Saviour’s feet with the humility of a little child, fills the proud heart of those who are wise in their own eyes, with indignation.  They cannot endure doctrines, which level all vain distinctions, and require the noble, the affluent, and the learned, to assume the same station of penitence and contrition, with the lowliest peasant.  They cannot consent to lay their honours in the dust, and address themselves only to sovereign mercies.  It is beyond endurance, that the messages of grace should come to them, as condemned, guilty, and perishing sinners; and that as such they should be invited to the cross.  Hence the scornful air, the undissembled disgust, with which so many, in high life, turn their backs upon the preaching of the cross.  And hence, encouraged by their example, multitudes cluster round the standard of a haughty and malignant opposition to the Gospel.