THE BORDERERS. 269 mind, is but a wretched substitute for the want of it. Be assured, however, at the same time, that true religion will in no wise di- minish your natural or acquired graces ; so far from it, those graces will be more estimable ; they will be even more ad- mired, when they are known not to be the best things you have. When you set less value on them yourself, they will be more pleasing to others ; who, though they will not estimate them above their worth, will not depreciate them below it. We are persuaded that you are too reasonable to expect that Christianity will change its character, or lower its requirements, or make the straight gate wider, or the narrow way broader, or hold out false colours, in order to induce you to embrace it. It is not that easy and superficial thing which some sup- pose, as requiring little more than a ceremonious attendance on its forms, and a freedom from the gross violation N 3
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=