The Life ofFaith. CHAP. H. Thetrue Method of enquiry into the foepernatural Evidences of Faith, andRules therein to be eff'erect. WHen\// you have thus fen what evidence there is of GOD, and his Government, and of a life of reward and punifhment hereafter, and of the natural obligations which lic on man to a holy, juff, and fober life., and otshe de- praved fiate of the world, which goeth focontraro fuch undoubtedduty ; and how certain all this is even by natural revelation; proceed next toconfider what fupernatural reve- lation God hath added, both to confirm you in the fame Truths, and tomakeknown fuck other, as were neceffary for mankind to know. Where I mull firtt dirct` you in the true Method of Enquiry, and then fet before you the things themfelves, which you are to know. r. Think, not that every unprepared mind is immediately ca- pable ofthe Truth (either thin, or any other, except the first . principles which are nota per fe, or are next to fenfe.) All truth requireth a capacity, and due preparation of the'reci- pient r The plainefi principlesof any Art or Science, are not underfiood by novices at the firtt fight or hearing. And there- fore it were vain to imagine that things of the greaten di- ftance in hittory, or profundity in do6trine, can be compre- hended at the fiat attempt, by a difufed and unfurnithed un- dertlanding. There muftbeat least, as much time, andffudy, and help fuppofed and ufed, to the full difcerning of the evi- dences offaith, as are allowed to the attainment of common Sciences. Though grace, in leis time, may give men fo much light as is ncccffary to falvation ; yet he that will be able to defend the Truth,, and anfwer Objections, and attain ettablithing fatisfacion in his own mind, muff (ordinarily). have proportionable helps, and time, and ffudyes ; unless he look to be taught by miracles. a ;. Remember that it is a practical and heavenly do5ïrine which
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