BERM. XVI.] A RATIONAL DEFENCE OF Tilt COSPEL. 283 they agree. The chief and most important points of christianity are written with so much plainness and evi- deuce in the word of God, as would lead all humble, honest, sincere and diligent enquirers into a belief of them, and consent in them.. Now it is not necessary that the lesser matters of christianity should be written down so expressly in scripture : For 'the all -wise God thought it proper to leave many of these articles of less importance more dubious and obscure, both to awaken the diligence of men to study his word, and to leave amongst them some occasions for the exercise of their mutual charity and forbearance. Our blessed Lord has thought it proper to put the universal love which he requires amongst his followers, to this test or trial, to see whether they will cultivate peace and charity to one another amidst their various and divided opinions in things of less concernment. I confess there are some differences among protestants in the great doctrines of the Trinity, and the satisfaction of Christ, which must be acknowledged to be articles of very high moment and importance in christianity. But if we compare those few who profess dangerous opinions in these points with the millions that agree in the same general profession of faith, it will be found that their number is but very small. If we consider the great ignorance of God, which is found in all men by nature, and take a survey of the unhappy influences that educa- tion, fancy, passion, pride, friendship, aversion, precipi- tance and laziness, have upon mankind in forming their judgnent§ and opinions, we shall not wonder to find some persons here and there falling into strange senti- ments, contrary to the plain and sufficient evidence of scripture. We believe in general, that whoever puts off all prejudices, and is piously sincere in his search of the word of God, shall certainly find, through divine assist- ance, all needful truth. If therefore a disbeliever come with a serious, humble, 'and pious mind, and apply\him- self with diligence and fervent prayer to read the scrip- ture ; I am well assured he will become a christian, and find out so much of the doctrines and duties of the gos- pel, as are necessary to his eternal happiness. But there will be heresies arising sometimes in the church. Tares will grow up sometimes in the field that is ever io well cultivated and sown with corn : And what
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