SECTION V. 321 difficult passages in scripture, which are not, so easy to be ex- plained or accounted for, by reason of our great distance from the times, when those affairs were transacted, and those partsof scripture were written. And it is by these subtle methods, that they obtain their chief success, and deceive unwary and unstable souls. It is your safest way thtrefore, to keep your minds intent upon the plain force of argument, drawn from miracles and pro- phecies, and gifts of the Spirit, as well as from the inward excel- lencies of christianity, whereby it is sufficiently proved to be a divine religion ; and let not any little cavils which are raised against particular passages it the bible, entangle your thoughts or shake your faith, which is built upon such firm and rational foundations. 'While reason itself stands on the side of chris- tianity, let not a fewpuzzling questions make youforget the force of that reason which establishes the gospel. _ The venerable and pious Doctor Owen spoke excellently well on this point, at the end of his little treatise on the "Doc- trine of the Trinity." " It is a rule among philösophers, that if a man on just grounds and reasons, had embraced any opinion orpersuasion, he is not to desert it merely because he cannot answer every objection against it, For if the objections where- with we may be entangled, be not of the same weight and im- portance with the reasons on which we embraced any opinion, it is a madnessto forego it on the account thereof." And much more must this hold amongst the common sort ofchristians, in things spiritual anddivine. If they will let go and part with their faith in any truth ,because they are not able to answer distinctly some objections that may be made against it, they may quickly find themselves disputed into atheism. When we have taken a just survey of the arguments where- by the religion of Christ is supported, when we have seen and felt the united and convincing forceof them, let us rest establish- ed in our faith : It is not an advisable thing for private christians, out of a curious or wanton humour, to hearken after the cavils of infidelity, no more than to frequent such company. It is un- safe for them to attend to the quarrels which the men of profane wit have raised against the word of God : Nor should they do it unless divine Providence calls them to it as part of their luty, and gives them time and leisure to enter anew into the contro- versy, to lay open the objections, and to search out sufficient answers to them. Whereany of these Objections hangaboutthe mind of a humble christian, let him speedily propose his scruples to a skilful minister or a learned friend, that he mayget rid of them as soon as possible by clear and just solution of the difficulty that perplexes them. Avoid the first workings of epostacy in the bottom of your heart: Tdke heed, says the apostle to the converted Hebrews, VOL. Ile. X
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