CHAPTER W. 509 Similitudes and allusions have oftentimes a very happy influ- ence to explain some difficult truth, and to render the idea of it familiar and easy. Where the resemblance is just and accurate, the influence of á simile may proceed so far as to shew the possibi- lity of the thing in question : but similitudes must not be taken as a solid proof of the truth or existence of those things to which they have a resemblance. A too great deference paid to simili- tudes, or an utter rejection of them, seem to be two extremes, and ought to be avoided. The late ingenious Mr. Locke, even in his. Enquiries after truth, makes great use of similies for fre- quent illustration, and is very happy in the invention of them, though he warns us also lest we mistake them for conclusive ar- guments. Yet let it be noted here, that a parable or a similitude used by any author, may give a sufficient proof of the true sense and meaning of that author, provided that we draw not this simili- tude beyond the scope and design for which it was brought ; as when our Saviour affirms ; Rev. iii. 3. I will come on thee as, a thief ! this will plainly prove that he describes the unexpected- ness of his appearance, though it is by no means to be drawn to signify any injustice in his design. IX. " In your whole course of reasoning keep your mint] sincerely intent on the pursuit of truth ; and follow solid argu- ment-wheresoever it leads you." Let not a party spirit, nor any passion or prejudice whatsoever, stop or avert the current of your .reasoning in quest of true knowledge. When you are enquiring therefore into any subject, maintain a due regard to the arguments and objections on both sides of a question, Consider, compare, and balance them well, before you determine for one side. It is a frequent, but a very faulty prac- tice, to hunt after arguments only to make good one side of a question, and entirely to neglect and refuse those which favour the other side. If we have not given a due weight to arguments on both sides, we do but wilfully misguide our judgment, and abuse our reason, by forbidding its search after truth. When we espouse opinions by a secret bias on the mind, through the influ- ence of fear, hope, honour, credit, interest, or any other prejudice, and then seek arguments only to support those opinions, we have neither done our duty to God nor to ourselves ; and it is a mat- ter of mere chance if we stumble upon truth in our way to ease and preferment. The power of reasoning was given us by our Maker for this very end, to pursue truth ; and we abuse one of his richest gifts, if we basely yield it up to be led astray by any of the meaner powers of nature, or the perishing interests ofthls life. Reason itself, if honestly obeyed, will lead us to receive the divine revelation of the gospel, whel'e it is duly proposed, and this will she us the path of life everlasting.
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