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diff --git a/58078-0.txt b/58078-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6e5cd77 --- /dev/null +++ b/58078-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2870 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 58078 *** + + + + + + + + + + + + + Transcriber's Note: + +This version of the text cannot represent certain typographical effects. +Italics are delimited with the '_' character as _italic_. + +Footnotes have been moved to follow the paragraphs in which they are +referenced. + + OBSERVATIONS ON THE SERMONS OF ELIAS HICKS + + + + + + IN + + SEVERAL LETTERS TO HIM; + + WITH + + SOME INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, + + ADDRESSED TO THE + + JUNIOR MEMBERS + + OF THE + + SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. + + BY A DEMI-QUAKER. + + Robert Waln + + "To expect that we should be informed of the divine economy with the + same distinctness as of our own duty, would be a piece of arrogance + above ordinary."--_Burgh._ + + "Dim, as the borrowed beams of moon and stars + To lonely, weary, wandering travellers, + Is reason to the soul: and as on high, + Those rolling fires discover but the sky, + Not light us here: so reason's glimmering ray + Was lent, not _to assure_ our doubtful way, + But guide us upward to a better day."--_Dryden._ + +PHILADELPHIA 1826. + + + + + TO THE JUNIOR MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. + + +The situation in which the Society of Friends has of late been placed, +has, I have no doubt, attracted the attention of all its members; and +that even those among you who have not been in the habit of attending +its meetings for discipline, are no strangers to their proceedings, +although you have not yet felt it your duty to take any part in them. +And to you more especially I submit the observations contained in the +following letters. + +When in my early days I sometimes attended these meetings, my mind was +filled with admiration at the harmony and prudence with which their +affairs were conducted, and that genuine christian forbearance, one with +another, which enabled them to triumph over all the difficulties which +are imposed by conflicting opinions, and generally to unite in the +adoption of such measures as true wisdom dictated; and it was gratifying +to me to observe that it was, to other sects, a subject of wonder, how +any numerous association could conduct their business without the +intervention of votes or other substitutes, to ascertain the opinions of +the majority of the assembly. + +The form is, I have no doubt, yet preserved, and the language of +forbearance and humility retained by many who in their hearts entertain +far different feelings; and the proceedings have in several instances +proved, that the spirit which formerly pervaded these assemblies, no +longer prevails in some of them. + +Why this great change has taken place, will no doubt be ascribed to +different causes by the parties more immediately interested: an +impartial spectator may form conclusions different from many of them, +and may be permitted to ask, whether the leading causes may not have +been produced by some of that class, to whom the great majority of the +members of the society look for instruction. + +The situation of a christian teacher is of awful responsibility, and in +the Society of Friends peculiarly beset with dangers, not only because +of the high claim on which their ministry is founded, and which seems to +require a degree of unremitting watchfulness with which it is difficult +for man to comply; but also, because it requires a constant attention to +keeping the mind in that state of lowliness and humility, which can +alone preserve them from mistaking the wanderings of the imagination for +a call of duty; and from those feelings which lead them to seek after +the applause of men. Hence it must necessarily follow, that but few +among them are always preserved in such a state of mind, as not to +require the caution and advice of their friends: and consequently, that +some portion of the society must be selected to watch over their +conduct; and as this is an office of the greatest importance to their +well being, the greatest care ought to be observed in the appointment. +The elders are the depositaries of this power, so essential to the very +existence of the society; and as the most prudent and cautious use of it +cannot always prevent the objects of their attention from feelings of +resentment, so it will naturally follow, that those to whom the exercise +of it is most necessary, will always be the most zealous in abridging +it. + +This impatience of control is increased by a ranting spirit which seems +of late to have infected a portion of the society, and which, in its +consequences, is always more injurious than infidelity itself; and +generally arises from a restlessness of disposition, which not content +with the measure of light which may have been imparted, is always +aspiring after greater things. It arises from a desire after +distinction; and as this disposition must prevent a growth in genuine +religion, the delusions of self-love easily enable a man to substitute +his own imaginations for revelations; and as every passion is +strengthened by indulgence, he proceeds from one step to another, until +he fancies himself under the constant and peculiar guidance of the +spirit, not only in his religious duties, but in all the temporal +concerns of life. It naturally follows, that when he has persuaded +himself that he is thus gifted and endowed, he will feel himself above +the advice of men, and regard all regulations which may have a tendency +to restrain his wanderings, as obstructing him in his duties, and it +will be one of his favourite objects to relieve himself from all +control. How individuals actuated by such passions can subject the minds +of others to their illusions, would indeed be wonderful, did not history +furnish sufficient proof that it is difficult to calculate too largely +on the credulity of a portion of mankind. + +Whenever this disposition of mind is discovered, especially in any part +of the ministry, every reflecting member of society must perceive the +necessity of adopting means to prevent the injurious consequences of it; +and as that duty more especially devolves on the elders, (who are, and +always have been, the true and efficient support of the society,) they +soon become objects of dislike to the sublimated spirits opposed to +them, and the diminution of their power and authority, the first and +favourite scheme. + +That they will not succeed, I am fully persuaded; because I think it +must be evident to every unclouded mind, that without such salutary +interference as they often find it necessary to exercise, all order and +propriety would be banished from the society. + +Cunning is not more inconsistent with fanaticism, than it is with +lunacy; for however perverted the mind may be in relation to particular +subjects, we often see individuals in both situations, adopting the most +plausible means for the accomplishment of the most irrational objects. +It is not therefore to be expected that any attempts will be made +totally to abolish the eldership: such a proposal would hardly be +successful; but if means are found to render that body less independent, +and to diminish the weight and authority which they have long and +deservedly possessed, it may subserve the cause, and lead to ultimate +success in their projects: and here, if any where, the danger seems to +be.[1] + +Footnote 1: + + Since writing the above, I have been informed that this attempt has + actually been made in the yearly meetings in Philadelphia and New + York, under the pretext of a necessity of subjecting all important + appointments to change at stated periods. No measure could be devised + more injurious to the society, and every friend to its welfare must + rejoice that it was rejected. I know there are many very pious + labourers in the ministry of this people, yet I think it must be + evident to every observing mind, that there never was a period since + the existence of the society, in which there was greater necessity of + unremitting watchfulness on the part of the elders; and that so far + from its being expedient to diminish their control, it ought, if + possible, to be rendered more efficient. There is a spirit now abroad, + which if not checked, will devastate this society. Who would be the + principal agents is not for me to say; but one thing is certain, that + if there is any disposition on the part of its ministers to relieve + themselves from this control, it is sufficient evidence of the + necessity of it. Such a disposition must proceed from a mind not + imbued with true christian humility, but presumptuously confident in + itself. It is spiritual pride, than which nothing is more injurious + and odious in a christian professor. + +It is with this disposition that such extraordinary solicitude has been +manifested, to induce the youth of the society and others of its +members, who had before silently attended to its proceedings, to take +part in its deliberations, and to flatter them into a belief that they +are qualified to administer to its affairs and direct its proceedings; +instead of recommending an endeavour to discipline the mind to the +weighty business of the society, and cautioning them against indulging a +spirit of judging without a serious and solemn consideration of the +subject; and against interrupting the business by their councils, unless +it is under a solemn impression of duty. + +The effect has been such as might be expected, and was probably +intended. Individuals who had before taken no part in the deliberations +of the society, and who, (however respectable in life,) had never +evinced that disposition of mind which had before been thought a +necessary qualification of an active member, are now among the most +busy; and some of the younger portion of the society forgetting that +modesty is the most becoming ornament of youth, are found opposing their +unripe notions with unhesitating pertinacity, to the wisdom and +experience of age. + +Under these circumstances is it not proper for you to consider whether +you have not a part to act? When you look back to the history of your +society and consider its admirable organization; and when you reflect on +the respectable standing, to which the unostentatious propriety by which +all its transactions have been governed, has raised it; you must be +impressed with an honest zeal for its welfare; and that reverence which +every ingenuous mind feels for the institutions and practices of their +ancestors, strengthened as it is in this case by the best of all tests, +a long experience, must induce you to oppose the innovations of the +restless agitators of the present day: and your good sense will, I +trust, enable you to distinguish between true religion and fanaticism, +and not permit you to lose your reverence for the one, in contemplating +the wild deformity of the other. + +And perhaps you may be induced to believe that your attendance at the +meetings for discipline, may not be without its use; that your presence +may give additional strength and encouragement to the long tried +standard bearers, and though you may not feel yourselves called upon to +take a very active part in their deliberations, your example may be of +use to some of those froward spirits, who, whatever may be their +exterior appearance, are less qualified for the important business than +many of yourselves. + +I know there are individuals in every stage of life, who judge of +preaching as others do of music, by the concord of sweet sounds; and who +are convinced more by the harmony of a well turned sentence, than by the +sentiment it is intended to convey; whose religion is founded on +sensation rather than reflection, and is an affair of feeling instead of +a deliberate sense of duty. To these I have nothing to say. My endeavour +has been to show the inconsistencies into which men are led, by +unfounded pretensions to a state of perfectability,[2] and an +acquaintance with the inscrutable workings of Providence, (which all +experience proves to be unattainable by man;) to show that such lofty +aspirations are not in accordance with the genuine principles of the +religion of Jesus Christ; and that it is by a submissive acquiescence in +the measure of knowledge communicated, and an anxious endeavour to +fulfil the obligations it imposes, rather than by curious researches +into hidden things, that we best perform our duties here; and as no +intelligent mind among you can believe that the suggestions of infinite +wisdom are ever contradictory, it was part of my plan to show the +inconsistencies in the doctrines of the great leader of the illuminati +of your society. + +Footnote 2: + + Perfection, in the sense in which it is understood by some people, + frequently leads to great extravagance on religious subjects, by + inducing men to believe that they have eradicated from their hearts + every propensity to evil, and have arrived at a state of stainless + purity. There is a great difference between the perfection of the + Creator and man. The perfection of man consists in his possessing all + that is requisite to attain the end of his creation; and the proper + question for him to consider, is not whether he has arrived at that + perfection which is the promised reward in another state of being, but + whether he has by careful diligence and attention secured for himself + that reward. + +If I have succeeded in this, and to your deliberate examination I submit +it, my task is accomplished; for if we are permitted to judge of the +sermons as the arguments of a simple individual, sure I am, there are +none among you habituated to reflection, who will not discover that they +abound with inconsistencies, and are totally irreconcileable with +reason, and the authority of the Scriptures. And you must unite with me +in lamenting the strange illusion which induced the author of such +discourses to declare that "he dare not speak at random, otherwise he +should show that he departed from God's illuminating spirit." + + + + + LETTER I. + + +When I some time since addressed you, I expressed an anxious wish that +you would submit to the consideration of your friends, your scheme of +religion, in such a form as would enable them to examine it with +deliberation; because I did believe that on this momentous subject, too +much care could not be exercised. My wish has been gratified, not by +your immediate agency, but by the zeal of your followers, who have +caused a number of your discourses to be printed and published to the +world. + +When I sat down to read them, I did not expect to find a regularly +concocted system, because I did not believe you had a mind capable of +very extensive combination; but I did imagine you had given to your plan +some semblance of consistency, and that if there was no adhesion, there +would be no striking incongruity in its parts. In this I have been +disappointed; for in it, nothing can be discovered but disjointed +effusions, and attempts to give to different passages of Scripture novel +constructions; to amuse the fancy, and engage the mind in useless +enquiries after hidden things; to withdraw it from its proper business; +to entangle it in the web which the vanity and restlessness of man has +woven; and to substitute for that pure and simple worship which consists +in prostration of spirit before the throne of grace, a grateful +acknowledgment of his goodness, and humble thankfulness for the measure +of light received; lofty speculations on subjects more curious than +beneficial; which can have no tendency to mend the heart, and which +often lead into unprofitable controversies and perplexity of mind; for +it will ever remain a truth that "the judgments of the Lord are +unsearchable and his ways past finding out." + +The christian religion is of so much importance, and has so long engaged +the attention of men; it has occasioned so much research and so many +controversies; so many sermons have been preached, and so many books +written, upon every part of it, that nothing new can be said upon the +subject: yet such is the nature of man, that he is always requiring some +novelty to rouse his attention and amuse his mind. This may perhaps +furnish some apology for the preacher of a sect whose form of worship +requires sermons at stated times, if he sometimes indulges in +metaphorical allusion, or contrives to expand his discourse by ingenious +digression. With the genuine quaker this plea must be unavailing: +impressed with the sublime idea that it is by silence and abstraction +from all outward things, that the mind is best fitted for true and +acceptable worship, it must follow, that when a minister imbued with +this spirit feels himself called upon to offer advice or instruction, he +will be careful "not to multiply words without knowledge, by which +counsel is darkened." But prolixity is the vice of oratory; it infects +the pulpit, the senate, and the bar. There is something so gratifying to +the pride and vanity of man in the display of this talent, or so +fascinating is the music of his own voice, that it is almost always +carried to excess; and we often see the orator pursuing his course with +undiminished vigour, long after his exhausted auditors have withdrawn +their attention from him. + +You possess some of the qualities essential to the orator; you are +voluble of speech and impressive in your delivery, and you have that +confidence in the powers of your own mind, which secures you from +hesitation and embarrassment: but you are deficient in others, without +which all is unavailing; your perception is obscure, and your +ratiocination singularly defective; and you are peculiarly unfortunate +in the belief that you excel in that faculty in which you are most +deficient. Hence we find you plunging into the fathomless depths of +metaphysics with fearless confidence; stating propositions and assuming +inferences in direct opposition to them, and such is your fondness for +amplification, that even when the truth of your proposition is +self-evident, you contrive to involve it in obscurity by the redundancy +of your expletives, and the profusion of your attempts at illustration. +You contemn all human science, for you are ignorant; yet from the whole +body of ministers of that society of which you are still a member, you +cannot select an individual who makes such a lofty display of technical +terms, or more frequently endeavours to elucidate his observations by +reference to it. You believe in the doctrine of inspiration, and you +seem to claim the possession of it to a degree with which few are +favoured: you say it is an unerring director, and plainly to be +understood, and yet declare that all its dictates must be governed by +the fallible reason of man. + +Having given to reason this unlimited dictatorship, it was natural to +expect that you would recommend the most assiduous cultivation of it; +but you have interdicted the only means by which it is improved, and +denounced by a curse those who are engaged in extending it.[3] + +Footnote 3: + + See discourses delivered in Philadelphia, page 53. "Oh that men of + science might be aware what a curse they are to the inhabitants of the + earth; what a great curse." There is no novelty in this opinion, for + we find a poet more than two hundred years ago making Jack Cade + exclaim, "thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the + realm, in erecting a grammar school: and whereas before, our + forefathers had no other books but the score and tally, thou hast + caused printing to be used; and contrary to the king, his crown and + dignity, thou hast built a paper mill. It will be proved to thy face, + that thou hast men about thee that usually talk of a noun and a verb, + and such abominable words as no christian can endure to hear." + +All this confusion arises from your not having formed any precise idea +of the terms you apply. With the words _reason_ and _rational_ +continually in your mouth, you have never enquired into the nature and +operation of that distinguishing faculty of man, nor of the manner in +which alone it can be properly applied to the truths of our religion. +You appear to consider it as of physical organization; an instinct of +our nature which is perfected without care or cultivation, and that like +one of our natural senses, it may be summoned to our aid without fear of +error in its perceptions. You cannot be ignorant of the great +inferiority of the reasoning powers of man in his savage state, and a +little enquiry would have taught you, that observation and experience +are the foundation of all knowledge, and that as we can only reason from +the ideas existing in our own minds, it is by their increase alone that +our reasoning faculty is extended. Hence it must follow, that as it is +the noblest gift of the Almighty to man; a germ which without +cultivation can never flourish, it is our duty to promote its growth and +expansion by every means in our power. + +I am not insensible of the evils which have arisen from the presumption +with which some learned men have endeavoured to destroy that religion +which is the foundation of our hope; but we ought to recollect that such +is the perversity of man, that if the abuse of the blessings of +Providence can be adduced as an argument against their enjoyment, there +are few indeed in which we can innocently indulge. Nor is ignorance any +security against this presumption; on the contrary its decisions are +always more bold and dogmatic; and if they are less injurious, it is +only because they are more foolish. + +That we could never have arrived at a knowledge of our spiritual duties, +or of many gospel truths by the deductions of human reason, is evident; +were it otherwise, the revelations under the christian dispensation +would have been unnecessary; but we are not to infer from this, that our +reason is to be silent on this all important object; for if it is the +subject of our cogitations, it is of course under the examination of our +reasoning powers, and hence arises the importance of endeavouring so to +improve this talent, as to enable us to unravel the subtilty of the +sophist, and separate the gold, from the dross of the enthusiast. Were +we all well instructed in the right use of our reason, we should be able +to distinguish between that which is above, and that which is contrary +to it; and we should confine it to its proper place, which is, _not to +judge of things revealed, but of the reality of revelation._ To attempt +to test the truth of the things revealed, by our reason, is inconsistent +with it: they are given to us in a supernatural way, which of itself, +discovers the impossibility of examining them by deductions from our own +ideas; but the reality of the revelations themselves, stands on very +different ground. Admirable as is the instruction to be drawn from them, +the Almighty in mercy to man, did not leave them on their intrinsic +merits alone; they were accompanied by signs and wonders, the evidence +of the divine power by which they were sent. The life of our blessed +Saviour, his doctrines, and the miracles which he wrought, have been +recorded in the Scriptures, and handed down for our instruction and +government; and as no man can be a christian who does not believe in +them, I am fully persuaded that every candid and diligent enquirer, will +find sufficient evidence of their authenticity to satisfy his mind; and +that being satisfied, his faith in the things revealed will be +established. + +Now although I agree with you, that the inspirations of man in our day, +are to be examined by the rule of right reason, I fear we shall not +concur in our manner of conducting the enquiry. We have no extraordinary +signs accompanying them, and we all know, how easy it is to mistake the +suggestions of the imagination for the operations of the spirit of truth +on the mind; and the strange visions which enthusiasm often produces, +and as it is sometimes difficult to discover the source from which they +spring, it is a satisfaction to know that we have a standard by which +error itself may be rendered innoxious. + +"I am far (says Locke,) from denying that God can, or doth sometimes, +enlighten men's minds in the apprehending of certain truths, or excite +them to good actions, by the immediate influence and assistance of the +Holy Spirit, without any extraordinary signs accompanying it. But in +such cases we have reason and Scripture, unerring rules, to know whether +it be from God or no. Where the truth embraced is consonant to the +revelation in the written word of God, or the action conformable to the +dictates of right reason, or Holy Writ, we may be assured that we run no +risk in entertaining it as such; because, though it be not an immediate +revelation from God, extraordinarily operating on our minds, yet we are +sure it is warranted by that revelation which he has given us of truth. +But it is not the strength of our private persuasion within ourselves, +that can warrant it to be a light or motion from Heaven; nothing can do +that but the written word of God without us, or that standard of reason +which is common to us with all men. Where reason or Scripture is express +for any opinion or action, we may receive it as of divine authority; but +it is not the strength of our own persuasions which can by itself give +it that stamp. The bent of our own minds may favour it as much as we +please; that may show it a fondling of our own, but will by no means +prove it to be an offspring of Heaven, and of divine original." + +Here is a great coincidence between the opinions of the christian +philosopher and the quaker apologist; and although they refer to right +reason as well as the Scriptures, as our guide, they meant not to use +them in contradistinction to each other. When we refer to either of two +rules to solve a proposition, it is because both will produce the same +result; and they introduced the word reason, as applicable only to those +opinions and actions, respecting which, the Scriptures are silent. + +If, says the philosopher, the doctrine is consonant to reason or +Scripture, it may be received without risk, although it may not proceed +from an immediate revelation of God. Divine revelation, says the +apologist, can never contradict the outward testimony of the Scriptures +or right reason; and whatever any do, pretending to the spirit, which is +contrary to the Scriptures, must be accounted and reckoned a delusion of +the devil. + +By this test no genuine quaker can object to being tried,[4] "for he +preaches no new gospel, but that which is confirmed by all the miracles +of Christ and his apostles; and he offers nothing but that which he is +able and ready to confirm by the authority of the Scriptures, which all +protestants acknowledge to be true." It is indeed the only criterion by +which we can judge of the faith of man, and by that criterion, how few +of your sermons would escape condemnation. + +Footnote 4: + + Barclay. + + + + + LETTER II. + + +It may now be proper to state the motives which have again induced me +publicly to address you, and to inform you what course it is my +intention to pursue; and as I have no standing in the church, and am +aloof from those scenes which must sometimes give rise to asperities, +even in the bosom of meekness, have no personal acquaintance with you, +and have been taught to respect your private character, I enter upon the +subject, uninfluenced by many of the passions and prejudices which sway +and control the opinions of man. But although not in membership, I feel +a deep interest in the Society of Friends, and while I am without that +sectarian spirit, which in the narrow breasts of some individuals, +confines all true worship to a particular description of people, (and +which I am happy in believing is no part of a quaker's faith;) long +observation has convinced me, that there is no society whose principles +and discipline are more eminently successful in inculcating the moral +doctrines of christianity, and there is none whose religious tenets are +more in conformity with my own ideas of true spiritual worship. + +I have perused your religious discourses with some attention, and as +they appear to me to be in a style, seldom, if ever before, heard in the +meetings of the Society of Friends; are abounding in terms which if not +rightly understood may lead into great error, and with propositions, +which, in the conclusions that may be drawn from them, may be +destructive to religion, I thought I should not be unprofitably employed +in endeavouring to separate your principles from the mass of expletives +and allusions, in which they are enveloped; to discover the true object +which you have in view, and to show the inconsistencies in which you +have involved yourself by your attempts to define inscrutable things: +and if I should sometimes be thought to indulge in language unsuitable +to the solemnity of the subject, my only excuse can be, that when you +occasionally favour your auditors with a display of your reasoning +powers, there is such a neglect of all order in your arrangement, and +such metaphorical confusion in your ideas, that when you arrive at your +usual conclusion, "now how plain this is," the effect is so comic that +it would extort a smile from gravity itself. + +In the examination of the doctrines of every christian teacher, the +first and most essential point, is their conformity to the Scriptures; +but as your many deviations from them have been shown with sufficient +clearness in a pamphlet lately published, I shall not enter into the +subject generally, although I may occasionally refer to them. Neither do +I propose to enter upon an analysis of each particular discourse, for +they are mixed up of so many heterogeneous materials, are so diversified +in their objects, and so devious in their courses, that the end I have +in view will perhaps be best answered, by referring only to such topics, +as in their consequences, are of most importance. + +In the first discourse in the volume now before me, which was delivered +at Friends' meeting house in Mulberry street, your principal objects +appear to be, to depreciate the value of the Scriptures, and to disprove +the account of the miraculous birth of our Saviour. On the first subject +it may hereafter be proper to make some observations; to the latter I +shall now give my attention. + +After several allusions to the birth of our Saviour, you come forward +and explicitly state your own belief; and unlike those who have preceded +you in this path, and who have endeavoured to destroy our faith in the +miracle, by arguments drawn from the Scriptures, you take a shorter +road, and declare _it is impossible_. + +You say "By the analogy of reason, _spirit cannot beget a material +body,_ because the thing begotten, must be of the same nature with its +father. _Spirit cannot beget any thing but spirit, it cannot beget flesh +and blood._ No, my friends, it is impossible."[5] + +Footnote 5: + + See discourse delivered at Friends' meeting house, in Mulberry street, + page 11. + +I have in a former letter referred to this assertion, and had you +confirmed the opinion which I then intimated, that it was a hasty +expression, and uttered without your perceiving its tendency, I should +not again allude to the subject. But you found yourself seated between +the horns of a dilemma. If you admitted it was an inconsiderate +expression, you abandoned your high claim to inspiration; and if you +re-affirmed it, in its obvious meaning, it would be an adoption of +principles which I sincerely hope you do not entertain; and you have +endeavoured to escape by an explanation which, although it narrows the +meaning, does not relieve it from the stain of impiety; and is a proof, +(if any further proof is wanting,) that such a course cannot proceed +from the inspirations of the spirit of truth. + +You say, that in denying the power of the spirit to _beget_, you did not +mean to question the power to _create_. To limit is to destroy the +omnipotency of the Creator; and when we see such a creature as man, +presuming to scan His power and determine what He can, or cannot do, the +feelings which its profanity would otherwise occasion, are lost in our +astonishment at its arrogance and presumption. But you have announced +your opinion not only as sanctioned by divine inspiration, but as being +according to "the true analogy of reason," and yet, taken with your +subsequent explanation, it is enveloped in absurdity. In admitting the +power to create, you have destroyed your own argument; for you cannot +suppose that there was an individual present in the meeting, so grossly +dull as to believe that when the prophecy was accomplished in the birth +of our Saviour, it was by the means which your explanation points to; or +that it was other than a miraculous intervention of that merciful Being, +who in his unlimited power and inscrutable wisdom, has chosen his own +way in directing us to a knowledge of those truths which the gospel +unfolds. And if we assent to your doctrine in the restricted sense in +which you say you intended the word _beget_ to be understood; we must +believe there are sexes in spirit, and that it can only be produced by a +corporeal union of incorporeal beings. + +Here is no proof of your ability to draw conclusions from the _analogy +of reason_, but it is a striking illustration of the wisdom of the +counsel, "not to multiply words without knowledge." + +A very keen and accurate observer of the foibles and infirmities of man +remarks, "it would be well, if people would not lay so much weight on +_their own reason_ in matters of religion, as to think every thing +impossible and absurd, which they cannot conceive: how often do we +contradict the right rules of reason in the whole course of our lives? +_Reason_ itself is true and just, but the reason of every particular man +is weak and wavering, perpetually swayed and turned by his interests, +his passions, and his vices."[6] + +Footnote 6: + + Swift. + +If, as I truly believe, the christian religion is intended to subdue the +wanderings of the imagination, and bring the mind into a humble +dependance on our Creator, it seems necessarily to follow, that we ought +to be anxiously careful to prevent its being drawn into a too great +fondness for enquiries into unsearchable things. In the course of my +reading, I have lately perused the prayer of a very learned man,[7] +which, for its rational and fervent piety, must be instructive to all, +and in a particular manner to those who are _our teachers_. It is the +prayer of one whose writings will be read with instruction and delight +as long as our language endures; whose intellectual faculties were of +the highest order, and who was sufficiently sensible of his superiority, +when compared with most other men: yet, when in solitude and private +worship, he looked beyond all sublunary things, and contemplated the +immensurable distance between the wisdom of man and his Creator, with +deep prostration of mind he prayed "Oh, Lord, my maker and protector, +who hast graciously sent me into this world to work out my salvation, +enable me to drive from me all such unquiet and perplexing thoughts as +may mislead or hinder me in the practice of those duties which thou hast +required. When I behold the works of thy hands, and consider the course +of thy providence, give me grace always to remember that thy thoughts +are not my thoughts, nor thy ways my ways: and while it shall please +thee to continue me in this world, where much is to be done, and little +to be known; teach me by thy holy spirit, to withdraw my mind from +unprofitable and dangerous enquiries, from difficulties vainly curious, +and doubts impossible to be solved. Let me rejoice in the light which +thou hast imparted, let me serve thee with active zeal and humble +confidence, and wait with patient expectation for the time in which the +soul which Thou receivest, shall be satisfied with knowledge. Grant +this, O Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake." + +Footnote 7: + + Dr. Johnson. + +And that it is with minds thus disciplined, that all ought to be +prepared for prayer, and that in this spirit alone, can the preacher +awaken the mind to true worship, are truths which few professors of the +christian name, and none who believe in the doctrines of Friends, can +doubt. + + + + + LETTER III. + + +If, in my succeeding observations, I refer to the opinions held by any +other sect than that in which I have been educated, I wish it to be +understood, that it is neither to approve nor censure. Believing, (as I +sincerely do,) that christianity consists not in forms or observances; +neither in subscriptions to curiously contrived creeds, nor in +confessions of faith; but in that worship which purifies and cleanseth +the heart; so I believe that he who ministers to a congregation in this +spirit, (whatever may be his name among men,) ministers profitably; "and +that both he that soweth, and he that reapeth, may rejoice together." + +In reading your sermons, it evidently appears that you have imbibed the +notions of a sect, who attribute much more to reason, than any other +christian society, and you have asserted that you are unable to believe +any thing which you cannot bring down to the level of your own +understanding;[8] yet you believe in direct revelation, and with +singular inconsistency assert that all your discourses are from its +immediate dictates, and without the intervention of any other cause; +thus calling upon your auditors to assent to that which you assert to be +impossible; for by no process of human reason can the reality of your +revelations be tested, and if they are assented to, it must be by faith +alone. + +Footnote 8: + + See Letter to Dr. Atlee. "I admit that I did assert and have long done + it, that we cannot believe what we do not understand." This assertion + is in curious contrast to some others which he has made. In a + discourse before alluded to, he has declared the miraculous birth of + our Saviour to be impossible; and in his letter to Thomas Willis, he + says, that after believing in the miracle for many years, he has read + the ancient History of the Church and the Evangelists with a view to + this subject, and that according to his best judgment, Jesus Christ is + the son of Joseph; yet he declares in the same letter, that he still + retains his original belief: thus proving that he has a mind capable + of believing not only what he does not understand, but also against + the convictions of his understanding. + +I know that you have been hailed as an _efficient fellow labourer_ in +destroying our belief in some doctrines which are considered as +fundamental by almost every christian sect, and I am apprehensive that +this applause has stimulated you to greater daring: but you ought to +recollect how much easier it is to destroy than to build up, and you may +be assured that when the work of destruction is accomplished, your +services will be at an end: your coadjutors have too much understanding +not to perceive, that you have not sufficient knowledge to aid in +erecting the building which is to be raised on the ruins, and that you +are without the skill necessary to give uniformity to its appearance, or +embellishment to its parts. When the temple of reason is finished and +dedicated, you may be permitted to worship in its vestibule, but will +never be called upon to administer the rites at its altar. + +It seems, however, that you are not quite ignorant of the apparent +inconsistency of these contradictory assertions, and it is proper that +your explanations should be fairly examined, that we should endeavour to +ascertain what you really mean by the word _reason_, and how it is to be +applied to your own inspirations: in order to do this, it will be +necessary to quote your own words. + +In a discourse delivered in New York, you say, "Now we learn as rational +creatures, that God spoke to the Israelites not only as such, but that +he always addresses us as rational creatures. Were we not rational +creatures we could not understand; for nothing is a recipient for the +spirit of God but the rational soul, and therefore we are always to +understand him rationally; for this is _according to the nature of +things_." + +In this remark, the only novelty is, the confusion in which your ideas +are involved; for I cannot believe there were any of your audience so +ignorant as not to know that it is _according to the nature of things_, +that as we were created rational creatures, we should be addressed as +such; and that if we were without understanding, we could not +understand. + +Again you say, "as reason is a dormant principle without revelation, so +when God is pleased to reveal things unto the immortal souls of the +children of men, they are then seen rationally: and then reason has an +opportunity to exercise its _balancing and comparing principle_ in man, +and therefore there is a two-fold revelation to man." + +You surely cannot intend to persuade us, that reason has always been +dormant without revelation, or you must yourself be ignorant, or believe +that we are ignorant, of the writings handed down to us, and which +sufficiently attest the powers of the human mind, even when +unilluminated by the revelations of the Gospel, and in the darkest ages +of Paganism. And if, as I suppose, you meant to limit this dormant +principle, (as you call it,) to the revelations of the spirit, you +involve it in absurdity. We will now examine your propositions, and +endeavour to discover the deductions to be drawn from them. You say that +reason is a dormant principle without revelation:--when any thing is +revealed by God, it is seen rationally;--that then reason is to exercise +its balancing and comparing principle, and the result is, that there is +a two-fold revelation in man. + +We have heretofore been taught to believe, that the only way in which we +can arrive at a knowledge of the truth of any thing by our reason, is by +the deductions drawn from the ideas which have been impressed on our +minds by the use of our natural faculties; and that revelation is a +special communication, in a manner independent of these faculties. But +admitting that all the theologians and metaphysicians who have preceded +you, have been in error, and that you alone are acquainted with the +nature and operation of the faculty of reason, in what does it result? +Why, when the Almighty reveals any thing to our souls, He, by another +revelation, enables us to examine and discover whether the first +revelation is right; but you have not told us, by which we are to be +governed, if they differ. If you say they always accord, then a two-fold +revelation is superfluous, and you admit that "our Creator never deals +superfluously with us;"[9] and if they should disagree, how are we to +decide? Your great and leading maxim, "that for which a thing is such, +the thing itself is more such," will not apply, for both revelations are +immediate and from the same source; and it will be necessary for the +_numerous[10] converts_ which your maxim has made, again to apply to you +to solve the difficulty. Can folly itself believe that the truth of any +thing revealed to our immortal souls by infinite wisdom, requires +confirmation; or that if it does, that confirmation can be found in the +authority from which it was first derived? And is it not extraordinary, +that any individual can go on day after day, and year after year, +professing to explain to us the nature and object of revelation, and the +use of our reason when applied to it; and yet not know, that divine +revelation must be immutably true, and that as it is communicated in a +way wholly unconnected with our reason, all reasoning upon it is vain. +Whether the revelation is from a divine source is another question, and +one which our reason may sometimes enable us to resolve. + +Footnote 9: + + See sermon preached in Philadelphia, page 8. + +Footnote 10: + + See letter to Dr. Atlee. + +In the discourse you delivered at Newtown in Bucks County, you enter +more largely on this subject; and as it seems to comprise all your +notions in relation to reason, as connected with our religion, it is +proper to examine it with particular attention. + +You say, "Right reason is as much a gift of God, as any gift that we can +receive: therefore, nothing but the rational soul is a recipient for +divine revelation; and when the light shines upon it and shows any +object, reason brings it to the test. If it is kept in right order, and +under the regulating influence of the divine law, it brings things to +balance, and it is brought to know every thing which may rise up, +although at first sight. If it will not accord with right reason, we +must cast it off as the work of Antichrist. All that the Almighty +requires of us, will always result in reality; and we are not to believe +any thing which does not so result. Here now we see how easy it is to go +along, if we pursue the right course; but as free agents, we can reason +ourselves into the belief that wrong is right."[11] + +Footnote 11: + + See sermons, page 207. + +I have perused this passage with great attention, and so far from +discovering any thing to enable me to get easily along, it appears to be +wholly inexplicable. I have examined it as a whole, and in its different +divisions, without being able to arrive at any result. In this +perplexity I recollected that I was, in my youth, in company with +several ancient friends, when some discussion occurred respecting the +true interpretation of a passage in a book which was the subject of +conversation. An individual present, with some flippancy observed, that +he had read it with great attention both backwards and forwards several +times, and thought he was able to explain it; when he was interrupted by +a venerable old man, who with admirable gravity of countenance and +simplicity of manner, said "He wished the friend to inform the company, +in which way of reading, he understood it best." But here even this +novel experiment must fail, and had the ingenious expounder tried it on +the passage I have quoted, I fear he must have confessed it was equally +unintelligible in either way; and that, being contrary to all reason, it +must, if examined by the severity of your own rule, be deemed the work +of Antichrist. + +If you had said that no revelation can be the suggestion of infinite +wisdom, if contrary to right reason, it would have been intelligible and +true: but if the divine light really discovers any thing to us, we want +no test to confirm it. Again you say, that reason, if kept under the +regulating influence of the divine law, will know everything that rises +up at first sight; but that as free agents, we can reason ourselves into +a belief that wrong is right. Now what kind of reason can this be? It +does seem that reason is given to us because we are free agents, and +that it would be a very useless gift were it otherwise: and we do know +that this faculty is improved by observation and experience, and that so +far from its enabling us to know every thing at first sight, it is by +study and meditation that our knowledge is extended, and that at last, +we know but little. But the reason of which you speak, is a reason that +arrives at all knowledge without deduction, and can act and determine +with unerring certainty, although contrary to that reason which is given +to us as free agents. It must follow, that the faculty which you call +reason, is an instinct never before known to exist; or that all this +circumlocution ends in the production of one of those phantasms which +are sometimes engendered by the imagination, and which has persuaded you +that two inspirations are necessary to confirm our belief, that they are +distinct in their nature, and that one of them is right reason. + +When the sensations occasioned by the sonorous voice in which the +pompous terms _analogy of reason, rational souls, and recipients for +truth_ are delivered, have passed away; and we seriously meditate the +manner in which they are applied; low indeed must that man be in the +scale of intellectual being, who does not discover that all "is but as +sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." + + + + + LETTER IV. + + +Every reader of your discourses, must be surprised at the extent to +which you have carried the practice of allegorising the Scriptures: you +declare your assent to them, and yet in practice, you seem to consider +each part as a fable from which you can draw a moral to suit the purpose +of the moment; and the belief which you profess in their divine origin, +does not restrain you from indulging in all the licentiousness of +fiction. "Sacred History, (says an eminent writer,) has always been read +with submissive reverence, and an imagination over-awed and controlled. +We have been accustomed to acquiesce in the nakedness and simplicity of +the authentic narrative, and to repose on its veracity with such humble +confidence, as suppresses curiosity. We go with the historian as he +goes, and stop with him when he stops. All amplification is frivolous +and vain; all addition to that which is already sufficient for the +purposes of religion, seems not only useless, but is in some degree +profane. Such events as were produced by the visible interposition of +divine power, are above the power of human genius to dignify. The +miracle of Creation, however it may teem with images, is best described +with little diffusion of language: _He spake the word and they were +made._"[12] + +Footnote 12: + + Life of Cowley. + +That an argument may sometimes be illustrated by a moral drawn from the +events recorded in Scripture, I do not deny; but I think a pious mind +must always indulge in the practice with great caution, and be careful +not to make an allegory of the fact itself. Nor do I think that the +passage of Scripture "the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth +life"[13] which you so often quote, is at variance with this view of the +subject, or can furnish any argument in excuse for the spirit of +mysticism by which you involve every part of them in obscurity. It is +true that this passage is in the figurative language generally used in +the East, but the meaning appears so plain, that only those can mistake +it, whose minds have been perverted by the habit of speculating in the +airy regions of the imagination. The New Testament is a code of moral +law and spiritual instruction, teaching man his duty to his neighbour, +and the true way in which he can render acceptable worship to God. For +the outward order of this worship, and the government of religious +society, certain rules and ordinances must be necessary, and were found +to be so, even in the days of the apostles; but as under the old +covenant many had been led to consider the outward observance of the law +as their _only_ duty, and that "if they paid their tithe of mint and +anise and cummin, they might omit the weightier matters of the law, +judgment, mercy and faith; although _both_ ought to have been +observed;"[14] so this exhortation is intended to caution the flock, not +against the observance of the rules of discipline which had been +established, but that they might not sink down into the belief that such +observance was all that was required; and that they ought always to +remember that "God is a Spirit;" and they that "worship him, must +worship _him_ in spirit and in truth." + +Footnote 13: + + 2 Corinthians, chap. 3. + +Footnote 14: + + Matthew, XXIII. + +Now let us see the use you have made of this passage of Scripture, and +to how many purposes your inventive fancy has applied it. In your +discourse at the meeting house in Germantown,[15] you enter largely into +this subject, but as the passage is too long to be transcribed, I shall +endeavour to give the different inferences you draw from it. + +Footnote 15: + + See sermon at Germantown, page 92. + +First, That from the letter of the Scriptures, every thing suitable to +deceive the people can be taken. + +Secondly, That as every thing we read in the Scriptures must necessarily +be received through our outward senses, they are only fit for the +outward creature. + +Thirdly, That it was the letter of the Scriptures that led men to the +apostacy. + +Fourthly, That all that has ever been written, is nothing but that which +the wisdom of man has devised. + +Fifthly, In your discourse at Middletown[16], you say, It is but a +shadow which may do for young beginners; and may point them to the right +thing. + +Footnote 16: + + Sermons, page 226. + +Had the commentators who have preceded you, possessed such fertility of +imagination, their works, voluminous as they are, must have been +multiplied to an extent which it is difficult to conceive. Yet after +all, you appear at some moments to have a view of the true use of +Scripture, and of the meaning of that passage which you have perverted +to so many purposes, although you conclude by one of those strange +involutions of ideas with which your attempts at illustration so often +abound. + +You say, "All letter written under the influence of God, points us back +to the place from whence it came, and this is all; because as the letter +never could be written without the spirit which stands above it, the +great first cause of all wisdom and knowledge; therefore, unless by the +letter we are gathered to the spirit, we cannot see the letter aright, +for it is the effect; and when we face the letter we turn our backs upon +the cause, just as a man turns his back upon the sun to see his own +shadow."[17] + +Footnote 17: + + See sermons, page 100. + +Here the sentiment is in itself correct, although the conclusion +attempted to be drawn by the puerile conceit with which the sentence +ends, is in direct opposition to it. The needle points to the pole, and +the careful mariner does not turn his back upon it, but with a steady +eye keeps it constantly in view as the guide by which alone he can be +directed through the trackless ocean: so the Christian pilgrim, with the +gospel in his hand, endeavours to explore his way. The book itself +contains not that for which he is seeking, but it has been in mercy +handed down to him by the inspirations of infinite wisdom, as a landmark +to direct him in the way in which he should walk: it has not only taught +him the nature and efficacy of spiritual worship, but it affords a +standard by which all his thoughts may be tried, and enables him to +distinguish between the wanderings of the imagination and the dictates +of eternal wisdom. If contrary to the Scriptures, he rejects them; and +whatever you may think of the superiority of your two-fold revelations, +and the accuracy of your knowledge of the nature and use of right +reason, no _reasonable_ being who is convinced that the Scriptures were +given to us by divine revelation, can believe in the truth of any thing +which does not accord with them. + +Such a tissue of inconsistencies has seldom been brought together--you +say that the Scriptures were written under the inspiration of infinite +wisdom, and also assert that they only proceed from the wisdom of man: +you consider them as the box of Pandora from which the apostacy was +derived, and every thing calculated to deceive us may be taken; and +still continue to recommend them as proper to be read by young beginners +in religion: that they, and every thing else that is received by man +through his outward senses, is suitable only to the outward creature; +and yet you are continually addressing your hearers through these +senses, for the purposes of reproof and spiritual instruction. + +That passages of Scripture have often been perverted to purposes far +different from the spirit and original intention of them, must be +admitted by all; and the sources from which these perversions have been +derived it is not difficult to conceive. + +It was long before any of the outward professors of Christianity had the +hardihood to question their authority: they knew that the whole +Christian world considered this book as the standard by which their +doctrines were to be tested, and whenever their inclinations, or their +vices, impelled them to actions contrary to the pure and obvious meaning +of gospel ordinances, they sought to veil their aberrations by the +perversion of the book itself. The man of the world found in it so many +restraints upon his ambition and fancied enjoyments, that it is not +surprising that he should be anxious to avail himself of every pretence +to enlarge its boundaries and relax the rigour of his bonds. In this +struggle, many of the priesthood were his faithful coadjutors, for they +too felt the uneasiness of the straightened path prescribed to them, and +that the pure Christian doctrines and principles could afford no field +for the indulgence of their vanity by pompous declamation, or for the +display of a superiority of mind by subtile disquisition: all was simple +and practical, such as fishermen could teach and herdsmen understand. + +Then began that system of mysticising and allegorising the Scriptures, a +practice which accorded so well with the lively and subtle characters of +the modern Greeks, that every priest became a mystagogue, and the pulpit +a chair of theological alchymy, from which men were taught "how to +reduce divinity to the maxims of the laboratory, explain morality by sal +sulphur and mercury, and allegorize the Scripture itself, and the sacred +mysteries thereof, into the Philosopher's Stone."[18] + +Footnote 18: + + Locke. + +Hence the Scriptures became as one of the sibylline books of Paganism, +to be opened by the priests alone, for they only could explain the +oracles of God; and they acted with more consistency than you have done, +by endeavouring to conceal them from the view of the laity; for if they +are indeed such as _you_ have described, and _they_ have strove to make +them, they ought not only to be concealed from the view of young +beginners in religion, but prohibited to all but the initiated. + +Thus was the simplicity of the Christian religion deformed, and the +understandings of men subdued by an ambitious priesthood. They knew that +gravity and meekness were the attributes and best ornaments of a gospel +minister, and while pride and the spirit of domination reigned within +them uncontrolled, they sought, by a sanctimonious exterior and affected +humility, to prolong their sway; and we find the most imperious of the +Roman pontiffs, when treading on the necks of kings, subscribing himself +the servant of the servants of God. + +I fear you will consider me as presumptuous, yet I must venture to +entreat you to examine the course you have been pursuing; to consider +whether the habit you have acquired of looking for some hidden novelty +in every passage of Scripture, does not prevent you from perceiving its +obvious meaning; and whether the manifest inconsistencies in which this +practice involves you, is not sufficient proof of your being under the +guidance of a different spirit from that which you claim as a director. + +I have no disposition to question the uprightness of your motives, but I +am fully persuaded that the applause with which you have been +surrounded, has given an unhappy bias to your mind; and that if it was +under a right direction, you would be enabled to see, that it is not the +letter of the Scripture, but the habit, (in which you so largely +indulge,) of seeking for meanings other than the letter, which has +caused so many false interpretations and divisions among men: that the +letter is intended to teach us our moral and spiritual duties, and +points out with sufficient clearness the way in which we should walk; +and that the nice distinctions and elaborate refinements of the orator, +neither have a tendency to enlighten the understandings nor purify the +hearts of the audience, though they often gratify the vanity of the one +and amuse the imaginations of the other. + + + + + LETTER V. + + +In reading your discourses my attention was particularly engaged by the +sermon delivered at Newtown, in Bucks County, and it did seem to me so +much at variance with the principles which induce the Quakers to +assemble for public worship, that were there no other evidence, it would +be sufficient to prove that you are not under the guidance of that +spirit, by which, in former days, their ministers were governed. + +That society believe that the great object of such assembling is to +endeavour, by shutting out all external things, to discipline the mind +to that pure and silent worship and waiting upon God, in which they may +experience Christ to be their shepherd and teacher; and although this +solemn silence may sometimes be profitably interrupted for the purposes +of admonition, instruction and encouragement, yet that no minister can, +(when under right direction,) expatiate on topics irrelevant to the +subject. + +A little examination must, I think, convince us that your sermon, so far +from being delivered under such impressions, carries on the face of it, +the proof of a mind struggling for distinction: and that in this effort, +much has been introduced foreign to the subject on which you professed +to treat, and however innocent in itself, very unsuitable to the place, +and peculiarly calculated to withdraw the mind from the object for which +the assembly were ostensibly gathered. + +You commence your sermon by stating your apprehensions that there are +individuals who are not sufficiently impressed with the necessity of +order and discipline in society, and seem to consider it your duty to +convince them of its importance. To a plain understanding this does not +appear difficult, for the arguments in favour of it are so palpable, +that a very few minutes indeed, would be sufficient to any one not in +the habit of multiplying words, to establish it beyond all controversy. +You, however, seem never disposed to take the common road: the arguments +would be but the repetition of a thrice told tale, and would therefore +command no extraordinary attention: they might beget conviction, but +would not produce _that effect_ upon the audience, which, if not always +the object, is so dear to the orator. + +But in deviating from the road, you have lost yourself in the +wilderness; and such has been your entanglement, that after all the time +which you consumed, I am sure there was not an individual present in the +meeting, who could tell what you really meant by discipline, how it is +to be established, or in what manner it is to be enforced. I form this +opinion from having read the sermon: for with all the advantages of +frequent recurrence to particular passages, and of re-perusal, I found +it very difficult to form any idea of your meaning: how then could your +audience, with none of these advantages, in the very few moments in +which they could preserve unbroken the slight concatenation of your +ideas, encumbered as they are with references unconnected with the +subject, receive any information or instruction from them. If I am +correct in my conclusion, and sure I am that no one who heard you can +contradict me, it must follow, that being incomprehensible to those to +whom it was addressed, it could not proceed from the suggestions of true +wisdom. + +After a few observations on the subject of discipline, you give to your +audience a kind of lecture on astronomy. Had you confined yourself to +recalling to their recollection the wonderful harmony in the works of +the Almighty, it would not have been incongruous; but to enter into a +long dissertation on the sun, moon, and stars, and on vacuum and +unmeasured space, was neither adapted to the place or company. It was no +doubt quite new and entertaining to such of them as had never read the +elementary treatises in use in some of our schools; and it is certainly +the most sublime of all sciences, and that in which the powers of the +human mind have been displayed in the greatest degree; yet I cannot +think you were judicious in selecting a Quaker meeting as a proper +theatre for the display of your talents, nor can I believe that your +ingenuity can make any application of the facts you have stated to the +subject of your discourse. You tell us that the sun, although it emits +so much light, never lessens; that there is harmonious and social +commune between the heavenly bodies;[19] that the earth, if kept too +long in the cold, would grow heavier, and falling from its proper place, +derange the other bodies; that the moon has a great effect upon our +globe, &c. &c. The moon, we know, is thought by many to have a +considerable influence on the imaginations of men in certain situations, +but I never heard that such influence had any effect in producing good +order and discipline, and no one supposes that the rays of the sun can +throw any light upon the subject. Besides you ought to have recollected +that you were subjecting yourself to the charge of ingratitude; for +surely the men of science must think you ungrateful in availing yourself +so largely of those labours, which you have endeavoured to persuade your +friends are a curse to mankind.[20] + +Footnote 19: + + This information, I must acknowledge, is an exception to the + generality of my assertion, for I do not believe it is contained in + any of the elementary books I have mentioned; nor do I think it can be + found in the writings of either Newton or Herschell, or that either of + them, although so long engaged in examining the planetary system, were + so fortunate as to observe any of these bodies at the moment when they + were engaged in these friendly conversations. Perhaps the author has + been led into a mistake by some obstruction in his glass, like a + celebrated member of the Royal Society, who announced the discovery of + an elephant in the moon, which, on examination, was found to be only a + mouse in his telescope. + +Footnote 20: + + Sermons, page 53 and 55. + +I am not so ignorant of the situation of the Society of Friends, as to +be uninformed of the uneasiness which is felt by some of its members +under its established rules of order and discipline; and as I know that +your preaching was one of the principal causes of it, I did think it of +some importance to endeavour to ascertain your opinions on the subject. +It was indeed a laborious work to travel through the many pages over +which they are dispersed; to remove the various matters with which they +were encumbered, and collect the scattered fragments. Yet after all my +toil, I found my work not half accomplished. These fragments when +brought together, were of such various sizes and colours, so diversified +in shape, and heterogeneous in their materials, that it surpassed my +skill to arrange them in any way consistent with order and propriety; +and if the knowledge of them can afford any instruction, it must be from +the striking contrast between their wild deformity, and the rational +rules of order and discipline which they are intended to supersede. + +You say that all aversion to order and discipline arises from the want +of a right knowledge of ourselves: that when we come to this right +knowledge, we shall be so perfect in these things, that there will be no +contests or divisions among us: that all order and discipline must be +fixed by the divine Lawgiver, and that then it cannot be violated; and +therefore that all attempts to censure or control a member must proceed +from those who counterfeit its meaning, in order to _lord_ it over +others: that each member of society is in himself a little world, which, +if kept in right order and subjection, all would be harmony and +discipline; but, when this is not the case, all attempts to enforce them +tend to increase the confusion: that we all have the law within +ourselves, therefore order and discipline must never be contrived by +mortals: that the Quaker discipline is unsound, because it is in the +letter; but that there are some true Quakers, and that each of these has +all discipline and order within himself. + +Now what is all this? Is it not a second growth of that _Fungus_ which +was engendered in the hot bed of fanaticism many years past; and has not +the sober sense of the humble Christian, or the wit and humour of a +Butler, been able to eradicate it from the soil of the Christian church? +Are we again to have among us those men above ordinances, who mistake +confusion for order, and the destruction of our faith for the +consummation of religion? + +These questions must present themselves to every mind when examining +your opinions; for, when stripped of all glosses, and exhibited in their +genuine colours, they mean that all written rules of order and +discipline are restraints upon the liberty of the saints: that no rules +should be established by men, for that every man has the rule written in +his own heart, and that there alone he is accountable. + +That no man is accountable to another for his religious belief, and that +every man has a right to worship in the way which he may believe most +acceptable to his Creator, are undeniable truths; but as the different +Christian sects have congregated on account of a unity in their +religious tenets, and assemble together for the purpose of uniting in +divine worship, they have a right, and, (if they are firm in their +belief,) it is their duty, to establish such rules and regulations as +will best preserve their religion in, what they believe to be, its +greatest purity; and in an especial manner to prevent the preaching of +doctrines adverse to it. And this is no infringement of the liberty of +conscience; for any man who dissents from their doctrines may separate +himself from them; he may unite himself with any other sect; or if, in +his career, his spiritual knowledge has set him above all ordinances, he +may erect his own standard, and, unrestrained by forms and unfettered by +creeds, he may give the utmost strain to his imagination, and perhaps +become himself the head of a sect. But no casuistry can justify, or +pretence excuse a man, who continues to be ostensibly the member of a +religious community, for the purpose of undermining its principles or +destroying the belief in its tenets. Let him believe them erroneous and +the substitutes he offers unquestionably true; it alters not the case. +The source will be impure, and the waters which flow from it, tainted. + +If the mind can be brought to conceive the possibility of the existence +of a society formed according to your rules and orders of discipline, it +must present itself to the imagination in all the sublime confusion of +another chaos--you may offer yourself to explain the word of God, and +you will be reminded that this is all in the letter: you may tell them +that the Scriptures may be read to advantage, when all things in them +have been previously revealed;[21] and they may reply, that reading them +will then be quite unnecessary--you may exhort them to assemble together +for the purpose of divine worship, "for that then we should be +instructed what to do, and how to bring our offerings, to be handed over +to the priest, so that they may be made acquainted with our state, and +may preach the true gospel to us;"[22] and they may tell you "that such +assemblies are not the places to gather spiritual food."[23] If you are +asked why you waste so much time in preaching, you will tell them "the +reason is plain; that although the letter directs us to the law, and +nothing else can teach us, yet we flee from it; and therefore outward +instruments are raised up and clothed with power:"[24] and they may +reply that this is also the letter, and "that the Lord is too kind to +send them away for instruction; and that he is always present, a +schoolmaster to every soul."[25] If you explain to them your own growth +and experience in spiritual knowledge, they will ask you of what use it +can be to them, and tell you, "that each individual requires a law +peculiar to himself; and that the law of the Spirit of Life in one, is +not the law of the Spirit of Life in another"[26]--and if, (adopting +this opinion,) you should declare to them that the law of the Spirit of +Life is different in each individual, some of your audience may assert, +"that the divine law which is written by the finger of God upon the +tablet of our hearts, is the same to every individual"[27]--and if +fatigued with these objections, you should express your surprise at +their number, inconsistency and futility, you will be told that they are +all furnished by yourself. + +Footnote 21: + + Sermons, page 313. + +Footnote 22: + + Sermons, page 248. + +Footnote 23: + + Sermons, page 275. + +Footnote 24: + + Page 52. + +Footnote 25: + + Sermons, page 51. + +Footnote 26: + + Sermons, page 51. + +Footnote 27: + + Sermons in New York, page 124. + +If, then, the great founder of the sect is yet so indistinct in his +vision, what must be the situation of those who are less advanced in the +religious experience of your new school? If he is so frequently involved +in contradictions, what must be the accumulated mass when collected +together? + +Should your project be realised, and such a congregation assembled, +those who, like yourself, search the Scriptures for types and figures, +may, with much less violation of probability than occurs in your +discourses, consider the meeting as a consummation of that confusion of +tongues typified in the building of the Tower of Babel. + + + + + LETTER VI. + + +The extraordinary and unhesitating confidence with which you state your +opinions, even on the most important and solemn subjects, and the air of +authority with which you endeavour to enforce them, is in such striking +contrast to that humility and reverence with which we are accustomed to +hear such subjects treated, that it naturally excites some suspicion +that there are views and feelings in the mind of the preacher not in +accordance with that meek and quiet spirit which is the necessary +qualification of a Christian teacher: and when we turn from the tone and +manner of the discourse to some of the opinions delivered, I am afraid +that suspicion will ripen into certainty, and that there will be too +much evidence of a mind not habituated to reflections on its own +infirmities, but proud[28] in its acquirements, and vaunting in its own +strength. For we find you glorying in the ability to withstand the enemy +of your peace, and gratifying yourself with the honour to be derived +from the victory.[29] In this elevation of mind you say, that it would +be a debasement to man, were he placed by the Almighty in a situation +from which he could not fall;[30] and that had we been content to remain +in a state of innocence, we should have continued to be but as mere +machines.[31] To rely on any other than your own exertions you think +degrading, and would not accept the sacrifice which is offered for your +sins by the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ.[32] + +Footnote 28: + + Sermons, page 68. "I challenge the whole host of mankind." + +Footnote 29: + + Sermons, page 231. + +Footnote 30: + + Sermons, page 231. + +Footnote 31: + + Sermons, pages 230, 231. + +Footnote 32: + + Letter to Doctor Shoemaker. + +We are, indeed, placed in a state of probation, surrounded with +temptations and perplexed with dangers: we have before us the prospect +of a change into a never-ending state, and that state is promised to be +one of endless felicity to those who, with a sincere and humble heart, +seek the God of Israel for their portion. To such, and such alone, is +promised _the exceeding great reward_; and, though it is our duty to +acquiesce, without repining, in our station and allotment here, +temeracious indeed must that man be, who, with such a prize before him, +would, for the gratification which the honour of a victory over his own +evil propensities might afford, prefer the hazardous contest to that +state of innocence with which our first parents were blessed before the +fall; and confident indeed must he be in his own merits, if he rejects +the offer of an intercessor, and relies on them alone for a fund not +only to redeem his errors here, but to purchase the rich inheritance of +eternal happiness. + +Such a state of mind alone could conceive the singular idea of opening +an account current with the Creator,[33] and call it religion; to ask a +record of our sins, and boldly claim our offsets; and to rely on the +accumulated balance of our own works: to gain the prize of everlasting +life from the justice and not from the mercy of the Almighty, and not to +pray with David, "have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving +kindness; according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies, _blot out +my transgressions_." + +Footnote 33: + + Sermons, page 44. + +Such an account would indeed be a novelty: there is no difficulty in +filling the debtor side of the ledger: the melancholy list of man's +frailties and vices furnish ample materials; but, from whence the mighty +balance reserved for the great purchase should arise is not easily to be +conceived. Let us figure to ourselves a man not immured in sloth or sunk +in wickedness, but one whose march through life has been in the path of +propriety and virtue, arranging his account, + + I have lived a life of temperance, regularity and virtue. + + Thou hast been blessed with the enjoyment of health. + + I have been, through life, frugal and industrious. + + Thou hast acquired wealth. + + I have been humane and charitable to the poor and needy. + + I gave thee the fat of the land. + + I have been a good husband and a careful and tender father. + + Thy wife has been virtuous and faithful, and thy children a + blessing to thee. + + And if he could add, I have gone about preaching to, and exhorting + large assemblies of people in thy name. + + May not the answer sometimes be, And hast thou not been richly + rewarded by the incense of flattery and applause which thou + hast received. + +Here, then, is no balance; virtue is generally rewarded in this life; +and, if the Christian is to look for redemption, is it not "by standing +fast and holding to the traditions which we have been taught," by which +we shall know that as all have sinned and fallen short, so we can only +be justified by grace "through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; +whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, +to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, +through the forbearance of God."[34] + +Footnote 34: + + Romans, 3d Chap. + +You may say that your idea of opening an account with the Creator was +only by way of illustration, but what does it illustrate? Is our +situation with our Creator such, that works are sufficient to insure our +salvation? and do you believe that if "in looking over the leaf and +seeing where the balance strikes,"[35] we should find it to be in our +favour, we may indulge in sin and iniquity until the balance is brought +to an equilibrium? Do not you believe in the efficacy of repentance, and +that the truly repentant sinner may receive remission of his sins, +although it may be in the eleventh hour, and when they are of a crimson +colour, or a scarlet dye? + +Footnote 35: + + Sermons, p. 45. + +The idea is indeed cold and heartless; in sentiment most degrading, and +in its deductions most pernicious. How different from the inspirations +of the man of old, when musing on the sacred mount of Zion, or on the +banks of Shiloah's stream fast, by the oracles of God, he saw the dawn +of that auspicious day, when HE, our promise would appear to blot out +our transgressions and redeem us from our sins--and with what holy +rapture did he announce the joyful tidings? "Speak ye comfortably to +Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her +iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of the Lord's hand double +for all her sins. Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son. Unto us +a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be +upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, +the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. The sun +shall be no more thy light by day: neither for brightness shall the moon +give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting +light, and thy God thy glory." + +But this is not the Messiah of whom you preach: yours is like yourself, +a peccable man clothed with infirmities and liable to transgression; and +who, so far from having the power to give salvation to others, was +himself tempted to sin.[36] You profess to believe that Jesus Christ is +"the way, the truth, and the life," but in direct opposition to the +plain intent and purport of the sentence, you declare it only means that +he had power to cure outward diseases and give strength of body to enjoy +the good things of this life;[37] that for this only was he sent, and +his power was but as a figure or shadow of the great Comforter. But even +with this perversion, the facts you state will not support your +argument. It is true that Jesus Christ healed the diseases of +individuals; but surely no rational being can suppose that such was the +object of his mission, for the number of the healed was so small that it +could have had no perceptible effect on the general outward health of +mankind, or even of the particular people to whom he appeared. + +Footnote 36: + + Sermons, p. 253. E. Hicks says, "He, (Jesus,) was tempted in all + points as we are. Now how could he be tempted if he had been fixed in + a state of perfection in which he could not turn aside. Could you + suppose as rational beings that such a being could be _tempted_? No, + not any more than God could be tempted. Perfection is perfection, and + cannot be tempted, it is impossible." Here is an evident perversion of + the Scriptures; for we nowhere find that Jesus yielded to temptation; + and it is a most irrational conclusion, that because there was a + tempter he was subject to temptation; and so far from such attempts + evincing that _he was not perfect and could turn aside_; the + resistance and reproof of the tempter proves, (and was probably + intended to prove,) the very reverse. It is one thing to be tempted, + and another to yield to temptation, and E. Hicks could not have + forgotten that the authority from which he drew his account of the + temptations likewise declares that though Jesus "was in all points + tempted like as we are, _yet without sin_." Heb. 4. 15. By E. Hicks's + erroneous construction of the sentence, he could with equal ease prove + the fallibility of the Almighty, for the Scriptures in several places + speak of His being tempted by the people. + +Footnote 37: + + Sermons, p. 50. + +You say you believe that the Scriptures were written by divine +inspiration, and that Jesus did nothing "but as he received power and +command from His heavenly Father;"[38] and these Scriptures tell us that +when the Pharisees began to reason and said "who can forgive sins but +God alone?" Jesus answered, is it "easier to say thy sins be forgiven +thee; or to say, rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the _Son of +Man hath power upon earth to forgive sins_, he said unto the sick of the +palsy, I say unto thee arise, and take up thy couch and go unto thine +house: and immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon +he lay, and departed to his own house glorifying God."[39] + +Footnote 38: + + New York Sermons, p. 97. + +Footnote 39: + + Luke, chap. 5th. + +Here we have a plain historical narration, from which it is evident that +the sick was healed to convince an unbelieving people, by an act of +supernatural power perceptible to their senses, that Jesus was clothed +with authority to forgive sins. You however say it was a figure or +shadow, and as these terms are often in your mouth, it may be proper to +enquire whether you understand their true meaning, and whether by any +possible construction of language they can be considered as illustrative +of your view of the subject. They are here used as synonymous, and mean +_the expression of an idea by resemblances_: if I speak of persons in +the morning of life, I am understood to mean youth; and if I say, the +king of day is rising in the east, every body understands it to mean the +sun; and there are other figurative resemblances more obscure, but no +one can, without violating every principle of reason, attempt to adduce +as authority for, and illustrative of his opinions, expressions which so +far from resembling are in direct opposition to them, merely because he +chooses to call them figurative. + +If indeed there are any individuals who believe they can perceive any +resemblance between your inferences and the facts; and that when Jesus +said he healed the sick, in order that the Pharisees might know that he +had power on earth to forgive sins, he meant it only as a figure, and +that he claimed authority only as to the cure of outward diseases; their +conclusion must be arrived at by a process which the uninitiated do not +understand: and if your argument is according to the _analogy of +reason_, it cannot be of that reason which arrives at the truth by +observation and deduction, but the reason of your new school of +metaphysics, which discerns _without reflection_ all things at first +sight.[40] + +Footnote 40: + + Sermons, p. 207. + +Were you reading a letter informing you that a friend had departed on a +journey, riding on a black horse, and was told by one of your auditors +that the expression was figurative and that he meant a white cow, you +would probably laugh; and yet the incongruity is not greater than some +of your own discoveries. For instance, Paul said "let your women keep +silence in your churches;" and you observe that all who _are truly +enlightened_ will understand that the woman means the selfish spirit +which ought not to be permitted to speak in churches; but you have +forgot to tell us how to apply the succeeding observation that "if they +will learn any thing they must consult their husbands at home." Nor is +it probable that Paul, (although a bachelor,) was so uncharitable as to +believe the selfish spirit so identified with woman, as to render her a +proper emblem of it. + +In this instance Paul was recommending a rule of conduct, and ought to +be allowed to speak for himself: so thought Robert Barclay, and in +accounting for the exhortation he has given the probable reason of it. +He considered it neither as an allegory or a figure; but he had not +arrived at that degree of spiritual knowledge which enabled him to +discover in every page of the Bible a meaning in direct contradiction to +the plain and obvious sense of the written language. Religion was with +him not an occult science, nor the Bible a caballistick book which can +never be read to advantage until the truths contained in it have been +previously revealed to us.[41] On the contrary, he believed with the +Apostle Paul "that these things were written for our learning," that +"the holy scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith +which is in Christ Jesus," and that "all Scripture is given by +inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for +correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be +perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work."[42] + +Footnote 41: + + Sermons, p. 313. + +Footnote 42: + + 2nd Timothy, Chap. 3d. + + + + + LETTER VII. + + +When the early Quakers, dissatisfied with the formal worship of the +existing protestant church, separated themselves and formed a society of +their own, they were reproached by some with denying the authenticity of +the sacred writings, and by others with setting up their own +inspirations in opposition to them; and they seem at an early period to +have discovered the necessity of recording their belief on this subject, +not only to refute the calumnies circulated by their opponents, but as a +guide to the inexperienced of their own sect. For, such was the ferment +of men's minds at that moment, and the violence of the change from the +dull uniformity of formal belief, to all the extravagancies of +unrestrained enthusiasm, that it appeared like an epidemic affecting all +descriptions of people; and their imaginations became so exalted, that +every fancy was mistaken for a revelation, and every preacher, however +wild his doctrines, had his followers. Nor did their own members wholly +escape the infection; for with all their care, there were those among +them who indulged in extravagancies, to the great grief of their more +sober friends. + +It fell to the lot of Robert Barclay to record the doctrines of the +early Quakers, and none of them was better fitted for the task; for he +was learned and pious, clear in his perceptions and logical in his +arrangement, and well able to give his reasons for his faith. He knew +that superstition and fanaticism were the Scylla and Charybdis of +religion, and how much care was necessary to prevent us, while avoiding +the one, from being swept into the whirlpool of the other. He was +surrounded by instances of the unhappy effects of that exaltation of +mind, which induced individuals to believe they had arrived at such an +unerring state of spiritual knowledge, that the recorded opinions and +advice of their pious predecessors, and even the scriptures, (being only +in the letter,) were to them neither authority nor a guide; and that +they had derived the fulness of knowledge from the fountain itself. That +to them reason itself had ceased to be of use, since they were under the +constant influence of a clear and distinct revelation, as stable and +certain as any of the instincts of our nature: and such was the fever of +the brain, that when their prophecies were contradicted by the event, it +did not impair their confidence in their own inspirations, _because it +was the Lord who chose to deceive them, and they were deceived_. + +He had not adopted the fantastical idea that every passage of scripture +has a mystical meaning; but declares them to be the revelations of the +spirit of God to the saints, and that they contain a faithful historical +account of the actings of God's people in various ages; a prophetical +account of several things, whereof some have passed, and some to come; +and a full and ample account of all the chief principles of the doctrine +of Christ. That they are profitable for correction and instruction in +righteousness, and that _divine inward revelations can never contradict +the outward testimony of the scriptures, or sound reason_. + +Here all is plain and consistent. No man of sound mind can believe that +the revelations of infinite wisdom are ever contradictory; and as the +evidence of the divine origin of the scriptures is such as no individual +can produce, he was warranted in his conclusion, that all pretensions to +the spirit in contradiction to them, are delusions of the devil. And +indeed no man of observation can cast his eyes round him, and +contemplate the various illusions into which the human mind is seduced +on religious subjects, without perceiving the absolute necessity of a +standard or rule by which its wanderings may be checked and its +aberrations corrected, and we find Locke concurring with Barclay, in +stating the scripture revelations and right reason, as the true +standards by which our faith is to be tried. + +You also seem to perceive the necessity of some check, but in the very +spirit which induces that necessity, your own standard is as visionary, +and as fruitful a source of evil, as the propensity it is intended to +correct; for yours is not that reason which proceeds from premises to +consequences, but an actual illusion, which has persuaded you that there +is a reason which can see all things immediately and by intuition;[43] +and your bible, a book written in cypher,[44] the key of which is one of +the most vigorous plants of the wilderness of fanaticism. Hence it +follows, that your standard, so far from being a true test or corrector +of your opinions, must always, when used, confirm you in error; for it +is a magnifying mirror, reflecting the exaggerated image of the delusion +it is intended to control. + +Footnote 43: + + Sermons, page 207. + +Footnote 44: + + Sermons, page 313. + +There is not a more prolific source of error, than assuming principles +without a careful examination of their correctness, and drawing +conclusions from them; and even when the principle is correct, and the +inference fairly deducible, men in the ardour of their zeal, often push +it to an extreme far beyond its just limits. + +It is not difficult to conceive, that a man whose mind is convinced by +internal evidence of the truth of the christian religion, and who, under +an awful impression of its incalculable importance, opens the sacred +volume, finds more instruction and comfort in it, than he who only reads +it as history, or from an indistinct sense of duty; because he has a +greater degree of inward acquaintance with the same spirit and work in +the heart. But this simple exposition is too plain to satisfy the lofty +imaginations of the high professors of the present day: because the +lukewarm and indifferent do not receive the same instruction and profit +from the scriptures as the more serious and pious, the perusal can +afford them no benefit; and even to the sincere inquirer it is a sealed +book, until its contents are previously communicated by an especial +revelation.[45] + +Footnote 45: + + Sermons, page 313. + +This is the doctrine you have preached, and yet your own practice proves +that you have no reliance on it; and that it was only one of those +inconsiderate excursions, in which the orator, when not under the strict +control of duty or reason, too often indulges; for when, in your cooler +moments, you wished to instruct your mind on the subject of our +Saviour's birth, you sought it, not only by reading the scriptures, but +also by consulting the traditions of the christian church, as recorded +by one of its historians.[46] + +Footnote 46: + + Letter to Thomas Willis. + +These are the inconsistencies to which extravagance always leads; for +when the mind, tired of its aerial flight, revisits the earth, and is +again employed in its proper duties, it finds that practical objects can +only be attained by practicable means. + +Exaggeration in public speaking is always blameable, and in the preacher +particularly objectionable: it is generally resorted to for the purpose +of increasing the impression, but seldom produces that effect; and it is +upon religious subjects, above all others, that amplification should be +avoided, and that pure and simple style adopted which admits of no +adventitious ornaments. + +You, however, pursue a different course, and by the extravagance of your +epithets, not only defeat your own views, but sometimes occasion the +subject itself to be considered, if not with ridicule, at least with but +little seriousness. Thus in speaking of the propriety of plainness in +apparel, instead of giving the simple and obvious reason why the Society +of Friends adopted it, you consider it as a vital principle of religion; +and you mistake, (to use your own favourite expression,) the effect for +the cause, when you exclaim that there is religion in clothing, and +exaggerate beyond all bounds, when you declare, that all the sin in the +world is created by men's following foolish fashions: and when you +seriously assure us that high-crowned hats were never devised in the +wisdom of God, the obvious inference that low-crowned hats were, is so +ludicrous, that we should be tempted to laugh, were not all merriment on +a subject in which that sacred name is introduced, (however improperly,) +incongruous, if not profane.[47] + +Footnote 47: + + Sermons, page 133. + +Again, in speaking of the necessity of a living faith in God, you +exclaim that, faith in creeds and the traditions of your fathers, is +worse than nothing; that we had better have no faith at all, for it is +no better than the faith of devils; and in confirmation of this rash +assertion, you quote a passage of scripture which has not the most +remote application to the subject.[48] + +Footnote 48: + + Sermons, page 293. + +To this, no rational christian can ever assent: he believes in the +necessity of spiritual worship, and that all ought to feel the power of +religion in their own souls: but that the faith which is derived from +the lessons of a pious parent, although it may not be accompanied with +that degree of spiritual knowledge which it ought to be our endeavour to +attain, is no better than the faith of devils, no man in his sober +senses can believe. + +You would no doubt think me very daring were I to say that your own +faith is as bad as the faith of devils; and yet, admitting the truth of +your own assertion, I can prove it by testimony, which, to you at least, +ought to be conclusive. For in your letter to Thomas Willis, before +alluded to, you declare your belief in the Scripture account of our +Saviour's birth from your _reliance_ on _tradition_, although it is +contrary to your judgment. If then that faith which a child admits and +believes to be true from a firm reliance on the wisdom and experience of +a pious father, is as bad as the faith of devils; how are we to describe +the faith of that man who gives to tradition such supreme control, as to +make a reliance on it a point of duty, although a belief in it, is +contrary to his deliberate judgment. + +This is one of the instances of the wanderings of your imagination, and +the strange inconsistencies into which your metaphysical divinity leads +you: and I cite it as a proof of the pernicious consequences of +substituting mystical reveries in the place of the simple religion +taught by Jesus Christ; and not to censure your reliance on the faith of +your predecessors: for I truly believe that did you, like many of them, +endeavour to preserve your mind in that meek and lowly state recommended +by His example and precepts, all propensity to curious speculation on +hidden things would be suppressed, and when called to testify to your +faith, you would be ready "always to give an answer to every man that +asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with _meekness and +fear_." + +In alluding to the reasons which prevent many Friends from taking a part +in the governments of the earth, instead of ascribing them to that +peaceable principle which does not permit them to be agents in any +measures connected with war, you denounce the governments of this world +as standing _eternally_ in opposition to the government of the God of +heaven; and this because all laws made in the wisdom of man are +foolishness with God: yet you acknowledge them to be necessary, although +you say it is no reason why the law of the Almighty should not prevail, +which would take away the necessity of all other laws.[49] + +Footnote 49: + + Sermons, p. 198. + +This reasoning is as confused, as the conclusion to which it leads is +extraordinary. How laws in opposition to the will of the Almighty can be +necessary, when there is no reason why his law should not prevail, you +have not explained; and if human governments are in eternal opposition +to the government of God, and yet are necessary, then is there not only +a necessity for man's being in eternal opposition to God's will; but the +necessity is a justification of it, and your argument, if sound, affords +a complete vindication of the persons engaged in the administration of +those governments. + +We need not be told that if all men were under the strict influence of +virtue and religion, most of the existing laws would be unnecessary, +because they are enacted in consequence of the vices and frailties of +man; but that such a state of things will ever exist on earth, in which +all regulations and covenants of society may with safety and convenience +be abolished, is an idea too extravagant to require refutation. Nor can +it be believed that all laws made by the wisdom of man, are foolishness +with God, in the sense in which you understand it. The Creator in his +wisdom seems to have ordained that the improvement of man in this state +of being should be progressive. The first step is associating in +societies, and they necessarily require rules for their government; and +as they multiply, new circumstances are continually arising, which +require additional regulations. And herein that reason with which man +alone, of all created beings, has been favoured, is properly applied: +for this it was given to him, and its application to the purposes for +which it was originally intended, can never be foolishness in the sight +of the Almighty. The scriptures indeed tell us that the wisdom of this +world is foolishness with God; but it is used in reference to our +religious duties; to teach us the vanity of building up systems for +ourselves, and pretending to explain the hidden things of Omnipotence; +and to warn us that "as it is the gospel that has brought life and +immortality to light," so "other foundation can no man lay than that is +laid, which is Jesus Christ."[50] + +Footnote 50: + + Corinthians, Chap. 3d. + + + + + LETTER VIII. + + +When we consider the ingenuity of the mind of man, in drawing inferences +from propositions to suit his present passions and prejudices, and how +often they are perverted to the most injurious purposes, every person of +reflection must admit that it is of the most serious importance that the +ministers of religion should be extremely guarded in the terms they use, +and not suffer a sentence to escape from their lips without a careful +examination of its bearing and tendency. Nor is it any justification of +such persons, although they may with truth assert that the pernicious +deductions drawn from their declarations were not intended by them, if +such deductions can fairly be made. + +These reflections were impressed upon my mind in reading your sermons, +in which are to be found many assertions which appear to me to have a +very injurious tendency; and with whatever views they were uttered, (for +I inquire not into your motives,) seem to strike at the very foundation +of revealed religion. + +In your vain attempts to describe the nature of the Almighty, we should +be induced to believe, from some of your expressions, that you had +adopted the opinion of some sects of unbelieving philosophers, that God +is not the governor, but the soul of the universe; not a Being, but a +principle or element, which, although it acts efficaciously, implies the +absence of all personal agency. For you say, "Every child of God _has +the full and complete nature, spirit, and, may I not say, the divinity +of God Almighty_; because there is nothing but divinity in God, and +therefore, if they are partakers of his divine nature,[51] so far they +are partakers of his divinity, according to the portion which he is +pleased to dispense: and he _must_ dispense that portion which will make +them like himself. _For his children are as much like their Almighty +Father, as the children of men are like their fathers._"[52] + +Footnote 51: + + This is not the doctrine or belief of the Society. They believe in a + divine principle of light and life, wherewith Christ hath enlightened + every man that cometh into the world; but _by this they understand, + not the proper essence and nature of God precisely taken, who is not + divisible into parts and measures, but is a pure and simple being, + void of all composition and division_. See BARCLAY. + +Footnote 52: + + New York Sermons, page 130. + +In speaking of the operation of the great first Cause, you compare it to +the sun: "What, (you say,) would become of us, were it not for the +enlivening beams of the sun? Although it emits so much, yet it never +lessens.[53] Our immortal spirits receive all their light from that +celestial and invisible Sun which is the Creator of all things. _He +emits of his excellency to us, yet he does not lessen, but remains +eternally the same, for all that comes from him will return to +him._"[54] + +Footnote 53: + + Philadelphia Sermons, page 187. + +Footnote 54: + + Philadelphia Sermons, page 188. + +Consistent with this idea, you totally reject the Scripture declarations +respecting heaven and the kingdom of God, and consider them only as a +condition of the mind, and that we can enjoy them in this state of +being. + +In alluding to the account of the apostle's being taken up into the +third heaven, you say, "What is this third heaven but a three-fold +manifestation of the divine presence;"[55] and you ask, "Is heaven of so +little value to us that we put it off till the day of our death?"[56] +"We are led to believe that there is an opportunity to lay up treasure +in heaven; that is, to be in possession of heavenly treasure; or, _to +use a more proper expression, to be in possession of heaven_; because +heaven is a state; it is every where where God is;"[57] "God comes alike +into the hearts of all the children of men, as much in the fornicator, +the thief, and the liar, as in me. But there it is dead, because the +creature is in opposition to God."[58] "Now this leading by the spirit +of God is the same as the kingdom of God, and being subject to the +leaven. They are still one and the same thing; they are not two things; +and as we yield to the leaven it leavens us, and brings us into the +divine nature, so that _we come to partake of the nature of God_."[59] + +Footnote 55: + + Sermons, page 17. + +Footnote 56: + + Sermons, page 76. + +Footnote 57: + + Sermons, page 275-6.--In one of his sermons, (page 292,) the preacher + declares that God never set Jesus Christ above us, "_because if he did + he would be partial_." In this, he sets himself above Christ by + undertaking to correct his erroneous notion of heaven. Christ, in his + Sermon on the Mount, says, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon + earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break + through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." + This _humble teacher_ says the proper expression would be "to be in + possession of heaven, because heaven is _a state_, and every where, + where God is." + +Footnote 58: + + Sermons, page 292. + +Footnote 59: + + Sermons, page 295. + +It is an observation of Doctor Paley, that contrivance is a proof of the +personality of the Deity; and we have been accustomed to contemplate +with admiration and awe the stupendous works of creation as emanating +from his wisdom and will. But you, in strict accordance with the notion +to which I have alluded, seem not to admit the argument, or the fact on +which it is founded; for, in speaking of the earth's revolving in its +orbit, you say, "So it has been through all ages past, and so it will +continue through the _eternal_ ages to come."[60] "As the moon receives +all its light from the sun, for itself in the first place, so by that +means it is enabled to emit a part of the power received to the next +orb; and here the heavenly order is kept up--so it has been through all +the previous _eternal ages_, and so it will continue to all future +ages."[61] + +Footnote 60: + + Sermons, page 188. + +Footnote 61: + + Sermons, page 193. + +Is this Christianity, or is it not a renewal of the old doctrines of +Pagan philosophy? They held that matter is eternal, although they did +not think with you that our system had existed through all eternity. +Plato believed the world to be the work of God out of existing matter; +but it was the general belief of the learned at a period preceding the +coming of Jesus Christ, (as it appears to be your's,) that the soul of +man is an emission of the divine nature, and that all are partakers of +it--and from hence they drew the natural, and indeed unavoidable +inference, that as God is immortal and the soul of man a part of him, it +must necessarily have existed from all eternity. + +This idea, so incompatible with God's moral government, completely +excludes the doctrine of rewards and punishments; for if "all that comes +from him must return to him, and is part of his nature," how can the +soul, when absorbed in the divine essence, be rewarded for its virtues +or punished for its vices practised on earth? + +So far from being alarmed at this conclusion, you appear to have adopted +both the idea and the inference; for you say, "to be in the image of God +we must partake of his own nature, and have a portion of his own blessed +spirit _to animate the soul and make it immortal, as God is +immortal_."[62] + +Footnote 62: + + Sermons, page 66. + +Hence it must follow, that if the only immortal part in man is the +portion of the blessed Spirit of which he is the partaker, and that this +is a part of the nature of God, it must be bestowed equally on the good +and the wicked, or that no part of the latter can be immortal; and this +extraordinary consequence must result, that _worship in spirit_ is not +the homage of man to his Creator, but the Divinity adoring himself.[63] + +Footnote 63: + + As much you pull Religion's altars down, + By owning all things God, as owning none; + For should all beings be alike divine, + Of worship, if an object you assign, + God to himself must veneration show, + Must be the object and the votary too; + And their assertions are alike absurd, + Who own no God, or none to be adored. + + BLACKMORE. + +Socrates alone, of all the ancient philosophers, had adopted the belief +of a future state of rewards and punishments; and the reason why he +arrived at this truth, affords an instructive lesson to the metaphysical +preachers of the present day--he confined himself to the study of +morality. "What, (says an eminent writer,) could be the cause of his +belief, but this restraint, of which his belief was the natural +consequence? For, having confined himself to morals, he had nothing to +mislead him; whereas, the rest of the philosophers, applying themselves +with a kind of fanaticism to physics and metaphysics, had drawn a number +of absurd but subtile conclusions, which directly opposed the +consequences of those moral arguments."[64] + +Footnote 64: + + Warburton. + +And the great Newton, in reference to this subject, finishes his +principles of natural philosophy with these reflections:--"This most +elegant frame of things could not have arisen, unless by the contrivance +and direction of a wise and powerful being: and if the fixed stars are +the centres of systems, these systems must be similar; and all these, +constructed according to the same plan, are subject to the government of +_one_ Being. All these he governs, _not as the soul of the world_, but +as the Lord of all; and therefore, on account of his government, he is +called the Lord God; for God is a relative term, and refers to subjects. +Deity is God's government, not of his own body, as those think who +consider him as the soul of the world, but of his servants. The supreme +God is a _Being_, eternal, infinite, and absolutely perfect. But a +being, however perfect, without government is not God; for we say my +God, your God, the God of Israel. We cannot say my Eternal, my Infinite. +We may have some notions, indeed, of his attributes, but can have none +of his nature. With respect to bodies, we see only shapes and colour, +hear only sounds, touch only surfaces. These are attributes of bodies, +but of their essence we know nothing. As a blind man can form no notion +of colours, we can form none of the manner in which God perceives, and +understands, and influences every thing. + +"Therefore, we know God only by his attributes. What are these? The wise +and excellent contrivance, structure, and final aim of all things. In +these his perfections we admire him, and we wonder. In his direction or +government, we venerate and worship him--we worship him as his servants; +for God without dominion, without providence, and final aims, is +_Fate_--not the object either of reverence, of hope, of love, or of +fear." + +You may say that you never intended to inculcate such doctrines as I +have alluded to, and you can produce various instances in which you have +described the Almighty as the supreme governor of the universe; and if +these facts are a justification of the course you have pursued, you may +continue your career completely sheltered from censure or reproach; for +I cannot observe a single novelty in your opinions, or deviation from +the established doctrines of the Christian church, which have not been +contradicted by yourself. + +But such an excuse cannot be availing; you declare that you dare not +speak at random, otherwise you would show that you departed from _God's +illuminating spirit_; and although those who have had an opportunity to +read and compare your different sermons, can contemplate that solemn +declaration with no other than feelings of astonishment and regret at +the strange delusion, with others it may have a different effect. You +are a travelling preacher, scattering one doctrine here, and another +there; and interlarding your discourses with bold assertions, which are +remembered, when the prolix and visionary distinctions by which you +attempt to qualify them are forgotten. + +I remember hearing an individual who had attended at a meeting in the +vicinity of Philadelphia, at which you preached, when asked what was the +subject of your discourse, reply, that you preached very comfortable +doctrine for some of the company, for you had assured them there was no +devil. I am not so uncharitable as to believe that you are intentionally +instrumental in removing the salutary restraints upon the vices of man; +and yet I am surprised that you do not perceive the inevitable and +pernicious consequences of such declarations; and that, if you do not +believe in the authority of the Scriptures yourself, you do not avoid +assertions which, while they can have no tendency to strengthen and +encourage the pious mind, must necessarily diminish those feelings of +future responsibility which, awful as they are, unhappily are not +sufficient to restrain the wickedness of man.[65] + +Footnote 65: + + If the reader wishes to know what Elias Hicks says on this subject, + let him peruse the Sermons, pages 37, 163, 166, 170, 182, and 293, and + he will there have a fair specimen of the darkness which surrounds + him--a cloud of words unilluminated by a ray of light. + +Many to whom you preach are illiterate, and without capacity to +investigate your doctrines and their tendency. They have been accustomed +to listen to the simple truths of our religion, enforced in language +which they can understand; and they often found in their attendance at +places of worship, consolation, instruction, and encouragement. They +have been taught to believe in the revelations unfolded in the sacred +volume, and to look forward with the cheering hope, of a Mediator and +Redeemer, "who ever liveth to make intercession for them."[66] + +Footnote 66: + + Hebrews, chap. vii. + +These are the lessons of practical piety, which bring the mind into a +situation to worship acceptably, and under the influence of which, men +but little instructed in human learning, are often enabled to counsel +the wise of this world in the things that lead to their peace. + +But if these things are all to be changed: if in place of this simple, +practical religion, our places of worship are to be converted into +theatres for metaphysical disquisitions, and the discussion of questions +more curious than useful; and we are to be instructed in the +unprofitable controversies which have so long perplexed and disturbed +the christian world: if faith is no longer a christian principle, and +the revelations of the scriptures rejected when not to be arrived at by +the analogy of reason, then indeed must the Quaker ministry be +constituted anew, and even your own labours cease. The old and unchanged +servants can take no part or portion in the new order of things; and it +cannot be expected that the disciples of the new school will take for a +master to lead them to the truth by analogous reasoning, one, who has +yet to be taught what reason really is. + + + + + LETTER IX. + + +Your assertion that "you cannot believe what you do not understand," is +often quoted by your followers, as a proof of your having emancipated +yourself from the thraldom of tradition, and risen superior to those +prejudices, which early education, and the authority of antiquity have +fastened on the minds of men; and yet when we examine and compare this +assertion with the doctrines you inculcate, it appears evident that you +have not a correct idea of the meaning of your favourite maxim. + +This understanding can only be arrived at by the natural faculties of +perception, judgment, and reasoning, and as the truth of the especial +revelations of which you speak, are propositions which cannot be +demonstrated by the use of these faculties; they must, if assented to, +be purely matters of faith, arising from our belief in the general truth +of the christian dispensation. + +There is a clear distinction between things which are according to, +above, and contrary to, reason. The first are propositions, the truth of +which may be discovered by the use of the ideas we have acquired from +sensation and reflection. The second are propositions whose truth cannot +be investigated by these means: and the third, such as are inconsistent +and irreconcileable to our clear and distinct ideas. + +Thus, were you to tell us, that without other impulse than your own +_will_, you can give mobility to matter, and at your pleasure reduce it +to a quiescent state, we cannot withhold our assent, because we see you +exercising that dominion in the government of your limbs; and yet so far +from understanding the operation of this wonderful power, the mind +cannot form the least idea how the effect is produced. But when we hear +you declare to one set of people "that the law of the spirit of life in +one, is not the law of the spirit of life in his brother; and that each +individual requires a peculiar law to himself;"[67] and to another, +"that this divine law which is written by the finger of God upon the +tablet of our hearts, is the same to every individual;"[68] we know that +these contradictory assertions cannot both be true; and must withhold +our belief when you declare "that you dare not speak at random, +otherwise you should show that you departed from God's illuminating +spirit;" because our reason will never permit us to believe that such +inconsistencies can proceed from the illuminations of infinite wisdom. + +Footnote 67: + + Philadelphia Sermons, page 51. + +Footnote 68: + + New York Sermons, page 124. + +"Reason," (says Locke,) "is natural revelation, whereby the eternal +Father of Light, and fountain of all knowledge, communicates to mankind +that portion of truth which he has laid within the reach of their +natural faculties. _Revelation_ is natural reason, enlarged by a new set +of discoveries, communicated by God immediately, which reason vouches +the truth of, by the testimony and proof it gives that they come from +God." And he rebukes the presumption of those who reduce the measure of +their belief to the narrow limits of their own understanding, and +declares "it is an over-valuing of ourselves, to reduce all to the +narrow measure of our capacities; and to conclude all things impossible +to be done, whose manner of doing exceeds our comprehension. This is to +make our comprehension _infinite_, or God _finite_, when what he can do, +is limited to what we can conceive of it. If you do not understand the +operations of your own finite mind, that thinking thing, within you, do +not deem it strange, that you cannot comprehend the operations of that +eternal, infinite mind, who made and governs all things, and whom the +heaven of heavens cannot contain." + +If a Socinian tells me that he cannot assent to any doctrine which is +not on a level with the comprehension of the human understanding, he is +at least intelligible; for he necessarily rejects the doctrine of +inspiration; but when you make the same assertion, and yet declare that +God is incomprehensible to us as rational creatures, and that all the +aids which science and philosophy can give, can never bring man to +believe rightly in God,[69] and that it is by his inward manifestations +only that we can discover the path of our duty; the assertions are +evidently incompatible; and if any deduction can be drawn from them, it +is, that the indications by which alone we are taught aright, we are not +bound to believe. + +Footnote 69: + + Philadelphia Sermons, pages 51, 294, and 300. + +Reduce your argument to a syllogism, and reflect on the result. + +_Prop._ I. We cannot believe any thing which the human understanding +cannot comprehend. + +_Prop._ II. Science and philosophy, and all the knowledge which man can +derive from his natural faculties, can never bring him to comprehend or +believe rightly in God. + +_Conclusion._ As it is impossible for man to believe any thing which the +human understanding cannot comprehend, and he not being able by the aid +of these faculties to comprehend or believe rightly in God, it is +impossible for him to comprehend or believe rightly in God. + +Suppose, (and I think it actually the case,) that you do not perceive +the extent to which your assertion leads, and that you intended to +convey the idea that we are not to believe any thing above the limits of +our natural capacities on the testimony of another, and only when the +same is especially revealed to us; then I would ask why you waste so +much time in descanting on them? According to your own rule, none but +those who are favoured with the same especial revelations can believe +you, and to them your preaching is useless. + +These are the inconsistencies of those _who bow the knee to the image of +the Baal of the present day_; who, neglecting the exhortation "not to +think more highly of themselves than they ought to think; but to think +soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of +faith,"[70] have become wise in their own conceits. + +Footnote 70: + + Romans, chap. xiv. + +If indeed the doctrine is true, that nothing is to be believed as of +divine origin, which cannot be accounted for by that faculty of +comprehending and judging which we derive from nature, the number of +religions must be nearly in proportion to the number of individuals. +What will be clear and evident to the more discerning, will be +unintelligible to the superficial and ignorant, and our unbelief will be +increased in the same ratio in which our intellectual faculties are +diminished. + +Look from the hillock on which you stand, at the ascending and +descending grades of human intellect, and contemplate the immeasurable +distance between the minds of a Newton and a Hicks; of a Hicks and an +Esquimaux: you will find the last unable to comprehend truths of which +you possess indubitable evidence, and yourself unable to understand many +of the laws by which the universe is governed, although you may have +before you, the demonstrations by which the great philosopher has proved +their truth. + +Indeed after all this boast of regulating the conduct by those facts and +circumstances only which we understand, every observer must perceive, +that under the practical exercise of this principle, even the common +affairs of life would stand still; that we all act on the moral +certainty of the existence and operation of things, the cause or +production of which is beyond our comprehension; and that it is from the +evidence of their actual existence, and not the discovery of the means +of it, that our belief in them is established. And such is the weakness +of that understanding on which you so much rely, that even on subjects +where it can with propriety be exercised, we every day see men believing +and disbelieving propositions under the influence of their interests and +inclinations, and sincerely changing their opinions, with their +situations and circumstances. + +"Reason," (says the author[71] of a review of the internal evidence of +the christian religion,) "is undoubtedly our surest guide in all matters +which lie within the narrow circle of her intelligence. On the subject +of revelation her province is only to examine its authority and when +that is once proved, she has no more to do, but to acquiesce in its +doctrines; and is therefore never so ill employed as when she pretends +to accommodate them to her own ideas of rectitude and truth. God, says +this _self sufficient teacher_, is perfectly wise, just, and good; and +what is the inference? That all his dispensations must be conformable to +our notions of perfect wisdom, justice, and goodness: but it should +first be proved, that man is as perfect and as wise as his Creator, or +this consequence will by no means follow; but rather the reverse, that +is, that the dispensations of a perfect and all wise being, must +probably, appear unreasonable, and perhaps unjust, to a being imperfect +and ignorant." And in reply to the objections to the divine origin of +the christian religion, from the apparent incredibility of some of its +doctrines, particularly those concerning the trinity, and atonement for +sin by the sufferings and death of Christ, one of which is asserted to +be contrary to all the principles of human reason, and the other to all +our ideas of divine justice, he says, "No arguments founded on +principles which we cannot comprehend, can possibly disprove a +proposition already proved on principles which we do understand: and +therefore on this subject they ought not to be attended to: that three +beings should be one being, is a proposition which certainly contradicts +reason, that is _our_ reason; but it does not from thence follow that it +cannot be true; for there are many propositions which contradict our +reason, and yet are demonstrably true: one is, the very first principle +of all religion, the being of a God; for that any thing should exist +without a cause, or that any thing should be the cause of its own +existence, are propositions equally contradictory to our reason; yet one +of them must be true, or nothing could ever have existed. In like manner +the overruling grace of the Creator, and the free will of his creatures; +his foreknowledge of future events, and the uncertain contingency of +these events, are to our apprehensions absolute contradictions to each +other; and yet the truth of every one of them is demonstrable from +Scripture, reason, and experience. All these difficulties arise from our +imagining that the mode of existence of all beings must be similar to +our own, that is, that they must all exist in time and space; and hence +proceeds our embarrassment on this subject. We know that no two beings, +with whose mode of existence we are acquainted, can exist at the same +point of time, in the same point of space, and that therefore they +cannot be one: but how far beings whose mode of existence bears no +relation to time or space, may be united, we cannot comprehend; and +therefore the possibility of such an union we cannot positively deny." +And to those who assert that even if these doctrines are true, it is +inconsistent with the justice and goodness of the Creator to require +from them the belief of propositions which contradict, or are above the +understanding which he has bestowed on them, he says, "to this I answer, +that christianity requires no such belief: it has discovered to us many +important truths, with which we were before entirely unacquainted, and +amongst them are these, that three beings are sometimes united in the +divine essence, and that God will accept of the sufferings of Christ as +an atonement for the sins of mankind. These, considered as declarations +of facts only, neither contradict, nor are above the reach of human +reason: the first is a proposition as plain, as that three equilateral +lines compose one triangle; the other as intelligible as that one man +should discharge the debts of another. In what manner this union is +formed, or why God accepts these vicarious punishments, or to what +purposes they may be subservient, it informs us not, because no +information would enable us to comprehend these mysteries, and therefore +it does not require that we should know or believe any thing about them. +The truth of these doctrines must rest entirely on the authority of +those who taught them; but then we should reflect that those were the +same persons who taught us a system of religion more sublime, and of +ethics more perfect, than any which our faculties were ever able to +discover, but which, when discovered, are exactly consonant to our +reason, and that therefore we should not hastily reject those +informations which they have vouchsafed to give us, of which our reason +is not a competent judge. If an able mathematician proves to us the +truth of several propositions by demonstrations which we understand, we +hesitate not on his authority to assent to others, the process of whose +proofs we are not able to follow: why therefore should we refuse that +credit to Christ and his apostles which we think reasonable to give to +one another." + +Footnote 71: + + Soame Jenyns. + +We know that the first preachers of the gospel were generally illiterate +men, and that the first converts were among the unlearned and ignorant; +and it was sufficiently intelligible to them because the practical parts +were then taught; which, if not the only, are certainly the most +essential portion of it. Its intrinsic excellence is perhaps the best +evidence of its divine origin; yet it cannot be denied that proofs of +its authority may sometimes be drawn from the speculative inquiries of +learned and pious men. But a very little reflection must convince us how +little the reasoning of uninformed men can be depended on; and that when +they are so unwise as to habituate their minds to such speculations, +their ignorance must continually involve them in error and +contradictions: and it surely would be prudent in these to pause, before +they reject a revelation which does not accord with their crude notions +of reason and the fitness of things, when they recollect that the +diligent and learned researches of the master minds of such men as +Grotius, Bacon, Newton, Locke, and Paley, have ended in convincing them +of its truth. + +There are in the Scriptures, allusions to mysteries which it seems not +given to us to comprehend in this state of being; and, consequently, all +inquiries into them are vain: is it not, therefore, reasonable to +believe, that such is not our proper business, and that our concern is +with those truths only, which have a practical operation on the minds +and conduct of men, and which are clearly revealed: and if we examine +the consequences to many of those who are engaged in these theoretic +inquiries, must we not conclude that they tend little to righteousness, +and less to their own peace. + + + + + LETTER X. + + +Religion being a subject of the greatest importance to man, and a matter +solely between the Creator and the individual who worships him, its +rewards and its punishments appertaining to that kingdom which is not of +this world, and "the conscience of man being the seat and throne of God +in him, of which He alone is the proper and infallible judge, who by his +power and spirit can rectify its mistakes;"[72] and it being man's duty +to worship according to the dictates of that conscience, it must follow, +not only from the precepts of the Christian religion, but also from the +clearest dictates of reason, that every attempt on the part of others to +control or direct his belief, is a usurpation; and the injustice is not +greater than the folly of such attempts; for who is there that can +believe that the coerced acquiescence in any form of worship, can be +grateful in the sight of the Almighty; or that he who, by the exertion +of power, thus makes hypocrites, can render a service acceptable to him. + +Footnote 72: + + Barclay. + +Yet, notwithstanding this self-evident truth, we find the spirit of +persecution had taken such fast hold of the minds of men, and had become +so identified with the priestly character, that although they were +always ready to complain, and recommend moderation, when suffering from +its exercise by others, they generally resorted to it when their own +sect became dominant, and ages elapsed before the principles of +toleration gained the ascendency in any portion of the globe. And it is, +indeed, painful to observe with what reluctance this wicked prerogative +of power has been abandoned, and that in this country, in the full +exercise of the rights of conscience, and in the midst of the blessings +which accrue from it, individuals are found in different Christian +societies who evince by their conduct, the old spirit; and who, happily +restrained by the law from the use of the sword and faggot, freely +indulge in contumely and reproach, the only weapons left them. + +The Society of Friends early distinguished themselves as champions for +the rights of conscience, and the consequences which resulted from the +practical exercise of this principle in settling the province of +Pennsylvania, have, both mediately and immediately, been of incalculable +advantage in softening the hearts, and enlarging the minds of men, and +have caused the name of Penn to be enrolled in the first class of the +benefactors of mankind. + +The soil of Pennsylvania was dedicated by the great proprietor to +religious freedom; it was the asylum offered to all sufferers for +conscience sake; and our legislators, acting on the same principles, +have done their part by protecting it from the actual violence of +bigotry. This is all that they could do, and the duty remains to each +religious community to suppress that spirit, which, when indulged, +eradicates from the human heart all the charities of life. + +This is the duty of all, and, in a more especial manner, of those who, +professing to be of the same faith, also profess to walk in the path of +that man: and that they are now called to the exercise of this duty must +be evident from the course which you and some others have pursued. + +"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? To his own master he +standeth or falleth; yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make +him stand. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at +nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of +Christ. Let us not judge one another any more."[73] + +Footnote 73: + + Romans, chap. xiv. + +This was the exhortation of Paul to the Romans, when instructing them in +the use of Christian liberty; for he had been taught by his master, +_that there were other sheep, though not of this fold_.[74] You, +however, seem to be in the state of Peter before his vision, who thought +it unlawful to eat with the uncircumcised, and knew not, _that on the +Gentiles also, was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost_: and, like +James and John, you seem ready to call down the fire of heaven on those +who do not receive the gospel according to your own particular ritual, +although you must have read the rebuke of their master, "Ye know not +what manner of spirit ye are of; for the Son of man is not come to +destroy men's lives, but to save them."[75] + +Footnote 74: + + John, chap. x. + +Footnote 75: + + Luke, chap. ix. + +You denounce the members of Bible and Missionary Societies, and the +ministers of most other sects, and stigmatise their endeavours to spread +the gospel, _as an abomination in the land_; and accuse them of taking +from the widow for their own aggrandisement.[76] You say that they +compass sea and land to make a proselyte, and that _when he is made, +they have made him two-fold more the child of hell than he was +before_;[77] and, in speaking of the studies which many religious +societies enjoin as a preparation for the ministry, you call it +inventing religions by earthly science; and, usurping the judgment seat, +you boldly pronounce every priest, thus made, to be _an enemy to his +God_;[78] thus indiscriminately anathematising thousands and tens of +thousands of men, of whom you know nothing. + +Footnote 76: + + Philadelphia Sermons, pages 23, 24, 26. + +Footnote 77: + + Phil. Sermons, page 120. + +Footnote 78: + + Philadelphia Sermons, page 289. + +Yet, when it answered a present purpose, we find you asserting, "that +the law of the spirit of life in you, is not the law of the spirit of +life in your brother, whose bondage here may be different from your own; +that each requires a law peculiar to himself; and that the law in +another man's mind is no law to us;" and you say you believe that there +are among the Christian professors, many who are industriously seeking +the Lord, although under the power of tradition and education, and the +superstition that reigns in the land.[79] + +Footnote 79: + + Philada. Sermons, pages 51, 267. + +That no man can tell how far his own opinions are influenced by +tradition and education is unquestionable, and it ought to render us +cautious in censuring those of others; and if it is indeed true, that +each requires a law peculiar to himself, and that the law in another +man's mind is no law to us, it must follow that we can form no idea of +another's duty, and that to attempt to censure or direct his conduct, is +as unwise as it is presumptuous. And we can account for your +inconsistency, only by supposing, that you believe yourself possessed of +a faculty heretofore thought to be an attribute of Omnipotence only, and +that you also are a searcher of hearts; or that, like Mahomet, you have +especial revelations which release you from the obligations which you +impose on others. + +Neither of your positions appear to me to be correct. I believe with one +of the most exemplary ministers that the Society of Friends ever +produced,[80] that all true Christians are of the same spirit, though +their gifts may be diverse; that sincere, upright hearted people in +every society who love God, are accepted of him; and that Christianity +is a pure principle in the human mind, _which is confined to no forms of +religion, nor excluded from any_, where the heart stands in perfect +sincerity. + +Footnote 80: + + John Woolman, pages 9, 81, 325. + +These are the opinions of one, who I cannot be mistaken in considering, +as of greater authority than yourself; for the history of his life +discovers the uniformity of his belief; and the moderation which +characterised his language and opinions, sufficiently prove that he +adopted in practice the recommendation of a very pious man,[81] "turn +your eyes inward upon yourself, for you can hardly exceed in judging +your own actions, nor be too cautious and sparing in censuring those of +others; and _censuring_, indeed, this deserves to be called, in the +worst sense of the word, rather than _judging_; if we consider, not only +how unprofitable to any good end, but how liable to infinite mistakes, +and very often how _exceedingly sinful_, all such judgments are." + +Footnote 81: + + Thomas a Kempis. + +I am not a member of any Missionary or Bible Society, nor are all the +measures pursued by either of them, in accordance with my opinions; but +I see among them, men who, by their lives and conversations, evince the +purity and uprightness of their motives, and I dare _not judge them, +lest I be judged_. + +In reading the rash and uncharitable assertions which I have quoted, I +have imagined one of these men expostulating with you. Suppose him to +say, Look to the many pious, charitable, and distinguished men who are +among us, and say whether you really believe they would rob the widow of +her mite for their own aggrandisement? Or do you believe that the +labours of a Wilberforce,[82] who has devoted all his talents, and +passed a life in unparalleled exertions for the relief of the oppressed +Africans, and in communicating to them a knowledge of the Christian +religion, are an abomination in the land? You appear to have your mind +exercised on account of this people, and have expressed great zeal on +their behalf; but your labours seem to be confined to declamations among +your friends in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, among whom slavery does not +exist, and whose abhorrence of the practice is equal to your own. + +Footnote 82: + + He is one of the most active members of the Society for propagating + the gospel. + +Compare these labours with those of one of our brethren,[83] who, under +a like concern, believed himself called to visit the mansions of misery, +and endeavour to pour into the afflicted bosom of wretchedness, the +consolations unfolded by the gospel. He knew the perils and privations +that awaited him, and he encountered them all. Excluded from the society +of the white inhabitants, and continually assailed with contumely, he +passed his days among this miserable and degraded race, until, under the +pretext that he fomented rebellion among the slaves, he was imprisoned +and condemned to die, on the oaths of some of these wretched beings, +whose own lives depended on the testimony they gave. This was all that +his enemies could do, for the regulations of the government of England +did not permit the execution of the sentence until ratified by them, and +the proceedings were no sooner known there than they were annulled. But +it was too late! the severity of his imprisonment in an unhealthy +climate had hurried him to his grave. His journal and letters show the +extent of his labours, and that in many instances, even the imperfect +knowledge and experience which his converts must necessarily have had of +our religion, had produced a striking improvement in their conduct and +conversation, and afforded great encouragement to expect the happiest +results. + +Footnote 83: + + The missionary Smith. + +Now, can you believe that this man, who has given such evidence of the +sincerity of his belief, and of his devotedness to what he deemed his +duty, could be numbered among the enemies of his God? Or that the +glimpse of gospel light which he had been instrumental in communicating +to the benighted minds of the miserable beings around him, had made them +_two-fold more the children of hell than before_? + +To such expostulations you could make no reply, nor can the imagination +conceive any plausible apology for the terms you have used. The +inconsistency and extravagance of the assertions carry with them their +own refutation, and the coarseness of the language can inspire nothing +but disgust in every liberal mind. In one point of view only, can they +be of importance to any but yourself, and that is, as it affects the +reputation of the society of which you are a member; and as these +sentiments are alien to those of that respectable body, it is to be +lamented that a meeting which was probably attended by people of various +religious professions, was permitted to separate, without some +individual whose mind was imbued with their truly catholic principles, +explaining what they really are; so that none might go away in the +belief that _this people also_, presume to scan the limits of the mercy +of the Almighty, "and deal damnation round the land, on each they judge +his foe." + +Nor do I believe that your own heart responds to such sentiments, or +that in your cooler moments you can possibly believe them correct. The +tongue is an unruly member, and he who talks much, will sometimes talk +unwisely. We are told that although man can tame the beasts of the +forest, "the tongue no man can tame." "Behold," (says the apostle,[84]) +"how great a matter a little fire kindleth." "Therewith bless we God, +even the Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the +similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and +cursing. _My brethren these things ought not to be so._ This wisdom +descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. But the +wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and +easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality +and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, +of them that make peace." + +Footnote 84: + + James, Chap. 3. + +An accurate observer will often discover how erroneously the zeal of +individuals operates: he will see around him numbers always ready to +counsel and advise their neighbours; to detect their errors and reprove +their aberrations: but how few among us scan with equal severity their +own; and this, because there is something gratifying in the superiority +which attaches to the counsellor and censor of others, but always +troublesome, and often painful, to sit in judgment on ourselves. So when +the preacher is followed and applauded, it often begets a restless +spirit: silent worship no longer affords him satisfaction, and he seldom +permits it to others, when he is present. Few men have such fertility of +imagination as to be able to vary such frequent discourses; he is often +at a loss for a subject, and seizes with avidity every new idea, +regardless of its correctness, if it possesses the charm of novelty. + +The author of an essay on practical piety[85] makes some reflections on +the situation of ministers of the gospel, which ought to be attentively +considered by them. "There are perils on the right hand and on the left. +It is not among the least, that though a pious clergyman may, at first, +have tasted with trembling caution of the delicious cup of applause, he +may gradually grow, as thirst is increased by indulgence, to drink too +deeply of the enchanted chalice. The dangers arising from any thing that +is good, are formidable because unsuspected. And such are the perils of +popularity, that we will venture to say that the victorious general, who +has conquered a kingdom, or the sagacious statesman who has preserved +it, is almost in less danger of being spoiled than the popular preacher; +because their danger is likely to happen but once, his is perpetual: +theirs is only on a day of triumph, his day of triumph occurs every +week; we mean, the admiration he excites. Every fresh success ought to +be a fresh motive to humiliation: he who feels his danger will +vigilantly guard against swallowing too greedily, _the indiscriminate_ +and often _undistinguishing_ plaudits, which his _doctrines_, or his +_manner_, his _talents_ or his _voice_, may equally procure for him. If +he be not prudent as well as pious, he may be brought to humour his +audience, and his audience to flatter him with a dangerous emulation, +till they will scarcely endure truth itself, from any other lips. The +spirit of excessive fondness generates a spirit of controversy. Some of +the followers will rather improve in casuistry than in christianity. +They will be more busied in opposing Paul to Apollos, than in looking +unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith, than in bringing +forth fruits meet for repentance. _Religious gossip_ may assume the +place of religion itself. A party spirit is thus generated, and +christianity may begin to be considered as a thing to be discussed and +disputed, to be heard and talked about, rather than as the productive +principle of virtuous conduct." + +Footnote 85: + + H. Moore. + +That this spirit exists in a considerable degree among a portion of the +Society of Friends, I think cannot be doubted; and it would indeed be +wise in each individual, seriously to scrutinize his own conduct, and +consider whether he has been instrumental in generating or propagating +it. + + + + + CONCLUSION. + + +When I first undertook to review some of the prominent features in the +sermons alluded to, I did expect to confine my remarks within a narrow +compass; but the topics which the author discusses are so various and +the applications so numerous, that it unavoidably led to their +extension, and I have at last left many untouched which are entitled to +very serious consideration. + +I know there are some very serious and pious men who lament that these +sermons were published; but I am not of their opinion; for although they +may, in one point of view, be prejudicial, an accurate knowledge of the +whole scheme, must I think convince every thinking mind, that it is not +only inconsistent with the christian religion, but that its parts are so +discordant, and its doctrines so darkly mysterious, as to elude the +comprehension of man; and that the author, so far from elucidating that +religion by his boasted reliance on the human understanding, has been +led by that modicum of it possessed by himself, into many notions +totally irreconcileable to right reason. + +In one respect they may be injurious; not by making converts to the +system, but by impairing the belief of individuals in the truths +recorded in Scripture, and thus paving the way to complete infidelity; +for there are few minds so stolid as really to have faith in a religion, +founded on a book, which they believe to be itself a fiction. + +It would perhaps be advisable for every member of the Society, after +perusing these sermons, to read the life and writings of John Woolman. +Contrast often serves to elucidate the truth, and the dissimilitude is +so great, that they will have little difficulty in discovering which has +been actuated by that humble, peaceable, and gentle spirit, recommended +by the example and precepts of the Founder of our religion. They were +probably equally deficient in human learning; but while the one, +confident in his own abilities, is continually involving himself in +contradictions by allusions to subjects which he does not understand; +the other, favoured with what learning can never supply, a large fund of +_good sense_, pursues the even tenor of his way without entanglement or +inconsistency: the one, labouring to clothe his arguments in the +brilliant language of the orator, leaves them involved in inextricable +confusion; the other, explains his ideas with a precision and clearness, +which if they do not convince cannot be misunderstood. + +Indeed there is such a sober seriousness and mildness of spirit which +breathes through all the writings of John Woolman; such unbounded +charity for others, and such severity in the examination of himself; +such persuasive earnestness in his exhortations, and such a perfect +conformity between all his principles and practices, that however men +may differ respecting some of his doctrines and opinions, all must +acknowledge that he possessed a mind imbued with a truly christian +spirit, and regard his tone and manner of writing as a model which ought +to be imitated by all christian professors. + +The doctrine of divine inspiration was the belief of every christian +church in its primitive simplicity, and is yet the doctrine of almost +all of them, under different names and modifications; and if the belief +in it is impaired, I fear it must, in a great degree, be attributed to +some of those who profess to be under the guidance of it. Not content +with the measure of light which it affords, and which is sufficient for +the great purpose of enabling him "to work out his own salvation," man, +in the pride of his heart, is prone to get from under that humble state, +in which alone its manifestations are rightly impressed on the mind; to +believe it is given as a substitute for, and not in aid of, our reason; +and mistaking his own visionary fancies for revelations, actually +persuades himself that he also is invested with the attribute of +omniscience. The inconsistencies in which minds thus sublimated are +always involved, are stumbling blocks to many, who are from thence led +to consider all as an illusive or hypocritical pretension. + +These are the whims of the imagination; when man in his exaltation +releases himself from the control of his reason, and eradicates from his +heart the pure and unadulterated principles of the christian religion; +when, forgetting his infirmities, and vaunting in his strength, he +assumes that station to which he is not called, and ministers to others, +when his own light is extinguished. These are they who are described by +the poet-- + + "Aspiring to be Gods, if angels fell, + Aspiring to be angels, men rebel." + +But, notwithstanding the discouraging prospects which surround this +people, I trust that all is not lost; that the ark is yet upborne by +hallowed hands; and that Sion's mount is still encircled by a chosen +band, who read with humility, reverence, and instruction, that _great +spiritual and moral code_, given to man in the name and in the majesty +of Him, "who is from everlasting to everlasting, the Almighty." + +THE END. + + + + +Transcriber's Notes: + +Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected. + +Typographical errors were silently corrected. + +Errata provided at the end of the book have been applied to the text. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Observations on the Sermons of Elias +Hicks, by Robert Waln + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 58078 *** |