[3.] The judgment of others will be no plea for us in the last day, if we be wrong ; for we are to follow the dictates of our own consciences. I say not that we are to follow our own private fancies, but conscience enlightened by the word. So ' the spiritual man jutlgeth all things,' 1 Cor. ii. 15 ; that is, for his own satisfaction, otherwise it will not excuse us that we depended on the judgment of others : * If the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch,' Mat. xv. 14. Not only one, but both ; not only the blind leader and guide, but those that are led by them into a wrong way ; it endeth at last in perdition.
2. I will state it, since many abuse this principle of trying all things, and upon the pretence of it give over themselves to a vertiginous spirit, wandering in a maze of errors, till at length they come not only to despise their guides, and all the helps which God hath offered in the church, but to cast off all fear of God, and sense of religion itself. Therefore I shall state it.
[1.] We should be so far confirmed in principles and supreme truths, that we should be more ready to maintain than examine them and commit them to the uncertainty of dispute. In things clear and evident, it is a madness to he still doubting and making inquiries: Deut. xii. 30, 'And that thou inquire not after their gods.' It is dangerous to loosen foundation-stones.
VeR. 10.] SERMONS UrON EPHESIANS V. 297
[2.] We must not be so still trying and proving as to hold nothing certain in religion. This is to be 'ever learning, and never able ta come to the knowledge of the truth,' 2 Tim. iii. 7, and to turn the sureness of the christian faith into a mere scepticism, and distract our minds still with new inquiries.
[3.] Not to try so as lo cast ourselves on a temptation. Men take- occasion hence to run through all sects and opinions in religion. Why ? They say they must try all things ; that is, as they interpret it, run into- the mouth of danger, and think no harm will come of it. No ; the meaning is, in these things which by the providence of God are pro- pounded to you for truths, and come to you in the way of an ordinance : Acts xvii. 11, ' These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so.' Or if cast by necessary ordinary conversation on differing parties ; or when doubts- and scruples arise in our minds. Smothering of doubts breedeth atheism and hardness of heart. Or as to the present truth : 2 Peter i. 12, ' Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remem- brance of those things, though ye know them, and be established in. the present truth.' So that a man is not to seek snares, and cast himself upon temptations, but when God in his providence puts him in such places and times where satisfaction is necessary, he must exercise himself in the word of God, that he may distinguish between good and evil,
[4.] Some things are controversial in religion, and above the size and capacity of some men's gifts. Now for them to inquire too curiously, or to define rashly in such cases, is against the apostle's rule : Kom. xii. 3, ' For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think ; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man- the measure of faith.' These presume above their measure, and are like little children, that attempt to run before they can go ; and there- fore they should content themselves with such truths as concern christians in their own vocation. God's gifts are divers, as their call- ings are in their nature and quality different. The weak in the faith must be received and owned as christians, but not to doubtful disputa- tions : Rom. xiv. 1, * Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.'
[5.] When we are to prove all things, the meaning is not that we- should study controversies, and be able to answer all the cavils of the adversary. That is a special gift required of the minister ; he must be able, Titus i. 9, ' To hold fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers.' But every man is bound to search, so as to be resolved as to his own choice and practice. And though every christian cannot answer all things that are objected against the truth, yet he is to be * fully persuaded in his own mind,' Rom. xiv. 5, and so far to look intO' things as may make for the settling of his conscience, that he may neither do things necessary to practice rashly, and without deliberation: Prov. xix. 2, 'That the soul be without knowledge is not good ; and he that hasteneth with his feet sinneth ; ' nor after deliberation doubtingly: