But whence arises this? It arises, first, from their want of candour: they will not give us an attentive hearing; but will run away with any detached expressions, put on them a con- struction that they were never designed to bear, and draw conclusions from them that we should utterly disavow ; and then impute to us all the folly which they themselves have invented
Another source of this harsh judgment is, their ignorance of the Scriptures. They will not study the Scriptures for them- selves, nor take the trouble to compare our sentiments with the sacred records. What wonder then if they say, We are beside ourselves, when they will not listen even to the voice of God himself?
The hope of vindicating themselves is a further source of the censures they cast on us : for, if they allow us to be right, they must of necessity condemn themselves; but, if they can persuade themselves that we are mad, then they may be con- sidered as wise, and may rest satisfied with their own ungodly ways
These, together with the rooted enmity of the carnal mind against God, are some of the chief sources of that uncharitable judgment, which is passed at this day, no less than in the apostolic age, on the preachers and professors of the Gospel of Christ.]
If the Gospel deserves not such treatment, let us inquire,
III. In what light it ought to be considered —
We cannot but admire the calm and respectful, yet firm and manly, answer which St. Paul returns to the insulting language of his Judge.
d Rom. viii. 7. e 1 Cor. i. 18. and ii. 14.
f 2Kin<?s ix. 11. Jer. xxix. 20. R 2 Cor. v. 13.
r p 2