PREFACE. Ir is not the object of the present undertaking to discuss the Evidences, either of what is usually termed Natural Religion, or of Christianity. It has been an oft confirmed observation of the author, that, previous to the consideration of formal treatises upon the authority and obligations of any particular religion, to most men of vigorous and independent thought, in such days as these especially, there exists a numerous and serious class of hindrances, which it is proper first should be removed, before you can expect them to apply with any degree of vigour to the study of what seems involved in so much, and such repelling confusion. b "When there is a great deal of smoke and no clear flame, it argues much moisture in the matter; yet it witnesseth, certainly, that there is fire there. And therefore, dubious questioning is much better evidence than that senseless deadness, which most take for believing. Men that know nothing in sciences, have no doubts. He never truly believed, who was not made first sensible and convinced of unbelief. Never be afraid to doubt, if only you have the disposition to believe; and doubt, in order that you may end in believing the truth."-Leighton, in COLERIDGE'S "AIDS." |