This abates the force of such objections, or rather precludes them.
But it may be said this does not show such objectionable things to be good, or credible.
It was a sufficient answer [ch. vii. part i.] to objections against the course of nature, that it was a scheme, imperfectly comprehended.
If Christianity be a scheme, the like objections admit of a like answer.
[In studying this chapter, let [chap. vii. part i.] be kept in view.]
I. Christianity is a scheme, beyond our comprehension.
- 1. God’s general plan is to conduct things gradually, so that, finally, every one shall receive what he deserves.
- 2. Christianity is a particular arrangement, under this general plan: is a part of it, and conduces to its completion.
- 3. It is itself a complicated and mysterious economy.
- 1.) Its arrangements began from the fall of man.
- 2.) Various dispensations, patriarchal, prophetic, &c. were preparatory to it.
- 3.) At a certain juncture in the condition of the world Jesus Christ came.
- 4.) The mission of the Holy Ghost was part of this economy.
- 5.) Christ now presides over it, and will establish the church, judge the world, give up the kingdom, &c. &c.
- 4. Of course, we can comprehend but little of such a scheme.
- 5. We plainly see, from what is revealed, that there is very much unrevealed.
- 6. Thus it is evident that we are as little capable of judging as to the whole system of religion, as we are as to the whole system of nature.
II. In both material and spiritual things, means are used to accomplish ends.
- 1. Hence a thing may seem foolish to us, because we do not know its object and end.
- 2. Its seeming foolish to us, is no proof that it is so.