of philofophy. The things of God cannot be learned without the help of the Scriptures; (1 Cor. ii. 24.) and every doctrine contradicted by them is to be rejected. (Gal. i. 8, 9.) But in them we may find a complete treasure of heavenly wisdom, and a full fupply for all our infirmities; fince they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for inftruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. iii.

16, 17.

G 3

But thefe are written, that ye might believe that Jefus is the Chrift the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through

his name.

F we confider man as an accountable

IF

creature, it is neceffary that he should conform himself to fome rule of action. And if we view him as a being, who is able by his conduct to increase or diminish his future happiness, it is proper that he should chufe a true and fufficient rule to direct his ways. The only guides, that we can follow, are our own inclinations arifing from the impreffions of our fenfes, the dictates of our reafon, the information of other men, whom we esteem wifer than ourselves, and

the will of God revealed from heaven. The firft alone would be uncertain as a rule; fince our inclinations may be either innocent or blameable; confiftent with our duty, or feeking the gratification of our own appetites, without regard to the interest or happiness of others. Reafon indeed, if unprejudiced, can never approve what is vicious or unjuft. But it may be defective; unable to discover certain doctrines, or to point out in all cafes, how we ought to reconcile our own interest with the good of our neighbour. And if we had no better guide, our unruly paffions would predominate by degrees, and obfcure the light of our nobler faculties. Much the fame may be faid of the information of others. As all men are naturally fallible, we might harden ourfelves under that pretence against unwelcome truths, and refufe to hear the voice of the charmer, charm he never fo wifely. And as we are never quite certain of their integrity; it requires a previous examination of their motives and principles before they can be trusted. And after all we may be de

The

ceived by adopting their mistakes. only foundation, therefore, upon which we can build fecurely, is Divine Revelation. This, though communicated through veffels of clay, proceeds from an unerring and benevolent author. And as this revelation is only contained in the Holy Scriptures, I shall in my following difcourfe,

First, shew that their authority is fupreme and decifive in all religious queftions. And,

Secondly, that it is uniform in every article neceffary to falvation.

First, I am to fhew, that the authority of the Scriptures is fupreme and decifive in all religious questions.

As our Saviour, by the confeffion even of those who deny his divinity and atonement, came to teach mankind the will of God; and as he fent his Apostles for the fame purpose, and by virtue of the fame commiffion, we can apply to no other with

fo