A Discourse Concerning Prejudice in Matters of Religion, Sermon
A DISCOURSE concerning Prejudice in Matters of Religion.
JOH. 1.46.
And Nathanael ſaid unto him, Can there my good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip ſaith unto him, Come and ſee.
IN the Text before us, there are Two things Obſervable. Firſt, A Doleful Effect of Prejudice. Secondly, A proper Remedy pref…ib'd, for the Care of it.
Firſt, We've a doleful Effect of Prejudice, in the former part of the verſe; Nathaniel ſaid, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Where,
Obſ. 1. THE Perſon under the Influence of Prejudice. His name was Nathanael, But who he was is uncertain. However, we know, that he was a very Good Man. Our Bleſſed Saviour Himſelf, bare witneſs of him; that He was an Iſraelite indeed, v. 47. He was a Man of great Integrity, both in the Sight of GOD and Man: A Man, in whole Spirit there was no Guile. i. e. None Allowed; none Reigning: none Imputed. This was Nathanael's Character, who was notwithſtanding in ſome meaſure under the Power of Prejudice. But then,
2. LET us conſider, What this Excellent Man, was prejuc'd againſt, or with Relation to. It was not againſt any Maxim in Philoſophy. That had been no great Wonder, for there are Multitudes of Good Men that are no Philoſophers, and are not capable of Judging of Abſtruſe points in Philoſophy. It was not againſt any inconſiderable Perſon, who had by his Irregularities, in a great meaſure ſorfeited his Credit, with this good Man. No! But,
1 HE was Prejudic'd againſt the Greateſt Truth of Revealed Religion, Even this; That Jeſus of Nazareth i… the True Meſſiah. Philip being called by Chriſt to be an Apoſtle, and finding Nathanael; tells him, that they had found Him of whom Moſes in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jeſus of Nazareth the Son of Joſeph, i. e. The Meſſiah; The Conſolation of Iſrael, whom many were then juſtly expecting. But Nathanael could not receive this Truth. He believed in the Meſſiah, Who, he thought was yet to come: But did not believe, that Jeſus was He. hence he was prejudic'd againſt the Greateſt and Beſt Man that ever was in the World, even the Man Chriſt Jeſus. Not believing Him to be the Meſſiah, as indeed He was; He muſt needs eſteem Him a Grand Impoſtor. Hence alſo, he was prejudic'd againſt the Greateſt Dety in Chriſtianity, even that, of Receiving Jeſus Chriſt. Thus Chriſt came to His own, and (for the preſent) His own received Him not. Nathanael's Prejudice, ſo blinded his mind, that he could ſee no Form nor Comelineſs in Jeſus Chriſt, who is Fairer than the Children of Men, even altogether Lovely: He could by no means believe Him to be the Meſſiah, and hence diſputes againſt believing in Him.
IT is then, no New thing, for Real Saints to be prejudic'd for a Time and in a Degree, againſt ſome of the Beſt Men in the World, yea, againſt ſome of the moſt Important Truths and Duties of Religion.
Obſ. 3. THE true Reaſons of Natbanael's Prejudice againſt Chriſt; or, whence it was, that he laboured of ſuch Prejudice. Now this was owing partly, to Nathanael's Ignorance and Miſapprehenſion: And partly, to Philip's Defectiveneſs in preaching Chriſt to Nathanael.
1. HIS Prejudice aroſe from his Ignorance and wrong Notion of the Meſſiah. For, One Abſurdity admitted, is productive of many others. Can any good thing come out of …areth? q. d. Can any worthy Excellent Perſon, Can the Promiſed & long-expected Meſſiah come out of ſuch an obſcure, contemptible Place as Nazareth? And out of a Place of which the Scripture did not make mention, as whence the Meſſiah ſhould ariſe. The People made the ſame Objection. Chap. 7.41. Shall Chriſt come out of Galilee? Nathanael conſidering the … of the Place, and not having a right notion of the Doctrine of Chriſt's Humiliation, and Expecting (as the Jewiſh Church did) a Temporal Saviour, be was Prejudic'd againſt Jeſus of Nazareth and could not at preſent, believe Him to be the Meſſiah, and as ſuch receive Him.
2. BUT then, His Prejudice was occaſion'd partly, by the Defective Account Philip gave him, of our Saviour. Nathanael was a Man, well acquainted with his Bible no doubt: A Man that had ſearched the Scripture and underſtood from thence, that according to Mic. 5.2. the Meſſiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and not in Nazareth, or Galilee. Now ſome think that Philip ſuppoſed Chriſt to be born at Nazareth, and that He was really the Son of Joſeph; and hence, fell in, with the Vulgar way of ſpeaking, calling our Saviour (as He was Uſually termed) Jeſus of N…zareth, the Son of Joſeph. Note hence.
THAT Vulgar Expreſſions are ſometimes very improper, and founded on great Mistakes. Indeed, had Philip throughly underſtood himſelf, and having ſpoken in the Popular Stile, had he expounded himſelf, and inform'd Nathanael, that Chriſt was born in Bethlehem, though called Jeſus of Nazareth, becauſe that was the Place of His Reſidence, or, for any other ſufficient reaſon: And that He was really the Son of GOD, though called the Son of Joſeph, becauſe he was the Husband of His Mother, the Bleſſed Virgin; He might poſſibly have prevented Nathanael's Prejudice, and obviated his Objection, againſt Chriſt. But it may be he was himſelf ignorant in theſe Points. And his Defect may teach the Miniſters of the Goſpel to uſe their utmoſt Diſcretion, that they may anticipate any weighty Objection, that might ariſe in the minds of their Hearers: And to take heed, they don't beget or confirm Prejudices in their minds, againſt the Truth, by an over-popular and unguarded way of Expreſſing themſelves, and by not uſing proper Diſtinctions, where the ſubject calls for them. Hence alſo Hearers ſhould be caution'd, that they don't Reject any Truth in Religion, becauſe not ſo properly expreſs'd, in ſome Sermons, as could be deſired. And that they ſhould make allowance for the Ir…firmities of Preachers, who … beſt, know but in part, and Propheſy but in part, 1 Cor. 13.9.
Secondly, WE proceed to conſider, the Remedy preſcribed by Philip, for the Cure of Nathanael's Prejudice, in the Cloſe of the Text. Come and See. q d. Don't raſhly conclude, that Jeſus is not the Chriſt! Though I can't readily Anſwer your Objection, yet I am ſatisfied He is the Meſſiah. And I don't ask you to pin your Faith on my Sleeve, but would have you come …o Chriſt your ſelf; and hear His Doctrine, See His Miracles; Obſerve His Con…tion, and Compare all with the Unerring Oracles of GOD; and then judge if This is not the Meſſiah. Don't determine, before you've impartially Conſidered the matter. This is what Chriſtians ought to do, in matters of Religion, and ſhould not take up Prejudices from Reports and common Vogue. Or, if they have ta… up Pre…udices againſt what their Spiritual Guides inform them is the Truth, or their Duty; they ſhould take this Method to Remove them. They ſhould Come and See. Examine things impartially, Be willing to be convinc'd of and ready to embrace the Truth; and attend their Duty, ſo far as Chriſt ſhall diſcover it to them. Coming to Chriſt, attending His Directions, is the Beſt Method to See our Way through the Wilderneſs of this World, to that which is to Come.
IN further ſpeaking to our Text, I ſhall take Occaſion (by Divine Aſſiſtence) to Diſcour…e of the Nature, Cauſes & Effects of Prejudice: And alſo, of the Method of preventing or Removing Prejudices in matters of Religion. I might alſo have conſidered the Signs of theſe Prejudices and the Obligations Chriſtians are under to take heed of imbibing them; or to endeavour to lay them aſide: But this would draw out my Diſcourſe to an undue length: I'll therefore content my ſelf to ſpeak particul…y, only to the Four Heads firſt mentioned. And,
Firſt, LET us conſider the Nature of Prejudice. Or, What we'er to underſtand here, by Prejudice. Now (tho' the word is frequently uſed in a different ſenſe, yet) by Prejudice, (agreeably to the Notation o… the Word) we intend here, A Raſh Judgment before Trial: or, a Wrong Judgment form'd in our Minds, before we'r well appriz'd of the Thing or Perſon we'r to judge of Now our Mind is prepoſſeſs'd, the Judgment is foreſtall'd (as we ſay) or, we prejudge the Thing.
THE Object of Prejudice in general (as we here uſe the Word) is any Thing or Perſon. There are no Perſons, but we may poſſibly be prejudic'd with reſpect to them, either againſt them, or in their favour. There is no Error in Religion ſo abſurd, but ſome or other may embrace it. There is no Truth ſo evident, no Practice …o commendable, but ſome or other may ſtumble at it.
THE Prejudices that ariſe in our Minds, may not only be diſtinguiſh'd in regard of the Object of them (ſome reſpecting Perſons, others, Things: Some relating to Points in Philoſophy or Politicks; others, to Matters in Religion, which we'r now to conſider.) But in reſpect of the degree of them. Some are more inveterate and deeply rooted, others are more ſlight and eaſily removed. But then,
Secondly, LET us take a view of ſome of the Cauſes of Prejudice in Matters of Religion, and ſee whence it is that even Good Men, are ſometimes under the Inſtuence of Prejudice. And here I might ſay, that it is owing Originally to the Corruption of our Natures. From the Beginning it was not ſo. GOD made Man Upright, perfectly free from all wrong Sentiments. But Man by his Apoſtacy, has loſt the Primitive Rect…ade of his Nature; and all his Powers are depraved and diſordered. His Underſtanding is darkned; His Will and Affections are become Rebellious and Ungovernable: the Poſſions firangely byaſs the Will; and both have a very powerful …uence on the Underſtanding to puſh it on to make a judgment of Things and Perſons, before it's rightly inform'd; and hence it comes to be fill'd with Prejudice.
NOW this Corruption remains in part even in good Men; and does in this way frequently diſcover it ſelf in them.
AGAIN, It might be added, that Satan has a great hand in the Prejudices that are to be found in Chriſtians againſt the things of GOD, as well as in thoſe againſt One Another. That Grand Adverſary has near Acceſs to our Minds, and a Power of Suggeſting Thoughts to them. He can if permitted, fill Mens Hearts. Act. 5.3. He can miſrepreſent Perſons and things to our Minds. He carries on his Accurſed Deſigns againſt us, very much in this way. He can blind the Mind. 2 Cor. 4.4. He can enter into Men. Luke 22.3. And ſome he leads Captive at his Will. 2 Tim. 2.…6. And this he does by firſt filling the Mind with Prejudice.
Briefly, IT might be Obſerv'd, that it proceeds from the Juſt Judgment of GOD upon ſome Perſons and Societies; that the Minds of Men are fill'd with Prejudice in Matters of Religion. GOD in His ſpotleſs Sovereignty does ſometimes thus puniſh Sin with Sin. We read of thoſe, who becauſe they received not the Love of the Truth — for this cauſe GOD ſhall ſend them ſtrong deluſion, that they ſhould believe a Lye, 2 Theſ. 2.10, 11. It alſo proves a Comprehenſive Judgment on ſome Families, Towns and Churches, yea Countries; that ſome Good Men are prejudic'd with reſpect to ſome Things and Perſons.
BUT to be more particular, (not that I pretend to Enumerate all the ſpecial Cauſes of Prejudice, for they being various, according to the various Objects they refer to, this would be an endleſs Task) I will mention a few Inſtances, which will help to illuſtrate the Point.
Firſt. PREJUDICES in Religion ſometimes ariſe, from a Miſunderſtanding, or Miſapplication of the Sacred Scriptures. The Apoſtle Peter obſerves that in the Epiſtles of the Great Doctor of the Gentiles, there were ſome things hard to be underſtood—which ſays he, the Unlearned Wrest— 2 Pet. 3.16. The Original Word rendred Wreſt, is a Meraphor, (ſay the Criticks) from Tormentors, who put a Man on the Wrack and Torture him ſo long, till they make him ſpeak what he never meant to ſpeak. Thus ſome Perſons ſerve the Scriptures, they force a ſenſe upon it, which the Holy Spirit never intended, nor came it into, his mind. There are many that hear the Word that do not underſtand it. Mat. 13.19. Preachers may juſtly expoſtulate with ſome of their Hearers, as our Bleſſed Saviour did with ſome of his, Joh. 8.43. Why do you not understand my Speech? Yea this is ſometimes the Caſe of Chriſt's Diſciples. Joh. 12.16. Theſe things understood not his Diſciples at the firſt. Others, they Underſtand indeed, but they miſapply the Word. Sometimes, they apply to others what they ſhould apply to themſelves, and miſerably blunder in the Application they make to themſelves. And hence they're prejudic'd againſt many Truths and Duties in Religion, and againſt thoſe that don't think with them.
AGAIN, Oftentimes theſe Prejudices are the product of Education. We ſuck in Prejudice, even from the Breaſt. The Prejudices of Education are ſometimes very numerous and commonly very powerful. The mind being in our tender Years, more ſuſceptive of Impreſſions of this kind. And ſuch Prejudices are not eradicated but with great difficulty. They're often propogated from the Father to the Son, and from one Generation they're tranſmitted to another. This we ſee awfully verifyed in the Prejudices the Jewiſh Nation are under againſt Chriſtianity, and by many ſorrowful Inſtances amongſt Chriſtians of various Opinions in Circumſtantial Points in Religion. Too many Chriſtians taking up their Principles in Religion very much upon Truſt from thoſe that have the Care of their Education, they're unaccountably prejudic'd in their favour and againſt the contrary. Mens Poſterity often approve their ſayings and Practices, tho' they are not good, Pſal. 49.13.
AGAIN, Theſe Prejudices Sometimes ariſe from the Great Veneration Men have for Ancient Cuſtoms, or what they falſely call, Ancient. There are indeed Cuſtoms that are Lawful and Commendable, To ſuch the Apoſtle refers, 1 Cor. 11.16. And the more Ancient ſuch are doubtleſs the more Venerable. But there are alſo vain Cuſtoms, Jer. 10.3. Yea, there are Abom…ble Cuſtoms, that ſometimes obtain too far among a Profeſſing People. Lev. 18.30. And ſome Cuſtoms that were o…e Allowable and Laudable, may in Proceſs of Time become inexpedient … Sinful, witneſs the Love-F…aſts, and H…ly Ki… practis'd …n the Primitive Times, to ſay nothing o… ſome obſolete Cuſtoms of this Land.
NOW many Perſons are much ſway'd by Cuſtom. Cuſtom is a Law with them. And in many Caſes it ſhould be ſo. But …or want of Diſtinguiſhing and duely comparing Cuſtoms with the Rule, many are betray'd into woful Prejudices againſt many of their Fellow Chriſtians that can't ſubmit to the Cuſtoms they've a Fondneſs for. Now ſuch as are govern'd by Cuſtom, and are not able, or don't give themſeves leave to Examine the Grounds of Cuſtom, and whither it be Conſonant to Reaſon and Scripture, will neceſſarily be prejudic'd in ſome meaſure againſt the Truth, whenever the Cuſtoms they follow, happen to be unlawful or inexpedient.
AGAIN, Sometimes Mens Prejudices in Matters of Religion owe their Original to their great Affection to, and high eſteem of theſe and thoſe Perſons, and their mean tho'ts of others. There are too many who in this reſpect have the Faith of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt with reſpect of Perſons. They receive the Word as the Word of Man, and not as the Word o… God: Contrary to the roble practice of the Theſſalonians, 1 Theſ. 2.13. They practically call thoſe whoſe Perſons they have in Admiration, their Fathers; tho' our Saviour has expreſly ſaid, Call no man Father upon Earth, Mat. 23.9. i. e. Submit not your Faith and Conſcience in Matters of Religion to any Humane Authority; nor give up your ſelves abſolutely to the conduct of any Mans Judgment in Matter of Faith. But ſearch the Scripture daily, To the Law and to the Teſtimony, or, Come and See! Now when Perſons will Embrace and Commend a Tenet or Practice, meerly for the ſake of ſome they've an high e…teem of and reject a Principle or Practice, becauſe ſome they've a mean opinion of are zealous for it, this will of Courſe …eget Prejudices in their Minds.
IT has been well ſaid,
Amicus Plate, Amiens Ariſtotles, ſed …gis Amien …titas!
AGAIN, Sometimes Mens Unweary Arguing from Events, produces Prejudices in their Minds. By this means perſons are ſometimes prejudic'd againſt the Servants of CHRIST. Thus when the Inhabitants of Melita of old, ſaw the Viper fatten on the Apoſtles Hand, they immediately thence inter, that he was a Murderer; and therefore tho' he had eſcaped the Sea, Vengeance ſuffered him not to live, Acts 28.4. But the Wiſe Man has told us that all things here come alike to all. And a greater than he has taught us, that the greateſt Sufferers, are not always the greateſt Sinners. Luk. 13. …nit. Men are ſometimes ready to condemn theſe and thoſe Principles and Practices, meerly becauſe they occaſion Diviſion. But this argues they're prejudic'd in the Caſe. And this way of Arguing from the Event occaſions this their Prejudice. But don't ſuch forget, Joh. 7.7. So there was a diviſion among the people becauſe of him. And agreeably ſays our Saviour to His Diſciples, Mat. 10.34— I came not to ſend peace, but a Sword—We. Eventually. Indeed, in many Caſes we may and ought to argue from Events, but we can't do ſo in all. I ſaid therefore Prejudice proceeds from an unwary arguing from Events. It is not always ſufficient to prove… Action faulty, becauſe the Event of it was Trouble ſome, or the occaſion of a World of Sin; for Chriſt is a Scope of Stumbling and a Rock of Offence. Not …ffy the Perſon, but the Doctrine of Chriſt is ſo. 1 Cor. 1.23. The Preathing of Christ crucify'd is to the Jews a ſtumbling block, and unto the Greeks fooliſhueſs. And there are many … that stumble at the word. 1 Pet. 2.8.
AGAIN, Some Peoples Prejudices are occaſioned by their Lusts and Idols. Thus the Diſciples of Old were prejudic'd againſt Mary's Anointing our Saviour at the Houſe of Simon the Leper. Matthew ſays, they'd indignation, ſaying, to what purpoſe is this waſte … Chap. 26.8. Mark tells us, They murmur'd againſt her, Chap. 14.5. John informs us, that Judas Iſcariot that betray'd him, ſaid, Why was not this Ointment ſold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? Chap. 12.5. And adds, ver. 6. Not that he cared for the poor, but this he ſaid, becauſe he was a thief and had the bag, and bare what was therein. It was their Coveteouſneſs that produc'd their Prejudice againſt that Noble Action, and the Godly Woman by whom it was done. Thus Mens inordinate Love of Money prejudices them againſt the Doctrine of giving Alms, and Works of Piety, or devoting their Tenths to Pious Uſes. And their Love to many other Luſts, prejudices them againſt the Miniſtry of the Word: And the Adminiſtration of Diſcipline and Cenſure of the Church.
FINALLY, (to mention no more Particulars) Mens Prejudices are often owing to the Unskilfulneſs or Unfaithfulneſs and Cowardice, or Unexemplarineſs of the Miniſters of the Goſpel. Some Pretenders to the Sacred Function are Unskilful and cannot: Others are Cowardly and …are not; others are Idle and Lukewarm and do not; Others are Unfaithful and will not rightly divide the Word of Truth. They Preach themſelves, ſtudy their own Eaſe and Secular Intereſt; Prophecy ſmooth things; and daub with Untempered Mortur; Crying Peace, Peace, when there is no Peace! Hence the People are Prejudiced againſt the Truth! Thus when the falſe Prophets of Old had flattered Ahab, that he ſhould proſper at Ramoth-Gilend, this Prejudiced him againſt the Truth delivered to him by Micaiah, and confirmed h…s hatred of him, ſo that he order'd the Prophet to Priſon, with direction that he ſhould have Priſoners fare. Thus thoſe Miniſters that don't ſpeak the Oracles of GOD, plainly, boldly, zealouſly and yet prudently, and live agreeably, will Prejudice their Hearers, it's to be feared, againſt the Truth faithfully diſpenſed by others.
AND now having conſidered ſome of the Cauſes of Mens Prejudices in Matters of Religion, I might have ſhown the Cauſes of Chriſtians Prejudices againſt one another: And ſaid that ſometimes Chriſtians (ſuch as they are) are Prejudiced againſt others; becauſe others are Prejudiced againſt them: Or, becauſe they too eaſily take up Reports of their Fellow Chriſtians, without enquiring into the Foundation thereof: or, becauſe they hear of others Failings, but not of their Humiliations: The News of which is not wont to fly ſo ſwiftly as that of their Miſcarriages: But it's beſide my preſent deſign to inſiſt on theſe things. Let us therefore,
Thirdly, CONSIDER, Some of the Woful Effects of Prejudice in Matters of Religion. Theſe are very numerous; A few Inſtances may be propoſed under two Heads. 1. They hinder much Good. 2. They do much Harm.
Firſt, THEY hinder much Good. They hinder Mens doing good. They often hinder Mens accepting Chriſt and Entring on a Courſe of Religion. Some are prejudic'd againſt engaging in a Courſe of Religion, becauſe they imagine that the power of Godlineſs is inconſiſtent with Pleaſure; others, becauſe they apprehend it will hurt their Worldly intereſt: Like the Young Man in the Goſpel, who went away from Chriſt Sorrowful, becauſe he had Great Poſſeſſions; and could not find in his heart to ſell all, to buy the Pearl of great price; or, becauſe they obſerve that ſome Profeſſors of Religion, don't live anſwerably to their Profeſſion. By ſuch groundleſs Prejudices, ſome are diverted from giving up themſelves to GOD.
AGAIN, Theſe Prejudices, as they obſtruct a work of Converſion, ſo they hinder a work of Reformation. So long and ſo far as Men are prejudic'd, either in favour of their own Corrupt Tenents, or Irreligious Practices; or againſt the Truths and Ways of God; they'll hold faſt deceit and refuſe to return. If they've left off to be wiſe and are gone back from God, and are turned aſide after lying vanities; they'll not return, or but feignedly, while their woful Prejudice are retained. Briefly, let what will be amiſs, and let it be ever ſo obvious, while the Man is under the Malignant Influence of Prejudice, he'll hold on his Way, and wax worſe and worſe.
AGAIN, Prejudice in matters of Religion hinders Mens Receiving Good. It lamentably obſtructs the ſucceſs of the Goſpel, the Efficacy of the Word, Sacraments and Cenſures. The Word tho' ever ſo Excellently Preach'd won't profit, unleſs mined with Faith, received in Love, laid up in the Heart, and practiſed in the Life. Now Men won't do this, while prejudic'd againſt the Word. So then, theſe Prejudices, hinder Mens doing and receiving Good: They hinder the Divine Bleſſing from accompanying their Endeavours and the Means of Grace, and conſequently the Glory of GOD and the Good of Souls, which is the Chief Good.
Secondly, THEY do much harm, they do a World of Miſchief. Firſt, they often hurt Mens Credit, fully their Reputation, darken their Character, and render them ignominious to a great degree.
HENCE, it is that Men often ſpeak and act very Unreaſonably; they're ſo far from carrying it Chriſtianly, that they don't ſhew themſelves Men. They'r like thoſe the Apoſtle Peter deſcribes, they ſpeak evil of the things they underſtand not: Or, like thoſe we read of, 1 Tim. 1.7. They underſtand neither what they ſay, nor whereof they affirm. Now it is very diſhonourable for any thus to … themſelves, and act like the Horſe and Mule that have no Underſtanding: Or, like the Adder, … a deaf ear to the voice of the C…r…er, charm he … ſo wiſely.
AGAIN, Theſe Prejudices hurt Mens …. To ſay nothing of their natural Tendency to leſſen M…s …iſtates, by occaſioning their miſpence of Time in needleſs and Endleſs Diſpates; By indiſposing them for, or taking them of from their E…eſs, (tho' … ſuch things have mine Eyes ſees) i'll conſider only the … Influence of theſe Prejudices. From hence it is often… Men take wrong Me… in Getting; and don't take right Courſes in laying out their … They're ſometimes ſo prejudic'd againſt the … of Doing Good with their Eſtates, thro' their … Love of the World; that they don't Honour the Lord with their Subſtance; but with-hold more …, Rob God Himſelf of his …, and this brings … to Poverty, or prevents the Bleſſing of God, which …keth R…, from accompanting their Labours and … in their particular C…ings.
AGAIN, Theſe Prejudices … Meas. Poſſerity. As was ſaid before, they're often propagated from one Go…ation to another. And no wonder, for Chriſtians are too often, more zealous in ſome Little Points that are the Objects of their Prejudice, than in the weightieſt Matters in Religion. Now GOD is won't to vi… the Iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children— And ſince it's not unuſual for the ſame mo… Cauſes to produce the ſame Effects, they may juſtly expect, that, if Prejudice in the Parent, hinder'd the Divine Bleſſ…, and proour'd the Divine Malodiction; it will produce the ſame effect on the Child, that is under the Inſtance of it. Thus Men Entail a Curſe on their Poſterity by their Prejudices in Religion.
FURTHERMORE, Theſe Prejudices, hurt Mens Souls. Were it only Mens Names, Eſtates and Families that were hurt, it were ſad, but this is not all. They hurt their Souls, and that innumerable ways. They are ſinful in themſelves, and expoſe Men to numberleſs Temptations to Sin. They lay Men open to the Wiles of Satan, and give him (who loves to fiſh in troubled Waters) a great advantage to betray them into many Sins: They greatly quench and grieve and vex the Holy Spirit, and cauſe Him to ſuſpend his Aſſiſting and Comforting Influences. They hinder Mens Growth in Grace, and render them ſometimes, meer Dwarſs in Chriſtianity all their Days.
AGAIN, They are Hurtful to Societies. They often occaſion abundance of Sinful Contention and vain Jangling. They ſet on Fire the whole Courſe of Nature, and ſometimes throw all into the laſt Confuſion. And becauſe of theſe things God is often angry, with whole Churches, and Nations and Kingdoms. None that are acquainted with Church Hiſtory will doubt the Truth of this—
IN ſhort, The Prejudices of Chriſtians in Matters of Religion, tend to bring an Odium upon Religion it ſelf and the Profeſſors it; yea they reflect diſhonour upon the Glorious Author of it, which is the greateſt Miſchief that can be thought of. As nothing does ſo much Commend Religion to the Love, Eſteem and Practice of Men, as Unity and Charity among the Profeſſors of it, joyn'd with their otherwiſe Blameleſs and Uſeful Lives: So, Nothing does more effectually Scandalize the World againſt Religion, and cauſe them to ſet their Mouths againſt the very Heavens, than Sinful Contentions and Animoſities and want of Chriſtian Charity among the Profeſſors of it. Now if Prejudice be at the Bottom of all this, then that is ultimately the Blameable Cauſe that Religion is brought into Diſrepute, and that Men ſay to the Almighty depart from us. But thus I've mention'd ſome of the Doleful Effects of Prejudice in Religious Matters, and proceed in the Laſt place to propoſe a Method of Preventing or Removing ſuch Prejudices. And here are Two Inquiries to be briefly Anſwer'd.
Firſt, WHAT ſhould Chriſtians do, to prevent theſe Prejudices? That they may'nt be infected with this Contagious Malady?
I Anſwer,
Firſt, THEY ſhould take heed of being prejudic'd at the Diſpenſers of the Word, or Profeſſors of Religion. When once perſons are prejudic'd againſt the Diſpenſers of the Word, they'll by and by be prejudic'd againſt their Miniſtry; their way of Preaching, yea againſt the Matter they preach. They'll ſometimes groundleſly Suſpect the Preacher has ſome particular Reference to their Caſe (and pray Sirs what if he has?) and this is an Unpardonable Crime with them! Hence they Nauſeate and Diſreliſh the Beſt Sermons, and ſeveral ways they diſcover this; forgetting, Miniſters are to give to every one their Portion in its Seaſon, whither they will hear or whither they will forbear, and that upon pain of Eternal Damnation if they repent not. Ezek. 33.8. Such are therefore Unreaſonable Men, with a witneſs (from all of whom, Libera nos Domine!) that are angry with the Miniſters of CHRIST for telling them the Truth, ſeeing herein they do, but what it is their Duty to do; Neceſſity is laid upon them and wo be unto them if they do it not. They ſhould then beware of being prejudic'd againſt the Miniſters of Religion, that would Steer clear of Prejudices in Religion. For moſt certain it is, that when Men have learnt on any ſcore to deſpiſe the Meſſengers of the LORD; they'll ſoon deſpiſe the Meſſage, and loath the beſt Sermons they can preach, as the Iſraelites did the Manna in the Wilderneſs. Hence thoſe very Sermons which whilſt they were free from Prejudice, againſt the Miniſters of the Goſpel, they would have highly applauded, and thought they could ſcarce exceed in Commending, now they'll Hiſs as ſcarce worth the Hearing. I ſpeak what I know, and teſtify what I have ſeen in ſeveral Inſtances! Horreſ…o R…ferens.
AGAIN, They muſt alſo take hoed of being prejudic'd againſt the Profeſſors of Religion, and looking upon them in general as a Company of Hypocrites. For though its probable there's none of our Churches, wherein there are not ſome Hypocrites, yet the Law of Charity obliges us to hope, that many it may be the moſt are Sincere. And ſuch are very unjuſt that condemn all, for the ſake of ſome few. And they act very unſafely in this reſpect, in that this their way tends to prejudice them againſt Religion.
Secondly, THEY ſhould be well acquainted with the Word of GOD, and Read and Hear it and ſubmit to it as the Word of GOD.
THE Sacred Scriptures are able to make wiſe unto Salvation, to enlighten the Eyes; and make wiſe the Simple. They are perfect, Teaching all that is neceſſary to be Believed and Done in Religion. And ſo long and ſo far as our Judgments and Practices are govern'd by the Word of GOD, we're ſafe; there's no Danger of our being prejudic'd againſt the Truths and Ways of GOD. But when we depart from this Rule, we are immediately in Danger. So then Chriſtians ſhould ſearch the Scriptures daily and diligently, and labour to Underſtand what they Read and Hear, and Submit to what they find to be the Truth, how contrary ſoever to their Opinion or Practice, Humour or Intereſt: Or to the Opinion or Practice of any other Perſon or Party. Chriſtians muſt therefore Read and Hear the Word, as the Word of GOD, and not as the Word of Man. For when once Chriſtians come to hear Sermons as the Word of Man and look no further, not conſidering in whoſe ſtead the Miniſters of the Goſpel ſtand while in the Diſcharge of their Office; and in whoſe Name they ſpeak; they'll ſoon be in danger of ſaying at leaſt in their Practice, as the Hearers of the Prophet Jeremiah, Chap. 6.16, 17. — We will not Walk therein — We will not Hearken:
Thirdly, THEY ſhould take heed of Superſtition. Some Perſons are much addicted to Superſtition. Thus it is with moſt that are of a Scrupulous Conſcience. They'r ready to look upon many things as Sins, which God has not forbidden: And many things as Duty which GOD has not required. They'd be wiſer and holier, not only than their Teachers, but then God Himſelf. Whereas it is by the Law, we attain the knowledge of Sin, And where there is no Law there is no Tranſgreſſion. Now as Prejudice ſometimes begets Superſtition, ſo Superſtition leads to Prejudice, and not ſeldom ends in it, as in an enchanted Circle. Chriſtians then muſt carefully avoid Superſtition, or beware of thinking themſelves or others, oblig'd to do more than the Law requires, or to abſtain from what the Law no where forbids.
Fourthly, COME and See. i. e. Get and maintain within you a Teachable, Governable Diſpoſition. Come and See. … Exerciſe your Reaſon. Don't ſhut your Eyes againſt the Light. Hear Counſel and receive Inſtruction that ye may be wiſe in your Latter End. Shew your ſelves Men, and act like Cauſes by Counſel. Remember how you have received and heard. Conſider and take Advice. Particularly, Come and See the Evil Cauſes of Prejudice… See how it is owing Originally to the Corruption of our Nature; and that Satan has a deep Deſign in promoting Prejudice in the minds of Chriſtians; and that ſometimes againſt ſome of the leaſt Commands, knowing what our Saviour has ſaid, Ma…. ….19. Whoſoever therefore ſhall break one of theſe leaſt commandments, and ſhall teach men ſo, he ſhall be called the leaſt in the kingdom of heaven: but whoſoever ſhall do and teach them, the ſame ſhall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Come and ſee that the Righteous God, does ſometimes ſuffer this own Servants to labour of theſe Prejudices, for a Time and in a Degree. Peter himſelf, was prejudic'd againſt the Doctrine of our Saviours Sufferings. And how ſeverely … our Saviour rebuke him, Mat. 16, 23. Get thee behind me Satan—.
AGAIN, Come and ſee the Doleful Effects of Prejudice, how it makes way for Sattn's entring into Men, and gives him a great Advantage againſt them: How it keeps Chriſt out of the Soul, and keeps Multitude of Souls out of Heaven. And oftentimes, it is a ſmall matter at firſt that occaſions the Prejudice, or that Perſons are Prejudic'd about, that proves fatal and ruinous. A ſmall matter ſometimes prejudices Chriſtians againſt one another, whereby they're betray'd into many Sins, and diverted from many Duties, and they are left to go on in the paths of the Deſtroyer, heaping up Wrath againſt the Day of Wrath—.
Finally, BE much in Prayer to GOD to keep your Hearts and Minds thro' Chriſt Jeſus. All our Endeavours to keep our ſelves will be in vain unleſs GOD undertake for us. He is Iſraels Keeper, He keepeth the feet of His Saints! Let us then commit the keeping of our Souls to Him, who is able to keep what we commit to Him; and to preſent us faultleſs before the preſence of His Glory with exceeding Joy!
But then the
Second Enquiry is, WHAT ſhould Chriſtians do when under Prejudice, to get their Prejudices Removed? What ſhall they do, that their Minds may be cured of this evil Diſeaſe, which weakens and defiles their Minds; Unfits them for and hinders them in then Operations, Tarniſhes their B…y, and will prove deadly to the Soul, unleſs it be realed
Firſt, COME and See. If you've any reaſon to ſuſpect, if any Wiſe, Knowing, Experienc'd Chriſtians ſuggeſt to you their Fears you are infected with this Diſeaſe, Come to the Word and to the Houſe of GOD, and try your ſelves by the Signs of Prejudice propos'd there. It's a rul'd Caſe, determin'd by the Infallible Judge of Com…erſies, even Jeſus Chriſt, That be that doth evil bateth the Light,—Job. 3.20. It's alſo an Argument of Prejudic, when Perſons reject Principles and Practices in Religion, becauſe embrac'd and profeſs'd and attended to, by ſuch as they've no Charity for. Alas the Truth is as precious in the Church of Rome, as in the Churches of New England. This Truth can loſe nothing of its Excellency becauſe believ'd and profeſs'd by an Heretick. Its never the leſs a precious Truth, That its ſafeſt to Truſt to the Righteouſneſs of CHRIST alone for Juſtification, becauſe Bellarmine the Atlas of Popery confeſs'd it at his Death. Its never the leſs a precious Truth and a Fundamental Article of our Holy Religion, That Jeſus Chriſt is the Son of God, becauſe the Devils in our Saviours Time confeſs'd it (without doubt) with a curſed Deſign to prejudice the World againſt it. Now this I ſay, Try your ſelves by ſuch Signs; and be willing to know you are infected with this Diſtemper, if you are ſo. What Good will it do you to perſwade your ſelves, you are well, when you are Sick. Some People in a Phrenzy, or Delirious, when the Mortal Fever is even at the height think themſelves well, and they would deſtroy themſelves if not prevented. But before the Diſtemper prevail thus far, ſee your Malady, and ſee your Danger; See the Neceſſity and Advantage of your being healed, and alſo the Neceſſity of your being in the Uſe of Means. You will never be cured if you do not do ſo. The whole have no need of the Phyſician, but they that are Sick.
Secondly, SEEK out ſeaſonably and in good earneſt for Help. The longer you delay, the more the Diſeaſe will prevail, and the more difficult will be the Cure. If other Methods avail not, repair to your Spiritual Phyſician, your Paſtor, and be content to follow his Direction, and, don't be angry with him, for telling you that you'r infected (as the manner of ſome is) and giving you an Account of the Riſe, Seat and Tendency of your Diſtemper, and how 'twill operate, and what you muſt do to be cured; and for doing his utmoſt to heal you.
Thirdly, FOLLOW the Inſtructions of your Spiritual Phyſician, ſo far as they are conſiſtent with Scripture and Reaſon, and don't meddle with ſuch as don't underſtand your Malady, or with ſuch things as may be a diſſervice to you. This is tho't Reaſonable amongſt Men, in other Caſes, we all readily ſubmit to this Method, when we or ours are Sick —. We don't baulk the Directions of the Phyſician becauſe the purſuing of them, will put us in Pain, or make us Sick, or it may be occaſion us ſome ſhame, and a little ſhock our Modeſty. Well, Let us be as wiſe for our Souls.
Finally, LOOK … GOD to direct to, and bleſs Means for your Cure. Without Him, we are all Phyſicians of no value! He is the Great Phyſician of Souls, The Lord our Healer. And tho' He will have us uſe the Means, we muſt not reſt in them, but wait on Him for a Bleſſing. And in as much as in this Caſe, our Diſeaſe is alſo our Sin, we muſt bewail it before God, and beg of Him Repentance and Forgiveneſs.
I ſhall now ſhut up the Diſcourſe, with ſaying Two Things upon the whole,
Firſt, LET us Pity and Pray for and as we can be Helpful to ſuch as Labour under ſuch Prejudice as we have heard ſomething of. We are all of us Objects of Pity, when and ſo far, as we are under the power of ſuch Prejudice. We are then eſpecially objects of the Divine Compaſſion in that reſpect, and wo unto us if God ſhould mark ſuch our Iniquities againſt us! We are alſo, under ſuch Circumſtances ſo far objects of the Pity of our Fellow-Chriſtians. Let us then have Compaſſion one towards another, and manifeſt it, by Praying heartily one for another: Bearing one anothers Burdens, and making all … ſonable Allowance one for another; and Endeavouring with the Meekneſs of Wiſdom to heal one another. Indeed Chriſtians that ſeem wilfully prejudiced, are to be admoniſhed and reproved, but then we muſt do it ſeaſonably and ſuitably: ſtill remembring and governing our ſelves by theſe Rules, Let all things be done to the Glory of God: To Edification and in Charity, as well as Decently and in Order.
Secondly, LET us all take heed of Prejudice in Matters, wherein Religion is concerned. This is our Luty, Wiſdom and Intereſt. The Light of Nature, The Word of GOD. The woful Experience of the People of GOD oblige to this. Theſe Prejudices render us ſo far unlike to God. While we indulge them we are making work for Repentance, and lay our ſelves open to the Devices of Satan. Let ſuch as think they ſtand, take heed then, leaſt they fall. He that is not Prejudiced in this or the other caſe, and that ſtands and wonders at his Neighbour's weakneſs, may be as miſerably Prejudiced in ſome other caſe, it God ſee meet to let looſe his Corruptions, and ſuffer the Evil One to aſſault Him. Let us then, not be high-minded but fear!
AND now to Him that is able to keep us from falling, or, to recover us if fallen, under the Influence of Prejudice in Religion; To the only Wiſe God our Saviour, be Glory and Majeſty, Dominion and Power, both now and Ever. AMEN.
FINIS.
To be Sold by Samuel Gerriſh, Bookſeller near the Brick Meeting-Houſe in Corn-Hill Boſton.
A Defence of the New-England Charters. By Jer. Dummer Eſq Price ſtich'd 1 s.
A Very plain and eaſy Introduction to the Art of Singing Pſalm Tunes; With the Cantus or Trebles of Twenty eight Pſalm Tunes, contrived in ſuch a manner as that the Learner may attain the Skill of Singing them, with the greateſt eaſe and Speed imaginable. By the Rev. Mr. John Tufts. Price 6d. or 5 s. the duz.
THE Grounds and Rules of Muſick Explained: Or, An Introduction to the Art of Singing by Note. Fitted to the meaneſt Capacities. By the Rev. Mr. Thomas Walter. With a Collection of Pſalm Tunes, in Three Parts, viz. Treble, Medius, Baſs. Printed from Copper Plates, engraven with great exactneſs and curioſity. And a Recommendatory Preface by ſundry Reverend and Learned Miniſters of the Goſpel in Boſton, &c. Price, ſtich'd in marble Paper, 4 s. ſingle, and 42 s. per duz. Or, Bound for 5 s. ſingle, and 52 s. the duz.
End of the text · Thomas Symmes, A Discourse Concerning Prejudice in Matters of Religion (1722)