The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-06-26
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Facts for Skeptics.

L. Inat certain evils exist In the world,
none, either the believer or skeptic, can
deny. We are met on every hand by
moral delinquences, sorrow, disease and
death. These facts are indisputable.
Thus far, Infdelity and Christianity are
upon common ground. But when we ask
the skeptic for explanations and solutions,
it is here that faith and unbelief sepa-
rate. Christianity admits the facts and
proceeds to account for them, and offers
remedy, but whilst skepticism abounds
in admissions of evil, it is silent as a
stock, in regard to an antidote; or if it
proffers one at all, it is so circumscribed
and limited, as to be available, to few
only. The Gospel restorative on the
contrary, is rendered to all. Human So
cieties exclude certain ages, but in that
grace of God which has appeared to
mankind, the young, the old, the middle
aged, the very baby in the cradle, can be
made partaker of the benefit.
2. Eue1y rank in society is embraced
by the Gospel, The nobleman, the serf,
the master, the servant, the rich, the
poor, the learned and the unlearned.
3. The terms of this salvation are un-
like all earthly schemes. Admsttance IS
free. Human associations demand q
price, but the Gospel accepts no recon-
pense. The dictate is, he that enters,
let him do it without money. God
chooses the poor.
4. The Scriptures are in opposition to
mans natural desires. This volume con-
demns his dearest lusts. Could such an
idea have originated in the corrupt source
of mans unregenerate heart? Would
an individual voluntarily pass sentence
on his best loved idols? To illustrate;
creature cherishes vengeance, but this
Gospel says, "Avenge not yourselves. /"
If you are prosecuted, pray for the per-
secutor. "Do good to them that hate
you," and if one cheek be smitten, turn
the other also.
S. The Book abounds in such para
doxes as the following: "Blessed are
they that MOURN" "Blessed are the
poor in spirit "BIessed are ye when
men shall revile you Glove of money
is the root of all evil" "Cast thy bread
on the waters.
6. The Scriptures empty man OF
pride and self. They tell Of strength
flowing out of weakness, glory out Of
shame, and life out of death. Selfsac-
rifce is the first step toward true honor
No man lives to himself and no man dies
to himself. In the volume under discus
sion, holiness is an indispensable pre-re.
quisite to happiness and heaven, Is this
doctrine divine or is it human? If hu.
man, vile, selfish creature shuts the
gates of joy, here and hereafter, IN hi
oaca face.
7. The Gospel explains affliction
"Tribulation worketh patience, and pa
tiepce experience, and experience hope
and hope maketh not ashamed, because
the love of God is shed abroad in oul
hearts" J" The gold, incrustated with
dross, needs the fiery furnace, and the
smelter only blows the Goals until hi
own image is discoverable,
s. The Gospel elucidates Inequalities
in the present world. This is land O
probation and pilgrimage. 1t is tru'
that to him who runs we'll there are many
peaceful hours on the journey. Blu
about this we need not be over anxious
Heaven and not earth contains the goal
There we shall reap glory, immortalit,
and eternal life. The deepest wrong
have only to be borne for season
Richard Allestree, when speaking of tn
early martyrs, says; Goods furnac
made their crowns splendid, gave then
majesty of shine and an imperia
glory j.. 5. GRAsTY.
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