There is a great difference betwixt the views even of natural men on the subject of divine truth, a difference which is strikingly exemplified by the very different language of the three Roman governors, Festus, Agrippa, and Felix, in reference to the preaching of Paul. Festus spoke out in the bold language of a natural man, to whom the preaching of the Gospel was foolishness ‘Paul, thou art beside thyself: much learning doth make thee mad.’ Agrippa was impressed and moved, for he said, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian;’ and was still more deeply moved, for, ‘as Paul reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled.’ The natural man, then, may know something of divine truth, — he may even be impressed and affected by it, without acquiring that saving knowledge which our Lord himself declares to be ‘eternal life.’
Hosea 4:6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge
In a short time there will (we have reason to fear) remain but two kinds of persons among us, either those who think not at all, or those whose imaginations are active indeed, but continually evil. Of these latter it may be said, "Their foolish heart was darkened." Of the principles, I do not say of the detail, of political science, a sound theology is the only sure and steady basis. Now we trace the operations by which a destruction so extended in its consequences has been effected. The master-spring of every principle which can permanently secure the stability of a people is the fear and knowledge of Almighty God. The first operation of a principle of atheism, and perhaps one of the most formidable in its consequences, is that which leads political men to conceive of Christianity as a mere auxiliary to the State. Religion was not instituted (in the Divine council I mean) for the purpose of society and government, but society and government for the purposes of religion. As a...
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