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might allege that rejecting Scripture, he rejected all its denunciations): but it is essentially and intrinsically a sin, as implying a contempt of a primary and fundamental law given by God to man, that is to say, the law of highly probable evidence.

CHAPTER III.

MAN IS EVER A RESPONSIBLE JUDGE, ACTING BY AUTHORITY. IN MATTERS INVOLVING GREAT INTERESTS, THE RESPONSIBILITY IS MORE STRONGLY FELT.

In the earlier part of this treatise our attention was engrossed by the contemplation of the human mind judging upon evidence. We now see that we are also to judge by authority. Our notion of the authority is this. It is plain that in placing man in the world God intended, not that he should drag on an unprofitable existence in mere idleness not that he should devote his powers to the attainment of sensible objects considered abstractedly, and valued solely for their own sake; but that in everything his ultimate aim should be the glory of the Creator. To carry out such a purpose then, it is necessary that man should seek for truth: and to shew him this truth evidence is an appointed instrument. Being obliged therefore to act, he is compelled to judge, as a preliminary to such action: and therefore he

has in effect a command, much more an authority to judge. If too every thing that he has is but entrusted to him as accountable, and if in his whole conduct he perpetually acknowledges this principle, then is he ever a responsible judge acting by authority.

It may serve for illustration, if we contrast these maxims with the notions of persons, who seem to think that it is proper for them on all occasions, not only to form, but also to deliver judgments. Hence are promulgated unsound and flippant opinions, without authority or evidence, sometimes in opposition to both, upon matters of the greatest consequence. Against this kind of rashness doubtless are directed the texts of Scripture, "Judge not, that ye be not judged ";* "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth ";† “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God: let us not therefore judge one another any more." But the truly modest and humble servant of God fears even to judge privately in his own breast, unless upon a principle and with an object which he could exhibit even in the presence of his great Creator. If he does judge, he knows that his faculties are but

* Matt. vii. 1. † Rom. xiv. 4.

Rom. xiv. 12, 13.

limited, and his evidence probable. And before he expresses his sentiments to men, he is well assured that it becomes him so to do.

In matters involving great interests, there is a high degree of solemnity with which our hearts are filled. Our thoughts are more deeply fixed upon principles of religion. If we have to act, we are naturally most earnest and diligent in endeavouring duly to appreciate the evidence presented to our minds. We are scrupulous in estimating our moral position and responsibility. Accordingly our humble appeal to the God of truth, to lead us to the attainment of that truth of which we crave the possession, tends to beget a confidence, that our proper, our only means of discovery, the due use of probable evidence, will direct us rightly. Otherwise might not the dispensation under which we live seem harsh? Whereas, in the first place, our primary notions of the character and attributes of the Creator shew a priori that He would not place His creatures under such a dispensation: and secondly, experience proves (i.e. experience of the things we do know, and are able, with certain limitations, to trace from their origin to their consequences) that He has not so placed us.

CHAPTER IV.

RECAPITULATION OF ELEMENTS COMBINED IN THE

CHARACTER OF A JUDGE.

OBJECTIONS.

CONSIDERATION OF

WE may now at a glance review the features combined in our notion of one who judges. Evidence he must have, for it is this which, as we have seen, is to shew him truth Moreover if his moral conduct is involved, being compelled to act, he is compelled to judge. Hence he derives his authority. He is likewise impressed with a due sense of responsibility. Where the matter is of importance this sense is more keenly felt. It is clear therefore that great respect is due to the decision of such a judge, and will assuredly be paid.

We may now then, in the way of illustration, revert to matters which have heretofore per

*It has been recorded of an eminent judge of the early part of this century, that it was his habit to spend a considerable portion of the night preceding any trial for life or death, at which he was to preside, in earnest and anxious prayer.

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