ttention has been
directed to other subjects, could never have reached, but which they may
nevertheless, with propriety, accept as true. It is not every one who
has time or ability to sift evidence on theological subjects, or to
criticise manuscripts; but the labours of those who have given their
attention to such things may, it is evident, justly be available for the
benefit of others. Even the wisest person accepts as true much on the
testimony of others, and that often on subjects with which he is
conversant. When his judgment is most independent he will find, if he
analyzes it, that much is borrowed. There is nothing contrary to sound
reason in all this. Without it, little progress could be made in
anything. Without it, each succeeding age, instead of standing on the
platform which had been raised by that which preceded it, would have the
weary task of commencing afresh, and could thus make few accessions to
knowledge. Trustfulness is as much a part of man's constitution, as
reasoning or any other intellectual process. Should it be said that men
often trust wrongly; it may be replied with equal force that they as
frequently reason wrongly. Probably there is less difficulty in
ascertaining where we may safely trust, than in weighing evidence
properly, or carrying out correctly a train of reasoning. Certainly
people have little difficulty, if they use their faculties aright, in
selecting a fit adviser in law or medicine. Why should there be a
greater difficulty with regard to religion? We do not mean that anyone
would be justified in so placing himself under the guidance of another,
as to _give up_ the exercise of his own judgment altogether; but, that he
may properly make use of the counsel of others, and that often to such an
extent as to overrule his own views in _forming_ his judgment.

There is another consideration, connected with this portion of the
subject, which well deserves attention. A conclusion may be a very
correct one, and may have been reached by a very satisfactory process,
although the person who has made it, may be unable to state the grounds
upon which it rests, or meet the objections which may be made against it.
This applies not only to those cases, where the conclusion mainly rests
upon trust, but also to others. An eminent statesman recommended a
person going out in an official capacity, to give his decisions
confidently, but not to venture to declare the reasons. The decisions