religion rests. Although the truths of God's Word are not
reduced to a regular system in the Bible, yet, when brought together,
they make the most beautiful and perfect of all systems. It is proper,
therefore, that we should contemplate them _in a body_, as they appear
with the most perfect symmetry, in the plan of God's moral government.
There is a disposition, at the present day, to undervalue doctrinal
knowledge. Many people think it of little consequence what they
_believe_, if they are only _sincere_, and manifest much _feeling_ on
the subject of religion. But this is a ruinous mistake. There is a most
intimate connection between faith and practice. Those principles which
are believed and received into the heart govern and control our actions.
The doctrines which God has revealed in his Word are the principles of
his moral government. As we are the subjects of that government, it
cannot be a matter of small moment for us to understand, so far as we
are capable, the principles upon which it is administered. If we mistake
these principles, we may be found in open rebellion, while we think we
are doing God service. For example: God commands us not to steal. But,
if we do not _believe_ that he has given this commandment, we shall feel
under no obligation to _obey_ it. And every truth which God has revealed
is as intimately connected with practice as this, although the duty
enjoined be, in itself considered, of less consequence. Christianity is
called a spiritual building. "Ye are built up a spiritual _house_."
"Whose _house_ are we?" "We are God's _building_." Now the _foundation_
and _frame-work_ of this building are the doctrines or truths of the
Bible. Some of these doctrines are called _fundamental_ or _essential_,
because they lie at the _foundation_ of the whole building; and are so
_essential_ to it, that, if taken away, the whole would fall to the
ground. These are, The Existence of God in three persons, Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost; the Fall, and consequent Depravity of Man; the Atonement
of Christ; Justification by faith in him alone, and the Office of the
Holy Spirit in the work of Regeneration. If any _one_ of these were
taken away, it would overturn the whole building. These may, therefore,
well be called the _foundation_. But you see there are other very
important parts of a _frame_ besides the foundation. So there are many
other very important truths of Christianity, besides its essential
doctrines. But som