The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural…

§. 5. At last having for many years laboured to compose my mind and life, to the Principles of this Religion, I grew up to see more difficulties in it, than I saw before: And partly by temptations, and partly by an inquisitive mind, which was wounded with uncertainties and could not contemptuously or carelessly cast off the doubts which I was not able to resolve, I resumed afresh the whole inquiry, and resolved to make as faithful a search into the nature and grounds of this Religion, as if I had never been baptized into it.

§. 5. At last having for many years laboured to compose my mind and life, to the Principles of this Religion, I grew up to see more difficulties in it, than I saw before: And partly by temptations, and partly by an inquisitive mind, which was wounded with uncertainties and could not contemptuosly or carelesly cast off the doubts which I was not able to resolve, I resumed afresh the whole inquiry, and resolved to make as faithfull a search into the nature and grounds of this Religion, as if I had never been baptized into it.

The first thing I studied was, the Matter of Christianity, What it is? and the next was the evidence and certainty of it: of which I shall speak distinctly.

The first thing I studyed was, the Matter of Christianity, What it is? and the next was the evidence and certainty of it: of which I shall speak distinctly.

§. 6. The Christian Religion is to be considered, 1. In its self, as delivered by God. 2. In its Reception and Practice by men professing it. In its self it is Perfect, but not so easily discernible by a stranger; In the Practisers it is imperfect here in this life; but more discernible by men that cannot so quickly understand the Principles; and more forcibly constraineth them to perceive its holiness and worth; Where it is indeed sincerely practised: And is most dishonoured and misunderstood through the wickedness of Hypocrites who profess it.