The Principles of Religion - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1827. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER I. ©n Religion in (General. Universal Importance of Religion.--The Belief of God its first Principle.--The next that of the Immortality of the Soul.--Universality of these Principles.--Arguments for them, --Faith their best support. RELIGION is a subject which involves so much, both of the duty and interest of mankind, that there is no situation in life, which can exempt from the considerations and obligations it imposes on all men ; or render superfluous those sources of enjoyment and consolation, which it affords to its true and humble possessors. ' rty' ' The first principle of religion is, the belief of a Supreme Being, distinguished by the name of GOD ; a Being, who is the Original Creator of all things ; who hath all power in his bands; who is perfect in wisdom and knowledge ; who is just and equal in all his ways; and whose tender mercies are over all his works. Heknoweth our most secret actions, words, and thoughts; for there is nothing hid from " Him, with whom we have to do." The next principle of religion is, the belief of the immortality of the soul, and of a future state of rewards and punishments, in which the great distinction will be made between the righteous and the wicked; those inequalities which appear in this probationary state will be removed ; and a recompence given to every man according to his works. Although these principles of religion are not attended with that kind of evidence, which the objects of our external senses generally nfiord; yet it is not a little remarkable, that there are scarcely any other subjects, which have obtained such general belief and persuasion amongst mankind ; though often mixed with many gross ideas. They are principles , so interwoven with our natures, that it seems to indicate an ext...