DOCTRINE
Now, extremes are the error of ignorance. Generally, when men believe one truth,
they carry it so far as to deny another; and, very frequently, the assertion of a
cardinal truth leads men to generalise on the other particulars, and so to make
falsehoods out of truth. 128.169
Men are rather triflers than tremblers. If there be any doctrine which has peculiar
weight and solemnity about it, they try to pare it down to less terrible proportions.
Sin is not exceedingly sinful to them, nor its punishment exceeding terrible. 2033.386
Depend upon it, there are countless holy influences which flow from the habitual
maintenance of great thoughts of God, as there are incalculable mischiefs which flow
from our small thoughts of him. The root of false theology is belittling God; and the
essence of true divinity is greatening God, magnifying him, and enlarging our
conceptions of his majesty and his glory to the utmost degree. 2219.446
Dry doctrine, without the damping of the Spirit of God, may only make fuel for
your eternal destruction. 2284.570
I believe certain doctrines because God says they are true; and the only authority I
have for their truth is the Word of God. I receive such and such doctrines, not because
I can prove them to be compatible with reason, not because my judgment accepts
them, but because God says they are true. Now this is one of the best services we can
render to God,—to submit ourselves to him in our belief of what he has revealed, and
ask him to fix his truths in our hearts, and make us obey them. 2651.578