NUMBER XXXVI. ON ENTHUSIASM. Let not this weak unknowing hand THE precision and perspicuity with which the important and necessary articles of Christian faith are drawn up in the Apostles' Creed, render them sufficiently comprehensive to meet the capacity of all classes of Christian disciples. Yet what numbers, who do not fix their attention on these, plunge themselves into a wide expanse of intricacies, and become bewildered in their wanderings; so that they can neither withdraw themselves, nor proceed, without being lost in the endless maze of romantic windings. The duties of religion, too, are so clearly pointed out in the Gospel, that no one need perplex himself, or go further than that, either for the regulation of his conduct, or the formation of his religious opinions. But the weakness of human nature is such, that a due medium is rarely attended to. One goes beyond the obligations required of him; another, with indifference, most shamefully neglects them. A punctual performance of our private devotions a regular attendance on public worship and a strict attention to holy institutions are duties not only consistent with our professions, but absolutely required of us. Notwithstanding, these, according to the Gospel, should give way to the exercise of charitable and active duties of life. But, alas! how grievously mistaken are some of the frenzied enthusiasts of the present day; who, in their zeal for religion, totally neglect the relative duties, and traverse the country to expound the Scriptures and convert sinners; to the utter ruin of their own families-to the annoyance of the community-and to the great injury of true religion. How is it possible that men bred to common pursuits, and accustomed only to the ordinary occupations of life; without study, and sometimes, without common sense, should be able to explain to others what they do not understand themselves? Because," say they, like the Apostles of old, we are inspired. Were they not all poor illiterate men? some fishermen, one a tent maker, another a tax-gatherer?” · Hold! says the Biographer, nor suppose for a moment, they were illiterate on that account. For it was the wise custom of the Jews, however respectable and affluent in circumstances, to bring up their children to some trade; that in case of need, they might be able to maintain themselves by the profession or trade in which they were instructed. St. Paul, therefore, being taught the art of tent making, was no reproach to him, nor impediment to his sublimer studies. Those who are versed in the history of the Apostles, are well aware that St. Paul studied under Gamaliel, an eminent Doctor of the Law; under whose tuition he made such progress, that he far excelled the rest of his fellow students, as we read in Galatians: whence it appears that he was a person of more than ordinary parts and diligence. Neither was St. Matthew an illiterate or needy man. A publican or gatherer of the taxes and tributes, was an office, in those days, of credit and reputation, usually conferred upon Roman Knights. Fl. Sabinus, the Emperor Vaspasian's father, was publican of the Asian Provinces. But the Roman tax-gatherers generally farmed out the business to some of the natives, who best understood the affairs of their own country, St. Matthew, we are informed, was one of these farmers or collectors of the customs; who had very powerful engagements to the world, was in plentiful circumstances, and was in a fair way of increasing his wealth, when he was called by Christ to the Apostleship. Notwithstanding, he left every thing, and gave up all his fair prospects, without hesitation. And though it may appear singular that he should immediately relinquish all, and follow a stranger, still his understanding is not to be called in question. "For," says his Biographer, "it was hardly probable that soft-headed persons would be put into an employ ment of so much difficulty and concern to the public, as his was." St. James the Less, too, with his brother Jude, cannot with any degree of propriety be classed among the ignorant, or lower order; being the sons of Alpheus, a learned man and superintendent of the Church of Jerusalem'. And St. Barnabas, though not numbered among the twelve, was considered by St. Luke and the primitive Church as an Apostle. He studied with St. Paul under Gamaliel, and sold his estate for the relief of the poor; both which circumstances are sufficient to testify that he was a man of property and learning. As to the poor fishermen, who were named by our Lord as His Apostles, if we take into consideration the ancient custom of the Jews, with respect to the education of their children, may it not be as reasonable to suppose, that even some among them were men of learning as that they were all illiterate? It seems hardly fair, at this distance of time, to put them on a footing with that order of society which follows the occupation of fishing in the present day. And the writings they have left behind them appear to contradict the charge. Yet, the notion that they were all poor illiterate beings, is so prevalent, that any individual of mere moderate capacity indulging a different opinion, would, in all probability, be ridiculed and scoffed at, should he venture to assert that the Apostles could lay any claim to learning or affluence, without referring to chapter and verse in support of so bold an assertion. And after all, of what avail to grope out from obscurity, or to throw any bright gleams on these worthies? They fulfilled their ministry; whether they were rich or poor, learned or unlearned. Why should we perplex ourselves, then, on points which early historians have neglected to record, because they were unessential for us to know? For no better reason, perhaps, than to put to flight those chimerical notions of the itinerant preachers of the present day, who never fail to impress on the minds of their auditors, that the Apostles were all men of low extraction like themselves; and who, like them, were inspired to preach the Gospel to all the world. The multitude, incapable of discriminating, never take into consideration that the Apostles were contemporary with our Saviour, and were instructed by Him; so the contagion quickly spreads among them, and zealots more wild spring up daily, to rend the air with their profane vociferations and make a mockery of religion. To pass over Mr. Alexander Fletcher, of notorious memory, Mr. Smith, who was accepted by the L-nd-n M-ss-n-ry Society as a person well qualified to spread the good tidings of the Gospel far and near; and who, by the way, John Bull declares, never took any orders but those he received for bread, when he was a journeyman baker; and a few other Rev. Gentlemen of equal parts and distinction: let us just take a glance at one or two of less importance. |