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Doc. 259.] 505
REV
. T. HARTLEY’S TESTIMONY.
also many which may be passed over as matters of indifference ;
but let us not quarrel with variety, but take that which is
suited to our own apprehension and use, and leave the rest
to others, remembering that the Lord is good to all, and not
only provides for us things necessary, but also for change,
entertainment, and delight, as well in our spiritual as in our
natural state.
13. "Let it likewise be observed, that in things relating
to the condition and laws of the spiritual world, we are not
to set up our customary ideas, or the philosophical notions
we may have imbibed in this, as an adequate measure of
truth ; for things spiritual and things natural are dissimilar
and heterogeneous, and yet, when compared in the light of
true philosophy, they are analogous and corresponding : but
then the mind must familiarize itself by degrees, and acquire
a habit of abstraction, to the contemplation of spiritual sub
jects, before it be able to form proper and satisfactory ideas
of them, and then it may; for the capacities and faculties of
the human mind are immense, and by suitable discipline and
exercise may even in this life be accommodated to the re
ception of celestial science. "
14. In another part of his preface Mr. Hartley makes the
following useful remarks on the cry after wonders and miracles:
"As to that common custom of calling out for miracles, as
the only proof of the commission of those who make fresh
discoveries of truth to us; it is to be observed, that the
appeal to this test generally proceeds from much ignorance,
both as to the nature of miracles and the nature of truth.
That miracles have frequently been used in condescension to
the infirmities of human nature, and to stop the mouths of
gainsayers, as also upon other accounts, we are to acknowledge
with thankfulness, and adore therein the mighty power of
God: nay, that they have all along subsisted in the church,
and do subsist, I make no doubt, nor yet condemn the dis
belief of others as to this article ; but that they are necessary,
or promised to be the only evidence to the authority of every
extraordinary messenger, or new discovery of the truth, does
not appear; and should the heathens of the East or West
Indies put our missionaries to this proof of their authority, it
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