EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS. 3b 



tnnes advanced in this epistle, forms a proof that he did hold 

 these doctrines ; and that the epistle bearing his name, in 

 which such doctrines are laid down, actuallyproeeeded from 

 him. 



VIII. This number is supplemental to the former. I 

 propose to point out in it two particulars in the conduct of 

 the argument, perfectly adapted to the historical circum- 

 stances under which the epistle was written ; which yet are 

 free from all appearance of contrivance, and which it would 

 not, I think, have entered into the mind of a sophist to con- 

 trive. 



1. The epistle to the Galatians relates to the same 

 general question as the epistle to the Romans. St. Paul 

 had founded the church of Galatia : at Rome he had never 

 been. Observe now a difference in his manner of treating 

 of the same subject, corresponding with this difference in 

 his situation. In the epistle to the Galatians, he puts the 

 point in a great measure upon authority : "I marvel that 

 ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the 

 grace of Christ unto another gospel." Gal. 1:6, "I certify 

 you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is 

 not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither 

 was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." 

 Chap. 1:11, 12. "I am afraid of you, lest I have be- 

 stowed upon you labor in vain." 4 : 11. "I desire to be 

 present with you now, .... for I stand in doubt of you." 

 4 : 20. *' Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be cir- 

 cumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing." 5:2. " This 

 persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you." 5 : 8. 

 This is the style in which he accosts the Galatians. In the 

 epistle to the converts of Rome, where his authority was 

 uot established; nor his person known, he puts the same 

 j^Dirts entirely upon argument The perusal of the epistle 

 will prove this to the satisfaction of every reader ; and as 

 the observation relates to the whole contents of the epistle, 

 I forbear adducing separate extracts. 1 repeat, therefore. 



