204 Mr. Butler's Discourse. 



(and this undoubtedly is one legitimate source of evidence) 

 then it must be admitted by every candid and impartial en- 

 quirer, that if there be any such system now known among men, 

 which deserves to be received as true, Christianity must be 

 the one, and the only one. At all events, until it can be 

 shown by conclusive arguments to be an imposture, it is not 

 only contrary to sound philosophy, but inconsistent with a just 

 regard to the happiness of mankind, to reject a religion pro- 

 ductive of so many and such extensive advantages. 



If however it can be shown by fair reasoning from estab- 

 lished facts, that this beneficent religion, notwithstanding all 

 it has done to meliorate the condition of mankind, is yet 

 founded on falsehood and imposture, then, whatever may bo 

 the consequences, it ought to be abandoned. This is 

 the dictate not only of unsophisticated reason, but of the 

 highest philosophy; for no temporary advantages, however 

 extensive or diversified, can justify or even excuse the main- 

 tenance of a system erected on those foundations. This is 

 the spirit of Christianity herself. She asks our assent, not 

 merely because she inculcates precepts weil adapted to pro- 

 mote virtue and happiness ; but because the authenticity of 

 her records, and the veracity of their statements, are estab- 

 lished by indubitable evidence, and involve in their truth, 

 that of the revelation they contain— because her doctrines 

 though not discoverable by human reason, are not repugnant 

 to, but consentaneous with it— and above all, because she 

 meets the necessities of our nature, and supplies what Socra- 

 tes wanted — something to sustain, and elevate, and purify, 

 the divine, though imperfect and erring, principle within. 

 She calls upon the sons of men ; but it is one of the most 

 glorious proofs of her divinity, that she calls them to enquire, 

 examine, and reflect; " to prove"— to test — " all things" — to 

 try them as metals in a furnace— and "to hold fast that which 

 is good," and that alone. 



But 'tis time I should conclude ; and what direction can 

 more fitly be proposed to you, in reference to the commence- 

 ment as well as the continuance of your labors, than the di- 



" Prove all things ; hold fast that which is good ?" 



