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The Apostle's caution to all Christians--_be not carried about with
divers and strange doctrines,_ or the danger of instability, and
pernicious tendency of error.
HEBREWS xiii. 9.
_Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines._
One very good proof of the truth and divinity of the scriptures is
their laying before us, the proneness of men to imbibe, on the great
subject of religion and morals, pernicious principles and dangerous
delusions. A more melancholy view of the vices and corruption of
human nature can hardly be exhibited, than the avidity with which it
admits, and the obstinacy with which it defends errors, when once
received. Hence we so often find our Saviour, who perfectly knew what
was in man, cautioning his followers against false doctrines and
false teachers. In this, as well as in all other respects, the
example of their Lord and Master is imitated by the Apostles, who
were inspired and commissioned by him. In almost every _Letter_ of
theirs to the Churches, gathered and formed by them, are inserted
seasonable and solemn cautions against the pernicious influence of
errors and dangerous heresies. They likewise direct Christians, in a
Church-capacity, which indeed was very necessary, in what manner to
treat them. _A man that is an heretic after the first and second
admonition reject._ An _heretic_ is one who imbibes principles
totally inconsistent with, and subversive of, the very foundation of
the Gospel, and causes divisions and schisms in the body of
Christ--the Church. Such an one is to be solemnly admonished by the
Church of his destructive principles, and unchristian and divisive
practices, a _first_ and _second_ time. And if all the lenient and
Christian methods to reclaim him, be ineffectual, and he continue
obstinate in his false principles, and endeavours to introduce
divisions and strife into the church, after due pains and patience,
he is to be rejected from the communion of the faithful.--The Apostle
to the christians at Rome, directs them in a Church-capacity to
_mark_ and _avoid_ persons who embrace doctrines different from his;
and who _thereby_ cause divisions. He is very fervent and
affectionate in his address. _Now I beseech you Brethren, mark them
which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine ye have
learned; and avoid them. For they that are such, serve not our Lord
Jesus Christ, but their own belly, SELFISH VIEWS and INTEREST, and by
good words and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the simple._ They
delude the weak and uninformed. Well instructed Christians are seldom
led away from sound doctrine. Unstable persons are easily seduced. So
are the ignorant who have never improved their opportunities and
advantages to furnish their minds with just views of the great and
essential doctrines of the Christian Religion. Designing men who
_cause divisions and offences_ contrary to the doctrine of Christ,
always carry on their purposes, with _good words_ and _fair
speeches,_ much subtlety and art, under the disguise of friendship,
and great zeal for a more pure religion. They have on _sheep's
clothing,_ though inwardly they are _ravening wolves._
Titus, Bishop of the Island of Crete, is directed how to convince
opposers to the true religion: _holding fast the faithful word, as he
hath been taught,_ that is, the true Minister of Christ, _that he may
be able by SOUND DOCTRINE both to exhort and convince gainsayers._
Sound doctrine, or the great and important truths of the Gospel, are
the way to convince and reclaim gainsayers, or the erroneous. _Sound
doctrine_ is then knowable, what may be learned with much ease from
the holy scriptures.--The Christians in the Churches of Galatia are
told, that error and false doctrines have a strange kind of influence
on the mind, like fascination. And that false prophets or pretended
Teachers have almost the power of magic, or sorcery to _bewitch_
people.--_O foolish Galatians, who hath_ BEWITCHED _you that you
should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been
evidently set forth and crucified among you._ They had the very best
means of instruction in the principles of the Gospel. St. Paul was
their preacher. He was surpassed by none of his brethren, in zeal or
eminence of abilities. After all, _false Teachers_ seduced some of
these professed Christians of the Churches of Galatia from the faith
and order of the Gospel. He supposed there was something like magical
incantation and witchcraft in their seduction. _O foolish Galatians
who hath bewitched you._--Whoever, in the course of human events, has
been an observing spectator of the rise and progress of any gross
delusions or great errors in Religion, will not think the Apostle too
strong in his language.--Certainly, then, most needful is the caution
of the text, _be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines._
What is proposed, in dependence on divine help, in the sequel, is to
explain this caution, or to show the danger of instability, and
pernicious tendency of error.--And then by way of improvement point
out that conduct which becomes Christians, when gross errors and
unhappy divisions spring up among them.
The principle design of the present discourse is to explain the
caution, of the Apostle, in these words, _be not carried about with
divers and strange doctrines,_ or to shew the danger of instability
in religion, and pernicious tendency of error.
_The divers and strange doctrines,_ which the Apostle had in view, in
the caution which he gives in the text, no doubt were various false
and hurtful errors, which were spread among the Churches gathered and
planted by the Apostles, through the insinuations and plausible arts
of the Judaizing Teachers. Many of these, half Jews and half
Christians, arose, and infested the Churches with the poison of their
false notions. Their object in general was to form a coalition
between Christianity and Judaism; to have the law of Moses and Gospel
of Christ so blended as to form one complex religion. The Jewish
converts to Christianity were extremely unwilling to relinquish their
own rites and ceremonies. Long was it before they could admit the
idea that their legal rites and sacrifices were merely typical; and
of course, were to be wholly abolished, when the Antitype was come.
When the substance was come, the shadows were to flee away. The
Judaizing teachers strenuously maintained, that the observance of the
Mosaic ritual was necessary to salvation. They held that obedience to
the law of Moses, as well as faith in Christ, was requisite to our
justification before God. These _false teachers_ had greatly
corrupted the Gospel. Many were deluded by them. And _various
strange_ doctrines or notions about meats and drinks were adopted.
And the Jewish converts to Christianity were tossed to and fro with
them: Were _carried about,_ or led away with them. The Apostle
therefore writes to all the converts from Judaism to Christianity to
beware of all notions, which were contrary to the great and essential
doctrines of the Gospel, to the _first principles_ of the Oracles of
God. _Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines._ He
wished to have them STABLE and FIRM in their principles: never to
listen to the various strange notions, which any should attempt to
diffuse among them. _The divers and strange doctrines_ against which
the Apostle would have Christians be on their guard, are then all
false notions and corrupt principles of Religion: all tenets and
opinions however various, or surprisingly absurd they may be, which
shall arise in the Church, in any age. The _strange doctrines_ were
principles contrary to what he taught and preached--contrary to the
true doctrines of Christ. He calls them _strange_ because unknown to
the Gospel, not contained in the word of God, and not preached by
him. And they were _strange_ too because contrary to the obvious
dictates of reason. All unreasonable and absurd tenets in religion,
may then fitly be termed _strange._ And they are _divers_; many and
various. We are then to beware of all the various false principles
broached among the several denominations of Christians. Such, at
different times, spring up among the respective Communions of
Christians. Some ages or periods are more noted for the rise and
diffusion of errors and delusions than others. But error, in a
greater or less degree, has infected every age, and part of the
Christian world. Sometimes, indeed, the pure and strict principles of
the Gospel will long obtain among a people. They will have
uninterrupted tranquility. The great head of the church shall
remarkably smile upon them. The God of Zion shall long bless them. No
tempest rages. No clouds overshadow the sky. The truth is professed,
and is ably defended. Men of shining talents, and whose zeal for
purity of doctrines and worship is equal to their talents are raised
up, in happy succession, to oppose error, and to plead the cause of
Zion; who are as polished shafts in the quiver of God; and who are
honoured as eminent instruments of promoting the truth.--A few years
may produce, in the same place or Country, a melancholy reverse.
Truth may be greatly opposed. Errors of a very alarming nature may
suddenly arise. Zion may be clothed in sackcloth, and be bathed in
tears. Public worship may be deserted. Divine ordinances may be
denied or disregarded. The Saviour may be disowned, and the interests
of morality be languishing. False prophets then come forward;
betrayers of the truth are found to multiply where there was the
least ground to fear. Error is most widely and extensively diffused
by corrupt writings and corrupt men, under the venerable name of
_preachers_ of the Gospel, who travel into different and distant
parts, with the zeal of pilgrims, and with an engagedness, which if
employed in the promotion of truth and pure religion, would work
happy effects. An uncommon ardor usually accompanies men, who broach
novel tenets, and set out with an intention to disseminate them
extensively. Pride and party views aid that ardor. An unwillingness
to sink into contempt, and an ambition to keep themselves in
countenance produce wonderful exertions. The man, who undertakes to
spread errors and delusions feels that his reputation is concerned in
his success; every proselyte adds strength:--every advance gives
courage. And it is a remark well-founded, that we seldom find
fanatics in religion, and the propagators of false principles
deficient either in impudence or ardor. Men who have thrown off the
strict and pure doctrines, in which they have been educated, or which
they have for many years professed, and have denied all religion, or
adopted erroneous and false principles, commonly become obstinate and
stubborn, self-confident and censorious. Rarely is it known that such
are ever reclaimed. They go on waxing worse and worse, till life
close, and eternity open upon them. How needful therefore the
caution, _Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines!_
How unhappy to be unstable, in the things of God! How mischievous is
the tendency of error! _The double minded man is unstable in all his
ways._ The character of _Reuben_ is _unstable as water, thou shalt
not excel._ Instability will effectually prevent our arriving at any
degree of excellence, in any praise-worthy pursuit. If unstable, we
can make no proficiency in useful knowledge, or arrive at any high
degree of moral Virtue, or religious attainments. Man suffers more by
being unstable in his ways than can be easily computed, or than
almost any one is aware of. The more important and interesting the
things, in which we are engaged, or to which we propose to pay our
attention, the more fatal is instability. To be always changing from
one thing to another, is the way never to accomplish any thing, at
least, to any good purpose. When we consider instability as it
respects Religion, the danger of it can hardly be expressed or
conceived. He who is unstable in the things of the world is sure to
be, in the event, despised; and to sink into wretchedness.
Misfortunes and disgrace will attend him. He cannot pass his days
with comfort. He must content himself, whatever may be his ambition,
with being an unimportant character, and being of little service to
the great community of men, unless by being a warning to all with
whom he may converse of the ill effects of instability.
But he who is unstable in the things of God, can enjoy no comfort or
arrive at any excellence. _It is a good thing that the heart be
established with grace._ Happy is the person who is established, in
the principles of grace, and in gracious and holy exercises! _To be
carried about with divers and strange doctrines_ is the way to have
no just and true notions of the doctrines of Christ, to lose the
advantages of the Gospel, to be instrumental of giving to others
false notions of religion, or prejudices against it, and to be in
danger of missing of final happiness ourselves. The Apostle had very
great anxiety lest Christians, the professed converts to
Christianity, should be led away from the truth by subtle deceivers.
_That we,_ says he, to the Ephesians, _henceforth be no more
Children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of man, and cunning craftiness whereby they
lie in wait to deceive._ Children are easily persuaded to change
their minds--to adopt new, and lay aside former opinions, without any
careful examination, or sufficient reasons. So, many people, who
indeed are but Children in knowledge, are tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine. And there are always to be
found a plenty of wrong-principled men, who lie in wait to deceive.
The Apostle speaks of their insidious arts, and plausible ways of
deception in terms remarkably strong: by the _sleight of men_ and
_cunning craftiness whereby thy lie in wait to deceive._--As there
are _true,_ so there are _false,_ and as there are _sound,_ so there
are _unsound_ or corrupt doctrines. And as we are most diligently to
seek and love the one, so we are most cautiously to shun the other.
And this is of the greatest importance to us all; and of equal
importance to all. All are liable to fall from the truth, or to
misapprehend it. There is no moment the Christian can say, "I am free
from the danger of falling into error; such error as shall offend
God, grieve his people, cause divisions, interrupt the peace of the
Church, and wound my own Conscience." Error is pleasing to the
depraved heart of man. Divine truth is unwelcome. Others, great and
learned men, after high professions have apostatised--have renounced
the right ways of the Lord. "I may, in the holy and righteous
Providence of God," should the Christian say, "be left to fall into
error and delusion." _Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed
lest he fall._ The tendency of false principles in Religion is
extremely pernicious. All error indeed hath an unhappy effect on the
human mind.[1]----
1. The pernicious tendency of error appears from the influence, which
all principles, whether true or false, have on the life and conduct
of mankind. That truth has great power and influence upon the human
mind, will hardly be denied. Mighty is its force. The powerful
influence of divine truth in purifying the affections of the heart,
and reforming the life is necessarily implied in these words:
_Sanctify them by thy truth, thy word is truth._ These are the words
of our Redeemer himself. And they certainly teach us, that
Gospel-truths, or the pure and heavenly doctrines of his religion
have a tendency to correct the prejudices, to enlighten the minds, to
impress the hearts, and to purify the affections of people. If the
happy effects of true doctrines, and the true principles of the
Gospel were not great--why are they to be preached--why is there so
much said about holding fast the form of sound words--of being sound
in the faith--of sound doctrines,--of contending earnestly for the
faith once delivered to the saints--of abiding in the doctrine of
Christ? On the other hand, if the effect of error be not exceedingly
pernicious, why should we be so frequently, and solemnly warned
against false teachers--false doctrines--false Christs--against
making shipwreck of faith and a good Conscience--and against the
danger of all delusion? Some affect to believe in the harmlessness of
error; and that all opinions and speculations in religion are of
little or no consequence. But if error be harmless--I think it will
follow that truth is useless. But did not Jesus of Nazareth, come
from God on purpose to reveal the truth?----
2ndly. All errors or false principles, respecting religion and
morals, lead to evil practices. The greater the error, the greater
will be its ill-effect. Small errors, relating to mere circumstances
of religion, to names and forms, rites and ceremonies, have a
proportionately small influence in producing wrong practice, or
corrupting the morals of men. Many speculations, and erroneous
opinions are of so inconsiderable a nature, though they have caused
much altercation and divisions among professing Christians, as to be
totally unworthy of notice. And Christians ought to be ashamed that
they ever contended about them. They are not of sufficient
consequence in themselves to excite warrantably any alarm in that
mind, which has the tenderest and most affectionate regards for truth
and religion. There are meats and drinks, indifferent things, in
which the kingdom of God does not consist. We need never dispute
about these. From those who hold to them, our Charity ought not, in
the smallest degree, to be withdrawn. We may have all the ardor of
brotherly love towards, and Christian Communion, with, them.--Other
errors, again, are of a most alarming nature, and affect the very
substance and vitals of Religion. They undermine the foundation, and
take away all the beauty and glory of the Gospel. Such the Apostle
Peter stiles _damnable heresies._ 2 Pet. ii. 1. _But there were false
prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false Teachers
among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying
the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction._ These are errors which are essential--which, pursued in
all their natural and necessary consequences, destroy all the
foundations of Religion. Errors of this kind have the worst effect on
practice. We must strictly guard against them, and do all in our
power, in all scripture-ways, to prevent their rise or progress. We
must retire from such as hold them. And we cannot, with a safe
conscience, wish them _God speed. Whosoever transgresseth, and
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth
in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the father and the son. If
there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not
into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him
God speed is partaker of his evil deeds._--
Our practice is more or less influenced by all our religious tenets.
Wrong belief leads to wrong conduct. Error in doctrine, invariably
and universally, affects the conduct in proportion to its magnitude.
To illustrate this, in a few plain instances which cannot be
controverted--permit me to ask,--Suppose I imbibe the erroneous
opinion that prayer to the God of all grace is not required of man,
and is wholly insignificant, will not this lead me to lay aside the
practice of it, in all its forms, altogether?--Again, suppose I
adopt, as one article of my Creed, that there are no divine
Sacramental ordinances in the spiritual religion of Jesus Christ--or
stated prayer--or Sabbath-day--or the means of grace are of no use,
will not this cause me to disesteem them; and, then, to neglect them
in my life entirely?--or further, suppose I receive, as a right
opinion in morals, the lawfulness of self-murder, and the lawfulness
of violating the truth, when it may be inconvenient for me to adhere
strictly to its laws, will any man believe that I shall not, as
emergencies arise, act out these corrupt principles? Innumerable
other instances, might with equal pertinency, be adduced. These are
only adduced as a specimen to prove, beyond all contradiction, that
all errors have either a greater or less influence on the conduct of
men.
3dly. False principles in religion excite and nourish evil tempers of
heart. Doctrines which are contrary to the Gospel, and are not
according to godliness have an influence on the heart, as well as
life. They corrupt the mind. Nay, they pollute and vitiate it. They
create evil desires and vile affections, envy, prejudice, wrath, evil
speaking, censoriousness, bitterness. They destroy the sweet and
benevolent exercises, in which our happiness consists. As heavenly
truths, the pure doctrines of Christianity, sweeten and purify the
heart, and make men meek, kind, tender-hearted--benevolent, and
friendly to man, so false principles or wrong religious tenets,
excite evil affections, and poison the soul with malice and impurity.
By their fruits on the heart, as well as conduct are we to know
doctrines, as well as Teachers. _Beware of false prophets which come
to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Ye
shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or
figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit:
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot
bring forth evil fruit: neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good
fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and
cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruits ye shall know
them._--Characters and doctrines are to be known by their _fruits._
False doctrines always tend to corrupt the heart.
4thly. False doctrines or errors have a pernicious influence upon the
morals of society at large, even upon the manners of those people,
where they rise up and prevail, though they do not imbibe them. Loose
and unimproving discourse flows from wrong and loose principles. Such
discourse falls in with the evil propensities of the natural heart,
is listened to with eagerness, and retained as an amusement even by
persons who detest the principles. _Evil communications corrupt good
manners._ They always had, and always will have this effect. The
_tongue_ which speaks evil of Virtue and the pure doctrines of the
Gospel, and which advocates the cause of vice, is doing untold
mischief to society and the public morals.--Much more extensive is
the mischief produced by the _pen,_ which is employed to recommend,
to colour over, and spread Vice and error, infidelity and immorality.
Happy for society, happy for the world, would it have been if the
learned had never devoted genius, science, and talents to the cause
of Vice! But error as well as truth, Vice as well as Virtue will have
advocates to plead in their defence. And where, either by
wrong-principled men, or erroneous writings, errors are spread, the
people are corrupted in their morals. All false principles, more or
less, injure society, where they obtain and have an ill-effect upon
the manners of such as are spectators of them, or reside in the midst
of them. This is the natural tendency of errors, in doctrine and
practice. And this effect will take place, unless individuals, or the
people at large, have such an abhorrence of them, as shall be an
effectual antidote.
When errors arise and spread, the Christian may, and ought to be
grieved, but he ought not to despond; or distrust the love and
kindness of God to his true people and the true Religion. Especially
ought he not to mingle resentment with his concern for the cause of
truth, _For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God._
For wise and holy ends, error is permitted to spring up, and prevail.
But it can go no farther than a wise and Sovereign God sees meet. He
can say to it, hitherto shall thy proud waves come and no farther.
And he will stay it, in such a manner, and such ways, and at such
times, as seem best to him. We may rest in these words of our
Saviour, _Every plant which our heavenly Father hath not planted,
shall be rooted up._ It was a wise advice of a learned man,
Gamaliel--_If this work and counsel be not of God, it will come to
nought._ Error and delusion must at last die away. But truth shall
obtain an eternal victory.----
Having finished what was proposed, it only remains to improve what
hath been offered, for your direction and assistance in practice.--
And _first_--We should examine all our principles by the word of God.
The true principles of religion are to be taken thence. And they are,
in their great foundation, easily to be learned. All men of common
capacity may know them, if they will be honest and upright in their
search. The reason, why there have been so many divisions and errors,
or false doctrines, is because men have left the holy scriptures, and
gleaned strange doctrines, from other sources. The word of God must
be our supreme and only standard. If we make any thing a rule above
it, we wholly depart from it, and get our religion from another
source. And respecting the true principles of religion, I venture to
say, all real Christians, of whatever denomination, are perfectly
agreed in them--in the absolutely essential doctrines, I mean, and
are much more agreed in every thing material, than they themselves
either clearly apprehend, or are willing to confess.
_Secondly,_ let us feel the need of continually watching, lest we go
off from the pure principles of the Gospel. We see others, in one age
and another, and in one place and another, renouncing the right ways
of the Lord--denying the great doctrines and ordinances of Christ.
And we behold men changing their principles after long professed, for
errors and delusion.--Let us ever be upon our guard against the
danger of going off from the doctrine of Christ. _Be not carried
about with divers and strange doctrines._--
_Thirdly,_ if we have imbibed errors, let us hence be persuaded to
lose no time in recovering ourselves from the snare. Others, after
having adopted great errors, have seen their folly--have mourned over
their obstinacy, stubbornness, and prejudices:--have recanted:--and
returned to the truth. Let us, if we have been carried away with
divers and strange doctrines--HASTEN to relinquish them, and recover
ourselves from them, before it be too late. Soon our days on earth
will be ended, and it will be too late to rectify any mistakes.--
_Fourthly_--Let us add constant humble prayer for divine grace to
keep us from backsliding--from instability--from all delusion--and
false doctrines. Odious is the character of the _backslider._ The
unstable man cannot excel. Fervently--constantly, should we look to
the God of all wisdom and grace to keep us from dishonouring him, and
the truth, by backsliding, and error;--that he would be pleased to
open our eyes to see the truth, and our ears to hear it:--that he
would confirm us in goodness:--establish us in the faith:--and hope
of the Gospel, that we may not only be stedfast and unmoveable, but
abound more and more in the work of the Lord--be perfect in every
good word and work--and thus be kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation.