In thus referring to elemental principles—­in thus availing ourselves of the light of self-evident truths—­we bow to the authority and tread in the foot-prints of the great Teacher.  He chid those around him for refusing to make the same use of their reason in promoting their spiritual, as they made in promoting their temporal welfare.  He gives them distinctly to understand, that they need not go out of themselves to form a just estimation of their position, duties, and prospects, as standing in the presence of the Messiah.  “Why, EVEN OF YOURSELVES,” he demands of them, “judge ye not what is right?"[A] How could they, unless they had a clear light, and an infallible standard within them, whereby, amidst the relations they sustained and the interests they had to provide for, they might discriminate between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, what they ought to attempt and what they ought to eschew?  From this pointed, significant appeal of the Savior, it is clear and certain, that in human consciousness may be found self-evident truths, self-manifested principles; that every man, studying his own consciousness, is bound to recognize their presence and authority, and in sober earnest and good faith to apply them to the highest practical concerns of “life and godliness.”  It is in obedience to the Bible, that we apply self-evident truths, and walk in the light of general principles.  When our fathers proclaimed these truths, and at the hazard of their property, reputation, and life, stood up in their defense, they did homage to the sacred Scriptures—­they honored the Bible.  In that volume, not a syllable can be found to justify that form of infidelity, which in the abused name of piety, reproaches us for practicing the lessons which “nature teacheth."[B] These lessons, the Bible requires us reverently to listen to, earnestly to appropriate, and most diligently and faithfully to act upon in every direction and on all occasions.

[Footnote A:  Luke xii. 67.]

[Footnote B:  1 Cor. xi. 14.]

Why, our Savior goes so far in doing honor to reason, as to encourage men universally to dispose of the characteristic peculiarities and distinctive features of the Gospel in the light of its principles.  “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."[C] Natural religion—­the principles which nature reveals, and the lessons which nature teaches—­he thus makes a test of the truth and authority of revealed religion.  So far was he, as a teacher, from shrinking from the clearest and most piercing rays of reason—­from calling off the attention of those around him from the import, bearings, and practical application of general principle.  And those who would have us escape from the pressure of self-evident truths, by betaking ourselves to the doctrines and precepts of Christianity, whatever airs of piety they may put on, do foul dishonor to the Savior of mankind.