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 defence, 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 practising the lessons which nature teacheth.  These lessons, the Bible requires us[17] reverently to listen to, earnestly to appropriate, and most diligently and faithfully to act upon in every direction, and on all occasions.

[Footnote 16:  Luke, xii. 57.]

[Footnote 17:  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."[18] 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 principles.  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.

[Footnote 18:  John, vii. 17.]

And what shall we say of the Golden Rule, which, according to the Savior, comprehends all the precepts of the Bible?  “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”

According to this maxim, in human consciousness, universally, may be found,

  1.  The standard whereby, in all the relations and circumstances of
  life, we may determine what Heaven demands and expects of us.

  2.  The just application of this standard, is practicable for, and
  obligatory upon, every child of Adam.

3.  The qualification requisite to a just application of this rule to all the cases in which we can be concerned, is simply this—­to regard all the members of the human family as our brethren, our equals.

In other words, the Savior here teaches us, that in the principles and laws of reason, we have an infallible guide in all the relations and circumstances of life; that nothing can hinder our following this guide, but the bias of selfishness; and that the moment, in deciding any moral question, we place ourselves in the room of our brother, before the bar of reason, we shall see what decision ought to be pronounced.  Does this, in the Savior, look like fleeing self-evident truths!—­like decrying the authority of general principles!—­like exalting himself at the expense of reason!—­like opening a refuge in the Gospel for those whose practice is at variance with the dictates of humanity!