Though the gospel is plainly written, it may be rendered dark and mysterious, by a metaphysic dress, It is a peculiar excellency of the scriptures that they are mostly written in the plain language of common sense—­so plainly, that “he may run who readeth them.”

Two of the New Testament writers were men of letters, Paul and Luke; and we find more obscurity in their writings, especially those of the former occasioned by allusions to the sciences and usages of the age, than in the other writers of that holy book.  The Apocalypse is indeed abstruse, but this is not occasioned by the language, which is plain, but by the subject.  That book is chiefly prophetic; and therefore expressed in the metaphors of prophetic style.  Prophecy is not generally designed to be fully understood, till explained by the accomplishment.

To take occasion from those who might object to the illiterate character of primitive gospel ministers, a Paul, and a Luke were found among them; but neither of them was among those first called to the Christian ministry.  Those first sent forth to preach the gospel were unlearned men.  The great truths of the gospel had been taught, and many had received them before these (especially St. Paul) had become believers—­that the faith of the first followers of Christ, might appear, “not to stand in the wisdom of men, but in power of God.”

Had the primitive ministry been learned philosophers, or renowned rhetoricians, suspicions might have arisen that mankind had been deceived, that they had been bewildered by the subtlety of science, or charmed by the fascinating power of eloquence, into the belief of a scheme which they did not understand.  This cannot be suspected when the character of the first Christian ministers is considered, and the progress which Had been made in propagating the gospel, before any of the learned were joined as their assistants in the work.

The propriety of the gospel method, may be farther argued from the nature of the gospel.  Wisdom of words is not necessary to communicate gospel truths, or deep penetration, sufficiently to understand them.  It was a remark of the apostle “that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, were called.”  The same observation may yet be made.  People of plain common sense more often receive the gospel, and favor the things of true religion, than those who affect superior powers, and to understand all mysteries.  Those who are wise in their own imaginations, often reject the counsel of God against themselves, and put from them offered salvation.  The manner in which the apostles and their fellow laborers preached the gospel, hath also been objected to as unwise.  Their preaching was chiefly a plain unaffected exhibition of truth, laid before those who heard them, and left with them.  To produce faith in Christ, they declared the time, place and circumstances of his birth, referring to the prophecies which foretold them—­declared