We are not called on to believe this or that doctrine which may be proposed to us till we can do so from honest conviction. But we are called on to trust,—to trust ourselves to God, being sure that He will lead us right,—to keep close to Him,—and to trust the promises which He whispers through our conscience; this we can do, and we ought to do.
DOUBT.
Doubt comes in at the window when inquiry is denied at the door.
Doubt indulged soon becomes doubt realized.
You ask bitterly, like Pontius Pilate, "What is truth?" In such an hour what remains? I reply, "Obedience." Leave those thoughts for the present. Act—be merciful and gentle—honest; force yourself to abound in little services; try to do good to others; be true in the duty that you know. That must be right, whatever else is uncertain. And by all the laws of the human heart, by the word of God, you shall not be left to doubt. Do that much of the will of God which is plain to you, and "You shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God."
To get rid of your doubts, part with your sin. Put away your intemperance, your dishonesty, your unlawful ways of making money, your sensuality, your falsehood, acted or spoken, and see if a holy life be not the best disperser of unwelcome doubts, and new obedience the most certain guide to fresh assurance.
