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A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin cover

A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin

Chapter 115: ONE WAY TO GOD.
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About This Book

A curated anthology of sermons, debates, tracts, and miscellaneous religious writings arranged by subject and indexed for quick reference. Selections treat biblical authority, church order and practices (such as baptism and communion), pastoral responsibilities and preaching, moral exhortation, repentance and salvation, missionary effort, and reflections on life’s brevity. Short homiletic pieces blend doctrinal argument with practical counsel and urgent appeals for immediate personal and communal reform, offering guidance for Christian conduct and for those engaged in ministry or church renewal.

WE will, for the sake of the inexperienced, state the argument. When we set forth the way, as laid down in Scripture, we are in the affirmative—must show it to be the way, maintain and defend it. When some other way is affirmed, we affirm nothing and have nothing to prove, but simply deny. It is no part of our work to prove that there is no other way. We simply have nothing to prove. Let him who affirms that there is some other way prove it. Call on him for his proof, and in default of any proof he loses the case. He trusts his soul, and tries to induce others to trust their souls, on another way, for which he can bring no proof. This is the “vantage ground.” The way is in the Bible, and can be easily pointed out. Another way is not in it, and can not be pointed out. Let him try it who pleases—it simply can not be done. Charitable or uncharitable, narrow or broad, liberal or illiberal, another way can not be pointed out in the book of God.

Let there be no cavil. We are speaking of gospel subjects, and the way set forth for them to come to God.