A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females | Page 8

is truth."--John 17:17.
MY DEAR SISTER,
Some people are frightened at the idea of Doctrine, as though it were a mere abstraction,
which has nothing to do with practical life. This notion is founded on a misapprehension
not only of the meaning of the term, but of the connection of actions with established
principles of the mind. The general signification of the word doctrine is, the principles
upon which any system is founded. As applied to Christianity, it means divine truth; for
this is the foundation upon which the Christian religion rests. Although the truths of
God's Word are not reduced to a regular system in the Bible, yet, when brought together,
they make the most beautiful and perfect of all systems. It is proper, therefore, that we
should contemplate them in a body, as they appear with the most perfect symmetry, in the
plan of God's moral government. There is a disposition, at the present day, to undervalue
doctrinal knowledge. Many people think it of little consequence what they believe, if they
are only sincere, and manifest much feeling on the subject of religion. But this is a
ruinous mistake. There is a most intimate connection between faith and practice. Those
principles which are believed and received into the heart govern and control our actions.
The doctrines which God has revealed in his Word are the principles of his moral
government. As we are the subjects of that government, it cannot be a matter of small
moment for us to understand, so far as we are capable, the principles upon which it is
administered. If we mistake these principles, we may be found in open rebellion, while
we think we are doing God service. For example: God commands us not to steal. But, if
we do not believe that he has given this commandment, we shall feel under no obligation
to obey it. And every truth which God has revealed is as intimately connected with
practice as this, although the duty enjoined be, in itself considered, of less consequence.
Christianity is called a spiritual building. "Ye are built up a spiritual house." "Whose
house are we?" "We are God's building." Now the foundation and frame-work of this
building are the doctrines or truths of the Bible. Some of these doctrines are called
fundamental or essential, because they lie at the foundation of the whole building; and
are so essential to it, that, if taken away, the whole would fall to the ground. These are,
The Existence of God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; the Fall, and
consequent Depravity of Man; the Atonement of Christ; Justification by faith in him
alone, and the Office of the Holy Spirit in the work of Regeneration. If any one of these
were taken away, it would overturn the whole building. These may, therefore, well be
called the foundation. But you see there are other very important parts of a frame
besides
the foundation. So there are many other very important truths of Christianity, besides its
essential doctrines. But some of these are of more consequence than others. If a post or a
beam is taken away, the building is greatly marred and in danger of falling; yet, if well
covered, it may still be a comfortable dwelling. Again, although a brace or a pin is of
service to strengthen the building, yet either may be taken away without very serious
injury. But a frame may be complete in all its parts, and yet be no building. Without a

covering, it will not answer a single design of a house; and just in proportion as it is well
covered, will it be a comfortable residence. Just so with Christianity. The covering of the
house is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart, producing gracious affections, which
manifest themselves in a holy life. But the covering of a house cannot exist without some
kind of frame-work. So experimental and practical piety cannot exist without a belief of
the principal doctrines of the gospel. The Holy Spirit operates upon the heart through the
truth. He gives it a personal application; brings it home to the heart and conscience, and
makes it effectual in changing the heart and life. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy
word is truth." "Of his own will begat he us, with the word of truth." "Seeing ye have
purified your souls, in obeying the truth through the Spirit." "Being born again by the
word of God." Thus, the agency of the Spirit is always acknowledged in connection with
the truth. Any religious feeling or experience, therefore, which is not produced by the
truth made effectual by the Holy Spirit, is not genuine. There is a kind of indefinite
religious feeling, which many mistake for Christian experience. They feel,