2. Another way in which unlearned and unstable men wrest the holy scriptures to their destruction is by taking them unconnectedly and detachedly. If we pay no attention to the particular subject, on which the inspired penman is discoursing, it is not to be expected that the true sense will be obtained. For there is an order and a connexion in every good writer. He speaks according to his subject, and if we would not mistake him, it is incumbent upon us to attend carefully and critically to it. It is impossible for us to keep from misunderstanding an Author, if we overlook his subject or general scope and design. Each writer's stile or manner is particular to himself. And this is as true of the inspired writers, as of uninspired. The supernatural aids, with which the former were blessed by the immediate influence of the holy Ghost, did not destroy or take away this peculiarity. St. Paul's manner and diction for example are very different from St. John's, as every one who has any knowledge of language, must own.
The occasion, likewise, as well as the subject, upon which the sacred penman is speaking, must be duly noticed. If we be doubtful about the real and true meaning of any passage of scripture, we must observe the persons or characters of whom, or to whom the words in question are spoken. Overlooking these, is a fruitful source of perverting scripture. If we will take scripture expressions in a detached manner regardless of the connexion, we can prove any thing and every thing we wish to prove, or support any scheme of principles, in religion, however absurd and irrational, even though blasphemous. In this way, usually, all erroneous persons, who adopt and zealously endeavor to propagate heretical principles, and divisive practices, conduct. They never hearken to the connexion or to the analogy of faith, but recite, at random, texts which in sound seem to accord with their singular notions. They never stop to examine, with coolness and candor, what may be offered against them, like rational men, impartially desirous of finding the truth, whether it shall make for or against them. This is an extremely common way of abusing and misapplying scripture. How frequently do _unlearned_ and _unstable_ men practice it to their own destruction! And how often, too, do artful and designing men practice it, who know better, and who know that they are endeavouring to impose on the world! Many, no doubt, read and study the Oracles of God, on purpose either to misrepresent or ridicule them. To affirm this, is neither, it is apprehended, uncharitable or uncandid. For were not this actually the case, how is it possible, that there should be so many strange, absurd, and wild schemes of religion--such irrational and blasphemous principles--such gross corruptions of christianity. Many heresies, in the various ages of the world, and various christian countries, have sprung up to the disgrace of reason and religion:--dangerous and fatal heresies--and all from this fruitful force, MISUNDERSTANDING and MISAPPLYING particular passages of scripture detached from the general connexion, which may seem in the sound, or at first hearing, to support the tenets, which, the abettors of such tenets, adduce them to support. Some may be plausible. And when much art, sophistry, and false reasoning are used, may deceive even such persons as are, in a measure, upon their guard.