ly comprehend without them.

72. There are indeed, in the Epistles of St. Paul, many passages hard to
be understood: such in particular are the first eleven chapters to the
Romans; the greater part of his Epistles to the Corinthians and
Galatians; and several chapters of that to the Hebrews. Instead of
perplexing yourself with these more obscure passages of scripture, I
would wish you to employ your attention chiefly on those that are plain;
and to judge of the doctrines taught in the other parts, by comparing
them with what you find in these. It is through the neglect of this
rule, that many have been led to draw the most absurd doctrines from the
Holy Scriptures.

73. Let me particularly recommend to your careful perusal, the xii,
xiii, xiv, and xv chapters of the Epistle to the Romans. In the xiv
chapter, St. Paul has in view the difference between the Jewish and
Gentile (or Heathen) converts at that time; the former were disposed to
look with horror on the latter, for their impiety in not paying the same
regard to the distinctions of days and meats that they did; and the
latter, on the contrary, were inclined to look with contempt on the
former, for their weakness and superstition.

74. Excellent is the advice which the Apostle gives to both parties: he
exhorts the Jewish converts not to judge and the Gentiles not to
despise; remembering that the kingdom of Heaven is not meat and drink,
but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

75. Endeavour to conform yourself to this advice; to acquire a temper of
universal candour and benevolence; and learn neither to despise nor
condemn any persons on account of their particular modes of faith and
worship: remembering always, that goodness is confined to no party, that
there are wise and worthy men among all the sects of Christians, and
that to his own master every one must stand or fall.

76. I will enter no farther into the several points discussed by St.
Paul in his various epistles; most of them are too intricate for your
understanding at present, and many of them beyond my abilities to state
clearly. I will only again recommend to you, to read those passages
frequently, which, with, so much fervor and energy, excite you to the
practice of the most exalted piety and benevolence. If the effusions of
a heart, warmed with the tenderest affection for the whole human race;
if precept, warning, encouragement, example, urged by an eloquence which
such affection