Page:The Doctrines of the New Church Briefly Explained.djvu/116

110 in regard to the divinity and inspiration of the Scripture; reconciles all parts of it with each other and with enlightened reason; shows the perfect agreement between science and religion; and satisfies the severest demands of the intellect in regard to the Trinity, Atonement, Redemption, Resurrection, and other doctrines which, as based upon the literal teachings of the Bible and as commonly held and expounded, are known to be embarrassed with many and great difficulties. Truly does the spiritual sense of the Word come to the rational understanding "with power and great glory." And yet it is not here that its greatest power and glory are to be seen; not in its ability to clarify the intellect, or satisfy the demands of reason, but in its renovating influence upon the heart; in its cleansing and purifying efficacy; in its power to soften and subdue the natural man; to sweeten the temper; to refine the feelings; to purify the motives; to elevate the affections; to exalt and ennoble the purposes; to weaken the power of evil within us; to recreate our inner man into somewhat of our Heavenly Father's likeness; and so to build us up a living temple fit for the residence of God's Holy Spirit.

This, briefly, is the New doctrine concerning the Second Coming,—a doctrine at once Scriptural and rational, and whose wholesome practical