W. Very well. Hast thou observed thy rule in the formation of thy opinions? Hast thou evidence that thy opinions of the Bible are all true? What evidence hast thou, that stolen waters are sweet, and that there is pleasure in sin? I want all the evidence thou hast to prove that there is any pleasure in doing wrong. T. Why, you astonish me: The wicked man is not troubled as is the righteous. He will not need to suffer persecution for the cause of religion, and he will take his ease and comfort in sin without reforming. He is as a tree planted by waters, and he takes his fill of iniquity. He fares sumptuously every day; while the devoted Christian has many trials and crosses to endure, and is troubled about his everlasting condition. Morning and evening, he invokes the blessing of God upon his soul. W. Canst thou tell me, why nature wrongs the righteous? or by what law a wrong mind is made happy, while a right mind suffers so much? T. The law of God will show thee. W. Show me what? T. Show thee that God suffers a great many evils to attend his children, that they may realize the greatness of his mercy and salvation. W. Thou wilt not answer. T. I say, that God does not afflict the wicked as he does the righteous. W. For what reason, and by what law, is this injustice continued? T. By the law of God, of course. W. Is that law eternal? W. Then, why will not the righteous, as thou callest thyself, eternally suffer, and the wicked escape their wretchedness? T. That is infidelity. We must make the Bible our standard. W. Wilt thou say, the Bible contradicts reason? T. Reason is carnal. W. How dost thou know? T. Because the Bible says so. W. Wilt thou read it for my instruction? T. I will say, that is the meaning of the passage. W. How do you know? T. How do I know any thing? W. By thy reason. T. Well, my reason tells me, that is the meaning. W. Dost thou presume to use carnal reason to interpret the Bible, so as to favor thy views? T. My reason is not carnal; I have been regenerated by the atonement of Christ. W. Thou wilt not receive a doctrine without evidence, and dost thou require of me what thou art unwilling to do thyself? How may I know thy reason is any better than mine? How may I know that thou hast spoken only what the living spirit intended by that passage? T. I see thou wilt cavil with the word of God. W. Not with the word of God, friend; but with thy saying. How may I know thou art correct? T. Have I not said, by the standard of the Bible. W. Thou hast said well; but thou askest another standard, which is thy interpretation by thy reason. T. Wouldst thou, then, have me lay aside my reason? W. No; but I would have thee exercise it; and, when thou offerest thy Bible as the standard, not again offer thy interpretations as a substitute. Besides, thou hast offered a doctrine to thy friend, which is contrary to thy standard. T. How so?