+I. The doctrine of the Trinity has been believed by the Church of Christ in all ages.+ This is at least a presumption that it is taught in Scripture, successive generations of devout men could scarcely have been mistaken on such a vital point. +II. This doctrine of the Trinity underlies the whole Bible, and is inextricably interwoven with its fabric and structure.+ The Old Testament testifies to the Divine unity, as contrasted with the polytheism which prevailed among heathen nations; the Gospels record the manifestation of the Incarnate Son of God; the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles set forth the work of the Third Person in the Church. There is direct testimony to this doctrine, such as Matt. xxviii. 19, 2 Cor. xiii. 14. But just as circumstantial evidence when it is clear and complete is even more satisfactory and decisive than the very best direct testimony, still more valuable is the indirect testimony to this doctrine underlying the whole Bible; like a threefold cord, it runs through the whole book, and binds the whole of Divine revelation together. +III. The doctrine of the Trinity, while it is clearly taught in Scripture, is mysterious and inexplicable.+ We can no more comprehend it with the unaided human understanding than by uplifting the fingers we can touch the starry firmament.[1] This is no reason for refusing to accept it,[2] we accept many other facts which we cannot explain (we cannot explain even the familiar fact of _sight_), but it is a reason for not insisting dogmatically that other men should accept our explanation of it. As we cannot stay to consider the effect of the vision upon the mind of the prophet, I shall conclude with just three words of practical application of the doctrine itself. 1. _It is bound up with our duty to God._ We are bound to accept it, because He has revealed it; and accepting it, we are bound to yield to Father, Son and Holy Ghost the homage and love of our souls. 2. _It is bound up with our hope of salvation._ If it is not true that the Everlasting Son came forth from the bosom of the Father, and took upon Him to deliver man; and if it is not true that the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son raises men from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, and restamps upon their souls the lost lineaments of our Maker's image, what foundation is there left for our hope of everlasting life? 3. _It is bound up with the fulness of the Gospel blessings._ These are all summed upon the Apostolic benediction, 2 Cor. xiii. 14. If _these_ be ours, we "have all and abound."--_R. W. Forrest_ (_Christian World Pulpit,_ i. 492). FOOTNOTES: [1] See Article: THE TRINITY, in my _Homiletic Encyclopædia of Illustrations,_ and section 1501 in my _Dictionary of Poetical Illustrations._ [2] See above. REVELATIONS OF GOD. vi. 1-5. _In the year that King Uzziah died I saw, &c._[1]