The Self-Imposition of Skepticism.
It has been said that "self-imposition is a preliminary to imposing on others." The vital nerves of truth are paralyzed. Things are not seen as they are. Isaiah's description is verified, "A deceived heart hath turned him aside; he feedeth on ashes." It requires adroitness on the part of a teacher to convince a caviler of his self-delusion and to show him the paucity of his materials of unbelief. The trouble is in the heart, not so much in the head. "Ye will not come unto me." A little sagacity will sometimes reveal all this to the doubter, if he be at all candid. A gentleman once called on Dr. R. G. Storrs, saying in substance: "Will you allow a stranger to ask advice? I believe nothing. What shall I do?" Dr. Storrs began by asking if he would, for purpose of conversation, admit the fact of his existence. He thought that he might admit that single fact. "And mine, also?" He concluded that he did really believe that much. "Well, sir, do you admit any difference in the act of coming here to converse with me and in coming to assassinate me, were that your purpose?" "Oh, certainly." Dr. Storrs then showed how much he did really believe. In course of one or two hours the gentleman was thoroughly convinced that he was wrong in saying he believed nothing. He had a conscience. He admitted not only the facts of consciousness but the distinctions of right and wrong. In other words he had imposed upon himself. The materials of unbelief were more scanty than he had fancied, and those of positive truth more abundant than his blinded heart had been willing to recognize.—Baptist Weekly.