Imatges de pàgina
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heavenly inheritance, though the truth itself stands unshaken by the sophistry of the sceptic.

Not only does it appear, however, that multitudes who make a profession of Christianity without experiencing its saving influence, are little aware of the importance of this subject, but many real Christians, these, too, far advanced in the knowledge of the divine word, are not sufficiently impressed with the sense of the duty and importance of studying the evidences of their holy religion. Convinced that it is true, they are often unmindful that there are degrees in our faith, and that our assurance of the truth of the Scriptures is confirmed by our acquaintance with their evidence. The more deeply and extensively we examine its proofs, the more fully do we perceive that the Bible could not be the work of man. In studying the evidences of the authenticity and inspiration of the Scriptures, we are studying the Scriptures themselves; and while we advance in conviction, we advance in edification and Christian growth.

It seems, however, to be taken for granted, that books of evidence are principally valuable for convincing gainsayers of Revelation, or for the establishment of babes in Christ. Christians of long standing and extensive knowledge of the Divine Word, it is thought, may regard this subject as sufficiently ascertained, while they exclusively pursue the study of the doctrines and duties of Christianity. Now, it is humbly but

earnestly suggested, that this is a very pernicious mistake. The study of the evidences of the book of God is intimately connected with progress in the knowledge of all the truth it contains. The subject is therefore highly important to believers themselves. For what purpose has God provided such irrefragable proofs of its divine origin, if it be not that they, as well as others, should use diligence to examine them? Though disquieted with no doubts, it is eminently calculated to afford them inexpressible consolation, as well as to confirm their minds and strengthen their faith, to view in their connexion the multiplied and various evidences of the truth of their religion.

There is another consideration that greatly enhances the importance of this subject, and ought to prompt Christians to an uninterrupted study of the evidences of the truth of the Scriptures. It has often been justly remarked, that we readily believe what we wish to be true; and yet it is equally certain, that, in matters of the most momentous concern, we are greatly inclined to doubt. To reconcile these seeming contradictions, it should be observed, that with respect to the things which our inclination leads us too easily to believe, they are generally not of paramount concernment to us, however weighty they may be in themselves. On the other hand, the doubt that naturally presses on things of urgent and acknowledged importance, is not an incredulity that totally rejects, but

rather a weakness of faith, accompanied by fears, conjured up by the very intensity of affection which we feel for the object of desire. These fears seem to create a barrier in the way of our enjoyment, which we wish to have removed. In the same way when, like Moses from the top of Pisgah, the Christian surveys the promised land, and looks forward to the glory that shall be revealed, he is ready to act like the disciples, when, after his resurrection, they first saw the Lord, they could not believe for joy. Must not, therefore, the study of that force and variety of the incontrovertible evidences by which the truth of the Scriptures is attested, be useful to him, as long as he walks by faith and not by sight?

The evidence of the authenticity and divine origin of the Scriptures is a subject of such inexhaustible and infinite importance, as at once to invite and to justify never-ending research. It is a subject intimately connected with the whole of the contents of the inspired book, which will be more or less fully developed in proportion as they are understood. By the weight of the proof, indeed, many have been convinced of the truth of Revelation, who do not understand its peculiar nature, and have never explored the recesses of its characteristic wisdom, which affords the most abundant and satisfactory evidence to those by whom it is perceived. They who have never discovered this Divine impress of the Word of God, which he has deeply fix

ed in all his works of creation, of providence, and of redemption, may, upon the whole, entertain a strong conviction, that the Bible is his book; yet they will not only be ignorant of much of that evidence which otherwise they might possess, but will also look on some things as difficulties, both in regard to the internal and external evidences, which, if properly viewed, would serve as confirmations of its truth. The man, for instance, who is not thoroughly aware of the Divine wisdom, and the unvarying plan of God, in allowing difficulties to appear in all his works, often finds himself stumbled, or at least at a loss to answer the objections of scepticism, even on the external evidence of Revelation. When we consider any one source of that evidence, something of this description will present itself, and, if we look no further, fill us with embarrassment. We see that in all his works God reveals himself in such a manner as not to exclude the possibility of wilful perversion; and this is wisely appointed to ⚫manifest the enmity of the heart of man to the God of Creation and Providence, as well as to the God of Redemption. Candid examination will find a criterion to distinguish the hand of God; and if men hate the truth, it is a just retribution of a righteous God to give them up to believe a lie. If this single observation is carried through every subject of our enquiries into the Works and Word of God, it will convert that which is to others a ground of stumbling, into an ad

ditional source of evidence. It is a characteristic feature of all that is Divine.

Though the Evidences of Christianity are immensely various and great, yet they are of such a nature as demand attention, humility, candour, and industry in the enquirer. They are not intended to overwhelm unbelief, or to deprive it of all possibility of excuse. On the contrary, every branch of evidence requires patience of investigation, and is accompanied with its peculiar difficulties, which disaffection to the nature of truth can easily magnify, so as plausibly to justify rejection. Even miracles, when exhibited before the eyes, are encountered by false miracles, both of Paganism and Antichristianism. Accordingly, the first opposers of Christianity did not deny the miracles, but accounted for them by magic, and confounded them with others, such as the pretended wonders of Apollonius Tyanæus. And it is well known that infidels in modern times have resisted the evidence from the miracles of Jesus Christ, on the supposition that the miracles of Popery are as great, as frequent, and as well attested. The Scriptures themselves contain many apparent contradictions, which it requires patience and information to reconcile. As these could have easily been avoided, we must believe that they were intentional, and must have been designed as a test of the obedience of man to the manifestation of the will of God. The Spirit of God could have divested Revelation of all ap

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