The errors of modern infidelity : illustrated and refuted

Preface

The subject of Modern Infidelity may be discussed in t9ne of two ways ; either by taking a survey of the different schools according to their national distinctions, such as the German and the French Infidelity ; or by choosing out from all these various systems the most important points which they may have defended, and endeavor thus singly to refute them. The objection to the first method, when taken separately, would be, that, in examining the different schools in their order, inasmuch as some of their dogmas are similar, there would be danger of repeating the same discussions. The objection to the second method, when separately taken, would be the danger of overlooking some interesting historical developments which have occurred during the progress of these respective schools.

An attempt has therefore been made in these pages, to combine these two methods. The reader will find, in one of the chapters, a survey of the peculiar doctrines of each of the separate schools of Modern Infidelity, sufficient, it is hoped, to give some idea of the nature, as well as the error, of each system. On the other hand, the most important doctrines which have been defended by Modern Infidels of any school, are selected and discussed throughout the book. Thus, the main position of German Infidels has been, that no divine revelation should contain anything

1*

Vi PREFACE.

above the grasp of reason; and when giving a Critique of all Hevelations, they have usually maintained that ground. This point has, therefore, been discussed in one of the chapters. So the main objections of French Infidels against the Scriptures, from Voltaire downwards, have been based upon the peculiar character of the men and the means first, employed to propagate Christianity. An attempt is therefore made to investigate that point in another chapter. Thus, all the most important individual objections which have been urged by the abettors of Modern Infidelity, of any grade or school, against the Bible, have here been made the subject of discussion ; so that we hope no one point has been passed by, which has any very serious bearing on the truthfulness and the divinity of a Religion which can so powerfully promote both the present and the future welfare of mankind.

NovEMBEn, 1847.

Introduction

Object of the present work— Historic doubts respecting Christ equally applicable to Shakspeare- — Peculiar nature and tendency of modern infidelity; illustrated by the renowned work of Strauss on the Life of Jesus— His imitators in this country-— Their inferiority and imperfections—Order of points discussed — Reasons for selecting these points ••--•»• 13

Chapter I

Mankind naturally prone to the marvelous— -Hence the legend of Hercules; the siege of Troy; the golden fleece; superstitious miracles •—Shakspeare a miracle of genius — Necessary proofs of such a miracle — "Want of such proofs — Doubts about his parentage — His birth— His early history — His occupations — His professional career —Strange contradictions — His supposed writings — Disputes as to which are false, which genuine — Sketch of other literary impostors — Ossian — Thomas Chatterton's impostures — False decretals — Motives for imposture in Shakspeare's case — Great variety of these — Other suspicious circumstances in Shakspeare's history — His indifference to fame— Amount of his writings — Their contradictions — How to account for these writings — How to account for his existing histories — Liability to deception — The force of circumstances— Probable testimony — Bishop Butler — Mathematical evidence— Popular delusions — Important inferences - 21

Vlll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER II. PEnSOKAL CHAHACTERS of the sacred WniTEllS DEPENDED

Importance of this question — General fitness of these men for theif work as penmen of the Bible— Worthy of all confidence and credit — Moses — His history and character — Isaiah — Jeremiah — • David — Writers of the New Testament — Their chief — Paul — Peter — John — Their general practical sense- — Their disinterested*" ness — They employ only honorable means — No secret societies as some have supposed — Acquaintance with the truths they were to teach — Extraordinary faith and energy — Their spirituality — Their fearlessness — Harmony of sentiment and action — Dependence on God — Their devotion even till death — Great ideas represented by particular men among them — Their exalted merits - 99

Chapter III. The Admirable Design Of The Sacred Volume

The merits of the Bible an inexhaustible theme — Should therefore be studied — Main design to reveal the will of God to man— Designed to proclaim his character and claims — To answer the natural expectations of men — To resist the power and influence of error — To proclaim the great plan of redemption — To teach certain great principles and events in human history — The immortality of the soul — The only true object of worship — Supply the deficiencies of the Book of Nature — To give a general revelation adapted to each individual case — To preserve the instructions of Christ — A standard of authority in religious inquiries — Danger of forsaking such a guide — Modern Infidelity has ventured to do so.

CHAPTER IV. The ]?lenart inspiration of the RiSLii

Not only is the design of the Bible good, but its actual character excellent— The nature and degree of inspiration — Internal evidences ' — Sublime truths of the Bible^ — Their extraordinary power on the heart — ' Their extraordinary harmony — The analogy between these truths and the constitution and course of nature — The extraordinary insight into the human heart which tliey display—

CONTENTS. ix

External evidences — Its miracles never yet ilisproved — The prophecies— Nature of prophecy — Their fullness and distinctness — Progressive evidences — Extraordinary preservation of the pure Scriptures — Greater credulity demanded from those who disbelieve— Wonderful preservation of the religion of the Bible — The concessions of the enemies of the Bible — Pliny — Julian — Porphyry — Rousseau — Byron - - - - - 157

Chapter V

THE lOGTCAI. NECESSITY OF FAITH IHT A DITIITE llETEIATIOir.

Objections of Modern Infidels on this score — This necessity proved by the analogy between the works of Nature and Revelation — Proved by the inherent nature of God — By the weakness and finiteness of the human mind — By the very idea implied in a Divine Revelation — Proved by the nature of the subjects discussed— Proved by the progressive nature of human knowledge and power — The works of Nature prove God to be reasonable — Benevolent — Just — True — Hence deserve our faith when He speaks in Revelation — 'Absurdities of the contrary opinion 191

Chapter VI

COITTRAST BETWEEN THE IlEI.ieiON OF THE BIBLE AND INFIDELITT.

Practical considerations — Bold assumptions of the friends of unbelief — Various kinds of Modern Infidelity — Doctrinal difierences between Infidelity and the religion of the Bible — The existence of a God — Of Providence — The immortality of the soul — The authority and inspiration of the Bible — The Divine mission and atonement of Christ — Future rewards and punishments — Results produced by the two systems — On morality — On culture and holiness — On social security and comfort — Stability of governments — Selfishness and ferocity — Support of the soul in death — Its destiny throughout futurity - - - - - - - 221

Chapter VII. Endless Contradictions And Variations Of Modern Infidelity

Unity and consistency a test of truth — Progress in religious knowledge does not imply contradictions — Infidelity of Hobbes — Of Spinoza —

X ■ CONTENTS.

Shaftesbury, Wollaston, Morgan, Tindal, Hume, Gibbon, Paine — French infidelity — Voltaire — Diderot -^ D'Alembert — Robespierre — Volney — Conflicting dogmas of German infidelity — Nicholai — Wolf — Bahrdt — Eichhorn — Paulus — Kant — Fichte — Schelling — Hegel — Modern French infidelity — Cousin — JoufTroy — Damiron — Unitarian infidelity — Dr. Priestley — R. W. Emerson — Popular infidelity— ^Universalism — Endless contradictions of these systems- Latest infidelity — Vestiges of Creation — Socialism — Owenism — Fourierism — Important inferences - - - 259

CHAPTER Vm.

THE EXCELLENCE AKD HARMOKT OF THE DOCTRIIfAE SYSTEM OF THE

BIBLE.

Though the doctrines of the Bible are not arranged in a compact body, there is a system — It possesses unity — The Bible first proclaims its own character and pretensions — Reveals harmoniously the Divine existence — Harmonious respecting the Divine Nature — The works of God — The doctrine of the Trinity — Doctrines concerning man — His primitive state — His fall — Its teachings respecting Christ — His divinity — His humanity — His threefold functions — Christ's labors, sufferings, and atonement — The Holy Spirit — The order of salvation — Repentance — Justification — Sanctification — The means of grace — The Christian church — 'Attributes of the church — Design of the church — The Sacraments of the church — Baptism — Lord's Supper — The necessity and import of death — The resurrection — The judgment — The punishment of the wicked — The felicity of the righteous — The unbroken unity and harmony of the Bible on all these fundamental points - - 304

CHAPTER IX. THE ADAPTATIOSr OF THE RELIGIOIT OF THE BIBLE TO UNIVERSAL

DIFFUSION.

Objection of Modern Infidelity against the slow development of Christianity — The religion of the Bible is adapted to every grade of society — Adapted to any climate — To every order of intellect — To every degree of moral culture — Its doctrinal system is adapted to universal reception — The same of its moral system —

CONTENTS. Xi

Its I'itual observances everywhere practicable — The operation of the Gospel ministry — The active co-operation of private Christians — The attractions of the cross — The support of the Omnipotent is its — No union of church and state — Carried forward even by its disasters — The aid of science and the arts — Commerce — War — Magnificence of the plans of the Bible — The co-operation of Providence— The aid of the Holy Spirit - - . 351

Chapter X. General Coksistekci Op The Bible Vindicated

Infidel charges against the consistency of the Bible — Causes of the various conflicting- interpretations drawn from it — The Bible responsible for none of the effects of these causes — The case of the Bible illustrated by a painting as exhibited for inspection — Direct arguments for the consistency of the Bible — It is consistent in all

- its historical relations — Particular instances — Consistence in its doctrinal discussions — Prophecies — Moral system and duties — Consistency between Old and New Testament — Nature and degree of Christian union — Truth clearly understood only in Heaven 384

Chapter XI. Scriptural Account Of The Origin Of Evil

A vexed and difficult subject — ^What is evil? — Infidel objections against the Biblical account — Exposition of Thomas Aquinas — Is the existing universe the best possible ? — Free agents in that universe— Finite agents — Nature of good as opposed to evil — The relation which God does bear to the origin of evil — The d priori argument — The d posteriori argument — Force of this argument- Various advantages of the fall — A new creation — Divine benevolence— The power of prayer — Folly and futility of objections against the Scriptural account - - - - 411

Chapter XII. The Transfiguration Of Christ Vindicated

The labored and learned objections of Strauss — The extraordinary light — The bodies of Moses and Elias — The supernatural voice—

XU CONTENTS.

Interpretations of Eichhorn — Paulus — Forced and false nature of their expositions — Other modes of interpretation — Important purposes accomplished by the literal occurrence of the Transfiguration — The place of the Transfiguration — Why were Peter, James and John chosen as witnesses 1 — Peter's proposition to make three tabernacles — Sublimity and appropriateness of the whole event

CHAPTER Xin.

THE GUII.T AND PTTNISHMEIfT OF JtJDAS £XAItIIK£I).

Infidel objections on this subject — Prophecies respecting Christ's death — Mode of his death foretold — Perfect freedom of Judas — . His extraordinary guilt — The relation of the prophecies and purposes of God to his crime — Do the plans of God depend on the free acts of men? — Statement in Acts i. 25 — Mode of the death of Judas — His hanging — The bursting of his bowels — Both statements reconciled — The repentance of Judas — Its incompleteness — Solemn instructions and warnings presented by the history of Judas 443

CHAPTER XIV. INTEBPBETATION OF CHRISt's DESCEKT TO HADES

Infidel objections — Romanist interpretation — Ultra-Protestant opinions — Passage in 1st Peter iii. 18, 21 — Interpretations of the fathers — Irenaeus — Clemens Alexandrinus — Athanasius — Basil — Chrysostom — Augustine — Opinions of the Reformers — Two distinct inquiries on this subject — " Quickened by the Spirit" — Preaching to the spirits in prison — Who were these persons ? — Where \vas their prison ? — What was the substance of his preaching ? — What was the result of his preaching? — No just grounds for infidel censures or objections to this interpretation — Symbolical truths taught by it — The conclusion - - - - 463

MODERN INFIDELITY.

INTRODUCTION.

In the following pages, the author has endeavored to render a small contribution to the Evidences of Christianity. In the first part, he has labored to show that the former existence of a distinguished man in the literary world, may be as easily disproved, as infidels have labored to disprove the existence of an eminent person in the religious world. The principal arguments which have been employed to overturn the former actual existence of Christ, as a great teacher and historical actor, have been interwoven into this discussion and applied to Shakspeare. It will be seen, we think, that if those arguments and sophisms have any weight when applied to Christ, they possess equal conclusiveness mutatis mutandis, when applied to Shakspeare; hence, if any one is willing to doubt on their authority, the history and existence of Christ, he must, in order to be consistent, be willing to doubt on the same grounds, the history and existence of Shakspeare. The reasoning which is conclusive in one case, is so in both, and applies indeed to any similar instance, which might be selected as the basis of the discussion. 2

Whoever has observed the progress of Religion and Theology during the last few years, will easily see, that no one method of opposing Christianity, has proved more successful, and been more injurious to the interests of truth, than that of denying the former existence of Christ in the world, as the real teacher and savior of men, as revealed in the New Testament. Most other forms of doubt and infidelity have passed away, having crumbled into dust from their own inherent shallowness and emptiness^ But philosophical doubt has of late years assumed another form, and assaulted the citadel of truth, from another point of attack. It had been discovered, that as long as the unbeliever granted some general principles and fundamental positions to his opponent, so long a foothold had been given, which could never afterward be overcome ; that, planting himself firmly on these primitive and immovable supports, the advocate of the Gospel inevitably gained upon his foe, and- eventually overpowered and exploded him. It became apparent, that it was necessary to dispute the first positions, to begin at the very borders of the contested territory, and make a thorough and complete conquest from the beginning. This exploit has been attempted by different champions of Infidelity; but by none with greater labor, learning and ingenuity than Dr. D. F. Strauss, in his " Life of Jesus." He labors to prove, that the writings and narratives of the Evangelists are myths ; not recording truly what actually occurred, but what the fancy of later dreamers would have desired and approved. He disputes those different narratives, and endeavors to show how inconsistent, improbable and incredible they are at every point. In a word, while he admits that such a 7nan as Jesus may have lived, he contends, that his recorded history, teachings, doings and sufferings, are false, and therefore wholly unworthy of credit.

Aware of the great importance of this point in a system of Apologetics, every resource which could possibly aid in rendering their position impregnable, has been employed by those who have engaged in this contest. The work of Strauss has been translated in England, and is now also for sale in this country. The spirit which animates him has been imbibed to some extent, by some in our own midst. For instance, the translation of De Wette's Introduction to the Old Testament, which has been made at Boston, is a bold advance accomplished in the same direction. Though not as irreverent an infidel as Strauss, though not as daring in his assaults, nor as successful in his attempts, as he ; the effect produced by De Wette's work, will be highly injurious. Thus the spirit of learned doubt gains among us, and one after another of the venerable strongholds of the truth will be deserted, as unreasonable, antiquated, superstitious, and behind the requirements of the cultivated age in which we live. We expect soon to hear of the establishment of an association of Ilhiminati, similar to those of Germany in a former day, who will resist and deride the simple Christianity which has prevailed here, ever since the Pilgrim fathers hallowed these Western climes with their presence and their principles. We expect soon to hear of the organiza tion of a ^^ Young America^^ among us, in imitation of similar youthful and sapient associations in the old world; who will oppose the truth, not with the coolness, the experience and the power of age, but with the impetuosity, the arrogance and the absurdity of youth.

That such associations may here arise and run their course, can scarcely be doubted.* But it is comfortable to remember, that all such maturer associations will here, as elsewhere, soon become enfeebled with approaching age and decay, and all such "young" associations will gradually become old. They will thus learn the wisdom and repentance which increasing years bestow, or else suffer the contempt which an unimproved and childish old age deserves. But it is the duty of every lover of the truth to lend his aid in resisting such errors, and contributing to their overthrow. That the great questions connected with the evidences of Christianity will be abundantly discussed in the progress of future years, in our own land, cannot be denied. The native activity of the national mind, and the countless classes, systems and schools, which are thrown together here, give us the surest evidence, that such commotions will hereafter occur. But in these as in all other cases, we fear not the issue of the struggle ; for the truth of God, inured to triumph, will assert as of old, its divine and unapproachable supremacy.

Even though the simulated argument in the first chapter respecting Shakspeare, might not approve itself to discerning readers, as conclusive, when viewed as an argument, it will still accomplish the purpose of the author by showing how much may be said, and with what imposing pretence to plausibility, against any person whose history may be assaulted. And the in-

* We have indeed seen the advertisement of a periodical published at Boston, entitled "The Young America's Magazine;" but what its peculiar sentiments may be, we have no means of knowing.

Terence is plain, that if so much may be contrived and urged, to mystify the existing records concerning a person who is dead but several centuries, how much more may be contrived by a perverse ingenuity against the existing records respecting an individual who lived and acted in the world nearly two thousand years ago. So that when all the late ingenious sophisms which have been propounded by infidels of a learned sort, are duly considered, we may still with great justice charge them with stupidity, that they have not been able to adduce more acute suggestions than they have done. And this stigma may indeed be stamped upon them, that their acuteness and ability have always fallen far short of their presumption and malignity. Hence every new mode of attack which they adopt, has ever been repulsed by a superior and overwhelming amount of argument and evidence.

The author of these pages does not vainly suppose that they can accomplish much in the work of establishing Christianity, in the convictions of men. A subject so vast and varied as that of the Christian evidences cannot be condensed into so small a compass. But as every individual point connected with this subject, has its own importance as related to the whole ; as every objection which is answered, every doubt which is removed, and every single position which is gained, adds to the power and completeness of the final triumph ; a discussion like the present one will not be without its value. He has not endeavored to say all which might have been said, or to expand his work as much as possible ; but, on the contrary, has condensed his remarks as much as the subject would permit, that the main points under discussion may be presented in

2* clearer light, unimpeded by unnecessary digressions, and unobscured by useless words.

The order and connection of the subjects discussed are as follows : — The narratives of the Evangelists concerning Christ, the principal personage in the history of Christianity, are illustrated by the argument respecting Shakspeare. The merits of his immediate successors and apostles are discussed in the chapter on the personal characters of the Sacred Writers. The high purposes which actuated them are set forth in the chapter on the Design of the Bible. The value of their productions when written, is exhibited in the chapter on the Inspiration of the Bible. The propriety of receiving revealed truth, in a theoretical point of view, is maintained in the chapter on the Logical Necessity of Faith in any Divine Revelation. The practical claims of revelation to the acceptance of men are urged in the contrast between the religion of the Bible and Infidelity, as developed in the progress of ages. The endless contradictions and changes of Infidelity are then exhibited, to show that it does not possess that unity which is a mark of truth. In opposition to these contradictions, a condensed view of the Supreme Excellence and Harmony of the doctrines taught by the Bible is then presented. This is followed by an argument, to show that the religion of the Bible is adapted to secure and retain a universal diffusion, and a vindication of the general consistency of the Bible in opposition to the conflicting interpretations which are often put upon it. For the purpose of confirming these proofs, several of the most important modern objections of Infidelity against the Bible are examined, and an attempt is made to show the reasonableness and truthfulness of the sacred record. The points selected, are the Scriptural account of the origin of Sin ; the Scriptural fact of the Transfiguration of Christ ; the guilt of Judas ; and the affirmed descent of Christ to the place of departed Spirits. Some other of the doctrines and facts recorded in Scriptures, which have been especially ridiculed and opposed by Modern Infidelity, might have been thus examined and defended ; but these were thought sufficient to illustrate the reasonableness and truthfulness of the whole. It is hoped that these discussions will serve to show, that Modern Infidels of every grade and shade of opinion, deserve the stigma cast upon their predecessors, by an eminent light of the primitive church : Juste cadent in sublatentem ignorantiae foveam, semper quaerentes, et nunquam verum ijivenientes. Jrenaeus, adv. Haeres, lib. v. c. 2.

Chapter I. Historic Doubts Respecting Shakspeare

TO ILLUSTRATE INFIDEL OBJECTIONS AGAINST CHRIST.*

Section I

The history of mankind clearly proves, that they have ever been prone to the contemplation of the marvelous. Whatever presents to their intense curiosity, the merit of singularity; whatever seems to be without a precedent and a parallel ; or whatever involves in itself the elements of the wondrous and the mysterious, these are the subjects which will secure from men their most absorbed attention. Hence it happens, that the most valuable and serviceable principles are often neglected, simply because they have long been familiar to every one, and because their wise adaptation to the wants of mankind, have long since revealed their inherent worth.

This tendency to contemplate the marvelous among men, has naturally and almost inevitably led to the constant fabrication of it. When proper materials have not been at hand to gratify this deeply seated principle of our nature, they can easily be contrived

* For a similar mode of argument, see Dr. Whately's Historic Doubts relative to Napoleon Bonaparte, and Das Lebcn Lutha'S Kritisch bearbeitet von Dr. Casuar, Tubingen, 1836.

and constructed. Accordingly we find innumerable instances everywhere, among the exploits of literature and the fabulous legends of mythology, which clearly show, that men will gratify this weakness of their nature, in despite of every obstacle, and at every risk. It is to this fact, that we must attribute the various systems of heathen theology which have existed ; those innumerable clusters of Gods and Goddesses, with all their miracles, their interpositions and their exploits, which now stand recorded for our astonishment and amusement, upon the classic page. In their lamentable want of all genuine knowledge in regard to the Divine nature, and the principles of an overruling Providence, the ancient Greeks and Romans crowded the summit of high Olympus With their deities; whose contending and discordant jurisdictions were supposed to be exhibited in the vicissitudes of battles, in the motions of slaughtered victims, in the revolutions of empires, and in the events of individual life.

But this disposition to fabricate the marvelous, has not always been confined to the mysterious character and actions of Gods and invisible beings; it has exhibited itself on many occasions in reference to the lives and characters of men. The histories of the heroes of former ages which have been recorded, present many instances, which unanswerably show, that men have been supposed to exist, and to have performed certain deeds, which have been confidently believed and admired for ages, and that too by the most refined and enlightened nations then existing; which men and deeds, in all human probability, have never been in being.

Who has figured more largely in the history of all antiquity than Hercules ? His origin, his appearance, his strange sufferings, his wonderful feats of strength and prowess, his vices, his travels, and his death, have all been unblushingly fabricated, confidently believed, ardently admired, and carefully recorded. No exploits were more illustrious than his in the heroic ages of Greece and Rome. No name was more familiar than his as a household word in the lands where the profound Aristotle and the eloquent Cicero lived. And yet the plainest testimony of enlightened reason declares that no such man ever existed upon earth, and that all which is said concerning him, is the sheer fabrication of those same enlightened nations.

Thus too, we read of the exploits of the Grecian host around the walls of ancient Troy. Their doings are recorded on the pages of the blind old man of Scio's isle, with an air of sincerity and truthfulness which would seem to disprove all deceit and imposture. Homer describes the characters of Agamemnon, the leader of the host, of the brave Achilles, of the crafty Ulysses, of the stupid Ajax, of Menelaus the betrayed spouse, too ready to forgive ; and on the part of the Trojans, the persons of the aged Priam, the heroic Hector, the graceful Paris, the pious ^neas,and many others. But though these men and exploits have been talked of for four thousand years, and their marvelous histories have long been pondered, and even imitated, what enlightened person now believes that any such men ever lived, or that any such city was ever besieged? He must indeed be exceedingly slow of perception, who cannot penetrate the venerated absurdity of any such records !

The historians of ancient Rome tell us, that the foundations of the "Eternal City" were laid by Romulus. They soberly record the circumstances of his birth, his wondrous preservation, his achievements, and his supernatural departure from the world. What sensible person now believes any of those myths which have so long been recorded and preserved in reference to him ? Certainly not one. And yet does not this great city itself still remain, grown gray with venerable antiquity, reposing in queenly dignity upon her seven hills, as an apparent proof of the truth of that childish legend 1 No one will deny that this city is the remains of the activity of some one ; but of course it furnishes no evidence of the existence of that one, to whom the building of it is usually ascribed. This furnishes an illustration of the fact, that the supposed remains, architectural or otherwise, of any one whose former existence is affirmed, is no conclusive proof of the truth of such affirmation. The vulgar crowd may give credit to such legends, but the philosophical and educated should independently think, and widely differ from them.

Thus also the ancient story of the Golden Fleece^ to secure which so many heroes and demi-gods are said to have embarked on board the ship Argo, and traveled to ancient Colchis, working as they passed along all manner of wonders on men and monsters, until at last they carried off the brilliant prize: — this story has been soberly recorded by the most famous writers of ancient Greece, whose superior talents and splendid abilities have for many ages, rendered them illustrious. How many generations of Athenians, which produced such men as Demosthenes, Plato and Sophocles, lived and died in the belief of this absurd fabrication ? And yet no enlightened person believes it now, while it furnishes a memorable instance how the most cultivated communities may be imposed upon, simply by addressing the principle of the marvelous, which is so prominent in human nature.