On the proofs of divine power and wisdom : derived from the study of astronomy; and on the evidence, doctrines, and precepts of revealed religion

Front matter

;i f f'x £ HIS TO/., c

LIBRAEY

OF THE

Preface

1 he following Discourses were delivered before the University of Cambridge, in the year 1827, at the Lecture founded by the Rev. John Hulse ; and are now published, in compliance with the terms of his Will.

The nineteenth Psalm has been adopted as the model for the arrangement of the first twelve Lectures.

The first four treat of some of the more obvious proofs of Divine Power and Wisdom, suggested by the study of Astronomy. It was originally my intention to have added, in the Appendix, an explanation of some of the less familiar circumstances, to which allusion is made in these Lectures. But further consideration shewed, that to carry this into effect would require a treatise of far greater length, than the limited time allowed for publication would permit me to prepare. I have, consequently, been obliged to presume, that the

X PREFACE.

reader is acquainted with those facts, and with the consequences which flow from the law of gravitation ; and have, in most instances, referred to works which treat upon the subjects in question. In the Appendix will be found, a brief notice of the Hindu systems of Chronology, and of a few other points, to which a reference is made in the fourth Lecture.

The eight following Lectures treat, in the order of the Psalm, of the advantages of revealed religion, the proofs by which it is established, and the duties it is designed to teach. The remaining eight Lectures are of a miscellaneous nature.

In retiring from the office of Hulsean Lecturer, I may be permitted to join with my predecessors in the hope, that some modification may be made in the arduous duties which are now required. The labour of preparing twenty Lectures for preaching and publication, in the course of a year, is too great to allow the Lecturer sufficient time for care in the composition, and for revising what he has written. If the delivery of the Lectures

PREFACE. XI

be considered a matter of importance, it is far from desirable that it should take place on the Friday morning; a time, when the attendance of the University is generally prevented by other necessary engagements. Neither is it to be expected, that the University pulpit can be appropriated to these Lectures, on the Sunday afternoon, during the great portion of the academical year which they occupy.

It would be presumption in me to suggest the most eligible means of enabling the Lecturer more effectually to fulfil the spirit of the Founder's Will : but all, who consider the duties of his office, will acknowledge that some change is necessary, either in the number of Lectures required, or in the time allowed previous to publication.

THE' lL

Part I

ON THE PROOFS OF DIVINE POWER AND WISDOM DERIVED FROM THE STUDY OF ASTRONOMY.

Lecture I.

The Power of God displayed in the Heavens.

Psalm xix. 1 — 6. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech; and night unto night sheweth knovjledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it : and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

General division of the nineteenth Psalm p. 2.

Analysis of the first six verses ibid.

The gradual progress of astronomical knowledge p. 3.

The study of the heavens has led to errors of two kinds :

1. Judicial astrology p« 5.

2. The denial of final causes &

XJV CONTENTS.

The study of astronomy affords proofs of Divine Power. . .p. 9 It offers a scale, by which we can compare successive degrees of magnitude, in the works of creation. . . .p. 10. I. The magnitude of the earth compared with that of the

solar system p. 1 1.

II. The dimensions of the solar system compared with those

of the cluster of stars, in which it is placed p. 13.

III. That part of the universe compared with other remoter

portions p. 14.

Lecture II.

The Wisdom of God displayed in the Heavens.

Psalm xix. 1 — -6. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech ; and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it : and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

Marks of design infer a designer p. 18.

The study of astronomy is not adapted, so immediately as

some other branches of natural philosophy, to furnish

proofs of design p. 1 Q.

The force of gravity, and the law of its variation, affords

a proof of design p. 22.

Advantages derived from the force of gravitation 23-

The law of gravitation is not a necessary condition of every

force which tends to a center , p. 24.

CONTENTS. XV

Advantages derived from the law of gravitation p. 25.

Spheres attract one another with forces which vary in the

same law p. 2,6.

Stability of the solar system 27-

1. The mean distances of the planets are subject only to

small periodical variations p. 29-

2. The eccentricity of the several orbits of the planets is

subject only to a small periodical change p. 30.

3. The axis of rotation of each of the planets is a permanent

axis p. 31.

4. The inclination of the several orbits of the planets to

a fixed plane, is subject only to a small periodical

change p. 32.

The motions originally impressed upon the planetary bodies were such, as were required to produce results obviously

beneficial p. 34.

All these circumstances infer design 36.

Lecture III.

The Wisdom of God displayed in the Heavens and upon the Earth.

Psalm xix. 1 — 6. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech ; and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, aud their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber ', and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

1. The vicissitudes of seasons, and the alternation of day and night, are adapted to the necessities of the creature* which exist upon the earth p. 39-

XVI CONTENTS.

2. The mean temperature of the earth p. 41 »

3. The relative density of water — the consequent stability of

equilibrium of the ocean p. 42.

4. The division of the surface of the earth into land and

water p. 45.

5. The atmosphere 47-

6. The proportion between sea and land 49-

7- The magnitude of the tides 51 .

8. The rotation of the secondary planets upon their axes, in

the same time in which they respectively revolve about their primary planets p. 53.

9. The central body alone luminous 56.

1 0. The rings of the planet Saturn 57 .

11. Numerical relation between the respective mean motions

of the satellites of the planet Jupiter p. 59-

Lecture IV.

Consideration of the objections to natural and revealed Religion, which have been drawn from astronomical principles.

Psalm xix. 1 — 6. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech ; arid night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, arid rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, arid his circuit unto the ends of it : and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

h Theories which have been framed, with the intention of removing the necessity of supposing an intelligent Creator.

CONTENTS. XVU

1. Buffon's theory p. 6l.

It does not solve the phenomena ibid.

If true, it would not exclude a designing Creator, p. 62.

2. La Place's theory ibid.

Its difficulties p. 66.

If the relative density of the Earth were not altered, the

relation between the time of the Earth's rotation

and the Moon's periodic time, is not such as to satisfy

the conditions of this theory ibid.

Nor the time of Saturn's rotation compared with that

of its ring p. 67*

The satellites of the planet Herschel move in directions

incompatible with this theory p. 68.

The central body being luminous, is a fact, inexplicable

under the supposed conditions, except by design.

ibid.

This theory, if true, would not exclude a designing

Creator : but implies an intelligent agent p. 69-

II. Objection against the probability of any Divine revela-

tion, from the comparative minuteness of the earth, considered p. 71«

III. Objections against the particular Revelation, which man has received.

1. Alleged antiquity of Chinese astronomy .p. 74.

2. Alleged antiquity of Hindu astronomy 75.

The astronomical systems of the Hindus are of comparatively recent date p. 76.

Their chronological system is evidently artificial. . SO.

The Hindu astronomical systems confirm the Mosaic

history 81,

3. Alleged antiquity of Egyptian astronomy.

Notice of the astronomical sculptures discovered near Thebes p. 82.

IV. The union of the love of science with feelings of piety, exemplified in

Newton p. 83.

Horrox . , 84.

Part II. On The Perfection And Certainty Of Revealed Religion

Lecture V.

The Perfection of the Law of God.

Psalm xix. 7- The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

I. The word of God given by indisputable authority . p. 89

II. It is directed to the regulation of the heart 94

III. It provides remedies for guilt 95

1. Promise of pardon 97

2. Assurance of Divine grace 100

IV. It is itself an active agent 102

Lecture VI.

On the Evidences of Revealed Religion ; and its practical application.

Psalm xix. 7- The testimony of the Lord is sure ; making wise the simple.

It is requisite that the authority of a Revelation should be

established by sufficient proof p. 109-

I. Outline of the evidence for the authenticity and inspiration of the sacred writings.

CONTENTS. XIX

1. The books of the New Testament are the genuine

productions of the persons whose names they bear : or, at least, give a correct account of the events which

they relate p. 110.

This fact is proved,

by historical testimony p. 111.

by internal evidence 112.

2. The miracles of Christ established by testimony . . 113. The miracles of Christ prove his divine commission.

Allusions to miraculous powers, exercised by the Apostles

themselves, prove their possession of those powers.

The truth of our religion is established by the miracles,

both of Christ, and his Apostles p. 1 16.

3. The prophecies of Christ confirm his divine mission.

ibid.

Hence a Revelation has been made by Christ : and the

testimony of himself and his Apostles is sure . p. 1 17.

4. The Apostles taught the inspiration of the books of the

New Testament.

Inspiration of those books, in which the authority of an

Apostle is alleged ibid.

Inspiration of those books, in which the authority of an

Apostle is implied ibid.

The presumption, that the writings of the Apostles

were inspired, from the fact that their preaching was

inspired p. 119.

Inspiration of those books not written by an Apostle.

The nature of this inspiration was, at least, such as to prevent essential error ibid.

5. Divine authority of the Old Testament recognized by

the writers of the New Testament p. [23.

6. The canon of the Old Testament the same as that re-

ferred to by the writers of the New Testament . . . ibid.

Testimony of Josephus p. 1 24.

Care with which the Jews kept the Scriptures. . . 125. Samaritan Pentateuch, and Septuagint version .. 126 h 2

XX CONTENTS,

7- The prophecies of the Old Testament establish its Divine

authority . p. 1 27-

Prophecies are not conjectural 130.

Prophecies do not arise from ambiguous expressions.

II. The Scriptures are adapted to " make wise the simple."

Practical religion easy to be understood 134.

The frame of mind with which revealed religion should be studied p. 135.

Lecture VII.

The Rectitude, Purity, Integrity, and Truth of Revealed Religion.

Psalm xix. 8, 9- The statutes of the Lord are right ; rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure ; enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean ; enduring for ever. The judgments of the Lord are true; and righteous altogether.

I. 1. The Scriptures afford a plain, rational, and consistent

rule of life p. 137-

Contrast afforded by the uncertainty which pervaded

the writings of heathen moralists. ...... .p. 140.

2. The Scriptures " rejoice the heart" 141.

II. Purity of revealed religion 144.

Purity of Christ's character 145.

Purity of the precepts of the Scriptures 146.

III. Revealed religion is free from superstition; and con-

tinues the same from age to age p. 147.

IV. Revealed religion is true and just.

1 . Opposed to all falsehood 152.

2. Its promises and threatenings are sure 153.

3. The Christian dispensation peculiarly styled " The

Truth" p. 154.

4. Revealed religion opposed to hypocrisy 155.

CONTENT*. xxi

Lecture VIII.

The Advantage and Pleasure derived from the Study of the Scriptures.

Psalm xix. 10. More to be. desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.

The attentive study of revealed religion offers both profit and pleasure p. 157.

I. The study of the Scriptures, leading to a religious life,

is, as an object of pursuit, preferable to riches.

1. Religion supersedes the want of earthly riches. . .p. 159-

2. It is never sought in vain ibid.

3. Its advantages are unfading p. 1 60.

4. Advancement in religion is a certain good ibid.

II. The study and practice of religion preferable to earthly

pleasure p. 1 62.

The advantages of the practice of religion to be subsequently considered p. 163.

The study of the Scriptures is attended with high gratification.

1 . The style of the sacred writings ibid.

2. The subjects treated of offer a noble field of contem-

plation p. 16.5.

(1) They exercise the understanding ibid.

(2) They delight the imagination p. 1 68.

(3) They engage the affections 1 73.

Lecture IX.

The Warnings and Promises of the Scriptures.

Psalm xix. 11. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

All lawgivers have attempted to govern men's actions by the fear of punishment, or the hope of reward p. ITS,

XXII l/ONTENTS.

I. The Scriptures warn and enlighten mankind;

1. By history p. 180.

national 181.

individual 1 83.

2. By the assurance of future judgment 184.

3. By the promise of spiritual aid 187'

II. The Scriptures promise great reward 191-

1 . Religious habits promote present happiness ibid.

Health p. 192.

Peace of mind ibid.

Esteeem of the good p. 193*

2. Religion converts even privation into a blessing. ibid.

3. Religion promises the rewards of a future life. . . p. 195. Conclusion 1 96.

Part III. Prayer For Deliverance From Sin And Innocence Of Life

Lecture X.

Secret Faults.

Psalm xix. 12. Who can understand Ids errors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

I. The existence of secret faults.

1 . Since obedience to God's word must be imperfect, p. 200.

2. Faults rendered secret by our own negligence. . . 203.

3. Faults rendered secret by the carelessness arising

from long continuance in sin p. 204.

II. The discovery of secret faults.

1 . By self examination 205.

2. By advice of others 207.

III. The means, by which we may hope to be cleansed from

secret faults p. 208.

CONTENTS. xxjji

Lecture XI.

Presumptuous Sins.

Psalm xix. 13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me : then shall I be upright ; and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

I. Presumptuous sins are those committed against sufficient

warning p4 215.

1. Actions commonly considered crimes ibid.

2. Sins known to be forbidden in Scripture p. 2 16.

3. Sins arising from voluntary ignorance 218.

4. Sins committed against the warning of conscience. 2 1 9.

5. Sins committed under the hope of eventual impunity.

ibid.

II. Consequences of Presumptuous sins.

1. They gain dominion over a man p. 220.

2. They produce hardness of heart 224.

3. They are sometimes visited with judgment even in

this world n <?o n

III. Presumptuous sins to be avoided, through the grace of

God, which is to be sought by earnest prayer, p. 226.

Lecture XII.

Purity of Words and Thoughts.

Psalm xix. 14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

I. Purity of words is violated ;

1 . By open profaneness. p. 231 .

2. By treating the Holy Scriptures, and any thing belong.

big to religion, with irreverence p. 234.

3. By neglecting, or carelessly performing, the duty of

prayer p. 237-

II. Importance of religious meditation 241.

The grace of God will not be withheld from those who

earnestly endeavour to obtain it p. 246.

XXIV CONTENTS.

Part IV. Miscellaneous Discourses

Lecture XIII.

On the Omnipresence of God.

Psalm cxxxix. 7> 8* 9, 10. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

I. The Omnipresence of God as displayed in his works.

II. The Omnipresence of God as declared in his word. 253. Practical conclusions 256.

Lecture XIV.

On the Scriptural estimate of Talent.

Psalm cxi. 10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning

of wisdom: a good understanding have all they

that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Great natural talents peculiarly liable to abuse p. 266.

The fear of the Lord the principal part of true wisdom.

This wisdom attainable by all 271.

The reward of this proficiency certain and eternal .... 275. Conclusion 277.

CONTENTS. XXV

Lecture XV.

Reflections on the Rainbow, as the Sign of a covenant with Noah.

Gen. ix. 14. It shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud upon the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud.

Reflections on the history of Noah p. 281.

The fact has been allegorically interpreted 285.

Question whether the bow was ever seen before the

Deluge p. 286.

Instances in which the remedy is, in a similar manner, associated with the disorder.

1. The first promise of "the Seed of the woman."

2. The Eucharist ordained to commemorate the death

of Christ p. 292.

3. Religion peculiarly adapted to give consolation in

the time of affliction p. 295.

The Rainbow reminds us of heavenly glory 300.

Lecture XVI.

On the Love of life.

Job ii. 4. All that a man hath will he give for

his life.

The love of life a general feeling p. 302.

1. It affords a presumption that a change has taken place

in the nature of man p. 304.

2. The love of life is an earnest of immortality 30p.

:). It should teach us to aspire to the life immortal. SIS.

\\VJ CONTEXTS.

Lecture XVII.

The Necessity of being doers of the Word, and not hearers only.

James i. 22 — 25. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass : for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man is blessed in his deed.

Explanation of the Apostle's instruction p. 318.

Description of a forgetful hearer 323.

Description of the doer of the word 325.

Lecture XVIII.

On the Resurrection of Christ.

1 Cor. xv. 14. If Christ be not raised, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

I. The fact of the resurrection proved p. 332.

II. The resurrection of Christ a pledge of our own resur-

rection p. 33?.

III. The resurrection of Christ gives us an assurance of

future judgment p. 342.

IV. The resurrection of Christ an inducement to holiness

of life p. 344.

CONTENTS. XXvii

Lecture XIX.

The Power of Christ in Heaven and Earth.

Matth. xxviii. 18. Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me, in heaven, and in earth.

Comprehensiveness of the assertion p. 349-

I. All power given to Christ in heaven 351.

1. The Divine nature thus ascribed to him 352.

2. His general power 353.

3. His power as intercessor 355.

II. All power given to Christ upon earth.

1 . His consequent claim to our obedience 356.

2. His claim to our gratitude 357-

3. He is the spiritual head of his church 358.

Lecture XX.

The Origin and general Design of Christianity.

Tit. ii. 11 — 14. The grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men; Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world : Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

I. General design of Christianity ".p. 365.

1. Its origin, the grace of God ibid

2. Its end, the salvation of all men p. 366

II. Positive and negative precepts 367

XXVlfi CONTENTS.

1. (1) To deny ungodliness p. 367»

(2) To deny worldly lusts 368.

2. (1) To live soberly 369-

(2) To live righteously • 370.

(3) To live godly 371.

III. Motives of obedience 373*

1 . To look for " that blessed hope." ibid.

2. To look for " the glorious appearing" of our great God

and Saviour Jesus Christ 375.

IV. The object of Christ's sacrifice 378.

1. His sacrifice was voluntary 379'

2. It was made " that he might redeem us from all ini-

3. That ' ' he might purify unto himself a peculiar people,

zealous of good works." ibuL

■CONTENTS. XXIX

Appendix

Note A, on Lecture IV. p. 67-

On the change produced in the time of rotation of a mass, in consequence of its condensation or expansion . p. 385

Note B, on Lecture IV. p. 75.

On the Chronology and Astronomy of the Hindus, p. 390

Opinion of Sir W. Jones and others respecting their alleged periods ibid.

Their division of Chronology into four ages p. 391

The artificial construction of their periods ;

According to " the Institutes of Menu." p. 39c2

According the Surya Siddhanta 394?

Alleged age of the Surya Siddhanta 396

Bailly's " Astronomie Orientale et Indienne." 397

J. Bentley's " Historical View of Hindu Astronomy." ibid.

Rise and Progress of Astronomy in India, according to that Work p. 398

The time when the different systems were introduced, determined by internal evidence p« 399

The selection of the numbers 71 and 14 in their system shewn to be a necessary consequence of the assumed conditions P- 400

The artificial system probably introduced about a.d. 53S. 10:>

The Surya Siddhanta probably composed about a.d. 101)1. ibid.

c

XXX CONTENTS.

Note C. (D.) on Lecture IV. p. 80. On the Forgeries of the Hindus . . . p. 403

Note D. (E.) on Lecture IV. p. 83.

On the Astronomical Representations discovered in Egypt p. 404

Note E. (F.) on Lecture IV. p. 84. Notice of the Life of Horrooc p. 406

Note F. (G.) on Lecture IV. p. 85. On the Transits of Venus hitherto observed . ... ,p. 407

TWENTY DISCOURSES

PREACHED

BEFORE THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

IN THE YEAR 1827-

AT

THE LECTURE

Founded by the Rev, John Hulse,

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