The evidences of Christianity, in their external division

Front matter

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THE

Preface To The English Edition

The English friends of the excellent Author of these Lectures on the Evidences of Christianity, to whom he has referred the question of their publication in Britain, are unanimous in deciding that they will constitute a valuable addition to- our sacred literature. On a subject which has been repeatedly treated, and often by men of distinguished talent and learning, much that is essentially new is not to be expected. Yet, the specific purpose for which a work of this kind is undertaken, may cause the main arguments to be placed in such a position, while some of the subordinate topics may be exhibited in so strong a light, as to give to the whole, or nearly the whole, an air of life and freshness well fitted to convey high gratification in union with rich instruction. Several, indeed, of the trains of reasoning pursued by the Author seem to be entirely original ; at the same time that they are conducted with considerable skill, and, by their accumulative property, lead to an

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ultimate issue that miist make a deep and salutary impression on the minds of any candid investigator of this ever momentous subject. It may, farther, be added, that the christian feeling, benevolence, and warmth, with which the author conducts his inquiry in its several stages, honourably distinguish this work from many of its predecessors ; while they shew that, instead of regarding christian truth as supplying matter for a pleasing speculation, he considers it as that which can alone make men truly holy, happy, honourable, and useful, and transform the world from an Aceldama to the Paradise of God.

1st of May, 1833.

* * At the earnest request of Bishop M'llvaine's friends above alluded to, the superintendence of this edition has been kindly undertaken by one of their number, Dr. Gregory, of the Royal Military Academy.

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Preface

TuE history of the following lectures may he given in few words. In the autumn of eighteen hundred and thirty-one, when the University of the city of New York had not yet organized its classes, nor appointed its instructors, it was represented to the Council that a course of lectures on the Evidences of Christianity was exceedingly needed, and w^ould probahly be well attended by young men of intelligence and education. On the strength of such representation, the author of this volume was requested, by the Chancellor of the University, to undertake the work desired ; not, he is well aware, on account of any special qualifications for a task, which many others in the city w^ould have executed much more satisfactorily ; but because, having lectured on the Evidences of Christianity while connected with the Military Academy at West Point, he was supposed to be in a great measure prepared at this time for a similar effort. It was under a considerable misunderstanding of the extent to which the proposed engagement would be expected to go, that the author expressed a hesitating willingness to assume its responsibility. The next thing was the honour of an appointment, by the Council of the University, to the office of " Lecturer on the Evidences of Christianity." Alarmed at the prospect of so much additional work, but desirous of serving a rising and most hopeful institution, as well as of advocating the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; he consented

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to the appointment, with the expectation of finding, in the manuscripts of the former course, enough preparation already made, to prevent any considerable increase to his accumulated engagements. What was his disappointment, on inspecting those compositions, to find himself so little satisfied with their plan and whole execution, that, instead of attempting to mend their infirmities and supply their deficiences, it seemed much better to lay them all aside in their wonted retirement, and begin anew both in study and writing ! Thus, in the midst of exhausting duties, as a parish minister, and in a state of health by no means well established, he was unexpectedly committed to an amount of labour which, had it been all foreseen, he would not have dared to undertake. Meanw^hile, a class of many hundreds, from among the most intelligent in the community, and composed, to a considerable extent, of members of the " New York Young Men's Society for Intellectual and Moral Improvement," had been formed, and was waiting the commencement of the course. A more interesting, important, or attentive assemblage of mind and character, no one need wish to address. The burden of preparation was delightfully compensated by the pleasure of speaking to such an audience. The lecturer could not but feel an engrossing impression of the privilege, as well as responsibility, of such an opportunity of usefulness. He would thankfully acknowledge the kindness of divine Providence, in his having been permitted and persuaded to embrace it, and for a measure of health, in the prosecution of its duties, far beyond what he had reason to expect. His debt of gratitude is inexpressibly increased by the cheering information that much spiritual benefit was derived from the lectures by some whose minds, at the outset of the course, were far from the belief of the blessed Gospel, as a revelation from God.

The idea of publication did not originate with the author. He began the work with no such view. Had it not been for the favourable opinion of the Council of the University, as to the

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probable usefulness of the step, and the urgent advice of distinguished individuals of that body; he would have shrunk from contributing another volume to a department of divinity already so well supplied by authors of the highest grade of learning and intellect. After the recent lectures of Daniel Wilson, D.D., the present excellent bishop of Calcutta, not to speak of many other and earlier works in the same field, it will not seem surprising to the present author if some should think it quite presumptuous, at least unnecessary, for a writer of such inferior qualifications, in every sense, to offer an additional publication. But all have not read, nor may all be expected to read, the books which have already been issued. Nothing can be more conclusive; and yet, to multitudes of readers, they must remain as if they were not. A work of inferior claims may find readers, and do much good, in consequence of local circumstances drawing attention to its pages, where all others would be overlooked. Vessels of moderate draught may go up the tributary streams of public thought, and may deal advantageously with the minds of men, where others of heavier tonnage could nftver reach. Should such be an advantage of this unpretending publication, its apparent presumption may be pardoned, and its author will, by no means, have laboured in vain. That many faults will be found in it, he cannot but anticipate. That any have arisen from haste, carelessness, or want of pains, he will not dishonour his sense of duty, however he might excuse his understanding, by the plea. He can only say that he has tried to do well, and to do good. If, in the opinion of any qualified critic, he has succeeded, he desires to regard it as a matter of thankfulness to God, not of praise to himself. If he has failed, let the infirmities of the lecturer, not the merits of the subject, receive the blame.

It will be observed by those who composed the class which the author addressed, that in this volume are three lectures which they did not hear: the third, eleventh, and last; beside

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a large amount of matter connected with the others, which, for want of time, was omitted in their delivery. . That many books have been consulted in the preparation of all, and that the author is greatly indebted to the more learned labours of numerous predecessors, he need not acknowledge.

It seems unnecessary to mention more particularly than is done in the margin of the lectures, the various works from which assistance or authority has been derived. Wherever quotations occur they are marked, and almost always credited to their respective authors. The elaborate work of Lardner on the Credibility of the Gospel History, and the books of Josephus, being more frequently cited than any other, it may be well to mention that the edition of Josephus referred to in the marginal notes is that of Whiston's translation, in one volume octavo, Lond. 1828 ; and the quotations from Lardner are out of the quarto edition of his works, in five volumes, London, 1815.

And now, without further preface, let this humble attempt to promote the saving truth of Jesus Christ be committed to Him whose blessing alone can honour it. Should it receive but little favour from man, and yet be made, in the Lord's hand, the instrument of leading some misguided soul from the darkness and barrenness of infidelity to the precious light and hope of the Gospel, its name will then be written in heaven, and its unworthy author will have a rich reward.

C. P. M.

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ERRATA.

Page 120, note : for John iii. 3, read John iii. 2.

160, line 6 : for certainly, read certainty.

220, line 15 : for contensions, read contentions.

line 21 : for places, read places.

239, note : for Luke xxi. 34, read Luke xxi. 24.

332, line 5 : place a full stop after "occurred."

393, line 13 : strike out the double commas.