Demonstration of the truth of the Christian religion...

Front matter

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IlIBRARY OF CONGRESS.!

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Preface

In adducing and applying the scriptural prediction and refutation of the great argument which scoffers in the last days have so strenuously urged against the credibility of miracles, the writer of these pages intimated, above seven years ago (Evidence of Prophecy, 6th edition), that it was his purpose to give a more full consideration to the subject in " a general and connected view of the Evidences of Christianity, which he was preparing for the press, and which he hoped to be able to compress into a small compass, in the form of a manual." His pen, however, was of necessity laid aside, owing to sudden and continued illness; and long ceased to be, if it had ever been, that of a " ready writer." And it has only been at different intervals and in diverse places, to which the state of his health required his removal, that he has been enabled to complete the essay.

Though the feebleness of the hand has, he fears, been often transferred to the page, yet the inadequate advocacy of the truth may happily serve so much the more to show that the strength rests solely in the cause. The frailty of an earthen vessel cannot deteriorate from the preciousness of the treasure which it bears. The author has simply sought to exhibit how speedily and easily, when brought into close contact, truth triumphs over error. A " general" view of the evidence, as once he proposed, he has not attempted to give. And that task is less needful since the recent publication, in a very cheap form, of the excellent lectures on the Evidences of Revealed Religion by minis-

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VI PREFACE,

ters of Glasgow. But the author trusts that the view of the Evidences given in the following pages will be found to be so " connected," that the relative connexion and union of the separate parts will prove to be a multiplication of the power of each, as the compound far excels the simple lever And were it to be the instrument of removing doubts from the skeptic's mind, and of confirming the faith of the believer, the writer would thankfully yield the praise which is ever due to the God of grace and truth, who alone can turn from darkness to light, and perfect strength in weakness.

St. Cyrus, July, 1838.

Contents

Introduction ......... Page 13-17

Chapter II

The appropriation of Hume's Arguments against Miracles, as foretold and confuted in Scripture ; its Fallacy shown from the Fact that the Laws of Nature are not unalterable, but have been altered ; itself a Proof of Prophetic Inspiration, on the uniform Experience of the Truth of which rests the Testimony of Jesus ........ 52-83

Chapter III

The Antiquity and Authenticity of the Old Testament Scriptures, in four Sections ; concurring Testimony from universal Tradition, existing Facts, Names of Cities and Persons, ancient Institutions, &c. ; Objections drawn from Geology refuted by comparing the Mosaic Account of the Creation of the Heavens and the Earth with the Observations and Discoveries both of Astronomers and Geologists 83-150

CHAPTER 17.

Connexion between the Old Testament and the New, as shown by the Testimony of the Prophets to the coming of a Messiah, and consequent Expectation of his coming, throughout the whole East, at the Commencement of the Christian Era 150-100

Chapter V

The Origin and Progress of Christianity, according to the Testimony of Heathen Writers ; Comparison of the Accounts given by them with those of Scriptures 160-180

Chapter VI

Genuineness of the New Testament Scriptures, as written by the Evangelists and Apostles of Jesus. Continuous and numerous Quotations from the New Testament by Christian Writers ; their Testimony to the Facts recorded in Scripture, and its Confirmation by their Sufferings and Martyrdom as witnesses to the Truth 180-217

Chapter VII

Appropriation of the Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry, and Julian, in Proof of the Genuineness of the New Testament and the Messiahship of Jegus 217-261 till CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VIIL

Of the Authenticity of the New Testament Scriptures . Page 261-283

CHAPTER IX. Testimony of the Prophets to the Messiahship of Jesus . . 283-329

LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.

Map, Frontispiece. Page

Illustrations of the Elevation of Strata 64

Jewish Brickmakers 101

Mount Hor, Aaron's Tomb . . .102

Arch of Titus . 120

Plate I. (Astronomical) 126

11 130

Fossil Plants . 136

' Do . ib.

Fossil Tree . . ib.

Plate IV. (Astronomical) 137

DEMONSTRATION

TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.

DEMONSTRATION

TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION,

Introduction

It may seem to be alike superfluous in itself and presumptuous in the author to add another to the already numerous treatises on the evidences of Christianity. It needs, however, but little observation to discern that the subject is far from being exhausted. Though an imposture might be palmed upon the world, and many cunning devices may give it the semblance of truth; yet, as these are successively detected and exposed, the investigation becomes complete ; and one hollow prop after another is subverted by rational inquiry, till the whole fabric of falsehood sinks into the darkness from whence it sprung. It is far otherwise with truth, which can never be disproved. Its own nature is not altered, however much men may disguise, misrepresent, or disbelieve it. The more rigidly and impartially it is scrutinized, the more clearly it is confirmed. Doubts and difficulties, engendered by ignorance, disappear on a full investigation. The refutation of objections creates new proof. Whenever conviction is wellfounded and sure, a reason, in respect to evidence, is ready to be given in answer to every question. In these days of inquiry and discovery, it has passed into an adage or proverb, that truth is great and will prevail. And, as truth cannot ultimately be but on the side of truth, when any facts are stated as militating against it, their proper relation to the subject has only to be established, that they may add to the confirmation of the truth. And, after all the labours of unbelievers, it is even thus with the Christian faith. Every assault has served to strengthen it. No weapon against it has prospered. Every renewed investigation has rendered its evidence more complete. Time in its progress leaves many a witness on its behalf; and while the corruptions of Christianity may be successfully assailed, and their overthrow become an additional triumph of the truth over error, all the powers of darkle

14 INTRODUCTION,

ness cannot prevail against the light of the gospel; but the evidence of its truth, like the path of the just to which it leads, is as the shining light, that shxneth more and more unto the perfect day.

No sooner was Christianity promulgated, than the cross of Christ became a stumbling-block to the Jews, and was accounted foolishness by the Greeks. And, in the early ages, apologies, or pleadings in defence of its truth, were written in refutation of the objections then urged against it by the inveterate hatred of the Jews, and the subtle philosophy which idolized a pompous paganism, and scoffed at the simplicity of the gospel. The arguments of the first writers who publicly attacked it— though known chiefly by the refutations with which they were speedily met — have been as confidently urged anew, in modern times, as if they had never been answered, and could not be confuted. And in the late age of infidelity, the darkness of which still broods over a great part of the earth, not a single field has been left unexplored wherein an objection could be gleaned ; and not an effort, from the most refined speculations to the coarsest ribaldry, has been untried against the Christian religion. Its enemies cannot say that it is from the want of numerous and powerful assailants that it has remained unshaken. Infidelity, in point of argument, has tried its worst ; though in starting objections it has led to the production of evidence, and in tampering with facts has unwittingly substantiated the truth. And, were it not that the praise is unmerited, because the service was unmeant, the friends of religion might well pay as thankful an acknowledgment to unbelievers for their abundant and beneficial labours, as to the defenders of the truth, for the truth's sake, who need not the commendation of man. But it were worse than mockery for the Christian to render thanks to either, if not deeply impressed with heartfelt gratitude to God, who, overruling all things, brings good out of evil, and, taking the cunning in their craftiness, brings light out of darkness, because, in his Providence, it has happened that the enemies of the truth have ultimately become its unconscious supporters, and that, in vindicating the Christian faith, the task is now easy and the time of apology is past.

From other causes than want of evidence, it may be as impracticable as ever to convince gainsayers, who, as at first, will not believe the doctrine of Jesus, because it is truth. But their arguments must be refuted, and their mouths must be stopped. And it is not for those who have to contend earnestly for the faith to act only on the defensive. Much of the Christian evidence is in its nature aggressive, and as such it should be used. But the truth has been assailed as if it had been a lie ; and infidels, by the frequency and boldness of

INTRODUCTION. 15

their attacks, have assumed a seeming strength and triumph to which they have no claim, except in leading captive the willing mind, deceiving and being deceived. Their victims have been many. They have assailed every bulwark of Christianity and threatened to raze them, till, like the temple of Jerusalem, not a stone should be left upon another. And assuming the victory of infidelity to be complete, they denominated the period of its greatest prevalence the age of reason ! Christians may surely copy the zeal of their enemies, and realize against them their highest pretensions. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strongholds ; and they need but to be rightly wielded in order to put to flight the armies of the aliens. And, in the warfare of the enemies of Zion, under the banner of him who leadeth captivity captive, any " soldier of Christ" thus armed may brave the boldest of the chiefs of skepticism, and lead them captive in the cause of truth. After the utmost rage of the enemy has been exhibited, and all their strength exhausted, the faithful host that long withstood them unbroken, and repelled every assault, may in turn become the assailants, trusting to the God of truth in whose strength they stand, that the victory will finally be the more completely their own. Though Goliaths, as of old, have defied the armies of the living God, and dismayed the faint-hearted in Israel, yet at the last even they can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth ; by their own words they must be confuted, and by their own swords they must be slain.

In order to come at once to common ground with gainsayers, it is best to meet them on their own, and to show both the right and the might by which Christians have and hold it. Nothing is to be assumed or supposed, where, however reasonable, nothing will be conceded ; but adducing facts as proofs, and enemies as witnesses, and their very arguments as our needful reasons, the feeblest advocate of the Christian faith — beginning with admitted, positive, undeniable, existing, and visible facts reclaimed from our foes, and advancing connectedly from proof to proof at every point — may as freely disclaim all need, as the most unyielding skeptic would deny him all right, of commencing and conducting an investigation into the absolute verity of his faith, on any assumption or supposition whatever. And through means which God has given, and proofs which, in his overruling Providence, enemies have supplied, a body of evidence may be adduced Avhich renders any supposition needless, and sets all objections at defiance ; the gospel may be vindicated as the word of Him who truly said of his kingdom, "Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken ; but on whomsoever it shall fall it will grind him to powder ;" and aught less than a dem-

16 INTRODUCTION.

onstration of the truth of Christianity would be a disparagement of the faith that is nothing less than divine.

Abundant as are the materials for the construction of such an irrefragable argument, yet additional evidence is still accumulating. While the progress of physical science discloses the works of the God of nature, it illustrates also the truth of his word. The very objections of ignorance become the arguments of knowledge. And, as superstition is shaken, true religion is confirmed. And the labours of all the enemies of the truth, in seeking to confound Christianity with its corruptions, or to subvert them together, is only the clearing away of the rubbish which has too long obscured the rock on which the church of Christ is built ; and that man must know but little of the spirit of the times, and be ill-instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven, who, in seeking to illustrate the truth of the gospel, could not readily bring forth out of his treasure things new as well as old.

" Things old" must necessarily be brought forth, though every Christian rnight rightfully reckon them in his treasures, and the Christian faith would be left without defenders if these were not still adduced, as they have been in ages past, times without number. But something " new" may be found in the arrangement, combination, and connexion of the evidence, in the application of many of the facts on which it rests, the introduction of others, and in the adoption and use of the arguments of our adversaries.

So liberally have unbelievers unconsciously repaid in facts their idle scoffings against the prophecies, that they have furnished the means of demonstrating their inspiration, sufficient singly to form a sure foundation whereon to rest the whole superstructure of Christian evidence.

In the following treatise, existing facts, which any man may witness, abundantly supply, in the first place, a palpable demonstration that the prophets of old spake by inspiration of omniscient God. The great infidel argument urged in modern times against the credibility of miracles, is next — as recorded and refuted in Scripture— appropriated and applied as Christian evidence, and as involving the principle on which miracles give proof of revelation. The way is thus doubly prepared for illustrating the credibility of the Old Testament and of the New ; the former as heralding the Messiah, and preparatory of his coming ; the latter as recording concerning Christ and the Christian religion, the things which Moses and the prophets did say should come. The leading sentiment which pervades, connects, and illumines the whole, is, that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Associated with this theme, other proofs, not wholly destitute of novelty, are adduced in verification of the Jewish Scriptures. And the inspiration of these, together with the witness which they

INTRODUCTION. 17

bore of a coming Saviour, being manifestly set forth, the historical testimony borne to Jesus has only to take its proper place, and to be viewed in connexion with the testimony of the prophets, in order that not even a heathen could narrate facts respecting Christianity, or urge arguments against it, without thereby giving proofs of the Messiahship of Jesus The Christian testimony, though assuming a lower position in the order of evidence than that which it generally occupies, is thus endowed with a far higher power than any testimony could exclusively possess, and is neither to be evaded nor resisted. And, finally, the authenticity of the records being established, a comparison between the prophecies and the gospel sets demonstration before the eye — as the Spirit by whom the prophets spake can alone bring conviction to the heart, in believing unto righteousness — that Jesus and the Messiah, as well as the doctrine of the gospel and the promised salvation, are alike one and the same.

Instead of exhausting the subject of the evidence of Christianity, scarcely a tithe of it is touched on in the following pages, as many excellent and voluminous treatises may testify. It has been the writer's purpose to show that Christianity, in all reason, is accredited as divine so soon as it is rightly seen even in a single view, or in its due relationship, in part, to Judaism. Its adaptation to the nature, or its adequateness, when truly embraced, to the salvation of man, is a theme with which he purposed to close the present essay, as showing forth in still brighter form the Divine handiwork and heavenly beauty of the inner sanctuary. But even a step or two into the outer court affords demonstration that the workmanship is of God. If enabled to advance a step farther, it may yet be the author's privilege, as it is his hope, to cast another mite into the Christian treasury. If his present labour — often wrought out in much weakness, and always in conscious inadequacy for so great a cause — may be prized, at that rate, by Him who looked not unpityingly or unapprovingly on the widow's mite, the commendation or the censure, the flattery or the calumnies of man would be all alike unworthy of a thought. And if any gain, however small, hence accrue to the Christian cause — if God's word has in any way been magnified, while the wisdom, the pride, and the power of those who set themselves against it has been brought low, even to the ground — none can rejoice more than the writer of these pages in the renewed illustration thereby given to the Scriptural truth, that God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, that no flesh should glory in his presence.

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