DEMONSTRATION OF THE TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. INTRODUCTION. Ir 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 dark B DEMONSTRATION OF THE 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 dark B 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 shineth 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 1 |