The Evidences of Christianity in Their External Or Historical Division

intellectual conviction. This is seen in the admirable lectures on the Evidences, by Bishop Wilson, and also in the forcible volume on the same subject, by one whom the present writer cannot speak of without an expression of veneration and love for one of the most eminent Christians and philosophers of his age-his deceased friend, the late Olinthus Gregory, LL.D. Those books exhibit gospel truth, as well as prove that the gospel is true. The earnestness of the Christian preacher accompanies the argument of the scholastic reasoner. The question stands before the reader as one of conscience as well as of judgment. It seems invested with all that is serious in the worth of his soul and in the consideration of eternity. God blesses such books of Evidences more than others, as He blesses those sermons more than others which, though they may be inferior in argument, in talent, in eloquence, have more of the seriousness and earnestness of the gospel. Perhaps the writer may be allowed to insert here, in confirmation of these views, the opinion of one whose judgment he is glad of an opportunity of honouring. The present noble president of the British and Foreign Bible Society, Lord Bexley, addressed to the writer, in 1833, a very kind letter concerning this volume, in which he said, "In one important respect, it seems to excel other works of a similar kind, namely, that while the chain of argument is deduced with great clearness and force, no opportunity is lost of giving it a practical application, and of impressing holiness on the heart, as well as conviction on the understanding. The want of this renders many books dry and repulsive, which are much to be admired for sagacity and extent of information."

In the year 1833, this work was reprinted in England, under the advice and superintendence of the late Dr. Olinthus Gregory, of the Royal Military Academy; and to that edition it is probably owing that a communication has been received from the committee of the venerable society of the Church of England "for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge,' requesting the author's approbation to its being adopted by that society and printed as one of its works for distribution.

Gambier (Ohio), Jan., 1844.

C. P. M⚫ILVAINE.

CONTENT S.

LECTURE I.

INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS, p. 15.

The Difficulty of presenting the Evidences of Christianity arises, not from any lack of Arguments, but from the Difficulty of a just Selection and Arrangement where Materials are so abundant, p. 16.

I. The high Importance of the Investigation proposed, p. 17.

The Question is, Is the Religion of Jesus Christ, as exhibited in the New Testament, a Revelation from God, and, consequently, possessed of a sovereign Right to universal Faith and Obedience? p. 17.

We must have the Religion of Christ or none, p. 17.

Deism, the only imaginable Substitute, shown to offer no Refuge, p. 18.

The Investigation urged on the experimentally convinced Christian, as a matter of spiritual Pleasure and Improvement, p. 25; and as a matter of Duty to the Cause of Truth, and to the Good of his Neighbour, p. 25.

The same urged on the merely nominal Christian, as necessary to a rational and steadfast Belief of what he professes not to doubt, p. 26; and for a deeper Impression of the Solemnity of its Truth, p. 27.

The Investigation derives additional Importance from the peculiar Character of the present Times, as those of Licentiousness, under the Boast of Freedom, in such Inquiries, p. 28.

It derives, also, advantage from the present Times, as distinguished for scientific Research and Discovery, p. 32.

II. The Importance of strict Attention to the Spirit in which this Investigation is conducted, p. 34.

The Opposition between the Precepts of Christianity and the natural Dispositions of Man makes the Question one of Feeling as well as Evidence, and has a Tendency to magnify Objections, and to depreciate the Contrary, p. 34.

The Pride of humam Reason is often deeply offended at the Claims of Christian ity, p. 36.

It is true of Christianity, as of many other very important Matters of Truth, that Objections are more easily invented than answered, p. 39.

Phenomena which these Considerations account for, p. 40.

Docility of Mind;

A deep Seriousness of Purpose;

And Prayer, earnestly recommended as necessary to this Investigation, p. 40.

LECTURE II.

AUTHENTICITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, p. 42.

The Study of the Evidences of Christianity may be brief or extended, according as the Object is simply Conviction; or, in addition to that, the Pleasure of collecting all the various Lights which may be concentrated on this Subject. The Evidences are of two general Classes, viz., External or Historical, and Internal, p. 42.

A brief Account of what each Head includes, p. 42.

The present Course of Lectures confined to the External.

The complete treatment of this Division would begin with the Necessity of a Divine Revelation, as the History of Mankind exhibits it, p. 43.

We begin with the AUTHENTICITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, p. 44. Difference between Authenticity and Credibility, as used in these Lectures, p. 44. The Question is, How does it appear that the several Parts of the New Testament were written by the Men to whom they are ascribed, the original Disciples of Christ, and are therefore Authentic? p. 45.

The same Course pursued as in ascertaining the Authenticity of any other Book, p. 45. A general Sketch of the Argument, p. 47.

vii

I. The Books of the New Testament are quoted, or alluded to, by a series of Writers,

who may be followed up in unbroken succession from the present Age to that of the Apos-

tles, p. 48.

This shown by reference to Catalogues, &c., from the 4th Century to the Age

of the Apostles,

48-57.

Particulars included in the above which require a more special Notice.

1st. The Books of the New Testament, when quoted or alluded to, are treated

with supreme Regard, as possessing a singular Authority, and as conclusive in

Questions of Religion, p. 57.