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MODERN INFIDELITY.

INTRODUCTION.

In the following pages, the author has endeavored to render a small contribution to the Evidences of Christianity. In the first part, he has labored to show that the former existence of a distinguished man in the literary world, may be as easily disproved, as infidels have labored to disprove the existence of an eminent person in the religious world. The principal arguments which have been employed to overturn the former actual existence of Christ, as a great teacher and historical actor, have been interwoven into this discussion and applied to Shakspeare. It will be seen, we think, that if those arguments and sophisms have any weight when applied to Christ, they possess equal conclusiveness mutatis mutandis, when applied to Shakspeare; hence, if any one is willing to doubt on their authority, the history and existence of Christ, he must, in order to be consistent, be willing to doubt on the same grounds, the history and existence of Shakspeare. The reasoning which is conclusive in one case, is so in both, and applies indeed to any similar instance, which might be selected as the basis of the discussion.

Whoever has observed the progress of Religion and Theology during the last few years, will easily see, that no one method of opposing Christianity, has proved more successful, and been more injurious to the interests of truth, than that of denying the former existence of Christ in the world, as the real teacher and savior of men, as revealed in the New Testament. Most other forms of doubt and infidelity have passed away, having crumbled into dust from their own inherent shallowness and emptiness. But philosophical doubt has of late years assumed another form, and assaulted the citadel of truth, from another point of attack. It had been discovered, that as long as the unbeliever granted some general principles and fundamental positions to his opponent, so long a foothold had been given, which could never afterward be overcome; that, planting himself firmly on these primitive and immovable supports, the advocate of the Gospel inevitably gained upon his foe, and eventually overpowered and exploded him. It became apparent, that it was necessary to dispute the first positions, to begin at the very borders of the contested territory, and make a thorough and complete conquest from the beginning. This exploit has been attempted by different champions of Infidelity; but by none with greater labor, learning and ingenuity than Dr. D. F. Strauss, in his "Life of Jesus." He labors to prove, that the writings and narratives of the Evangelists are myths; not recording truly what actually occurred, but what the fancy of later dreamers would have desired and approved. He disputes those different narratives, and endeavors to show how inconsistent, improbable and incredible they are at every point. In a word, while he admits that

such a man as Jesus may have lived, he contends, that his recorded history, teachings, doings and sufferings, are false, and therefore wholly unworthy of credit.

Aware of the great importance of this point in a system of Apologetics, every resource which could possibly aid in rendering their position impregnable, has been employed by those who have engaged in this contest. The work of Strauss has been translated in England, and is now also for sale in this country. The spirit which animates him has been imbibed to some extent, by some in our own midst. For instance, the translation of De Wette's Introduction to the Old Testament, which has been made at Boston, is a bold advance accomplished in the same direction. Though not as irreverent an infidel as Strauss, though not as daring in his assaults, nor as successful in his attempts, as he; the effect produced by De Wette's work, will be highly injurious. Thus the spirit of learned doubt gains among us, and one after another of the venerable strongholds of the truth will be deserted, as unreasonable, antiquated, superstitious, and behind the requirements of the cultivated age in which we live. We expect soon to hear of the establishment of an association of Illuminati, similar to those of Germany in a former day, who will resist and deride the simple Christianity which has prevailed here, ever since the Pilgrim fathers hallowed these Western climes with their presence and their principles. We expect soon to hear of the organiza tion of a "Young America" among us, in imitation of similar youthful and sapient associations in the old. world; who will oppose the truth, not with the coolness, the experience and the power of age, but with the impetuosity, the arrogance and the absurdity of youth.

That such associations may here arise and run their course, can scarcely be doubted.* But it is comfortable to remember, that all such maturer associations will here, as elsewhere, soon become enfeebled with approaching age and decay, and all such "young" associations will gradually become old. They will thus learn the wisdom and repentance which increasing years bestow, or else suffer the contempt which an unimproved and childish old age deserves. But it is the duty of every lover of the truth to lend his aid in resisting such errors, and contributing to their overthrow. That the great questions connected with the evidences of Christianity will be abundantly discussed in the progress of future years, in our own land, cannot be denied. The native activity of the national mind, and the countless classes, systems and schools, which are thrown together here, give us the surest evidence, that such commotions will hereafter occur. But in these as in all other cases, we fear not the issue of the struggle; for the truth of God, inured to triumph, will assert as of old, its divine and unapproachable supremacy.

Even though the simulated argument in the first chapter respecting Shakspeare, might not approve itself to discerning readers, as conclusive, when viewed as an argument, it will still accomplish the purpose of the author by showing how much may be said, and with what imposing pretence to plausibility, against any person whose history may be assaulted. And the in

*We have indeed seen the advertisement of a periodical published at Boston, entitled "The Young America's Magazine;" but what its peculiar sentiments may be, we have no means of knowing.

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