The Errors of Modern Infidelity

Not only is the design of the Bible good, but its actual character ex-
cellent-The nature and degree of inspiration-Internal evidences
--Sublime truths of the Bible-Their extraordinary power on the
heart Their extraordinary harmony -The analogy between
these truths and the constitution and course of nature-The extra-
ordinary insight into the human heart which they display

External evidences-Its miracles never yet disproved-The pro-

phecies-Nature of prophecy-Their fullness and distinctness-

Progressive evidences-Extraordinary preservation of the pure

Scriptures-Greater credulity demanded from those who disbe

lieve-Wonderful preservation of the religion of the Bible-The

concessions of the enemies of the Bible-Pliny-Julian-Porphyry

-Rousseau-Byron

157

CHAPTER V.

THE LOGICAL NECESSITY OF FAITH IN A DIVINE REVELATION.

Objections of Modern Infidels on this score-This necessity proved

by the analogy between the works of Nature and Revelation-

Proved by the inherent nature of God-By the weakness and

finiteness of the human mind-By the very idea implied in a

Divine Revelation-Proved by the nature of the subjects dis-

cussed-Proved by the progressive nature of human knowledge

and power-The works of Nature prove God to be reasonable

Benevolent-Just-True-Hence deserve our faith when He

speaks in Revelation-Absurdities of the contrary opinion 191

CHAPTER VI.

CONTRAST BETWEEN THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE AND INFIDELITY.

Practical considerations-Bold assumptions of the friends of unbelief

-Various kinds of Modern Infidelity-Doctrinal differences be-

tween Infidelity and the religion of the Bible-The existence of a

God-Of Providence-The immortality of the soul-The authority

and inspiration of the Bible-The Divine mission and atonement

of Christ-Future rewards and punishments-Results produced

by the two systems-On morality-On culture and holiness-On

social security and comfort-Stability of governments-Selfishness

and ferocity-Support of the soul in death-Its destiny throughout

futurity

221

CHAPTER VII.

ENDLESS CONTRADICTIONS AND VARIATIONS OF MODERN INFIDELITY.

Unity and consistency a test of truth-Progress in religious knowledge

does not imply contradictions-Infidelity of Hobbes-Of Spinoza-

Shaftesbury, Wollaston, Morgan, Tindal, Hume, Gibbon, Paine-

French infidelity-Voltaire-Diderot — D'Alembert-Robespierre

-Volney-Conflicting dogmas of German infidelity—Nicholai—

Wolf-Bahrdt-Eichhorn-Paulus-Kant-Fichte-Schelling-

Hegel—Modern French infidelity—Cousin—Jouffroy—Damiron—

Unitarian infidelity-Dr. Priestley-R. W. Emerson-Popular infi-

delity-Universalism-Endless contradictions of these systems—

Latest infidelity-Vestiges of Creation-Socialism-Owenism-

Fourierism-Important inferences

CHAPTER VIII.

256

THE EXCELLENCE AND HARMONY OF THE DOCTRINAL SYSTEM OF THE

BIBLE.

Though the doctrines of the Bible are not arranged in a compact body,

there is a system-It possesses unity-The Bible first proclaims

its own character and pretensions-Reveals harmoniously the

Divine existence-Harmonious respecting the Divine Nature-

The works of God-The doctrine of the Trinity-Doctrines con-

cerning man-His primitive state-His fall-Its teachings respect-

ing Christ-His divinity-His humanity-His threefold functions

-Christ's labors, sufferings, and atonement-The Holy Spirit-The

order of salvation-Repentance-Justification-Sanctification—

The means of grace-The Christian church-Attributes of the

church-Design of the church-The Sacraments of the church--

Baptism-Lord's Supper-The necessity and import of death-

The resurrection-The judgment-The punishment of the wicked

-The felicity of the righteous-The unbroken unity and harmony

of the Bible on all these fundamental points
304

CHAPTER IX.

THE ADAPTATION OF THE RELIGION OF THE BIBLE TO UNIVERSAL

DIFFUSION.

Objection of Modern Infidelity against the slow development of
Christianity-The religion of the Bible is adapted to every grade
of society-Adapted to any climate-To every order of intellect
-To every degree of moral culture-Its doctrinal system is
adapted to universal reception-The same of its moral system-

Its ritual observances everywhere practicable-The operation of

the Gospel ministry-The active co-operation of private Christians

-The attractions of the cross-The support of the Omnipotent is

its-No union of church and state-Carried forward even by its

disasters The aid of science and the arts- Commerce-War-

Magnificence of the plans of the Bible-The co-operation of Pro-

vidence-The aid of the Holy Spirit

CHAPTER X.

GENERAL CONSISTENCY OF THE BIBLE VINDICATED.

351

Infidel charges against the consistency of the Bible-Causes of the

various conflicting interpretations drawn from it-The Bible re-