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V. The prophecies concerning Christ

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VI. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans 173 VII. The prophecies concerning Antichrist VIII. The existence and state of the Jews as a separate people

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CHAPTER VII.

OF THE EVIDENCE FOR THE DIVINE

AUTHORITY

OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, ARISING FROM THE
SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL

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I. The nature of the christian religion as con-
tained in the New Testament

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II. The persons by whom the christian religion was propagated

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III. The means which were employed for propagating the Gospel

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IV. The opposition made to the Gospel

V. The sacrifices which those must make who embrace the gospel

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VI. The success of the Gospel, and the number of its converts

VII. Christianity could have had no success if

it had not been true

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CHAPTER VIII.

OBJECTIONS AGAINST THE DIVINE AUTHORITY OF
THE NEW TESTAMENT CONSIDERED

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I. OBJ. If we must examine one religion in order to discover its divine origin, it is reasonable that we should examine all, and weigh their evidence and this is so tedious as well as arduous a task, that our lives would be at an end before it can be accomplished II. OBJ. Christianity generates a timid passive spirit, and is not calculated for forming great characters, or producing men who will prove extensive benefactors to mankind

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III. OBJ. Christianity is the friend of despotism, and the enemy of liberty

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IV. OBJ. Christianity establishes a system of priestcraft, and exalts the Clergy to exorbitant wealth, and a spiritual despotism over the consciences of men V. OBJ. The blood which christianity has shed, the massacres which it has planned and executed, and the miseries it has brought upon the earth, must seal its condemnation 227 VI. OBJ. Christ's appearance on earth was distinguished by a meanness which seems beneath the dignity of the Son of God VII. OBJ. Christianity is known only to a small portion of mankind: if it were from God would it not be universal in its extent?. 231 VIII. OBJ. The effects produced in the world by the christian religion have been few and small, and of little benefit to the human

race

IX. OBJ. The attachment of multitudes to christianity arises merely from the prejudices of education

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X. OBJ. Very few of the great and learned embraced the christian religion

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XI. OBJ. There are many divisions, and great dissensions among christians

XII. OBJ. There is much obscurity in the New Testament, and there are many things mysterious

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XIII. OBJ. When we survey the form and mode of composition of the books of the New Testament, we cannot conceive that they were written by divine inspiration. 247 XIV. OBJ. How can we be certain that the books of the New Testament were written by the Apostles of Christ : and if they were, that they have not been interpolated and corrupted since

XV. OBJ. Many of the advocates for the religion of Jesus inveigh bitterly against philosophy, because they know that christianity cannot bear the strict scrutiny of her penetrating eye

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I. Deists do not examine christianity with the
spirit of men who are searching after truth 261
II. Deists do not seem, even with respect to

their own system of religion, to be in
earnest, either as to the practice or prop-
agation of it

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III. How little the enemies of christianity have been able to say against it, merits notice 269 IV. From a spirit of opposition to the Gospel,

and in order to destroy its credibility, deists run into the grossest absurdities V. The system of the deists does not supply the place of the Gospel, nor make suitable and sufficient provision for the happiness of man

VI. There is good reason to conclude that the system of natural religion, which the deists profess to hold, is derived from

the New Testament

VII. A comparison between the most eminent deists and christians, as to their temper and conduct in life

VIII. The most eminent deists and christians

compared, as to their views and hopes
at the approach of death

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CHAPTER X.

SOME

MISCELLANEOUS CONSIDERATIONS, AND

CONCLUSION

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I. The harmony of the different parts of the
evidence for christianity

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II. Every man of a good disposition must wish the Gospel to be true

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III. The temper required by the New Testament in those who examine the evidences of christianity

IV. The truth of the christian religion believed by those who have spent all their days in studying the New Testament Conclusion

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INTRODUCTION.

IMMORTALITY is the glory of man. Take it away, and he sinks into insignificance. They debase human nature who consider death as the close of their existence. But you shudder at the degrading thought; and, agreeably to the dictates of reason and truth, deem yourselves formed for eternity. Cherish the vast idea; and aspire after a happiness which will never end.

Will you permit a friend, though unknown, to solicit your attention to a book which was written with the godlike design of raising you to the perfection of your nature and to happiness, by conducting you to God? The book demands examination, and represents it as criminal in men, if they will not weigh its evidence and contents in the balance of impartial reason, and give it that reception to which it is entitled.

Do not turn away with disdain and say, “I will not read it." That is not the language of wisdom. The book claims its origin from God; and its object is to teach you how to serve him, and how to attain the highest felicity." But I

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an sure it is not true." Millions have read and acknowledged its truth: among these have been the most conscientious of men, and the first luminaries of science, than whom none were ever better qualified to examine its nature and excellence: and they had no worldly interest to serve by professing to believe the gospel. When a BACON, a PASCHAL, a BOYLE, a NEWTON, a LOCKE, and a LEIBNITZ, have examined and received christianity as true, can you call yourselves impartial enquirers, after truth and happiness, if you refuse to examine.

It is not desired that you should believe because they believed; but that you would examine what they believed to be truth, and the most important truth. I entreat you to read the New Testament. Till then, you cannot possibly know whether it is to be rejected or received. A cursory reading is not sufficient: it requires a repeated perusal and diligent study, that you may clearly perceive its scope, its design, its general principles, and particular truths. Without this, to call yourself either christian or deist would be alike unbecoming and unreasonable; for you are not qualified to judge of its merits, and cannot with justice either approve or condemn. Without reading and understanding the New Testament, either of the names will cover him who wears it, not with honor but with disgrace. A man of reason will examine before he decide.

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