PREFACE. THE writer of the following pages is aware, that the subject of which they treat has been often and ably discussed by others; but he is also aware, that their works, for the most part, are of too voluminous or too critical a character, to engage the attention of that numerous class of readers who might be induced to go through a less labored and less imposing volume. The works of Lardner, the most valuable ever written in defence of the Christian religion, are not probably seen, much less read, by one in five thousand of the great mass of the people. And nearly the same remark may be made in relation to the works of Macknight, Leland, Stackhouse, Gregory, Newton, Horne, and even those of Watson and Paley. It is well known that Paley's volume is more extensively circulated and read than any other work on the same subject, and yet it is presumed that there are more who have not read it, than who have. The object aimed at in the present volume is, the throwing together in as small a space as possible an outline of the Christian argument; not with the expectation of making it a substitute for the works mentioned, but with the hope that it may serve as a kind of introduction to them. Some may perhaps be persuaded to read this volume because it is small; and having read this, we trust they will be sufficiently interested in the subject to pursue it farther, and enter into a thorough investigation of the argument in all its bearings. It is not expected that those who have made themselves familiar with the valuable productions which have been named, will give these pages a perusal-for such they were not intended. It may be well to say here, that no claims are advanced on the score of originality. The very nature of the subject is such as to show that any very formidable pretensions in this respect would be unfounded. The writer has availed himself of all the materials within his reach, and only regrets that he had not access to more. It is believed that due acknowledgments are made for debts contracted in this respect. As to the style, but little need be said. It has been the aim throughout to state every proposition in plain and intelligible terms, without any seeking for superlatives. The reader will doubtless think the language might have been more studied, and he will perhaps discover not a few transgressions of the rules of composition; but if he understands the argument without difficulty, we will not occupy his time with apologies. CONTENTS. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. OBJECTIONS. SECT. I.-An examination of the argument against the 15 SECT. IV.-An examination of the argument from chance DIRECT EVIDENCE OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. SECT. I-Evidence from the human body as a whole SECT. II.-Evidence of design in individual parts of the 53 SECT. III-Evidence from external nature-adaptation to the wants of man-abundance of the useful, and scarcity of the hurtful-the camel-the rein-deer-the planetary system—the combin- SECT. I.-A revelation reasonable and probable-from the wisdom of God-from the practical admission of all nations in all ages-from the goodness SECT. II.-The light of Nature not adequate to the wants of man-shown from pagans of the present NECESSITY OF A REVELATION, PROVED FROM THE RELIGIONS AND MORALS OF THE WORLD PREVIOUS TO CHRISTIANITY. THAT NECESSITY ANSWERED BY CHRISTIANITY? SECT. I.-Religious opinions. 1. Opinions respecting God. 2. Religious worship. 3. Origin of the world. |