more to give:-Some lessons on the subjects embraced in this book, prefixed to my Scripture Questions, Vol. III., have excited considerable interest where they have been studied, and there has seemed to be a call for something from me to accompany them. On a subject which has been so often discussed as the Evidences of Christianity, it could not be expected that there would be much original thought in such a work as this; and considering that there are so many works, prepared with great labor and care, already on the shelves of the bookseller, the propriety of sending forth one possessing so little thoroughness as this, may be questioned; but the very thoroughness of most of the works which have been written on this subject, renders them in a measure unsuitable for the common reader. They are all important to the student; but the author does not write for students. Most of these works present such a mass of matter, that the common mind cannot grasp it, and see at one view the force of the evidence presented; or else they are so much epitomized as to be unreadable. The object of the writer has been, in the following pages, so to classify and condense the evidence, that the whole force of each particular kind might be seen at one view. He is aware that the number of his pillars might have been multiplied; for there are several of the points noticed under some of these divisions, which might each constitute an independent series of proofs; but it might be doubted whether the edifice would be strengthened by it. The author has endeavored, also, to render the work practical, so as to have it a book to be read as well as studied. As to the Types and Prophecies concerning the Messiah,-works on these subjects are not so common as those on Evidences; and yet, they furnish an important species of evidence. They are likewise rich in instruction upon the way of salvation; and there is great need of their being better understood, preparatory to the study of the New Testament. Those who study my "Scripture Questions, Vol. III., will find this volume better adapted to the "Introductory Lessons," as a help, than any other one that I have seen. But I hope the schools will not confine themselves to this, but will obtain other books also. I have learned with pleasure that those "Introductory Lessons" have been the occasion of calling forth a series of lectures on the subjects contained in them from many pastors. I hope the publication of this volume will not prevent other pastors from doing the same. I have by no means exhausted the subject; but have left vast treasures untouched. In collecting materials, I have not thought it necessary, in general, to quote the author specifically from whom facts have been gathered. I have had before me the following works, gleaning from one and another such parts as suited my purpose:-Horne's A* Introduction; Paley's, Wilson's, Alexander's, Mcllvaine's, and Chalmers's Evidences; Beecher on Skepticism; Keith and Kett on the Prophecies; Keith's Demonstration of Truth; Reinhard's Plan; McEwen on Types; the Notes of the most approved Commentators on the Bible; and several smaller works, Furnishes no suitable object of affection and worship, Its defects-doctrine of rewards and punishments, Does not satisfy the wants of the human soul, Makes no provision for the expiation and pardon of Presents unworthy views of the world to come, Page Gives no satisfactory information as to the origin of It gives a rational account of the origin of all things, Orthodox views defended, Truth of the Scriptures inseparable from their ple- The New Testament testifies to the inspiration of Quakers and Transcendentalists, 78 |