ARGUMENT FOR THE DIVARICATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. THE writings of the "New Testament," as connected with the Christian Religion, may be divided and arranged under two distinct heads, namely, Thus, by disencumbering the Principles of the Christian Religion from Historical Facts, their universal adoption is facilitated. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. DOCTRINE. Relating to spiritual or heavenly things. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. HISTORY. Relating to material or earthly things. CHAPTER I. 1. THE genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, from Abraham to Joseph. 17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen, and from David to the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen, and thence to Christ are fourteen generations. 18. The birth of Jesus Christ was when his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph; before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. On this account Joseph, who was a just man, intended to put her away privately; but, being warned in a dream, he did not do it. 25. But he knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son; and he called his name JESUS. CHAPTER II. 1. JESUS was born at Bethlehem in Judea in the days of King Herod : the wise men came to the king at Jerusalem and asked for the King of the Jews, saying they had seen his star in the East. B DOCTRINE. Relating to spiritual or heavenly things. CHAPTER III. 2. REPENT-for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, or, In order to obtain pardon for our offences, we must lead a virtuous life; and thus prepare ourselves for eternity. 6. Confession of sin, indicated by baptism. CHAPTER IV. HISTORY. * Relating to material or earthly things. 7. Herod enquired at what time the star appeared, and sent them to search for the young child. 11. At Bethlehem they saw the young child and Mary his mother, and presented gifts and frankincense to him. But, being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they took the young child and his mother and went into Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. For the King sought to kill the young child. 21. Joseph, then, took the young child and his mother, and went into the land of Israel. But, when he heard that Archelaus, the successor of Herod, reigned in Judea, though he was warned in a dream to return, he turned aside into Galilee, and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; for he was afraid of Archelaus. CHAPTER III. 1. At this time John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness. He was dressed in a camel's hair garment with a leathern girdle round his waist: his food was locusts and wild honey. 5. And many persons from Jerusalem and about the Jordan were baptised by him. 11. John said, I, indeed, baptise with water unto repentance; but he that comes after me baptises with the Holy Ghost and with fire. 13. Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan and was baptised by John. CHAPTER IV. 1. THEN Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil; and when he had fasted forty days, he was hungry; and the tempter said to him, If you are the Son of God, command these stones to be made bread. DOCTRINE. Relating to spiritual or heavenly things. 4. MAN shall not live by bread alone; but by the word of God. 7. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 17. Repent-for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. CHAPTER V. 3. BLESSED are the poor in spirit, for their's is the kingdom of heaven; and they that mourn, for they shall be comforted; and the meek, and those who thirst after righteousness; and those that are merciful; and the pure in heart; and the peacemakers and those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake. 16. Let men see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 22. He who is angry with his brother without a cause is wrong. 28. Whosoever looketh at woman to lust after her hath committed adultery in his heart. a 39. Whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn the other to him also. HISTORY. Relating to material or earthly things. 5. Then the devil took him into the holy city, and set him upon a pinnacle of the temple; and said, If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down.-I will give you all these kingdoms if you will worship me. 12. When Jesus heard that John was in prison, he went into Galilee; he left Nazareth and dwelt in Caper naum. 17. Now Jesus began to preach, and, walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw the two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen; and he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. They followed him. Not far from thence he saw in a ship mending their nets John and James, sons of Zebedee; he called also to them; and they immediately left the ship and their father. 23. And Jesus went about all Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom in the Synagogues, and healing all manner of diseases among the people. CHAPTER V. 1. JESUS then went up into a mountain and taught his disciples. 17. I am not come to destroy the law, but to fulfil it. |