THE OBJECTIONS

TO THE

OLD TESTAMENT,

CONSIDERED.

Our author introduces his general observations on the Bible, by endeavouring to prejudice the unwary in favour of his objections, by assuring them, “ That although the boldness of his investigations would alarm many, yet it would be paying too great a compliment to credulity, to forbear them on that account-that the times and the subject demand it to be done-that the suspicion, that the theory of what is called the Christian church is fabulous, is becoming very extensive in all countries; and that it will be a consolation to such persons, to see the subject freely investigated."

IT must be evident by this time, to every candid and sincere inquirer after truth, that if the facts already treated of in this answer be true, there can be little necessity of further argument, to show the weakness as well as wickedness of the other observations of the Age of Reason, on the Christian

I i

system; yet, for the sake of those who have not time or inclination to search into these things, we will proceed, by taking previous notice of the observations above referred to, which he calls bold investigations.

Let me ask this man, who seems so fearful of paying a compliment to credulity, who it is that he supposes will be alarmed by the boldness of his investigations? He must, I conclude, mean the weak and ignorant alone. What has he done to give this apprehended alarm to those who understand the subject? He has done very little more, than change the style and language of his predecessors, though they have been so fully answered.

Indeed it could scarcely have been credited, before sorrowful conviction had prevented a doubt, that, at this day of light and knowledge, a man could have been found, pretending to any character in the learned world, who would have ventured to talk of the freedom and boldness of investigations, that were to consist wholly of dogmatical assertions on subjects of so great importance, without attempting either argument or proof-and this too, in direct opposition to the unwearied and successful labours of the most learned men of which the world has ever boasted, in answering and confuting the rational and learned objections of men of knowledge and science, who had, (contrary to our author's pretensions) made the professions and doctrines of Christians their long and serious study. These have with great abilities arranged and supported every objection, that could with any propriety be urged against the Christian system, by arguments and reasons founded on the nature and consequences of

that system.Mr. Hartley justly observes, that "the true and pure religion of Christ, alone grows more evident and powerful, from every attack that has been made upon it; and converts the bitterness and poison of its adversaries into nourishment for itself, and an universal remedy for the pains and sorrows of a miserable and degenerate world."

The insuperable vanity and unconquerable pride of our author, must have led him to suppose, that his religious dogma's would prove as successful with the ignorant and credulous multitude, as many of his political heresies have done, merely because they were asserted with a licentious boldness, that refused the aid of proof or reason.

We agree with his position, that the times and the subject are very important; and, if he pleases, that infidelity is gaining ground in every part of the Christian world. Is this to be wondered at, when we find infidels in all corners of the land, using every mean and subtle artifice to poison the minds of the young and uninstructed; taking advantage of a season of political disorder and confusion; and impressing them both by precept and example, with an aversion to search after truth, and a love for every vicious inclination.*

But under this distressing view of the subject, we would acquaint our author with one important fact;

The observation of Mr. Gibbon, on the scepticism of the pagan world, at the first propagation of Christianity, may be applicable here.— "The contagion of these sceptical writings, had been diffused far beyond the number of their readers. The fashion of incredulity was communicated from the philosopher to the man of pleasure or business; from the noble to the plebian; and from the master to the menial slave, who waited at his table, and who eagerly listened to the freedom of his conversation."-Vol. ii. 355.

that even this truth, in which he seems so confident, with all its melancholy train of evils, is a confirmation of the doctrines he is endeavouring to subvert, and is an additional proof of the divinity of the sacred Scriptures; the evidence in whose favour is increased even by our author himself.

Hearken to what these divine writings said on this subject, under a prophetic spirit, almost two thousand years ago, when the Christian system was in its infancy, and under the apparent direction of a few poor, despised, obscure and illiterate fishermen. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared as with a hot iron. And there were false prophets among the people; even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bringing on themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of-whose judgment now of a long time, lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not-but chiefly them who walk after the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government-presumptuous are they-self-willed, they are not ashamed to speak evil of dignities-but these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of things they understand not, and shall utterly perish in their own corruption, and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness. Spots are they, and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings, while they feast with you." And again: "This

גי