The Evidences of Christianity (Volume 2); Stated in a Popular and Practical Manner, in a Course of Lectures, on the Authenticity, Credibility, Divine Authority, and Inspiration of the New Testament, Delivered in the Parish Church of St. Mary, Islington (Paperback)

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: natural sun is not more adapted for the human eye, than the records of revelation for the mind and powers of man. It is, however, important to observe, that Christianity, in all this scheme of adaptation, Connives At No One Vice. It is not in agreement with the vicious inclinations and perverted will of man; but it is suited to man in the proper use of the term; to man as originally formed and destined for eternity; to man as weak and fallen, and needing restoration and grace. It never bends to him, it never flatters him. It is fitted, not to certain passions of man, for certain purposes, and in a certain way?no proof of imposture could be more sure?but to the whole character of man in all the parts of his moral constitution, with the direct view of remedying and healing what is corrupted and diseased in him. Heathenism, Mahometanism, infidelity, are adapted to man, so far as they suit his corrupt passions and flatter his pride. Christianity is suited to him in a higher and more appropriate sense?to his original capacities, to his actual state of want and sorrow, to his eternal destinies; to bring him back to the first, to deliver him from the second, to prepare him for the third. It is to be noted, further, that This Adaptation Does Not STRIKE THE MIND IN ALL ITS PARTS AT ONCE; but appears after a period of consideration and reflection, and in proportion as we are in a right state for judging of it. Some parts, indeed, force themselves upon our view at the first contemplation; for instance, as revelation restrains man; gives him a law, reveals his relation to Almighty God, and refers him to an eternal judgment. But the main peculiarities of revelation do not strike him at first. The principal features, and many of the details of Scripture doctrine, precept and hi...