A Vindication of the Christian Religion; In Two Parts. I. a Discourse of the Nature and Use of Miracles. II. an Answer to a Late Book Entitled, a Discourse of the Grounds and Reasons of the Christian Religion (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1728. Excerpt: ... ties and learning of that reverend Prelate, who hath so lately appeared in behalf of Christianity, made it improper for advocates of a lower degree to shew themselves j how much soever they might have the fame good cause at heart, or be capable in their own opinion, of defending it: and some perhaps may think, that all farther apologies for Christianity, afte, r that learned performance, are entirely needless. Undoubtedly all who have read that valuable work, will do his Lordship the justice to own, that many of the prophecies of the 014 Testament have been therein carefully examined, their sense justly stated, and their reference totheMzssiAH abundantly vindicated. Nor have any of the aids that learning could afford been omitted: Jewish Rabbies have been made to militate in defence /"Christianity; and even Virgil himself shewn to sing in the sweet-strains of the gospel. The reader will not, I hope, expect any such expence of learning in the ensuing treatise. 1 have not relied much on on the authority oftestimonies; but have endeavoured to vindicate our Saviour and his Apostles, upon the plain foot of reason. It was indeed necessary, to set my argumerit in'a clear light, to consider the sentiments of the antient Jews, as to the Old Testament prophecies, and the reference they apprehended them to have to the Messiah; and accordingly I have aU lowed one short chapter, (chap. vii. of the second discourse) for that services barely citing the places, where either Jonathan, or Onkelos, or the Hierusalem Targum, speak of the Messiah, as intended in the prophecies. And I the rather confined myself to these, because I think they prove enough, and their authority is unquestionable. I cannot apprehend, how the Jews can ever answer the BishopV book it abundantly appe...