An Analysis of BP. [J.] Butler's Analogy of 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.1850 Excerpt: ... than probable; that we have to guard even against possible contingencies, and frequently to engage in pursuits where there is a strong probability against our succeeding. CHAPTER VII. Of the Particular Evidence for Christianity. We will now consider the positive evidence for Christianity, in order that we may see what the analogy of nature suggests with regard to it. As miracles and prophecy are the direct and fundamental proofs of our holy religion, I will, I. Make a few observations upon the direct proof of Christianity from these two, and also consider the objections alleged against it. 1. The Old and New Testaments afford us the same historical evidence of the miracles contained in them, as they do of other matters of fact. Both are related in plain and simple language, and their truth appears to rest upon the same foundation. Besides, some parts of Scripture, containing an account of miracles fully sufficient to establish the truth of Christianity, are quoted as genuine from the age in which they were written to the present time; and no other parts of them, material in the question before us, are passed over in such a manner as to create a suspicion of their not being genuine. As common history, when called in question in any instance, is confirmed by subsequent or contemporaneous events better known, and as the common Scripture history is thus confirmed; so likewise is the miraculous history of it, not only in particular instances, but generally. For the establishment of Judaism and Christianity are just such events as we should have expected, supposing miracles to have been really wrought in attestation of their truth. We may add, that the most obvious account of the reception of this history as true is that it really is so, nor can any other be so e...