but let us rather put forth that patient effort of intellect by which that obscurity will be dissipated. Let us devote time to the subject. Let us make leisure for it. Let us become acquainted with the facts, and familiar with the individual steps of the argument; let us spread them out in their connexion clearly before our minds, until we can rest with intellectual confidence upon the conclusion; and then shall we be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear.

Secondly. Not only does this study require thought, it moreover requires that we should know what we are thinking about. From forgetfulness of this simple principle, many persons, who seem really desirous to know what is true, remain in unbelief; and many who believe, are very inadequately aware of the grounds on which their belief rests.

Let it be remembered, then, at the beginning, that the question at issue is, Are the facts asserted in the Bible proved. Let this question be first divided into two: 1st, When is any fact proved?-And, 2d, Are these facts proved?

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INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.

In answering the first question, we must examine the principles of evidence as they are laid down by writers upon that subject, and as they are practically applied in our courts of justice, or anywhere else when facts are investigated. This inquiry is to be pursued, without any respect to the bearing which it will have upon the subject of revelation. We are to satisfy ourselves on this subject, by an appeal to the acknowledged laws of the human mind; and until we are thus satisfied, it is of but little use to advance farther. For how shall we be able to decide, whether or not these facts be proven, when we are unable to decide whether or not any facts are proven? What can be expected from a search, when we do not know what we are in search of? Hence it is, that many men, who have read much on the subject of the evidences of revelation, remain unbelievers. They have never definitely answered to themselves this simple question, When is any fact proven?

Having settled this preliminary inquiry, let us honestly, candidly, and intrepidly, apply the principles by which we decide upon the au

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thenticity of any other fact, to the evidences of revelation. Let us do this with patient and persevering effort. Let us examine fact by fact, and connexion after connexion; let us review each step, until we have the whole mass of the argument in distinct and well defined view; let us thoroughly explore every objection, and compare it with the objections which might equally well be made against any other well es tablished truth; and when this shall have been done, we think there will remain but few unbelievers in the Divine authority of Christianity.

And, lastly, I would add a word respecting the manner in which the present work should be studied. It should not be read hastily. Let a single portion, for instance, a chapter, be read. Let time be then taken for reflec tion, until the truths which it contains have made some impression upon our mind, and awakened some sensibility in our conscience. Let a man then reflect, that he is an intellect ual and moral being, responsible to his Creator for the powers with which he is endowed, that he is an immortal being, and must answer throughout eternity for the manner in which

these powers are applied. Let him then ask himself some such questions as these-Does not my conscience testify that the Deity must be such a being as the scriptures represent ? Is not the moral law such a law as such a being must have promulgated? Is not the condition. of man such as the sacred writers describe? Is not the way of salvation such as that condition imperatively requires? and are not the moral principles of the Divine Government, as unfolded in this book, such as I see exemplified in the whole moral universe around me? How he can answer these questions, otherwise than affirmatively, I know not; and, having so answered them, I know not how he can avoid the conclusion, that all scripture is given by inspiration of God.'

It is my sincere prayer that the ensuing pages may be useful in turning many from the error of their ways, and in confirming believers in their most holy faith.

Brown University, Oct. 15, 1833.

F. WAYLAND.

THE PORTABLE

EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIANITY.

PART I.

THE BIBLE CONSIDERED ALONE.

IN endeavouring to unfold " the portable evidence of Christianity," it will be well for us in the first instance, to consider the Bible as the signal object of our attention, and to take a brief view of its native, inherent claim to divine authority. Were that sacred volume more of a daily companion and intimate friend to us - did the words which it contains dwell in our hearts- did we "bind" them "for a sign" upon our hands, and as "frontlets" between our eyes our lingering doubts respecting Christianity and its doctrines, would soon