CATECHETICAL READINGS, &c. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Q. WHAT reason have we for believing that the Bible is the Word of God? A. Without attempting to trace the internal evidence which God by his Spirit vouchsafes to his adopted and believing children, and of which St. Paul testifies, as "the Spirit itself bearing witness with our spirit,' (Rom. viii. 16) there are many external evidences from which we may gather abundant reason for believing that the Bible is the Word of God. Of these (the many external evidences,) it may suffice to enumerate five. First. The great age, and the wonderful preservation of the Bible. The Pentateuch is one thousand years older than the oldest profane histories now extant, and its preservation we cannot but acknowledge to have been most wonderful, if we consider the many lapses into idolatry of which the Jews were guilty, and the desolating wars and captivities to which they were for this reason subjected; together with the destruction of their temple, and the consequent suspension of their religious rites and ceremonies. Secondly. The remarkable agreement between all the manuscript copies of the Bible, whether in its own original language, or in the many translations which it has undergone. Thirdly. The agreement of its several B portions one with another, although written by different individuals, at different times, and under different circumstances. Fourthly. The exact fulfilment of the Old Testament types and prophecies concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament; the equally exact fulfilment of many prophecies concerning the Jews, whose present existence as a distinct and separate people, though exiled from their own land and scattered among all the nations of the earth, presents one of the most strikingly tangible and incontestable evidences of the truth of prophecy; and the extended and still extending realization of many predictions concerning other nations and countries which are recorded by modern historians and travellers, some of whom while professing a disbelief in revealed truth, have unconsciously been made instrumental in confirming its testimony, by simply recording what they heard and saw. Fifthly. And above all, the great moral power, which, in all ages, the Bible has exercised over the hearts of men, guiding, comforting, and sustaining the humble and contrite, and overwhelming with confusion all whose "words have been stout against it." (Mal. iii. 13-18) Q. In what state of mind ought we to engage in the study of God's word? A. We should engage in it prayerfully, diligently, humbly, fervently and meekly. Prayerfully, that by the enlightening of the Spirit of God, "we might know the things that are freely given to us of God," for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. ii. 12-14.) Diligently, because our Blessed Lord has thus enjoined us, "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." (John v. 39.) Humbly and teachably, because "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke xviii. 17.) Fervently, |