study of the subject without a correct idea of its proper bearing. However, plausible as they may appear, I undertake to affirm, and hope in the succeeding lectures to make good the affirmation, that to adduce from such considerations an argument against the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, is entirely to mistake the whole nature of the case; that the argument thence deduced falls to the ground of itself, as soon as the true nature of the Word of God is seen, and the design is regarded for which it was given to mankind; that, in fact, the existence of such things in the Scriptures as we have adverted to, affords no argument at all when adduced to prove that they have no origin in Divine Authority, but yields an irrefragable one when applied, as it only ought to be applied, to evince, that the Scriptures must contain much more in their bosom than is extant upon their surface. We propose then to wrest the weapons of the infidel out of his hands, and make them assist in establishing this great truth; to prove by their aid, not that the Scriptures are not the Word of God, but that they are; to demonstrate by their help, what is the genuine DIVINE STYLE OF WRITING, -what are the true characteristics of a DIVINE COMPOSITION.

I will conclude at present with exhorting all who favour me with their attention, to be care

G

ful to cherish such thoughts of God, and of a revelation from God, as are worthy of the subject. Let us above all things be on our guard how we lightly fall in with the prevailing infidelity of the times. I have no doubt that there is nothing against which the Divine Providence is more anxious to preserve mankind, (so far as it can be done without infringing that freedom without which man would not be a man,) than from falling into contempt for the Holy Word: and that man cannot more perversely abuse the noble powers with which he is endowed, nor run more directly counter to the designs of his Maker, than when he reasons himself out of all reverence for the written revelation of the Divine Will. Little as it may generally be supposed, the Holy Word is the chief medium of communication between man and heaven, and indeed between man and God; which communication is cut off, and man falls into a merely natural and animal state, in proportion as he regards with contempt this highest and best of his Maker's gifts. Confirmed infidelity-such as extends to scorn and hatred against revelation— is in most cases the result of depravity of heart; how speciously soever this may be glossed over before the world by subtle reasonings, and a proud display of merely natural, superficial virtues; though indeed even this covering is cast away by some of the present race of Deists and

Atheists; whose works exhibit such malignity of disposition, as sufficiently evinces the foulness of the source whence their sentiments issue. Most true is the saying of the Apostle; that "if the gospel be hid,"-(finally, that is;-for we are not to judge harshly of those who, with sincere intentions, are embarrased by honest doubts,-) "it is hid to them that are lost:"—that is, to those who are so enslaved to worldly and selfish lusts, as to be unwilling to hear any thing, which, by calling them to higher pursuits, would disturb them in their sleep of darkness and of death. I make not these remarks with any wish to intimidate:-the freedom of the rational faculty in the present age is too complete to admit of intimidation:-but I make them to induce those whose tendency to scepticism has not settled into confirmed negation, fairly to weigh both sides of the question before they decide, and to go into the inquiry with that solemnity of attention which is reasonable, where so much is at stake. These I would intreat especially to regard that assurance of Jesus Christ, so consonant to pure reason,-that rectitude and purity of object in making our inquiries, is the best preservative against error in drawing our conclusions: "If any man," says he, "will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God."

This is the only safe rule, where

John, vii. 17.

the thing inquired into is religious truth: and my conviction is, that they who act in the spirit of this rule will find their reverence for the Holy Word continually increase, and their understanding of its contents continually improve, till they are satisfied that, like the Word incarnate, it "proceeded forth and came from God."

LECTURE II.

THE TRUE NATURE OF THE SCRIPTURES CONSIDERED.

Design with which the Scriptures were given, and the Nature of their Composition, stated for proof. I. That the title "the Word of God," and the Plenary Inspiration which that title implies, are claimed by the Scriptures; and that this is recognized by many critics. II. Proofs, from rational and philosophical grounds, that a Composition which is really “the Word of God," must contain stores of wisdom in its bosom, independently of any thing that appears on the surface. III. That the Composition received as the Word of God, continually assures us that it is inwardly replenished with such wisdom:-1. This intimated by the writers of the Old Testament;-2. Expressly declared by the Lord Jesus Christ;-3. And by his Apostles:-4. Generally believed by the Christian Church, for many ages, from the Apostles downwards, and still recognized by the best Interpreters. IV. But this great truth having been abused, that endeavours have been made, during the last two or three Centuries, to