beyond that which human testimony can do, that they came from God.

1st. They contain revelations which could never have been invented by mankind, and these revelations are suited to the character of God, the nature and situation of man, and the state of the world.

2nd. That the numerous prophecies of future events, with the fulfilment of them in different ages and nations, is susceptible of proof,that by the wisdom of God they were predicted; consequently they are divine, for the experience of every age has proved that the power of prophecy is beyond the capacity of man.

3rd. That as God is truth, and the sign that they came from God thus appearing in those who wrote these books,-it follows that the writers could not lie, and were preserved from all error.

4th. That there are many other proofs, which, in addition to the foregoing, add to the evidence of the Scriptures, and among others the dignity, majesty, and divinity of the matter and style, which has never been equalled by any, of all the most distinguished authors of every nation.

5th. That besides the above foregoing positive

evidence to prove the propositions, there is evidence that it is impossible for mere human reason to have composed the Scriptures.

6th. That all objections made against them, to whatever point they may be directed, arise from ignorance, and their fallacy is demonstrable.

The external evidence is in itself satisfactory, as well as interesting and useful; yet, as it is exclusive in its nature, and has been treated of by many authors, and as it is, in my opinion, neither so interesting nor useful as the internal evidence, while the latter carries a weight of proof with it which the other does not possess, I shall run over the display of the former with as much brevity as possible, in order that I may enlarge more upon the latter *.

During the time that these discussions were going forward, Lord Byron resided at his countryhouse in the village of Metaxata, about four miles and a half from the town. Several of the gentlemen who were engaged in them, were in the habit of visiting him, and the conversation often turned on the attempt which they said I was making to convert them to a pious and religious life. The conversations were always repeated to

* See Appendix.

K

me. H., an officer, was in the frequent practice of visiting his lordship, dining often and riding out with him. He asked me why I did not come, for his lordship would be very glad to see me at Metaxata; this he said several times; at length he told me that Lord Byron had requested him to say so expressly.

Various causes prevented me from visiting his lordship. I was much engaged at this time in public duties, from the approach of the sickly season, and the indisposition of the other medical gentleman: besides this, I wished not to appear forward in visiting Lord Byron, as I knew that my motives would be misrepresented, and I was not previously assured that his lordship wished me to come. I thought also that if he were in earnest to hear religion explained, he must have been aware that the least hint from him would induce me willingly to comply with his desire. I was besides deterred a little by the consciousness that there was often a secret, ambitious desire of making such a convert, and though I immediately repressed such vain desires, yet I knew that others would readily enough impute to me these motives: thus I had convinced myself that it was more proper not to go near him, but to be ready, should he

at any time invite me. With this view I was diligently employed in preparing myself for these possible interviews, and, like many others, who are equally wise on such occasions, was studying and refreshing my memory on points which had very little relation to the subject, and which were not in the least interesting to Lord Byron.

At last I met Count G. in the street of Argostoli, and he told me that Lord Byron had resolved to depart to continental Greece in about ten days. I therefore determined to visit him, both from a sense of respect due to him, and to gratify my own curiosity in hearing and seeing a man so distinguished. I rode out to Metaxata, and fortunately found him at home. He received me very politely, and offered me refreshments, which I declined he then said, "We must have dinner very soon." I expressed my hope that if he had any engagement he would tell me, and not from mere politeness allow me to interrupt him; he said that he really had none, and was glad to see me, and have an opportunity of conversing with me.

I told him I would have done myself the honour of visiting him before, but I was afraid of intruding; I had, however, been preparing myself to be ready to meet him, and probably had wasted

my time on subjects which he might deem of little importance. He asked me what they were, and on being informed, he smiled, and said, "These certainly are things which I do not trouble myself with at present. I chiefly would desire to hear the motives and the reasons which influenced you to a profession of Christianity, and which convinced you, as a man of sense and reflection, of the truth of that religion." He asked me what progress I had made in converting B. and C., naming them.

I gave him a faithful and particular account, describing the effects on each, according to their character;-I said, "The misfortune is, these young men are all in health and strength; the world affords them pleasures and delights, which fully occupy their time and care; and at present they esteem it to be both very ungenteel and very unphilosophical, to be strict either in studying religion, or in practising the duties which it inculcates while their inclinations and prejudices are such," I added, "it is impossible to expect from them a patient hearing, far less a serious examination of the evidence which I lay before them; for, while I bring forward what I think may be useful, they are lying in wait for critical objec