persons of this class, it is hoped, this little treatise may not be without benefit. The identity of contemporary infidel arguments, in all essentials, with those of former ages, will perhaps be admitted, as an adequate apology for its want of originality, in the proper sense of the term. The objections now raised against Christianity, are substantially what have before been repeatedly advanced, and as often answered. It is sufficient therefore to give another form to arguments, which, though they may have been already urged -have never been confuted.

Penzance, Nov. 1833.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

STATEMENT OF THE ARGUMENT.

To an unsophisticated mind, the Infidel's want of success in his

attempts at proselytism, is a strong proof of the truth of Chris-

tianity. The prevalence of Christianity not to be accounted for

by the alleged prejudice and bigotry of mankind—nor by the arts

of priests-nor by questioning the soundness of the common sense

of men in general.-It cannot be rendered probable that Christi-

anity is untrue.-The Christian therefore can only be induced

to abandon it by the offer of something more vuluable.—Many

Infidels desire no substitute for Christianity—but Christians

have a right to demand a substitute.—The specific object of the

Infidel's assault is our faith in Christ.—Infidels only united in

their rejection of the Bible.-Infidelity variable and uncertain,

both in argument and morals-and, in our times, peculiarly

objectionable therefore, now particularly, no equivalent for our

faith. The alleged absurdities of Christianity no argument

against it, so long as the rejection of it involves greater absur-

dities.-The allegations of Infidels as to the irrationality of

the Bible illustrated.--The essential and universal absurdity of

Infidelity.-Summary of the argument.-- 1—26.

CHAPTER II.

PRACTICAL CHARACTER OF INFIDELITY.

Christianity is a remedy for all the moral evils which afflict mankind

-and therefore should be universally welcomed.—The treatment

which it has received from Infidels.—Infidel morals illustrated.

-The revolution of France.-Corollaries.-The opinions of

Infidels on the subject of natural religion, contradictory and

perplexing.-Natural religion powerless, and therefore mis-

chievous—and without adaptation to any of those circumstances

in which men peculiarly need the aids of religion.—The prac-

tical efficiency of Christianity.-Conclusion. -NOTES.-A.

Testimonies to the value of Christianity.-B. The religion of

ancient heathens.-C. Anecdote of Mr. Hume.-27-60.

CHAPTER III.

INFIDEL OPINIONS OF SCRIPTURE MIRACLES.

The nature and importance of scripture miracles.—The objection,

That miracles do not prove the truth of Christianity.—Mr.

Hume's argument on miracles.-Miracles admitted by modern

Infidels not to have been wrought by magic.—The opinion that

scripture miracles were jugglers' tricks.—Miracles not natural

events.-The history of scripture miracles pronounced fabulous.

-The passage of the Red Sea considered-and the resurrection

of Christ.-Conclusion.-NOTE, on the several versions of the

Pentateuch.-60-89.

CHAPTER IV.

INFIDEL OPINIONS OF SCRIPTURE PROPHECIES.

Scripture prophecy worthy of a divine Author—and likely to win

belief.-Mr. Paine's abuse of the prophets of the Old Testa-

ment.-The absurdity of the opinion that the prophecies were

written after the events to which they were supposed to allude―

or that prophecy was fulfilled by mere casualty.—The predictions

of Moses respecting the dispersion and calamities of the chil-

dren of Israel.-Prophecies referring to Christ.—The prophets

destitute of all ordinary motive.—Infidelity dishonourable to

God.-90-112.

CHAPTER V.

THE CONCLUSIONS OF INFIDELITY AS TO SCRIPTURE

CHARACTERS.

If the Bible be untrue, its authors were impostors.-Moses could

not have been deceived in what he relates-nor Christ, in the pre-

diction of his resurrection-nor the apostles, in their supposed

witness of it.-The imposture of the apostles on an important

subject-dishonourable to God-differing from other religious

frauds-productive of evil to themselves and multitudes of

others—maintained in profound secrecy, by an immense number

of persons-no suspicion of it now among professing Christians

—conducted in the most imprudent manner—and crowned with

the most splendid success.—Christ and his apostles transcendently

wicked men —yet they preached the purest doctrines-led exem-

plary lives—died heroically—and were the most perfect self-

contradictions.-Extract from the Edinburgh Encyclopedia-

Sketch of the life and character of the apostle Paul.—113—159.

CHAPTER VI.

RESPONSIBILITY OF INFIDELS FOR ALL THE ABSUR-

DITIES INVOLVED IN THE REJECTION OF

CHRISTIANITY.

Christianity accused of bigotry.—Infidelity really intolerant.—

Man's non-accountability, a last resort of scepticism.—Men are

universally allowed to be accountable for their belief on mathe.

matical and historical subjects—and on questions of conventional
morality. If they are not responsible for their belief, neither
are they for their conduct.—A divine revelation probable.—If
God gave a revelation, man would be accountable for his reception
of it.—Its doctrines, according to the Infidel, must be more hon-
ourable to God, and its morals more pure than those of the Bible.
-It must be free from all mystery, or unphilosophical phraseol-
ogy-evidenced by something more convincing than miracles—or
prophecy or remarkable preservation for many ages—or the
most splendid moral revolutions.-Every professor of its faith
must understand it in precisely the same way—and must at once
be morally perfect.-God could not compel our faith without
dishonour to his own government,—nor increase the evidences of
the divinity of Christianity, so as to overcome the unbelief of
the heart.-Corollaries.—The risk of Infidelity.-CONCLUSION.

-160-200.