Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

probable, bears all the characteristics of veracity, narrates circumstances
which seem to make against its own honour, yet dwells on them, and
often seeks occasion to REPEAT them. It is true! infallibly true! In this
conclusion common sense, reason, and criticism join. On the other hand,
of biography in general, we must say that it is often unnatural,
improbable; is destitute of many of the essential characteristics of truth;
studiously avoids mentioning those circumstances which are
dishonourable to its subject; ardently endeavours either to cast those
which it cannot wholly hide into deep shades, or sublime them into
virtues. This is notorious, and we need not go far for numerous examples.
From these facts a reflecting mind will draw this general conclusion—an
impartial history, in every respect true, can be expected only from God
himself.
The sacred writings contain such proofs of a divine origin that, though
all the dead were to rise to convince an unbeliever of the truths therein
declared, the conviction could not be greater, nor the proofs more evident,
of the divinity and truth of those sacred records, than that which
themselves afford.
HOW REVELATION HAS BEEN GIVEN.—God communicated the
Scripture in ancient times to holy men, by the inspiration of his own
Spirit, who carefully wrote it down, and delivered it to those to whom it
was at first more immediately sent; and they have handed it down from
generation to generation, without addition, defalcation, or wilful
corruption of any kind.
In many cases the silence of Scripture is not less instructive than its
most pointed communications.
There is sufficient evidence from the Scriptures themselves, that the
Revelation of the Divine Will was given to men in the five following
ways:—