Page images
PDF
EPUB

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE SOCIETY FOR THE DIFFUSION OF CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, in presenting this publication to the Christian community, deems it necessary to state the objects contemplated in the formation of said association. The persons who compose it will be a sufficient guarantee, that we aim neither at pecuniary aggrandizement, nor the advancement of any Sectarian projects. It is our desire to devote our feeble exertions to the promotion of those general interests of Christ's religion, in which we can all take a part. This society is founded upon the principle, that if the Bible be a Divine Revelation, it ought not to shun the light, or avoid an investigation of the grounds upon which we receive it. We wish to carry that principle into practice, by bringing before the community, the evidences upon which we receive the sacred Scriptures as the word of God. We are deeply convinced that such information is needed, particularly to guard the rising generation against the pernicious principles to which they are exposed. We consider it a misfortune, that in the religious education of our youth, sufficient pains are not taken to make them acquainted with the reasons, upon which they are required to receive the Gospel. They are thus unprepared to meet the objections which may be urged against it; and feeling, perhaps, that the restraints of religion do not accord with their inclinations, they are induced to listen to these objections, and from the want of proper information, have been, in too many instances, led from the faith once delivered to the saints. In a mixed community like that in which we live, every parent has reason for apprehension, and must wish for those means, which may be calculated to fortify his children against temptation, and keep them from forsaking the worship of their Fathers' God. In the multiplicity of institutions, which have been formed for purposes of Christian benevolence, we know of none, which directly contemplates this object; and it is our purpose to occupy this field, believing that a judicious selection of works, on the evidences of Christianity, and on the first principles of Protestantism, will be highly useful in strengthening the faith of believers, and of preventing many a one from being led away from the truth, as it is in Jesus Christ. It is not our intention to engage in controversy, but to act on the defensive in protecting the Temple of our God from the assaults of its enemies. Our objects are general, and we therefore feel a confidence in asking the support of Christians of all denominations.

[blocks in formation]

LORD BISHOP OF LANDAFF, AND REGIUS PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY

IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.

New-York:

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY FOR THE DIFFUSION OF

CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.

ENOX LIBRAPL

[ocr errors][merged small]

It may admit of doubt, whether the open and unmingled contempt which the name of Paine excites among Christians, be justified by that fairness which they ought to feel, and which their religion can well afford to all its adversaries; or by a due regard to the restoration of those who may be in danger of being misled by the plausibilities of that well known writer. The disapprobation awakened by his shameless immorality, and the contempt necessarily inspired by his singular want of information on the subject about which he dogmatises, ought not to be extended to the talents which he had received from his Maker. These were more than ordinary. His "Common Sense," and "Crisis," written in defence of our own Revolution, contributed essentially to the success of that righteous cause. His "Rights of Man" published in reply to Burke on the French Revolution, is a production of merit, distinguished by considerable acuteness of thought, play of fancy, and a pungent brevity of style; though at the same time, it must be allowed, disfigured by that infidelity which came forth at last in its unveiled hideousness in the "Age of Reason."

The just distinction which Paine had earned in the cause of freedom, paved the way for his ready and even enthusiastic reception as a writer on Religion. Here, however, his ordinary resources failed him. Even his head was no match for his heart; nor his natural acuteness, for his total ignorance of the first elements of Biblical Criticism. This, it is conceived is very conclusively demonstrated, in "Watson's Apology for the Bible." This work though noticed at the time of its appearance, still remains unanswered. The attempts at reply have perished. An answer which shall show any of the vitality of the Apology, or even of

the work which the Apology exposes, must be felt to be a desideratum among Infidels. They must see that something more is required to aid their cause, than literally trampling on the Bible with Robert Taylor of England—an example which it would appear has been rather servilely copied nearer home. Nothing but the ruin of the Infidel cause ought to be anticipated from such a barrenness of invention. Paine would have been ashamed of it. He thought he could write the Bible out of repute, and Watson proved he was mistaken; it remained for his disciples now-a-days to imagine they might kick it into contempt. Even they ought to know that the public will not fail to infer an incurable deficiency in the heads of those, who on such an emergency betake themselves to their heels.

W. D. STROBEL,
ERSKINE MASON,
JAMES LILLIE,
W. R. WILLIAMS,

M. S. HUTTON,

JOHN N. McLEOD,

Editing Committee.

« PreviousContinue »