Conversations on the Evidences of Christianity [By J. Marcet].

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1826 Excerpt: ... CONVERSATION XVI., MR. B. In the evidence of miracles and prophecy, we have such strong attestations to the truth of Christianity, that it perhaps is not easy to add any thing which shall not appear weak in comparison; but there are yet some considerations of great importance, as confirming their evidence, and as affording additional reason to believe, we have not followed cunningly devised fables. That which I shall now bring before you is the evidence afforded that Christianity is the one dispensation for which all others were preparatory, and which shall last to the end of time. EDWARD. That this may be the case is exceedingly probable from what we have already seen; but it will greatly strengthen my conviction if established, as overthrowing the infidel objection that a revelation should be for all ages. MR. B. That the Bible clearly states the dependence of each dispensation of Divine Providence upon that which preceded it, must be admitted by every one who reads it; and he who does not read it can have no claim for an answer to an objection founded upon wilful ignorance. It may, however, be useful to recall to your minds some of the leading facts. Of the first dispensation under which man was placed we know little; nor is it of importance to the proof of the truth of Christianity that we should know more, since the necessity for that revelation only arose from the abrupt termination of the happiness of our first parents in Paradise, by the fall. From the fall to the time of Abraham, we find no especial provision made for the securing the continuance of religion upon the earth, beyond the occasional exertions of some zealous servants of God. Man appears to have been left in a great measure to develope his own powers and dispositions during a period o...