5. Isaac, in his birth and intended sacrifice, whence also his father received him in a figure, (Heb. 11: 19,) that is, of the resurrection of Christ. He too was the promised seed (Gen. 21: 12, and Gal. 3: 16) in whom all the nations of the earth were to be blessed. Gen. 22: 18. 6. Jacob, in his vision of the ladder, (Gen. 28: 12, and John, 1 : 51,) and his wrestling with the angel; whence he, and after him the church, obtained the name of Israel. Gen. 32: 28, and Matt. 11: 21. The Gentile world also, like Jacob, gained the blessing and heirship from their elder brethren, the Jews. 7. Moses, (Deut. 18: 18, and John, 1: 45,) in redeeming the children of Israel out of Egypt. 8. Joshua, called also Jesus, (Heb. 4 : 8,) in acquiring for them the possession of the Holy Land, and as Lieutenant to the "Captain of the host of the Lord." Josh. 5: 14. 9. David, (Psalm 16: 10, and Acts, 2: 25-35,) upon whose throne Christ is said to sit, (Isai. 9 : 7,) and by whose name he is frequently designated (Hos. 3 5, &c.) in his pastoral, regal, and prophetical capacity. 10. Jonah, in his dark imprisonment of three days, applied by Christ to himself. Matt. 12: 40. The eighth mark is, that the facts of Christianity are such as to make it impossible for either the relaters or the hearers to believe them, if false, without supDosing a universal deception of the senses of mankind. For they were related by the doers, or by eyewitnesses, to those who themselves likewise either were, or might have been present, and undoubtedly knew many that were present at their performance. To this circumstance, indeed, both Christ and his apostles often appeal. And they were of such a nature as wholly to exclude every chance of imposition. What juggler could have given sight to him “that was born blind,” have fed five thousand hungry guests with "five loaves and two fishes;" or have raised one, who had been "four days buried," from his grave. When, then, we add to this, that none of the Jewish or Roman persecutors of Christianity, to whom its first teachers frequently referred as witnesses of those facts, ever ventured to deny them; that no apostate disciple, under the fear of punishment, or the hope of reward, not even the artful and accomplished Julian himself, ever pretended to detect them: that neither learning nor ingenuity, in the long lapse of so many years, has been able to show their falsehood: though, for the first three centuries after their promulgation, the civil government strongly stimulated hostile inquiry and that their original relaters, after lives of unintermitted hardship, joyfully incurred death in defence of their truth-We cannot imagine the possibility of a more perfect or abundant demonstration. It now rests with the Deists, if they would vindicate their claim to the self-bestowed title of ". men of reason," to adduce some matters of fact of former ages, which they allow to be true, possessing evidence superior, or even similar, to those of Christ. This, however, it must at the same time be observed, would be far from proving the matters of fact respecting Christ to be false; but certainly without this, they cannot reasonably assert that their own facts alone, so much less powerfully attested, are true. Let them produce their Cæsar, or Mahomed, 1. Performing a fact, of which men's outward senses can judge; 2. Publicly, in the presence of witnesses; 3. In memory of which public monuments and actions are kept up; 4. Instituted and commencing at the time of the fact; 5. Recorded likewise in a set of books, addressed to the identical people before whom it was performed, and containing their whole code of civil and ecclesiastical laws; 6. As the work of one previously announced for that very period by a long train of prophecies; 7. And still more peculiarly prefigured by types, both of a circumstantial and personal nature, from the earliest ages; and, 8. Of such a character as made it impossible for either the relaters or hearers to believe it, if false, without supposing a universal deception of the senses of mankind. Farther; let them display, in its professed eye-witnesses, similar proofs of veracity in some doctrines founded upon it, and unaided by force or intrigue, a like triumph over the prejudices and passions of mankind: among its believers, equal skill and equal diligence in scrutinizing its evidences, OR LET THEM SUBMIT TO THE IRRESISTIBLE CERTAINTY OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. And now, reader, solemnly consider what that religion is, the truth of which is proved by so many 30 LESLIE'S METHOD WITH THE DEISTS. [102 decisive marks. It is a declared revelation from God; pronounces all men guilty in his sight; proclaims pardon, as his free gift through the meritorious righteousness, sacrifice, and intercession of his only Son, to all who trust alone in his mercy and grace cordially repenting and forsaking their sins; requires fervent love, ardent zeal, and cordial submission toward himself, and the highest degree of personal purity and temperance, with rectitude and benevolence toward others; and offers the aid of the Holy Spirit for these purposes, to all who sincerely ask it. Consider, this religion is the only true one, and while it promises peace on earth and eternal happiness to all who do receive and obey it, it denounces everlasting destruction against all who do not. It is in vain for you to admit its truth, unless you receive it as your confidence, and obey it as your rule. Study, then, embrace it for yourself: and may the God of love and peace be with you. THE END. |