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Show 2 FAITH AND CREDULITY. <br><br> and of testimony offered to support them. He says: (I) "Every event which actually transpires has its appropriate relation and place in the vast complication of circumstances of which the affairs of men consist; it owes its origin to the events which have preceded it, is intimately connected with all others which occur at the same time and place and often with those of remote regions, and in its turn gives birth to numberless others which succeed. In all this almost inconceivable contexture and seeming discord there is perfect harmony, and while the fact which really happened tallies exactly with every other contemporary incident related to it in the remotest degree, it is not possible for the wit of man to invent a story which, when closely compared with the actual occurrences of the same time and place, may not be shown to be false. Hence (2) it is that a false witness will not willingly detail any circumstances in which his testimony will be open to contradiction, nor multiply them where there is any danger of his being detected by a comparison of them with other accounts equally circumstantial. He will <br><br> FAITH AND CREDULITY. 3 <br><br> rather deal in general statements and broad assertions; and if he finds it necessary for his purpose to employ names and particular circumstances in his story, he will endeavor to invent such as shall be out of the reach of all opposing proof, and will be the most forward and minute in details where he knows that any danger of contradiction is least to be apprehended. Therefore it is that variety and minuteness of detail are usually regarded as certain tests of sincerity, if the story in the circumstances related is of a nature capable of easy refutation if it were false." <br> These tests have been applied to the Bible, and have only served to demonstrate more clearly that it is the word of God, a revelation of his will and plan of salvation infallible and complete. <br> Under the old dispensation the man selected by God to lead his people and receive his law was a grand and noble specimen of our race, carrying as his credentials from God to the people miraculous powers. His miracles were performed before the eyes of two great nations; and when on Sinai he <br> [Continues on next page.] <br><br> |