The reasonableness and certainty of the Christian religion by Robert Jenkin ...

THE CONTENTS.

CHAP. I. Of Humane Reason.

THE Divine Authority of the Scriptures being proved in the First Book, such Points are cleared in the Second, as are thought most liable to exception in the Christian Re∣ligion: But before Men venture upon Objections against the Scripture, it is fit for them to consider the strength and compass of their own Faculties, and the manifold Defects of Humane Reason. p. 1. In some things, each side of a Con∣tradiction seems to be demonstrable, p. 4. Every Man be∣lieves, and has the Experience of several things, which in the Theory, and Speculative Notion of them, would seem as in∣credible, as any thing in the Scriptures can be supposed to be, p. 12. Those who disbelieve, and reject the Misteries of Re∣ligion, must believe things much more incredible, p. 24.

CHAP. II. Of Inspiration.

ALL motion of Material things is derived from God; and it is at least as conceiveable by us, that God doth Act upon the Immaterial, as that He Acts upon the Material part of the World; and that He may act more powerfully upon the Wills and Understandings of some Men than of others, p. 28. Wherein the inspiration of the Writers of the Scriptures did consist, and how far it extended, p. 31. Such Inferences from thence, as may afford a sufficient An∣swer to the Objections alleged upon this Subject, p. 41. The Inspiration of the Writers of the Scriptures, did not exclude Humane Means, as information in Matters of Fact, &c. p. 42. It did not exclude the use of their own Words and Style, ibid. Tho' somethings are set down in the Scripture indefinitely, and without any positive Asser∣tion or Determination; this is no proof against their being Written by Divine Inspiration, p. 43. In things which

CHAP. III. Of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Holy Scriptures.

THE Grammatical Construction and Propriety of Speech, p. 53. Those, whch are look'd upon as Defects in the Scripture-Style, were usual in the most ap∣proved Heathen Authors, p. ib. Metaphors and Rheto∣rical Schemes and Figures, p. 57. The Style different of different Nations, p. 58. The Titles of Kings, p. 59. What Arts were used by Orators, to raise the Passions, p. 60. That they sometimes Read their Speeches, p. 62. The Fi∣gurative Expressions of the Prophets, and their Types and Parables, were Suitable to the Customs of the Places and Times, wherein they Liv'd, ibid. Several things re∣lated as Matter of Fact, are only Parabolical Descrip∣tions or Representations, p. 64. The Prophetick Schemes of Speech, usual with the Eastern Nations, p. 66. The want of Distinguishing the Persons speaking, has been a great cause of misunderstanding the Scriptures, p. 68. The Antiquity and various ways of Poetry, p. 69. The Me∣taphorical and Figurative use of Words, in Speaking of the Works and attributes of God, p. 71. The Decorum or Suitableness of the matter in the Style of Scripture, p. 79. The Method, p. 86. Some Books of Scripture, admirable for their Style, p. 89. Why the Style not alike excellent in all the Books of Scripture, p. 93.

CHAP. IV. Of the Canon of the Holy Scriptures.

ANy Controversy concerning the Authority of some Books of Holy Scripture no prejudice to the rest, p. 96. The uncontroverted Books contain all things ne∣cessary to Salvation, p. 97. The Dispute concerning the

CHAP. V. Of the various Readings in the Old and New Testament.

AN extraordinary Providence manifest in the preser∣vation of the Scriptures from such Casualties, as have befaln other Books, p. 126. The Defect in the He∣brew

CHAP. VI. Of the Difficulties in Chronology, in the Holy Scriptures.

THe uncertainty of Chronology in general, p. 142. Differences in Chronology, do not infer uncertainty in the Matters of Fact themselves, p 143. They do not infer, that there was any Chronological Mistake made by the Pen-men of the Holy Scriptures, p. 145. The total Term of Years is not always exactly distinguished from all the Particulars, of which it is composed; and this has been the occasion of Mistakes in Chronology, p. 146. Another occasion of Mistakes has been, that sometimes the Principal Number is set down, and the odd or lesser Num∣ber is omitted, which is added to the Principal Number in other places, p. 147. Sometimes an Epocha is mista∣ken by Chronologers, p. 149. The likeness of two Words may occasion Variations in Chronology, p. 150. The Nu∣meral Letters were easily mistaken by Transcribers, ib. Some Alterations of the Septuagint from the Hebrew

CHAP. VII. Of the Obscurity of some places in the Scriptures, particularly of the Types and Prophecies.

HOw it comes to pass, that there are some things in the Scriptures hard to be understood, p. 157. Some Doctrins are difficult in themselves, p. 158. The Learn∣ing and Wisdom of ancient Times consisted in Proverbs and Parables, p. 161. Many places of Scripture, which are obscure to us, were not obscure in the Ages when they were written, p. 164. The main scope and design of Parables is to be observed, and not every word and cir∣cumstance to be insisted upon, p. 168 The Obscurity of Prophecies and Types considered, p. 170. Differences in the interpretations of Phrophecies no Argument for the un∣certainty of them, ib. It is evident, and agreed by Inter∣preters, that Prophecies have been fulfilled, tho' they dif∣fer about the Time when they were fulfilled, p. 171. Some Prophecies purposely obscure, and why, p. 172. Some Prophecies had never been conveyed down to Posterity, un∣less they had been obscurely written, p. 175. Others could never have been fulsilled, ib. If Prophecies had been plainer, it would have been thought that they had been fulfilled only by design and contrivance, p. 177. Men would have committed Sin, in many cases, to fulfill Prophecies, ib. They may sometimes be obscure in Mercy to Men, p. 178. And at other times for a Judgment upon the Obstinate, p. 179. The obscurity of Prophecies designed to abate the Confidence, and exercise the diligence of Men, p. 180. Some Prophecies plainly delivered by all Prophets; those which are not so delivered, of great use, even before the Accomplishment. This shewn of the Revelation of St. John, p. 182. The Nature and Certain∣ty of Types considered, p. 177. The obscurities of Scrip∣tures is not such, as to be any prejudice to the end and de∣sign of them, p. 180.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Places of Scripture, which seem to con∣tradict each other.

NO Reason to expect that the Scriptures should be so penned as to afford no suspicion of Contradiction to injudicious and rash Men, p. 184. what Method ought to be taken, to make a true Judgment of any Author, p. 186. An Objection may imply too much, as well as prove too little to be of any force, p. 187. Contradictions in Points of Chronology, and other things of little moment, tho' they should have happened by the fault and negligence of Men, would be no Argument against the Authority of the Scriptures, p. 190.

CHAP. IX. Of the Creation of the World, and the Preser∣vation of it.

OF the Time, when the World began, p. 193. There is no Reason to suppose the World to have been at first made by Mechanical Laws, tho' it was preserved according to such Laws, p. 194. Sufficient Reasons may be given for the Creation of the World in that manner, which we find related in the Book of Genesis, p. 196. with respect to the Angels p. 200. with respect to Men, p. 203. The Preservation of the World is not performed according to Mechanical Principles, p. 208. The Mecha∣nical Hypotheses grounded upon mistake viz. that there is always the same Quantity of Motion, p. 208. that there is a Plenum, ib. They suppose it move Worthy of God to leave Matter and Motion to perform all by themselves without his immediate Interposition and Assistance, p. 210. The Ordinary and Extraordinary, or Miraculous Works of God considered, p. 211. The Laws of the Material, and of the Moral part of the World, compared, p. 213. The Mechanical Hypotheses inconsistent with our Duty of Prayer to God, for deliverance in Sickness and Dangers, p. 214. The Mechanical Philosophy proceeds upon a mis∣taken Notion of God, p. 215.

CHAP. X. Of other Habitable Worlds besides this Earth.

ALL things are alike easy to God, yet Men are most inclined to admire and Glorify Him for the vast∣ness of his Works, p. 218. Wonderful Discoveries lately made upon Earth by Microscopes, as well as by Tele∣scopes, in the Heavens: But Angels, who have no need of artificial Helps to discern them, glorify God for his Works, more than Men, p. 219. The use and benefit of the Stars, p. ib. The Earth to be considered as the Seat of Man∣kind in all Ages, under which Notion it is no contemptible Place, p. 220. The Planets not inhabitable, ib. For what uses they may be designed, p. 222.

CHAP. XI. That there is nothing in the Scriptures, which con∣tradicts the late Discoveries in Natural Philosophy.

THe use of popular Expressions implies neither the Af∣firmation, nor the Denial of the Philosophical Truth of them, p. 224. How the Sun is said to stand still, Jos. x. 12. p. 225. The Firmament in the midst of the Waters. Gen. 1.6. explained, p. 226. The Sun and the Moon how said to be Two great Lights, Gen. 1.16. p. 227. The Pillars of the Earth, 1 Sam. 11.8. p. 229. The Sky-strong, and as a Molten Looking-Glass, Job. xxxvii. 18. ib. The Scripture speaks strictly according to Philosophy, p. 230.

CHAP. XII. Of Man's being Created capable of Sin and Damnation.

THis repugnant, neither to the Justice nor Mercy of God, p. 231. The Objection rightly stated, p. 233. The Glory of God is more advanced, and the Attributes of his Wisdom and his Justice, and of his Goodness it self, are more displayed by leaving Men to a freedom of Act∣ing, than they would have been by Imposing an inevita∣ble Fate upon Mankind, p. 234. Freedom of Action

CHAP. XIII. Of the Fall of the Angels, and of our first Parents.

THE Fall of Angels how caused, p. 243. The Fall of Man. The effects of it Visible, however the Thing may be disputed, p. 244. No Preexistence of Souls, ib. Eve beguiled by the Serpent, p. 246. The Sin of Eating the forbidden Fruit, p. 249. Many Circumstances o∣mitted in the Scripture concerning the State of our First Parents in Paradise, and relating to their Fall, ib. Why a Commandment was given them concerning a thing of an indifferent Nature, p. 250. The Curse upon the Ser∣pent, p. 254. The Curse of the Ground, p. 255. The Punishment of our First Parents. p. 256. The Fall not Allegorical, p. 374. The effects of it upon all Posterity, p. 376.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Eternity of Hell Torments.

THE Eternity of Hell Torments consistent with the Ju∣stice of God, because (1) Rewards and Punishments are a like Proposed to our choice, p. 383. (2) The Re∣wards are Eternal as well as the Punishments, p. 384. (3) It was necessary that the Sanction of the Divine Laws should be by eternal Rewards and Punishments, p. 387. (4) It is necessary that eternal Punishments should be in∣flicted upon the Wicked according to this Sanction, p. 388. Objections obviated, p. 359. The Eternity of Hell Tor∣ments consistent with the Mercy of God. p. 362.

CHAP. XV. Of the Jewish Law.

OF the Judicial Laws, p. 369. Of the Ceremonial Laws, p. 371. They were given to prevent Ido∣latry, p. 341. To signify and represent inward Purity and Holiness, p. 344. This shewn of Circumcision, p. 345. Of Purifications, p. 346. Of Abstinences, p. 346. Of Sacrifices and Oblations, ib. The Jewish Worship was

CHAP. XVI. Of the Cessation of the Jewish Law.

THE Types of the Law fulfilled in the Messias. p. 332. The strange Evasions and absurd Opinions of the Jews, ib. It was foretold by the Prophets, that the Law was to cease upon the coming of the Messiah, p. 335. It was afterwards to become impracticable, p. 323. How it is to be understood that the Mosaical Law was to endure for ever, p. 324.

CHAP. XVII. Of the Sinful Examples recorded in the Scriptures.

SEveral Places of the Scriptures, relating Evil A∣ctions, contain only matter of Fact, p. 327. The Rules of Good and Evil, by which we are to judge of Actions are plainly delivered in the Scriptures, p. ib. The Relation of the bad Actions of Good Men, may be of use. 1. To shew the Sincerity of the Pen-Men of the Scriptures. 2. To discover the Frailty of Humane Nature, and the ne∣cessity of imploring the Divine Grace. 3. To shew that God can bring Good out of Evil, p. 328. 4. For the Glory of God's Grace, and for a Warning to future Ages, p. 329.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Imprecations in the Psalms, and other Books of the Old Testament.

MAny of these Expressions are used in reference to the Nations, on whom God had Commanded the Israelites to execute his Judgments, p. 331. David be∣ing a King, was a Revenger to execute Wrath upon him that did Evil. p. 332. It is Lawful to Pray, that Ma∣lefactors may be punished, ib. The Jews might appeal to God as their Political Legislator and Governour, p. 333.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Texts of the Old Testament cited in the New.

THe Apostles cited in the Scriptures of the Old Testa∣ment according to the Exposition of them then ac∣knowledged by the Jews, p. 340. A remarkable Pas∣sage from F. Simon to this purpose, p. 342. The Epistle to the Hebrews much admired by a learned Jew, for the sublime Sense therein given to the Texts of the Old Testa∣ment, ib.

CHAP. XX. Of the Incarnation and Death of the Son of God.

I THe necessity of the Incarnation of the Son of God considered, p. 344. 2. Tho' it should be supposed, that God could have pardoned the Sins of Men upon other Terms, yet the Incarnation and Death of the Son of God is so far from implying any thing unworthy of him, that no other way of our Reconciliation with him (as far as we are able to apprehend) could so much have become the Divine Wisdom and Goodness, p. 345. 1. There is nothing in this whole Dispensation unworthy of God, p. 346. which is proved by shewing, (1) The unreasonableness of this Sup∣position, that the Union of the Divine and Human Nature in Christ should cause the God head to suffer with the Man∣hood, p. 347. (2) The Humiliation of the Son of God in affirming our Nature may be accounted for without suppo∣sing, that the Godhead suffered, p. 350. (3) The Satis∣faction of Christ by Dying for our Sins, may be explained without supposing it, p. 351. 2. No other way (as far as we can apprehend) could have been so proper and expe∣dient, as the Incarnation of the Son of God to procure the

CHAP. XXI. Of the Fulness of Time, or the Time appointed by God for the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour.

GOd had before-hand used all other means, to shew the necessity of sending his Son at last, p. 371. The Re∣ception of the Gospel had been much more difficult, if it had not been foretold in so many several Ages by the Prophets, p. 374. The Time of Christ's coming might depend upon the Duration of the World, p. 376. The World was then pre∣pared for his coming, p. 378. The particular Temper and Disposition of that Age, in which our Saviour was born, made it the most seasonable, p. 380.

CHAP. XXII. Of the last Days, and of the last Day, or the Day of Judgment.

THE last Days of the World seldom mentioned in ex∣press Terms in Scripture, but under the Resem∣blances of other Events, p. 384. The Destruction of Jerusalem, Typical of the Day of Judgment, p. 385. This appears from Matt. 25. ib. The last Days of the Jewish Dispensation, p. 388. The Times of the Gospel meant by the last Days, p. 389. St. Paul did not sup∣pose that the Day of Judgment was approaching in his time, p. 391. There is no reason to suppose, that the last Judgment must be confined to one Day, p. 393.

CHAP. XXIII. Of Sacraments.

THE Nature and design of Sacraments, p. 396. 1. They are outward and Visible Signs of our En∣trance into Covenant with God, or of our Renewing our Covenant with him, ib. 2. They are Tokens and Pled∣ges to us of God's Love and Favour, p. 402. 3. They are means and Instruments of Grace and Salvation, p. 404. 4. They are Federal Rites of our Admission into the Church, as a Visible Society, and of our Union with it, as such, p. 406. The Sacraments of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper fully Answer the end and Design of the In∣stitution of Sacraments, p. 407.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the Blessed Trinity.

THere is no Contradiction in this Mistery of our Reli∣gion, p.412. The Distinction of the Three Persons in the Deity p. 413. The Unity of the Divine Nature, p. 414. The Difference between the Divine Persons and Humane Persons, 417. Other things are and must be be∣lieved by us, which are as little understood, as this Do∣ctrine, p. 421. The necessity of the Belief of this Doctrine explained and Defended, p. 423. This Doctrine exceed∣ingly tends to the Advancement of Vertue and Holiness, and has a great Influence upon the Lives and Conversa∣tions of Men, p. 427.

CHAP. XXV. Of the Resurrection of the Dead.

GOD is certainly able to raise the Dead, p. 431. Bo∣dies after their Corruption, and the Dissolution of the Parts, which Compose them, may be restored to Life, by the Reunion of these Parts again, p. 436. We may rise again with the same Bodies, which we have here, notwithstanding any change or Flux of the Parts of our Bodies, while we Live, or any Accidents after Death, p. 437. It is not only credible and Reasonable to believe that God can, but likewise that he will raise the Dead, p. 443.

CHAP. XXVI. Of the Reasons why Christ did not shew himself to all the People of the Jews, after his Resurrection.

THere are Reasons peculiar to this Dispensation of his Resurrection, why Christ should not shew himself to all the People, after he was risen from the Dead, p. 449. It had not been suitable to the other Dispensations of God, towards mankind, for him to have done it, p. 451: Great Numbers of the Jews being given over to hardness of Heart, would not have believed, tho' they had seen Christ after his Resurrection, p. 452. If the Jews had believed in Christ, their Conversion had not been a greater Proof of the Truth of his Resurrection, than their Unbelief has been, p. 453. The Power of Christ's Resurrection manifested in the Miraculous Gifts bestowed upon the Apostles, was as great a Proof of his Resurrection, as the Personal Ap∣pearance of our Saviour himself could have been, p. 454.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Forty Days, in which Christ remained upon the Earth after his ••••••surrection, and of the man∣ner of his Ascension.

MAny things in the Life of Christ before his Passion omitted by the Evangelists, p. 459. And like∣wise after his Resurrection, p. 461. What may be con∣cluded from that which we Read of his conversing with his Disciples after it, p. 463. The manner of his Ascen∣sion, p. 465.

CHAP. XXVIII. Why some Works of Nature are more especially as∣cribed to God; why means was sometimes used in the Working of Miracles, and why Faith was sometimes required of those, upon whom, or be∣fore whom Miracles were wrought.

ALL Creatures act with a constant dependance upon the Divine Power and Influence; but things may be said more especially to be done by God himself, whereby upon some extraordinary Occasion his Power, and his Will, are more particularly manifested, or his Promise fulfilled,

CHAP. XXIX. Of the ceasing of Proph••••••es and Miracles.

THe Antiquity of Prophecies adds to their force and Evidence, p. 491. The Cessation of Miracles. We read of no Miraculous Power bestowed upon any Man before Moses, p. 492. Neither Prophecies nor Mira∣cles in the Jewish Church for more than four hundred years before Christ, p. 495. Miracles, if common, would lose the design and nature of Miracles, p. 498. Men would pretend to frame Hypotheses to solve them, p. 499. A constant Power of Miracles would occasion Impostures, ib. They would occasion Pride in those that wrought them, p. 501. No more Reason for Miracles to prove the Christi∣an Religion among Christians than there is need of them to prove a God, ib. A Divine Power is notwithstanding evident among Christians living in Heathen Countries, p. 502.

CHAP. XXX. Of the Causes, why the Jews and Gentiles rejected Christ, notwithstanding all the Miracles wrought by him, and his Apostles.

ASupernatural Grace necessary to True Faith, p. 504. Jews and Proselytes were converted in great Num∣bers, p. 508. Many durst not own Christ; Others had their hearts hardned, p. 511. They had violent prejudi∣dices against the Gospel, p. 512. The Signs and Won∣ders of false Prophets a cause of the Infidelity of the Jews, p. 514. The unbelief of the Jews being foretold by the Prophets is a confirmation of the Gospel, p. 515. Great Numbers of the Heathens converted, p. 516. The cause of unbelief in the Philosophers, ib. Of Epictetus and Seneca, p. 518. The prejudices of the Gentiles. p. 521. They would not be at the Pains rightly to understand the Christian Religion, p. 522. Oracles had foretold that it should not last above 365 Years, p. ib. Heresies and Schisms gave great Scandal, p. 523. Many Heathens however had more favourable and just Thoughts of the Christian Religion, p. 524. Of the Writings of the Hea∣thens against it, p. 528. The Writings of the ancient Jews confirm it, p. 530.

CHAP. XXXI. That the Confidence of Men of false Religions, and their Willingness to suffer for them, is no preju∣dice to the Authority of the True Religion.

THe Martyrs for the Christian Religion more numerous than the Sufferers for any other, p. 531. Zeal for Falshood no prejudice to Truth, p. 532. The preference for the Christian Religion before all others, p. 534. The pro∣per Notion of Martyrdom, p. 535.

CHAP. XXXII. That Differences in Matters of Religion, are no pre∣judice to the Truth and Authority of it.

Differences in matters of Religion must be, unless God should miraculously and irresistibly interpose to pre∣vent

CHAP. XXXIII. Though all Objections could not be Answer'd; yet this would be no just Cause to reject the Autho∣rity of the Scriptures.

A True Revelation may contain great Difficulties; and if the Arguments in proof of the Scriptures re∣main in their full Force, notwithstanding any Objections, and no positive and direct Proof be brought that they are insufficient, the Objections must proceed from some Mistake, and ought to be rejected, as insignificant, p. 559. This is shewn in Particulars, p. 561. The way of Reasoning, which is made use of to disprove the Truth and Authority of the Scriptures, considered in cases of another nature, p. 563. Difficulties can never alter the nature of things, p. 566.

CHAP. XXXIV. The Conclusion; containing an Exhortation to a se∣rious Consideration of these things, both from the Example of the wisest and most learned Men, and from the infinite Importance of the things themselves.

AS wise and learned Men, as any that ever lived in the World, have suffered Persecutions and Martyr∣dom for the Christian Religion, p. 568. The Causes of Un∣belief among Christians; Immorality, a Spirit of Contra∣diction, and singularity of Opinion, p. 569. It is at every Man's own Peril, if he make a rash and partial Judgment, p. 570. This is too serious a Subject to jest and trifle with∣all, p. 574.