VL j CONTENTS. 



SECTION IX. 



ON THE UTILITY OF GENERAL KNOWLEDGE IN REFERENCE TO THE STUD! 

 OF DIVINE REVELATION. 



Preliminary remarks. Summary of the external evidences ofChristianity. Evidence from 

 Miracles. Resurrection of Christ. Evidence from Prophecy. Predictions in relation 

 to Babylon, the Arabs, the Jews, &c. Internal evidences. Dignity and sublimity of 

 the Scriptures, exhibit the most rational and sublime views of the Deity, give full 

 assurance of a state of immortality, point out the way in which pardon may be obtained, 

 inculcate the purest and most comprehensive system of moraliiy, explain certain moral 

 phenomena, communicate a knowledge of interesting facts and doctrines. Beneficial 

 Affects which Christianity has produced in the world, is adapted to every country. 

 Harmony of Science and Revelation. Christianity of the Bible. Evidences of Revela 

 tion continually increasing. Reason for giving the preceding summary of these evidences. 

 General knowledge enables us to understand the meaning and references of the sacred 

 writings. Figures used in the prophetical writings. Heathen mythology illustrative of 

 Scripture history. Manners and customs of eastern nations. Utility of ancient geography. 

 Natural history and science illustrative of Scripture. Evaporation rivers ocean 

 storms animated beings human body the heavens plurality of worlds. Advantages 

 which would resell from an intelligent study of the Scriptures. Folly of infidelity, &c. 113 



SECTION X. 



MISCELLANEOUS ADVANTAGES OF KNOWLEDGE BRIEFLY STATED. 



Knowledge would lead to just estimates of human character and enjoyment various 

 remarks on this topic. II. The acquisition of general information would enaMe persons 

 to profit by their attendance on public instructions. Scientific lectures instructions from 

 the pulpit limited nature of these instructions in consequence of the ignorance of 

 mankind prospects presented when knowledge is increased. III. Knowledge would 

 introduce a spirit of tolerance, and prevent persecution for conscience 1 sake. Persecutions 

 which have prevailed, and still prevail. Absurdity of persecution general remarks, &c. 



IV. Knowledge woidd vanquish the antipathies of nations, and produce harmony among 

 mankind. Miseries and devastations of war jealousies and hostilities of nations 

 arguments and efforts which enlightened minds would employ for counteracting them. 

 Advantages which would result from the union of mankind. Practicability of effecting it. 



V. A general diffusion of knowledge would promote the union of the. Christian church. 

 Number of sectaries slight differences of opinion between them. Evils which have 

 flowed from sectarianism promotes infidelity retards the progress ofChristianity, &c. 

 Folly of attaching an undue importance to sectarian opinions. Remedies for the divisions 

 of the church. Liberality and bigotry contrasted. Character of violent party-pariizaris. 

 Auspicious effects which would flow from Christian union. Present circumstances 

 favourable to union. Concessions which behooved to be made by all parties, preparative 

 measure to union concluding remark - - - - . . . . -133 



SECTION XL 



ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING SCIENCE WITH RELIGION. 



Increase of knowledge, of late years. Tendency to irreligion in certain scientific inquirers, 

 and the circumstances which have produced it. Religion and science connected 

 irrationality and inconsistency of attempting to dissever them. Christian religion over- 

 looked. Supreme importance of Christianity. Effects of a complete separation of science 

 and religion. Tendency of our present modes of education. Illustrated from the scenet 

 exhibited during the French Revolution. Demoralization produced by the principles of the 

 continental philosophists. Persecuting spirit of French infidels and skeptics. Science 

 without religion produces few moral effects. Subversion of morality in France, a beacon 



