152 THEOLOGY. 



strongest evidence of the divine character of Christianity. The 

 credibility of the Jewish Scriptures, will probably at once be admitted ; 

 or at least, no one will attribute them to Christian authors, though 

 they were sanctioned by our Saviour's authority. From them, we 

 have the miraculous voice of Prophecy, in support of the Christian 

 religion. All the great events of our Saviour's life and ministry, 

 were foretold by the Jewish prophets, as plainly as possible without 

 defeating their accomplishment; so plainly, indeed, that the Jewish 

 nation were anxiously expecting their Messiah, at the time of our 

 Saviour's advent. Nor were the prophecies less remarkable, which 

 were made by our Saviour; and which have since been fulfilled. 



We might dwell on the disinterestedness, purity, and benevolence 

 of our Lord and his followers ; on the perseverance of his apostles, 

 in labors and sufferings ; and on the rapid spread of the gospel, by 

 peaceful means, as evidences of its divinity ; but we must pass on, 

 and glance at the internal evidences of Christianity, derived from its 

 surpassing beauty and excellence. We repeat, that it is the only 

 religion which can elevate and restore man to his lost place in the cre- 

 ation ; or satisfy his longings after immortality. While it strengthens 

 our good propensities, by divine assistance ; it represses and quells 

 those evil passions which no other power can subdue. It teaches a 

 pure and perfect morality, where other creeds have wandered, and 

 science has failed. It has suppressed human sacrifices, and gladiato- 

 rial massacres ; mitigated the horrors of war ; raised the standard of 

 patriotism ; provided the means of charity and instruction for the 

 poor : and especially it has raised the female sex to be the compa- 

 nions, instead of the slaves of man. It has established the Sabbath 

 and Sanctuary, to give rest to the body, and spiritual food to the 

 mind ; and it has comforted the afflicted, consoled the bereaved, and 

 cheered the departing spirit, with a celestial light, beaming from the 

 world beyond the grave. When sickness and trial come upon us, 

 when nature fails and worldly hopes forsake us, when death approach- 

 es, as it must approach to all, then only can we adequately realize the 

 divine character and infinite importance of the Christian Religion. 



PART III. 



Sectarian Polity. 



UNDER the head of Sectarian Polity, we would comprehend the re- 

 maining portion of Christianity ; relating to the different Christian 

 denominations ; and treating of their History, Doctrines, and Modes 

 of worship. Here, therefore, we would place Systematic, or Dogma- 

 tic Theology ; that is the systematic arrangement of the dogmas or 

 doctrines of religion; of which each sect has some that are peculiar; 

 as also Elenchtic, improperly called Polemic Theology ; by which 

 each sect attempts to defend its own doctrines, and to refute those 

 which are contrary thereto ; and finally Pastoral Theology ; which 

 comprehends the care of a church, and the duties of a Christian minis- 

 ter. This last, has been subdivided into Homiletics, or preaching ; 

 Catechetics, or catechising, that is, instructing the young ; Paranetics, 

 or advising, admonishing, and consoling ; Prudentials, or self-govern- 



