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which we owe to Scripture alone, general experience bears some testimony, though not sufficient of itself to establish any thing. From the attributes of the Creator, we conclude his creation must have been originally "very good," which the Scripture confirms. From the present state of the world we conclude, that evil has been introduced into it; but further than this we cannot go. It is the Scripture alone that can explain to us how it was that, though "God made man upright," the creature has so far departed from his Creator.

EDWARD.

But is the Scripture account of the fall of man from a state of original purity to be received literally?

MR. B.

Upon this subject various opinions have been entertained; but I confess I am unable to perceive any trace in the Bible itself of any other than a literal interpretation. The Bible unquestionably, when its evidences are called in question, must be allowed to be its own interpreter, let the conse- ́ quences be what they may. I would reject, therefore, altogether, any attempt to accommodate the language of Scripture to the wishes of those to whom it may be addressed. Whatsoever is contained therein is either contrary to fact and possibility, or not if the former, the whole must be rejected; if the latter, it must be retained, in con

sequence of the probability already shewn that it is from God; for however great the witness of man may be," the witness of God is greater."

BEATRICE.

What other interpretation than a literal one has there ever been brought forward?

MR. B.

The enemies of Christianity have attempted to overthrow some branches of its evidences, by resorting to a figurative or allegorical interpretation; and some of its friends have likewise had recourse to the same aid, in order to defend particular parts which have excited the strongest efforts on the parts of their adversaries. It ought not, however, to be asked, "How can the question be most readily decided either way?" but, "What decision do the Scriptures themselves give?" If they rest their claims upon a foundation which will not support them, from that very fact they are overthrown; but if they rely upon a defence which will indeed support them, though not in the way we should have expected, nevertheless, since by that defence they stand, and their authority is established, by that defence we must abide also, in preference to any other which to us might have appeared better. Now, the narrative of the fall of man is given without any intimation of allegory; it is alluded to in various parts of the

sacred volume as fact, is argued upon as such, and therefore as such must be received.

EDWARD.

But this exposes Christianity to greater danger, does it not?

MR. B.

To no danger which it is not able to overcome; but even were this not the case, in inquiring into the truth of the religion itself, we have no right to make conclusions, merely with reference to its advantage.

Connected with the fall of man we find the first of a series of promises made by the Creator to mankind, of a future salvation from the fatal consequences of that fall, the promise, unconnected with those that followed it, more calculated to give hope than information. In a succession of revelations afterwards made, we find this promise confirmed, the manner of its fulfilment shadowed out, and the consequences enlarged upon. Again, we find the whole of the dispensations of the great Governor of the world conducted with reference to its fulfilment. When the wickedness of man became so great on the earth that the most terrible destruction swept away its inhabitants, one family was spared to preserve the human race alive. When a second general corruption of mankind was taking place, one family was again severed from the rest to preserve the knowledge of the true God. Through

a long course of time the descendants of that house were prepared by a necessary discipline for the accomplishment of the promise. They were separated, as a nation, from the rest of the world; were placed under a special providence; were commanded to observe a law which was designed to teach the nature and importance of the salvation hereafter to be revealed; and were made, unconsciously, the means of preserving the strongest proofs of the reality of the fulfilment of the great promise. Connected with that promise, as again and again confirmed by holy men of God, were now added a vast number of prophecies, the design of which was to fix unequivocally the truth of its accomplishment, or to develope important facts more or less connected with it.

BEATRICE.

You will bring in, then, the aid of prophecy at last it has surprised me that you have not made use of it before.

MR. B.

Thus the whole of the Old Testament is preparatory to some greater dispensation which was to follow. The Christian asserts, that the New Testament contains that better covenant; that the salvation has been wrought; that the Jewish dispensation is superseded; and that no other revelation will be given from heaven till the consum

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mation of all things: that nevertheless all is now regulated with reference to the Gospel of Christ, and of this we are to have confirmation in the fulfilment of prophecy, and in the enduring nature and excellency of his religion.

EDWARD.

But many of these particulars require proof: some formidable objections lie against the conclusion; and a single false declaration, which professes to be of divine origin, overthrows the whole.

MR. B.

For the establishment of the general outline which I have given, the whole Bible itself is necessary; and here it seems proper to insist upon the necessity of every one, disposed to be sceptical on the subject, taking the trouble of giving the whole Bible at least one serious reading from beginning to end, before he decide against it. Every one able to do it, ought to read it in the original languages; but where this cannot be done, certainly no inquirer into truth should suffer himself to be prejudiced against any part, till he is certain that no error exists in the translation, and that he understands that translation aright.

BEATRICE.

But how can this be done?

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