Five are fallen, Kings, Consuls, Dictators, Decemvirs, Military Tribunes. One is, Emperors. Not yet come, Dukes of Rome. OBJECTIONS OBJECTIONS AGAINST THE NEW TESTAMENT, WITH MRS. CARTER'S ANSWERS TO THEM. TO MRS. CARTER. AND now I have again perused the four Gospels with the utmost care and attention, with a heart I am sure thoroughly in earnest, open to conviction, wishing that every doubt, every objection, may be removed. I have written my remarks with freedom, that nothing might be left on my mind unsatisfied, for very anxious have I been on this subject; but the sincerity of my intentions, my ardent desire to know the truth, and to act conformable to it, when known, assures me I am not far from the right way. Besides, as it is absolutely necessary for every body very early in life to fix some principles whereby to regulate their conduct, it cannot possibly be requisite for them to enter into such examinations as may take up half, nay, all the time allotted for their existence in this world, before they 4 D 2 they come to a clear determination, and must unavoidably act all the while on some motive or other. For my own part, I know not any guide for every moral duty equal to what the Christian Religion teaches, by that I therefore endeavour to regulate my actions as far as I am able, being sure that whoever is a good Christian must be a good man, and not doubting but a good man, whatever may be his religious principles, will be acceptable in the sight of God. Yet to be assured of what the Christian Religion promises, is doubtless the highest felicity we can enjoy in this life. I am sure of your candour and indulgence, my dear friend, with regard to the remarks which I have made, where it was absolutely necessary to mention every objection, for which purpose alone I writ, so that some passages which raised in me veneration and admiration have passed unnoticed, and some which struck me too forcibly to be wholly omitted, are but slightly mentioned, as with regard to those subjects, I was certain you would be of my opinion. I know the pleasure you will take in giving information, and in endeavouring to dissipate the doubts of an ingenuous mind, will be proportionable to the satisfaction and advantage I shall receive from your kind instructions, therefore I make no apology for this trouble, but proceed to my objections *. * The Editor thinking it would make the subject more clear and impressive, has stated each Objection, with Mrs. Carter's Answer following it, and this plan he has adopted through the four Gospels. OBJECTIONS ix. 12, OBJECTIONS TO THE GOSPELS OBJECTION I. WHY should so many ages pass away unenlightened by the Gospel? Why should so many barbarous customs be allowed, even amongst the chosen people of God, which were afterwards condemned and looked upon as highly criminal, such as sacrifices, polygamy, &c. ANSWER. It is no objection to the truth of any revelation, that it does not satisfy all the demands of our unnecessary curiosity. Inquiries of this nature may be made, let our scheme of religion be what it will, and therefore have no peculiar force against Christianity; but indeed all such inquiries serve only to involve the mind in endless perplexity, as it is impossible for the limited powers of human understanding to comprehend the infinite designs of Providence ; reason is perfectly assured that the ways of God must be just and good, and on this assurance, let it, under all apparent difficulties, humbly repose, instead of bewildering itself in such researches as must end only in disappointment and confusion. Nothing is to be admitted for a truth that is found on a diligent inquiry to be contrary to reason, but let us not forget that to such finite understandings as ours, there must be innumerable truths above our reason. Sacrifices were not only allowed, but commanded, nor end. were they afterwards condemned as highly criminal, but as John rendered unnecessary by the atonement of which they 9, 12, were the types and shadows. With John xiv. With regard to Polygamy it may be observed, that things not in themselves evil, may be properly allowed in some cases and circumstances, though generally inconvenient in others. It should be remembered to that in the Jewish law there were sufficient restrictions provided against any injustice or confusion which this toleration might be liable to produce in families. OBJECTION II. BUT with regard to the New Testament only. If the four Evangelists were inspired, how could it happen that they should in any material instance vary from each ether? If not inspired, their veracity cannot be doubted, since they laid down their life to preserve it. ANSWER. IT is the belief of Christians, that the Prophets and Evangelists were guided in their writings by immediate inspiration with regard to all essential points of faith and practice; in other less important circumstances they appear to have been left to their own particular stile and method; and if the same candour be allowed to them as to other authors, they never will be found to vary from each other in any material instance. OBJECTIONS TO ST. MATTHEW. I. THE almost incredible story of Herod's cruelty, is no where mentioned in holy writ but by Matthew. Does any profane historian of that time take notice of it? Who, |