A26785:13
The divinity of the Christian religion, proved
The divinity of the Christian religion, proved by the evidence of reason and divine revelation by William Bates ...
London: printed by J.D. for Brabazon Aylmer, 1677
Chapter 1: The Divinity of the Christian Religion, Proved by the Evidence of Reason, and Divine Re…
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. By comparing it with other Religions, that upon trial are convinced of open falsity, or that they are infinitely excelled by the Christian in those things wherein they have any resemblance, or degrees of Truth and Goodness. 2. By considering it directly, as to its intrinsic excellencies, and those External Supernatural Operations, that are the express Characters of Gods hand, which afford an infallible testimony of his approving it.
1. By comparing it with other Religions, that upon trial are convinc'd of open falsity, or that they are infinitely excelled by the Christian in those things wherein they have any resemblance, or degrees of Truth and Goodness. 2. By considering it directly, as to its intrinsick excellencies, and those External Supernatural Operations, that are the express Characters of Gods hand, which afford an infallible testimony of his approving it.
Before the coming of Christ into the World there were two sorts of Religions, Gentilism, and Judaism. The first is utterly excluded upon the account of its gross and palpable contrariety to the Principles of sound Reason.
Before the coming of Christ into the World there were two sorts of Religions, Gentilisme, and Judaisme. The first is utterly excluded upon the account of its gross and palpable contrariety to the Principles of sound Reason.
1. By a fundamental error in the Object of Worship. Idolatry ⟨p. 11⟩then spread through all the Regions under both the Hemispheres. Now 'tis evident by Reason there is but one true God, an Infinite Being, the Maker and Governor of all things, that has alone Divine excellencies in himself, and a Divine Empire over us, and consequently is alone worthy of Supreme Honour. And what greater indignity can be offered to Him, than the placing of Idols in His Throne? He is a jealous God, sensible and severe; and will not suffer any partner in his Worship. His Honour is eminently concerned to vindicate His despised Deity. 'Tis a pitiful shift to allege, that they honoured their inferior Gods with a lower and imperfect worship: for all divine Worship is supreme, and to be given only to the supreme God.