The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-04-18

cessible to the man OF small intellec.
tusl opportunities, to convince him OF
the Divine origin Of the Scriptures.
They are q witness unto themselves.
The superhuman origin OF the Bible
can be inferred from itself. tbs not
such a book as man would have made
il he could; or could have made ii he
would. 1t is impossible here fully to
indicate the evidences o! this character
which are available for all. Suffice it
to observe that the doctrines taught are
far superior to those which are else
where advanced on the same subjects,
and are such as commend themselves
to our consciences when enlightened
and freed from prejudice. The great
central figure Of the Bible, Christ,
around whom all its persons and In
s.ructions revolye, as the planets
90 around the SUD, ls his
own witness. The. conception Of
such a being and of such q work as
his never was invented by men. Again,
the wonderful harmony of this book
proves it to be divine. Although its
parts were written in ages widely re-
mote, and by different persons and in
various countries, it is slill unit The
same doctrines are taught all through
it. They merely increase in clearness
and fitness, as it approaches a conclu-
zion. For example, the Old and New
Testaments correspond to each other as
does the medal to the mould, or the
check to the counter-ioil. History
agrees with psalm and prophecy, and
gospel with epistle, in a manner which
shows that they must be from one d.
vine author. But this species OF proof
is open to all. If every external con-
firmation Of the Bible had persisted,
still the book itself would be it's own
witresr, It's therefore not necessary
tina. q man should be able to examine
all the minute and different questions
about MAJ uscripts. aud versions, and
kindred matters, in order to decide
whether it ought TO be accepted as the
word OF God.
Another reason which warrants the
assertion under consideration is the
fact that 30 many persons In whose
Judgment we ought to have confidence,
have satisfied themselves that the BIZ
bic is the revelation OF the Divine will.
This at least shows that the problem
can be solved by ourselves. This book
has commanded the assent OF men In
all ranks of society, after as full and
candid an examination as was possible
of men like Bacon and Newton, and
of millions who have not been great
scholars. If others have denied its Dl
vine origin or remained in doubt CONF
corning it, this has been because
they never properly examined ltS evil
dences or were too much prejudicea to
admit their force. For instance, Glib
bon's reading of the Bible consisted
only of the Gospel by John and one
chapter Of the Gospel by Luke. Hume
acknowledged that be had never read
the New Testament with attention.
Surely under such circumstances the
fact that these men were sceptlcal or
infidel by no means shows that we ca n
not answer the inquiry, what ia truth
Having determined that the Bible is
from God, the humblest and plainest
reader can come TO a satisfactory con-
cluson as to what are it's great truths,
Let it be examined carefully aud pray
erfully, aud with a desire simply 10
know what are its essential teachings
and there will be no difficulty. 1t is
only with reference to the less impor
tant matters which it contains that
there is room for uncertainty. And
even in regard to them, any man can
in the light OF scripture, history, obser-
walton and exnerience judge 30 decided
ly as TO be at peace in his own mind.
Now a few directions as to the spirit
in which the inquiry what is truth
should be made. The first which may
be given are negative. 1t should not
be made in the way of scoff. If the
question can be answered, its impor-
lance is such that it ought to be raised
only TO be seriously examined. Then
If it could not be answered this sad fact
should csuse us to be dumb with an
guisb. 1t should not be made IN pride
TO be in donbt on these subjects does
not indicate any superiority over others.
1t is better, if the truth can be
ascertained, to be confirmed in
the belief OF ii than 10 be still
asking what it is. 1t is better to be
standing firmly on the rock than 10 be
out on the sea, with no assurance that
the waves OF conflicting opinions shall
no; swallow us. Itshould not be made
for the sake OF dispute. Truth here is
too precious to be treated like a football
simply as an occasion of contest. And
such conduct in regard TO it is perilou'.
1t is with this as with the intoxicating
cup. What is first done for amusement
or just to show that you can handle
what is dangerous and not be harmed
by it, before you are aware Of it may
have become a'seltled habit which binds
you in letters.
There are also certain positive direc-
tons which may be given, before the
assumption that the iUquiry has forced
itself upon man, then let him regard
the following rules; |. Seek the help
OF God. 1t is dictate of reason 10
expect that He will aid those who
ask him for light in such matters. The
Injunction of the Bible is, II any man
lack wisdom let him ask of God, who
giveth to all men literally and upbrald
eth not. >. Be willing 10 receive and
obey the truth when it is ascertained
Before we can expect TO know what We
ought to believe we must determine
at we will comply with duty however
humiliatipg to our pride. 5. Be care
ful to investigate the merits OF The
question which causes difficulty. Anc
in doing this hear both sides fairly
The doubt may result simply from a
onsioo nj w hat the Bible