Remarks on scepticism; especially as it is connected with the subjects of organization and life. Being an answer to the views of M. Bichat, Sir T. C. Morgan, and Mr. Lawrence, upon those points - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1819 Excerpt: ...even while he maintained an immediate and a personal communication with them, we may fairly argue that a similar guide was equally necessary for all the scattered portions of the Christian Church, who have not the privilege of the same intercourse with heaven. By the inspiration, indeed, of Scripture, the necessity of such supernatural communication is done away; every Christian enjoys as perfect and as personal a revelation as if it had been made to him alone. The Spirit of God, as he abides for ever in the pages of the sacred volume, is his own individual oracle, comforter, and guide. Thus much with respect to the necessity of inspiration; let us now consider its extent; or in other words, let us ascertain, what it is we mean, when we say that the Scriptures are inspired. Inspiration has been divided by Theologians into the various degrees of suggestion, of elevation, of superintendence, &c. but such divisions, after all, rather obscure than elucidate the subject. It is the shortest and the safest way simply to suppose, that the divine influence always acted in such a manner, and in such proportions, as were best calculated to effect the various purposes for which it was given. We must remember that the Apostles were not favoured with occasional revelations only; but that they thought, they acted, and they spoke, under the perpetual superintendence, and in the constant presence, of the Spirit of God. He "was with them always." He directed their labours, he marked out their provinces, he guided them into all truth, he secured them from all error; while he enlarged their understandings he animated their hearts, he gave them courage and strength, knowledge and power, proportionate to every want, and adapted to every circumstance. It is utterly ...