_Finally._ The credibility of our being in a state of probation is just as great as the credibility of there being any religion. Our probation may be whether we choose to inform ourselves as to our duty, and then whether we choose to do it. Such is exactly the case as to temporal matters. To discern what is best often requires difficult consideration, and yet leaves doubts: and not reflecting carefully, or not acting even when there may be doubt, is often fatal. CHAPTER VII. POSITIVE EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. Having considered the objections both to the general scheme of Christianity, and to particular doctrines in it, it only remains to consider the positive evidence of its truth; _i.e._ what analogy teaches with regard to that evidence. There are many evidences of Christianity, beside those from miracles or prophecy, which are the principal; embracing a great variety of proofs, direct and collateral, and reaching through all past time. We shall now consider the proofs from MIRACLES and PROPHECY. I. _Miracles._ =1.= Bible history gives the same evidence for the miracles described, as for common events. 1.) The miracles are evidently not put in for ornament, as speeches are by historians and poets put into the mouths of heroes. 2.) The accounts of them have been quoted as genuine, by various writers, from that day to this. 3.) These accounts are confirmed by subsequent events; and the miracles alone, can account for those events. 4.) The only fair way of accounting for these statements, and their reception in the world, is that the things really happened. 5.) The statements should be admitted till disproved, even if doubtful. =2.= Paul’s Epistles have evidences of genuineness, beyond what can attach to mere history. 1.) _Additional._ His evidence is quite detached. He received the gospel not in common with the other apostles, but separately, and direct from Christ, _after_ his ascension. 2.) _Peculiar._ He speaks of Christ’s miracles and those of others _incidentally_, as familiar facts, fully believed by those to whom he wrote. =3.= Christianity demands credence on the ground of its miracles, and was so received by great numbers, at the time and on the spot; which is the case with no other religion. 1.) Its first converts embraced it on this ground. 2.) It is not conceivable that they would have done so, at such fearful sacrifice, unless fully satisfied of the truth of these miracles. 3.) Such a profession and sacrifices furnish the same kind of evidence as if they had testified to the truth of the miracles in writing. 4.) It is real evidence, for they had full opportunity to inform themselves. 5.) It is a sort of evidence _distinct_ from direct history, though of the same nature.