Produced by Charles Klingman The Grounds of Christianity Examined by Comparing The New Testament with the Old by George Bethune English, A.M. "First understand, then judge." "Bring forth the people blind, although they have eyes; And deaf, although they have ears. Let them produce their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear their turn, and say, THIS IS TRUE." ISAIAH. Boston 1813 To the Intelligent and the Candid Who are Willing to Listen to Every Opinion That is Supported by Reason; And Not Averse to Bringing their Own Opinions To the Test of Examination; THIS BOOK Is Respectfully Dedicated By The Author CONTENTS Chapter I. Introductory,--Showing that the Apostles and Authors of the New Testament endeavour to prove Christianity from the Old. Chapter II. Statement of the Question in Dispute. Chapter III. The Characteristics of the Messiah, as given by the Hebrew Prophets. Chapter IV. The character of Jesus tested by those characteristic marks of the messiah, given by the Prophets of the Old Testament. Chapter V. Examination of the arguments from the Old Testament adduced in the New, to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. Chapter VI. Examination of the meaning of the phrase "this was done that it might be fulfilled." Chapter VII. Examination of the arguments alledged from the Hebrew Prophets, to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. Chapter VIII. Statement of Arguments which prove that Jesus was not the Messiah of the Old Testament. Chapter IX. On the character of Jesus of Nazareth, and the weight to be allowed to the argument of martyrdom, as a test of truth, in this question. Chapter X. Miscellaneous. Chapter XI. Whether the Mosaic Law be represented in the Old Testament as a temporary, or a perpetual institution. Chapter XII. On the character of Paul, and his manner of reasoning. Chapter XIII. Examination of some doctrines in the New testament, derived from the Cabbala, the Oriental philosophy, and the tenets of Zoroaster. Chapter XIV. A consideration of the "gift of tongues," and other miraculous powers, ascribed to the Primitive Christians; and whether recorded miracles are infallible proofs of the Divine Authority of doctrines said to have been confirmed by them. Chapter XV. Application of the two tests, said in Deuteronomy to have been given by God as discriminating a true prophet from a false one, to the character and actions of Jesus. Chapter XVI. Examination of the evidence, external and internal, in favour of the credibility of the Gospel history. Chapter XVII. On the peculiar morality of the New Testament, as it affects nations and political societies. Chapter XIX. A consideration of some supposed advantages attributed to the New, over the Old, testament; and whether the doctrine of a Resurrection and a Life to Come, is not taught by the Old testament, in contradiction the assertion, that "life and immorality were brought to light by the Gospel." Conclusion Appendix Addenda