learn similar lessons from the spirit of the statute, though it be now obsolete: for the Lawgiver is unchangeable.

This law therefore, so harmless and beneficial in its operation, though so contrary to human policy, rather proves than invalidates the divine original of the book in which it is contained; however little it may coincide with modern notions, which, rushing from one extreme to another, directly tend to dissolve all obligations to submission to authority, either human or divine.

Whether priests are fond of preaching from 'Deuteronomy' or not, we know that our Lord answered all Satan's suggestions by quotations. from that book; and the tempter may therefore be supposed to have a peculiar dislike to it. The heart-searching God alone can know, whether the desire of tithes, or the love of souls, excites the minister's diligence: but, after all Mr. P.'s ridicule of " the ox treading out the grain," such ministers as answer the emblem of that most laborious, tractable, and useful animal, will certainly deserve, and need not to fear but they will receive, a suitable provision, while the Lord has work for them, whatever may become of tithes and establishments.

And now, what do all these objections against the books of Moses amount to, when stripped of the attempt at wit, of the ridicule, the reviling, the scoffing, and the declamation, with which they are exhibited ?-The writer, it seems, generally speaks of himself in the third person: a very few instances occur in which a trifling alteration has been made

in the text, during a course of above three thousand years: an account of the death and burial of the author is subjoined: events are recorded which seem to us improbable, because contrary to our general observation: actions are stated to have been done by the command of God, which without that command would have been unjust and laws are given which do not coincide with modern notions concerning government and parental authority. Frivolous cavils grounded on these circumstances Mr. P. calls demonstrations, and then deems himself warranted to treat not only Moses, but all the prophets, and all priests, as liars and impostors, and to abuse them in terms still more gross, which I shall not repeat.

The credit given to the Bible is often ascribed to the prejudices of education. But I am impelled to declare, that for some years I was not much more disposed to believe the scriptures than Mr. P.; and, having cast off the shackles of education, I was much gratified by my emancipation, and flattered myself greatly on my superior discernment, with proportionable contempt of seniors and superiors who adhered to the faith. Yet, after about forty years diligently employed in examining the evidences and contents of the Bible, I am more and more fully convinced that it is "THE WORD 66 OF GOD."

It remains to state briefly the grounds on which we maintain the divine superintending inspiration of Moses; as well as that he was the writer of the books that bear his name, excepting the very few passages which have been mentioned.

1. The books in question give plain intimations to that effeet. "Moses wrote all the words of the "Lord:...and he took the book of the covenant, " and read in the audience of the people."1 "And "it came to pass that, when Moses had made an "end of writing the words of this law in a book, "until they were finished, he commanded the "Levites, saying, Take this book of the law, and

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put it in the sides of the ark, that it may be a "witness against thee."2-Reference to the law written by Moses is continually made in the subsequent books of scripture. The testimony of all antiquity, Jews and pagans; with that of the whole Christian church, and of the modern Jews, the avowed enemies of Christianity, concurs in ascribing these books to Moses; and even this testimony, from time immemorial, requires something more forcible to invalidate it than a few stale objections which have been repeatedly answered. How could such an unanimous opinion have prevailed in the world, if there had been no foundation for it! If it did not originate at the time assigned for the first publication of these books, at what time could it have been introduced? Is it possible that the whole nation of Israel should have been persuaded that the recent writings of an anonymous impostor were books always known and reverenced by them? or that they had always been governed by laws, and had always observed weekly, monthly, and annual institutions, and been conversant with histories which they had never seen before? If priests and princes, and a large majority, from selfish mo

1 Exod. xxiv. 4-7.

2 Deut. xxxi. 24-26.

tives had attempted such a barefaced imposition, and forcibly endeavoured to silence opponents, would not two parties have been formed? However the minority had for a time been run down at home, would there have been no trace of it in any history? It is indeed too late to attempt disproving the claim of books which have certainly borne the name of Moses, by the general consent of mankind much above two thousand years.

2. The history contained in these books is confirmed by the most ancient records of the pagan world, and even by the fables of the poets, and has every mark of authenticity. It indeed throws more light on the origin of nations, and on many coincident subjects, than all the other records of antiquity taken together.

3. The view given in them of the moral perfections, of the works and government of God, and of his self-existence, eternity, and all other attributes, is in all respects most rational, sublime, and satisfactory; and as much excels all that pagans have written on those subjects as the sun outshines a taper. The creation of the world by the one living and true God is peculiar to these books and the other parts of the Bible, and to writings taken from them while obscurity and uncertainty, in this most important matter, not only disfigure the writings of heathen poets, but awfully predominate in the speculations of their jarring sects of philosophers.-The moral law, the sum of which is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy "heart," and "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as "thyself," is perfectly "holy, just, and good;" and only needs to be reduced to practice, to ren

der men happy beyond our present conception: but what gentile ever gave such a delineation of man's duty? The judicial laws will be found wise, equitable, and beneficial, in proportion as they are. attentively considered, and well understood: and they may boldly challenge a comparison with any other code of either ancient or modern legislators. The ceremonial institutions were not only ordinances of divine worship, and barriers against idolatry, but evident types and shadows of good things to come; and, as such they constitute a kind of prophecy, the exact accomplishment of which in Christ and christianity is a full proof of their divine original.

4. The miracles wrought by Moses were of such a nature that they could not be counterfeited: millions of enemies as well as friends were appealed to as eye witnesses: and, if they had not been actually performed, by him who recorded them, and at the time assigned, when and how could it have been possible to persuade the whole nation of Israel, that they and their forefathers had always believed them, and had in all preceding ages observed stated memorials of them? And, if they were wrought by Moses, they prove both the authenticity and divine inspiration of his writings; for he continually declares that he spake, wrote, and acted by divine authority.

5. The prophecies contained in these books, which have been exactly fulfilled, evince the same truth. Regardless of ridicule, I still venture to maintain that the first promise, of the seed of the woman, is a most astonishing prediction; not only of the crucifixion and triumphs of Christ, but of