BIBLE DIFFICULTIES EXPLAINED. “ Ἐν αἷς ἐστι δυσνόητά τινα.”—ΕΠΙΣ. ΠΕΤΡΟΥ. Β'. "In which are some things hard to be understood." 2 PETER ii. 16. BY THE REV. J. GRIGG HEWLETT, D.D. AUTHOR OF "THOUGHTS UPON THOUGHT;""THOUGHTS ON LONDON: HENRY J. TRESIDDER, 17, AVE MARIA LANE; 1860. 101. d. 295. PREFACE. INQUIRY is a distinguishing characteristic of the present age. Whatever is now prohibited from inquiry excites suspicion. Mind is not now satisfied with opinions and dogmas, simply because they come before it endorsed by the approbation of former generations. Mind must examine for itself. The results of the past have done little more than prepare the apparatus for carrying on the process of future investigation. It is only during the last half-century that biblical criticism has been matured into a science in this country. In this department of theological literature Germany has long been in advance of England. THE BIBLE, though Divine in its origin, and consequently supreme in its authority and final in its decisions, is a book which invites examination, and amply rewards prayerful and earnest study.. The Berean Christians were more highly commended "than those of Thessalonica," for their diligence in searching the Scriptures. Modern discoveries have ratified the facts recorded in these writings.* A competent and scrutinizing criticism has developed their inherent, though undesigned, harmony. The fires which have been kindled to detect the dross of this golden ball of truth, have proved its entire * An interesting illustration of this sentiment has been furnished by the recent excavations and discoveries in and about the site of ancient Nineveh. In 2 Kings xviii. 14, we read, "And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold." This is the memorandum of levying a fine. The Koyunjik Marbles, now in the British Museum, contain the Assyrian's record of the payment of this fine. It being an event of triumph over the king of Judah, it was publicly recorded; and now, after the lapse of 2500 years, this long-hid voucher is brought to light. This is one specimen from a numerous class. and uncorrupted purity. Science, in her onward march, pauses to pay homage to the verity of this oracle. Literature helps to decipher its symbols, to interpret its utterances, and exhibit its self-sustained harmony. Philosophy here takes her highest lessons, and listens to God in his Word, that she may better understand him in his world. True religion here finds its element and aliment, its light and life, as she is led by the Holy Spirit into all truth. The impossibility of contrivance among the writers of the Sacred Scriptures, and the essential and circumstantial harmony of their contents, furnish one not insignificant evidence of their Divine inspiration. It was asked by a philosopher of the last century, "Is it possible that a book at once so sublime and so simple, can be the work of man?" And all its pages have replied, “No-it is impossible; for everywhere, traversing so many ages, and whichever it be of the God-employed writers that holds A |