literature, who not only believed the Scriptures to be the word of God, but had in a masterly and incontrovertible manner defended the christian religion from the attacks of its enemies, and had clearly shown that its origin was Divine. It was also observed, that the general dislike in mankind to religion arose from mistaken notions respecting it; that the doctrines and precepts of the Bible were far superior to what the world had any idea of, and that, were that book well understood, infidelity must be abandoned, the foundation on which it stands being prejudice and ignorance. Thus there are many happy instances of infidels becoming "faithful in Christ Jesus," and not one of a really converted christian lapsing finally into infidelity. He was advised at once to admit the genuineness of the Bible, and then to endeavour experimentally to discover whether its statements were or were not true; for in them, as in the book of nature, it is only by experience, that the works of the Almighty can be discovered: thus, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God," John vii. 17. This advice was given with some earnestness, his friend having found the beneficial result of it in his own case; for at one time he had himself been the victim of scepticism, and had observed while searching for the evidences of christianity, that so long as the novelty of a newly discovered evidence lasted, it carried the desired conviction; but that, when this ceased, the mind again returned to its former doubts, and no salutary abiding effect was produced. In this difficulty he came to the determination, seeing how extensive were the promises and threatenings the Bible contained, that he would take it up as true, endeavour to make use of it as a Divine revelation, and by his own experience test its claims to inspiration. The result was most happy: he discovered it to be both the wisdom of God, and the power of God; and firmly trusts that no weapon from the armoury of Satan can ever destroy his confidence in its truth. The reader will pardon this short digression, when he is informed that it is made with the hope that (should this book fall into the hands of any who are harassed by scepticism) this advice may prove as beneficial to them as it did to the writer, and also to Mr. Buchanan; who, when he had discovered the real contents of the sacred Scriptures, found that his disbelief arose, not, as he had imagined, from superior light and knowledge, but from the absurdities of philosophy, falsely so called, and vain deceit, on which the superstructure of infidelity is commonly raised. This was effected, it is true, solely by the power of Him, who by his Spirit leads his people into all truth, but then it was in the use of means, the communication of knowledge and unvarnished facts. But to return: after his friend had directed his attention to the portion of Scripture above referred to, on quitting the room, he left behind him his copy of the New Testament, trusting and praying that he might be induced to read it, and encouraging him to do so by assuring him that it contained subjects of the deepest interest, and not unworthy the examination of the most ingenious mind. But, alas! it was laid aside with indifference, and returned at the end of a fortnight without having been once opened. This fact is mentioned to show the striking providence connected with this rejection of the Divine word: it proved to be the last time he was granted an opportunity of reading the Scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation! This indifference to sacred subjects continued for many months, until he was confined to his bed, where, to the day of his death, he was incapable, through weakness and disease, of perusing any book whatsoever, and the Bible, therefore, thus far was a sealed fountain of knowledge and wisdom. Frequently, during this period, did he earnestly wish that he could read the Scriptures, but this was then denied; when he could, he refused; when he would, God forbade! Let all who read of this painful dispensation neglect not the most precious treasure that can be put into their hands, lest, too late, they feel with deep remorse the force of the following declaration:-"Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation; and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they |