Morning Star

Objections to the Scriptures.

We do not purpose a very systematic treatment of this subject, but barely to offer a few familiar remarks, that may be of use to some. One objection relates to the authority of the Old Testament as a whole. The number is not small, as we apprehend, who do great injustice to this portion of the inspired volume. Some object to it because it is so much occupied with history, and that too of a single nation. To others the prophetic parts are dark and uninviting; others are not interested in the devotional parts. Others have an idea that, since the Gospel has succeeded the legal dispensation, no part of the Old Testament Scriptures are now authoritative, except such as were expressly re-delivered by Christ or the apostles. But what warrant is there for such views? In the first place, on what ground can any lightly esteem the sacred history-the history of mankind from their origin for thousands of years-including man's original state and fall and its consequences, together with so full a description of human character under various circumstances. The details of the Old Testament are a model of minute, simple, faithful narration; and so impartial as to evince their divine origin. In respect to the history of the Jews-the only people among whom the knowledge of the true God was so long preserved, with whom the dealings of God were so signal, from whom the Messiah descended: a people whose almost entire ordinances, institutions, and existence were preparatory to, and prefigurative of, the Gospel dispensation; is it not obvious that such a people should have its annals faithfully committed to us? We have not time to dwell on these hints, but trust the reader will appreciate them. In these details there may be many things which contracted views or false delicacy would exclude, but which nevertheless strikingly evince the candor and truthfulness of the narration; and the bearings of which upon the interests of mankind may never be fully unfolded in the present world.

And so of the other portions. We may at present be unable to comprehend them fully, but this does not prove them useless. If not so useful to us, they may have been, or may yet be, highly useful to others. Christ and the Apostles did indeed repeal the ceremonial law; but they never proscribed the Old Testament Scriptures, and, on the other hand gave them their unequivocal sanction. They cited the law, the prophets and the psalms they quoted from almost every book of the collection, as of unquestionable authority. They declared that "holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost;" that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God," "that not one jot or tittle should in any wise pass from the law, until all is fulfilled."

The Scriptures of the Old Testament are therefore equally binding with those of the New--of every modification, or repeal of certain customs, and rites, we have distinct notice. The whole Bible therefore must stand or fall together.

J. J. B.