of its Greek name, Apocalypsis, as it reveals many things regarding the future condition of the church. and the world. It was given in a series of visions to John, to lead him to exhibit the prophetic history of the church to the end of the world. This book is regarded by many as the most sublime of all that are contained in the New Testament. "It is worthy of justice, in respect of the Revelation," says Mr. Scott, "that the views given in it of God and heavenly things, of the kingdom of providence and grace, of the Redeemer's glory, and the happiness and character of his people, with the wickedness and ruin of his enemies, are set forth in so striking and peculiar a manner, that even those who do not at all understand the prophetical meaning, are interested and edified by reading it, in proportion to the degree of their humility, faith and piety.”

These divine books having been written to different parties, and in distant places, were a considerable time before they could be collected by any individual, or by any church, into a complete volume. But this was done, in a great measure, during the lifetime of the apostles; as it is evident from the Apostle Peter referring to what, he says, "our beloved brother Paul hath written in all his epistles," and to "the other scriptures." (2 Peter iii. 15, 16.) This collection was soon made, however, by many churches and individuals, prompted by the Spirit of God; so that many of them in the second century possessed nearly the whole or the entire collection of the books of the New Testament.

CHAPTER IV.

DIVINE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES.

Divine Inspiration defined by Dr. Henderson-Dr. Stow-Dr. A Clarke-Dr. Robinson-Dr. Gill-Mr. Boyle-Dr. Doddridge— Inspiration belongs to the original Scriptures.

HOLY SCRIPTURE, originating as we have seen, must have been given by divine inspiration. The sacred books could not have been the devices of men, however ingenious and learned. They bear the character of truth, and the manifest impress of God. A celebrated poet has justly asked, therefore,

Whence, but from heaven, could men, unskilled in arts,
In different ages born, in different parts,

Weave such agreeing truths? or how? or why
Should all agree to cheat us with a lie?

Unasked their pains; unwelcome their advice;
Starving their gains; and martyrdom their price!

-DRYDEN.

Divine revelation must necessarily be the gift of heavenly wisdom. An apostle, therefore, declares, concerning the books of the Old Testament; " All scripture is given by inspiration of God." (2 Tim. iii. 16.) The Apostle Peter, also, in perfect agreement with his great fellow-labourer, Paul, states; "Knowng this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of ny private interpretation. For the prophecy came

not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter i. 20, 21.)

Divine inspiration signifies a rational creature being influenced by the Spirit breathing into it, so that the intellect is supernaturally improved beyond its ordinary powers. By this inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the soul is excited and moved to undertake some good work, by preaching or writing for the instruction of mankind. Thus the prophets of God are said to have spoken as they were moved, or inspired, by the Holy Ghost. This sacred influence must have been enjoyed in different degrees, according to the requirements of knowledge, by the several writers of the sacred oracles, in the Old and New Testament.

This great subject, so vital to Christianity, in which the minds of believers should be firmly established, will be understood best from the testimonies of a few of our most eminent divines; and, therefore, instead of argument, we offer their admirable thoughts on this manifestation of the sovereign goodness of God.

an

Dr. Henderson defines divine inspiration as extraordinary and supernatural influence exerted by the Holy Spirit on the minds of the sacred writers, in such modes and degrees as to lead to, and secure in, documentary forms, the deposition of such historical, didactic, devotional and prophetic truth, as Infinite Wisdom deemed requisite for the immediate and future benefit of mankind."*

* Divine Inspiration, Congregational Lecture. Lecture vii., p. 254

66

Inspiration, according to the Bible," says Dr. Stowe, an American theologian," is just that measure of extraordinary divine influence afforded to the sacred speakers and writers, which was necessary to secure the purpose intended, and no more. If the purpose were to excite them to write that with which they were already acquainted, just this degree of influence was exerted. If there were the additional purpose of bringing fresh to their recollection things which had partly faded away, so much ådditional influence was given. If explanations and more full developments of principle were needed, the Holy Spirit gave the requisite illustrations. If truths, before unknown, were to be communicated, the Holy Spirit revealed them; and if future events were to be foretold, the knowledge of them was imparted by the same Divine Agent. So far, also, as the mode of communicating was necessary to the purpose intended, this also was directed by the Holy Spirit."

Dr. Adam Clarke states:-"God communicated the scripture in ancient times, to holy men, by the inspiration of his own spirit, who carefully wrote down, and delivered it to those to whom it was at first more immediately sent. There is sufficient evidence from the scriptures themselves, that the revelation of the divine will was given to men in the five following ways:

"1. By the personal appearance of him who is termed The Angel of the Covenant,' and 'The Angel in whom was the name of Jehovah,' who was afterwards revealed as the Saviour of mankind.

"2. By an audible voice, sometimes accompanied by emblematical appearances.

"3. By the ministry of angels, often working miracles.

"4. By dreams and visions of the night, or in trances by day.

"5. But the most common way was by direct inspiration by the powerful agency of God on the mind, giving it a strong conception and supernatural persuasion of the truth of the things which he revealed to the understanding."*

Dr. Olinthus Gregory defines inspiration more particularly thus :-" While the authors employed in the composition of the Bible exercised generally their own reason and judgment, the Spirit of God effectually stirred them up to write; appointed to each his proper portion and topic, corresponding with his natural talents, and the necessities of the church in his time; enlightened their minds, and gave them a distinct view of the truths they were to deliver; strengthened and refreshed their memories, to recollect whatever they had seen or heard, the insertion of which in their writings would be beneficial; directed them to select from a multitude of facts what was proper for the edification of the church, and neither more nor less; excited afresh in their minds such images and ideas as had been laid up in their memories, and directed them to other ends and purposes than themselves would ever have done of their own accord; suggested and imprinted upon

*Christian Theology. By Dr. A. Clarke. Selected by S. Dunn, p. 47.