When this line of proof was applied to the great truths of the Bible it will be easily seen what a sensation it produced. A celebrated infidel writer of that day, Middleton by name, in his desire to discredit the Bible, sought for some false assertion bearing these four marks. He continued his search for TWENTY YEARS and UTTERLY FAILED in the search.
Indeed the more the proof is tested the more it will be seen to be unanswerable. Turn it round in whatever direction you like, and it only confirms the strength of the argument. It breaks down at no point.
Of all the things that men are most in earnest to know, the truth of the Bible is pre-eminent. Is it a revelation from God? Can we rely on it? To get a confirmation of the same, something that will enable us to go to it as authoritative, and to be relied upon, is worth more than all beside.
For it is quite clear that Christ and the Scriptures stand or fall together. If Christ is what He said He was, and did what He affirmed He did, then the Scriptures are true, for He put His imprimatur on the Holy Writings. If the Scriptures, their prophecies and types concerning Christ, were not fulfilled to the letter, then the Scriptures cannot be trusted. But, thank God, Christ and the Scriptures stand together. " The Word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1 Peter 1:2525But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:25)).
Everything vital and eternal is at stake in our inquiry.