THE INFIDEL'S OWN BOOK: A STATEMENT OF SOME OF THE ABSURDITIES RESULTING FROM BY RICHARD TREFFRY, JUN. οἱ διυλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα, τὴν δὲ κάμηλον καταπίνοντες. HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO.; AND J. MASON. 1834. BL 2710 57472 77 ADVERTISEMENT. It has been the object of the writer of the following pages, to state, in a popular style, some of those irrational conclusions, which a rejection of the Scriptures unavoidably involves. With the ample aids, supplied by a succession of writers on the Christian evidences, whose works, in perspecuity and conclusiveness, are excelled by none in the whole range of English literature, his undertaking was not formidable. The principal difficulty lay in selection; and how far he has succeeded, it is rather for others than himself to decide. It is scarcely needful to add, that the following arguments are not designed for those who read much and think deeply, but for such as either have not access to more elaborate works, or leisure to pursue their subjects at length. To persons of this class, it is hoped, this little treatise may not be without benefit. The identity of contemporary infidel arguments, in all essentials, with those of former ages, will perhaps be admitted, as an adequate apology for its want of originality, in the proper sense of the term. The objections now raised against Christianity, are substantially what have before been repeatedly advanced, and as often answered. It is sufficient therefore to give another form to arguments, which, though they may have been already urged -have never been confuted. Penzance, Nov. 1833. CONTENTS. To an unsophisticated mind, the Infidel's want of success in his attempts at proselytism, is a strong proof of the truth of Chris- tianity. The prevalence of Christianity not to be accounted for by the alleged prejudice and bigotry of mankind—nor by the arts of priests-nor by questioning the soundness of the common sense of men in general.—It cannot be rendered probable that Christi- anity is untrue.-The Christian therefore can only be induced to abandon it by the offer of something more vuluable.—Many Infidels desire no substitute for Christianity—but Christians have a right to demand a substitute.-The specific object of the Infidel's assault is our faith in Christ.—Infidels only united in their rejection of the Bible.—Infidelity variable and uncertain, both in argument and morals—and, in our times, peculiarly objectionable-therefore, now particularly, no equivalent for our faith. The alleged absurdities of Christianity no argument against it, so long as the rejection of it involves greater absur- dities. The allegations of Infidels as to the irrationality of the Bible illustrated. The essential and universal absurdity of |