There is nothing new under the sun - 4

From the Consideration of the Possibility of a divine Revelation in general, let us, in particular, examine whether the Christian Religion is founded on divine Revelation. How shall we be resolved in this important Point? The Way to do this, a Free-Thinker tells us, is to renounce all Guides, and to think freely for ourselves about this Matter.

But if by Free-thinking be meant bare Reason, and metaphysical Speculations, 'tis impossible for us this Way to come to any Certainty in this present Case; for Revelation in general, and that which Christianity is founded upon, does resolve itself into plain Matter of Fact: Whence the Evidence of the Truth of the Christian Revelation can be only a moral Evidence, arising from ancient Testimonies and authentic History of plain Matter of Fact.

So that if I should propose to inform myself whether the Christian Revelation be true, I must enquire whether the History of the Gospel be true; for if that be true, the Christian Revelation is so too.

Now 'tis impossible to determine this in our Thoughts only, we must take in the Witness of others, who lived at, or near those Times; and examine all the Evidences and Monuments of Antiquity relating to these Facts.

And whoever takes this Pains, will find the History of the Gospel stands upon a firmer Bottom than any other History.

And therefore whoever rejects the History of the Gospel, and yet gives Credit to other Histories, discovers gross Partiality.

But if the Facts recorded in the Gospel be true, then Christianity is founded on divine Revelation; then our Saviour had Authority from God to declare his Will; then he had Power to commission others to teach in his Name, and transmit his Doctrines to Posterity; then he did assist them to do this with Certainty; and then we may suppose these Writings freer from Effects of human Weakness.

Benjamin Ibbot, The True Notion of the Exercise of Private Judgment, or Free-Thinking, 1713.