Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ... BIBLE VS. TRADITON.--APPENDIX A HISTORY OF THE PRESENT POPULAR OPINIONS CONCERNING THE DOCTRINE OF HUMAN IMMORTALITY. BT REV J. FANTON HAM, BRISTOL, ENGLAND. We propose a historical inquiry into the present popular opinions on the doctrine of Human Immortality. The notions now current on this subject we believe to be altogether unscriptural, and a most mischievous corruption of Biblical Christianity. The unscriptu' al character of these current opinions we intend to discuss and disclose. At present we are but doctrinal chroniclers, --historians of opinions. Our inquiry will demonstrate that there is such a thing as an hereditary faith, not necessarily a Scriptural faith. We think it will demonstrate more, --that such a faith is the popular faith in the theory of the soul's intrinsic immortality. THE APOSTOLICAL FATHERS THE FIRST AND SECOND CENTURIES. The Apostolical Fathers, or Clement of Rome, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas and the Pastor of Hermas, are so called as having been contemporaries with the Apostles of our Lord. Their opportunities of being informed concerning the doctrines of Christianity were therefore peculiar, and their testimony is of a corresponding value. Let us not, however, unduly exaggerate the doctrinal value of their writings; for although their opportunities were what we ha.ve stated, it is quite conceivable that other circumstances should tend to depreciate the value of their personal testimony. Their testimony is nevertheless valuable, if not authoritative; and by the clearer light of Scripture they may be read with considerable profit. In their writings, we never meet with those conventional phrases of modern orthodoxy about the soul, --its separate state and immortality. Immortal soul,"--" never-dying...
