CHAPTER V

A number of objections necessarily omitted, stated and answered.--Mr. Olmsted's argument to prove that the author of the book of Genesis was a polytheist. Its confutation.--His argument to prove that the author of the book of Genesis believed God to be a corporeal being. Its confutation. Objections founded on the statements concerning Cain. Their fallacy.--Cavil of Infidels at the curse pronounced by Noah upon Canaan. Its unreasonableness. Objections founded on the cause assigned for the diversity of languages. Vindication of the Scriptural account.--Objection founded on the conduct of Lot. Its fallacy.--Objection founded on the misconduct of Abraham. Consideration of the objection as applied not merely to Abraham, but also to Jacob and David.--Objection on the ground that God is represented as commanding Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Vindication of the Scriptural account of that affair. --Objection, on the ground that circumcision was first practiced by the Egyptians. Its fallacy.--Objection founded on the representation given by Moses of the works of the Egyptian magicians during the plagues in Egypt. Mr. Farmer's satisfactory reply 250

SECTION I.--Infidels assert that the pillar of cloud and fire is a fiction. The assertion considered and answered.--The assertion that the Israelites crossed the Red Sea at Suez. Vindication of the Scriptural account. Assertion that the tremendous scene upon Sinai was a cheat. Its fallacy. Olmsted's objection founded on the length of time the Israelites were in the wilderness. Explanation of the design of the dealings of Jehovah with the Israelites. Vindication of the dresses, rites, and customs enjoyed by the ceremonial law. Objection founded on the repeated apostacies of the Israelites. The objection considered and answered. The objection founded on the treatment of the Moabites and the Midianites. Considered and answered.--Objection, on the ground that the Israelites were commanded to exterminate the Canaanites. Considered and answered.--Assertion that the Old Testament Scriptures sanction adultery and murder. Its falsehood.--Assertion that Jehovah kept false prophets, and violated his promises. Mr. Horne's answer.--Objection founded on the speaking of Balaam's ass. Considered and answered. Mr. Paine's objection on the ground that the sun is represented as standing still upon Mt. Gibeon. Vindication of the Scriptural account of that miraculous event. Dr. Clarke's very satisfactory reply to the objection. Objection founded on the passage, "Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord, and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward by which it had gone down on the dial of Ahaz."--Objection founded on what is said of the Witch of Endor. Considered and answered 275