Popery condemned by scripture and the fathers - End Time Deception

SCRIPTURE AND THE FxVTHERS. 235
and sentiments peculiar to his friend ; and,
above all,
particulars with which he only could
be acquainted, all hesitation would terminate.
In this manner, Protestants prove that the
scriptures are, what they pretend to be, a work
of inspiration. To show the R. how this subject
can be discussetl, I will direct him at present
to one internal
mark, by which we Protestants
know the inspiration of scripture ; and
that is, prophecy. The prediction of events
must originate in that Being, who has arranged
the plan, and regulates the government, of the
world. If he then compare the prophecies of
scripture with the operations of providence, he
will find the conclusion unavoidable. The history
of kingdoms which are now no more, and
the present state of the Jews and of the Christian
Church, demonstrate *' that holy men of
" God spake as they were moved by the Holy
*'
Ghost*.''
The validity of this
argument can be shown
to the R.'s perfect satisfaction, by turning his
attention to some part of prophecy, and pointing
out the manner in which it
has been accomplished.
Perhaps, by looking into the writings
of the apostle Paul, we may find some appropriate
and pertinent illustration.
This apostle has spoken many things
respecting
the state of the Church in after ages. A-
K 4
mong
* 2. Pet. j. 2 1.