Note 137 — Chapter I · THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIANITY.[137]

[There is a slight indication in this chapter that Butler falls into the old plan of settling the necessity of Christianity, before determining its truth. Paley discards this order of arrangement, in his very first sentence; and with good reason. The necessity of revelation is an abstraction; the proofs of it are patent facts. To hold in abeyance the credentials presented by Christianity, till we first satisfy ourselves that God could or would make any such announcements, is unphilosophical and irreverent. This chapter discusses the importance rather than the necessity of revelation; and so is a fitting commencement of the discussion. Every truth disclosed in revelation, over and above the truths which natural religion furnishes, proves the necessity of revelation, if we would know any thing of such truths. And it is such truths which constitute the very peculiarities of revelation, and teach the way of salvation, for the sinful and helpless.]