to found a
lectureship in the same, the title of which shall be 'The Elias P.
Ely Lectures on the Evidences of Christianity.'

"The course of lectures given on this foundation is to comprise any
topics that serve to establish the proposition that Christianity is
a religion from God, or that it is the perfect and final form of
religion for man.

"Among the subjects discussed may be:

"The Nature and Need of a Revelation;

"The Character and Influence of Christ and his Apostles;

"The Authenticity and Credibility of the Scriptures, Miracles, and
Prophecy;

"The Diffusion and Benefits of Christianity; and

"The Philosophy of Religion in its Relation to the Christian
System.

"Upon one or more of such subjects a course of ten public lectures
shall be given, at least once in two or three years. The
appointment of the lecturer is to be by the concurrent action of
the directors and faculty of said Seminary and the undersigned; and
it shall ordinarily be made two years in advance."

CONTENTS

LECTURE I.

THE NEED OF UNDERSTANDING THE FALSE RELIGIONS 1

The New "Science of Religion" to be Viewed with Discrimination--The
Study of the Oriental Systems too Long a Monopoly of Anti-Christian
Scholars--The Changed Aspects of the Missionary Work--The
Significant Experience of Ziegenbalz--Fears Entertained in
Reference to this Subject by Timid Believers--The Different View
taken of the Old Heathen Systems of Greece and Rome--The Subject
Considered from the Standpoint of Missionary Candidates--The
Testimony of Intelligent and Experienced Missionaries--Reasons for
Studying Oriental Systems Found in the Increased Intercourse of the
Nations; in the Intellectual Quickening of Oriental Minds by
Education; in the Resistance and even Aggressiveness of Heathen
Systems; in the Diversities of the Buddhist Faith in Different
Lands--False Systems to be Studied with a Candid Spirit--The
Distinction to be Drawn between Religion and Ethics--Reasons why a
Missionary should Pursue these Studies before Arriving on his
Field--Reasons why the Ministry at Home Should Acquaint Themselves
with Heathen Systems--Their Active Alliance with Various Forms of
Western Infidelity--Intellectual Advantages to be Derived from such
Studies--A Broader and Warmer