American - Judge | December 5, 1783 - October 6, 1853
There should be a readiness, on our part, to investigate with candor to follow the truth wherever it may lead us, and to submit, without reserve or objection, to all the teachings of this religion, if it be found to be of divine origin.
Simon Greenleaf
TruthReligionFollowLeadWithout
In examining the evidence of the Christian religion, it is essential to the discovery of truth that we bring to the investigation a mind freed, as far as possible, from existing prejudice, and open to conviction.
TruthReligionMindChristianOpen
In trials of fact, by oral testimony, the proper inquiry is not whether is it possible that the testimony may be false, but whether there is sufficient probability that it is true.
TrueTrialsPossibleProbabilityMay
Every document, apparently ancient, coming from the proper repository or custody, and bearing on its face no evident marks of forger, the law presumes to be genuine, and devolves on the opposing party the burden of proving it to be otherwise.
LawFacePartyBurdenGenuine
But if, on the other hand, we should be justified in rejecting it, if there testified on oath, then, supposing our rules of evidence to be sound, we may be excused if we hesitate elsewhere to give it credence.
RulesHandSoundEvidenceMayOath
By competent evidence, is meant such as the nature of the thing to be proved requires; and by satisfactory evidence, is meant that amount of proof, which ordinarily satisfies an unprejudiced mind, beyond any reasonable doubt.
NatureMindDoubtBeyondEvidence
How it came to pass that man, originally taught, as we doubt not he was, to know and to worship the true Jehovah, is found, at so early a period of his history, a worshiper of baser objects, it is foreign to our present purpose to inquire.
HistoryManPurposePresentEarly
In requiring this candor and simplicity of mind in those who would investigate the truth of our religion, Christianity demands nothing more than is readily conceded to every branch of human science.
TruthScienceReligionSimplicity
In the ordinary affairs of life we do not require nor expect demonstrative evidence, because it is inconsistent with the nature of matters of fact, and to insist on its production would be unreasonable and absurd.
LifeNatureMattersEvidenceExpect
Our religion, then, rests on the credit due to these witnesses.
ReligionCreditOurThenWitnesses
Proceeding further, to inquire whether the facts related by the Four Evangelists are proved by competent and satisfactory evidence, we are led, first, to consider on which side lies the burden of establishing the credibility of the witnesses.
FactsBurdenFirstSideCredibility
That man is a religious being, is universally conceded, for it has been seen to be universally true.
ManTrueSeenBeingBeenReligious
Copyright © 2024 QuotesDict Simon Greenleaf quotes