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3 April 1815
Jug. True
Ch.3. Natural Evidence
8
Although the fact should by supposition really have taken place, yet to produce in proof of it evidence of this best character, evidence from unimpeachably trustworthy sources in sufficient number and in the most trustworthy stamp is not always in the power of man and thence it is that of several sorts of facts there are in proof of which evidence inferior in its degree of trustworthiness is received, and produces its effect. But, to produce such best evidence never can without self-contradiction in terms be said to be [...?] of the power of omnipotence.
In the minds of persons who in relation to a multitude of alledged miracles supposing them performed must have been percipient witnesses, the perceptions thus obtained are in the histories in question stated as not having produced a persuasion in assurance of the declaration by which Jesus so repeatedly stated himself as acting by commission from the Almighty. In the minds of persons stated as having been, and that over and over again been percipient witnesses in relation to facts of the character in question to those supernatural and divine commission proving facts: and yet with this counter-proof before us, are we this time of day called upon to give credence to the mere reports of those same facts, reports destitute of all those securities for correctness and compleatness which in proof of facts of this most ordinary character and continual recurrence are regarded and held as necessary to afford a just ground for credence.
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Title: [21 Jan y 1814 C? Jug. Util [...?]]Description: 21 Jan y 1814 C? Jug. Util [...?] Inferendum? Ch.3. Natural Evidence 3 (1) Ch. or §. Untrustworthiness of the Natural branch of the probative Evidence, in respect of the Shapes in which it (now) presents itself (to us). In the present state of society by those who with any expectation of permanent success having narratives to deliver, call upon the public for credence certain precautions are constantly observed. 1. Time and place individualized. 2. Percipient witnesses particularized. 3. Of as many of them as may be, the [...?] in token of attestation, obtained. 4. As well as the character of percipient and deposing witnesses as in the character of persons committing to writing or having delivered and attesting the authenticity of those same depositions, the sort of persons regarded as most trustworthy and most effectually made known as such MS alt. illegible. whether by official or any other situation, taken and employed in preference. Explain a little further these 4 heads or some of them?
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