Horae Paulinae, or, The Truth Of The Scripture History Of St Paul Evinced
By William Paley
Published by T. Nelson And Sons: London 1879
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William Paley's Horae Paulinae, or, The Truth of the Scripture History of St Paul Evinced (T. Nelson and Sons, London, 1879) is a classic work of Christian apologetics, first published in the late 18th century and here presented in a later Victorian edition. Paley's central aim is to demonstrate the historical reliability of the New Testament accounts relating to St Paul, particularly through a close comparison of the Acts of the Apostles with the Pauline Epistles. Rather than relying on doctrinal argument, Paley adopts a method of careful textual analysis, seeking to show that the incidental agreements between these sources provide strong evidence of their authenticity.
The strength of the work lies in Paley's concept of "undesigned coincidences"—subtle, often overlooked consistencies between independent texts that, he argues, could not have been fabricated. By examining details of chronology, geography, and personal circumstance, he builds a cumulative case that the scriptural narrative reflects genuine historical events. His reasoning is methodical and accessible, reflecting the Enlightenment emphasis on rational inquiry, while also engaging the reader with the intellectual satisfaction of uncovering these hidden correspondences.
This 1879 Nelson edition brings Paley's enduring argument to a Victorian readership, a period in which questions of biblical authority and historical criticism were widely debated. Elegantly printed and intended for both study and devotion, it stands as a testament to the lasting influence of Paley's work in theological and scholarly circles. It would appeal to collectors of 19th-century religious literature, students of biblical criticism, and readers interested in the historical defence of Christian scripture."
General wear and a few marks to covers and spine as shown. Inscriptions on title page. Pages clean and well presented. Solid binding. A nice copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
