Witnesses to Truth

by Edward Hoare

"Witnesses to Truth" by Edward Hoare is a theological discourse written in the late 19th century. This work engages with the challenges of faith, particularly the difficulties presented by scripture, and seeks to affirm the truth of Christian beliefs through various testimonies, including historical, geographical, and prophetic evidences. The author addresses both believers and sceptics, inviting thoughtful consideration of the complexities within divine revelation and the enduring witness of scripture throughout history. The opening of the text begins with an exploration of the nature of faith and the existence of difficulties within the Christian doctrine. Hoare analogizes the Bible to a river, accessible to both simple and profound minds, and acknowledges that while many believers thrive on a childlike faith, there are deeper theological challenges that can perplex even the most earnest seekers. He proposes that these difficulties serve as witnesses to the truth of scripture rather than as stumbling blocks to belief, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into the historical and prophetic dimensions of Christian faith that will unfold throughout the rest of the work.