DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6359#0144
CHAPTER VI.
Reuarks on testimony.—Application of them to the evidence afforded by the
monuments.—Facts related in Abraham's history tested by Egyptian re-
mains.
When a number of well-authenticated contemporaneous facts
are brought into juxtaposition; and when thus combined,
they show, that except in a certain contingency, their simul-
taneous existence was not possible; that contingency is as
clearly proved as are the well-authenticated facts that thus
constitute what is called circumstantial evidence. " Circum-
stances," it has been said, "cannot lie:" this is true; but
those who relate the circumstances may; hence it is all-
important that the facts which constitute the circumstances
should be verified beyond all reasonable question; when thus
verified, the inevitable deductions from them are entitled to
just as much confidence as if they were proved by direct
testimony.
Again, it often happens that most important testimony is
purely incidental. The facts or circumstances that furnish
the incidents, have seemingly no direct connection with the
point to be proved. They are brought forward with reference
to another and totally different point, when their coincidence
with the alleged fact under investigation is, for the first time>
unexpectedly developed. Such testimony has the advantage
of being unsuspected, for it could not have been manufactured
Reuarks on testimony.—Application of them to the evidence afforded by the
monuments.—Facts related in Abraham's history tested by Egyptian re-
mains.
When a number of well-authenticated contemporaneous facts
are brought into juxtaposition; and when thus combined,
they show, that except in a certain contingency, their simul-
taneous existence was not possible; that contingency is as
clearly proved as are the well-authenticated facts that thus
constitute what is called circumstantial evidence. " Circum-
stances," it has been said, "cannot lie:" this is true; but
those who relate the circumstances may; hence it is all-
important that the facts which constitute the circumstances
should be verified beyond all reasonable question; when thus
verified, the inevitable deductions from them are entitled to
just as much confidence as if they were proved by direct
testimony.
Again, it often happens that most important testimony is
purely incidental. The facts or circumstances that furnish
the incidents, have seemingly no direct connection with the
point to be proved. They are brought forward with reference
to another and totally different point, when their coincidence
with the alleged fact under investigation is, for the first time>
unexpectedly developed. Such testimony has the advantage
of being unsuspected, for it could not have been manufactured