There are four chief arguments in favour of this, but they are not at all convincing:
(1.) The language of the Pentateuch.
(2.) Its composite character.
(3.) Its laws being unknown in later times.
(4.) The finding of Deuteronomy.
(D.) Conclusion.
The Pentateuch was probably written, as it claims to be, by Moses; and we must therefore admit the miracles of the Exodus.
We pass on now to the origin of the Jewish Religion—that is to say, the events connected with the Exodus from Egypt. And as the only account we have of these is contained in the Pentateuch, we must examine this book carefully. Is it a trustworthy, and, on the whole, accurate account of the events which it records? And this depends chiefly on its date. Is it a contemporary document, written by, or in the time of, Moses? And modern discoveries have at least shown that it may be so. For Egypt was then in such a civilised state, that it is practically certain that Moses, and the other leaders of Israel, could have written had they chosen. And as they somehow or other brought the people out of Egypt, it is extremely probable that they would have recorded it. But did they, and do we possess this record in the Pentateuch?
This is the question we have to decide; and we will first consider the Egyptian references in the Pentateuch, and then its Laws, both of which are very strongly in favour of an early date. Then we will see what can be said for the opposite theory, or that of a late-date; and lastly, the conclusion to be drawn from admitting its genuineness.