Thoughts on a Revelation

Introductory: proposed mode of treating the subject 1-4 1.--Knowledge of God needful 4 ,, ,, ,, cannot be obtained by direct perception of 5 God ,, ,, ,, cannot be obtained, to a sufficient extent, 6 by exercise of natural faculties ,, ,, ,, cannot be obtained by any implanted idea 6 ,, ,, ,, therefore must be revealed 8 Objection arising from non-universality of a 8 Revelation answered 2.--Conditions under which a Revelation may be expected 9 to be given Revelation must have a distinctive character 9 ,, ,, ,, must be authenticated to original recipients 10 ,, ,, ,, cannot convey a perfect knowledge of God 12 ,, ,, ,, must be limited by the object designed 12 ,, ,, ,, must be limited also by the state of 14 knowledge existing at the time when made ,, ,, ,, must be, in some degree, phenomenal 15 Such a Revelation appears to be the only one in 16 accordance with man's position, and also adequate Words as a medium of Revelation must be limited by 18 ideas already existing, which ideas are also limited by experience Anthropomorphic notions of God; the Infinite and 19 Absolute Ideas as a medium of Revelation; ideas and perceptions 20 distinguished, etc. Perception as a medium of Revelation; not in itself 22 adequate 3.--Conditions under which a Revelation may be expected 26 to be recorded, etc. Exact verbal record considered; difference of 26 languages, etc. Distinction drawn as to meaning of "exact verbal 29 record" Divine and human elements in a Revelation; variety of 29 style, etc. Considerations as to the precise manner of recording a 31 Revelation 4.--Conditions under which a Revelation may be expected 32 to be transmitted 5.--Some considerations as to the conditions under which 34 a professed Revelation may be properly accepted Evidence to contemporaries: miracles, doctrines, etc. 34 Evidence to others 37 Observations as to believing: aid derived from others, 37 rapidity of mental processes, intuitions 6.--Some considerations as to the Bible, as a professed 41 Revelation Its pure morality, hold on public opinion, etc., mark 43 it out as different from other books Why a candid spirit is especially needful for the 43 study of it Its offer of supernatural aid considered 45 Its offer of supernatural aid is in accordance with 46 the general beliefs as to Providence, and prayer

THOUGHTS ON A REVELATION.

Few persons can have observed attentively the various phases of public opinion on religious subjects during the last twenty years or more, without noticing a growing tendency to the accumulation of difficulties on the subject of Revelation. Geology, ethnology, mythical interpretation, critical investigation, and inquiries of other kinds, have raised their several difficulties; and, in consequence, infidels have rejoiced, candid inquirers have been perplexed, and even those who have held with firmness decided views on the distinctive character of the inspiration of the Bible, have sometimes found it difficult to satisfy their minds entirely, and to see clearly the grounds of their conclusions.

The writer of these pages does not propose to attempt a detailed reply to the various difficulties which have been raised. Answers to objections arising from the pursuit of particular sciences are most effectually given by those, who have made those sciences their study; nor can there be any doubt that, if the book of nature and the Bible spring from the same source, an increasing acquaintance with both will tend to show their harmony with each other, and to dispel the perplexities which have arisen from an imperfect acquaintance with either of them. It may be observed, too, that, as it requires special knowledge on the part of a writer to cope with special difficulties; so also does it demand acquirements, but rarely found, on the part of the reader, to appreciate the real value, both of the objections and answers which may be made on geological, critical, or other special grounds.

The writer thinks that there is another method of reply--a method which consists in giving as clear a view as can be had of the real character of the subject against which the objections are made; and this is the kind of answer which he proposes to attempt. The man who has a distinct and well defined knowledge of chemical, mathematical, or any other science, will not be greatly perplexed with difficulties which may be brought from other sciences, touching upon that with which he is acquainted. The knowledge which he possesses of his own particular science will enable him, in some instances, to perceive at once the weakness of the objections which are alleged; and, even when this is not the case, he will see such an harmonious proportion subsisting between the various parts of that branch of knowledge which he has been pursuing, and be so strongly convinced of the certainty of it, that he will be justly disposed to attribute to his own ignorance his inability to give satisfactory replies to those difficulties which he cannot dispose of. Real knowledge cannot of course be overthrown; and, although it is often difficult to decide what knowledge is of this description, the task of arriving at a tolerably correct conclusion with regard to such subjects as fall within the range of our faculties, must not be regarded as an hopeless one.