,transcrib$ f ! #ahfb ,w]!im1 ,mac9to% & ,hunt edition by ,david ,price1 email ccx#jgdpglaf4org ,,?\ghts ,,on ,a ,,revelation4 ,,by ,s4 ,j4 ,,j]ram1 ,m4,a41 ,,vic> ,,( ,,*obham1 ,,surrey4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,london3 ,,w]!im1 ,,mac9to% ,,& ,,hunt1 #bd1 ,,pat]no/] ,,r[1 ,,& #bc1 ,,holles ,,/reet1 ,,cav5di% ,,squ>e4 #ahfb4 ,,ab/ract ,,( ,,cont5ts4 ,,page4 ,introductory3 propos$ mode ( treat+ ! subject #a-d #a4--,k ( ,god ne$ful #d 11 11 11 _c be obta9$ by direct p]ception ( #e ,god 11 11 11 _c be obta9$1 to a suffici5t ext5t1 #f by ex]cise ( natural faculties 11 11 11 _c be obta9$ by any implant$ idea #f 11 11 11 !re=e mu/ be reveal$ #h ,objection aris+ f non-univ]sality ( a #h ,revelation answ]$ #b4--;,conditions "u :i* a ,revelation may be expect$ #i to be giv5 ,revelation mu/ h a di/9ctive "* #i 11 11 11 mu/ be au!nticat$ to orig9al recipi5ts #aj 11 11 11 _c convey a p]fect k ( ,god #ab 11 11 11 mu/ be limit$ by ! object design$ #ab 11 11 11 mu/ be limit$ also by ! /ate ( #ad k exi/+ at ! "t :5 made 11 11 11 mu/ be1 9 "s degree1 ph5om5al #ae ,su* a ,revelation appe>s to be ! only "o 9 #af accordance ) man's position1 & also adequate ,words z a m$ium ( ,revelation mu/ be limit$ by #ah ideas already exi/+1 :i* ideas are also limit$ by exp]i5ce ,an?ropomorphic notions ( ,god2 ! ,inf9ite & #ai ,absolute ,ideas z a m$ium ( ,revelation2 ideas & p]ceptions #bj di/+ui%$1 etc4 ,p]ception z a m$ium ( ,revelation2 n 9 itself #bb adequate #c4--;,conditions "u :i* a ,revelation may be expect$ #bf to be record$1 etc4 ,exact v]bal record consid]$2 diff]5ce ( #bf languages1 etc4 ,di/9ction drawn z to mean+ ( exact v]bal #bi record ,div9e & human elem5ts 9 a ,revelation2 v>iety ( #bi /yle1 etc4 ,consid]ations z to ! precise mann] ( record+ a #ca ,revelation #d4--;,conditions "u :i* a ,revelation may be expect$ #cb to be transmitt$ #e4--,"s consid]ations z to ! conditions "u :i* #cd a pr(ess$ ,revelation may be prop]ly accept$ ,evid5ce to contempor>ies3 miracles1 doctr9es1 etc4 #cd ,evid5ce to o!rs #cg ,obs]vations z to believ+3 aid d]iv$ f o!rs1 #cg rapidity ( m5tal processes1 intuitions #f4--,"s consid]ations z to ! ,bible1 z a pr(ess$ #da ,revelation ,its pure morality1 hold on public op9ion1 etc41 m>k #dc x out z diff]5t f o!r books ,:y a c&id _s is especially ne$ful = ! #dc /udy ( x ,its (f] ( sup]natural aid consid]$ #de ,its (f] ( sup]natural aid is 9 accordance ) #df ! g5]al beliefs z to ,provid5ce1 & pray] ,,?\ghts ,,on ,a ,,revelation4 ,few p]sons c h obs]v$ att5tively ! v>i\s phases ( public op9ion on religi\s subjects dur+ ! la/ tw5ty ye>s or m1 )\t notic+ a gr[+ t5d5cy to ! accumulation ( difficulties on ! subject ( ,revelation4 ,geology1 e?nology1 my?ical int]pretation1 critical inve/igation1 & inquiries ( o!r k9ds1 h rais$ _! sev]al difficulties2 &1 9 consequ5ce1 infidels h rejoic$1 c&id inquir]s h be5 p]plex$1 & ev5 ^? :o h held ) firmness decid$ views on ! di/9ctive "* ( ! inspiration ( ! ,bible1 h sometimes f\nd x difficult to satisfy _! m9ds entirely1 & to see cle>ly ! gr\nds ( _! conclusions4 ,! writ] ( ^! pages does n propose to attempt a detail$ reply to ! v>i\s difficulties :i* h be5 rais$4 ,answ]s to objections aris+ f ! pursuit ( p>ticul> sci5ces are mo/ effectually giv5 by ^?1 :o h made ^? sci5ces _! /udy2 nor c !re be any d\bt t1 if ! book ( nature & ! ,bible spr+ f ! same s\rce1 an increas+ acqua9tance ) bo? w t5d to %[ _! h>mony ) ea* o!r1 & to dispel ! p]plexities :i* h aris5 f an imp]fect acqua9tance ) ei!r ( !m4 ,x may be obs]v$1 too1 t1 z x requires special k on ! "p ( a writ] to cope ) special difficulties2 s also does x dem& acquirem5ts1 b r>ely f\nd1 on ! "p ( ! read]1 to appreciate ! real value1 bo? ( ! objections & answ]s :i* may be made on geological1 critical1 or o!r special gr\nds4 ,! writ] ?9ks t !re is ano!r me?od ( reply--a me?od :i* consi/s 9 giv+ z cle> a view z c be _h ( ! real "* ( ! subject aga9/ :i* ! objections are made2 & ?is is ! k9d ( answ] :i* he proposes to attempt4 ,! man :o has a di/9ct & well def9$ k ( *emical1 ma!matical1 or any o!r sci5ce1 w n be greatly p]plex$ ) difficulties :i* may be br\ght f o!r sci5ces1 t\*+ ^u t ) :i* he is acqua9t$4 ,! k :i* he possesses ( 8 own p>ticul> sci5ce w enable him1 9 "s in/ances1 to p]ceive at once ! weakness ( ! objections :i* are alleg$2 &1 ev5 :5 ?is is n ! case1 he w see su* an h>moni\s proportion subsi/+ betwe5 ! v>i\s p>ts ( t bran* ( k :i* he has be5 pursu+1 & be s /rongly conv9c$ ( ! c]ta9ty ( x1 t he w be ju/ly dispos$ to attribute to 8 own ignorance 8 inability to give satisfactory replies to ^? difficulties :i* he _c dispose (4 ,real k _c ( c\rse be ov]?r[n2 &1 al?\gh x is (t5 difficult to decide :at k is ( ?is description1 ! task ( arriv+ at a tol]ably correct conclusion ) reg>d to su* subjects z fall )9 ! range ( our faculties1 mu/ n be reg>d$ z an hopeless "o4 ,:5 cle> def9itions h be5 giv51 disputants h (t5 f\nd t !re is no fur!r room = discussion2 &1 ev5 :5 ?is is n ! case1 ! =ce ( objections c1 "u su* circum/ances1 be m accurately weigh$1 & ! real po9ts ( attack & def5ce m cle>ly p]ceiv$4 ,if a man 7 to say1 9 a mix$ company1 t !re 0 no ta/e 9 an apple1 _m s5sible m51 unacqua9t$ ) 8 exact mean+1 might be incl9$ to dispute ! ass]tion1 & to say t ! /atem5t 0 contr>y to common exp]i5ce2 b1 if he expla9$ 8 mean+ to be1 t ta/e is a quality ( a s5ti5t be+1 & t !re is no?+ 9 ! apple ( ?is k9d1 or correspond+ to x1 ev]ybody !n w\ld see ! tru? ( 8 ass]tion1 & all gr\nd ( dispute w\ld be remov$4 ,we w take ano!r case4 ,^? :o hold /rong ,prote/ant views frequ5tly say1 t ! religion ( ! ,bible is ! religion ( ,prote/ants4 ,?is1 = mo/ purposes1 expresses _! mean+ =cibly & well1 & ! m9d1 9 practice1 usually supplies ! necess>y limitations4 ,x does n1 h[ev]1 always happ5 t ^! limitations are consci\sly pres5t to ! m9d1 or t ! p]son :o practically receives ! "r impression might n be greatly puzzl$ by ! subtle reason+s ( objectors4 ,! dictum1 quot$ above1 does n mean1 z might at fir/ sight appe>1 t we are to make use ( no o!r means ?an ! ,bible 9 ! inve/igation ( ,div9e tru?1 & t ! wisdom ( ! pres5t & pa/ ages is to g = no?+4 ,no "o c\ld ?us isolate himself f o!r influ5ces2 &1 if he c\ld1 x w\ld n be desirable4 ,:at is really meant is1 t all tru? necess>y = salvation is conta9$ 9 ! ,bible1 s t :atsoev] is n read !re91 nor may be prov$ !reby1 is n to be requir$ ( any man t x %\ld be believ$ z an article ( fai?1 etc42 9 o!r words1 t ! ,bible is ! ultimate & sole /&>d ( appeal4 ,?is ( c\rse may be1 & is disput$2 b1 :5 ! /atem5t is put 9 a cle> & well def9$ %ape1 _m app>5t objections vani% at once1 & ! real po9ts ( attack & def5ce are made evid5t4 ,if1 !n1 we c obta9 ideas1 on ! subject ( revelation1 :i* %all be1 ^u ! :ole1 di/9ct1 & wor?y ( be+ receiv$ z true1 mu* w be done to remove objections1 & to satisfy a reasonable m9d4 ,! propos$ inve/igation w necess>ily be1 9 "s degree1 ( an a priori "*2 n1 h[ev]1 z we tru/1 s mu* s z to r5d] x vague & )\t practical value4 ,x w be a priori1 inasmu* z x w n assume ! exi/5ce ( a revelation1 & !n proce$ to exam9e its "*4 ,?is w\ld be to beg ! "q at issue4 ,x w n be a priori1 s f> z x consi/s 9 in/itut+ an inquiry into ! faculties ( ! human m9d1 & _! capacity to receive a revelation2 & into ?is x w be f\nd t ! inve/igation w ma9ly resolve itself4 99 99 99 99 99 #a4 ,we may comm5ce our inquiry into ! subject by notic+1 t a k ( ,god1 to be obta9$ 9 "s way or o!r1 seems almo/ ess5tial to ! well-be+ ( man4 ,if x be grant$1 t !re is su* a ,be+--& few1 x is presum$1 w\ld g s f> z to d5y ?is--x mu/ be ( great importance = u to "k ! relation%ip 9 :i* t ,be+ /&s to u1 & we to ,him4 ,we c h>dly suppose x possible t an ,inf9ite ,be+1 9 "s s5se1 z we suppose w be g5]ally all[$1 ! ,gov]nor ( ! _w1 %\ld n h an important relation to all o!r exi/5ces2 mu* less1 t ! relation :i* ,he be>s to man1 ! mo/ noble exi/5ce ( :i* we h any actual exp]i5ce1 %\ld be ( an insignificant "*4 ,look+1 too1 ^u man z a free & moral ag5t1 acc\ntable1 z consci5ce decl>es1 = 8 actions to 8 fell[-m51 x seems almo/ c]ta9 t he mu/ be also responsible = 8 acts 9 relation to ! ,deity4 ,! g5]al belief ( mank9d1 9 all ages & 9 all places1 t5ds to ! same conclusion2 &1 if x be admitt$ t !re is an et]nal _w into :i* ! consequ5ces ( our actions foll[ u1 a k ( ! relation%ip 9 :i* we /& to ,god becomes ( /ill great] importance4 ,b if ?is k probably may be1 &1 %\ld ! g5]al belief ( ! _w h a f\ndation 9 fact1 c]ta9ly is1 ( great importance1 x c h>dly be suppos$ t a ,god ( love w\ld all[ u to rema9 9 ignorance ( x2 & ! "q arises1 h[ x is to be obta9$4 ,x may be obs]v$1 fir/ ( all1 t ! ,deity does n1 l o!r objects1 come )9 ! direct cognizance ( our p]ceptive faculties4 ,we h an organization1 by means ( :i* we are enabl$ to p]ceive v>i\s objects ar\nd u2 &1 by travell+ to o!r l&s1 we c obta9 a k ( _m ?+s ( :i* we _h be=e be5 ignorant4 ,we p]ceive also :at is go+ on )9 u4 ,! telescope & ! microscope reveal to u wond]s :i*1 )\t _! int]v5tion1 we c\ld nev] h discov]$4 ,b we _c ?r\gh ! in/rum5tality ( any ( our faculties p]ceive ,god4 ,travel :]e we w we _c f9d ,him out4 ,no appliance ( art has avail$ to disclose ,him to u4 ,if any philosoph]s conceive t !y c intuitively gaze ^u ,god1 o!r philosoph]s decl>e _! ignorance ( any intuition ( ?is k9d1 & assur$ly ! common p1 :o mo/ /& 9 ne$ ( cle> notions on ! subject1 & :o w\ld h>dly be neglect$ by a b5efic5t ,god1 are altoge!r unconsci\s ( x4 ,! k ( ,him1 !re=e1 if obta9$ at all1 mu/ be _h 9 "s o!r way4 ,b may n an adequate k ( ,god be obta9$ by ! ex]cise ( ! faculties ( ! human m9d ^u ext]nal nature1 or 9 "s o!r way8 ,! ,apo/le ,/4 ,paul says some?+ :i* r fav\rs ?is view1 :5 he decl>es t ! invisible ?+s ( ,him f ! creation ( ! _w are cle>ly se51 be+ und]/ood by ! ?+s t are made1 ev5 ,8 et]nal p[] & ,godhead2 s t !y are )\t excuse 7,rom4 i4 #bj73 & we believe t a consid]able insight into ! nature ( ,god1 & ! probable "* ( ,8 deal+s ) u may be obta9$ 9 ! mann] to :i* we h ref]r$4 ,/ill we h only to look at ! ev] v>y+ & degrad+ notions :i* h1 at all times1 prevail$ 9 _m p>ts ( ! _w respect+ ! ,div9e ,be+1 to p]ceive t a m cle> me?od ( obta9+ k ab\t ,him w\ld1 to say ! lea/ ( x1 be a mo/ valuable boon4 ,! me?od "u consid]ation has n practically issu$ z we might h hop$ t x w\ld2 & !re=e !re is reason to expect1 t ,god might make use ( "s m direct way ( communicat+ to u a k ( ,himself4 ,ano!r possible mode ( communicat+ a k ( ,god w\ld be1 by implant+ 9 ! m9d ( man1 an idea correspond+1 s f> z might be ne$ful1 to ! nature ( ,god4 ,b a belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( any?+ ( ?is k9d is op5 to sev]al objections4 ,if su* an idea exi/$1 x mu/1 to answ] ! requir$ end1 be suffici5tly cle> & well def9$ to give at lea/ a tol]ably accurate notion ( ! ,deity1 & mu/ also br+ ) x a well-gr\nd$ conviction ( its correspond5ce to ! reality4 ,b ! v>iety ( op9ions :i* h be5 ent]ta9$ on ! subject =bid u to believe t any su* idea z ?is exi/s4 ,se>* z f> z we c into our own m9ds1 we are unable to discov] any?+ approa*+ to su* a notion ( ! ,div9ity4 ,x appe>s too1 t1 not)/&+ "s speculations z to "t & space1 :i*1 9 ! op9ion ( "s1 be> a slightly exceptional "*1 !re is no good reason to believe t we acquire o!r k9ds ( k 9 ! mann] "u consid]ation2 &1 if ?is be s1 !re is a /rong presumption aga9/ a k ( ! ,deity be+ obta9$ 9 ?is way4 ,z h[ev] "s confusion ( m9d n uncommonly prevails on ?is subject1 we w endeav\r to expla9 our mean+ m fully4 ,we possess1 z x appe>s to u1 c]ta9 capacities = obta9+ k1 & = reta9+1 & dispos+ our k1 :5 obta9$1 9 diff]5t ways2 b we are n born ) ! actual possession ( k2 nor1 s f> z we c see1 is k1 at any subsequ5t "t1 obta9$ by u1 except by means ( ! capabilities to :i* we h ref]r$4 ,we h by nature p[]s ( kn[+ objects1 bo? ext]nal to our organization1 & int]nal2 b ! objects !mselves1 & n ! repres5tations ( !m1 are pres5t$ to u be=e we "k !m4 ,we are consci\s ( see+1 & smell+1 & ta/+1 & feel+1 etc42 b !y are ! ?+s !mselves :i* we see1 & smell1 & ta/e1 & feel1 9 ! fir/ in/ance1 al?\gh aft]w>ds we are able to contemplate ! repres5tations ( !m :i* are =m$ 9 ! m9d4 ,!re is )9 u1 no d\bt1 a capability ( appreh5d+1 9 a suffici5t degree1 ! p]fections ( ,god1 :5 !y are decl>$ to u2 b a k ( ^! p]fections does n naturally exi/ )9 u4 ,we conclude1 !n1 t1 z ! ,deity is n directly p]ceiv$ by u1 has n 9 practice be5 adequately disc]n$ by any process ( ! m9d1 & is n made kn[n to u by any connate1 or subsequ5tly implant$ idea1 we mu/ be indebt$ to revelation1 9 ! ma91 = any k we may obta9 respect+ ,him4 ,we d n consid] x necess>y to ent] into a discussion ( ,pan!i/ic views1 inasmu* z we h yet to le>n t ,pan!ism has ev] furni%$ any def9ite ideas respect+ ! nature ( ,god :i* w be> ! te/ ( a close exam9ation z to _! reality4 ,we ?9k1 too1 t x is de/ructive ( ! p]sonality ( ei!r ,god1 or man1 or bo?1 & ?us does away ) all real relation betwe5 ! two4 ,be=e proce$+ to ! inve/igation ( :at we mean by a revelation1 we w endeav\r to answ] an objection :i* may be rais$4 ,x may be alleg$ t1 if a true k ( ,god is ( su* great consequ5ce to man1 x appe>s /range t su* diff]+ op9ions %\ld h be5 held on ! subject1 & t ,god's revelation--on ! supposition t !re is "o--%\ld n h be5 m ext5sively promulgat$1 & decl>$ ) m irresi/ible evid5ce4 ,!re is no d\bt a difficulty "h4 ,x does n h[ev] atta* especially to ! subject ( a revelation2 b meets u at all po9ts1 :5 we consid] ! unequal di/ribution ( ! bless+s ( nature4 ,:y _m p]sons %\ld be de/itute ( ! advantages :i* o!rs enjoy1 & :y "s %\ld pass a life ( suff]+1 :ile o!rs are surr\nd$ ) e com=t1 are que/ions :i* naturally arise 9 ! m9ds ( reflect+ m51 b :i* h hi!rto rema9$ )\t full & satisfactory answ]s4 ,he :o w\ld give a complete reply mu/ h cle>] views1 ?an h yet be5 obta9$1 ) reg>d to ! orig9 ( evil4 ,x may be obs]v$ too t1 on ! supposition t ! ,bible is a real revelation f ,god1 & be>+ 9 m9d ! va/ numb] ( ! human race to :om x has already be5 giv51 & its capability ( future communication1 x f> m ne>ly meets ! difficulty1 ?an ab/ruse speculations respect+ ! ,deity1 :i* c sc>cely be appreh5d$ ev5 by philosoph]s1 & :i* are to ! mass :olly un9telligible4 99 99 99 99 99 #b4 ,let u n[ exam9e ! conditions "u :i* a revelation may be expect$ to be giv5 to ! orig9al recipi5ts4 ,x may be obs]v$ 9 ! fir/ place t a revelation mu/ possess "s di/9ctive "*4 ,ev51 if x %\ld turn out t !re is no su* ?+ 9 reality at all1 at lea/ ! notion :i* we =m 9 our m9ds mu/ possess su* po9ts ( diff]5ce z to di/+ui% x f all o!r notions4 ,x appe>s ne$ful to be> ?is 9 m9d1 obvi\s ?\gh x is1 because !re are n a few1 9 ! pres5t day1 :o deprive ! ^w1 revelation1 ( ne>ly all ! di/+ui%+ features :i* h commonly be5 suppos$ to atta* to x1 & s ext5d ! mean+ ( ! ^w inspiration z sometimes to believe x 9 poets1 legislators1 philosoph]s1 & o!rs gift$ ) high g5ius1 7,essays & ,reviews1 p4 #adj74 ,:at ?is means x is h>d to say4 ,%akespe>e1 ,milton1 ,newton1 & o!rs c]ta9ly did n imag9e t !y _h direct communication ) ,god2 t !y reveal$ to u ,8 nature1 & ! relation 9 :i* ,he /&s to u2 pr$ict$ future ev5ts1 etc41 9 ! same s5se t ,moses1 ,david1 ,isaiah1 & ! o!r writ]s ( ! ,bible are suppos$ to h done4 ,if !y actually did any?+ ( ?is k9d1 !y 7 assur$ly :olly unconsci\s ( _! p[]2 nor1 we may add1 has common op9ion held t !y af=d$ in=mation on ! same subjects z ^? :i* ! writ]s ( ! ,bible h&l$4 ,admir]s ( our poets1 & philosoph]s1 h n consid]$ x necess>y to promulgate :at !y h f\nd 9 _! writ+s1 z matt]s 9 :i* ! spiritual1 &1 possibly1 et]nal int]e/s ( man are vitally conc]n$2 al?\gh believ]s 9 ! ,bible1 & ev5 9 ,mahomet1 h done s4 ,! ^w inspiration1 9 fact1 z us$ 9 ! passage above quot$1 involves a confusion ( ideas :i* we %\ld h>dly h expect$ to f9d 9 ! writ+s ( any "o :o pr(ess$ to speak accurately1 & appe>s sc>cely p>donable1 or ev5 hone/1 9 ! case ( s acute a ?9k]1 z ! late ,mr4 ,bad5 ,p[ell4 ,we are n n[ say+ t ! ,bible is a revelation f ,god1 or ev5 t !re is su* a ?+ z a di/9ctive revelation at all4 ,all we ass]t is1 t ! idea ( su* a ?+ is a v common "o1 & t x is v diff]5t f t :i* is usually held ) reg>d to ! works ( ,newton1 ,milton1 & o!r gift$ sages & philosoph]s4 ,we might add1 9 pass+1 t1 unless ! ,bible be an impo/ure--9 :i* case x ought to be reg>d$ z f> inf]ior to ! works ( g5u9e & tru?ful poets & philosoph]s--x does correspond1 z we tru/ w be se51 on an exam9ation ( its cont5ts1 to ! idea ref]r$ to4 ,/ill fur!r1 revelation mu/ n only h "s di/9ctive "*2 b1 9 ord] to be effectual = its purpose1 x %\ld c>ry along ) x1 to ! orig9al recipi5ts1 a reasonable conviction ( its au!nticity4 ,! ,bible speaks ( sev]al pr(ess$ modes ( communication1 & accept+ !m accord+ to ! ord9>y mean+ ( words1 & n 9 any my?ical1 or ideological s5se1 !y appe> to be su* z might answ] = ! purpose ( au!ntication4 ,! ,"l talk$ ) ,abraham4 ,he appe>$ 9 a burn+ bu% to ,moses1 spake to him & ! *ildr5 ( ,israel on ,m\nt ,s9ai1 & conv]s$ ) him aft]w>ds on ! top ( t m\nta91 dur+ a p]iod ( =ty days4 ,he spake 9 ! night to ,samuel4 ,he appe>$ 9 a vision to ,isaiah & o!rs4 ,to "s ,he made ,himself kn[n 9 dreams4 ,*ri/ spake to ,8 disciples4 ,all ^! are evid5tly ways 9 :i* ,god might communicate ) man2 & !re is no difficulty 9 suppos+ t ! att5dant circum/ances1 su* = in/ance z "s ( ^? record$ 9 ! ,bible1 might be ( su* a k9d z to au!nticate ! communication4 ,x w\ld be idle to argue t1 because ,god does n make ,himself kn[n 9 any ( ^! ways n[1 ,he has nev] done s2 =1 to omit o!r consid]ations1 we may obs]ve t1 9 accordance ) ! economy :i* prevails 9 ! works ( ,god1 we h no reason to suppose t ,he w\ld make special revelations to m p]sons ?an might be necess>y = ! purpose ,he _h 9 view4 ,if ,he reveal$ ,himself to !m1 ! promulgation ( ! revelation w\ld be naturally & safely left to m ord9>y in/rum5tality4 ,at ! pres5t "t1 s f> z ,*ri/ians are conc]n$1 !y d n expect a special revelation to !mselves1 because1 z !y believe1 ,god has already communicat$ all t ,he desires !m to "k4 ,b suppos+ a revelation to be suffici5tly au!nticat$1--,:at may be reasonably expect$ z to ! ext5t ( x8 ,x is1 we ?9k1 cle> 9 ! fir/ place t no p]fect k ( ,god & ,8 relation to u c\ld be communicat$4 ,ev5 if a direct pres5tation ( ! ,inf9ite 7 giv51 ! capacity ( man c\ld n grasp x1 & !re=e ! result w\ld be a f9ite conception2 &1 if ! revelation 7 made by words or o!r signs1 x is pla9 t ^! c only express ! f9ite ideas ( :i* !y are ! symbols4 ,nor is !re any?+ 9 ?is :i* ne$ excite our surprise2 = ! limit$ nature ( our k ) reg>d to ,god w\ld be analog\s to t :i* we h ab\t o!r ?+s4 ,!re is no?+ ) reg>d to :i* our k is n limit$4 ,"s may be ready to affirm t we d n "k ?+s 9 !mselves at all1 b only ! effects produc$ ^u u1 or _! relation to u4 ,we are n ab\t to ma9ta9 ?is proposition2 b x is at any rate pla9 t ! mo/ famili> objects1 z sci5ce advances1 (t5 disclose to u new qualities1 & t we h no reason to suppose t we are fully acqua9t$ ) all ! qualities ( ev5 ! simple/ sub/ances4 ,!re is no reason to expect t ! book ( revelation %\ld be m explicit ?an t ( nature4 ,n only1 h[ev]1 mu/ our k1 d]iv$ f revelation1 be1 9 "s degree1 limit$2 b x is n difficult to see1 :y x w\ld be probably kept ev5 )9 ! range ( :at x is possible = u to "k4 ,we c readily und]/& t ! object ( ,god 9 mak+ a revelation w\ld be to in=m u ab\t ^? ?+s only1 a k ( :i* might be ess5tial to our int]e/s2 & "h aga9 ! analogy ( ! natural _w comes 9 to assi/ u4 ,god has giv5 to ea* exi/5ce su* qualities z are requisite = ! position 9 :i* x is plac$4 ,asc5d+ ?r\gh ! v>i\s classes ( animals1 we f9d1 z we advance1 ! capacities = k increas+1 & be>+ a relation to _! actual circum/ances4 ,! mole is n end[$ ) ! f>-see+ vision :i* is ess5tial to ! well-be+ ( ! eagle3 nor1 on ! o!r h&1 has ! eagle ! p[] ( ?read+ its way ?r\gh ! e>?1 )\t :i* ! mole c\ld n exi/4 ,view+ man 9 relation to ! natural _w1 we f9d t he has ! p[] ( obta9+ t k9d ( k :i* is necess>y to 8 welf>e "h1 al?\gh1 9 _m respects1 he is f> surpass$ by ! ke5] p]ceptions ( ! inf]ior animals4 ,god has 9 fact ord]$ & limit$ 8 k ) an express ref]5ce to ! position :i* he is call$ ^u to occupy4 ,?is ?r[s light ^u ! subject ( revelation4 ,x is reasonable to expect t ,god w\ld limit ! k communicat$ 9 t way also1 by a consid]ation ( ! /ate 9 :i* man is plac$ "h1 & ( t :i*1 ^u ! supposition ( a future /ate1 he is to occupy h]eaft]4 ,s f> z we h yet gone1 !re does n appe> to be any reason :y ! k1 al?\gh limit$1 %\ld n be accurate z f> z x goes4 ,?\gh we d n "k all ! prop]ties ( p>ticul> objects1 we may "k "s ( !m1 & may also safely reason ab\t ^? ) :i* we are acqua9t$1 s long z we are c>eful n to introduce into ! reason+ any?+ :i* does n result f our actual k2 & s1 turn+ f nature to a revelation1 we may le>n mu* f x ab\t ,god1 z = in/ance1 t ,he is a ,god ( love & hol9ess2 t ,he w act t[>ds u 9 a p>ticul> mann]2 t ,he w puni% "s actions & recomp5se o!rs2 & ?is k also may be a true k1 s f> z x goes1 & "o t we may safely act ^u1 al?\gh we may /ill be 9 ignorance ( ,8 exact nature & _m po9ts ( our relation%ip to ,him4 ,!re is1 h[ev]1 a light 9 :i* revelation mu/ be view$1 :i* involves consid]ations ( a some:at diff]5t "* f ^? hi!rto notic$1 & to ?is we n[ turn4 ,a revelation mu/ n only be limit$ by ! ext5t ( ! human capacity = receiv+ x1 & by ! propos$ object ( x1 b also1 9 a consid]able degree1 by ! /ate ( k exi/+ 9 ! _w at ! "t x is made4 ,9 fact1 )\t "s su* limitation1 x w\ld be un9telligible1 &1 consequ5tly no revelation4 ,z ?is tru? has frequ5tly be5 misappli$1 we w endeav\r to expla91 z accurately z we c1 our mean+4 ,god c\ld1 p]haps1 if ,he ?\ght prop]1 give 9 an ignorant age a revelation1 z full & explicit1 z 9 a m enlight5$ p]iod--a revelation we mean :i* %\ld be und]/ood--b x mu/ be rememb]$ t ?is c\ld only be effect$ by alt]+ ! conditions "u :i* human k is acquir$4 ,= example1 to h giv5 a correct !ory ( ! motions ( ! heav5ly bodies1 be=e ! age ( ,newton1 w\ld h be5 impossible1 )\t an entire *ange bo? 9 ! exi/+ /ate ( k1 & also 9 ! me?od ( acquir+ x4 ,d[n to ! pres5t "t all hi/ory & exp]i5ce te/ify to ! fact t ! acquisition ( k is gradual2 b su* a revelation1 z t to :i* we h ref]r$1 w\ld require t x %\ld be made p] saltum4 ,if k 7 giv5 9 ?is way ! usual c\rse w\ld be completely *ang$2 & n only s1 b ! k communicat$ w\ld be altoge!r out ( proportion to t possess$ on o!r po9ts1 & w\ld place ^? :o _h x 9 a false & unsatisfactory /ate ) reg>d to ! _w 9 :i* !y liv$4 ,to see ?is we h only to picture to ourselves ! condition ( a man liv+ 9 a savage1 or only p>tially civiliz$ /ate ( society1 ) 8 m9d pret]naturally exp&$ to t ( a ,newton1 & put into possession ( ! k :i* he _h on "s ( ^? subjects :i* ! ,bible t\*es on4 ,h[ entirely out ( h>mony w\ld he be ) 8 fell[-m51 & ev]y?+ ar\nd him6 &1 h[ unable w\ld he be ev5 to pursue 8 /udies = want ( ^? in/rum5ts1 books1 & appliances :i* a m advanc$ /ate ( society alone c produce6 ,a revelation ( ?is k9d w\ld cle>ly n be a boon1 b an injury to him4 ,x may be obs]v$1 moreov]1 t a revelation1 adapt$ to ! k ev5 ( a ,newton1 w\ld nei!r exactly correspond ) facts1 nor obviate all ! difficulties :i* a m enlight5$ age might discov]4 ,we d n /op to dwell ^u ! obvi\s fact1 t su* a revelation1 z t :i* we h be5 notic+1 w\ld require n only a pret]natural expansion ( faculties 9 ! p]son to :om x 0 made1 b also a simil> expansion1 or1 if n1 a long educational process 9 ! case ( all ^? :o %\ld receive x4 ,we conclude1 !n1 t a revelation mu/ be adapt$ to1 & 9 a great degree limit$ by1 ! /ate ( k exi/+ 9 ! _w at ! "t :5 su* revelation is made4 ,?is leads u to a consid]ation ( ! necess>ily ph5om5al "* ( "s portions ( a revelation1 respect+ :i* objections aga9/ ! ,bible h be5 frequ5tly rais$4 ,we w1 to expla9 our views1 take z an example1 ! famili> in/ance ( ! sun & e>?4 ,accord+ to appe>ance ! sun moves1 & ! e>? is /ation>y3 b sci5ce has demon/rat$ t ! opposite to ?is is ! real /ate ( ! case4 ,:at l9e might x be expect$ t a revelation w\ld take1 :5 x _h to deal ) a case ( ?is k9d8 ,%\ld x speak accord+ to appe>ances1 or realities8 ,?is1 we believe1 is ! exact po9t to be consid]$1 & we d n ?9k1 :5 fairly put1 t x is "o ab\t :i* !re is mu* difficulty4 ,if a revelation 7 giv5 to an ignorant p1 9 accordance ) ! reality1 x is q cle> t !y w\ld n be 9 a condition to receive x1 & w\ld !re=e1 probably1 reject x z absurd2 b if ! description 7 giv5 accord+ to ! appe>ance pres5t$1 !n no difficulty w\ld be felt4 ,! "q1 h[ev]1 is press$--:e!r su* a mode ( repres5tation is consi/5t ) ! tru?fulness :i* may be expect$ 9 a revelation4 ,x might1 we ?9k1 be a suffici5t reply to say t1 z1 accord+ to our =m] reason+1 x is1 9 _m cases1 ! only possible mode ( revelation consi/5t ) ! e/abli%$ ord] ( ?+s1 we may well be cont5t ) x2 b we w pursue ! subject a little fur!r1 ) ! view ( mak+ cle> h[ ! matt] /&s4 ,x may be obs]v$ t1 if absolute tru? on a p>ticul> subject _c be communicat$1 ! ne>e/ approximation to x is1 n only all t c be expect$1 b is 9 itself highly desirable4 ,if a man is unable to receive z full an appreh5sion ( a ?+ z we h ourselves1 we mu/ endeav\r to give him ! mo/ p]fect in=mation :i* he is capable ( receiv+4 ,we d n injure him by do+ ?is1 b we %\ld injure him if we omitt$ to d x4 ,if a man1 :o _h liv$ all 8 life 9 ! ,arctic regions1 & _h nev] he>d ( any o!r c\ntry1 7 to be br\ght to ,engl&1 x w\ld n be necess>y to tell him1 ) a view to 8 com=t "h1 ! motion ( ! e>? ) reg>d to ! sun1 & ! causes ( ! l5g? ( our days & nights1 & ( ! v>iation ( ! seasons4 ,to ent] into ^! matt]s w\ld confuse 8 m9d1 & ! man1 if he _h to e>n 8 liv+1 w\ld />ve :ile he 0 acquir+ ! k ( !m4 ,by su* a c\rse ( proce$+ we %\ld1 9 reality1 d him a great inju/ice4 ,in/ead ( attempt+ any?+ ( ! k9d1 we %\ld naturally give him su* in=mation z might be requisite = 8 practical guidance1 9 a popul> mann]1 & leave to himself ! acquisition ( su* sci5tific tru? z he might be desir\s ( becom+ acqua9t$ )4 ,9 a ^w1 we %\ld describe to him ?+s z !y appe> to be1 & 9 ?is respect our description w\ld be1 9 a c]ta9 s5se1 true2 we %\ld n describe !m z !y really are1 & s f> our description w\ld n be 9 /rict accordance ) ! facts ( ! case4 ,we 7 ab\t to say t x is a *oice ( difficulties2 b1 is !re any real difficulty 9 ! case8 ,does n ! common s5se ( mank9d decl>e t ! mode ( proce$+ :i* we h describ$ is ! only prop] "o1 & t !re is no real untru?fulness 9 x8 ,x may be notic$ too t ev5 sci5tific m5 cont9ually make use ( x among/ !mselves1 & 9 _! int]c\rse ) o!rs1 & ?is )\t any *>ge ( untru?fulness be+ br\ght aga9/ !m4 ,:at objection !n c possibly lie aga9/ ! adoption ( ! same me?od 9 a revelation8 #ag ,! suppos$ object ( a revelation is to save ! s\l1 or1 at lea/1 to advance 9 a mat]ial degree our spiritual int]e/s4 ,is t to be put aside till ! _w has le>nt sci5tific tru?1 & is able to conv]se 9 sci5tific language8 ,we feel no difficulty 9 leav+ ! answ] to ?is "q to ! common s5se ( mank9d 9 g5]al4 ,we conclude1 !n1 t z ph5om5al tru? is 9 _m cases ! only tru? :i* c possibly be af=d$1 & ! imp>t+ ( x is a boon1 & n an injury1 !re is no reason :y ! ,deity %\ld n1 :5 ,he sees fit1 make use ( ?is mode ( communication 9 revelation4 ,we w n[ notice1 di/9ctly1 words z a m$ium ( revelation4 ,x is pla91 t 9 communicat+ k1 !y are only effectual by call+ up 9 ! m9d ( ! he>] ideas already exi/+4 ,to speak to a man :o has be5 bl9d f 8 bir?1 ( col\rs w\ld be useless1 because he has _h no exp]i5ce ( !m1 & consequ5tly no ideas correspond+ to !m4 ,words may br+ up ideas 9 a diff]5t comb9ation f any :i* _h previ\sly exi/$ 9 ! m9d ( ! p]son spok5 to2 b !y _c create ideas4 ,!y may make ! he>] acqua9t$ ) some?+ :i* he has nev] actually p]ceiv$2 may cause him to reason 9 a new mann]2 to see a famili> object 9 a fre% light1 or1 9 "s o!r way1 br+ ! faculties ( ! m9d into play2 b /ill ! m9d1 s f> z in/ruction by words is conc]n$1 c only act ^u its previ\s /ores1 & analyze or comb9e !m into new =ms4 ,?is be+ ! case1 x is cle> t a revelation1 s f> z x is made by words1 mu/ be limit$ by ! ideas previ\sly exi/+ 9 ! m9d ( ! p]son to :om x is made4 ,^! ideas1 too1 h[ev] num]\s & ref9$ !y may be1 are limit$ by ! exp]i5ce :i* a man has _h ( ! ext]nal _w1 & ( himself4 ,he _c get beyond ^!4 ,if1 !n1 ,god %\ld ?9k fit to reveal1 9 words1 a k ( ,himself1 or any o!r object :i* does n come )9 ! direct cognizance ( our p]ceptive faculties1 ?is c only be effect$ by call+ up 9 ! m9d1 ?r\gh ! words1 "s new comb9ation ( ideas already possess$4 ,?is may n correspond precisely ) ! object1 respect+ :i* ! revelation is made2 b1 z x is ! only way 9 :i* a revelation by words c be effect$1 we h no j reason to f9d fault ) x4 ,all we h a "r to expect1 is t ! words %\ld call up 9 ! m9d ^? ideas :i* be/ repres5t ! object design$ to be reveal$4 ,?is may t5d to ?r[ "s light ^u :at are call$ an?ropomorphic ideas ( ,god4 ,^! h sometimes be5 spok5 ( z inadequate1 & degrad+4 ,inadequate !y c]ta9ly are1 z e notion :i* we c h ( ! ,deity mu/ be2 b we are unable to see 9 :at way !y are degrad+4 ,almo/ e nation1 foll[+ app>5tly ! necessity ( our nature1 has clo!d its gods 9 ! objective =m ( "s famili> animal1 or o!r exi/5ce1 & end[$ !m ) qualities ( :i* !y _h exp]i5ce4 ,:at wond] !n if ,god1 see+ t ,he mu/1 unless ! conditions ( our nature 7 alt]$1 make use ( ideas ) :i* we are already famili>1 %\ld adopt an an?ropomorphic repres5tation ( ,himself1 purifi$1 exalt$1 & adapt$1 z f> z possible1 to ,8 own inf9ite p]fections8 ,9 fact1 we "k n h[ ,god c\ld decl>e ,himself z j1 righte\s1 pure1 & lov+1 or reveal our responsibility to ,himself1 )\t a ref]5ce to man1 inasmu* z he is ! only be+1 ( :i* we h any actual exp]i5ce1 :o possesses1 ev5 9 a limit$ degree1 qualities ( su* a description4 ,assur$ly !n x _c be a degrad+ notion ( ! ,deity to reg>d ,him z inve/$ ) ! highe/ attributes ( :i* we h a conception4 ,we are aw>e t "s philosoph]s talk mu* ( ! ,inf9ite1 & ! ,absolute1 z convey+ m exalt$ notions ( ! ,div9e ,be+4 ,:at ! exact mean+ ( ^? t]ms is philosoph]s f9d x difficult to decl>e1 & ! common p are almo/ :olly unable to und]/&4 ,c]ta9ly su* highly ab/ract t]ms convey little di/9ct mean+4 ,x w be f\nd ^u exam9ation1 t ! ^w ,inf9ite1 to /ir 9 any degree ! dep?s ( our nature1 mu/ be comb9$ ) "s quality ) :i* we are famili>4 ,inf9ite love1 inf9ite ju/ice1 inf9ite purity1 are ?+s :i* we c 9 "s degree und]/& & appreciate2 b ! po9t :i* we und]/& be/ is n ! ,inf9ite1 b ! f9ite1--! love1--! ju/ice1--! purity2 & ^! are ideas tak5 f :at we f9d 9 "s imp]fect degree 9 ourselves4 ,to ^? :o believe t man 0 made 9 ! image ( ,god1 & t ! ,^w1 be+ ,god1 became also man1 ! tra9 ( ?\ght "h indicat$ w come home ) additional =ce4 ,:at has be5 said ) reg>d to a revelation1 made by words1 applies1 9 its ma9 po9ts1 to a revelation made directly to ! m9d ?r\gh ideas1 )\t ! int]v5tion ( words4 ,to see ?is cle>ly1 let u be> 9 m9d ! di/9ction betwe5 a p]ception & an idea4 ,an idea is ! result ( a p]ception4 ,we p]ceive a rose :5 x is pres5t$ to our s5ses1 & we see1 smell1 or t\* x4 ,we h an idea ( x1 :51 n be+ any long] pres5t$1 we ?9k ( x1 & call to m9d its qualities4 ,we are said to h a p]ception ( ang]1 or love1 or any o!r emotion1 :5 ^? feel+s are pres5t to ! m9d4 ,we h ideas ( !m1 :5 we ?9k ab\t !m4 ,x is n our object to ent] ^u any ab/ruse discussion z to ! orig9 ( ideas4 ,:at has be5 j advanc$ w be g5]ally admitt$ by metaphysicians1 & readily und]/ood by o!rs4 ,hop+1 !n1 t ! di/9ction betwe5 an idea & a p]ception w be c>ri$ 9 ! m9d1 we w proce$ ) our argum5t4 ,!re is no difficulty 9 suppos+--& ?is1 we believe1 corresponds v closely to an op9ion commonly ent]ta9$ respect+ inspiration--t ,god c\ld1 )\t ! int]v5tion ( words1 call up 9 ! m9d su* ideas z ,he might ?9k fit4 ,= in/ance1 in/ead ( speak+ ! words1 ,?\ %alt d no murd]1 ,he might1 9 a pret]natural mann]1 excite 9 ! m9d ! ideas correspond+ to !m4 ,/ill1 h[ev]1 unless we suppose ! conditions ( human ?\ght to be alt]$ 9 a mann] = :i* we h no analogy1 ! ideas ( a man1 kill+1 etc41 mu/ previ\sly exi/ 9 ! m9d1 or ! revelation w\ld be un9telligible4 ,:e!r1 !n1 ! ideas are call$ up1 ?r\gh ! in/rum5tality ( words1 or 9 "s o!r way1 is immat]ial to our pres5t argum5t4 ,! po9t we insi/ on is t1 except 9 ! case ( actual p]ception1 ! communication ( k1 by revelation1 or o!rwise1 mu/ be limit$ by ! ideas previ\sly exi/+ 9 ! m9d ( ! p]son to :om ! communication is made4 ,^! ideas may be comb9$ into new =ms1 & new relations may be discov]$ betwe5 !m1 or !y may be analyz$ into _! con/itu5t p>ts1 b we _c transc5d ! ideas !mselves1 except by new p]ceptions4 ,let x n1 h[ev]1 be imag9$ t a revelation1 convey$ ?r\gh ! in/rum5tality ( ideas previ\sly exi/+1 mu/ be s n>r[ z to convey little or no new in=mation1 or in/ruction4 ,we h only to look at ! works ( ,milton1 ,newton1 ,%akespe>e1 & o!r great m51 to see ! almo/ endless v>iety ) :i* ideas1 & ! relations 9 :i* !y /& to ea* o!r1 may be s comb9$ & dispos$1 z to m9i/] to ! imag9ation1 or enri* ! m9d ) fre% /ores ( k4 ,all ! in=mation :i* we d]ive f books1 or conv]sation1 is obta9$ 9 ?is way1 & to x we mu/ probably attribute by f> ! l>ge/ portion ( our m5tal acquisitions1 aft] ! p]iod ( *ildhood4 ,s f>1 inde$1 z ! promulgation ( a revelation by its orig9al recipi5ts is conc]n$1 x appe>s pla9 t x mu/ be made1 almo/ necess>ily1 ?r\gh ! in/rum5tality ( words1 inasmu* z !y are ! be/ signs :i* c be made use ( 9 ! communication ( k4 ,be=e1 h[ev]1 proce$+ to ?is portion ( ! subject1 x appe>s desirable to make a few additional obs]vations ) reg>d to a revelation by p]ception4 ,we h already _h occasion to notice t ! ,deity does n1 l o!r objects1 come )9 ! direct cognizance ( our p]ceptive faculties 7p4 #e71 & t1 ev5 if a direct pres5tation ( ! ,inf9ite 7 giv5 4 4 4 ! result w\ld be a f9ite conception 7p4 #ab74 ,x may1 h[ev]1 be imag9$ t a direct pres5tation1 ev5 ?\gh issu+ 9 a f9ite conception1 or a repres5tation ei!r address$ ab extra to our p]ceptive faculties1 or br\ght be=e u 9 a vision1 or a dream1 or o!rwise1 w\ld convey to ! m9d a m correct appreh5sion ( ,god's nature ?an c\ld be obta9$ 9 any o!r way4 ,^! cases1 ?\gh diff]+ 9 "s p>ticul>s1 may1 = our pres5t purpose1 be reg>d$ z id5tical1 & treat$ z p]ceptions4 ,n[ !re c be no d\bt t a p]ception conveys a m vivid impression to ! m9d ?an a description2 & we may1 !re=e1 reasonably suppose t1 9 a revelation1 ,god might use ?is me?od ( communicat+ k 9 ^? cases to :i* x might be specially adapt$4 ,?us1 = in/ance1 if ,god design$ to give an idea ( "s place or be+ :i* we _h nev] se51 ,he might effect ?is1 9 a v p]fect mann]1 by br++ su* a place or be+1 ei!r 9 reality1 or by repres5tation1 )9 ! range ( our p]ceptive faculties4 ,! appe>ance v\*saf$ by ,god to ,moses 7,exod4 xxxiii4 #ai-bc71 ! vision ( ,ezekiel 7,ezek4 xxxvii4 #a-aj71 & ! description giv5 by ,/4 ,paul 7#b ,cor4 xii4 #a-d71 w s]ve z illu/rations ( our mean+4 ,x mu/ n1 h[ev]1 be tak5 = grant$ t su* a mode ( revelation w\ld1 9 e case1 be possible2 or t1 if possible1 x w\ld always be ! be/ me?od ( communication4 ,s f> z we c see1 no m]e pres5tation1 or repres5tation ( ! ,deity1 c\ld1 9 itself1 give any deep insight into ,8 moral "*1 or ! relation 9 :i* ,he /&s to u4 ,ev5 if ! ,deity 7 con/antly pres5t1 we "k n h[ we c\ld obta9 any accurate k ( ,8 attributes1 except by obs]vation ( ,8 words & acts4 ,if we _h be5 introduc$ to ! philan?ropi/1 ,h[>d1 we c\ld n h become acqua9t$ ) 8 excell5ce by m]ely gaz+ at 8 c\nt5ance4 ,we mu/ h li/5$ to 8 words1 & foll[$ him to ^? sc5es ( mis]y :i* he 0 9 ! habit ( visit+1 if we w\ld obta9 a cle> und]/&+ ( 8 b5evol5ce4 ,s too1 ! hol9ess1 love1 & o!r moral p]fections ( ! ,deity1 are n matt]s :i* c be appreh5d$ f any m]e intuition ( ! ,div9e nature4 ,a glori\s exhibition ( ! ,div9e pres5ce1 su*1 = in/ance1 z t describ$ 9 ,exodus1 z hav+ occurr$ on ,m\nt ,s9ai1 might inspire feel+s ( awe1 & enable ^? :o witness$ x to appreh5d m cle>ly1 p]haps1 ?an c\ld h be5 effect$ 9 any o!r way1 ! dignity & maje/y ( ,god2 b1 = a revelation ( ,8 moral nature1 & ! relation 9 :i* ,he /&s to man1 we mu/ look m to words--su* words1 = in/ance1 z ,he is said to h spok5 to ! *ildr5 ( ,israel at t "t1 & aft]w>ds1 dur+ =ty days1 to ,moses4 ,:ile1 !n1 we ?9k t a revelation by p]ception1 ) reg>d to "s ?+s1 might be expect$1 we d n consid] t x w\ld convey a l>ge am\nt ( in=mation1 unless x 7 comb9$ ) a revelation ?r\gh words4 ,words are1 9 fact1 ! mo/ natural & effectual mode ( imp>t+ mo/ k9ds ( k1 & we may1 !re=e1 reasonably expect t1 9 any revelation :i* ! ,div9e ,be+ might ?9k fit to make to man1 !y w\ld =m a *ief me?od ( communication4 ,:5 we ?us speak ( words 9 connection ) a revelation1 we d n mean only words address$ actually to ! e>1 b also su*1 z 9 a dream or vision1 may appe> to be spok54 ,we desire also t x %\ld be rememb]$ t1 = ! ma9 purpose ( our argum5t1 x is n s mu* words z ideas :i* we wi% to keep 9 view4 ,:at we *iefly wi% to leave on ! m9d is1 t a revelation1 except s f> z a new p]ception may be giv51 mu/ be limit$ by ! ideas previ\sly exi/+ 9 ! m9d ( ! p]son to :om x is made4 ,x may be reasonably expect$ t ,god w\ld make use ( ^? ideas :i* 7 be/ adapt$ to ,8 purpose1 b n t ,he %\ld transc5d ! ideas !mselves4 ,if1 too1 we suppose t a new p]ception is giv51 t p]ception c\ld n be expla9$ to o!rs1 except ?r\gh ! in/rum5tality ( su* ideas z ^? to :i* we h ref]r$4 ,our object hi!rto has be5 to expla9 ! conditions "u :i* a direct revelation f ,god may be expect$ to be giv54 ,if we h be5 able to remove f ! m9ds ( our read]s vague & indef9ite notions on ! subject1 & to put1 9 _! place1 some?+ cle>] & m di/9ct1 our object ?us f> w h be5 answ]$4 ,x is1 p]haps1 h>dly necess>y to /ate t1 by :at has be5 said above1 we d n int5d to intimate t ! recipi5t ( a direct revelation mu/1 necess>ily1 always und]/& ! exact mean+ ( su* a revelation4 ,x may conta9 a hidd5 mean+1 to be evid5t at "s future "t4 ,?us1 = in/ance1 on ! supposition t ! fir/ *apt] ( ,ezekiel is a revelation f ,god1 x is probable t ! mean+ ( x 0 z un9telligible to ,ezekiel1 z x is g5]ally consid]$ to be at ! pres5t "t4 ,b ! mean+ ( ! words !mselves1 & _! connection ) ea* o!r are cle>4 ,x is 9 ! application t ! difficulty arises4 ,s1 too1 z advances are made 9 k1 words1 & ! ideas belong+ to !m1 acquire a m ext5d$ & full] mean+4 ,! ideas involv$ 9 ! ^w1 sun1 are v diff]5t to ! philosoph] & ! peasant2 & "s ideas conta9$ 9 a revelation may be ( su* a k9d z n to be fully und]/ood till m k has be5 acquir$1 ?an exi/$ at ! "t :5 ! revelation 0 made4 ,b to suppose t ! words convey no mean+ to ! orig9al recipi5t ( ! revelation1 is to say t no revelation is made to him at all1 & x c]ta9ly h>dly appe>s probable t ! ,div9e ,be+ %\ld make a communication :i* c\ld answ] no end to ! p]son to :om x 0 address$4 99 99 99 99 99 #c4 ,we n[ proce$ to an exam9ation ( ! conditions "u :i* a revelation may be record$1 or o!rwise made kn[n by ! p]son :o has receiv$ x4 ,"h we see at once t1 = all practical purposes1 ! me?od ( communication mu/ be words2 = x is n necess>y to take into acc\nt su* visual repres5tations z might be made to ! eye by pa9t+ or o!rwise4 ,words may be oral1 or writt54 ,z ! latt] are m likely to be well weigh$ & def9ite ?an ! =m]1 & are1 moreov]1 bett] calculat$ to h& d[n a tru? f age to age1 we %all conf9e our att5tion to !m1 al?\gh :at we h to say is1 9 a great degree1 applicable to spok5 words also4 ,we />t ) ! supposition t ,god has already made kn[n to "s p>ticul> p]son1 z p]fectly z ,he has ?\ght fit1 &1 x may be1 z p]fectly z ! nature ( ! subject admitt$1 or ! capability ( ! p]son to :om ! communication has be5 made w\ld all[1 "s tru? :i* is to be record$ = ! b5efit ( ! pres5t1 & future g5]ations4 ,! "q we h to answ] is1--h[ ?is may be mo/ effectually accompli%$4 ,x is obvi\s t1 9 ! case ( a revelation1 made by words1 ! words might be record$ exactly z !y 7 deliv]$4 ,! words :i* ,god is said to h spok5 on ,m\nt ,s9ai1 & to h writt5 aft]w>ds1 on two tables ( /one1 may s]ve z an exemplification ( our mean+4 ,9 ?is case ,god is describ$ z writ+ !m ) ,8 own h&3 b !y might h be5 writt51 ) equal tru?fulness1 by any ( ^? :o _h he>d !m4 ,if future g5]ations _h conv9c+ evid5ce t !y possess$ a fai?ful record ( :at ,god said1 & ! mean+ ( ! words _h n *ang$ dur+ ! lapse ( "t1 ! revelation w\ld be z p]fect to !m z x 0 to ! orig9al recipi5ts4 ,s1 too1 if ,god1 in/ead ( speak+ ! words ( ! t5 comm&m5ts1 _h1 9 "s way :i* %\ld au!nticate ! reality ( ! revelation1 call$ up 9 ! m9d ( ,moses ! ideas correspond+ to ! words1 & he _h fai?fully writt5 !m d[n2 ^? words w\ld convey z full a revelation to ^? :o read !m1 z t :i* ,moses himself _h exp]i5c$4 ,bo? ^! w\ld be v]bal revelations 9 ! /rict s5se ( ! ^w4 ,!y w\ld be1 9 fact1 ! v words ( ,god ,himself4 ,if any book1 pr(ess+ to be a revelation f ,god1 c\ld be prov$ to be entirely ( ?is description1 !re w\ld be little or no room = discussion ab\t x4 ,! only ?+s :i* c\ld give rise to dispute w\ld be su* z atta* to ! int]pretation ( all records4 ,que/ions might be ask$ z to ! exact mean+ ( ! words1 & inquiries might be rais$ z to :e!r !y reta9$ ! same mean+ :i* !y _h :5 !y 7 orig9ally writt5 d[n3 b any dispute :i* might arise on ^! po9ts w\ld be conf9$ )9 v n>r[ limits1 & w\ld moreov] be ( su* a "*1 z c\ld n be avoid$1 unless ,god 7 to make a revelation afre% 9 e age1 & we may add1 p]haps1 to e individual1--a supposition :i* w\ld be contr>y to analogy1 & 9 ! highe/ degree improbable4 ,?us f> !re is no practical difficulty4 ,is x1 h[ev]1 necess>y to ! idea ( a record$ revelation t ! exact words1 nei!r m nor less1 z spok5 by ,god1 or z express+ ideas :i* ,he has call$ up 9 ! m9d ( ! p]son to :om ,he has reveal$ ,himself1 %\ld be writt5 d[n8 ,a record$ revelation1 we mu/ rememb]1 is design$ *iefly = ! b5efit ( future g5]ations1 & x may !re=e v prop]ly leave out mu* :i* 0 only ( pass+ int]e/4 ,god might h reveal$ _m ?+s to ,abraham1 :i* 7 highly important = him to "k1 b 9 :i* we may h no int]e/4 ,we c easily see !n t1 9 any record :i* ,god might au?orize1 su* ?+s w\ld v probably be omitt$4 ,?us f> aga9 !re is no practical difficulty4 ,to proce$ a /ep fur!r4 ,is !re any reason to expect t1 9 a record ( a revelation1 ! orig9al words1 ei!r z spok5 by ,god1 or z expressive ( ! ideas :i* ,he _h call$ up 9 ! m9d ( ! recipi5t1 might be 9 any decree alt]$8--&1 w\ld e alt]ation necess>ily make ! record less a revelation f ,god ?an x 0 be=e8 ,^! are que/ions :i* we %all endeav\r to answ]4 ,x may be obs]v$1 9 ! fir/ place1 t ! same tra9 ( ?\ght :i* applies to an orig9al revelation f ,god1 applies also1 9 its ma9 po9ts1 to ! record ( x4 ,bo? 9 ! "o case1 & ! o!r1 x appe>s reasonable to expect t ,god w\ld n1 to a great] ext5t ?an 0 absolutely necess>y1 transc5d or int]f]e ) ^? natural p[]s 9 man :i* ,he _h ,himself implant$4 ,z ! giv+ ( a revelation w\ld1 z already %ewn1 be con=m$ 9 a great degree to ! usual conditions "u :i* k is imp>t$1 s also1 x seems reasonable to expect t ! record ( a revelation w\ld z f> z possible be con=m$ to ! usual conditions "u :i* k is record$4 ,9 look+ at ! conditions "u :i* a revelation mu/ be record$1 x is obvi\s t ! diff]5ce ( languages1 :i* prevails 9 ?is _w1 pres5ts an insup]able ob/acle to an exact record ( words be+ cont9u$4 ,x may inde$ be alleg$ t ,god c\ld cause a revelation to be record$1 9 its exact words1 9 ea* di/9ct language4 ,we h>dly ?9k h[ev] t su* a view z ?is w be s]i\sly ent]ta9$ by any "o4 ,n to m5tion h[ completely contr>y ?is w\ld be to :at analogy w\ld lead u to expect1 we may obs]ve t1 z languages are cont9ually und]go+ *anges1 su* a me?od ( record+ mu/ be cont9ually r5ew$2 &1 moreov]1 z language does n convey precisely ! same ideas to any two individuals1 x w\ld be almo/ ne$ful t a sep>ate record1 or r a sep>ate revelation1 %\ld be made = ea* p]son4 ,su* views z ^! require only to be /at$ to %ew t !y are unt5able2 b1 if !y are unt5able1 x is pla9 t ! cont9uance ( an exact record ( words _c be expect$4 ,b may x n be expect$ t1 at lea/1 "o exact record w\ld be made ( any revelation :i* ,god might ?9k fit to give1 & t ?is w\ld af=d ! be/ gu>antee :i* c\ld be _h = future tru?fulness8 ,9 answ]+ ?is "q x is v important to draw a di/9ction4 ,! words ( ! record may be exactly su* words z ,god approves (1 al?\gh !y may n be ! precise words 9 :i* ! orig9al revelation 0 made4 ,9 "s p>ticul> in/ances ,god might det]m9e t ! precise words ( ! revelation %\ld be us$1 :ile 9 o!rs ,he might ?9k fit t x %\ld be o!rwise4 ,9 ei!r case ! record w\ld be a true "o1 & ea* me?od ( record+ might h its own peculi> advantages4 ,"u "s circum/ances x might be desirable t n ! slighte/ deviation f ! precise mode ( expression :i* ,god _h communicat$ %\ld be made2 :ile "u o!rs1 ! human view--by :i* we "h mean ! view ( ! p>ticul> p]son to :om ! revelation is made--might be record$1 & add to x a =ce :i* c\ld h>dly be _h 9 any o!r way4 ,s long z ! record is su* z ,god approves (1 e requisite to a true record is compli$ )4 ,if a m9i/] ( /ate 7 commission$ to make a communication to a =eign c\rt1 he might write d[n ! :ole or a "p ( x 9 8 own words1 &1 if 8 own c\rt approv$ ( ! words1 conta9$ 9 ! writ+1 ! object 9 view w\ld be answ]$4 ,we c ev5 und]/& t1 9 "s respects1 ! communication might ga9 =ce by ?is mode ( proce$+4 ,! ,greek text ( ! writ] w\ld be manife/$1 & c>ry ) x a c]ta9 degree ( weight4 ,!re w\ld be ! weight :i* atta*$ to ! docum5t z emanat+ f ! gov]nm5t1 & !re might be an additional weight f ! "* ( ! p]son :o _h be5 entru/$ to write1 &1 p]haps1 c>ry out1 9 "s degree1 ! requirem5ts (1 ! dispat*4 ,9 ! case ( a record$ revelation1 x appe>s !n probable t ,god w\ld p]mit ^? feel+s & p[]s :i* ,he has implant$ 9 man1 & :i* ex]t su* a /rong influ5ce on o!rs1 to d _! "w1 subject1 h[ev]1 to ,8 own control & guidance4 ,9 ?is way !re w\ld be a ,div9e & a human aspect ( ! record2 a ,div9e & a human p[] 9 x4 ,all ( x w\ld be ! tru? ( ,god1 & x w\ld be pres5t$ to u 9 a mann] peculi>ly adapt$ to our condition1 & likely to ensure our acceptance ( x4 ,at ! v lea/ su* a me?od ( record+ w\ld be exactly consi/5t ) tru?fulness4 ,we may g a /ep fur!r1 & say t x w\ld be difficult1 if n impossible1 to conceive any circum/ances "u :i* ! record %\ld n be> a human aspect4 ,if ! views prop\nd$ 9 ! =m] "p ( ^! ,?\ghts1 ) reg>d to ! conditions "u :i* a revelation mu/ be made1 & especially ) respect to an?ropomorphic views ( ,god1 be correct1 a revelation mu/ assume1 9 "s measure1 a human aspect4 ,b if ! human aspect mu/ exi/ 9 ! pres5tation1 x mu/ also 9 ! record4 ,! only "q :i* is really op5 to discussion is1 :e!r !re %\ld be ! same human aspect 9 ! record1 z 9 ! orig9al revelation2 9 o!r words1 :e!r x may be expect$ t ,god w\ld always pres5t t p>ticul> human aspect 9 ! orig9al revelation :i* ,he consid]$ be/ adapt$ = ! record4 ,= ! reasons already assign$ x does n seem probable t ?is w\ld be ! case4 ,x mu/ be rememb]$1 moreov]1 t 9 ! case ( a revelation1 made at diff]5t times1 & to diff]5t p]sons1 ei!r ! "* ( ea* individual writ] mu/ be manife/$ 9 ! record1 or "s o!r "*1 ali5 p]haps to t ( ! writ]1 & c]ta9ly n equally adapt$ to t ( all ! read]s1 mu/ be adopt$4 ,:i* me?od ( record appe>s ! mo/ probable1 & ! mo/ calculat$ to promote ! object ( a revelation--namely1 to in/ruct & influ5ce mank9d--x does n appe> v difficult to det]m9e4 ,x seems1 !n1 t a v>iety ( /yle may be expect$ 9 ! records writt5 by diff]5t p]sons ( ! revelations :i* !y h receiv$4 ,z has be5 be=e obs]v$1 all t is ess5tial to ! tru?fulness ( ! record is t ,god %\ld approve ( x4 ,a "q may possibly arise "h z to ! precise mann] 9 :i* ! words may be s record$1 z to convey a true acc\nt ( ,god's revelation4 ,9 endeav\r+ to supply an answ]1 x %\ld be rememb]$1 9 ! fir/ place1 t 9 ! ord9>y affairs ( life no great difficulty occurs ) reg>d to ! transmission ( a message4 ,if ! p]son :o has be5 select$ to convey x1 has suffici5t intellig5ce to und]/& x1 & is1 moreov]1 desir\s to deliv] x fai?fully1 he is1 9 mo/ cases1 able ei!r to speak1 or write x1 9 8 own words1 9 su* a mann] z to convey ! "r mean+ to o!rs4 ,s1 too1 ) reg>d to a revelation2 if ! p]son to :om x has be5 made rightly appreh5ds x1 & endeav\rs to record x hone/ly1 ! probability is great t ! record :i* he makes w be a true "o4 ,if1 too1 we are prep>$1 9 accordance ) ! common belief 9 all ages1 to admit t ,god c1 & at times does1 ex]cise a control ov] ! m9ds ( m51 x is reasonable to believe t ,he w\ld d ?is1 :5 ! object 0 to furni% a correct record = ! b5efit ( future ages4 ,?is control might be ex]cis$ ei!r consci\sly1 or unconsci\sly to ! writ]4 ,all t w\ld be ne$ful = ! tru?fulness ( ! record is1 t x %\ld be ex]cis$ 9 "s way4 99 99 99 99 99 #d4 ,we w n[ proce$ to (f] "s rem>ks z to ! conditions "u :i* a revelation may be expect$ to be transmitt$4 ,mu* ( :at has be5 said1 ) reg>d to ! record+ ( a revelation1 by ! p]son to :om x 0 orig9ally made1 applies to ! transmission ( su* a record to future g5]ations1 & its translation into o!r languages4 ,if a belief 79 :at way orig9at$ we d n n[ /op to enquire7 9 ! reality ( ! record$ revelation exi/$1 ! greate/ c>e w\ld naturally be tak5 9 mak+ copies f x1 & also 9 translat+ x4 ,well-kn[n examples ( ?is are to be f\nd 9 ! c>e :i* ! ,jews ( old us$ 9 mak+ new copies ( _! sacr$ books1 & also 9 ! fact t1 9 our own c\ntry1 no pr9t]s1 b ^? appo9t$ by ! ,que51 are p]mitt$ to publi% ! au?oriz$ v]sion ( ! ,bible4 ,x c h>dly be consid]$ possible t ^? :o believ$ 9 ! reality ( a record$ revelation1 & valu$ x1 w\ld n take c>e to h& x d[n 9 a correct =m to o!rs2 &1 al?\gh incorrect1 mutilat$1 & int]polat$ copies1 might1 9 "s in/ances1 be made by o!r p]sons1 x does n seem likely t ^! w\ld prevail to su* an ext5t1 z to prev5t ! true record f ma9ta9+ its gr\nd4 ,su* di%one/ copies w\ld h>dly be made at all1 till consid]able int]e/ _h be5 manife/$ 9 ! revelation2 & !n any v>iations f ! correct copies w\ld sc>cely pass )\t *all5ge1 & correction4 ,x appe>s !n1 t1 z ! ord9>y mode ( record+1 copy+1 & translat+ important communications are usually f\nd suffici5tly adequate = _! sev]al purposes1 su* me?ods might be employ$ ) success 9 reg>d to a revelation3 & x also seems probable t ,god w\ld n int]f]e ) su* me?ods m ?an 0 absolutely necess>y = ! purpose ,he _h 9 view4 ,if we suppose t ,god ex]cis$1 ?r\gh\t ! :ole process ( transmission1 t controll+ p[] to :i* ref]5ce has be5 made2 !n !re w\ld be a correct record 9 ea* age4 ,t ,god %\ld ex]cise t p[] to su* an ext5t z to prev5t e possibility ( error1 9 ! transmission ( ! record1 or ( mi/ake z to its mean+ 9 ! m9ds ( ^? :o read x1 w\ld be contr>y to ! analogy ( ,8 deal+s ) u 9 o!r ?+s4 ,we possess faculties1 by ! due ex]cise ( :i* we are enabl$ to arrive at a suffici5tly accurate k ( ^? ?+s :i* are ess5tial to our wellbe+1 b we are n1 by infallible guidance1 pres]v$ f error4 ,if we 71 our responsibility w\ld to a great ext5t cease4 ,all t c be reasonably expect$1 9 ! case "u consid]ation1 is t ! record %\ld be transmitt$ ) su* exactness1 z t an hone/ inquir] %\ld be able to asc]ta9 its au!nticity1 & und]/& its mean+1 s f> z ,god design$ t he %\ld "k x4 ,we say--s f> z ,god design$ t he %\ld "k x1--because x is q conceivable t !re might be my/]ies 9 a revelation1 ! mean+ ( :i* w\ld n be made cle> till ! "t det]m9$ be=eh& by ,god %\ld arrive4 99 99 99 99 99 #e4 ,to ent] into a full exam9ation1 z to :at w\ld con/itute suffici5t gr\nds = accept+ a pr(ess$ revelation1 w\ld op5 too wide a field ( enquiry = our pres5t purpose1 & w\ld necessitate a discussion ( t v difficult bran* ( metaphysics :i* relates to ! laws :i* regulate our belief4 ,)\t1 h[ev]1 attempt+ to discuss ! subject fully1 a few po9ts may be indicat$ = consid]ation4 ,x is cle> t ! evid5ce1 ) reg>d to ! record ( a pr(ess$ revelation1 w v>y 9 its "* at diff]5t times4 ,! evid5ce w be m direct1 &1 9 ?is respect1 m cle>1 at an e>li] p]iod ( ! record1 ?an at a lat]3 :ile1 on ! o!r h&1 a record :i* has be5 translat$ into diff]5t languages1 & has ex]cis$ a widely spread influ5ce1 w possess a peculi> =ce ( its own4 ,on ! supposition t ,god made a revelation to ,moses1 x is n difficult to suppose t conv9c+ evid5ce1 z to ! tru?fulness ( :at he might say1 or write ab\t x1 might readily be af=d$ to ^? :o liv$ 9 8 times4 ,if su* miracles1 z ^? record$ 9 ! ,p5tateu* really occurr$--& c]ta9ly if ,god s f> transc5d$ ! usual c\rse ( nature z to give a revelation1 x does n seem h>d to believe t ,he might also s f> transc5d x1 z to au!nticate x 9 "s special mann]--! evid5ce w\ld be ( a v /rong k9d4 ,to say1 h[ev]1 t no reasonable conviction ( ! reality ( a revelation c\ld be af=d$1 )\t ! aid ( miracles1 is an ass]tion :i* we are n prep>$ to haz>d2 ?\gh we c]ta9ly ?9k t1 z calculat$ to excite att5tion1 & imply+ a p[] sup]ior to t ( man1 !y w\ld s]ve z excell5t cr$5tials4 ,to human view1 9 fact1 a miracle does n necess>ily imply ! ag5cy ( ! "o ,god4 ,x might1 = any?+ t c be prov$ to ! contr>y1 be ! "w ( "s p[]1 inf]ior to t ,god :om we are b\nd to obey1 & yet sup]ior to man4 ,! v>i\s circum/ances !re=e1 connect$ ) ! miracle1 w\ld be prop]ly tak5 into acc\nt by ! p]son :o 0 inve/igat+ a pr(ess$ revelation4 ,he w\ld n only exam9e ) c>e ! evid5ce z to ! reality ( ! miracle itself1 b also ! circum/ances "u :i* x 0 work$1 & its aspect4 ,! "* ( ! p]son :o pr(ess$ to h receiv$ ! revelation w\ld v fairly come "u consid]ation4 ,inquiries w\ld be made z to :e!r he 0 "o ^: ^w c\ld be safely tru/$1 & :e!r he possess$ suffici5t intellig5ce1 to r5d] x probable t he w\ld arrive at a "r conclusion4 ,a man ( kn[n tru?fulness & intellig5ce w\ld ju/ly meet ) m ready cr$5ce1 ?an a p]son ( an opposite "*4 ,! revelation itself1 too1 w\ld be closely scrut9iz$4 ,9 "s cases x is conceivable t ! revelation w\ld g f> to prove itself4 ,x might make kn[n ?+s :i*1 ?\gh n p]haps discov]able by man's reason1 7 nev]!less s agreeable to x1 z to c>ry ) !m an almo/ irresi/ible conviction4 ,z1 too1 a revelation w\ld be giv5 = ! practical guidance ( man1 x w\ld probably be att5d$ ) ?reat5+s & promises1 or o!r pr$ictions2 & :5 ! ?+s :i* _h be5 =etold actually took place1 ! reality ( ! revelation w\ld be1 to a great ext5t1 e/abli%$4 ,if1 = in/ance1 ! rem>kable occurr5ces :i* ,moses1 on v>i\s occasions1 =etold1 z ab\t to take place 9 ! l& ( ,egypt1 really occurr$1 x w\ld1 we ?9k1 be v difficult to avoid ! conclusion t he _h receiv$ a revelation f ,god1 & t :at he said1 or wrote1 0 to be dep5d$ ^u4 ,a c&id inquir] w\ld also exam9e1 9 a rev]5t _s1 :e!r ! pr(ess$ revelation 0 likely to promote a pure morality1 & to fur!r ! be/ int]e/s ( mank9d4 ,he w\ld n1 inde$1 ent] ^u su* an exam9ation1 ) ! feel+ t he 0 compet5t to decide1 9 e respect1 z to ! ju/ice & excell5ce ( ! /atem5ts :i* pr(ess$ to be reveal$2 = 8 reason1 if consult$1 w\ld tell him t _m circum/ances might be hidd5 f him1 )\t :i* a correct judgm5t c\ld n be =m$1 & t1 possibly1 8 capacity might n be able to grasp !m 9 all _! relations1 ev5 if !y 7 put be=e him4 ,/ill1 su* an exam9ation z t :i* we h j ref]r$ to1 w\ld prop]ly =m an elem5t 9 lead+ to a conclusion1 &1 :5 comb9$ ) o!rs1 w\ld give z reasonable gr\nds = arriv+ at a decision ) respect to a pr(ess$ revelation1 z we %\ld be will+ to act on 9 ! usual bus9ess ( life1 & w\ld1 !re=e1 be suit$ to ! conditions ( our be+4 ,! decision arriv$ at w\ld commonly be ! result1 n ( a s+le pro(1 b ( _m concurr5t circum/ances4 ,:at has be5 said 9 ref]5ce to an exam9ation1 in/itut$ by p]sons liv+ at ! "t :5 a pr(ess$ revelation 0 made1 is obvi\sly applicable1 9 _m respects1 to ^? :o %\ld live 9 lat] times1 & also to ! orig9al recipi5ts !mselves4 ,) reg>d to evid5ce 9 lat] times1 x may be add$ t ! orig9al believ]s 9 ! record1 & _! foll[]s 9 ea* succe$+ age1 w\ld naturally be subject$ to an exam9ation1 z to _! tru?fulness & intellig5ce1 & ?us a *a9 ( evid5ce w\ld be cont9ually kept up4 ,! l>g]1 too1 ! numb]1 & ! m intellig5t ! "* ( ^? :o believ$ 9 x1 ! great] w\ld be ! presumption 9 its fav\r4 ,if ! record 7 receiv$ g5]ally by any nation1 ! onus prob&i w\ld 9 t case lie ) ^? :o impugn$ x4 ,! record itself also w\ld1 f "t to "t1 be submitt$ to su* fair rules ( criticism z apply to o!r docum5ts1 ! fact h[ev] be+ rememb]$1 t x pr(ess$ to be ! ^w ( ,god1 &1 !re=e1 t evid5ce ( its au!nticity1 r ?an ( its exact co9cid5ce ) human reason1 0 to be ma9ly look$ =4 ,we h n[ indicat$1 al?\gh v briefly & imp]fectly1 a few po9ts = consid]ation1 z to ! transmission ( a record$ revelation1 & :at might con/itute suffici5t gr\nds = accept+ x z true2 & we tru/ t :at has be5 said w suffice to %[ t !re w\ld be no great difficulty 9 s h&+ x d[n1 z t x %\ld convey to ! c&id inquir]1 9 ea* succe$+ age1 reasonable evid5ce ( its reality4 ,x may1 h[ev]1 be argu$1 t1 al?\gh su* evid5ce1 z has be5 indicat$1 might well conv9ce ^? :o _h "t & ability to in/itute a se>*+ exam9ation1 ! case is diff]5t ) reg>d to o!rs2 & t1 z a revelation may be presum$ to h a mo/ important be>+ ^u ! int]e/s ( all1 !re %\ld be "s m easy me?od by :i* x may be te/$4 ,n[1 we are q prep>$ to admit t e "o %\ld h suffici5t gr\nds af=d$ him = arriv+ at a decision2 b1 at ! same "t1 we d n conceive t a ?or\gh exam9ation ( ! evid5ce1 made by ea* p]son = himself1 is ! only1 or ev5 pr9cipal1 me?od by :i* a safe conclusion may be rea*$4 ,ea* individual has commonly "s peculi> tal5t1 9 ! ex]cise ( :i* he rea*es an excell5ce1 :i* o!rs1 ^: abilities & pursuits are ( a diff]5t "*1 d n atta9 to4 ,! a/ronom] works out conclusions1 :i*1 ^?1 ^: att5tion has be5 direct$ to o!r subjects1 c\ld nev] h rea*$1 b :i* !y may nev]!less1 ) propriety1 accept z true4 ,x is n e "o :o has "t or ability to sift evid5ce on !ological subjects1 or to criticise manuscripts2 b ! lab\rs ( ^? :o h giv5 _! att5tion to su* ?+s may1 x is evid5t1 ju/ly be available = ! b5efit ( o!rs4 ,ev5 ! wise/ p]son accepts z true mu* on ! te/imony ( o!rs1 & t (t5 on subjects ) :i* he is conv]sant4 ,:5 8 judgm5t is mo/ indep5d5t he w f9d1 if he analyzes x1 t mu* is borr[$4 ,!re is no?+ contr>y to s\nd reason 9 all ?is4 ,)\t x1 little progress c\ld be made 9 any?+4 ,)\t x1 ea* succe$+ age1 in/ead ( /&+ on ! plat=m :i* _h be5 rais$ by t :i* prec$$ x1 w\ld h ! we>y task ( comm5c+ afre%1 & c\ld ?us make few accessions to k4 ,tru/fulness is z mu* a "p ( man's con/itution1 z reason+ or any o!r intellectual process4 ,%\ld x be said t m5 (t5 tru/ wrongly2 x may be repli$ ) equal =ce t !y z frequ5tly reason wrongly4 ,probably !re is less difficulty 9 asc]ta9+ :]e we may safely tru/1 ?an 9 weigh+ evid5ce prop]ly1 or c>ry+ out correctly a tra9 ( reason+4 ,c]ta9ly p h little difficulty1 if !y use _! faculties aright1 9 select+ a fit advis] 9 law or m$ic9e4 ,:y %\ld !re be a great] difficulty ) reg>d to religion8 ,we d n mean t anyone w\ld be ju/ifi$ 9 s plac+ himself "u ! guidance ( ano!r1 z to give up ! ex]cise ( 8 own judgm5t altoge!r2 b1 t he may prop]ly make use ( ! c\nsel ( o!rs1 & t (t5 to su* an ext5t z to ov]rule 8 own views 9 =m+ 8 judgm5t4 ,!re is ano!r consid]ation1 connect$ ) ?is portion ( ! subject1 :i* well des]ves att5tion4 ,a conclusion may be a v correct "o1 & may h be5 rea*$ by a v satisfactory process1 al?\gh ! p]son :o has made x1 may be unable to /ate ! gr\nds ^u :i* x re/s1 or meet ! objections :i* may be made aga9/ x4 ,?is applies n only to ^? cases1 :]e ! conclusion ma9ly re/s ^u tru/1 b also to o!rs4 ,an em95t /atesman recomm5d$ a p]son go+ out 9 an (ficial capacity1 to give 8 decisions confid5tly1 b n to v5ture to decl>e ! reasons4 ,! decisions w\ld probably be "r1 b ! reasons1 z /at$ by him1 might n be4 ,x ne$ n be inf]r$ f ?is t ! reasons ^u :i* he w\ld really act 7 wrong1 b r t f want ( practice1 or p[] ( analysis1 or "s o!r cause1 he w\ld be unable to br+ !m out correctly4 ,! processes ( ?\ght pass s rapidly ?r\gh ! m9d1 t ev5 ! mo/ practis$ ?9k]s (t5 f9d x difficult to arre/ !m 9 _! progress1 & /ate ! v>i\s /eps by :i* !y h arriv$ at _! conclusions4 ,! simple/ & mo/ c]ta9 gr\nds ( our conclusions are1 9 fact1 n unfrequ5tly ^? :i* x is mo/ difficult to br+ out into di/9ct view4 ,!y h s (t5 pass$ ?r\gh ! m9d t we h ceas$ to notice !m1 al?\gh1 all ! :ile1 !y contribute ess5tially to ! judgm5t :i* is =m$2 or !y lie s f> back1 9 ! dep?s ( our consci\sness1 t x is almo/ impossible to recov] !m4 ,necess>ily1 no?+ c be s simple1 or s c]ta91 9 "o s5se1 z intuitions1 t is1 ^? ?+s :i* we "k or believe )\t any int]m$iate process ( ?\ght1 & yet1 d[n to ! pres5t "t1 ^? :o h mo/ deeply /udi$ ! subject hesitate to decide exactly z to :at are intuitions1 & :at are n4 ,we conclude !n t1 :ile1 on ! "o h&1 we %\ld n discr$it ! rational p[]s ( m51 z if !y 7 unequal to p]=m ! task allott$ to !m2 we mu/ n1 on ! o!r1 be easily %ak5 ) reg>d to conclusions :i* h be5 made ) c>e & consid]ation1 because we may be unable to trace out accurately ! argum5ts by :i* !y are support$1 or answ] ! objections :i* are made aga9/ !m4 ,we h n[ consid]$ revelation ) reg>d to ! conditions "u :i* x may be expect$ to be giv51 record$1 & transmitt$1 ) a view to its be+ accept$ & believ$4 ,we d n = a mom5t suppose t we h remov$ e difficulty2 b if we h ^u ! :ole1 made cle> to our read]s ! nature ( ^! conditions1 or1 :]e ?is has n be5 done1 indicat$ ! po9ts at :i* difficulties exi/1 our *ief purpose w h be5 answ]$4 99 99 99 99 99 #f4 ,"h we might leave ! subject1 b we _c =be> add+ "s fur!r obs]vations 9 ref]5ce to t pr(ess$ revelation ( ,god's w :i* is to be f\nd 9 ! ,bible4 ,x is n our int5tion to attempt a summ>y ( ! v>i\s evid5ces :i* exi/ to %[ t x is a real "o2 nor is x our design to reply at l5g? to ! objections :i* h be5 made to invalidate x4 ,!re are h[ev] "s obvi\s facts :i* meet u on ! ?re%old ( ! inquiry1 & :i* c be e/imat$ at _! j value by any c&id inquir]1 to :i* we w\ld direct att5tion4 ,we f9d = in/ance t ! ,bible conta9s a pur] sy/em ( morality1 & conveys a cle>] insight into ! unity & nature ( ,god1 ?an is to be f\nd 9 any o!r book2 & t1 al?\gh x is ! composition ( m51 _m ( !m ignorant & unle>n$1 :o h liv$ at diff]5t times1 & occupi$ v dissimil> positions 9 life1 !re is1 nev]!less1 a wond]ful simil>ity 9 ! ma9 outl9es ( religi\s tru?1 z deliv]$ by all ! writ]s4 ,we "k1 h[ev]1 /ill fur!r1 t ! morality & precepts ( ! ,bible1 al?\gh confess$ly ( a pure & holy "*1 are1 nev]!less1 n ( su* a k9d z to fall 9 ) ! wi%es & passions ( mank9d4 ,to believe t morality mu/ ext5d to ?\ghts z well z actions1 & t an all-see+ ,god notices1 & w "o day call all m5 to a /rict acc\nt1 is n a matt] :i*1 if we may judge f :at we see ar\nd u1 is agreeable to ! feel+s ( mo/ m54 ,nor1 if we look to ! great rem$y propos$ = ! s9 ( man1 su*1 we mean1 z x is suppos$ to be1 by ! great majority ( pr(ess+ ,*ri/ians1 namely1 ! aton+ sacrifice made by ! ,son ( ,god1 d we f9d "h aga9 a matt] :i* ei!r ! reason or ! feel+s ( m5 g5]ally are ready to lead !m to adopt4 ,we see too1 t 9 all ages unbelief has1 m or less1 exi/$1 & objections h be51 f "t to "t1 br\ght =w>d :i* appe>$ likely to h consid]able p[] 9 und]m9+ ! exi/+ belief 9 ! ,bible4 ,p]secution also has ex]cis$ its influ5ce1 &1 x might frequ5tly h be5 suppos$1 accord+ to human calculations1 t x w\ld h avail$ to de/roy all cr$5ce 9 x4 ,& yet1 not)/&+ all ^! circum/ances1 to :i* we h ref]r$1 x is an incontrov]tible fact t a pr(ess$ belief 9 ! ,bible1 z a revelation f ,god1 exi/s mo/ widely4 ,x is1 we may add1 n a little wor?y ( be+ rem>k$ t ! nom5clature ( ! ,bible has obta9$ su* a /rong hold on ! public m9d1 9 our own day1 t _m :o d5y inspiration 9 any di/9ctive s5se1 /ill reta9 ! use ( ?is & o!r words1 z if afraid to make x pla9 h[ f> !y diff] f ^? op9ions :i* are commonly receiv$4 ,! pres5t age is c]ta9ly m enlight5$ ?an any :i* has prec$$ x2 b1 hi!rto at lea/1 a pr(ess$ belief 9 ! or?odox doctr9es ( religion has increas$ r ?an dim9i%$4 ,we f9d moreov] t p]sons ( all ranks1 & e k9d ( m5tal calibre1 h decl>$ t !y f9d some?+ 9 ! ,bible :i* !y d n f9d 9 any o!r book2 some?+1 9 fact1 :i*1 :5 duly receiv$1 comes home to _! he>ts z m51 & seems admirably adapt$ to ! deepe/ wants ( human nature4 ,we see too t ^? :o appe> to h accept$ ! ,bible mo/ fully1 & to hold x mo/ firmly1 h be5 s mu* impress$ ) a s5se ( its importance to ! _w at l>ge1 z to h endeav\r$1 (t5 at consid]able risk & exp5se1 to communicate to o!rs1 bo? at-home & abroad1 ! k ( ^? ?+s :i* !y h receiv$ z tru?s--a me?od ( proce$+ :i* has n be5 adopt$1 &1 9 fact1 c\ld n h be51 )\t a manife/ absurdity1 by ^? :o pr(ess to believe 9 ! inspiration ( ,plato1 ,milton1 ,%akespe>e1 & o!r great1 b1 accord+ to common op9ion1 un9spir$ m54 ,all ^! & v>i\s o!r consid]ations :i* might be adduc$ seem to m>k out ! ,bible1 z be+ a book at lea/ diff]5t f all o!r books1 & to lead to ! presumption t x may conta9 t k ( ,god :i*1 z has be5 rem>k$ 9 ! e>li] "p ( ^! ,?\ghts1 x appe>s mo/ important = m5 to be acqua9t$ )1 & a revelation ( :i*1 9 "s way or o!r1 has be5 v commonly believ$ 94 ,assur$ly !re is a /rong presumption 9 its fav\r1 & ! onus prob&i1 9 our own day1 lies ) ^? :o d5y its claims to acceptance4 ,:e!r h[ev] ! ,bible actually is1 or conta9s a revelation f ,god is /ill a fair subject = rev]5t exam9ation4 ,)\t attempt+ to ent] ^u su* an exam9ation "h1 we may1 )\t impropriety1 (f] a sugge/ion z to ! _s 9 :i* x %\ld be conduct$4 ,x mu/ be rememb]$ t ! exam9ation ( a !ological1 or any o!r subject :i* be>s ^u ! int]e/s ( our daily lives1 involves pr9ciples ( a v diff]5t "* f ^? :i* are connect$ ) an inve/igation ( ! sci5ce ( numb]1 or any o!r ab/ract sci5ce4 ,ma!matical & num]ical inve/igations advance f pr9ciples :i* are cle>ly def9$1 & almo/ univ]sally ackn[l$g$ to be self-evid5t2 ! reason+ also is ( su* a k9d z to preclude ! admission ( error4 ,9 !ology ! case is diff]5t4 ,!re1 x is difficult to def9e ) accuracy ! po9ts f :i* ! reason+ comm5ces1 & also to exclude1 ) c]ta9ty1 ! possibility ( error 9 ! reason+ itself4 ,!re is1 too1 ano!r ess5tial diff]5ce betwe5 ab/ract sci5ces & o!r subjects ( inquiry4 ,x is n only self-evid5t t two /raight l9es _c enclose a space1 b ! judgm5t :i* ! m9d gives on ! subject is n 9 any dang] ( be+ di/urb$ by ! feel+s4 ,9 !ology1 h[ev]1 ! matt]s :i* come "u consid]ation are s mix$ up ) our ne>e/ & de>e/ int]e/s1 t ! feel+s are call$ into play at e /ep ( ! inve/igation1 & a j balance ( ! judgm5t _c be pres]v$ )\t ! ex]cise ( mu* c>e4 ,h5ce ! necessity ( endeav\r+ to pres]ve a c&id & unruffl$ _s 9 all enquiries connect$ ) religion4 ,no d\bt ^? feel+s :i* a b5efic5t ,god has implant$ ) a view to assi/ u 9 decid+1 are to h _! due weight2 b c]ta9ly !re is ne$ ( caution1 le/ !y influ5ce u unduly4 ,if ! judge ?9ks x ne$ful to *>ge ! jury to dismiss f _! m9ds ev]y?+ :i* might t5d to influ5ce _! judgm5ts 9 an improp] mann]1 & att5d only to ! evid5ce1 ev5 ?\gh ! matt] ab\t :i* !y h to decide is usually "o 9 :i* !y h no p]sonal int]e/2 x c]ta9ly does n appe> unnecess>y to give a simil> caution on a subject1 ) reg>d to :i* feel+ has assum$ s /rong a =m z to give rise to ! "n1 odium !ologicum4 ,we deceive ourselves1 if we imag9e t we approa* ! subject )\t any dang] ( judg+ x unfairly4 ,?is caution1 und\bt$ly applies to all :o discuss !ological que/ions2 b we ?9k t we %all n be mak+ an unw>rant$ ass]tion1 if we say t x applies 9 a special mann] to ^? :o impugn ! ,bible revelation1 :5 x is rememb]$ t ! doctr9es conta9$ 9 x1 z !y h g5]ally be5 receiv$ by ^? :o are call$ or?odox ,*ri/ians1 are ( su* a k9d z v commonly to excite1 9 ! fir/ in/ance at lea/1 a /rong feel+ ( opposition4 ,! ,bible itself intimates ?is1 & common exp]i5ce be>s witness to x z be+ a fact4 ,we are n n[ say+ t ! doctr9es ( ! purity & hol9ess ( ,god1 ! dreadful nature ( s91 ! ne$ ( an atonem5t1 ! inability ( man to pres5t himself be=e ,god 9 m]its ( 8 own1 & o!rs ( a simil> k9d are true2 b we may prop]ly say t1 :e!r true or false1 !y are su* z frequ5tly raise a /rong feel+ ( opposition2 & !re=e t ^? :o exam9e !m1 ) ! view ( asc]ta9+ _! "*1 /& 9 special ne$ ( ! caution to pres]ve a calm & c&id _s4 ,x w n be out ( place to introduce "h ano!r consid]ation :i* has a be>+ ^u ?is "p ( ! subject1 namely1 ! sup]natural aid :i* ! ,bible (f]s t[>ds ! und]/&+ & acceptance ( its doctr9es4 ,x is q conceivable t a /ate ( ?+s might exi/ 9 :i* su* aid w\ld be :olly unnecess>y4 ,we might suppose a case 9 :i* ! nature ( man 0 s entirely 9 h>mony ) itself1 & s exactly attun$ to ! tru?s ( a ,div9e revelation1 z readily to accept x1 :5 x 0 pres5t$2 b ! "q we h to decide is1 :e!r man's nature is actually 9 ?is /ate or n4 ,obs]vation leads u to believe t x is n4 ,:e!r we accept ! scripture /atem5t ( ! fall or n1 we mu/ n %ut our eyes to ! fact t x is difficult = virtue to =ce its way1 :ile vice has _m vot>ies4 ,h[ev] conv9c+1 ab/ract$ly1 ! reasons may be to en=ce ! claims ( virtue1 x is evid5t t !y possess b little p[] to lead ! l>ge majority ( mank9d4 ,hi/ory & exp]i5ce te/ify to ?is4 ,sc>ce any d5y ! evid5ce 9 fav\r ( virtue1 al?\gh few are cont5t to be gov]n$ by x4 ,n[ x may be fairly presum$ t any revelation :i* ! ,div9e ,be+ might make w\ld be 9 ! int]e/s ( virtue2 x may be reasonably expect$ too t x w\ld be support$ by /rong evid5ce3 b1 if1 z actual obs]vation makes x cle> is ! case1 ! feel+s ( mank9d are m incl9$ to reject ?an accept ! claims ( virtue1 ! evid5ce1 h[ev] /rong1 w n produce ! effect :i* x w\ld1 if ! m9d 7 m ju/ly balanc$1 & ?us ! revelation w be 9 dang] ( be+ reject$4 ,su* rejection1 be x rememb]$1 ne$ n result f any defici5cy ( evid5ce1 b may arise f an indisposition to receive x4 ,= our own "p we believe t ! evid5ce 9 fav\r ( ! or?odox views ( scripture /atem5ts is f> /rong] ?an c be f\nd 9 support ( any o!r subject ( a l k9d3 b1 at ! same "t1 tak+ into consid]ation ! actual t5d5cies ( human nature1 we are n surpris$ t x does n produce ! effect :i* x %\ld d2 & !re=e x appe>s to u n unreasonable to suppose t ,god might ex]cise "s su* sup]natural p[] ^u ! m9d1 z ! ,bible speaks (1 ) ! view ( dispos+ x to ! reception ( a revelation4 ,t ,god does at times int]f]e 9 a mann]1 out ( ! usual c\rse ( ,8 ,provid5ce1 ) reg>d to o!r matt]s1 especially 9 answ] to pray]1 is believ$ almo/ univ]sally4 ,we _c ent] "h into a discussion z to ! f\ndation ( ! belief2 b1 c]ta9ly s long z ! records ( mank9d g back1 & s f> z ! exp]i5ce ( ! pres5t day conducts u1 ! belief has be5 ent]ta9$1 & pray] seems to be ! natural expression ( man's he>t 9 all cases ( difficulty4 ,m5 w believe 91 & appeal to1 a sup]natural p[]1 & x is h>d to suppose t a t5d5cy s univ]sal & deeply seat$1 %\ld h no solid f\ndation4 ,b if pray]1 = aid & direction f above1 is ! natural outp\r+ ( man's he>t ) reg>d to ! m ord9>y affairs ( life1 !re appe>s to be no reason :y pray] %\ld n be (f]$ up = c\nsel & guidance ) reg>d to a pr(ess$ revelation1 & t an answ] %\ld be expect$4 ,at lea/1 x c h>dly be said t ^? h fairly te/$ ! claims ( scripture to be receiv$ z a revelation f ,god1 :o h n compli$ ) ! conditions :i* x has laid d[n z to ! mann] 9 :i* x %\ld be /udi$4 ,we n[ leave ! subject1 draw+ ! att5tion ( our read]s to ! pray] ( "o ( our greate/ poets1 & e>ne/ly hop+ t 8 pray] may be !irs3-- 4 4 4 ,:at 9 me is d>k1 ,illum9e2 :at is l[1 raise & support2 ,t to ! height ( ?is great argum5t ,i may ass]t ,et]nal ,provid5ce1 ,& ju/ify ! ways ( ,god to man4 ,p>adise ,lo/4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,london3 ,,w]!im1 ,,mac9to%1 ,,& ,,hunt4 ,by ! same ,au?or1 ,,?\ghts ,,on ,,miracles4 ,,price ,,sixp5ce4 ,footnotes3 #ag ,on ! subject ( ! ,mosaic cosmogony1 see a v int]e/+ ,lett] f ,sir ,isaac ,newton to ,dr4 ,?omas ,burnet1 9 ,sir ,david ,brew/]'s ,life ( ,newton1 pp4 #dej-dec4