,! ,sup]natural 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t ,possible1 ,cr$ible1 & ,hi/orical ,or3 ,an ,exam9ation ( ! ,validity ( ,"s ,rec5t ,objections ,aga9/ ,*ri/ianity z a ,div9e ,revelation ,by ! ,rev4 ,*>les ,a4 ,r[1 ,m4,a4 ,preb5d>y ( ,/4 ,paul's ,au?or ( 8,! ,jesus ( ! ,evangeli/s10 8,! ,nature & ,ext5t ( ,div9e ,inspiration10 8,! ,moral ,tea*+ ( ! ,new ,te/am5t10 ,etc4 ,london ,fr$]ic ,norgate #ahge ,,cont5ts ,d$ication4 ,*apt] ,i4 ,introduction4 ,! ,position ( ! ,controv]sy ,betwe5 ! ,oppon5ts & ! ,def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,*apt] ,,ii4 ,def9itions ( ,t]ms4 ,*apt] ,,iii4 ,! ,sup]natural ,elem5ts ,conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t3 ,9 ,:at ,d ,!y ,consi/8 ,& ,:at ,view ,d ,its ,writ]s ,take ,respect+ ,!m8 ,*apt] ,,iv4 ,miracles1 ,:at ,d ,!y ,prove8 ,*apt] ,v4 ,! ,antec$5t ,improbability ( ,miracles4--,! ,unkn[n & ,unkn[able ,god4 ,*apt] ,,vi4 ,! ,objection ,t ,miracles ,are ,contr>y ,to ,reason ,consid]$4 ,*apt] ,,vii4 ,! ,allegation ,t ,no ,te/imony ,c ,prove ,! ,tru? ,( ,a ,sup]natural ,ev5t4 ,*apt] ,,viii4 ,! ,objection ,t ,! ,def5d]s ,( ,*ri/ianity ,assume ,c]ta9 ,facts ,! ,tru? ,( ,:i* ,c ,only ,be ,kn[n ,by ,revelation1 ,& ,!n ,reason ,f ,^? ,facts ,to ,! ,tru? ,( ,! ,bible1 ,consid]$4 ,*apt] ,,ix4 ,demoniacal ,miracles--,g5]al ,consid]ations4 ,*apt] ,x4 ,! ,exi/5ce ,& ,miracles ,( ,satan4 ,*apt] ,,xi4 ,possession3 ,is ,! ,!ory ,t ,x ,0 ,madness ,subv]sive ,( ,! ,hi/orical ,value ,( ,! ,gospels ,or ,inconsi/5t ,) ,! ,v]acity ,( ,*ri/8 ,*apt] ,,xii4 ,possession1 ,if ,an ,objective ,reality1 ,nei!r ,incr$ible ,nor ,contr>y ,to ,! ,asc]ta9$ ,tru?s ,( ,m5tal ,sci5ce4 ,*apt] ,,xiii4 ,! ,alleg$ ,cr$ulity ,( ,! ,foll[]s ,( ,jesus4 ,*apt] ,,xiv4 ,! ,love ,( ,! ,m>vell\s--,its ,be>+ ,on ,! ,value ,( ,te/imony ,to ,miracles4 ,*apt] ,,xv4 ,our ,summ>y ,rejection ,( ,curr5t ,sup]naturalism ,consid]$ ,9 ,its ,be>+ ,on ,! ,evid5ce ,= ,miracles4 ,*apt] ,,xvi4 ,g5]al ,objections ,to ,miracles ,z ,cr$5tials ,( ,a ,revelation4 ,*apt] ,,xvii4 ,! ,hi/orical ,evid5ce ,on ,:i* ,! ,great ,facts ,( ,*ri/ianity ,re/--,g5]al ,consid]ations4 ,*apt] ,,xviii4 ,! ,te/imony ,( ,! ,*ur*1 ,& ,( ,/4 ,paul's ,epi/les1 ,to ,! ,facts ,( ,primitive ,*ri/ianity4 ,_! ,hi/orical ,value ,consid]$4 ,*apt] ,,xix4 ,! ,evid5ce ,furni%$ ,by ,! ,epi/les ,to ,! ,facts ,( ,our ,"l's ,life1 ,& ,to ,! ,tru? ,( ,! ,resurrection4 ,*apt] ,,xx4 ,! ,resurrection ,( ,jesus ,*ri/ ,an ,hi/orical ,fact4 ,*apt] ,,xxi4 ,! ,hi/orical ,value ,( ,! ,gospels ,z ,d$uc$ ,f ,previ\s ,consid]ations4 ,*apt] ,,xxii4 ,! ,hi/orical ,"* ,( ,! ,gospels ,z ,d$uc$ ,f ,_! ,int]nal ,/ructure4 ,footnotes ,cov] ,art ,transcrib]'s ,note3 ,! above cov] image 0 produc$ by ! submitt] at ,di/ribut$ ,pro(read]s1 & is be+ plac$ into ! public doma94 ,,d$ication4 ,to ,! ,committee ,( ,! ,*ri/ian ,evid5ce ,society4 ,my ,lords & ,g5tlem51 ,hav+ und]tak5 to compose ?is "w at y\r reque/1 ,i beg p]mission to d$icate x to y4 ,9 do+ s ,i feel t x is a duty :i* ,i owe bo? to y & to myself t ,i %\ld /ate ! position :i* we respectively occupy ) reg>d to x4 ,y\r responsibility is conf9$ to hav+ reque/$ me to compose a "w 9 refutation ( c]ta9 pr9ciples n[ widely dissem9at$1 :i* impugn ! sup]natural elem5ts conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,= ! cont5ts ( ! "w & = ! mode ( treatm5t ,i alone am responsible4 ,:5 ,i consid]$ ! position ( ! pres5t controv]sy1 ,i felt t x 0 impossible to treat ! subject satisfactorily except on ! pr9ciple t ! responsibility = ! mode ( conduct+ ! argum5t & ( answ]+ ! objections %\ld re/ ) ! writ] alone4 ,9 deal+ ) a subject s complicat$1 involv+ z x does que/ions ( philosophy & sci5ce z well z ! pr9ciples ( hi/orical criticism1 ,i c sc>cely v5ture to hope t e position :i* ,i h tak5 w prove acceptable to all ! v>i\s %ades ( !ological ?\ght4 ,i h endeav\r$ to take su* z seem$ to me to be logically def5sible )\t any ref]5ce to p>ticul> s*ools ( !ological op9ion4 ,z ! entire "q is ess5tially hi/orical1 ,i h done my utmo/ to exclude f x all discussions t are /rictly !ological4 ,mod]n unbelief h[ev] puts 9 two objections :i* if valid r5d] all hi/orical evid5ce 9 pro( ( ! occurr5ce ( miracles nugatory1 namely t !y are bo? impossible & incr$ible4 ,9 meet+ ^! ,i h be5 compell$ to appeal to :at appe> to me to be ! pr9ciples ( a s\nd philosophy4 ,9 all o!r respects ,i h view$ ! "q be=e me z exclusively "o ( hi/orical evid5ce4 ,if ! ,resurrection ( our ,"l is an actual occurr5ce1 x foll[s t ,*ri/ianity mu/ be a div9e revelation4 ,if x is n1 no am\nt ( o!r evid5ce w avail to prove x to be s4 ,z x has be5 /rongly affirm$ t = ?is great fact1 :i* con/itutes ! c5tral position ( ,*ri/ianity1 ! hi/orical evid5ce is wor?less1 ,i h devot$ ! latt] portion ( ?is volume to ! consid]ation ( ?is "q1 ) a view ( putt+ be=e ! read] ! value ( ! ,new ,te/am5t :5 contemplat$ z simple hi/ory4 ,us+ ! ,epi/les z ! f\ndation ( my argum5t1 ,i h endeav\r$ to prove t ! greate/ ( all ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels re/s on an atte/ation t is unsurpass$ by any ev5t record$ 9 hi/ory4 ,= ?is purpose ,i h us$ ! ,epi/les z simple hi/orical docum5ts1 & ,i h claim$ = !m precisely ! same value :i* is conc$$ to o!r writ+s ( a simil> description4 ,! feel+ among ,*ri/ians t ^! writ+s conta9 ! great pr9ciples ( ! ,*ri/ian fai? has occasion$ x to be ov]look$ t !y are also contempor>y hi/orical docum5ts ( ! highe/ ord]4 ,z su* ,i h us$ !m 9 pro( ( ! great facts ( ,*ri/ianity1 above all 9 pro( ( ! greate/ ( !m1 ! ,resurrection ( our ,"l4 ,) ^! obs]vations ,i n[ pres5t y ! foll[+ "w1 ) ! hope t x may prove ! means ( remov+ _m ( ! difficulties ) :i* rec5t controv]sial writ]s h endeav\r$ to obscure ! subject4 ,tru/+ t x maybe accept$ by ! great ,head ( ! ,*ur*1 ! reality ( ^: life & tea*+ z !y are record$ 9 ! ,gospels x is design$ to e/abli%1 ,i rema91 my ,lords & ,g5tlem51 ,y\r's fai?fully1 ,c4 ,a4 ,r[4 ,london1 ,janu>y1 #ahge4 ,,*apt] ,i4 ,,introduction4 ,,! ,,position ,,( ,,! ,,controv]sy ,,betwe5 ,,! ,,oppon5ts ,,& ,,! ,,def5d]s ,,( ,,*ri/ianity4 ,al?\gh e portion ( ! ,bible is vehem5tly assail$ by ! v>i\s =ms ( mod]n ,scepticism1 x is cle> t ! real turn+ po9t ( ! controv]sy betwe5 ^? :o affirm t ,god has made a sup]natural revelation ( himself to mank9d1 & ^? :o d5y x1 c5tres 9 ^? portions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t :i* affirm ! pres5ce ( ! sup]natural4 ,! "q may be /ill fur!r n>r[$ into ! inquiry :e!r ! p]son & actions ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 z !y are depict$ 9 ! ,gospels1 are hi/orical facts1 or fictiti\s inv5tions4 ,if ! oppon5ts ( ,revelation c prove t !y are ! latt]1 ! entire controv]sy w end 9 _! fav\r4 ,x w\ld 9 t case be utt]ly useless to attempt to def5d any o!r portion ( ! ,bible2 & ! controv]sy respect+ ! ,old ,te/am5t becomes a m]e wa/e ( lab\r4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 ,*ri/ians c prove t ! n>ratives ( ! f\r ,gospels1 or ev5 ( any "o ( !m1 are a true repres5tation ( hi/orical facts1 !n x is c]ta9 t ,god has made a revelation ( himself1 not)/&+ ! objections :i* may be urg$ aga9/ c]ta9 positions :i* h be5 tak5 by ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity1 & ! difficulties by :i* c]ta9 que/ions connect$ ) ! ,old ,te/am5t are surr\nd$4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! hi/orical tru? ( ! facts n>rat$ 9 ! ,gospels con/itutes ! c5tral position ( ! entire controv]sy4 ,x is n my purpose on ! pres5t occasion to discuss ! g5]al "q1 :e!r ! del9eation ( ,jesus ,*ri/ :i* ! ,gospels conta9 is "o ( an ideal or an hi/orical p]son4 ,t "q ,i h already consid]$ 9 8,! ,jesus ( ! ,evangeli/s40 ,b z ! v>i\s =ms ( mod]n unbelief are mak+ ! mo/ /r5u\s ef=ts to prove t ! sup]natural elem5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are hopelessly incr$ible1 & t ! atte/ation on :i* ! sup]natural occurr5ces m5tion$ 9 x re/s1 is simply wor?less1 x is my int5tion to devote ! pres5t volume to ! consid]ation ( ?is special subject1 & to exam9e ! "q ( miracles1 & _! hi/orical cr$ibility4 ,mod]n scepticism makes ) respect to sup]natural occurr5ces 7"u :i* m g5]al t]m ,i include ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t71 ! ?ree foll[+ ass]tions1 & endeav\rs to sub/antiate !m by e available argum5t3 #a/4 ,t all sup]natural occurr5ces are impossible4 #bnd4 ,t1 if n impossible1 !y are incr$ible2 t is1 t !y are contr>y to reason4 #crd4 ,t ^? :i* are n>rat$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t are devoid ( any adequate hi/orical atte/ation1 & owe _! orig9 to ! inv5tive p[]s ( ! my?ic & leg5d>y _s4 ,x is my purpose1 9 ! c\rse ( ! pres5t "w1 to trav]se ea* ( ^! ?ree positions1 & to %[3 #a/4 ,t miracles & sup]natural occurr5ces are n impossible2 & t ! argum5ts by :i* ?is has be5 attempt$ to be e/abli%$ are :olly inconclusive4 #bnd4 ,t !y are nei!r incr$ible1 nor contr>y to reason2 b are entirely consi/5t ) its dictates4 #crd1 ,t ! greate/ ( all ! miracles :i* are record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & :i*1 if an actual hi/orical occurr5ce1 is suffici5t to c>ry ) x all ! o!rs1 ! resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 re/s on ! highe/ =m ( hi/orical te/imony4 ,su* is my position4 ,a rec5t writ]1 :o has ably advocat$ ! pr9ciples ( mod]n scepticism1 ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion10 has 9 ! op5+ passage ( 8 "w cle>ly plac$ be=e u ! real po9t at issue4 ,he /ates ! case z foll[s3 8,on ! v ?re%old ( inquiry into ! orig9 & true "* ( ,*ri/ianity we are br\ght face to face ) ! sup]natural4 ,x is impossible1 )\t totally sett+ aside its peculi> & indisp5sable claim to be a direct ext]nal revelation f ,god ( tru?s :i* o!rwise human reason c\ld n h discov]$1 to treat ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity z a =m ( religion develop$ by ! wisdom ( man4 ,n only 9 =m does x pr(ess to be ! result ( div9e communication1 b 9 its v ess5ce1 9 its pr9cipal dogmas x is ei!r sup]human or unt5able4 ,!re is no "q "h ( m]e accessories1 :i* are comp>atively unimportant1 & d n necess>ily affect ! ess5tial matt]1 b we h to d ) a s*eme ( religion claim+ to be miracul\s 9 all po9ts1 9 =m1 9 ess5ce1 & 9 evid5ce4 ,?is religion _c be accept$ )\t an emphatic belief 9 sup]natural int]position1 & x is absurd to imag9e t its dogmas c be held1 :il/ ! miracul\s is reject$4 ,^? :o pr(ess to hold ! religion1 :il/ !y discr$it ! sup]natural elem5t1 & !y are _m at ! pres5t day1 h widely rec$$ f ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity4 ,x is mo/ important t ! insep>able connection ( ! miracul\s ) ! orig91 doctr9es1 & ! evid5ce ( ,*ri/ianity %\ld be cle>ly und]/ood1 9 ord] t inquiry may pursue a logical & consi/5t c\rse40--,sup]natural ,religion1 page #a47a7 ,i fully accept all ! *ief positions laid d[n 9 ?is passage z an adequate /atem5t ( ! po9ts at issue betwe5 ^? :o affirm & ^? :o d5y t ,*ri/ianity is a div9e revelation4 ,a few m9or po9ts require a slight modification1 z incurr+ ! dang] ( confus+ ideas t ought to be c>efully di/+ui%$4 ,! writ] be=e me also raises no m9or issue4 ,al?\gh ! "w is entitl$ 8,sup]natural ,religion1 or an inquiry into ! reality ( div9e revelation10 its object1 :i* is consi/5tly c>ri$ out ?r\gh\t x1 is to impugn ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels1 & to prove t ! sup]natural occurr5ces :i* are record$ 9 !m are fictiti\s4 ,! title ( ! "w might h ju/ifi$ ! writ] 9 assail+ o!r portions ( ! ,bible2 b he cle>ly sees t to adopt ?is c\rse is only to attack ! outworks ( ,*ri/ianity1 & to leave ! key ( ! entire position unassail$4 ,9 do+ s he has pursu$ a f> nobl] c\rse ?an t :i* has be5 adopt$ by _m ( ! oppon5ts ( ! ,*ri/ian fai?4 ,he has direct$ 8 attack aga9/ ! v c5tre ( ! ,*ri/ian position1 ! hi/orical cr$ibility ( ! sup]natural actions attribut$ to ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 ! ,gospels1 be+ well aw>e t a successful assault on ?is position w involve ! capture ( all ! outworks by :i* x is suppos$ to be protect$2 :ile x by no means foll[s t a successful assault on any ( ! latt] involves ! capture ( ! citadel itself4 ,?is writ] does n take up a bye "q1 b he goes direct to ! f\ndation on :i* ,*ri/ianity re/s4 ,9 do+ s1 x mu/ be ackn[l$g$ t he has tak5 a /raight=w>d c\rse1 & "o :i* mu/ br+ ! "q ( ! tru? or falsehood ( ,*ri/ianity to a direct issue4 ,i fully agree ) ! *ief position tak5 9 ! quotation be=e u1 t ,*ri/ianity involves ! pres5ce ( ! sup]natural & ! sup]human1 :at 9 fact is g5]ally designat$ z ! miracul\s1 or x is no?+4 ,to remove ^! elem5ts out ( ! pages ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is n to reta9 ! same religion1 b to manufacture ano!r q diff]5t & di/9ct f x4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 we h ! great c5tral figure 9 ! ,gospels1 ! div9e p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/ our ,"l1 & ! entire body ( 8 actions & 8 tea*+4 ,he1 al?\gh depict$ z human1 is at ! same "t depict$ z sup]human & sup]natural1 n m]ely 9 8 miracul\s works1 b 9 8 entire "*4 ,to remove ! div9e l9eam5ts ( ,jesus ,*ri/ out ( ! ,gospels is simply to de/roy !m4 ,besides ?is1 we h a l>ge numb] ( miracul\s actions attribut$ to him4 ,^! are inextricably int]wov5 ) ! entire n>rative1 :i*1 :5 !y are tak5 away1 loses all cohesion4 ,lives ( ,jesus :i* h be5 set =?1 depriv$ ( _! sup]natural & sup]human elem5ts1 are 9 fact no?+ bett] ?an a new ,gospel compos$ out ( ! subjective consci\sness ( ! writ]s4 ,v>i\s attempts h be5 made to p>e d[n ! sup]natural & sup]human elem5ts 9 ! ,gospels to ! smalle/ possible dim5sions4 ,/ill !y ob/9ately p]si/ 9 rema9+4 ,if ev]y?+ else is /ruck out ( ! ,gospels1 except _! moral tea*+1 we are left 9 ! pres5ce ( tea*+ :i* is rais$ at an imm5se elevation above ! ?\ghts & conceptions ( ! age t produc$ x2 & ( a tea*]1 :o :ile di/+ui%$ by ! m>ks ( preem95t hol9ess & greatness ( m9d1 is also di/+ui%$ by a degree ( selfass]tion 9 8 utt]ances ( moral tru?1 :i* is )\t p>allel1 ev5 among ! mo/ presumptu\s ( m54 ,deal ) ! ,gospels z we w1 :ile we all[ any portions ( !m to rema9 z hi/orical1 we are /ill 9 ! pres5ce ( ! sup]human4 ,z ! n>rative n[ /&s x is at lea/ h>moni\s4 ,! l(ty pret5sions ( ! tea*] be> ! mo/ intimate correlation to ! sup]natural & sup]human facts t are report$ ( him4 ,! "o are ! complem5t ( ! o!r4 ,if ! facts are true1 ! l(ty self ass]tion ( ! tea*] is ju/ifi$2 if !y are n true1 8 pret5sions conflict ) ! entire conception ( 8 hol9ess & elevation ( m9d4 ,! use :i* a wide spread s*ool ( mod]n criticism s freely makes ( ! critical dissect+ knife1 = ! purpose ( amputat+ ! sup]natural f ! ,gospels1 c only be att5d$ by ! fatal t]m9ation ( de/roy+ ! entire ,gospels z ( ! smalle/ hi/orical value4 ,x is m>vell\s t p]sons :o reta9 any respect = ,*ri/ianity z a sy/em ( religi\s & moral tea*+1 %\ld h attempt$ to ?r[ discr$it on ?is elem5t 9 ! ,gospels ) a view ( sav+ ! rema9d]4 ,nor is ! case diff]5t ) ! o!r portions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,*ri/ianity1 z enunciat$ by its writ]s1 does n pr(ess m]ely to tea* a new & improv$ sy/em ( morality4 ,if ?is 0 its only pret5sion1 x w\ld c]ta9ly h b little claim to be view$ z a div9e revelation4 ,9 morals its tea*+ is bo? unsy/ematic & fragm5t>y2 ?\gh x is an unque/ionable fact1 t a great sy/em ( moral tea*+ may be d$uc$ f ! pr9ciples x unfolds4 ,b if "o ?+ is pla9] ?an ano!r on ! face ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 x is t ! great purpose s\ght to be effect$ by ,*ri/ianity is to imp>t a new moral & spiritual p[] to mank9d4 ,x pr(esses to be1 n a body ( moral rules1 b a mighty moral =ce1 :i* is conc5trat$ 9 ! p]son ( its ,f\nd]4 ,! acceptance ( x _h g5]at$ a new p[] or en]gy1 a moral & spiritual life1 :i* rais$ ^? :o _h embrac$ x above _! =m] selves2 & :i* x pr(esses to be able to imp>t to all "t4 ,?is sup]natural elem5t1 conc5trat$ z ,i h said t x is 9 ! p]son ( its f\nd]1 runs ?r\gh ! entire epi/les1 & con/itutes _! mo/ di/+ui%+ feature4 ,if ! sup]natural elem5ts 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/ be remov$ f _! tea*+ no?+ rema9s b a numb] ( moral precepts robb$ ( all _! vitality4 ,9 "o ^w1 ! :ole sy/em ( tea*+ simply collapses4 ,9 a simil> mann]1 if we elim9ate e ?+ sup]natural out ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ) a view ( arriv+ at a residuum ( tru?1 we are br\ght into imm$iate contact ) ! mo/ unique fact 9 ! hi/ory ( man1 ! creation ( ! ,*ur* ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ! greate/ in/itution :i* has ev] affect$ ! de/9ies ( our race1 & :i* has = eighte5 c5turies ex]t$ a mo/ comm&+ influ5ce on human happ9ess & civilization4 ,?is is pr(ess$ly bas$ on a miracul\s fact1 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,if1 !re=e1 we remove ! sup]natural elem5ts out ( ,*ri/ianity1 ?is in/itution1 mighty = good 9 its influ5ce on ! progress ( our race1 has be5 bas$ on an unreality & a delusion4 ,"h aga9 we enc\nt] some?+ :i* has v mu* ! appe>ance ( ! sup]natural4 ,on ^! acc\nts1 !re=e1 ,i cordially accept ! position :i* is laid d[n by ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 z a correct /atem5t ( ! case1 t ,*ri/ianity involves ! pres5ce ( ! ,sup]natural1 or x is no?+4 ,we mu/ ei!r def5d ! *ief sup]natural elem5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t or ab&on x z wor?less4 ,b !re is an expression :i* occurs 9 ?is quotation1 & :i* is frequ5tly made use ( 9 subsequ5t p>ts ( ! "w1 :i* requires consid]ation1 8,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity40 ,:at is int5d$ by x8 ,! mean+ is n[h]e def9$1 & unless we come to a cle> und]/&+ ) respect to x1 we %all be 9 dang] ( complicat+ ! entire "q4 ,! expression is ambigu\s4 ,if by x is meant any o!r =m ( ?\ght1 ?an t :i* is conta9$ 9 ! pages ( ! ,new ,te/am5t2 if1 9 fact1 by x is int5d$ a sy/ematic arrangem5t ( doctr9al tru?1 :i* has be5 elaborat$ at a subsequ5t p]iod1 ,i emphatically ass]t t ^? :o are call$ ^u to def5d ! div9e "* ( ! ,*ri/ian ,revelation h no?+ to d ) x4 ,! only ?+ :i* ^? :o ma9ta9 t ! ,new ,te/am5t conta9s a div9e revelation c be call$ on to def5d1 is ! express /atem5ts ( ! book itself1 & n a sy/em ( ?\ght :i* subsequ5t writ]s may h attempt$ to d$uce f x4 ,?is po9t is s important1 t ,i mu/ make ! position :i* ,i int5d tak+ ) respect to x cle>4 ,x involves ! di/9ction betwe5 revelation & !ology4 ,! religi\s & moral tea*+ :i* is conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t is 9 a v unsy/ematic =m4 ,n "o ( its writ+s is a =mal treatise on !ology1 nor does "o ( !m conta9 a sy/ematis$ /atem5t ( :at con/itutes ,*ri/ianity4 ,its tea*+ ( religi\s tru? is incid5tal1 & is call$ =? by ! special circum/ances ( ! writ]4 ,! pla9 fact is t f\r ( ! writ+s :i* comprise ! ,new ,te/am5t are religions memoirs4 ,"o is an hi/orical acc\nt ( ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ur*4 ,tw5ty"o are lett]s1 writt5 to diff]5t ,*ur*es & individuals1 & all call$ =? by special em]g5cies4 ,^! all p>take ( ! hi/orical "*4 ,! only "o :i* does n p>ticipate 9 ?is "* is ! ,apocalypse1 :i*1 be+ a vision1 is utt]ly unlike a =mal or sy/ematic treatise on ,*ri/ianity4 ,! result ( ! =m 9 :i* ! ,new ,te/am5t is compos$ is t its def9ite tea*+ is always incid5tal1 call$ =? to meet special circum/ances & occasions 9 ! hi/ory ( ,*ur*es & individuals1 & nev] =mal4 ,x is also univ]sally c\*$ 9 popul>1 z di/9ct f sci5tific or te*nical language4 ,n "o ( its writ]s makes an attempt to =mulate a sy/em ( ,*ri/ian !ology4 ,! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/ con/itutes ,*ri/ianity 9 its true/ & highe/ s5se4 ,?ree ( ! ,gospels embody ! tradition>y tea*+ ( ! ,*ur* on ?is subject4 ,! f\r? is ! "w ( an indep5d5t writ]4 ,! epi/les may be receiv$ z a set ( incid5tal comm5t>ies on ! p]son & "w ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 call$ =? by ! special occasions :i* gave !m bir?1 & embody+ ! au?or's g5]al views z to 8 "w & tea*+ z adapt$ to a numb] ( special circum/ances & occasions4 ,betwe5 ! cont5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t & :at is commonly und]/ood by ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity ! diff]5ce is extremely wide4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t conta9s a div9e revelation4 ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity is a body ( religi\s tea*+ 9 :i* ,*ri/ianity has be5 attempt$ to be pres5t$ 9 a sy/ematis$ =m1 or1 9 o!r words1 x is a !ology m or less complete4 ,x is necess>y t we %\ld h a cle> appreciation ( ! diff]5ce4 ,!ology is an attempt ( ! human intellect to pres5t to u ! tru?s communicat$ 9 ,revelation 9 a sy/ematis$ =m4 ,x is 9 fact ! result ( ! human reason inve/igat+ ! facts & /atem5ts ( ,revelation4 ,!ology !re=e is a simple creation ( human reason erect$ on ! facts ( div9e revelation4 ,z su* x is subject to all ! errors & imp]fections to :i* our rational p[]s are obnoxi\s4 ,x c claim no infallibility m ?an any o!r rational action ( ! human m9d4 ,!ology is a sci5ce1 & is subject to ! imp]fections to :i* all o!r sci5ces are liable4 ,x /&s to ! facts ( ,*ri/ianity 9 ! same relation z philosophy & physical sci5ce /& to ! works ( nature4 ,9 ! "o ! human intellect inve/igates ! div9e revelation conta9$ 9 ! works ( nature1 & endeav\rs to sy/ematise its tru?s3 9 ! o!r x does ! same ) respect to ! div9e revelation :i* 9 accordance ) ! ass]tions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t has be5 made 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,:at ,i am desir\s ( draw+ att5tion to is t !ology is n revelation4 ,sy/ems ( !ology may be accurate d$uctions ( reason f ,revelation2 or !y may be inaccurate & imp]fect ones4 ,x is v possible t a sy/em ( !ology :i* has be5 evolv$ by human reason1 al?\gh x may h atta9$ a wide acceptance1 may be z inadequate an explanation ( ! facts ( revelation1 z ! ,ptolemaic sy/em ( a/ronomy 0 ( ! facts ( ! mat]ial univ]se4 ,objections :i* 7 rais$ aga9/ ! latt] 7 no real objections aga9/ ! /ructure ( ! univ]se itself4 ,9 ! same way objections :i* may be rais$ aga9/ a p>ticul> sy/em ( !ology1 may leave ! great facts ( revelation entirely unt\*$4 ,if we look into ! hi/ory ( ,*ri/ianity1 we %all f9d t z soon z ! ,*ur* began to consolidate itself into a di/9ct community1 ! reason ( man began to ex]t itself on ! facts ( revelation1 & to attempt to r$uce its tea*+ to a sy/ematic =m4 ,f ?is s\rce h sprung all ! v>i\s sy/ems ( !ology :i* h f "t to "t pr$om9at$ 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,x has be5 a plant ( gradual gr[?1 & z su* may be> a fair comp>ison ) ! sl[ gr[? ( philosophy or physical sci5ce4 ,su* an action ( reason on ! facts ( revelation 0 inevitable & entirely legitimate4 ,:at ,i am desir\s ( gu>d+ aga9/ is ! idea t :5 reason is ex]t$ on ! facts ( revelation1 x is m infallible ?an :5 ex]t$ on any o!r subjects :i* come "u its cognisance4 ,i am n ignorant t !re is ano!r !ory respect+ ! nature ( !ology4 ,a l>ge bran* ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* holds t a body ( dogmatic /atem5ts has be5 h&$ d[n traditionally f ! ,apo/les & o!r inspir$ tea*]s1 :i* has be5 embodi$ 9 ! sy/em ( !ology :i* is accept$ by ?is ,*ur*1 & t ?is 0 int5d$ to be an au?oritative /atem5t ( ! facts ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation4 ,x is also "p ( ! same !ory t ! ,*ur* z a collective body has 9 all ages possess$ an inspiration1 :i* enables x to affirm au?oritatively & dogmatically1 :at is & :at is n ,*ri/ian doctr9e1 & t :i* x ?us au?oritatively affirms to be s1 mu/ be accept$ z a portion ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation z mu* z ! cont5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t itself4 ,i fully admit t ^? :o assume a position ( ?is k9d are b\nd to act consi/5tly1 & to def5d e /atem5t 9 _! dogmatic cre$s z an integral portion ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,nor is x less c]ta91 if ?is pr9ciple is true1 t if any portion ( su* dogmatic cre$s c be successfully assail$ z contr>y to reason1 z = in/ance ! =mulat$ doctr9e ( transub/antiation1 x w\ld imp]il ! position ( ,*ri/ianity itself4 ,^?1 h[ev]1 :o h tak5 su* positions1 mu/ be left to take ! consequ5ces ( !m4 ,x is n my int5tion 9 und]tak+ to def5d ! hi/orical tru? ( ! sup]natural elem5ts 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 to burd5 myself ) an arm\r :i* seems only fitt$ to cra% b5ea? its weight ! p]son :o attempts to use x4 ,x has be5 necess>y to be explicit on ?is po9t1 9 ord] t ! argum5t may be kept free f all adv5titi\s issues4 ,! introduction into x ( ! expression1 8,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity10 br+s ) x no inconsid]able dang] ( div]t+ our att5tion f :at is ! real po9t ( controv]sy4 ,i mu/ !re=e repeat x4 ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity is a developm5t made by reason f ! facts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & is a ?+ :i* is entirely di/9ct f ! cont5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,) its affirmations !re=e ,i h no?+ to d 9 ! pres5t discussion4 ,x w n be my duty to exam9e into its positions1 ) a view ( asc]ta9+ :e!r !y are developm5ts ( ,*ri/ian tea*+ :i* c be logically d$uc$ f its pages2 /ill less to accept & to def5d !m z au?oritative /atem5ts ( its mean+4 ,9 def5d+ ! ,new ,te/am5t z conta9+ a div9e revelation1 ,i h only to d ) ! cont5ts & ass]tions ( ! book itself1 & ) no?+ outside its pages4 ,:at o!rs may h prop\nd$ respect+ its mean+ c =m no legitimate portion ( ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,! real po9t at issue is "o :i* is simple & di/9ct4 ,x is1 are ! sup]natural incid5ts record$ 9 x hi/orical ev5ts or fictiti\s inv5tions8 ,z t is ! "q be=e u1 ,i mu/ decl9e to all[ any o!r issue to be sub/itut$ 9 ! place ( x4 ,our inquiry is "o :i* is /rictly hi/orical4 ,ano!r /atem5t made by ! au?or be=e me requires qualification4 ,he says t 8,*ri/ianity is a s*eme ( religion :i* claims to be miracul\s 9 all po9ts1 9 =m1 9 ess5ce1 & 9 evid5ce40 ,?is /atem5t ,i mu/ controv]t4 ,*ri/ianity does n pr(ess to be div9e on all po9ts4 ,on ! contr>y1 x conta9s a div9e & a human elem5t s intimately unit$1 t x is impossible to sep>ate ! "o f ! o!r4 ,x is also f> f cle> to me h[ x c be miracul\s 9 =m :5 x is conta9$ 9 a body ( hi/orical writ+s4 ,i %all h occasion to %[ h]eaft]1 t al?\gh miracles =m an important portion ( ! atte/ation on :i* x re/s1 !y are n ! only "o4 ,) ^! qualifications ,i fully accept ! position tak5 by ?is writ] z a correct /atem5t ( ! po9ts at issue betwe5 ^? :o affirm1 & ^? :o d5y ! claims ( ,*ri/ianity to be a div9e revelation1 & accept 8 *all5ge to def5d ! sup]natural elem5ts 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 or to ab&on x z wor?less4 ,to ma9ta9 t any ( its dogmas c be accept$ z true :ile its miracul\s elem5ts are ab&on$ seems to me to involve a "q :i* is hopelessly illogical4 ,mod]n unbelief rejects e sup]natural occurr5ce z utt]ly incr$ible4 ,be=e proce$+ to exam9e into ! gr\nds ( ?is1 x w be necess>y to lay d[n def9itely ! be>+ ( ! pres5t argum5t on ! pr9ciples ( a!ism1 pan!ism1 & !ism4 ,z f> z ! impossibility ( sup]natural occurr5ces is conc]n$1 pan!ism & a!ism occupy precisely ! same gr\nds4 ,if ei!r ( !m prop\nds a true !ory ( ! univ]se1 any sup]natural occurr5ce1 :i* necess>ily implies a sup]natural ag5t to br+ x ab\t1 is impossible1 & ! entire controv]sy z to :e!r miracles h ev] be5 actually p]=m$ is a =egone conclusion4 ,mod]n a!ism1 :ile x does n v5ture 9 categorical t]ms to affirm t no ,god exi/s1 def9itely ass]ts t !re is no evid5ce t !re is "o4 ,x foll[s t if !re is no evid5ce t !re is a ,god1 !re c be no evid5ce t a miracle ev] has be5 p]=m$1 = ! v idea ( a miracle implies ! idea ( a ,god to "w "o4 ,if !re=e a!ism is true1 all controv]sy ab\t miracles is useless4 ,!y are simply impossible1 & to inquire :e!r an impossible ev5t has happ5$ is absurd4 ,to su* a p]son ! hi/orical enquiry1 z f> z a miracle is conc]n$1 mu/ be a =egone conclusion4 ,x might h a little int]e/ z a matt] ( curiosity2 b ev5 if ! mo/ unequivocal evid5ce c\ld be adduc$ t an occurr5ce su* z we call sup]natural _h tak5 place1 ! utmo/ t x c\ld prove w\ld be t "s mo/ extraord9>y & abnormal fact _h tak5 place 9 nature ( :i* we did n "k ! cause4 ,b to prove a miracle to any p]son :o consi/5tly d5ies t he has any evid5ce t any be+ exi/s :i* is n a portion ( & includ$ 9 ! mat]ial univ]se1 or develop$ out ( x1 is impossible4 ,nor does ! case diff] 9 any mat]ial s5se ) pan!ism4 ,:5 we h got rid ( its hazy my/icism1 & appli$ to x cle> pr9ciples ( logic1 its affirmation is t ,god & ! ,univ]se are "o1 & t all pa/ & pres5t =ms ( exi/5ce h be5 ! result ( ! ,univ]se1 i4e4 ,god1 ev]la/+ly develop+ himself 9 con=mity ) immutable law4 ,all ?+s :i* ei!r h exi/$ or exi/ are z _m manife/ations ( ,god1 :o is 9 fact an inf9ite imp]sonal ,proteus1 ev] *ang+ 9 8 outw>d =m4 ,f him1 or to speak m correctly1 f x 7= he is no p]son71 all ?+s h issu$ z m]e ph5om5al babbles ( ! pass+ mom5t1 & by x w be aga9 swall[$ up 9 nev]end+ succession4 ,su* a ,god mu/ be devoid ( ev]y?+ :i* we und]/& by p]sonality1 intellig5ce1 wisdom1 volition or a moral nature4 ,x is evid5t !re=e t to a p]son :o logically & consi/5tly holds ^! views ! occurr5ce ( a miracle is no less an impossibility ?an x is to an a!i/1 = ! conception ( a miracle involves ! pres5ce ( p]sonality1 intellig5ce1 & p[] at ! disposal ( volition4 ,all t ! /ronge/ evid5ce c\ld prove to ^? :o hold su* pr9ciples1 is t "s abnormal ev5t _h tak5 place ( :i* ! cause 0 unkn[n4 ,x is evid5t1 !re=e1 t ! only c\rse :i* c be pursu$ ) a pr(ess$ a!i/ or pan!i/1 is to grapple ) him on ! evid5ces ( !ism1 & to endeav\r to prove ! exi/5ce ( a ,god possess$ ( p]sonality1 intellig5ce1 volition1 & adequate p[]1 be=e we attempt to deal ) ! evid5ces ( miracles4 ,until we h conv9c$ him ( ?is all our reason+s mu/ be 9 va94 ,!re are f\r modes ( reason+ by :i* ! be+ ( a ,god may be e/abli%$4 ,i w simply enum]ate !m4 ,fir/1 ! argum5t :i* is f\nd$ on ! pr9ciple ( causation2 second1 t :i* re/s on ! ord] ( ! univ]se2 ?ird1 t f its innum]able adaptations2 f\r?1 t :i* is d]iv$ f ! moral nature & p]sonality ( man4 ,if ! argum5t f causation fails to prove to ^? ) :om we are reason+ t ! f9ite causes 9 ! univ]se mu/ h a fir/ cause f :5ce !y h orig9at$2 if t f ! ord]ly arrangem5ts 9 ! univ]se fails to prove t !re mu/ be an intellig5t be+ :o produc$ !m2 if its innum]able adaptations fail to e/abli% ! pres5ce ( a presid+ m9d2 & if ! moral nature ( man fails to prove t mu/ be a moral be+ f :om t nature emanat$1 & ( :om x is ! image1 x foll[s t ! m9ds mu/ be s diff]5tly con/itut$ z to (f] no common gr\nd or basis ( reason+ on ?is "q4 ,! :ole involves an ess5tial diff]5ce ( pr9ciple1 :i* no argum5tation c really rea*4 ,to attempt to prove to a m9d ( ?is description ! occurr5ce ( a miracle1 is simply a wa/e ( lab\r4 ,a "w1 !re=e1 on ! subject ( miracles c only be address$ to !i/s1 because ! v conception ( a miracle involves ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god4 ,to take ?is = grant$ 9 reason+ ) a pan!i/ or a!i/ is simply to assume ! po9t at issue4 ,x is p]fectly true1 t a legitimate body ( reason+ may be con/ruct$1 if ! pan!i/ or ! a!i/ agrees to assume t a ,god exi/s = ! purpose ( supply+ a basis = ! argum5t4 ,we may !n reason ) him precisely 9 ! same way z we w\ld ) a !i/4 ,b ! conte/ w be ) "o :o has clad himself 9 arm\r :i* no weapon at our disposal c p5etrate4 ,aft] ! /ronge/ am\nt ( hi/orical evid5ce has be5 adduc$1 & aft] all alleg$ difficulties h be5 answ]$1 he simply falls back on 8 a!ism or 8 pan!ism1 :i* assumes t all sup]natural occurr5ces mu/ be impossible1 & !re=e t alleg$ in/ances ( !m are delusions4 ,?is is n unfrequ5tly ! case 9 ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,a consid]able numb] ( objections :i* are urg$ aga9/ ! sup]natural elem5ts ( ,*ri/ianity1 d]ive :atev] cog5cy !y possess f ! assumption t !re is a ,god :o is ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se4 ,^! are n unfrequ5tly urg$ by p]sons :o d5y ! possibility ( miracles on a!i/ic or pan!i/ic gr\nds4 ,x is p]fectly fair to reason aga9/ ,*ri/ianity on ^! gr\nds2 x is equally s = a p]son :o holds ^! op9ions1 to attempt to prove t ! hi/orical evid5ce adduc$ 9 pro( ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t is wor?less z an additional reason :y m5 %\ld cease to believe 9 !m4 ,b x is n conducive to ! int]e/s ( tru? to urge objections :i* h no reality except on ! supposition t a ,god exi/s :o is ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 & !n to fall back on reason+s ^: :ole =ce is dep5d5t on ! data furni%$ by pan!ism or a!ism4 ,i %all h occasion to notice a rem>kable in/ance ( ?is involv$ mode ( reason+ h]eaft]4 ,i %all n[ proce$ briefly to /ate ! mode 9 :i* ,i propose to treat ! pres5t subject4 ,! po9t :i* ,i h to def5d is n any conceivable body ( miracles or _! evid5tial value1 b specially ! sup]natural occurr5ces record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,i mu/ !re=e endeav\r to asc]ta9 :at is ! ext5t ( ! sup]naturalism ass]t$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & :at is ! degree ( evid5tial value :i* its writ]s claim = x4 ,x has be5 ass]t$ by _m writ]s t ! sole & only evid5ce ( a revelation mu/ be a miracul\s te/imony4 ,:e!r ?is be s or n1 ?is is n ! place to enquire4 ,b 9 relation to ! pres5t controv]sy ! pla9 & obvi\s c\rse is to ask ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t :at is ! precise evid5tial value ( ! sup]natural occurr5ces :i* !y h n>rat$4 ,?is is f> pref]able to fall+ back on any ass]tions ( mod]n writ]s1 h[ev] em95t1 on ?is subject4 ,!y may h ov]e/imat$1 or "ue/imat$ _! evid5tial value4 ,! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t mu/ be held responsible1 n = ! ass]tions ( o!rs1 b only = _! own4 ,i mu/ !re=e c>efully consid] :at x is t !y affirm to be prov$ by miracles4 ,"o prim>y objection aga9/ ! possibility ( miracles is f\nd$ on t peculi> =m ( !oretic belief1 :i* affirms t bo? philosophy1 sci5ce1 & religion alike po9t to ! exi/5ce ( a ,cause ( ! ,univ]se1 :i* is ! s\rce ( all ! =ces :i* exi/1 & ( :i* ! v>i\s ph5om5a ( ! univ]se are manife/ations1 & designates ?is cause by ! "n ( ,god4 ,b :ile x conc$es 8 exi/5ce1 x proclaims him to be ,unkn[n & ,unkn[able4 ,if ?is position is correct1 ! inf]5ce seems inevitable1 t any ?+ l a real revelation ( him is impossible4 ,x w be necess>y !re=e = me to exam9e into ! validity ( ?is position4 ,a va/ v>iety ( argum5ts h be5 adduc$ bo? on philosophic gr\nds & f ! pr9ciples e/abli%$ by physical sci5ce1 = ! purpose ( prov+ t ! occurr5ce ( any sup]natural ev5t is contr>y to our reason4 ,if ?is be true1 x is a fatal objection aga9/ ! entire mass ( sup]natural occurr5ces t are record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,! mo/ important po9ts ( ^! reason+s w require a c>eful consid]ation4 ,a v important objection has be5 urg$ aga9/ ! ,*ri/ian mode ( conduct+ ! argum5t f miracles4 ,x is alleg$ t x involves reason+ 9 a vici\s circle1 & t ,*ri/ian apologi/s endeav\r to prove ! tru? ( doctr9es :i* utt]ly transc5d reason by miracul\s evid5ce1 & !n endeav\r to prove ! tru? ( ! miracles by ! doctr9es4 ,if ?is allegation is true1 x is no d\bt a fatal objection to ! argum5t4 ,i %all endeav\r to %[ t x is f\nd$ on a misappreh5sion ( ! entire subject4 ,an attempt has be5 made to reaffirm ! validity ( ,hume's argum5t t no am\nt ( evid5ce c avail to prove ! reality ( a miracle unless ! falsehood ( ! evid5ce is m miracul\s ?an ! alleg$ miracle4 ,x w be necess>y to consid] ! validity ( ! positions :i* h be5 lately assum$ respect+ x4 ,a v =midable objection has be5 urg$ aga9/ ! tru? ( ! sup]natural occurr5ces record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t on ! gr\nd t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 a prey to a numb] ( ! mo/ grotesque beliefs respect+ ! action ( demons1 & t _! sup]/ition & cr$ulity on ?is po9t 0 ( s extreme a "* z to deprive _! hi/orical te/imony1 on ! subject ( ! sup]natural ( all value4 ,z ?is objection is n only "o :i* is widely ext5d$1 b has be5 urg$ ) great =ce by ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion10 ,i %all devote f\r *apt]s ( ?is "w to ! exam9ation ( ! "q ( possession & demoniacal action z f> z x affects ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,! entire s*ool ( mod]n unbelief f\nd a v consid]able portion ( _! argum5ts aga9/ ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels1 on ! alleg$ cr$ulity & sup]/ition ( ! foll[]s ( our ,"l4 ,?is is alleg$ to h be5 ( a mo/ pr(\nd "*1 & x =ms ! weapon :i* is p]haps 9 mo/ con/ant use ) ! assailants ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,all difficulties :i* beset _! argum5ts are met by attribut+ ! mo/ unb\nd$ cr$ulity1 sup]/ition & en?usiasm to ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,x has also be5 urg$ t ! belief 9 sup]natural occurr5ces has be5 s g5]al1 t x r5d]s ! atte/ation ( miracles to a revelation invalid4 ,i purpose exam9+ into ! validity ( ?is objection4 ,z ?is may be said to be ! key ( ! position occupi$ by mod]n unbelief1 ,i mu/ exam9e into ! reality ( ! affirmation1 & also h[ f> ! love ( ! m>vell\s 9 mank9d affects ! cr$it ( ! te/imony to miracles4 ,?is ,i propose discuss+ 9 two di/9ct *apt]s4 ,x is an unque/ionable fact t 9 ^! days we summ>ily reject :ole masses ( alleg$ sup]natural occurr5ces1 z utt]ly incr$ible1 )\t inquiry into ! te/imony on :i* !y re/4 ,x w be necess>y to inquire into ! gr\nds on :i* we d ?is1 & h[ f> x affects ! cr$ibility ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,! hi/orical value ( ! te/imony :i* has be5 adduc$ = ! tru? ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 has be5 assail$ by e weapon :i* criticism c supply4 ,x is affirm$ 9 ! /ronge/ mann] t !y are utt]ly devoid ( all reliable hi/orical evid5ce4 ,! ,gospels are pron\nc$ to consi/ ( a bundle ( my?s & leg5ds1 ) only a few gra9s ( hi/oric tru? hidd5 b5ea? !m4 ,!y are affirm$ to be late compositions1 & t we are utt]ly devoid ( all contemporane\s atte/ation = ! facts record$ 9 !m1 & t ! true acc\nt ( ! orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity is buri$ b5ea? a mass ( fiction4 ,if ?is be true1 !re _c be a d\bt t x is a mo/ s]i\s allegation1 :i* affects ! entire ,*ri/ian position4 ,x is fur!r urg$ t :ile ! def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity publi% works 9 :i* !y attempt to prove t miracles are possible & cr$ible1 !y c>efully avoid grappl+ ) ! real po9t ( ! :ole "q by %[+ t any hi/orical evid5ce c be produc$ = a s+le miracle record$ 9 ! ,gospels1 :i* w /& ! te/ ( su* hi/orical criticism1 & x is l\dly proclaim$ t no real evid5ce c be made =?com+4 ,su* a *>ge z ?is1 x is impossible to pass ov] 9 sil5ce4 ,i propose1 !re=e1 to exam9e into ! g5]al tru? ( ^! allegations1 & to consid] ! nature ( ! hi/orical evid5ce :i* unbelief1 aft] x has exhau/$ all its p[]s ( criticism1 /ill leaves u unque/ionably 9 possession (4 ,?is consi/s ( ! epi/les ( ! ,new ,te/am5t view$ z hi/orical docum5ts4 ,_! value z su* has be5 greatly ov]look$ by bo? sides to ! controv]sy1 especially by ! ,*ri/ian side4 ,*ri/ians h be5 9 ! habit ( view+ !m z inspir$ compositions1 & h /udi$ !m almo/ exclusively on acc\nt ( ! doctr9al & moral tea*+ :i* !y conta91 & ea* sect has view$ !m z a k9d ( arm\ry f :i* to draw weapons = ! e/abli%+ its own p>ticul> op9ions4 ,9 do+ ?is !y h =gott5 t !y are also hi/orical docum5ts ( ! highe/ ord]1 ! great majority ( :i* ev5 ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity conc$e to h be5 compos$ prior to ! conclusion ( ! fir/ c5tury ( ! ,*ri/ian era1 & _m ( !m at a mu* e>li] p]iod4 ,( ^! writ+s f\r are univ]sally admitt$ to be g5u9e1 & to h be5 compos$ prior to ! ye> #fj ( our era4 ,f\r m are g5u9e beyond all reasonable d\bt1 & ( two m ! evid5ce 9 fav\r ( _! au!nticity is v /rong4 ,! ,apocalypse1 :i* is also admitt$ to be g5u9e1 al?\gh n /rictly an hi/orical docum5t1 c be r5d]$ valuable = ! purposes ( hi/ory4 ,( ! rema9+ writ+s ! g5u95ess is disput$2 b :e!r g5u9e or n1 x is impossible to d5y _! antiquity1 & t !y are fai?ful repres5tations ( ! ideas ( ^? :o wrote !m4 ,9 fact ! names ( _! au?ors are ( no great importance 9 ! pres5t controv]sy1 :5 ! writ+s !mselves be> s decisively ! m>ks ( orig9ality4 ,?us ! epi/le ( ,james1 by :omsoev] writt51 be>s ! mo/ unque/ionable m>ks ( ! mo/ primitive antiquity4 ,x is 9 fact a docum5t ( ! e>lie/ =m ( ,*ri/ianity1--9 "o ^w1 ! ,jewi% =m1 be=e ! ,*ur* 0 f9ally sep>at$ f ! synagogue4 ,su* are our hi/orical mat]ials4 ,little ju/ice has be5 done to _! value 9 ! writ+s ( ,*ri/ian apologi/s4 ,z includ$ 9 ! ,canon ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 x has be5 = ! mo/ "p ! practice to view !m z /&+ 9 ne$ ( def5ce1 r ?an z be+ ! ma9/ay ( ! argum5t = hi/orical ,*ri/ianity1 & con/itut+ its c5tral position4 ,x w be admitt$ t x w be impossible = me to d full ju/ice to su* a subject 9 a "w l ! pres5t4 ,to br+ out all ! treasures ( evid5ce respect+ primitive ,*ri/ianity1 & ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* :i* ^! writ+s conta91 ! :ole subject w\ld require to be unfold$ 9 a di/9ct & sep>ate treatise exclusively devot$ to ! subject4 ,/ill1 h[ev]1 ?is "w w\ld be v incomplete if ,i did n accept ! *all5ge s boldly ?r[n d[n to u1 & %[ t ,*ri/ianity re/s on an hi/orical atte/ation ( ! highe/ ord]4 ,to ?is ,i propose devot+ ! six conclud+ *apt]s ( ?is "w4 ,i int5d1 !re=e1 9 ! fir/ place to exam9e ! value ( ! hi/orical docum5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & %[ t sev]al ( ! epi/les take rank z ! highe/ =m ( hi/orical docum5ts1 & pres5t u ) :at is to all int5ts & purposes a l>ge mass ( contemporane\s evid5ce z to ! primitive beliefs1 & ! orig9al f\ndation ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,9 do+ s ,i propose to treat !m 9 ! same mann] z all o!r simil> hi/orical docum5ts are treat$4 ,i %all !n %[ t ^! docum5ts af=d a sub/antial te/imony to all ! great facts ( ,*ri/ianity1 & especially to ! exi/5ce ( miracul\s p[]s 9 ! ,*ur*1 & t ! v>i\s ,*ur*es 7 f ! v e>lie/ p]iod 9 possession ( an oral acc\nt ( ! actions & tea*+s ( ,jesus ,*ri/ sub/antially ! same z t :i* is n[ embodi$ 9 ! ,gospels2 & t ?is oral ,gospel 0 habitually us$ = ! purposes ( in/ruction4 ,fur!r1 t ?is oral ,gospel 0 a sub/antial embodim5t ( ! beliefs ( ! primitive foll[]s ( ,jesus1 & t ! ,*ur* z a community 0 a body especially adapt$ = h&+ d[n correctly ! acc\nt ( ! primitive beliefs respect+ its orig91 & t ! peculi> position 9 :i* x 0 plac$ compell$ x to d s4 ,i %all fur!r %[ on ! evid5ce furni%$ by ^? epi/les1 ! g5u95ess ( :i* unbeliev]s d n dispute1 t f ! e>lie/ comm5cem5t ( ,*ri/ianity ! :ole body ( believ]s1 )\t di/9ction ( sect or p>ty1 believ$ 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/ z a fact1 & view$ x n only z ! gr\ndwork on :i* ,*ri/ianity re/$1 b z ! "o sole & only reason = ! exi/5ce ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,i %all be able also to prove on ! same evid5ce t a consid]able numb] ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 p]suad$ t !y _h se5 him alive aft] 8 crucifixion1 & t 8 appe>ance 0 an actual resurrection f ! dead4 ,! same writ+s prove to demon/ration t ?is 0 ! univ]sal belief ( ! :ole ,*ri/ian community1 & t ! ,*ur* 0 e/abli%$ on its basis4 ,^! ?+s be+ e/abli%$ z ! basis = my reason+s1 ,i %all proce$ to prove t x is impossible t ^! beliefs ( ! ,*ur* c\ld h ow$ _! orig9 to any possible =m ( delusion2 b t ! resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 an hi/orical fact1 & t no o!r supposition c give an adequate acc\nt ( ! ph5om5on4 ,hav+ prov$ t ! greate/ ( all ! miracles :i* are record$ 9 ! ,gospels is an hi/orical fact1 ,i h got rid ( ! priori difficulty ) :i* ! acceptance ( ! ,gospels z g5u9e hi/orical acc\nts is att5d$2 b fur!r1 if x is an hi/orical fact t ,jesus ,*ri/ really rose f ! dead1 x is 9 ! highe/ degree probable t o!r sup]natural occurr5ces w\ld be connect$ ) 8 p]son4 ,i %all !re=e proce$ to re/ore ! ,gospels to _! place z hi/ory1 & to %[ t ev5 on ! pr9ciples ( ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity1 !y h e claim to be accept$ z true acc\nts ( ! action & tea*+ ( ,jesus ,*ri/ z x 0 transmitt$ by ! diff]5t ,*ur*es1 p>tly 9 an oral1 & p>tly 9 a writt5 =m4 ,i %all also %[ t ev5 if !y 7 compos$ at ! late dates :i* are assign$ to !m by oppon5ts1 !y 7 yet writt5 )9 ! p]iod :i* is /rictly hi/orical1 :ile tradition 0 fre% & rem9isc5ces vivid1 & long be=e x 0 possible t a great mass ( facts :i* mu/ h =m$ ! basis ( ! exi/5ce ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* c\ld h be5 sup]s$$ by a numb] ( my?ic & leg5d>y creations4 ,hav+ plac$ ^! facts on a firm f\ndation1 ,i %all proce$ to consid] _! acc\nts ( ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & to e/imate its hi/orical nature4 ,! pro( t ! greate/ miracle record$ 9 ! ,gospels1 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 is an ev5t :i* has really occurr$1 places ! rema9d] ( !m 9 po9t ( cr$ibility 9 ! same position z ! facts ( ord9>y hi/ory2 & !y mu/ be accept$ & reg>d$ 9 con=mity ) ! usual me?ods ( te/+ evid5ce4 ,,*apt] ,,ii4 ,,def9itions ,,( ,,t]ms4 ,no?+ has m contribut$ to import an almo/ hopeless confusion ( ?\ght into ! entire controv]sy ab\t miracles ?an ! ambigu\s s5ses 9 :i* ! mo/ important t]ms connect$ ) x h be5 employ$1 bo? by !ologians & m5 ( sci5ce1 by ! def5d]s ( revelation z well z by its oppon5ts4 ,( ^! t]ms ! words 8nature10 8natural01 8law10 8=ce10 8sup]natural10 8sup]human10 8miracle10 & 8miracul\s10 are ! mo/ conspicu\s4 ,x is q cle> t unless we use ^! t]ms 9 a def9ite & uni=m s5se1 we %all be fight+ ! air4 ,! neglect to d s has ?r[n ! greate/ obscurity ov] ! entire subject4 ,?is vague & unc]ta9 use ( !m is n conf9$ to writ]s on !ological subjects1 b is diffus$ ov] a l>ge numb] ( sci5tific works4 ,my object 9 ! pres5t *apt] w be1 n to lay d[n /rictly accurate def9itions ( all ! t]ms us$ 9 ! controv]sy 7= ?is 9 ! pres5t /ate ( ?\ght on ! subject is h>dly possible7 b to endeav\r to assign a def9ite mean+ to ^? :i* x w be necess>y = me to employ1 & to draw att5tion to "s ( ! fallacies :i* a vague use ( language has introduc$4 ,fir/3 ,no t]ms are m frequ5tly us$ 9 ?is controv]sy ?an ! words 8nature0 & 8natural40 ,!y are con/antly us$ z if _! mean+ 0 def9ite & inv>iable4 ,no?+ is m common ?an to use ! expression 8laws ( nature10 & to speak ( miracles z involv+ contradictions1 violations1 & susp5sions ( ! laws & ord] ( nature1 z ?\gh !re 0 no dang] ( our fall+ into fallacies ( reason+ by class+ :olly diff]5t ord]s ( ph5om5a "u a common "n4 ,:at d we mean by ! t]ms 8nature0 & 8natural08 ,x is evid5t t no satisfactory result c come f reason+s on ?is subject1 unless ! p>ties to ! discussion agree to atta* to ^? words a /eady & consi/5t mean+4 ,are we 9 fact "u ! expression 8nature0 to include bo? matt] & its ph5om5a1 & m9d & its ph5om5a8 ,is nature to include all ?+s :i* exi/1 includ+ _! causes2 laws1 & =ces2 or is x to be re/rict$ to matt]1 its laws & =ces8 ,or is x to include all ?+s t exi/1 except ,god8 ,i ne$ h>dly obs]ve t ! lay+ d[n "s cle> & def9ite pr9ciples on ?is subject is vital to ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,aga93 ,:at d we mean by ! laws ( nature8 ,h[ d we di/+ui% betwe5 ! laws & ! =ces ( nature8 ,d ! laws ( nature1 9 ! s5se 9 :i* t expression is us$ by sci5ce1 possess any effici5t p[] :atev]2 or ought n effici5cy to be pr$icat$ only ( ! =ces ( nature1 & nev] ( its laws8 ,or :5 we speak ( ! =ces ( nature1 d we recognise any di/9ction betwe5 mat]ial & moral =ces1 or d we conf\nd ph5om5a s utt]ly diff]+ 9 outw>d "*1 & on ^: diff]5ce "s ( ! mo/ important po9ts ( ! controv]sy ab\t miracles re/1 "u a common "n8 ,:at aga9 d we mean by ! ord] ( nature8 ,is x its mat]ial ord]2 or does x include ! ord] ( ! moral univ]se8 ,until we c agree to atta* a def9ite mean+ to ^! expressions1 to argue t miracles are contr>y to nature1 or involve a susp5sion ( its laws1 or a violation ( its ord]1 or ev5 to affirm ! contr>y position1 is fight+ ! air4 ,yet ?is ,i may almo/ say is ! pres5t aspect ( ! controv]sy4 ,aga93 ,:at d we int5d1 :5 we use ! diff]5t expressions1 8miracles10 8sup]natural10 8sup]human10 or ev5ts occurr+ out ( ! ord] ( nature8 ,x is evid5t t :e!r !y po9t to any real di/9ctions or n1 x is necess>y to employ !m ) consi/5cy4 ,! m]e enum]ation ( ^! que/ions makes x cle> t by a vague & indef9ite use ( t]ms1 or by atta*+ to !m mean+s :i* !y _c accurately be made to be>1 we may unconsci\sly assume ! entire "q at issue4 ,fir/3 ,) respect to ! t]ms 8nature0 & 8natural40 ,:at d we include "u !m8 ,bi%op ,butl] consid]s t ! latt] t]m is satisfi$ by atta*+ to x ! mean+ 8usual40 ,nature !n w\ld mean ! ord9>y c\rse ( ?+s4 ,b su* a mean+ w\ld by no means satisfy ! requirem5ts ( mod]n sci5ce1 philosophy1 or !ology4 ,"o obvi\s s5se to atta* to ! ^w 8nature0 is to use x to d5ote ! entire mass ( ph5om5a z contemplat$ by physical sci5ce4 ,9 ?is po9t ( view x w\ld include matt]1 its =ces1 & its laws1 & embrace ! entire range ( ^? ph5om5a & =ces :]e action is necess>y2 & into ! conception ( :i* nei!r volition nor fre$om ent]s4 ,if 8nature0 & 8natural0 _h be5 us$ only 9 ?is s5se1 x w\ld h sav$ u f a great mass ( inconclusive reason+4 ,b ?is is f> f be+ ! case4 ,n only are !y us$ to include matt]1 its laws & =ces1 b also ! :ole ph5om5a ( m9d4 ,to ?is use ( ! t]ms ! ,duke ( ,argyll has giv5 no inconsid]able c\nt5ance 9 8 admirable "w1 8,! ,reign ( ,law10 especially 9 ! six? *apt]4 ,he uses ! t]m law z alike applicable to ! op]ations ( m9d & matt]1 & ?is ( c\rse implies t ! :ole ( our m5tal ph5om5a =m a portion ( nature & its ord]4 ,he is l$ to ?is1 among o!r consid]ations1 by ! use :i* we make ( ! ^w 8natural0 z appli$ to ! results ( all k9ds ( m5tal op]ations4 ,! "q may fairly be ask$1 ,are n ! works wr\ght by man 9 nature1 or is n ! build+ ( its ne/ by a bird1 or ( its comb by ! bee1 a natural op]ation8 ,if s1 man1 bird1 & bee1 mu/ =m a portion ( nature1 & _! v>i\s actions1 ( its ord]4 ,9 a popul> po9t ( view su* expressions involve no difficulty1 & z a m]e v]bal di/9ction ! :ole "q w\ld n be wor? ! lab\r ( discussion4 ,b 9 a "q l ! "o n[ "u consid]ation1 :i* requires ! utmo/ accuracy bo? ( ?\ght & reason+1 ! case is f> diff]5t4 ,! class+ toge!r ( ph5om5a :i* diff] s entirely z m9d & matt]1 "u a common t]m1 leads to ! inf]5ce t !re is no ess5tial diff]5ce betwe5 !m1 :i* involves at ! outset a petitio pr9cipii ( ! entire "q "u def9ition4 ,i %all h occasion repeat$ly to po9t out 9 ! c\rse ( ?is "w ! numb] ( fallaci\s reason+s :i* h be5 introduc$ into ! "q ab\t ! possibility & ! cr$ibility ( miracles by ?us includ+ "u a common t]m ph5om5a utt]ly diff]5t 9 "*4 ,x w\ld be f> bett] to get rid ( words s vague z 8nature0 & 8natural0 9 ?is discussion1 & sub/itute = !m t]ms ( :i* x is impossible to mi/ake ! mean+1 ?an to employ !m 9 s5ses :i* are simply ambigu\s & mislead+4 ,b ( ?is m h]eaft]4 ,:at !n are we to d ) man8 ,is he a "p ( nature & its ord]8 ,i reply t man is )9 mat]ial nature z f> z reg>ds 8 bodily organization2 b t he is outside1 or above x1 & belongs to a diff]5t ord]1 z f> z 8 rational action1 8 volition1 & 8 moral p[]s are conc]n$4 ,all t ,i am cont5d+ = is t a cle> di/9ction mu/ be pres]v$ betwe5 ! necess>y action ( ! =ces ( mat]ial nature1 & ! volunt>y action ( man2 & t t]ms mu/ be us$ :i* accurately d5ote ?is di/9ction4 ,matt]1 its =ces & laws1 involve ! conception ( necess>y action4 ,!y act 9 a p>ticul> mann] because !y _c help s act+4 ,) action purely intellectual ,i am n conc]n$1 b all moral action is volunt>y4 ,man z an ag5t c act or =be> act+2 matt] _c4 ,?is di/9ction is ( ! highe/ importance1 & mu/ n be lo/ sight ( beh9d a confus$ use ( su* t]ms z natural1 law1 =ce1 or ord] ( nature1 appli$ indet]m9ately to ! necess>y action ( mat]ial ag5ts1 & ! volunt>y action ( moral ones4 ,x w d\btless be object$ by a c]ta9 ord] ( philosophy t all m5tal & moral =ce is only "s special modification ( mat]ial =ce1 & consequ5tly t !re is no di/9ction betwe5 mat]ial & moral action1 or betwe5 mat]ial & moral =ce1 & t ! words 8nature0 & 8natural0 are correctly appli$ to bo? alike1 z be+ simple manife/ations ( ! same orig9al =ce4 ,to ?is x w be suffici5t to reply1 fir/3 t ?is is an ass]tion only1 & nev] has be5 nor c be prov$4 ,secondly3 t x contradicts ! highe/ ( all our c]titudes1 ! direct te/imony ( consci\sness1 :i* affirms t we live "u a law ( fre$om1 :olly diff]5t f ! necess>y laws ( mat]ial nature4 ,?irdly3 t x contradicts ! univ]sal exp]i5ce ( mank9d1 z embodi$ 9 ! prim>y laws ( human language & human ?\ght4 ,to assume ?is at ! comm5cem5t ( ! argum5t is to take = grant$ ! po9t :i* requires to be prov$4 ,x w\ld be q out ( place 9 a treatise l ! pres5t to attempt to discuss ! "q ( ! orig9 ( ! free ag5cy & ! moral nature ( man4 ,x is suffici5t = ! purpose to obs]ve t1 h[ev] volunt>y ag5cy may h orig9at$1 x is a simple fact t x exi/s 9 ! univ]se1 & t its ph5om5a belong to an ord] ( its own4 ,x is no m]e !ory1 b a fact1 t man n only is capable ( modify+ ! action ( ! =ces ( ! mat]ial univ]se1 b t he has modifi$ !m1 & has produc$ results utt]ly diff]5t f ^? :i* w\ld h foll[$ f _! simple action4 ,to use t]ms 9 ?is controv]sy :i* ov]look ?is pla9 & obvi\s fact1 c lead to no satisfactory result4 ,are !n ! actions ( man1 ! bird1 & ! bee1 prop]ly designat$ z natural8 ,9 a popul> use ( language ! "q may be "o purely v]bal2 b :5 we are deal+ ) subjects requir+ accurate ?\ght1 x is 9 ! highe/ degree necess>y to use language :i* does n conf\nd ! di/9ct ph5om5a ( m9d & matt] "u a common designation4 ,bo? toge!r compose ! univ]se2 b ea* belongs to a diff]5t ord] ( ph5om5a4 ,! :ole difficulty proce$s f ! fact t bo? mat]ial =ces :i* act 9 con=mity ) necess>y laws1 & moral ones :i* act 9 con=mity ) ^? ( fre$om1 are unit$ 9 ! p]son ( man4 ,ano!r ord] ( ?\ght uses ! t]m 8nature0 z includ+ ev]y?+ t exi/s1 ev5 ,god2 or 9 o!r words1 x affirms t e ?+ :i* has exi/$ & exi/s is a manife/ation ( ,him4 ,z ?is !ory involves ! d5ial ( ! p]sonality ( ! ,div9e ,be+1 x /&s exclud$ f ! "q "u consid]ation1 namely1 ! cr$ibility ( miracles1 :i* is utt]ly irrelevant1 except on ! assumption ( ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god4 ,x ought to be obs]v$1 h[ev]1 t :ile !ism affirms t ,god & ! univ]se1 :e!r mat]ial or moral1 are di/9ct1 x fully recognises ! fact t ,god is imman5t 9 bo? ! worlds ( m9d & matt]1 :ile at ! same "t he transc5ds !m bo?4 ,?is is an important consid]ation1 :i* is too (t5 ov]look$ by bo? p>ties to ! discussion4 ,secondly3 a /ill great] confusion has be5 introduc$ by a vague & indef9ite use ( ! t]m 8law10 & by confus+ a numb] ( utt]ly div]se ph5om5a "u ! designation ( ! 8laws ( nature40 ,x is absolutely necess>y to trace ?is fallacy to its s\rce4 ,! ,duke ( ,argyll tells u 9 8 8,reign ( ,law0 t !re are five diff]5t s5ses at lea/ 9 :i* ?is ^w is habitually us$ ev5 9 sci5tific writ+s4 ,!y are z foll[s3-- 8,fir/1 we h law z appli$ simply to an obs]v$ ord] ( facts40 8,secondly1 to t ord] z involv+ ! action ( "s =ce or =ces ( :i* no?+ m c be kn[n40 8,?irdly1 z appli$ to individual =ces1 ! measure ( ^: op]ation has be5 m or less def9$ or asc]ta9$40 8,f\r?ly1 z appli$ to ^? comb9ations ( =ces :i* h ref]5ce to ! fulfilm5t ( purposes or ! dis*>ge ( functions40 8,fif?ly1 z appli$ to ab/ract conceptions ( ! m9d--n correspond+ ) any actual ph5om5a1 b d$uc$ !refrom z axioms ( ?\ght1 necess>y to an und]/&+ ( !m4 ,law1 9 ?is s5se1 is a r$uction ( ! ph5om5a1 n m]ely to an ord] ( facts1 b to an ord] ( ?\ght40 8,^! lead+ significations ( ! ^w ,law10 says ! ,duke1 8all circle r\nd ! ?ree great que/ions :i* sci5ce asks ( nature1 ! :at1 ! h[1 & ! :y40 8,:at are ! facts 9 _! e/abli%$ ord]80 8,h[1 i4e4 f :at physical causes does t ord] come to be8 ,:at relation d !y be> to purpose1 to ! fulfilm5t ( int5tion1 to ! dis*>ge ( function80 ,su* are ! multi=m acceptations atta*$ by sci5tific m5 to ! t]m 8law10 yet ! ,duke is n q c]ta9 :e!r !y may n be ev5 m num]\s4 ,x is evid5t t if !y are all import$ into ! "q ( ! cr$ibility ( miracles1 our position mu/ resemble t ( p]sons :o are compell$ to fight 9 ! d>k2 & t ! "q :e!r an occurr5ce is natural or sup]natural1 :e!r x is contr>y to1 or a violation ( ! laws ( nature1 or above nature1 & _m o!rs :i* ent] into ?is controv]sy mu/ be )\t def9ite mean+4 ,x is cle> t unless we c re/rict ! ^w 8law0 to "o1 or at mo/1 two def9ite mean+s1 we %all get into hopeless confusion1 or to speak m correctly1 we %all op5 ! gate wide = ! introduction ( any numb] ( fallacies4 ,! prim>y conception impli$ by ! t]m 8law0 is unque/ionably "o :i* is /rictly applicable to man & 8 actions1 & c only be appli$ metaphorically1 & 9 "s sy/ems ( ?\ght aft] a consid]able *ange ( mean+1 to ! facts & ph5om5a ( ! mat]ial univ]se4 ,a law is a rule ( action = human conduct & no?+ m4 ,su* rules ( conduct = ! mo/ "p presuppose t !y are impos$ by "s ext]nal au?ority1 :i* has ! "r or ! p[] to en=ce ob$i5ce to !m2 or else t ! p]son obey+ !m has an inw>d feel+ t x is "r to d s1 & kn[s t 8 consci5ce w reproa* him = ! omission4 ,b law1 /rictly speak+1 is simply ! rule ( action itself1 z = in/ance1 an ,act ( ,p>liam5t2 b z 9 practice all su* rules are en=c$ by a sanction ( "s k9d1 our conception ( a law is also unit$ ) t ( a lawgiv]1 :o has bo? ! "r & ! p[] to en=ce x4 ,x foll[s !re=e t su* a conception is ess5tially a moral "o4 ,x is also intimately unit$ ) ! k t we possess ! p[] to act or =be> act+ 9 con=mity ) its dictates1 &1 if we pref] x1 ( tak+ ! consequ5ces ( disob$i5ce4 ,b :5 su* a conception is transf]r$ to mat]ial nature x loses a consid]able portion ( its orig9al significancy4 ,9 its application !re=e to physical sci5ce1 x may ) /rict propriety be us$ to d5ote an inv>iable ord] ( ev5ts3 & if ! human analogy c\ld hold 9 physics x might be us$ to include ! p[] :i* orig9at$ & en=c$ !m4 ,b z ! consid]ation ( w or purpose =ms no portion ( /rictly physical sci5ce1 & is expressly exclud$ f x1 ! t]m law z us$ by x ought to d5ote ! inv>iable ord] ( sequ5ces1 & n to include ! =ces :i* g5]ate !m4 ,unless ?is di/9ction is c>efully obs]v$1 we %all be 9 dang] ( introduc+ into our reason+s human analogies to :i* !re is no?+ correspond+ 9 nature view$ z a m]e body ( un9tellig5t =ces4 ,! use ( ! t]m 8law0 9 physical sci5ce ought to be conf9$ to d5ote ! inv>iable sequ5ces ( ! mat]ial ph5om5a4 ,physici/s pr(ess to "k no?+ ( effici5t causation2 or ( a lawgiv] /&+ outside 8 laws & possess+ p[] to en=ce !m4 ,! :ole "q ( intellig5t ag5cy or purpose lies 9 a region outside _! prov9ce4 ,law1 z f> z physical sci5ce is acqua9t$ ) x1 c consi/ only ( a set ( antec$5ts1 foll[$ by an inv>iable set ( consequ5ts4 ,( any inh]5t efficacy 9 ^! antec$5ts to produce _! consequ5ts1 x c affirm no?+4 ,a v popul> philosophy ev5 d5ies ! p[] ( ! human m9d to p5etrate beyond ?is1 & affirms t its entire k is limit$ to ph5om5a4 ,b physical sci5ce also deals ) =ces4 ,^!1 & n its laws1 are its true pr9ciples ( causation4 ,m]e inv>iable sequ5ces c effect no?+2 b =ces1 su* z gravitation1 heat1 electricity1 & ! entire body ( *emical =ces1 or :atev] =ce !y may ultimately be resolv$ into1 c effect mu*4 ,!y are 9 fact ! antec$5ts ( :i* ! inv>iable ord] ( ev5ts are ! consequ5ts4 ,respect+ ! ultimate pr9ciple ( =ce1 or :at is its real nature1 or h[ x is direct$1 or came to be1 physical sci5ce is sil5t4 ,all t x c d is to obs]ve ! ord] ( _! occurr5ce1 measure _! quantities1 & tabulate _! results4 ,by ?is means x rises to ! conception ( :at are call$ ! laws ( nature4 ,if 9 ! pres5t controv]sy ! ^w law _h be5 us$ 9 ?is s5se only1 x w\ld h be5 :olly unexceptionable4 ,b x becomes f> o!rwise :5 ! idea ( =ce or effici5cy is introduc$ into x4 ,no?+ is m common 9 ! reason+s ( ^? :o attempt to prove t miracles are impossible1 ?an to import into ! t]m law ! idea ( =ce1 or effici5t causation1 ev5 at ! v "t :5 ! pres5ce ( intellig5t action is d5i$4 ,x is ?is :i* imp>ts to ?is class ( reason+s _! entire speci\sness4 ,! laws ( mat]ial nature are cont9ually spok5 ( z ?\gh !y 7 =ces :i* are en]getic 9 ! univ]se1 & to ! en]gy ( :i* all ?+s owe _! pres5t =m2 or 9 o!r words1 x is assum$ t ! laws ( nature are causes :i* h produc$ by _! un9tellig5t action ! pres5t ord] ( ! univ]se4 ,no?+ h[ev] c be cle>] ?an t a law ( nature1 9 ! s5se 9 :i* purely physical sci5ce c take cognizance ( "o1 c effectuate no?+4 ,:at c an inv>iable ord] ( sequ5ces effect8 ,be=e ! idea ( effici5cy c be atta*$ to law1 ! conception ( =ce mu/ be introduc$ into x4 ,mod]n controv]sy1 h[ev]1 is con/antly 9 ! habit ( speak+ ( ! laws ( nature z ?\gh !y 7 effici5t ag5ts4 ,we he> ( creation by law1 evolution by law1 ( results br\ght ab\t by ! action ( inv>iable laws1 & a c\ntless numb] ( ass]tions ( a simil> description4 ,to su* expressions 9 a popul> s5se :5 no accuracy ( expression is requir$1 !re is no objection2 b :5 !y are introduc$ into ! controv]sy respect+ ! cr$ibility ( miracles1 !y create no?+ b confusion4 ,:at is really meant is1 t su* results are br\ght ab\t by ! action ( =ces :i* act 9 con=mity ) inv>iable laws1 b ! idea ( intellig5ce & volition is c>efully exclud$ f ! conception4 ,x is cle>ly inaccurate to speak ( laws reign+4 ,laws d n reign ev5 9 political societies2 b only ! p[] :i* is able to enact & en=ce !m4 ,9 mat]ial nature ! only ?+s :i* possess effici5cy are its =ces4 ,!re c be no objection to ! use ( ! expression1 8! laws ( m9d10 :5 c>e is tak5 to use language :i* cle>ly di/+ui%es betwe5 !m & un9tellig5t & necess>y sequ5ces ( mat]ial nature4 ,b :5 ! t]m 8law0 is )\t any qualification appli$ to bo? sets ( ph5om5a alike1 x is c]ta9 ei!r to lead to fallaci\s reason+1 or to involve ! assumption ( ! po9t at issue4 ,:atev] may be ! orig9 ( ! moral & spiritual 9 man1 x is c]ta9 t z !y at pres5t exi/ 9 him1 !y /& out 9 ! /ronge/ contra/ ) ! =ces :i* act ^u mat]ial ?+s1 & ) ! laws ( _! action4 ,no?+ c be m entirely diff]5t 9 "* ?an ! =ce ( gravitation & ! pr9ciples ( volition & selfconsci\sness1 or ?an ! unconsci\s =ces ( mat]ial nature & ^? pr9ciples :i* con/itute our rationality4 ,if we affirm t ! =ces ( m9d act 9 con=mity ) law1 x ought to be cle>ly und]/ood t !y act 9 con=mity ) a law ( _! own1 :i* af=ds free action to ! pr9ciple ( volition4 ,o!rwise !re is ! greate/ dang] t ! expression w involve ! cov]t assumption ( ! tru? ( ! doctr9e ( philosophical necessity1 or 9 o!r words1 t all m5tal & mat]ial =ces are ( ! same "*1 t is to say1 t !y are bo? equally necess>y4 ,?is involves ! assumption ( ! v po9t on :i* ! entire controv]sy turns1 = if moral & mat]ial =ces & laws are all alike1 x de/roys ! conception ( a ,god1 & ! significance ( a miracle4 ,?is br+s u to ! conception ( =ce1 :at is x8 ,v>i\s def9itions ( x h be5 giv5 suffici5tly accurate = practical purposes4 ,x %\ld be obs]v$ h[ev] t physical sci5ce c "k no?+ ( x except z a ph5om5on4 ,! det]m9ation ( its nature1 & its ultimate cause lie entirely beyond its limits4 ,_m facts respect+ x1 h be5 asc]ta9$ & tabulat$4 ,_m ( its manife/ations1 :i* be> a diff]5t ph5om5al aspect1 x has asc]ta9$ to be capable ( transmutation into "o ano!r4 ,b x mu/ nev] be =gott5 t x is able to affirm no?+ respect+ ! s\rce 9 :i* ! =ces ( ! univ]se orig9ate4 ,all t x c affirm is1 t !y d exi/4 ,! orig9al conception ( =ce is "o1 h[ev]1 :i* we d]ive1 n f ! mat]ial univ]se1 b f ! action ( our own m9ds4 ,we are consci\s t we are effici5t ag5ts1 & t def9ite results foll[ ! action ( our wills4 ,?is gives u ! conception ( =ce4 ,we apply x 9 a metaphorical s5se to c]ta9 ?+s :i* we obs]ve 9 ! mat]ial univ]se & call !m =ces1 hav+ ab/ract$ f our prim>y idea ( =ce ! conception ( volition4 ,b all t we really "k ab\t =ce t5ds to prove t its orig9 is m5tal & n mat]ial4 ,x is ( ! utmo/ importance to pres]ve a cle> di/9ction betwe5 ! unconsci\s =ces ( matt] & ! intellig5t ones ( m9d2 o!rwise we %all inevitably be misl$ by su* expressions z 8! =ces ( nature40 ,x is impossible to argue ! "q unless ! di/9ction is admitt$ z a fact1 :atev] !ory may be held ab\t _! orig94 ,x is absurd to conf\nd pr9ciples s di/9ct z heat1 or gravitation1 or electricity1 ) ^? :i* produce ! mo/ dis9t]e/$ moral actions1 & designate !m by ! common t]m 8natural =ces40 ,9 common language we are 9 no dang] ( error :5 we speak ( ! =ce ( consci5ce1 or ! =ce ( a motive2 b 9 discussions l ! pres5t1 :]e su* expressions really involve ! assumption ( ! :ole controv]sy1 x is absurd to classify su* ph5om5a1 & ! un9tellig5t =ces ( matt] "u a common designation1 unless x c be demon/rat$ t !y are all manife/ations ( ! same p[]4 ,we come n[ to ! mu* vex$ "q z to ! mean+ to be atta*$ to ! words 8miracle0 & 8miracul\s20 & ! t]ms closely alli$ to !m1 8sup]natural0 & 8sup]human40 ,is !re any valid di/9ction betwe5 miracles & sup]natural occurr5ces8 ,are1 9 fact1 all miracles sup]natural occurr5ces1 & all sup]natural occurr5ces miracles8 ,! det]m9ation ( ?is "q is closely connect$ ) an important po9t :i* w be consid]$ h]eaft]1 viz41 :e!r a miracle c\ld h any evid5tial value if x 7 br\ght ab\t by a special adaptation ( ! kn[n or unkn[n =ces ( mat]ial nature4 ,let x be obs]v$ t we are n discuss+ ?is "q z a purely ab/ract "o1 b 9 ref]5ce to ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,:at miracles may be 9 !mselves1 ,i %all n inquire2 b 9 relation to ! "q be=e u1 :at we mean :5 we call an occurr5ce a miracle ought to be made suffici5tly cle> & di/9ct4 ,9 ?is controv]sy x w\ld greatly t5d to precision if we us$ ! t]m 8miracle0 z di/+ui%$ f an occurr5ce :i* is sup]natural or sup]human1 to d5ote only ^? sup]natural occurr5ces :i* h an evid5tial value 9 connection ) ! evid5ces ( a div9e revelation1 s9ce !re may be sup]natural occurr5ces :i* w\ld n be 9 any prop] s5se evid5tial4 ,b ! fur!r "q arises1 ,is x necess>y 9 ord] to con/itute an ev5t a miracle t x %\ld be "o :i* transc5ds ! kn[n or ! unkn[n =ces ( mat]ial nature to h produc$8 ,x is cle> t to con/itute an ev5t a miracle x mu/ involve sup]natural or sup]human ag5cy ( "s k9d2 t is to say1 x mu/ be ei!r sup]natural 9 ! mode ( its production z an objective fact1 or sup]human 9 its productive elem5ts1 by :i* ,i mean1 t x mu/ be prec$$ by an ann\ncem5t t x is go+ to occur1 :i* mu/ be beyond ! sph]e ( human k4 ,9 ord] to r5d] a sup]natural ev5t evid5tial1 or 9 o!r words to con/itute x a miracle1 x mu/ n only consi/ ( an ext]nal objective fact1 b its occurr5ce mu/ be unkn[n be=eh&1 & take place at ! bidd+ ( ! ag5t4 ,su* previ\s ann\ncem5t1 or pr$iction1 is necess>y to r5d] ev5 a sup]natural occurr5ce 9 ! /ricte/ s5se ( ! ^w a miracle4 ,! pr$iction ( "s occurr5ce 9 physical nature previ\sly unkn[n may !re=e conv]t su* an ev5t into an evid5tial miracle1 al?\gh ! occurr5ce itself z a m]e objective fact may h be5 br\ght ab\t by "s kn[n or unkn[n =ces ( mat]ial nature4 ,to r5d] x su* x w\ld be necess>y t ! k ( ! occurr5ce %\ld be cle>ly beyond ! b\nds ( exi/+ k4 ,?us1 if any p]son1 :5 ! sci5ce ( a/ronomy 0 utt]ly unkn[n1 _h ann\nc$ be=eh& ! day & ! h\r ( ! occurr5ce ( ! next two transits ( ,v5us1 & ! v>i\s places on ! e>?'s surface 9 :i* !y w\ld be visible1 & if ! ev5ts _h tak5 place accord+ly1 ?is w\ld h unque/ionably prov$ ! pres5ce ( sup]human k4 ,! only "q :i* 9 su* a case w\ld require to be det]m9$ w\ld be :e!r su* a k mu/ h be5 communicat$ by ,god1 or by "s be+ inf]ior to ,god4 ,z h[ev] none ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t h ! smalle/ appe>ance ( be+ ( ?is "*1 ,i ne$ n fur!r discuss a suppos$ case4 ,my only reason = ref]r+ to x is1 t if x is supposable t any ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t c\ld1 at "s future day1 be %[n to h be5 due to a comb9ation ( physical =ces1 _! occurr+ in/antly at ! direct comm& ( ! ag5t w\ld /ill give !m an evid5tial value4 ,b x is cle> t ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 if caus$ by mat]ial =ces at all1 c\ld n h be5 due to _! ord9>y action4 ,!y mu/ h be5 due ei!r to an unkn[n comb9ation ( kn[n =ces1 or to ! call+ ( unkn[n =ces into activity1 or to ! imm$iate ag5cy ( ! div9e m9d4 ,x is cle> !re=e t _! occurr5ce z objective facts proves ! pres5ce ( m9d act+ 9 "s way on ! mat]ial =ces ( nature4 ,to det]m9e ! mode 9 :i* ?is action ma/ h tak5 place has no?+ to d ) ! "q ( miracles1 or ! reality ( _! occurr5ce4 ,a miracle !re=e may1 = all practical purposes ( ?is argum5t1 be def9$ z an occurr5ce :i* _c be effectuat$ by ! ord9>y action ( ! kn[n mat]ial =ces ( ! ,univ]se1 & c\ld only h be5 br\ght ab\t by ! ag5cy ( intellig5t volition2 & :i* is prec$$ by an ann\ncem5t on ! "p ( ! ag5t t x is ab\t to happ5 or takes place directly on 8 bidd+4 ,! latt] elem5t1 z ,i h obs]v$1 is ess5tial to con/itute ! occurr5ce an evid5tial miracle4 ,o!rwise 9 our ignorance ( :at unkn[n =ces may exi/ 9 ! univ]se1 we c\ld h no c]ta9ty t ! ev5t 0 n a m]e unusual occurr5ce effect$ by "s already exi/+ b unkn[n =ces4 ,to ! highe/ =m ( ! miracles 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 h[ev]1 su* an idea w\ld be inapplicable4 ,x may p]haps "h be object$ t 9 lay+ d[n ?is def9ition ( a miracle1 ,i h n suffici5tly id5tifi$ its p]=mance ) ! gov]n+ p[] ( ! univ]se1 i4e4 ,god2 b t if sup]natural ag5ts exi/1 inf]ior to ,god1 x may be due to _! op]ation2 & consequ5tly t x may n be evid5tial ( a div9e commission4 ,?is objection w be fully consid]$ 9 a subsequ5t portion ( ?is "w4 ,a sup]natural ev5t is "o :i* exce$s & :i* _c be effect$ by any =ce exi/+ 9 mat]ial nature4 ,b !re mu/ always be a difficulty 9 det]m9+ :e!r an occurr5ce1 view$ z a b>e objective fact1 belongs to t class ( ev5ts :i* is sup]natural1 or only to t :i* is unusual4 ,?is w always be ! case until our k ( ! =ces ( ! univ]se is s complete t we c asc]ta9 = c]ta9 :at are ! limits ( _! possible action1 & :e!r x is possible to br+ into action any =ces t may exi/1 b are unkn[n to u4 ,9 /rict language !re=e1 x is impossible to be c]ta9 :e!r an occurr5ce1 z a b>e objective fact1 is sup]natural1 until we are acqua9t$ ) ! possible action ( e =ce t exi/s 9 ! univ]se4 ,?is difficulty1 h[ev]1 is "o t is entirely !oretical1 & has n ! smalle/ practical importance ) respect to ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,m5 h _h sev]al ?\s& ye>s' exp]i5ce ( :at c be effect$ by ! ord9>y =ces ( mat]ial nature4 ,occurr5ces :i* lie beyond _! p[] to effectuate prove ! pres5ce ( intellig5ce & volition4 ,! introduction ( an unkn[n =ce c only be accompli%$ by a be+ :o1 al?\gh he may be imman5t 9 nature1 is yet capable ( controll+ its mat]ial =ces4 ,occurr5ces !re=e :i* transc5d ! p[] ( ! kn[n =ces exi/+ 9 ! univ]se to accompli%1 :e!r !y are mat]ial or human1 may = all practical purposes be view$ z sup]natural2 t is to say1 !y d5ote ! pres5ce & ag5cy ( a be+ :o is possess$ ( p[]1 intellig5ce1 & volition4 ,:e!r t be+ be human1 sup]human1 or div9e1 mu/ be det]m9$ by an intellig5t ex]cise ( our reason4 ,x is useless to discuss ?is "q fur!r4 ,we are deal+ ) a v def9ite "q1 ! miracul\s ev5ts record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,) respect to ! great majority ( !m1 !re c be no d\bt z to _! be+ sup]natural occurr5ces1 if !y took place precisely z !y are record$4 ,we "k en\gh ( ! ord9>y =ces ( mat]ial nature to be c]ta9 t ! in/antane\s cure ( a bl9d or lepr\s man by a ^w does n lie )9 ! sph]e ( _! op]ation4 ,su* an ev5t mu/ d5ote ! special int]position ( an extremely high degree ( intellig5ce & p[]4 ,common s5se w affirm t x c\ld only be br\ght ab\t by ! int]v5tion ( ! supreme p[] ( ! univ]se1 i4e4 ,god4 ,9 ?is s5se e sup]natural occurr5ce may be said to be likewise evid5tial1 :5 we h asc]ta9$ = c]ta9 t x is due to sup]natural causes1 & t x _c h be5 br\ght ab\t by ! action ( un9tellig5t =ces1 or by ^? :i* are capable ( be+ modifi$ by ! ag5cy ( man4 ,b 9 t case x w\ld only prove ! pres5ce & int]v5tion ( a be+ :o is capable ( controll+ ! un9tellig5t =ces ( nature4 ,! real difficulty1 z ,i h obs]v$1 is to prove ! sup]natural nature ( ! occurr5ce4 ,b al?\gh1 if x 0 c]ta9ly sup]natural1 x w\ld prove ! int]v5tion ( a sup]natural ag5t1 x w\ld say no?+ z to ! purpose = :i* su* an int]v5tion took place4 ,x foll[s !re=e1 t to con/itute a sup]natural occurr5ce 9 ! /rict s5se ( ! t]m a miracle1 x mu/ take place aft] an ann\ncem5t t x is go+ to happ51 & take place at ! bidd+ ( ! ag5t :o p]=ms x4 ,x is highly important1 9 consid]+ ! miracles ( ! ,gospels1 t ! di/9ction betwe5 a m]ely sup]natural ev5t & an evid5tial miracle %\ld be kept /eadily 9 view4 ,all creative acts w\ld be sup]natural ev5ts1 b !y w\ld n necess>ily be evid5tial miracles4 ,! inc>nation1 & o!r occurr5ces m5tion$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 are sup]natural ones2 b to mix !m up ) evid5tial miracles is simply to invite confusion ( ?\ght4 ,ano!r class ( sup]natural occurr5ces m5tion$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t seem to h be5 wr\ght1 n = purposes directly evid5tial1 b to awak5 att5tion2 & ano!r class ( sup]natural end[m5ts 7 v\*saf$1 to r5d] x possible to lay deep 9 human society ! f\ndations ( ! ,*ur* z a visible & p]man5t in/itution4 ,su* occurr5ces are n directly b indirectly evid5tial1 & x w be necess>y c>efully to di/+ui% betwe5 !m & occurr5ces br\ght ab\t = directly evid5tial purposes4 ,to keep ?is di/9ction cle>1 ,i %all designate ! la/ by ! t]m 8miracle40 ,a miracle is sup]natural 9 two ways3 namely1 9 ! ag5cy :i* produc$ ! objective fact1 & 9 ! ann\ncem5t ( its occurr5ce4 ,! common def9ition ( a miracle1 z a violation or a susp5sion ( ! laws ( nature1 is op5 to v grave objections4 ,! "q1 z ,i h obs]v$1 at once arises1 :at is includ$ "u nature8 ,x also assumes t we are acqua9t$ ) ! mode 9 :i* miracul\s ag5cy mu/ be ex]t$2 :i* we are n4 ,o!r def9itions :i* h be5 propos$ take = grant$ positions :i* ^? :o und]take to prove ! cr$ibility ( miracles ought nev] to conc$e4 ,! pla9 fact is1 t we are simply ignorant ( ! mode 9 :i* ,god acts on mat]ial nature2 & e def9ition mu/ be faulty :i* assumes t we h t k4 ,to say t miracles mu/ involve ev5 a susp5sion ( ! laws ( nature introduces a ne$less difficulty4 ,no law or =ce ( nature ne$ be susp5d$ 9 its action to r5d] ! occurr5ce ( a sup]natural ev5t possible4 ,all t is necess>y is t =ces %\ld be introduc$ :i* are capable ( ov]balanc+ ! action ( oppos+ =ces4 ,x is extremely inaccurate to affirm t ! =ce ( gravitation mu/ be susp5d$ 9 ord] to r5d] possible ei!r walk+ on ! wat]1 or an asc5t into ! sky4 ,x is equally unwise & unphilosophical to affirm t ,god _c "w a miracle by ! use ( int]m$iate ag5cies1 i4e4 by ! p>tial employm5t ( ! =ces ( ! mat]ial univ]se4 ,x is true t 9 mo/ ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t we _c affirm ! use ( su* m$ia1 al?\gh we obs]ve an economy 9 ! use ( div9e p[]3 i4e4 no p[] is ex]t$ beyond t :i* is necess>y to produce ! p>ticul> result 9 "q4 ,b 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t ! use ( su* m$ia is unque/ionably affirm$4 ,to lay d[n 9 our def9ition ( a miracle a p>ticul> !ory z to ! mode 9 :i* x mu/ be accompli%$1 involves ! :ole subject 9 ne$less difficulties4 ,?is "q has be5 obscur$ by repres5t+ a miracle z p]=m$ by ! int]v5tion ( a high] law1 sup]s$+ ! action ( a l[] "o4 ,?is introduces ! conception ( =ce into ! idea ( law1 & leads to confusion ( ?\ght4 ,laws1 or ! inv>iable sequ5ces betwe5 ph5om5a1 are nei!r =ces nor p[]s4 ,! c\nt]action ( "o =ce by ano!r is an ev5t ( daily occurr5ce4 ,all t is ne$ful = ! work+ ( a miracle is ! int]v5tion ( a =ce or m5tal en]gy :i* is capable ( act+ on matt]1 & ( ov]balanc+ ^? ord9>y =ces :i* w\ld produce a contr>y result4 ,x has also be5 urg$ t miracles may obey a law ( miracles4 ,! be/ illu/ration ( ?is idea is t :i* has be5 suppli$ f ! suppos$ op]ations ( ,mr4 ,babbage's calculat+ ma*9e4 ,he supposes t a ma*9e might be con/ruct$ :i* c\ld g on gr9d+ out a p>ticul> set ( results = a long1 yet def9ite p]iod ( "t2 !n by ! op]ation ( ! same ma*9e1 t a fre% ord] might be introduc$2 & aft]w>ds t x might rev]t to ! orig9al "o2 & t ?is op]ation might be cont9u$ = ev]4 ,if !re=e ! great ,au?or ( nature _h s plann$ ! ma*9e ( ! univ]se t :5ev] a miracle 0 requisite 9 ,8 s*eme ( ,provid5ce ?is abnormal ev5t occurr$1 l ! new s]ies introduc$ into ! calculat+ mill1 9 t case miracles might be said to foll[ a def9ite law1 :i* might be designat$ ! law & ord] ( miracul\s int]v5tion4 ,x is impossible to d5y ! +5uity ( ?is !ory1 b un=tunately x is n only "o :i* takes = grant$ t ! p]fection ( me*anical contrivance is ! only ?+ t ! ,creator _h 9 view 9 ! production ( ! univ]se1 b ev5 if ?is 7 an unque/ionable fact1 x c\ld af=d u no help ) respect to all ! mo/ important miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,h[ is x possible1 ,i ask1 to acc\nt = _m ( our ,"l's miracles on su* a supposition8 ,x is expressly affirm$ t ?is sup]natural en]gy 0 frequ5tly made to dep5d on ! fai? ( ! p]son :o invok$ ,8 help4 ,c\ld any miracle work+ mill be ev5 conceiv$ (1 :i* c\ld br+ out1 z "p ( ! normal law ( its op]ations1 ! cure ( bl9d1 deaf1 & lepr\s m5 by a ^w1 or effectuate ,8 own resurrection f ! dead1 or asc5sion into ,heav58 ,su* occurr5ces c\ld n be produc$ by ! action ( any ma*9e :i* has ! smalle/ analogy to a calculat+ mill4 ,b fur!r3 su* an op]ation w\ld be impot5t to answ] ! purposes ( a miracle1 unless ! p>ticul> result 0 ann\nc$ be=eh& by "o :o 0 completely ignorant t ! ma*9e 0 capable ( produc+ su* extraord9>y results4 ,?is ignorance w\ld likewise h to be ext5d$ to ^? to :om ! ann\ncem5t 0 made4 ,x w\ld also be necess>y t ! ann\nc] %\ld proclaim t on a p>ticul> day & h\r ! ma*9e w\ld gr9d out ! p>ticul> result ( ! cure ( a bl9d man1 or a resurrection f ! dead4 ,! ability to d ?is w\ld be utt]ly abnormal1 & impossible ev] to be gr\nd out by ! selfact+ ag5cy ( any conceivable ma*9e1 h[ev] clev]ly con/ruct$4 ,mr4 ,babbage's miraclework+ mill1 h[ev] +5i\s a conception1 mu/ !re=e be dismiss$ z incapable ( af=d+ u ! smalle/ help 9 ! pres5t argum5t4 ,! t]m 8sup]human0 rema9s to be consid]$4 ,x ne$ n deta9 u long4 ,sup]human implies a result br\ght ab\t by ! int]v5tion ( a be+ sup]ior to man4 ,:e!r su* an ag5t be div9e or o!rwise c only be det]m9$ by ! ex]cise ( our reason4 ,x has be5 object$ t ! ag5cy :i* produces an e>?quake is a sup]human ag5cy1 t is1 x exce$s ! p[]s ( man to produce x4 ,grant$3 b ?is has no be>+ on ! subject "u discussion4 ,:5 we use ! ^w 8sup]human0 we always mean by x1 n ! action ( ! un9tellig5t =ces ( mat]ial nature1 b ( a be+ possess$ ( intellig5ce & w4 ,!re is a l>ge numb] ( o!r subjects hav+ an intimate be>+ on ! correct def9ition ( ! t]ms habitually us$ 9 ?is controv]sy1 & :i* greatly modify _! mean+4 ,^! h[ev] w be/ be consid]$ :5 ,i ent] on ! direct discussion ( ! possibility & ! cr$ibility ( miracles4 ,,*apt] ,,iii4 ,,! ,,sup]natural ,,elem5ts ,,conta9$ ,,9 ,,! ,,new ,,te/am5t3 ,,9 ,,:at ,,d ,,!y ,,consi/8 ,,& ,,:at ,,view ,,d ,,its ,,writ]s ,,take ,,respect+ ,,!m8 ,be=e ent]+ on ! g5]al "q ( miracles1 x is only reasonable to inquire ( ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t :at !y h to say on ! subject4 ,_! op9ion ( ! nature & "* ( ! sup]natural occurr5ces :i* !y h report$ is c]ta9ly ( m value ?an t ( all o!r writ]s put toge!r4 ,/4 ,john & ,/4 ,paul mu/ h be5 9 ! habit ( com+ 9 contact ) unbeliev]s4 ,x w\ld be mo/ important if we c\ld asc]ta9 ! mode adopt$ by !m ( comm5d+ ,*ri/ianity to _! acceptance1 & :at use 0 made by !m ( ! sup]natural p[] ) :i* !y pr(ess$ to be end[$4 ,fir/3 ,x is impossible to read ! ,new ,te/am5t )\t arriv+ at ! conclusion t ! sup]human "* :i* is ascrib$ to ,jesus ,*ri/ is p]fectly unique1 & diff]s entirely f t :i* is ascrib$ to any o!r p]son4 ,o!rs wr\ght miracles2 b !y 7 m5 l ourselves4 ,b 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/ ! sup]natural is repres5t$ z inh]5t4 ,to say t he possess$ ! p[] ( work+ miracles1 is an inadequate /atem5t ( ! fact4 ,al?\gh he embodies ! p]fection ( human nature ) all its f9ite limitations1 ! sup]natural & ! div9e take up _! abode 9 8 p]sonality4 ,:5ev] our ,"l is repres5t$ z work+ miracles1 he is always repres5t$ z p]=m+ !m by a p[] :i* 0 inh]5t 9 himself4 ,?is is nev] once attribut$ to 8 foll[]s4 ,! sup]natural action :i* is ascrib$ to ,jesus ,*ri/ mu/ be view$1 z a case di/9ct & sep>ate1 by itself4 ,! miracles p]=m$ by him are n only evid5tial1 b also portions ( 8 sup]natural manife/ation4 ,accord+ to ! au?or ( ! f\r? ,gospel1 our ,"l himself r>ely designat$ !m by ei!r ( ! ?ree t]ms by :i* miracles are usually designat$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 viz41 signs1 wond]s1 & mighty works 71 1 74 ,he almo/ uni=mly call$ !m 8,works0 774 ,an important di/9ction is "h int5d$4 ,our ,"l did n view 8 miracles z a sep>ate class ( actions by !mselves1 b z portions ( 8 ord9>y sup]human work+1 & z hav+ a di/9ct relation to 8 entire "*4 ,f\r passages w be suffici5t to %[ ?is cle>ly4 8,! works t ,i d 9 my ,fa!r's "n1 !y be> witness ( me40 8,my ,fa!r worke? hi!rto1 & ,i "w40 8,if ye believe n me1 believe ! works40 8,_m good works h ,i %[$ y f my ,fa!r2 = :i* ( ^? works d ye /one me80 ,:5 contemplat$ by o!rs only1 !y assume ! =m ( signs & wond]s3 8,except ye see signs & wond]s1 ye w n believe40 ,x is highly important t we %\ld keep /eadily 9 view t ! div9e "* attribut$ to ,jesus is by no means re/rict$ to ! p]=mance ( miracles2 b t x ext5ds ?r\gh\t 8 entire work+1 & t ! two toge!r con/itute an h>moni\s :ole4 ,x p]ta9s no less to its moral & spiritual aspects1 ?an to ! displays :i* he made ( a p[] capable ( controll+ nature4 ,ev5 9 ?is portion ( 8 work+1 he draws special att5tion to its moral & spiritual aspects4 ,accord+ to 8 view ( 8 own mighty works1 !y n only exhibit$ a p[] ( controll+ nature1 b 7 uni=mly inve/$ ) a moral & spiritual environm5t4 ,?r\gh\t ! ,gospels he is repres5t$ z exhibit+ a greatness & dignity1 a purity1 hol9ess1 humility & b5evol5ce1 s f> transc5d+ t ( o!r m51 z to con/itute him :at may be almo/ designat$ a moral & spiritual miracle4 ,p]fection 9 ! moral & spiritual _w is z ess5tially sup]human1 z p[] ov] nature is sup]natural4 ,9 consid]+ ! miracles :i* h be5 attribut$ to ,jesus ,*ri/1 x is important to be> 9 m9d ! mann] 9 :i* !y /& relat$ to 8 entire sup]human "*4 ,o!rwise we %all fail to obs]ve ! d\ble aspect :i* !y be>4 ,!y 7 manife/ations ( ! div9e1 :i* dwelt )9 him1 & also !y possess$ an evid5tial value4 ,i %all occasionally use ! t]m 8sup]human0 in/ead ( 8div9e10 z appli$ to ,jesus ,*ri/1 because = ! purposes ( ?is argum5t x w be unnecess>y = me to def9e ! precise degree ( div9e "* :i* ! evangeli/s int5d$ to attribute to him4 ,to asc]ta9 ?is is ! prop] function ( ! !ologian1 by comp>+ toge!r ! facts & /atem5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,x is suffici5t = my pres5t purpose to obs]ve t ! p]usal ( ! ,gospels leaves ! inevitable impression on ! m9d t x 0 ! purpose ( _! writ]s to depict a div9e "* 9 union ) a human "o--a sup]natural p[] act+ )9 ! regions ( ! natural4 ,?is cov]s alike ! aspects ( "* pres5t$ ( him bo? 9 ! ,synoptic & ! ,johann9e ,gospels4 ,al?\gh our ,"l speaks ( 8 actions by ! common "n ( 8works0 771 :5 ! sacr$ au?ors speak g5]ally ( miracles1 !y apply to !m1 z ,i h obs]v$1 ?ree di/9ct t]ms1 signs1 mighty works1 & wond]s 71 1 74 ,ea* ( ^! d5otes diff]5t aspects 9 :i* !y contemplat$ miracles4 ,! sign includ$ ! sup]natural fact wr\ght on ext]nal nature ) ! :ole ( its moral environm5t4 ,9 ?is po9t ( view1 ! 8sign0 0 ! direct pro( ( a div9e mission4 ,x is wor?y ( obs]vation t ! au?or ( ! f\r? ,gospel has uni=mly describ$ ! sup]natural actions :i* he has ascrib$ to ,jesus ,*ri/ by ?is t]m4 ,! expression 8mighty works0 is int5d$ to br+ "u our notice ! p[] :i* 0 display$ 9 ! p]=mance ( a miracle1 !reby directly connect+ x ) a sup]human ag5cy4 ,! t]m 8wond]0 contemplates a sup]natural ev5t 9 its simple aspect z an occurr5ce preem95tly fitt$ to comm& att5tion to ! p]son :o 0 capable ( p]=m+ x4 ,we may !re=e conclude t ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t consid]$ t ^! 7 ! ?ree special functions ( miracles4 ,x is q possible t ! same miracle might h fulfill$ all ?ree at ! same "t3 b z ?ree su* functions ( sup]natural occurr5ces are di/9ctly /at$1 x is q conceivable t !re 7 occasions :5 !y 7 limit$ to "s "o ( ^! 9 p>ticul>4 ,x is evid5t t our ,"l atta*$ ! highe/ importance to a miracle contemplat$ z a 8sign10 i4e4 to ! moral environm5t ) :i* x 0 connect$4 ,?is1 al?\gh m def9itely br\ght out 9 ,/4 ,john's ,gospel1 is also di/9ctly borne witness to by ! ,synoptics4 ,x =ms ! gr\nd ( ! reit]at$ refusal ( our ,"l to comply ) ! dem& ( ! ,ph>isees t he w\ld %[ "s sign f heav51 z a pro( ( 8 div9e mission4 ,8 miracles comb9$ 9 "o ! two conceptions ( signs & mighty works4 ,none ( !m 7 m]e prodigies devoid ( a moral aspect4 ,x is wor?y ( consid]ation :e!r our ,"l's prim>y purpose 9 p]=m+ sup]natural actions 0 always directly evid5tial4 ,i h already drawn att5tion to _! tw(old aspect1 z div9e manife/ations1 & z evid5tial miracles4 ,a consid]able numb] ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels are repres5t$ z p]=m$ by him because he 0 mov$ ) compassion4 ,^! evid5tly belong to ! =m] class ( 8 sup]natural work+s4 ,b al?\gh ?is 0 _! prim>y object x did n deprive !m ( an evid5tial value4 ,b !re is also ano!r rem>kable class ( sup]natural actions attribut$ to him1 viz41 ^? 9 :i* he is record$ to h expressly =bidd5 ! p]sons :om he heal$ to publi% ! fact4 ,z x is evid5t t ^! miracles c\ld only h become ext5sively kn[n by ! p]sons cur$ disobey+ 8 ord]s1 x is cle> t !y c\ld n h be5 directly p]=m$ = evid5tial purposes1 b 7 ! manife/ations ( ! div9e :i* resid$ 9 8 p]son4 ,su* are ! sup]natural actions attribut$ to ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 respect+ :i* z a :ole1 :e!r p]=m$ = purposes av[$ly evid5tial or n1 he himself affirms1 t !y bore witness ( him1 t ! ,fa!r _h s5t him4 ,two o!r classes ( miracles1 affirm$ to h be5 p]=m$ by 8 foll[]s1 require notice4 ,! :ole ( ^! are /at$ to h be5 p]=m$ by a delegat$ p[] & commission4 ,! great majority ( !m are describ$ z hav+ be5 p]=m$ 9 ! "n ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,!y are affirm$ to h be5 p]=m$ = two purposes2 to prove ! div9e commission ( ^? :o wr\ght !m1 & to atte/ ! reality ( _! ,ma/]'s resurrection1 by giv+ exhibitions ( 8 pres5t p[]4 ,^! !re=e are di/9ctly affirm$ to h be5 evid5tial miracles4 ,a few o!rs 7 provid5tial int]f]5ces 9 fav\r ( ! infant ,*ur*4 ,!re is also ano!r class ( sup]natural actions ref]r$ to 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 su* z ! pass+ ( ,/4 ,pet]'s %ad[1 & ! suppos$ sup]natural effects result+ f x1 & ! conveyance f ,/4 ,paul's p]son ( h&k]*iefs & aprons to ! sick1 & "o or two o!r in/ances4 ,^! involve special manife/ations ( sup]natural p[]1 & belong to sup]natural occurr5ces 9 _! aspect ( wond]s1 or v extraord9>y ev5ts1 & z su* 7 specially adapt$ = draw+ att5tion to ! message ( ! ,apo/les4 ,b ! ,new ,te/am5t also affirms ano!r & v peculi> =m ( ! manife/ation ( ! sup]natural1 z !n actually exi/+ 9 ! ,apo/olic ,*ur*4 ,i ne$ h>dly say t ,i allude to ! v>i\s gifts ( ! ,_s1 ) :i* l>ge numb]s ( its memb]s believ$ !mselves to be end[$4 ,i %all n consid] !m any fur!r "h1 z x w be necess>y = me to ent] l>gely on ! subject 9 a subsequ5t portion ( ?is "w4 ,_! use & purpose 0 to lay deep ! f\ndations ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,all t w be necess>y 9 ?is place is to draw att5tion to !m z a di/9ct ord] ( sup]natural manife/ations1 to ! exi/5ce ( :i* ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are pl$g$4 ,!re is also "o fur!r =m ( sup]natural manife/ation affirm$ by !m1 namely1 a great moral & spiritual trans=mation effect$ 9 ^? :o cordially embrac$ ! ,gospel4 ,?is is mo/ positively /at$ by ,/4 ,paul to h be5 a fact con/antly tak+ place "u 8 own obs]vation4 ,x is only necess>y = me to notice its exi/5ce1 z x is a =m ( sup]natural manife/ation1 ! tru? or falsehood ( :i* =ms no portion ( ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,su* !n are ! v>i\s =ms ( ! sup]natural1 to ! exi/5ce ( :i* ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are pl$g$ z objective facts4 ,to ^! only1 & n to any conceivable or possible ones1 is ! def5d] ( ,*ri/ianity committ$4 ,if _! occurr5ce c be %[n to h be5 impossible1 ei!r on gr\nds ( sci5ce or philosophy1 or because human te/imony is ( s fallible a "* t x _c e/abli% ! tru? ( a sup]natural occurr5ce1 x foll[s t ! :ole ( ,*ri/ianity mu/ h be5 an inv5tion ( a purely human orig91 t x c h no claim to ! designation ( a div9e revelation1 & t x is h>dly possible to free its inv5tors f ! *>ge ( fraud4 ,no m]e p>+ d[n ( its sup]natural elem5ts w enable u to escape f ?is conclusion4 ,i mu/ n[ proce$ to consid] :e!r ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t re/ ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity on ! evid5ce ( miracles alone1 & :at position !y occupy respect+ x4 ,if we assume = ! sake ( argum5t t ! f\r? ,gospel is ! "w ( ! ,apo/le ,john1 x is evid5t t nei!r ,jesus ,*ri/ nor ! ,apo/le accept$ ! !ory :i* has be5 prop\nd$ by "s div9es1 & readily accept$ by unbeliev]s1 t ! evid5ce ( 8 div9e mission 0 exclusively f\nd$ on ! te/imony ( miracles4 ,to /ate ! po9t di/9ctly3--,?is ,gospel places ! evid5ce af=d$ by our ,"l's own div9e p]son1 i4e4 ! moral evid5ce ( 8 mission1 9 ! fir/ rank1 & 8 miracul\s works 9 ! second4 ,z ?is is a po9t ( consid]able importance1 & "o to :i* its prop] weight has be5 seldom atta*$1 ,i w enum]ate ! *ief /atem5ts made 9 ?is ,gospel on ?is subject4 ,fir/3 ,! au?or ( ! ,gospel directly affirms t ,jesus is 8! light ( m520 & he himself di/9ctly affirms ( himself1 8,he t see? me see? ,him t s5t me40 8,i am come a light into ! _w1 t :osoev] believe? on me %\ld n abide 9 d>kness40 7,john xii4 #de1 #df47 ,aga91 8,i am ! light ( ! _w2 he t foll[e? me %all n walk 9 d>kness1 b %all h ! light ( life40 7,john viii4 #ab47 ,x is impossible to read ^! & k9dr$ passages )\t feel+ t our ,"l appeal$ to some?+ else besides 8 miracul\s works1 view$ z m]e objective facts1 z a pro( ( 8 div9e mission4 ,he evid5tly places ! highe/ pro( ( x 9 8 great moral & spiritual manife/ation4 ,he ass]ts ! possession ( an inh]5t illum9ation 9 8 own div9e ,p]son 9 union ) ! great tru?s :i* he enunciat$1 & ! entire c\rse ( 8 div9e work+4 ,to a m9d capable ( appreciat+ a manife/ation ( hol9ess1 8 p]son & div9e work+ w\ld be selfevid5tial4 8,he t see? me1 see? ,him t s5t me40 ,x is evid5t !re=e t he consid]$ ! moral aspect ( ev5 8 sup]natural works z an important portion ( ! evid5ce t he came f ,god4 ,! f\r? *apt] ( ?is ,gospel conta9s an acc\nt ( our ,"l's visit to ! ,sam>itans4 ,he p]=m$ no miracle on ?is occasion4 ,! ,evangeli/ tells u t _m ( !m accept$ him z ! ,messiah2 & expressly /ates t !y affirm$ t ?is 0 n on acc\nt ( ! report ( ! woman z to 8 sup]natural insight into h] "*2 b because !y !mselves _h he>d him1 & on ?is acc\nt !y _h arriv$ at ! p]suasion t 0 ! ,*ri/4 ,!re 0 some?+ !re=e 9 8 moral manife/ation1 ev5 ap>t f 8 miracles1 :i* produc$ ?is p]suasion4 ,! ,evangeli/ accepts ?is position z a correct "o4 ,he has ev5 gone fur!r1 & has attribut$ x 9 ! same *apt] to our ,"l himself4 ,he makes him address ! nobleman :o came to solicit 8 int]f]5ce 9 behalf ( 8 sick son ) ^! rem>kable words3 8,except ye see signs & wond]s1 ye w n believe40 7,john iv4 #dh47 ,^! words c only imply t1 9 ! op9ion ( ! speak]1 !re 0 a moral & spiritual atte/ation ( 8 div9e mission1 :i* /ood high] ?an objective miracles2 & t ^? :o witness$ x ought to h receiv$ x z su*4 ,9 ,john vi4 #cj1 ff41 a rem>kable dialogue is describ$ z tak+ place betwe5 our ,"l & ! ,jews on ?is v subject4 ,! ,jews dem& ( him to "w "s di/9ct sign 9 pro( ( 8 div9e mission4 ,let x be obs]v$ t ! dem& ( a sign1 "h /at$ to h be5 made1 is ( precisely ! same "* z simil> /atem5ts :i* are made by ! ,synoptics on ! same subject1 & %[s t a common conception1 und]lies !m all4 8,:at sign10 say !y1 8%[e/ ?\ !n1 t we may see & believe !e8 :at do/ ?\ "w80 ,!y !n proce$ to def9e ! p>ticul> sign :i* !y wi% to see exhibit$1 by mak+ an invidi\s comp>ison betwe5 8 miracles & ^? ( ,moses1 view$ z m]e objective facts4 ,9 reply our ,"l does n appeal directly to ev5 ! miracle ( :i* ! ,evangeli/ _h j describ$ ! p]=mance2 b ?r\gh\t ! rema9d] ( ! *apt]1 he proce$s to draw att5tion to ! moral & spiritual aspects ( 8 work+4 8,moses gave y n t bread f ,heav52 b my ,fa!r give? y ! true bread f ,heav52 = ! bread ( ,god is he :i* come? d[n f ,heav51 & give? life unto ! _w10 c4 ,9 *apt] vii4 7#ag1 #ah7 our ,"l affirms3 8,if any man w d 8 w1 he %all "k ( ! doctr9e1 :e!r x be ( ,god1 or :e!r ,i speak ( myself4 ,he t speake? ( himself seeke? 8 own glory2 b he t seeke? 8 glory t s5t him1 ! same is true1 & no unrighte\sness is 9 him40 ,"h ! affirmation is cle> & di/9ct t !re is a moral & spiritual elem5t 9 our ,"l's p]son & tea*+1 :i* jo9tly ) 8 miracul\s works be> witness to 8 div9e "*4 ,! te/imony giv5 by ! "o is conv]g5t ) t ( ! o!r4 ,?is ! foll[+ affirmation ( our ,"l mo/ /rongly ass]ts4 8,i am "o :o be> witness ( myself1 & ! ,fa!r :o s5t me ha? borne witness ( me10 t is to say1 ,8 moral & spiritual manife/ation is 9 a c]ta9 s5se evid5tial2 & ! ,fa!r :o s5t him bore a concurr5t te/imony ( 8 sup]natural "w4 ,on simil> pr9ciples our ,"l reasons ) ! ,jews 9 ! eigh? *apt] ( ?is ,gospel4 ,9 reply to ! *>ge t he p]=m$ miracles by ! aid ( ! evil "o he affirms1 t 8 own absolute s9lessness1 con/itutes a complete answ] to x4 8,:i* ( y conv9ce? me ( s98 & if ,i say ! tru? :y d ye n believe me80 7v4 #df47 ,we h "h a direct appeal to m5's moral & spiritual p]ception1 z an indep5d5t witness to ! tru? ( 8 tea*+2 & ! affirmation t a be+ :o is n simply good & holy1 b p]fectly s9less1 is wor?y ( absolute cr$5ce4 ,9 o!r words1 he does n re/ ! tru? ( 8 tea*+ on miracles wr\ght to confirm 8 diff]5t utt]ances1 b on ! inh]5t tru?fulness ( a s9less "*4 ,! moral aspect ( 8 works is ! pr$om9ant "o4 ,9 ! f\rte5? *apt] ( ?is ,gospel we h ! foll[+ rem>kable decl>ation1 :i* puts ! :ole subject 9 ! cle>e/ light4 ,philip says to him2 8,%[ u ! ,fa!r1 & x suffice? u40 ,jesus said unto him1 8,h ,i be5 s long "t ) y1 & yet ha/ ?\ n kn[n me1 ,philip8 ,he t ha? se5 me ha? se5 ! ,fa!r3 ,believe/ ?\ n t ,i am 9 ! ,fa!r1 & ! ,fa!r 9 me8 ,! words t ,i speak unto y1 ,i speak n ( myself2 b ! ,fa!r t dwelle? 9 me1 he doe? ! works4 ,believe me t ,i am 9 ! ,fa!r1 & ! ,fa!r 9 me1 or else believe me = ! v works' sake40 7vs4 #haa47 ,?is passage conta9s sev]al mo/ important consid]ations directly be>+ on ?is subject4 ,i w m5tion !m 9 ord]4 ,fir/-- ,philip asks = 8 complete conviction1 a visible miracle 9 ! =m ( an appe>ance ( ,god1 su* z 0 record$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t z hav+ tak5 place at ,s9ai4 ,secondly4 ,our ,"l affirms t ! manife/ations ( 8 "* made 9 8 p]son & "w dur+ 8 previ\s acqua9tance ) him 7 ! true/ manife/ations ( ! p]son1 "* & be+ ( ! ,fa!r4 ,?irdly4 ,t ! words :i* he spake & 8 entire work+1 possess$ an evid5tial "* z prov+ t he came f ! ,fa!r3 & t 8 moral & spiritual p]fections 7 su* z to entitle 8 affirmation to be receiv$ on 8 own ^w4 ,f\r?ly4 ,t if ,philip 0 unable to receive !m on ?is evid5ce1 :i* occupi$ ! highe/ place1 !n he 0 entitl$ to be believ$ on ! evid5ce ( 8 sup]natural works1 8,if ye believe n me1 believe ! works40 ,?is entire passage makes x cle> t 9 ! m9d ( our ,"l ! moral evid5ce af=d$ by him con/itut$ a mo/ important portion ( ! atte/ation ( 8 div9e mission4 ,nor 0 its value conf9$ to ^? :o witness$ x dur+ ! "t ( 8 p]sonal m9i/ry1 b he view$ x z ext5d+ to all "t4 ,?is is made cle> by 8 reply to ,?omas 9 ref]5ce to 8 dem& to be all[$ to h&le 8 ris5 body4 8,?omas1 because ?\ ha/ se5 me1 ?\ ha/ believ$1 ,bless$ are !y :o h n se51 & yet h believ$40 7xx4 #bi47 ,) ^! /atem5ts be=e u1 unless we reject ! au?ority ( ?is ,gospel1 x is cle> t ^? ,*ri/ian writ]s :o h ass]t$ t ! evid5ce ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation re/s exclusively on miracles z objective facts are 9 error4 ,b ! same ,gospel ref]s u no less di/9ctly to ! miracles ( our ,"l z v important evid5ces ( 8 div9e mission1 al?\gh !y are subord9at$ to ^? we h be5 consid]+4 ,"o or two fur!r ref]5ces w be suffici5t4 ,we h sev]al decl>ations on ?is subject 9 ! fif? *apt]4 8,my ,fa!r worke? hi!rto1 & ,i "w4 ,! ,son c d no?+ ( himself1 b :at he see? ! ,fa!r d2 = :atsoev] ?+s he doe?1 ^! also doe? ! ,son likewise40 7vs4 #ag1 #ai47 8,! works :i* ! ,fa!r ha? giv5 me to f9i%1 ! same works t ,i d be> witness ( me t ! ,fa!r ha? s5t me40 7v]4 #cf47 ,"h a pla9 p>allel is drawn betwe5 ! :ole c\rse ( our ,"l's work+ & t ( ! ,fa!r4 ,9 ?is work+ he evid5tly int5d$ to include 8 miracles4 ,tak5 9 comb9ation ) 8 entire "* ! speak] affirms t !y =m a conclusive pro( t ! ,fa!r _h s5t him4 ,he subsequ5tly draws att5tion to ! evid5ce af=d$ by 8 miracles z su*1 8& ! ,fa!r himself :i* ha? s5t me ha? borne witness ( me40 7v]4 #cg47 ,s aga9 9 ! t5? *apt]1 8,! works t ,i d 9 my ,fa!r's "n1 !y be> witness ( me10 7v]4 #be47 ,a little fur!r on ! moral aspect ( 8 miracles1 & _! close connection ) 8 entire work+ is di/9ctly br\ght =w>d4 8,_m good works h ,i %[$ y f my ,fa!r2 = :i* ( ^? works d ye /one me80 7vs #cg1 #ch47 8,if ,i d n ! works ( my ,fa!r1 believe me n1 b if ,i d1 ?\gh ye believe n me1 believe ! works1 t ye may "k & believe1 t ! ,fa!r is 9 me1 & ,i 9 him40 7vs4 #cg1 #ch47 ,no words c br+ out m /rongly ! weight :i* our ,"l atta*$ to ! moral aspect ( 8 miracles z pro(s ( 8 div9e mission4 ,9 ! fifte5? *apt] we h our ,"l's own reflections on ! evid5ces :i* he _h af=d$ ( 8 ,messianic "*1 dur+ 8 entire m9i/ry4 8,if ,i _h n done among !m ! works :i* none o!r man did1 !y _h n _h s92 b n[ !y h bo? se5 & hat$ bo? me & my ,fa!r40 7v]4 #bd47 ,"h ! miracles are class$ ) ! o!r exhibitions ( our ,"l's div9e "*2 & att5tion is especially drawn to ! moral aspect ( 8 entire work+ z 9 ! highe/ degree evid5tial4 8,!y h se5 & hat$ bo? me & my ,fa!r40 ,x is wor?y ( rem>k t :ile our ,"l uni=mly spoke ( 8 miracles z "p ( 8 g5]al work+1 by :i* he manife/$ 8 div9e "*1 ! ,evangeli/ himself almo/ inv>iably calls !m 8signs40 ,?is is br\ght out :5 he gives u 8 own reflections on ! results ( 8 public m9i/ry4 8,?\gh he _h done s _m signs7#b7 be=e !m yet !y believ$ n on him40 7xii4 #cg47 ,s aga91 8_m o!r signs truly did ,jesus 9 ! pres5ce ( 8 disciples1 :i* are n writt5 9 ?is book3 b ^! are writt5 t ye might believe t ,jesus is ! ,*ri/1 ! ,son ( ,god40 7xx4 #cj1 #ca47 ,9 bo? ^! passages our ,"l's miracles are evid5tly ref]r$ to4 ,!y are pron\nc$ to be bo? evid5tial ( 8 div9e mission1 & at ! same "t to be manife/ations ( 8 "*4 ,! ,evangeli/ :ile contemplat+ !m z miracles nev] loses sight ( _! moral aspect4 ,9 ! ,synoptic ,gospels "o allusion is made to ! evid5tial purpose ( a p>ticul> miracle :i* is wor?y ( notice4 ,g5]ally speak+ !y are view$ by ! au?ors ( ^! ,gospels z simple manife/ations ( 8 div9e "*4 ,on ?is occasion1 :5 8 p[] to =give s9s 0 que/ion$1 he directly p]=m$ a miracle to prove t he possess$ x4 8,b t ye may "k t ! ,son ( ,man ha? p[] on e>? to =give s9s1 he sai? to ! sick ( ! palsy1 ,i say unto !e1 arise1 & take up ?y b$ & g ?y way into ?9e h\se40 ,9 ?is case x is cle> t ! purpose ( p]=m+ ! miracle 0 n to prove ! tru? ( any doctr9al /atem5t :i* he _h made2 b to e/abli% ! reality ( 8 div9e au?ority & commission4 ,:ile x is q true t ! au?ors ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels h n enunciat$ ! purpose ( our ,"l's miracles 9 ! =mal mann] 9 :i* x is done 9 ,/4 ,john's ,gospel1 x is cle> t !y mu/ h tak5 ! same view ( _! g5]al "*4 ,9 fact ! evid5tial purpose ( _! p]=mance is less cle>ly /at$ 9 !m ?an 9 ! f\r? ,gospel4 ,all f\r ,gospels view 8 miracles only z a portion ( 8 sup]human manife/ation1 & are ignorant ( t broad di/9ction :i* has be5 laid d[n betwe5 !m & ! o!r portions ( 8 div9e work+4 ,!y are 9 fact includ$ "u x2 & x is ! concurr5ce ( bo? toge!r1 & ! moral aspect !reby impress$ on ! :ole1 :i* proves him to be ! ,*ri/4 ,x has be5 important to asc]ta9 :at are ! views ( ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t on ?is subject1 because x has be5 /rongly ass]t$ by au?ors on bo? sides ( ! controv]sy t ! doctr9es ( ,*ri/ianity are prov$ by miracles1 & t !y c re/ = _! atte/ation on no o!r evid5ce4 ,! precise value ( ?is position ,i w consid] 9 ! foll[+ *apt]4 ,x mu/1 h[ev]1 be obs]v$ t ?is is n ! view tak5 by ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,!re is n a s+le miracle record$ 9 x :i* is alleg$ to h be5 p]=m$ ) ! direct purpose ( prov+ ! tru? ( a s+le doctr9e prop]ly s call$4 ,^? wr\ght by our ,"l are uni=mly repres5t$ z hav+ be5 p]=m$ 9 pro( ( 8 div9e mission1 or z an ess5tial portion ( ! manife/ation ( ! div9e :i* dwelt )9 him4 ,z su* !y 7 signs1 precisely 9 ! same mann] z ! p]=mance ( ^? actions :i* c only be p]=m$ by man are signs2 t is1 !y are pro(s ( ! pres5ce ( man4 ,9 ! same mann] ! actions p]=m$ by our ,"l are signs & pro(s ( ! pres5ce ( ! div9e man ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,if our ,"l 0 9 tru? :at he ass]t$ himself to be1 sup]natural manife/ations w\ld be ! concomitants ( 8 pres5ce4 ,9 exact con=mity ) ^! facts z we f9d !m 9 ! ,gospels is ! direct dogmatic /atem5t made by ! au?or ( ! ,epi/le to ! ,hebrews on ?is subject4 ,aft] hav+ ass]t$ 9 ! fir/ *apt] t div9e revelation is made 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & t ,god speaks to man "u ! ,*ri/ian disp5sation 89 him1 :o is ! brightness ( 8 glory1 & ! express image ( 8 p]son1 & uphold+ all ?+s by ! ^w ( 8 p[]10 ! au?or proce$s to comp>e x ) ! =m] disp5sation1 & to give u 8 views ( ! evid5ce on :i* x re/s4 8,h[10 says he1 8%all we escape1 if we neglect s great salvation2 :i* at ! fir/ began to be spok5 by ! ,"l1 & 0 confirm$ unto u by !m t he>d him4 ,god also be>+ !m witness bo? by signs & wond]s1 & ) div]s miracles & gifts ( ! ,holy ,gho/1 accord+ to 8 own w40 7ii4 #c1 #d47 ,^! words di/9ctly in=m u :at 7 ! writ]'s op9ions z to ! nature ( ! evid5ces on :i* ,*ri/ianity re/s4 ,fir/1 x reposes on ! te/imony ( ,*ri/ respect+ himself4 ,secondly1 x is confirm$ by a numb] ( miracles wr\ght by ,god4 ,?is view is /rictly 9 accordance ) our ,"l's own affirmation respect+ x z record$ 9 ! f\r? ,gospel1 8,i am "o t be> witness ( myself1 & ! ,fa!r t s5t me ha? borne witness ( me40 7viii4 #ah47 ,) respect to num]\s miracles record$ 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 !y are affirm$ to h be5 p]=m$ = purposes directly evid5tial1 n h[ev] to prove ! tru? ( any doctr9e1 b ( our ,"l's ,messianic "*4 ,! affirmations on ?is po9t are express4 8,9 ! "n ( ,jesus ,*ri/ ( ,naz>e?1 rise up & walk40 7iii4 #f47 8,8 "n1 ?r\gh fai? 9 8 "n1 ha? made ?is man /rong40 7iii4 #af47 8,!re=e let all ! h\se ( ,israel "k assur$ly1 t ,god ha? made t same ,jesus :om ye h crucifi$1 bo? ,"l & ,*ri/40 7ii4 #cf47 ,( ! fact ( ! resurrection1 !y affirm t !y 7 witnesses2 & t ! miracul\s p[]s imp>t$ to !m 7 ! consequ5ce ( t ev5t1 & a pro( ( its tru?4 ,! nature ( ! o!r sup]natural occurr5ces affirm$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t mu/ be fully consid]$ h]eaft]4 ,!re rema9 h[ev] two fur!r /atem5ts1 made by ! sacr$ writ]s respect+ ?is subject1 :i* require to be briefly notic$ "h4 ,fir/1 al?\gh ! ,gospels affirm t ,john ! ,bapti/ _h a div9e commission to ann\nce ! imm$iate sett+ up ( ! k+dom ( ! ,messiah1 & ev5 to po9t him out1 !y expressly ass]t t he p]=m$ no objective miracle 9 confirmation ( x4 ,8 prophetical ass]tions re/$ = _! v]ification on _! fulfilm5t only1 i4e4 on ! imm$iate appe>ance ( a p]son :o unit$ 9 himself all ! attributes ( ! ,messiah4 ,! foll[+ 0 ! l9e ( argum5t adopt$ by ^? :o believ$ 8 te/imony3 8,john did no miracle1 b all ?+s t ,john spoke ( ?is man 7 true40 ,secondly1 :ile 9 ! ,apo/olic ,epi/les1 miracles are /at$ to h be5 p]=m$ by our ,"l1 & sup]natural p[]s no less cle>ly ass]t$ to h be5 at t v "t actually pres5t 9 ! ,*ur*1 !re is only "o miracle :i* is directly ref]r$ to 9 pro( ( ! div9e mission ( ,*ri/4 ,i ne$ n say t ?is is ! greate/ ( all ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels1 viz4 8 resurrection f ! dead4 ,on ?is _! unanim\s te/imony affirms t ,*ri/ianity re/s4 ,?is is ! "o f9al & decisive pro( ( our ,"l's div9e mission4 ,on its tru? !y affirm t _! claims z div9e tea*]s /& or fall4 ,8 resurrection f ! dead puts all 8 o!r miracles 9 ! back gr\nd 9 po9t ( evid5tial value4 ,accord+ to _! /atem5ts x con/itutes ! "o great assurance t ,god has giv5 unto all m5 t ,jesus ( ,naz>e? is ,"l & ,*ri/4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t if ?is "o miracle c be prov$ to h be5 an hi/orical fact1 x c>ries ) x ! entire =ce ( all ! rema9+ miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,b x leaves entirely unt\*$ ! moral aspects ( our ,"l's div9e "*4 ,^!1 ,i may say1 con/itute a /&+ miracle :i* w cont9ue to speak = itself 9 all "t4 ,?is evid5ce is aga9 & aga9 ref]r$ to by ! writ]s ( ! ,apo/olic ,epi/les4 ,! two con/itute "o h>moni\s :ole4 ,to ! latt] ( ^! x is impossible to d m ?an ref] 9 ! pres5t "w2 ,i h already devot$ a di/9ct volume to ! exam9ation ( its evid5tial value1 9 :i* ,i h exam9$ ,*ri/'s witness to himself2 "h ,i mu/ conf9e myself to ! consid]ation ( ! witness borne to him by ! ,fa!r4 ,,*apt] ,,iv4 ,,miracles1 ,,:at ,,d ,,!y ,,prove8 ,hav+ consid]$ ! direct ass]tions 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 ref]5ce to ! sup]natural1 x w be necess>y to take a brief view ( ! "q 9 relation to mod]n difficulties & objections4 ,! foll[+ subjects pres5t !mselves = our consid]ation3-- #a/4 ,to :at ext5t1 & 9 :at s5se are miracles ! pro(s ( a revelation8 #bnd4 ,are sup]natural occurr5ces devoid ( all moral environm5t capable ( af=d+ su* pro(8 #crd4 ,c doctr9al /atem5ts or moral tru?s be prov$ by miracles8 #d?4 ,are miracles objects ( fai? m]ely1 or if n1 h[ are !y relat$ to our reason2 & if 9 any s5se !y are objects ( fai?1 h[ c !y be ! m$ia ( pro(8 ,x w be evid5t t ^! que/ions w imm$iately lay op5 a numb] ( ! mo/ important consid]ations4 ,!y c only be adequately dealt ) 9 ! subsequ5t portions ( ?is "w4 ,! natural place to discuss !m w be :5 ,i come to consid] ! objections t c be urg$ aga9/ ! possibility & cr$ibility ( miracles4 ,a few prelim9>y obs]vations1 h[ev]1 w be necess>y = ! purpose ( putt+ ! read] 9 possession ( "s ( ! mo/ important po9ts ( debate & ( ! positions :i* ,i int5d to assume respect+ !m4 ,!y w also help to cle> ! way = ! solution ( ! v>i\s difficulties by :i* ! subject has be5 attempt$ to be obscur$4 ,! mann] 9 :i* ,*ri/ianity claims to be a div9e revelation1 z we h se5 9 ! =m] *apt]1 9 its mo/ prop] & di/9ctive s5se is t ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/ con/itutes t revelation4 ,x is ! manife/ation ( ! div9e "* & p]fections by means ( ! v>i\s acts & de$s ( 8 e>?ly life & m9i/ry4 ,x is a revelation ( ! div9e %9+ =? 9 ! human4 ,i h already adduc$ "s ( ! affirmations ( ! sacr$ writ]s on ?is subject4 ,x w\ld be easy to multiply !m indef9itely4 ,p]haps x w\ld be impossible to express ! position :i* !y take on ?is subject 9 m di/9ct language ?an by cit+ two brief passages 9 ,/4 ,paul's epi/le to ! ,colossians3 8,:o is10 says ! ,apo/le1 8! image ( ! invisible ,god20 89 him dwelle? all ! fulness ( ! ,godhead bodily40 ,bo? passages affirm1 z ! writ]'s view1 t all revelation is made 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! ,*ri/ian revelation 9 its highe/ s5se is n a body ( ab/ract dogmas1 b t x consi/s ( an objective fact1 ! ,inc>nation4 ,z ,god has manife/$ 8 et]nal p[] & ,godhead 9 ! mat]ial creation1 s he has manife/$ himself z a moral & spiritual be+1 #a/1 imp]fectly 9 ! moral nature ( man1 & aft]w>ds p]fectly1 9 ! p]fect man :o unites 9 himself ! div9e & human1 ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,god1 :5 he effect$ ! "w ( creation1 made a manife/ation ( himself :i* *iefly reveal$ 8 p[] & wisdom4 ,:5 he effect$ ! ,inc>nation he made an additional manife/ation ( himself :i* *iefly reveal$ 8 moral "* & p]fections4 ,! f\r ,gospels conta9 ! hi/orical acc\nt ( ?is manife/ation1 z made 9 ! actions & tea*+ ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,z ?is revelation consi/s ( a numb] ( hi/orical facts1 all t 0 necess>y 0 t 8 life & actions %\ld be correctly report$4 ,! rema9+ books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are hi/orical 9 "*1 ) "o exception1 & z f> z !y treat ( doctr9es1 !y may be view$ z comm5t>ies on ! ,div9e fact ( ! ,inc>nation4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! ess5ce ( ,*ri/ianity consi/s ( a sup]human or div9e fact1 ! ,inc>nation4 ,9 ?is po9t ( view ! sup]natural is n only a concomitant ( ,*ri/ianity1 b x con/itutes its ess5ce4 ,x is ! manife/ation ( a sup]natural & sup]human be+ appe>+ )9 ! sph]e ( ! natural & ! human4 ,x _c be too c>efully obs]v$ ?r\gh\t ?is entire controv]sy t ! "* :i* is ascrib$ to ,jesus ,*ri/1 :ile x embraces e p]fection ( man1 is no less sup]human ?an ! p[]s :i* are attribut$ to him are sup]natural4 ,9 ?is s5se ! sup]natural is n m]ely an evid5ce ( revelation1 b its ess5ce4 ,! ,inc>nation has frequ5tly be5 designat$ a miracle4 ,to d s seems to me to incur ! dang] ( involv+ ! :ole controv]sy 9 confusion ( ?\ght4 ,9 a loose way ( speak+1 ! creative acts ( ,god may be call$ miracles3 t is1 !y involve a deviation f ! previ\s ord] ( exi/+ ?+s1 & ! introduction ( a new "o2 all su* results are unque/ionable manife/ations ( sup]natural ag5cy1 b !y diff] :olly 9 conception f :at we usually designate by ! t]m miracle4 ,! ,inc>nation1 !re=e1 ought n to be plac$ on ! same foot+ z miracles1 :i* are sup]natural occurr5ces1 hav+ a def9ite evid5tial value1 b ) ,god's creative acts1 be+ ! highe/ manife/ation ( himself :i* he has made to man4 ,x is p]fectly true1 z ,i h already obs]v$1 t ! miracles ( ,jesus ,*ri/ /& 9 a d\ble aspect1 z "p ( 8 sup]natural manife/ation1 & z possess+ an evid5tial value4 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 t a sup]natural ev5t su* z ! ,inc>nation1 if evid5tial1 c only be selfevid5tial4 ,x 0 n wr\ght = ! purpose ( prov+ any?+4 ,b1 z we h se51 ! sacr$ writ]s & our ,"l himself ass]t t 9 a c]ta9 s5se x 0 selfevid5tial4 8,= ! life 0 manife/$1 & we h se5 x & be> witness1 & %[ unto y t et]nal life :i* 0 ) ! ,fa!r & 0 manife/$ unto u40 ,a rec5t writ] affirms t ,*ri/ianity pr(esses to be a revelation ( sup]natural tru?s utt]ly inconceivable to reason1 & t su* tru?s c only be prov$ by miracles4 ,i c und]/& :at is meant by a tru? d]iv$ f a sup]natural s\rce ( in=mation1 or "o respect+ a sup]natural be+ or occurr5ce3 b :at a sup]natural tru? c be contradi/+ui%$ f o!r k9ds ( tru? is f> f evid5t4 ,revelation may disclose tru?s :i* reason alone w\ld h be5 unable to discov]2 b ?is does n make ! tru?s !mselves1 :5 !y are discov]$1 ei!r sup]natural or incompreh5sible4 ,i w n[ proce$ to consid] :e!r !re is any real gr\nd = affirm+ t occurr5ces :i* we designate z miracles are ! only pro(s ( a div9e revelation4 ,! same writ]1 ^: object is to prove t ,*ri/ianity is utt]ly de/itute ( all claims to our acceptance z a div9e revelation1 endeav\rs to %[ t miracles1 view$ z b>e objective facts1 are ! only evid5ce :i* c sub/antiate su* a mass ( incr$ible ass]tions z ^? conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & t _! moral environm5t _c be tak5 into acc\nt 9 e/imat+ _! evid5tial value4 ,= ?is purpose he quotes ! foll[+ passage f ,dr4 ,mozley's ,bampton ,lectures3 8,dr4 ,mozley10 says he1 8supposes ! case1 t if a p]son ( evid5t integrity & l(t9ess ( "* _h appe>$ eighte5 c5turies ago ann\nc+ himself z preexi/+ f all et]nity1 ! ,son ( ,god1 ! mak] ( ! _w1 :o _h come d[n f heav51 & _h assum$ ! nature ( man1 9 ord] to be ! ,lamb ( ,god t take? away ! s9s ( ! _w1 & s on1 enum]at+ ! o!r doctr9es ( ,*ri/ianity2 ,dr4 ,mozley !n adds1 :at w\ld be ! inevitable conclusion ( sob] reason respect+ t p]son8 ,! necess>y conclusion ( sob] reason w\ld be t he 0 disord]$ 9 8 und]/&+4444 ,by no rational be+ w\ld a j & a b5evol5t life be accept$ z a pro( ( su* ann\ncem5ts4 ,miracles are ! necess>y complem5ts ( ! tru? ( su* ann\ncem5ts1 :i* )\t !m are p[]less & abortive1 ! fragm5ts ( a design :i* is no?+ unless x is ! :ole4 ,!y are necess>y to ! ju/ification ( su* ann\ncem5ts1 :i* unless !y are sup]natural tru? are ! wilde/ delusions40--,sup]natural ,religion4 ,9 ju/ice to ,dr4 ,mozley1 ! passage :i* is omitt$ 9 ?is citation f 8 lectures ought to be quot$4 ,x is z foll[s3 8,:at o!r decision c\ld be come to :5 a man1 look+ l "o ( our own selves1 & only exemplify+ 9 8 life & circum/ances ! ord9>y c\rse ( nature1 said ?is ab\t himself1 b t :5 reason _h lo/ its balance a dream ( sup]natural & une>?ly1 gr&eur might be ! result40--,bampton ,lectures4 ,"s expressions 9 ?is passage leave x op5 to ! assumption :i* ?is writ] wi%es to fa/5 on x t ,dr4 ,mozley int5d$ to affirm t ! only adequate pro( ( su* affirmations z 7 made by ,jesus ,*ri/ respect+ himself w\ld h be5 visible miracles wr\ght 9 confirmation ( !m4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 is n necess>ily its mean+1 = ! omitt$ passage above cit$1 di/9ctly affirms t ! p]son :o is suppos$ to make su* ass]tions is only an ord9>y good & holy b imp]fect man4 ,b ! ass]tions 9 "q 7 n made by an ord9>y man l ourselves1 b by "o :o is describ$ z possess$ ( sup]human greatness & hol9ess & ( pr(\nd spiritual insight into tru?4 ,he is uni=mly depict$ z speak+ ) ! fulness ( k ( ! subject on :i* he speaks4 ,i _c !re=e admit1 suppos+ ! "* ( ,jesus to h be5 hi/orical1 t if he _h made su* ass]tions respect+ himself prior to ! p]=mance ( 8 fir/ miracle at ,cana1 !y w\ld h be5 utt]ly unwor?y ( s]i\s att5tion4 ,x mu/ be readily admitt$ t if !y _h be5 affirm$ ( himself by an ord9>y man l ourselves1 no affirmation ( 8 w\ld h be5 a gu>antee ( _! tru?1 = ! simple reason t !y w\ld h be5 selfcontradictory4 ,nor w\ld ! p]=mance ( a miracle h made !m "o atom m cr$ible4 ,b ! cr$ibility ( su* an ass]tion1 if x _h be5 made by su* a p]son z ,jesus ,*ri/ ev5 prior to 8 p]=mance ( a s+le miracle1 is a :olly diff]5t "q4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 on ! supposition t ! del9eation giv5 u 9 ! ,gospels is t ( an hi/orical reality1 t 8 ass]tions respect+ himself w\ld /& 9 a :olly diff]5t position f ^? ( any o!r man4 ,he c\ld nei!r deceive nor be deceiv$4 ,:5 he made ass]tions respect+ himself he mu/ h kn[n :e!r !y 7 true4 ,! ass]tions ( su* a p]son !re=e w\ld be wor?y ( all acceptation4 ,miracles are n ! means ( sub/antiat+ ass]tions respect+ ! tru? ( unse5 realities1 nor are !y us$ = su* purposes 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,! :ole "q is "o ( adequate k4 ,if we h ! means ( kn[+ t a p]son has a complete acqua9tance ) tru?s ( :i* we are ignorant1 we c rationally accept !m z true on 8 assurance t !y are s1 exactly on ! same pr9ciples z we accept ! tru?s ( physical sci5ce al?\gh we ourselves are ignorant ( ! processes by :i* !y are arriv$ at4 ,to /ate ! position g5]ally1 x is q rational to accept ! affirmations ( ^? :o possess full k ( any subject ( :i* we ourselves are pr(\ndly ignorant4 ,! only ?+ necess>y is to atta9 an assurance t ! k ( our in=mant is adequate to ju/ify 8 ass]tions4 ,x is on ! gr\nd ( ! fulness ( 8 k t we accept ! ass]tions ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & n because he wr\ght a miracle = ! purpose ( prov+ t 8 ass]tions 7 true4 ,let u n[ consid] 9 :at s5se miracles are a pro( ( ! tru? ( a div9e revelation4 ,i lay d[n t ! prop] function ( miracles is to e/abli% ! tru? ( a div9e commission4 ,f ?is we argue to ! tru? ( ! ass]tions ( ! p]sons :o are intru/$ ) x4 ,if an ord9>y man1 su* z a prophet or an apo/le1 7 to affirm t he _h a communication f ,god :i* he 0 direct$ to make to o!rs1 or 9 o!r words t he _h a div9e commission1 x is evid5t t no "o w\ld be b\nd to believe him on 8 m]e affirmation4 ,! simple & obvi\s reply w\ld be1 ,give u "s pro( ( ! reality ( ! fact4 ,y\r claim is f> too l(ty to be admitt$ z valid on y\r simple affirmation4 ,! "q !n is1 h[ is su* a claim to be te/$8 ,i reply by ! p]son :o makes x p]=m+ "s action :i* is adequate to prove t ! ,great ,gov]nor ( ! ,univ]se ratifies ?is claim4 ,he mu/ d some?+ analog\s to :at all p]sons :o claim to be act+ "u commissions f o!rs d1 i4e4 he mu/ produce "s direct & =mal cr$5tials f ! au?ority 9 ^: "n he claims to be act+4 ,9 ?is case ! au?ority is ,god4 ,he mu/ !re=e p]=m "s action :i* directly id5tifies himself ) ,god4 ,h[ is ?is to be accompli%$8 ,i answ] by ! p]=mance ( an unequivocal miracle :i* w directly connect him ) ! ,great ,gov]nor ( ! ,univ]se4 ,i say unequivocal miracle1 because if !re 7 any d\bt z to its sup]natural "* x w\ld be useless4 ,nor w\ld x be ( any avail if x 7 a b>e objective fact 9 ext]nal nature1 devoid ( its moral & spiritual environm5t4 ,:at is requir$ is "s direct manife/ation ( ! div9e on ! sph]e ( ! human & ! natural4 ,x mu/1 9 fact1 exactly fulfil ! "* s (t5 assign$ to miracles 9 ! ,gospels4 ,x mu/ be a 1 or indication ( ! pres5ce ( ,god1 resembl+ z x 7 ! ,great ,seal :i* is affix$ to /ate docum5ts z ! f9al m>k ( sov]eign au?ority4 ,( su* a "* are all ! *ief miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,! "q ab\t miracles has be5 becl\d$ by debat+ x 9 an ab/ract in/ead ( 9 a concrete =m2 ?us =gett+ t x is n e conceivable =m ( alleg$ sup]natural occurr5ce ) :i* we h to deal1 b ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,by discuss+ x 9 ?is =m x has be5 possible to raise a numb] ( difficulties :i* may be ab/ract$ly conceivable1 b :i* h no be>+ :atev] on ! miracles 9 "q4 ,?us x has be5 frequ5tly urg$ t to enable u to be c]ta9 t an alleg$ miracle is really due to sup]natural ag5cy1 a jury ( savants ought to be impanell$1 be=e :om ! work] ( ! miracle %\ld exhibit 8 miracul\s op]ation4 ,!y are to subject x to a v>iety ( sci5tific te/s4 ,ev5 !n if !y h fail$ to discov] error1 !y are to dem& a second & a ?ird p]=mance1 9 ord] t x may be aga9 & aga9 submitt$ to ! same process ( sci5tific scrut9y4 ,until miracles c be submitt$ to & v]ifi$ by te/s ( ?is description !y h be5 affirm$ to be unwor?y ( cr$it1 ev5 on ! /ronge/ ord9>y te/imony4 ,i %all discuss ?is & k9dr$ que/ions m fully 9 ! subsequ5t portions ( ?is volume1 :5 ,i consid] ! nature ( ! evid5ce :i* is adequate to prove ! p]=mance ( a miracle4 ,= ! pres5t ,i %all only obs]ve t ! entire plausibility ( ?is position arises f its be+ /at$ 9 an ab/ract or g5]al =m4 ,we _c help see+ 9 ref]5ce to ! *ief miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 su* z ! c>e ( bl9d1 lame or lepr\s p]sons1 in/antane\sly by a ^w or a t\*1 t common s5se is fully adequate to det]m9e t su* occurr5ces mu/ belong to ! regions ( ! sup]natural & to no o!r4 ,two ?+s are necess>y to e/abli% ! reality ( a suppos$ miracle4 ,fir/1 t ! alleg$ fact %\ld n only h be5 br\ght ab\t by sup]natural causes b previ\sly ann\nc$ by him :o p]=ms x3 secondly1 t ! fact actually happ5$ z x appe>$ to happ54 ,!re c be no d\bt t ! p[] ( juggl+ & sleight ( h&1 to p]=m actions :i* w\ld be sup]natural1 if !y 7 only :at !y appe> to be1 is consid]able1 & ! difficulty ( detection is great4 ,en?usiasm also :5 once excit$1 is capable ( g5]at+ v>i\s unreal appe>ances :i* if actual1 w\ld be sup]natural4 ,x is also mighty 9 ^? regions :]e ! union takes place betwe5 m9d & matt]1 b ! *ief miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels belong to a :olly diff]5t ord] ( occurr5ce4 ,if !y took place z !y are report$1 no "o possess$ ( common s5se c d\bt z to :e!r !y 7 due to sup]natural ag5cy4 ,x is no less cle> t su* miracles 7 occurr5ces 9 :i* successful impo/ure 0 impossible4 ,:at is requir$ to prove !m is ! evid5ce ( common s5se1 & n ( sci5tific analysis4 ,let x be obs]v$ t x is n my int5tion to affirm t ! :ole ( ! sup]naturalism record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t is ( ! same unequivocal "*4 ,! evid5tial value ( a miracle view$ z a matt] ( common s5se maybe briefly /at$ ?us4 ,a p]son comes to me :o affirms t he has a div9e message to communicate4 ,i ask him to prove x4 ,he lays 8 h& on "o :om ,i h kn[n to be bl9d = ! la/ tw5ty ye>s1 tells him 9 ! "n ( ,jesus ,*ri/ to receive 8 sight1 & he =?) receives x4 ,!re is probably no p]son gift$ ) ord9>y und]/&+ :o w\ld n consid] su* an act to be an adequate pro( ( div9e ag5cy1 all !oretical or metaphysical difficulties to ! contr>y not)/&+4 ,x w d\btless be object$ t su* an act w\ld prove only ! pres5ce ( a sup]human in/ead ( a div9e p[]4 ,?is po9t w be fully consid]$ h]eaft]4 ,= my pres5t purpose x w be suffici5t to fall back on ! decision ( common s5se1 t he :o c re/ore sight to ! sightless eyeball1 by no o!r app>5t in/rum5tality ?an a ^w or a t\*1 c be no o!r ?an ! ,mak] ( ! ,univ]se4 ,i mu/ n[ consid] :e!r sup]natural occurr5ces devoid ( all moral environm5t1 are capable ( prov+ a div9e commission4 ,x has frequ5tly be5 ! habit1 bo? ( ! oppon5ts & ! def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity1 to discuss ! subject ( ! evid5tial value ( miracles ap>t f all ref]5ce to _! moral environm5t4 ,z1 h[ev]1 ! ov]:elm+ majority ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t pr(ess su* an environm5t1 ! "q ( ! value ( suppos$ miracles :i* are de/itute ( x1 =ms no legitimate portion ( ! subject be=e u4 ,:at might or might n be prov$ by !m1 ev5 if x c\ld be det]m9$ satisfactorily1 is q =eign to ! pres5t discussion1 :i* is limit$ to ! tru? or falsehood ( ^? conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,! mo/ important ( ^! are n m]e displays ( p[]1 b h an unque/ionable moral environm5t impress$ ^u !m1 & !y pr(ess to h be5 wr\ght = a def9ite end & purpose4 ,?is is less di/9ctly m>k$ 9 "s ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t1 b ) !m ,i h no pres5t conc]n4 ,x w be suffici5t to obs]ve t :ile _m ( !m 7 unque/ionably p]=m$ 9 atte/ation ( a div9e mission1 z a class !y be> ano!r di/9ctive purpose1 viz4 t ( correct+ ! poly!i/ic t5d5cies ( ! age4 ,h5ce _! lead+ impress is t ( p[]4 ,! necessity ( c\nt]act+ ! t5d5cy :i* ,i h ref]r$ to1 r5d]$ x necess>y emphatically to ass]t ! ,lord%ip ( "o ,god ov] univ]sal nature1 9 opposition to t conception ( x s widely diffus$ ?r\gh\t ! anci5t _w1 :i* saw a di/9ct p[] ex]t$ 9 e comb9ation ( mat]ial =ces4 ,! v conception ( a miracle z a sup]natural occurr5ce1 br\ght ab\t = ! purpose ( au!nticat+ a revelation1 di/+ui%es su* an action f "o :i* involves only a simple exhibition ( p[]4 ,all acts ( moral ag5ts mu/ display a purpose ( "s k9d4 ,no conception ( ,god is ( ! smalle/ religi\s value :i* does n contemplate him z be+ a moral ag5t & a be+ on ^: actions a moral "* ( "s k9d mu/ be impress$4 ,consequ5tly an act entirely devoid ( all moral aspect _c prove t x has result$ f direct div9e int]v5tion4 ,! difficulty has orig9at$ f divid+ into ?ree sep>ate p>ts an action :i* is ess5tially "o1 & contemplat+ sep>ately ! objective fact 9 ! sup]natural action1 ! circum/ances att5d+ its p]=mance1 & ! purpose = :i* x 0 p]=m$4 ,x is ! union ( all ^! :i* con/itutes ! occurr5ce 9 "q an evid5tial miracle4 ,let me n[ (f] a few obs]vations on a v important po9t = our consid]ation4 ,c ab/ract doctr9al /atem5ts or moral tru?s be prov$ by miracles8 ,i h already obs]v$ t z f> z ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 7 wr\ght = directly evid5tial purposes1 !y 7 p]=m$1 n to prove p>ticul> doctr9es1 b z ! cr$5tials ( a div9e mission1 or t !y =m$ a "p ( ! sup]human manife/ation ( our ,"l4 ,! app>5t exceptions are ^? :i* 7 p]=m$ to attract att5tion to ! div9e message1 to assi/ 9 ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ur*1 or to be> witness to ! tru? ( ! ,resurrection4 ,^! la/ 7 9 fact atte/ations to ! reality ( ! ,messianic "* ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 :i* is ! highe/ conceivable =m ( a div9e mission1 on :i* miracle ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity is directly pl$g$ by ! sacr$ writ]s4 ,a m]e /atem5t ( ! facts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t is a practical solution ( ! difficulty4 ,x n[h]e affirms t a miracle 0 ev] p]=m$ to be> witness to ! tru? ( an ab/ract doctr9e4 ,i w n[ endeav\r to lay d[n "s g5]al pr9ciples z to ! relation 9 :i* doctr9al /atem5ts /& to sup]natural manife/ations4 ,z on su* a subject x w be impossible to lay d[n a g5]al rule :i* w be applicable to e sup]natural ev5t1 x w be necess>y to consid] ea* case by itself4 ,fir/1 t ( our ,"l4 ,we believe 8 /atem5ts ab\t unkn[n tru?s1 on ! gr\nd t he 0 p]fectly v]aci\s1 & _h ! mo/ p]fect k ( ! subject on :i* he spoke4 ,! actions :i* he p]=m$ 7,i mean by ^!1 n 8 miracles m]ely1 b ! entire c\rse ( 8 work+7 are evid5ces ( 8 div9e "*4 ,he himself av]s t he possess$ ! mo/ intimate k ( ,god1 & ( ! great realities ( ! spiritual _w4 8,we speak10 says he1 8t we d "k1 & te/ify t we h se540 8,i speak t :i* ,i h se5 ) my ,fa!r40 ,?r\gh\t ! ,synoptics likewise he is repres5t$ z hav+ ! mo/ entire k ( bo? spiritual & moral tru?1 & z tea*+ direct f 8 own insight4 ,we believe ! ass]tions1 n because he confirm$ _! tru? by ! p]=mance ( a miracle1 b because he af=d$ evid5ce t he 0 a v]aci\s witness1 & fully acqua9t$ ) ! subject on :i* he spoke4 ,8 miracul\s actions prov$ t he 0 ,god's mess5g]1 & z su* 7 additional atte/ations to 8 v]acity4 ,! acceptance ( su* affirmations z wor?y ( ! highe/ cr$it may be correctly designat$ z acts ( fai?2 b let u nev] =get t su* acts ( fai? are also high ex]cises ( reason4 ,writ]s 9 opposition to ,*ri/ianity are nev] we>i$ 9 runn+ a contra/ betwe5 reason & fai?1 & 9 repres5t+ ! two z /&+ 9 opposition to ea* o!r1 & belong+ to :olly diff]5t regions ( ?\ght4 ,nor c x be d5i$ t !y h receiv$ mu* enc\ragem5t to d ?is by ! indi/9ct or mislead+ /atem5ts ( "s ,*ri/ian writ]s on ! subject4 ,betwe5 !m no little confusion has be5 introduc$ into ! controv]sy1 & a g5]al idea has become preval5t t reason & fai? are two di/9ct1 if n oppos+ faculties1 ea* ( :i* acts )9 a subject matt] ( its own4 ,! effect ( ?is confusion has be5 disa/r\s4 ,my cont5tion is t fai? is only ano!r "n = reason :5 op]at+ on a p>ticul> class ( ph5om5a4 ,to ent] on an elaborate pro( ( ?is w\ld be out ( place "h2 a few illu/rations mu/ !re=e suffice4 ,to accept in=mation f p]sons :o h k ( subjects :i* we h n /udi$1 or :o h m5tal p[]s ( insight or p]ception ( :i* we are de/itute1 or :o h se5 ph5om5a :i* we h n se51 is an act 9 con=mity ) our highe/ reason4 ,a con/ant ef=t has be5 made by unbeliev]s to conf\nd fai? ) cr$ulity3 ,fai? is n cr$ulity1 b ! acceptance ( tru? on adequate evid5ce1 & ! rejection ( m]e affirmation1 :5 ! evid5ce is inadequate4 ,on ! o!r h& multitudes ( ,*ri/ians h assidu\sly lab\r$ to decry reason z ! in/rum5t = ! inve/igation ( tru?4 ,i admit t x is n a p]fect in/rum5t1 b x is ! only "o :i* we h4 ,! light ( a c&le may n be all t we c wi%1 b if we h no o!r we %all n improve our condition by ext+ui%+ x4 ,let me illu/rate ?is subject by a few examples4 ,we believe ! ass]tions ( ,dr4 ,liv+/one ab\t ! int]ior ( ,africa1 al?\gh we h no means ( v]ify+ !m by ocul> obs]vation1 because we "k t he has travell$ !re1 & we are p]suad$ t he is a v]aci\s witness4 ,we accept ! high] tru?s ( a/ronomy1 n because we h /udi$ !m1 or are ev5 able to appreciate ! nature ( ! processes by :i* !y h be5 arriv$ at1 b because !y are affirm$ by p]sons :o h af=d$ evid5ce t !y possess a high ord] ( k on t subject4 ,! same is true ?r\gh\t ! :ole ( ! high] dep>tm5ts ( sci5ce4 ,we may call ?is an act ( fai? if we l1 b x is also an act ( our reason4 ,! same ?+ is true ?r\gh\t e dep>tm5t ( human k4 ,x is a/oni%+ h[ small a "p ( x is ! result ( our own p]sonal obs]vation4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ! attempts :i* are s con/antly made to sep>ate fai? & reason1 & to erect an impassable wall betwe5 !m1 are suicidal alike bo? to fai? & reason4 ,z !re=e we accept ! affirmations ( o!rs on subjects )9 ! limits ( _! own k1 al?\gh we ourselves are ignorant ( ! processes by :i* x has be5 arriv$ at1 s we accept ! affirmations ( su* a p]son z ! ,jesus ( ! ,evangeli/s on ^? subjects on :i* he affirms t he possesses ! fulle/ k4 ,b x w be object$ t "s ( ^! ass]tions are made respect+ high my/]ies incompreh5sible to ! human intellect4 ,c we accept su* tru?s8 ,i answ] t we are only capable ( accept+ propositions ! two t]ms ( :i* we are able to compreh5d ) m or less di/9ctness4 ,no?+ has be5 ! subject ( great] abuse ?an ! ^w 8my/]y0 9 connection ) revelation4 ,x is frequ5tly repres5t$ z d5ot+ some?+ :i* f end to end is utt]ly incompreh5sible1 l ! unkn[able ,god ( a c]ta9 sy/em ( philosophy4 ,9 ! ,new ,te/am5t ! mean+ ( ! ^w 8my/]y0 is n an incompreh5sible proposition1 b a tru? :i* once 0 hidd5 9 ! div9e c\nsels1 & has be5 reveal$ by ! ,gospel4 ,t :i* is actually un?9kable is incapable ( affirmation or d5ial4 ,none ( ! affirmations ( ,jesus ,*ri/ p>take ( ?is "*4 ,!y are my/]ies only 9 ! s5se t !y ran up into sph]es ( ?\ght :i* transc5d ! limits ( human k4 ,b ?is is done by all ultimate philosophical & sci5tific tru?s4 ,if x be urg$ t "s ( !m are difficult or incapable ( def9ition1 ! same is true ( n a few ( ! conceptions ( sci5ce4 ,x is also true t !y respect tru?s ) :i* we c\ld n be acqua9t$ ap>t f su* a revelation z t made 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/2 b ?is is true ( ! ph5om5a ( ,creation likewise4 ,we d n acquire a k ( its ph5om5a by reason+1 b by obs]vation1 or f ! /atem5ts ( o!rs :5 !y lie beyond ! limits ( our own obs]vation4 ,! ,inc>nation1 includ+ z x does ! div9e actions & ! tea*+ ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 is n ! revelation ( a dogma1 b ! manife/ation ( a new fact4 ,?is fact1 l all o!r ph5om5a1 al?\gh undiscov]able by our reason+ p[]s )\t ! ex]cise ( obs]vation1 becomes aft] obs]vation a fact on :i* reason may ju/ly ex]cise its p[]s4 ,if he be really :at he pr(ess$ to be1 !n 8 /atem5ts ab\t himself give z an acc\nt ( 8 previ\s hi/ory1 be=e he came "u human obs]vation4 ,let me n[ consid] ! relation 9 :i* miracles /& to ! affirmations ( ^? :o claim$ a commission f ,jesus ,*ri/ to publi% 8 religion 9 ! _w1 & to lay ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ur*4 ,i mu/ "h also adh]e to my orig9al position t miracul\s p[]s are nev] describ$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t z be+ us$ = ! direct pro( ( dogmas1 b = ! pro( ( ! ,messianic "* ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 or ( ! div9e commission ( ^? :o wr\ght !m4 ,! tru? ( ! ass]tions ( its writ]s re/s on no o!r f\ndation ?an ! fulness ( _! k ( ! subjects on :i* !y spake1 :e!r acquir$ by ord9>y or by sup]natural means1 & on _! v]acity1 :5 !y affirm t p>ticul> tru?s 7 )9 ! limits ( _! k4 ,?us ,/4 ,paul claims acceptance = ! ?+s :i* he ass]t$ because he _h be5 taught !m by ,revelation f ,jesus ,*ri/1 n because he _h prov$ _! tru?1 by work+ miracles 9 confirmation ( !m4 ,?is c\rse is uni=mly adopt$ by him ?r\gh\t 8 epi/les4 ,! object ( ! mighty works t 7 wr\ght by him 0 to prove 8 own apo/le%ip or ! fact ( ! resurrection4 ,i mu/ n all[ myself to ent] on ! "q ( inspiration1 its nature & limitations1 or ! degree ( sup]natural guidance af=d$ to ! apo/les & _! foll[]s4 ,su* an inquiry w\ld be =eign to ! pres5t subject1 :i* is /rictly hi/orical4 ,x is ( c\rse a direct & necess>y inf]5ce t :5 ! miracles prov$ ! reality ( ! commission ( ^? :o p]=m$ !m1 !y also prov$ t !y 7 fully in/ruct$ 9 its t]ms1 & entitl$ to cr$it )9 its limits4 ,b ! ext5t ( _! enlight5m5t c only be inf]r$ f ! nature ( ! commission itself1 & f ! facts & ph5om5a ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,x has be5 an idea widely spread t inspiration mu/ conf] a g5]al infallibility4 ,! inf]5ce t a man is r5d]$ infallible 9 g5]al matt]s because he is inve/$ ) a limit$ & def9ite commission1 & ) end[m5ts adequate to r5d] him compet5t to fulfil ! purposes ( 8 mission1 is "o :i* ! premises w n ju/ify4 ,! utmo/ t ! possession ( su* a commission c prove is t its possessor is enlight5$ up to its subject matt]1 b no fur!r4 ,b 9 ! pres5t discussion ,i ne$ n g beyond ! affirmations ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,! actions p]=m$ by ,jesus ,*ri/ prov$ him to be ! ,messiah4 ,! miracles wr\ght by ! apo/les1 7 p]=m$ ei!r to prove ! fact ( 8 resurrection1 i4e4 t he 0 ! ,messiah1 or _! own div9e mission1 :i* 0 dep5d5t on its tru?1 or to draw att5tion to _! message4 ,! sup]natural gifts s frequ5tly ref]r$ to 9 ! epi/les1 are affirm$ to h be5 design$ = ! build+ up ( ! ,*ur* into a di/9ct community1 & :5 t purpose 0 accompli%$ !y 7 to cease4 ,be+ functional1 ! enlight5m5t communicat$ by !m 0 necess>ily limit$ to ! special subject matt] on :i* !y 7 ex]cis$4 ,9 ?is po9t ( view miracles may be view$ z atte/ations ( ! v]acity ( ! p]sons :o p]=m$ !m1 & ( ! suffici5cy ( _! k on ! subjects !y 7 specially commission$ to communicate4 ,b ! "q /ill rema9s = consid]ation1 ,c miracles prove moral tru?s8 ,i answ] emphatically 9 ! negative4 ,if dogmas1 :i* may be view$ z intellectual tru?s1 are incapable ( a direct pro( by miracles1 /ill m s are moral tru?s4 ,su* tru?s c re/ only on a moral basis4 ,) respect to ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ! "q is nugatory1 = x n[h]e affirms t its miracles 7 wr\ght = su* a purpose4 ,x is true t ,jesus ,*ri/1 z ! great legislator ( ! k+dom ( heav51 gave an au?oritative utt]ance to _m moral precepts z ! laws ( 8 k+dom4 ,?is royal "r ( legislation 0 inh]5t 9 8 ,messiah%ip4 ,b to give utt]ance to moral tru?s 9 a legislative capacity1 has no connection ) attempt+ to prove !m by au?ority4 ,ord9>y human legislation has its au?oritative utt]ances4 ,b :5 x does ?is1 x does n re/ ! tru?s !mselves on au?ority1 or base !m on adv5titi\s te/imony4 ,our ,"l & 8 apo/les uni=mly appeal$ to ! int]nal p]ceptions ( our moral & spiritual nature z ! only gr\nd on :i* moral obligation re/s4 ,let x be obs]v$1 h[ev]1 t ?is by no means presupposes ! tru? ( ! absurd proposition1 t e man1 h[ev] imp]fect or degrad$1 is capable ( reason+ out all moral tru? = himself4 ,on ! contr>y1 def9ite moral k requires to be communicat$1 z all o!r k9ds ( k4 ,its great pr9ciples require to be enunciat$1 & to be work$ out to _! special applications4 ,b ! pr9ciples !mselves1 z f> z _! b9d+ p[] is conc]n$1 mu/ ultimately re/ on ! int]nal p]ceptions ( our moral & spiritual be+4 ,a miracle1 !re=e1 c communicate to !m no high] degree ( c]ta9ty or obligation4 ,! only ?+ :i* x c aid 9 e/abli%+ is1 t "o inve/$ ) a div9e commission may h a "r to claim ob$i5ce to special precepts on ! au?ority ( ,god1 9 :om all moral obligation c5tres4 ,b ev5 9 ?is case1 ! gr\nd on :i* ! obligation re/s is a moral "o1 :i* no miracle c possibly prove or ev5 confirm4 ,a moral tea*] c only appeal to t 9 man :i* we v>i\sly designate z consci5ce1 moral s5se1 or ! pr9ciples :i* are ! f\ndation ( our moral p]ceptions4 ,! fact t _m m5 ?r\gh a long c\rse ( evil get morally bl9d$ does n alt] ! case4 ,x only exemplifies a rem>kable say+ ( our ,"l1 8,if ! light t is 9 !e be d>kness1 h[ great is t d>kness40 ,:5 ! light )9 u has become d>kness1 !re is no?+ left to :i* an appeal to ! s5se ( duty or obligation c be made4 ,! objection urg$ aga9/ ,*ri/ianity1 t because a miracle _c prove a moral tru? x is !re=e useless1 is q beyond ! "q at issue4 ,! special function ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation is "o f> high] ?an ! m]e lay+ d[n ( rules = ! regulation ( human conduct4 ,its great purpose is to imp>t to man a moral & spiritual p[]1 :i* is able to make ob$i5ce to ! moral law a possibility2 to supply a motive ( suffici5t pot5cy to make u capable ( resi/+ ! vehem5ce ( our passions2 & "o :i* is able to lift ! morally degrad$ f _! degradation1 & to /r5g!n ! holy 9 _! hol9ess4 ,accord+ to ! tea*+ ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ?is con/itutes ! great di/9ctive purpose ( ,*ri/ianity1 & ! end ( all div9e revelation4 ,?is mo/ important tru? has be5 greatly ov]look$ 9 ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,x entirely disposes ( ! objection t if moral tru? _c be prov$ by miracles1 !y mu/ be valueless4 ,to su* a revelation ! pres5ce ( ! sup]natural is ess5tial4 ,b x by no means foll[s because miracles are unable to imp>t to u a s5se ( moral obligation1 t a duly commission$ moral tea*] w\ld be useless4 ,!y might prove 8 sup]ior k1 or z atte/+ a div9e commission1 enable him to br+ obligations already exi/+ to be> on ! m9d ) sup]ior p[]4 ,?us x by no means foll[s t because m5 possess 9 _! m5tal con/itution ! great pr9ciples on :i* sci5tific tru?s are bas$1 ea* man is able to reason !m out = himself4 ,! mo/ highly gift$ man w\ld make sl[ progress )\t a tea*]4 ,z ,i h already obs]v$1 moral tru? is capable ( be+ taught l all o!r tru?2 & al?\gh a miracle _c prove x1 x may e/abli% ! fact t ! work] ( "o is a man em95tly entitl$ to be he>d on ! great subjects ( moral obligation1 or t he is able to communicate k :i* is capable ( act+ mightily on our moral be+4 ,i mu/ n[ proce$ to (f] a few obs]vations on ! "q1 ,are miracles objects ( fai?8 & if !y are s 9 any s5se1 h[ c !y be ! m$ia ( pro( ( a revelation8 ,! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 />ts ! foll[+ difficulty 9 connection ) ?is subject3 8,consci\sness ( ! difficulties :i* beset miracles 9 ! pres5t age has l$ _m able m5 to deal ?us illogically ) !m1 & to repres5t !m alt]nately z evid5ce & z objects ( fai?40 ,he !n proce$s to ref] to ,dr4 ,arnold1 ,pr(essor ,bad5 ,p[ell1 & ,ar*bi%op ,tr5*1 z hav+ be5 9 v>i\s degrees guilty ( mak+ ?is confusion4 ,i am n prep>$ to d5y t _m ,*ri/ian writ]s h express$ !mselves ) great indi/9ctness on ?is subject1 especially 9 works :]e miracles h be5 only ref]r$ to incid5tally1 & :i* only p>tially treat ( ! sup]natural elem5ts ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,?is "q w be discuss$ m fully :5 we consid] 8 def9ite objections2 b x w t5d to a cle>] und]/&+ ( ! subject if 9 ! pres5t place1 ,i lay d[n ! foll[+ propositions3-- ,i4 ,t x is impossible to believe 9 any ass]tion :i* contradicts ! fir/ pr9ciples ( our reason1 ev5 if x 7 supposable t a miracle c\ld be wr\ght 9 confirmation ( x4 ,,ii4 ,t1 al?\gh ! illum9ation :i* reason imp>ts is imp]fect1 yet z x is ! only in/rum5t t we possess = ! inve/igation ( tru?1 attempts to disp>age x are absurd4 ,,iii4 ,s f> is fai? f /&+ 9 opposition to reason1 t x is a legitimate bran* ( x :5 ex]cis$ on a special subject matt]4 ,,iv4 ,t beliefs :i* reason refuses to au?orise d n orig9ate 9 fai? b 9 cr$ulity4 ,v4 ,t ev5 ^? :o ent]ta9 irrational convictions are compell$ to base !m on evid5ce ( "s k9d :i* is satisfactory to !mselves3 t is to say1 on ! dictates ( _! own imp]fect reason4 ,,vi4 ,t1 :ile we c believe 9 no?+ t is contr>y to our reason1 yet x is p]fectly rational to believe 9 _m ?+s :i* our reason w\ld h be5 unable to discov]4 ,,vii4 ,t extraord9>y facts :i* lie beyond ! limits ( human exp]i5ce are n contr>y to our reason3 & x is p]fectly rational to believe !m :5ev] !y are adequately atte/$4 ,,viii4 ,t a l>ge portion ( our beliefs on subjects sci5tific1 philosophical1 hi/orical1 moral1 & religi\s1 re/ on te/imony2 ! belief 9 !m is highly rational1 :5 ! k ( ^? f :om we d]ive our in=mation is adequate3 & consequ5tly t fai? is a pr9ciple coext5sive ) ! activities ( ! human m9d1 & is by no means conf9$ to subjects simply religi\s1 h[ev] intimately x may be connect$ ) !m4 ,a few brief obs]vations w suffice 9 ?is "p ( our subject4 ,x w be obs]v$ t ,i h includ$ "u ! t]m 8reason0 ! :ole ( our m5tal processes :i* are necess>y = ! cognition & ! discov]y ( tru?4 ,^! include1 n only our p[]s ( inductive & d$uctive reason+1 b our intuitions1 our =ms ( ?\ght1 ^? p[]s ( our m9d1 :i* :e!r intuitional or in/9ctive1 =m ! f\ndation ( _m ( our mo/ important convictions & our moral conceptions4 ,^! con/itute our reason z di/9ct f our reason+ p[]s4 ,no little confusion has be5 introduc$ into ?is controv]sy f ! want ( att5d+ to ?is di/9ction4 ,x has be5 ass]t$ t we c accept ?+s z matt]s ( fai? :i* to our reason w\ld be utt]ly incr$ible4 ,?is ass]tion has aris5 f ! confusion ( ?+s :i* diff] widely1 viz4 ?+s :i* our reason might h be5 unable to discov]1 b :i* :5 discov]$ may be p]fectly rational1 & ?+s directly contradictory to reason4 ,! exi/5ce = example ( a squ>e circle is a ?+ absolutely incr$ible1 & :ile ?us contradictory to reason1 x is impossible to accept x by fai?4 ,s w\ld any doctr9e :i* 9 a simil> mann] contradict$ ! fir/ pr9ciples ( our rational convictions4 ,no m p]nici\s pr9ciple c be laid d[n ?an t ?+s :i* are contradictory to our reason c be accept$ by ! pr9ciple ( fai?4 ,su* a pr9ciple w\ld divide ! human m9d into two ho/ile camps1 & if c>ri$ to its logical consequ5ces1 mu/ l& u 9 univ]sal scepticism4 ,x by no means foll[s t ?+s :i* transc5d our rational p[]s to discov] mu/ be contr>y to our reason :5 !y h be5 discov]$4 ,we c only arrive at ! k ( unkn[n facts by obs]vation1 or accept !m on ! te/imony ( o!rs4 ,until !y h be5 br\ght )9 our k 9 ?is way1 no am\nt ( reason+ c\ld lead to _! discov]y4 ,9 a simil> mann] ) respect to sev]al ( ! facts 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t connect$ ) ! ,inc>nation1 our reason might nev] h discov]$ !m1 b :5 !y h be5 discov]$1 !y may =m suitable subjects on :i* to ex]t its en]gies4 ,! :ole ( ! confusion 9 :i* ?is "q has become involv$ has orig9at$ 9 ! assumption t fai? is a faculty ( ! m9d di/9ct & sep>ate f our reason1 & 9 a c]ta9 s5se oppos$ to x2 & t ?+s :i* _c be subjects ( rational conviction may yet be ! objects ( fai?4 ,:atev] op9ions may h be5 held by div9es ^u ?is subject1 ,i c discov] no?+ :i* c\nt5ances !m 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,to :at class ( tru?s is ! ^w 8fai?0 prop]ly appli$8 ,i answ] to ^? :i* we accept on te/imony4 ,x has be5 ass]t$ t "s ( ! fir/ pr9ciples ( our rational convictions1 su* z our belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( an ext]nal _w1 or 9 ! tru? ( exp]i5ce1 is an act ( fai?4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 is to introduce a confusion ( ?\ght4 ,su* convictions c be only acts ( fai? z f> z we believe 9 ourselves4 ,view+ fai? z ! acceptance ( tru? on adequate te/imony1 x foll[s t all our k ( ?+s1 :e!r natural or sup]natural1 t is n ! result ( ! action ( our own m9ds1 b :i* we accept on ! te/imony ( o!rs1 is an act ( fai?4 ,our acceptance ( !m dep5ds on ! validity ( ! te/imony t c be adduc$ = !m4 ,! important "q = det]m9ation is1 is ! subject on :i* x is giv5 )9 ! k ( ! in=mant8 ,if x respects a fact1 has he witness$ x1 or receiv$ x f o!rs :o h8 ,are 8 p[]s ( obs]vation good & 8 judgm5t s\nd8 ,is he wor?y ( cr$it8 ,! det]m9ation ( ^! & simil> po9ts is ! prop] (fice ( our rational p[]s1 yet ! acceptance ( ! fact is an act ( fai?4 ,:5 our reason is satisfi$ on all ^! po9ts1 fai? becomes an act ( reason4 ,to ass]t t ! acceptance ( sup]natural facts belongs to a faculty ( our m9ds :i* we designate fai?1 & t our acceptance ( o!rs is ! result ( ! action ( our reason1 is to lay d[n a di/9ction entirely ( our own creation4 ,9 bo? cases ! evid5ces mu/ =m ! subject ( rational inve/igation1 & !y mu/ be accept$ or reject$ z !y approve !mselves to our reason4 ,x w p]haps be urg$1 t ! acceptance ( propositions1 su* z ! doctr9al /atem5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is an act ( fai? :i* /&s out 9 manife/ contradi/9ction to an act ( reason4 ,x w\ld be s unque/ionably1 if we accept$ !m on insuffici5t evid5ce2 b :5 we d s ) ! k t o!rs h a full acqua9tance ) ! subject on :i* !y speak1 x is 9 ! highe/ degree rational to accept & to act on _! te/imony4 ,a l>ge portion ( ! bus9ess ( life is conduct$ on ?is pr9ciple4 ,a man is ignorant on "s subject1 or he di/ru/s 8 own judgm5t respect+ x3 he consults "o :o kn[s1 or on ^: judgm5t he relies4 ,= example3 let u suppose t ,i h a bottle full ( a c]ta9 sub/ance2 ,i d n "k :e!r x is a m$ic9e t ,i am 9 ne$ (1 or a deadly poison4 ,i consult my *emi/1 & )\t hesitation ,i act on 8 op9ion4 ,9 all su* cases 7& !y are spread ov] ! entire sph]e ( life7 we act on fai?2 b x is a fai? :i* is 9 con=mity ) ! dictates ( reason4 ,! function ( ! latt] is to asc]ta9 ! adequate k & ! v]acity ( ! p]son ^: assurance we accept4 ,if x is a rational act ?us to receive tru?s on ! te/imony ( man1 ^: k mu/ be imp]fect1 x mu/ be /ill m s to accept !m on ! au?ority ( him :o kn[s all ?+s1 i4e4 ,god4 ,i am aw>e t c]ta9 writ]s h giv5 su* a repres5tation ( fai? z to produce ! impression t x is "o ( its special functions to accept c]ta9 dogmas1 ! t]ms ( :i* are extremely obscure1 or absolutely incompreh5sible4 ,b no rational evid5ce c be adduc$ 9 support ( ?is position4 ,to ex]t actual belief 9 a proposition ! t]ms ( :i* are incompreh5sible1 is an impossibility1 & we only deceive ourselves :5 we imag9e t we c4 ,all t we c d 9 su* cases is to repeat words1 b if !y h no def9ite mean+ we _c believe !m3 = ! act ( fai? or conviction is f\nd$ on ! affirmation t ! two t]ms ( a p>ticul> proposition agree4 ,x is q true t ! facts & /atem5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t run up into pr9ciples :i* transc5d our limit$ p[] ( reason2 b ?is is common to x1 & e sy/em ( sci5ce or philosophy2 & =ms no peculi>ity ( religion4 ,i am f> f wi%+ to affirm t !ologians h n fall5 into ?is practice2 b my conc]n is n ) !m1 b ) ! /atem5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,"o ( ! mo/ important acquisitions made to our m5tal sci5ce 9 ! pres5t day is t we h asc]ta9$ t !re are limits to our m5tal p[]s beyond :i* we _c p5etrate4 ,?is 0 imp]fectly realiz$ by _m ( ! reason]s ( e>li] times1 & ! result has be5 t !y h fall5 into a hazy my/icism1 or logoma*y4 ,equally p]nici\s is ! view t !re is some?+ p>ticul>ly m]itori\s 9 accept+ tru? on little or no evid5ce1 & t to d s is a high act ( fai?4 ,n only is ?is f\nd$ on no rational pr9ciple1 b x is entirely unsupport$ by any acc\nt ( fai? z giv5 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 :i* aga9 & aga9 assumes ! contr>y position4 ,fai? is ! acceptance ( tru?s :i* lie beyond ! sph]e ( our p]sonal k on an adequate atte/ation4 ,if an a/ronom] %\ld happ5 to be ignorant ( *emi/ry1 & accept its tru?s on ! te/imony ( "o :o 0 an em95t ma/] ( x1 ?is w\ld con/itute an act ( fai?4 ,surely su* an act is "o :i* is highly rational4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t al?\gh our belief 9 miracles be+ f\nd$1 z x n[ mu/ be1 on te/imony1 is an act ( fai?1 yet x is also an act ( our reason4 ,x is1 !re=e1 by no means absurd to speak ( miracles z objects ( fai?1 & at ! same "t z possess+ an evid5tial value4 ,we accept !m z we d all o!r adequately atte/$ facts1 & reason on !m 9 ! same mann] z we d on o!r facts4 ,?is is ! precise c\rse :i* w be pursu$ by ! ov]:elm+ majority ( a/ronom]s :o w be unable to witness ! com+ transit ( ,v5us4 ,!y w accept ! facts on adequate te/imony1 & aft]w>ds use !m z m$ia ( pro(4 ,,*apt] ,v4 ,,! ,,antec$5t ,,improbability ,,( ,,miracles4--,,! ,,unkn[n ,,& ,,unkn[able ,,god4 ,! pro( on priori gr\nds t an ev5t is ei!r possible or probable1 _c e/abli% t x has actually occurr$4 ,?is mu/ re/ on its own p>ticul> evid5ce4 ,to prove t a revelation is bo? possible & probable1 & t x ought to be evid5c$ by miracles1 may =m an ess5tial portion ( our g5]al argum5t1 because ! degree ( probability ( ! occurr5ce ( a p>ticul> fact affects ! am\nt ( positive evid5ce necess>y to e/abli% its tru?4 ,b ! pro( t a revelation has actually be5 giv51 or a miracle wr\ght1 c only be effect$ ?r\gh ! same m$ia z ^? ?r\gh :i* o!r facts are e/abli%$4 ,to prove t a revelation is probable w n be ( ! smalle/ avail to prove t "o has be5 actually giv51 )\t adequate pro( ( ! fact itself4 ,/ill ! exam9ation ( ! antec$5t "q is 9 ?is case p>ticul>ly important1 because mod]n unbelief boldly affirms t a revelation & its atte/ation ( miracles are bo? impossible & incr$ible4 ,if ?is c be demon/rat$1 ! discussion ( ! evid5ce t c be adduc$ = !m z facts is a useless exp5diture ( our reason+ p[]s2 = no evid5ce c prove ! occurr5ce ( t :i* is impossible4 ,x may be assum$1 h[ev]1 t ^? :o make ?is affirmation are n q satisfi$ z to ! cog5cy ( _! reason+s2 because1 aft] hav+ demon/rat$1 z !y allege1 t miracles are impossible1 !y proce$ to attack ! evid5ce ( ^? n>rat$ 9 ! ,gospels1 & pron\nce x wor?less4 ,z1 !re=e1 ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity boldly affirm t bo? a sup]natural revelation & miracles are impossible1 x is necess>y t ! def5d] ( ,*ri/ianity %\ld exam9e ! validity ( ! ass]tion4 ,our oppon5ts con/antly *>ge u ) reason+ 9 a circle1 or assum+ ! fact :i* ought to be prov$4 ,to avoid ev5 ! appe>ance ( ?is1 ,i lay d[n ! foll[+ positions3-- ,if direct a!ism is a j conclusion f ! ph5om5a ( ! ,univ]se1 x foll[s t a div9e revelation is impossible4 ,nor are miracles 9 any prop] s5se ( ! ^w less s1 because !y are n m]ely facts occurr+ 9 ext]nal nature1 b facts 9 ! production ( :i* we recognize intellig5ce & w4 ,) ! pr9ciples ( a!ism ! occurr5ce ( an extraord9>y ev5t is q compatible1 because z x _c rise to any high] k ?an t ( ph5om5a1 ! k ( ! inv>iability ( pa/ ph5om5a is incapable ( giv+ ! fact t all future ph5om5a w resemble ! pa/4 ,/ill ! occurr5ce ( a fact1 h[ev] extraord9>y1 w\ld n con/itute a miracle1 & w\ld prove only ! exi/5ce ( an unkn[n =ce 9 ! univ]se1 or ! pr$om9ance ( *ance4 ,! same rem>k is equally applicable to t =m ( mod]n a!ism :i* does n affirm t no ,god exi/s1 b cont5ts itself ) ! d5ial t !re is any evid5ce t !re is "o4 ,nor is ! case altoge!r diff]5t ) reg>d to pan!ism4 ,accord+ to ?is sy/em1 ,god is only ano!r "n = nature1 :i* works out e =m ( fleet+ exi/5ce = itself 9 an unceas+ r\nd ( unconsci\s selfevolution4 ,! ess5ce ( its affirmation is1 t ,god has no consci\s p]sonal exi/5ce1 b t ,he is only ano!r "n = ! bl9d unconsci\s =ces ( ! univ]se4 ,su* a be+ 7if x is possible to conceive ( x z a be+ at all1 or z a unity7 is ev]la/+ly mak+ a revelation ( itself by a ceaseless evolution ( ph5om5a1 ! result ( ! bl9d action ( its inh]5t =ces4 ,b to :om8 ,obvi\sly only to be+s capable ( reason & consci\sness1 :om x 7,i d>e n say1 ,he7 has evolv$ out ( its own bosom1 & w aga9 resolve into unconsci\sness4 ,prior to _! evolution ?is mighty mu/ h be5 ev]la/+ly mak+ manife/ations ( itself1 )\t a s+le be+ 9 exi/5ce capable ( recogniz+ !m4 ,:atev] be ! result ( su* !ories 9 a logical po9t ( view1 x is evid5t t if pan!ism be a rational acc\nt ( ! ord] ( ! univ]se1 a revelation & miracles1 9 any s5se 9 :i* su* t]ms c be> mean+1 are impossible4 ,no less applicable is ! same rem>k to t =m ( pan!ism held by ,mr4 ,h]b]t ,sp5c]1 :i*1 :ile x affirms ! exi/5ce ( a cause ( all ?+s1 z alike requir$ by ! dem&s ( philosophy1 sci5ce1 & religion1 yet affirms t ,he is unkn[n & unkn[able1 & t e ?+ :i* is kn[able1 al?\gh a manife/ation ( t great unkn[n cause1 yet conveys no idea ( ,him t ! intellect c appreh5d4 ,9 "o ^w1 ! unkn[n cause ( all ?+s is inconceivable1 & incapable ( becom+ ! subject ( rational ?\ght4 ,! intellect _c help assum+ ! exi/5ce ( ?is cause ( all ?+s2 b all t x c affirm ( him is1 t ,he is unkn[n & unkn[able2 & t ev]y?+ )9 ! b\nds ( our k1 ?\gh x may repres5t "s mode ( 8 exi/5ce1 _c be he1 or l him4 ,) respect to ?is !ory1 :ile x clev]ly evades "s ( ! h>%] difficulties ( pan!ism & a!ism1 x is n too mu* to say t x is a civil way ( b[+ ,god out ( ! univ]se1 ( :i* ,he is alleg$ to be ! cause4 ,he c nei!r be a p]son1 nor h wisdom1 nor be b5evol5t1 nor be capable ( consci\s selfmanife/ation2 because all ^! conceptions are limit$ & f9ite4 ,all t we c "k ( ,him is1 t su* a cause exi/s beyond pres5t ph5om5a2 & t we are condemn$ respect+ ,him1 to a pr(\nd & p]petual ignorance4 ,x is possible to designate su* a be+ by ! "n ( ,god1 b x w\ld be to use ! t]m 9 a s5se peculi> to ^? :o ?us employ x4 ,su* a ,god is a b>e ab/ract conception ( ! intellect1 void ( all moral value4 ,x is suffici5t = my pres5t purpose to obs]ve t x is impossible = ! unkn[n & ! unkn[able to make a revelation ( himself4 ,consequ5tly ,/4 ,paul's affirmation ) respect to ! unkn[n ,god at ,a!ns1 8,:om !re=e ye ignorantly wor%ip1 ,him decl>e ,i unto y0 7,acts xvii4 #bc71 is untrue4 ,to su* a ,god a revelation ( ,himself1 & miracles to confirm x1 are alike impossible4 ,x is evid5t1 !re=e1 t if ei!r ( ^! pr9ciples c be demon/rat$ to be a true acc\nt ( ! nature ( ?+s1 all fur!r discussion z to ! tru? ( a revelation or ( miracles is useless4 ,let u take ! mo/ fav\rable hypo!sis1 t ( ,mr4 ,sp5c]4 ,x conc$es t ! necessities ( reason compel u to assume ! exi/5ce ( an unkn[n cause ( all ?+s1 :i* may be call$ ,god4 ,b ,he is unkn[able2 ,he is inscrutable4 ,no conception ( ,him c be realiz$ 9 ?\ght2 x foll[s1 !re=e1 t no revelation ( su* a be+ c be made to ! f9ite intellect ( man1 = if a revelation ( ,him c\ld be made1 ,he _c be unkn[able4 ,?is be+ s1 ! p]son :o attempts to reason out ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity is plac$ "u a difficulty4 ,*ri/ianity assumes ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god1 possess$ ( moral attributes4 ,?is is ! v tru?1 ! evid5ce ( :i* ^! sy/ems ass]t to be want+4 ,! ,*ri/ian advocate1 !re=e1 has only two c\rses be=e him3 ,fir/1 ,to assume1 9 con=mity ) ! all b univ]sal belief ( mank9d1 t a p]sonal ,god exi/s2 & !n to argue = ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity1 & to answ] ! objections urg$ aga9/ x4 ,:5 we d ?is1 objectors affirm t we beg ! "q4 ,or1 ,secondly1 ,to prove ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god2 & !n to argue = ! tru? ( revelation4 ,if he adopts ! latt] c\rse1 he is compell$ to adduce ! pro( on :i* ! belief 9 !ism re/s1 & to answ] ! objections to x--or1 9 o!r words1 to compose a bulky volume1 be=e he c get at ! imm$iate subject ( inquiry4 ,n[ ,i affirm t ! def5d] ( ,*ri/ianity is no m op5 to ! *>ge ( begg+ ! "q :5 he assumes ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god z ! f\ndation ( 8 reason+s1 ?an ! au?or ( a treatise on trigonometry is1 :o takes = grant$ ! tru? ( ,euclid's propositions4 ,! au?or ( ! "w to :i* ,i h already ref]r$ does 8 utmo/ to fa/5 on ! mod]n def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity ! *>ge t !y beg9 & end 9 assumptions4 ,i w n d5y t mu* ambigu\s language has be5 us$ on ?is subject1 b ,i tru/ ,i %all %[ t ! *>ge is utt]ly unf\nd$4 ,i mu/ briefly notice a few ( 8 reason+s4 ,at page #fh he writes z foll[s3 8,dr4 ,mozley is well aw>e t ! assumption ( a #8p]sonal' ,god is n susceptible ( pro(2 inde$1 ?is is admitt$ 9 ! /atem5t t ! def9ition is an assumption40 ,an assumption1 ,i ask1 9 :at s5se8 ,is x a simple assumption )\t evid5ce1 tak5 = grant$ = ! b>e purposes ( argum5t2 or is x "o :i*1 ?\gh tak5 = grant$ 9 ! pres5t case1 re/s on a sub/antial basis ( evid5ce previ\sly e/abli%$1 & :i* be>s ! same relation to ! "q ( miracles :i* ! tru?s ( ,euclid d to ^? ( trigonometry8 ,! latt] is ! fact ?\gh ! mode 9 :i* ! writ] puts x implies ! =m]4 ,)\t ref]r+ to ! au?ority ( any p>ticul> au?or1 is he n fully aw>e t !i/s ma9ta9 t _! belief 9 a ,p]sonal ,god re/s on a basis ( pro( :i* comm5ds itself to _! reason8 ,h n numb]s ( m51 end[$ ) ! highe/ p[]s ( intellect1 accept$ x z satisfactory8 ,yet he seeks to imply t1 aft] all1 x is an assumption4 ,x is true t 9 ! argum5t = miracles we take x = grant$2 b we d s1 because ! pro( has comm5d$ itself to our highe/ reason4 ,i admit t ,dr4 ,mozley has us$1 9 speak+ ( ?is subject1 language :i* ,i _c b ?9k is want+ 9 precision4 ,/ill x does n be> ! mean+ t ?is au?or seeks to fa/5 on x4 8,x is !n to be admitt$10 says he1 8t hi/orically1 & look+ to ! g5]al actual reception ( x1 ?is conception ( ,god 0 d]iv$ f revelation4 ,n f ! fir/ dawn ( hi/ory to ! spread ( ,*ri/ianity 9 ! _w d we see 9 mank9d at l>ge any belief 9 su* a ,be+40 ,! le>n$ au?or !n /ates1 at consid]able l5g?1 ! philosophic & vulg> views ent]ta9$ ( ,god1 & %[s _! inadequacy & imp]fection1 & concludes z foll[s3 8,b al?\gh ?is conception ( ! ,deity has be5 receiv$ ?r\gh ! *annel ( ! ,bible1 :at communicates a tru? is "o ?+1 :at proves x is ano!r40 ,he !n proce$s to summ>ize ! g5]al pro(4 ,i _c ?9k ?is /atem5t altoge!r free f ambiguity4 ,:atev] may h be5 ! precise =ms 9 :i* ! ideas ( ! vulg> or ! philosoph] 7 embodi$1 !re is /rong pro( t a high] & bett] conception ( ,god1 ?\gh indef9ite & indi/9ct1 und]lay !m all4 ,! mo/ degrad$ poly!i/ has indi/9ct conceptions ( a ,supreme ,god above all ! degrad$ objects ( 8 wor%ip4 ,x seems to me impossible t su* a conception ( ,god c h be5 atta9$ f revelation4 ,x may1 9 a c]ta9 s5se1 be said1 look+ at ! precise =m 9 :i* x is embodi$1 t x has be5 d]iv$ by u hi/orically f ! ,jewi% race4 ,b x mu/ h _h a prior orig94 ,/4 ,paul consid]$ t ! mat]ial univ]se manife/$ ,8 et]nal p[] & ,godhead4 ,! primitive =m ( all ! great ori5tal religions conta9$ 9 !m ! idea ( ,god4 ,x is simply absurd to affirm t !y d]iv$ x f ! ,bible4 ,x is true t ! exi/5ce ( a primitive revelation ant]ior to ! ,bible has (t5 be5 assum$ to acc\nt = ?is k1 b ?is is a b>e assumption ( :i* we h no pro(1 & ^: only basis is conjecture4 ,judaism & ,*ri/ianity h be5 in/rum5tal 9 widely spread+ correct conceptions ( ! ,deity & dissipat+ false ones4 ,yet if ! conception _h n exi/$ 9 ! m9d at lea/ implicitly1 no =mal revelation c\ld h put x !re1 = e su* revelation mu/ be convey$ 9 language1 & all language is mean+less1 unless ! m9d c realize its conceptions4 ,! ass]tion1 !re=e1 t ! conception ( ,god has be5 fir/ communicat$ ?r\gh ! *annel ( ! ,bible1 & is aft]w>ds prov$ by reason1 seems to me to be "o n devoid ( dang]4 ,on ! contr>y1 our belief t ,god exi/s is ! v precondition ( our be+ able to believe t ,he has reveal$ ,himself4 ,?is conception revelation may modify1 inve/ ) a high] moral "*1 & import into x def9it5ess & precision1 b x _c create x4 ,x is on su* gr\nds t ! au?or 9 "q seeks to involve 8 reason+ & t ( all o!r def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity 9 a vici\s circle4 ,i fully admit t ! conception ( ,god has be5 elevat$ & purifi$ by ! influ5ce ( ,*ri/ianity1 & t ! tea*+ ( ,*ri/ianity on ?is subject is 9 con=mity ) our highe/ reason4 ,b x is absurd to affirm t ?is is reason+ 9 a circle1 & t ! ,*ri/ian argum5t involves reason+ f ,!ism to ,*ri/ianity & f ,*ri/ianity back to ,!ism4 ,! foll[+ passage1 cit$ by ,pr(essor ,mozley f ,bad5 ,p[ell1 is ref]r$ to by ?is au?or z a pro( t all our reason+s on ?is subject are a simple argum5t f reason to revelation1 & f revelation to reason4 ,! passage itself is a cle> /atem5t ( ! gr\nds ( ! *>ge1 & requires our c>eful consid]ation4 8,ev]ybody may collect f ! ord] & h>mony ( ! physical univ]se ! exi/5ce ( a ,god2 b 9 ackn[l$g+ a ,god1 we d n !reby ackn[l$ge ?is peculi> or doctr9al conception ( a ,god4 ,we see 9 ! /ructure ( nature a m9d1 a univ]sal m9d1 b /ill a m9d :i* only op]ates & expresses itself by law4 ,nature only does & c in=m u ( m9d 9 nature2 b 9 no o!r s5se does nature witness to ! exi/5ce ( an omnipot5t ,supreme ,be+4 ,( a univ]sal m9d out ( nature1 nature says no?+2 & ( an omnipot5ce :i* does n possess an inh]5t limit 9 nature1 %e says no?+ ei!r4 ,& !re=e t conception ( a supreme ,be+ :i* repres5ts ,him z a _s indep5d5t ( ! physical univ]se1 & able f a /&+po9t ext]nal to nature1 to int]rupt its ord]1 is a conception ( ,god = :i* we mu/ g else:]e4 ,t conception is atta9$ f revelation1 :i* is ass]t$ to be prov$ by miracles4 ,b t be+ ! case1 ?is doctr9e ( !ism re/s itself ^u miracles1 & !re=e miracles _c re/ on ?is doctr9e ( !ism40 ,x w be necess>y c>efully to po9t out ! inaccurate reason+ ( ?is passage4 ,fir/3 ,! au?or speaks ( nature z ano!r expression = ! =ces1 laws1 & ph5om5a ( ! physical univ]se1 & = ^! alone4 ,to ?is ,i h no objection1 = x w\ld greatly conduce to cle>ness if x 0 always conf9$ to ?is mean+4 ,b :ile he uses x ?us1 he n[h]e tells u 9 :at relation man1 includ+ 8 faculties1 intellectual & moral1 & above all1 8 w1 /&s to nature4 ,are !y includ$ 91 or exclud$ f x8 ,d !y1 or d !y n1 =m a "p ( x8 ,if !y are includ$ 9 nature1 !n !re are o!r facts 9 nature be>+ on ! be+ ( a ,god1 beyond ^? on :i* ! au?or reasons4 ,if !y are exclud$1 !n ! reason+ is inadequate to su/a9 8 conclusion4 ,our reason+s respect+ ,god are f\nd$ n only on ! =ces & laws ( physical nature1 b on man1 8 reason1 8 consci5ce1 & 8 w4 ,:at makes ?is fallacy ! m plausible is t ! t]m nature is v frequ5tly us$ to include man1 z well z ! =ces & laws ( ! mat]ial univ]se4 ,z f> z ! physical univ]se is conc]n$1 ! m9d inf]s ! exi/5ce ( a ,god f its ord] & its h>monies2 t is to say1 hav+ obs]v$ t ord] & h>mony h be5 produc$ by intellig5ce )9 ! sph]e ( our own obs]vation1 & be+ deeply conv9c$ on o!r gr\nds ( reason+ t !y are incapable ( result+ f any o!r s\rce1 we inf] t ! results we behold 9 nature are due to a simil> pr9ciple :i* we exp]i5ce 9 ourselves4 ,su* an inf]5ce is n due to simple obs]vation ( ! ord] ( ! univ]se only1 b unites ) x an act ( reason+ f\nd$ on our own selfconsci\s be+4 ,b ! intellig5ce :i* produces ord]1 z f> z we are cognisant ( x1 is inv>iably unit$ ) w4 ,we !re=e inf] f ! ord] & h>monies ( nature1 n simply ! conception ( a ,god1 su* z ! ,god ( pan!ism2 b1 if !y are valid to prove any?+ at all1 ( a ,god :o is possess$ ( intellig5ce adequate to arrange ! ord]1 & ( purpose adequate = its production4 ,if ! inf]5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god f ! works ( nature is valid1 x mu/ be ( a ,god possess$ ( ! attributes 9 "q1 = all our inf]5ces on su* a subject d]ive _! validity f apply+ to !m ! analogies ( our reason4 ,x is q true t 9 ! /ructure ( ! mat]ial univ]se we see only ! indications ( a m9d op]at+ & express+ itself by law2 t is to say1 we obs]ve 9 ! physical univ]se no in/ances ( its violation4 ,b ,,we1 t is ! reason+1 rational be+s1 :e!r exi/+ 9 nature or outside x1 h inf]r$ f ! /ructure ( ! univ]se ! exi/5ce ( m9d1 & we "k ( no m9d :i* is n possess$ ( consci\s intellig5ce & w4 ,if our reason+ f ! ord] ( ! mat]ial univ]se is valid to prove ! pres5ce ( m9d1 :i* is a conception entirely d]iv$ f our consci\sness ( ourselves1 x mu/ be equally s to prove ! exi/5ce ( purpose & volition1 = we "k no?+ ( m9d :i* is devoid ( ^! attributes4 ,! mat]ial univ]se proves t its ord] & h>mony is ! result ( ! action ( m9d2 b x _c prove t ! m9d :i* produc$ ?is ord] & h>mony is unable to introduce a diff]5t "o4 ,b if our m9ds =m "p ( nature1 !n !y are a pro( t ! au?or ( nature has produc$ some?+ else 9 nature besides ! ord] & h>monies ( ! physical univ]se4 ,if !y are outside nature1 !n we h direct evid5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( be+s outside & above nature1 i4e4 above ! physical =ces ( ! univ]se4 ,x foll[s t if f9ite be+s possess$ ( intellig5ce & w1 exi/ )9 nature or )\t x1 a ,god :o possesses simil> p[]s may exi/ also4 ,9 a n>r[ & re/rict$ s5se x may be q true t nature1 i4e4 matt] & its ph5om5a1 only in=ms u ( ! pres5ce ( m9d 9 nature1 ! p>tn] & correlative ( organiz$ matt]4 ,b let u "h gu>d aga9/ a lat5t fallacy 9 ?is mode ( /atem5t4 ,we le>n ! pres5ce ( m9d1 n f mat]ial nature1 b by ! application ( our own reason to ! inve/igation ( :at its ph5om5a d5ote4 ,?is is ov]look$ 9 ! above argum5t4 ,x is p]fectly true t z a m]e matt] ( ph5om5al appe>ance1 we d n actually behold 9 natural ph5om5a manife/ations ( m9d act+ outside nature4 ,9 fact we d n see m9d at all1 b simply inf] its pres5ce f ! ph5om5a be=e u ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( our own reason2 & ?is inf]5ce c>ries along ) x all ! o!r attributes ( m9d4 ,! writ] be=e me is "o ( ^? :o affirm t ! utmo/ our m9ds c inf] f ! contemplation ( nature1 9 :i* he includes e species ( vital organism1 is ! pres5ce ( ord] & h>mony2 & t any inf]5ce t its ph5om5a te/ify to ! pres5ce ( adaptation1 contrivance & design is invalid4 ,i reply t ?is affirmation is only valid on ! assumption ( a pr9ciple :i* altoge!r d5ies t f natural ph5om5a we c inf] ! exi/5ce ( m9d4 ,b we also obs]ve 9 natural ph5om5a1 & above all 9 animal & vegetable /ructures1 t ! results effect$ are produc$1 n by simple =ces1 b by ! c>eful adju/m5t ( _m1 or by "o c\nt]act+ & qualify+ ! action ( ano!r1 & by =ces int]sect+ "o ano!r at precisely ! "r "t & place4 ,_h any ( ^! occurr$ o!rwise1 ! result w\ld h be5 diff]5t4 ,?r\gh\t nature we obs]ve innum]able in/ances 9 :i* v>i\s =ces h ?us comb9$ to produce a def9ite result4 ,?is we usually designate by ! ^w 8adaptation40 ,adaptation implies intellig5ce & purpose4 ,we are q z mu* ju/ifi$ 9 ascrib+ ?is purpose to ! p[] manife/$ 9 nature1 z any o!r quality :atev]1 ev5 ! possession ( m9d4 ,i fully conc$e t natural ph5om5a & ev5 ! ph5om5a ( ! m9d ( man1 only te/ify directly to ! exi/5ce ( a p[] adequate to _! production1 & t we _c directly inf] f !m ! pres5ce ( omnipot5ce4 ,b ?is is to qu>rel ab\t words4 ,= ! p[] manife/$ 9 nature & 9 man is s great t ! human m9d c make no di/9ction betwe5 x & omnipot5ce2 or 9 o!r words1 x ju/ly inf]s f its manife/ations t ! p[] :i* c\ld orig9ate ?is univ]se & all ?+s 9 x mu/ be capable ( effect+ any?+ :i* is possible4 ,to ?is m9d1 :e!r 9 or out ( nature1 our reason ascribes ! attributes ( intellig5ce & w4 ,su* a p[] x is incapable ( conceiv+ z inh]5t 9 mat]ial =ces2 x !re=e assumes t ?is p[] exi/s outside nature1 & is capable ( controll+ x4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ! reason+ is fallaci\s1 :i* ass]ts t ! conception ( a supreme ,be+ :i* repres5ts ,him z a _s indep5d5t ( ! physical univ]se1 & able f a /&+po9t ext]nal to nature to int]rupt its ord]1 is a conception :i* we mu/ seek f revelation1 & _c be arriv$ at by any ex]tion ( our rational p[]s on ! facts ( nature & ( man4 ,its app>5t plausibility has aris5 solely f ignor+ ! pres5ce ( man1 ei!r 9 nature or outside x1 & neglect+ to take ! facts ( human nature1 man's reason1 consci5ce & w1 into consid]ation4 ,to affirm t1 indep5d5tly ( man's moral & intellectual be+1 physical nature1 its =ces & laws1 c prove no?+1 is a simple platitude4 ,we h n to g to revelation = ! pr9ciples on :i* we reason1 b to man1 & ! ph5om5a ( 8 rational1 selfconsci\s1 & volunt>y ag5cy4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! affirmation t 9 conduct+ ! ,*ri/ian argum5t we reason f ,god to miracles & f miracles to ,god1 is utt]ly disprov$4 ,yet ! writ] be=e me has v5tur$ to affirm t1 :5 we comm5ce ) ! be+ ( a p]sonal ,god z ! gr\ndwork ( our reason+s1 we beg9 & end ) a b>e assumption4 ,! philosophical writ+s ( ,dr4 ,mansel are also press$ into ! s]vice = ! purpose ( discr$it+ ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity1 &1 ,i own1 ) consid]ably great] reason4 ,mr4 ,h]b]t ,sp5c] has also invok$ !m 9 confirmation ( 8 !ory t ,god is unkn[n & unkn[able4 ,he ref]s to !m 9 ! foll[+ words3 8,"h ,i _c d bett] ?an avail myself ( ! demon/ration :i* ,mr4 ,mansel1 c>ry+ out 9 detail ! doctr9e ( ,sir ,w4 ,hamilton1 has giv5 u 9 8 #8,limits ( ,religi\s ,?\ght4' ,& ,i gladly d ?is1 n only because 8 mode ( pres5tation _c be improv$1 b because writ+ z he does 9 def5ce ( curr5t !ology1 8 reason+s w be m acceptable to ! majority ( read]s40 ,be=e ref]r+ to ,dr4 ,mansel z an unque/ionable au?ority on ?is subject1 x w\ld only h be5 c&id 9 bo? writ]s to h in=m$ _! read]s t n only h 8 pr9ciples be5 repudiat$ by a consid]able numb] ( ,*ri/ian writ]s z uns\nd1 b !y h be5 c>efully exam9$ by t em95t a!i/ic philosoph]1 ,mr4 ,mill1 :o gives x z 8 delib]ate op9ion t !y are f\nd$ on fallaci\s pr9ciples4 ,x is absurd to urge pr9ciples1 ?\gh !y h be5 ma9ta9$ by an em95t ,*ri/ian writ]1 :i* an em95t unbeliev] has pron\nc$ uns\nd1 z a cle> & conclusive argum5t aga9/ ,*ri/ianity4 ,! "w ( ,dr4 ,mansel may be describ$ z an attempt to prove ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity on ! pr9ciples ( ! mo/ sceptical philosophy4 ,x may be briefly /at$ ?us3 ,reason is incapable ( =m+ any idea ( ,god z ,he is1 :e!r z ! ,inf9ite1 ! ,absolute1 or ! fir/ ,cause4 ,all ! conceptions :i* we c frame on ! subject are mutually self de/ructive4 ,on simil> pr9ciples our conceptions ( ,8 moral attributes are :olly inadequate to in=m u ( ,8 real p]fections4 ,x by no means foll[s t our human conception ( b5evol5ce or ju/ice is a measure ( ! div9e b5evol5ce1 or ( div9e ju/ice2 & s ( ,8 o!r attributes4 ,x is affirm$ t because !y are ! attributes ( an inf9ite ,be+1 !y lie beyond ! possibility ( be+ realiz$ 9 human ?\ght4 ,consequ5tly1 hol9ess 9 ,god may admit ( v diff]5t manife/ations f hol9ess 9 man4 ,^u ^! pr9ciples1 :i* affirm ! inadequacy ( ! human intellect1 ev5 to conceive ( any?+ z x exi/s 9 ,god1 x foll[s t our only possible conceptions ( ,god are relative2 or1 to use ! ^w *os5 by ! au?or 9 relation to ,*ri/ianity1 regulative2 i4e4 fitt$ to regulate our conduct1 b n to illum9ate our und]/&+4 ,^u ! assumption t reason1 :5 x attempts to analyse our ideas ( ! ,inf9ite1 ! ,absolute1 or ! fir/ ,cause1 l&s u 9 hopeless contradictions1 ,dr4 ,mansel arrives at ! conclusion t x is incapable ( =m+ any conception ( ,god z he actually exi/s4 ,x foll[s z a necess>y consequ5ce f ?is1 t ev5 by revelation we are only capable ( atta9+ relative ideas ( ,him1 & t ^! relative ideas d n repres5t ,8 real nature1 b are only regulative ( conduct1 i4e4 we are to act ^u !m z if !y 7 true4 ,e4g4 ,god is reveal$ z holy4 ,our only conception ( hol9ess is our human conception ( x4 ,b we _c "k t ?is is an adequate measure ( ! div9e hol9ess4 ,god is decl>$ to be b5evol5t4 ,we h no conception ( b5evol5ce b t :i* is d]iv$ f ! human m9d4 ,s likewise ) respect to ju/ice4 ,b b5evol5ce & ju/ice z !y exi/ 9 ,god may diff] f ^! qualities z !y exi/ 9 man4 ,! same ?+ foll[s z a necess>y conclusion f ,dr4 ,mansel's premises ) respect to all ! o!r attributes ( ,god4 ,no?+ w bett] illu/rate ! position to :i* ?is argum5t r$uces u ?an to apply x to ! tru?fulness or v]acity ( ,god4 ,all t we "k ab\t tru?fulness is z x exi/s 9 f9ite be+s1 t is1 9 m54 ,b ,god is an inf9ite be+4 ,x foll[s !re=e t tru?fulness 9 man is no adequate repres5tation ( tru?fulness z x exi/s 9 ,god1 t is to say1 t ! div9e v]acity may diff] f our human conception ( x4 ,?is is c]ta9ly a v />tl+ position4 ,if1 !re=e1 ^! pr9ciples are correct1 acquiesc5ce on ! "p ( man 9 ! div9e "* is impossible4 ,x is impossible to love a be+ :o does n pres5t to u ! aspect ( lovel9ess2 or to rev]5ce "o :o does n pres5t to u an aspect capable ( excit+ ?is emotion2 or to feel tru/ 9 a be+ ( ^: ju/ice we h no c]ta9ty t x resembles our conception ( ju/ice2 or to rely on ! promises ( "o ^: v]acity may diff] f our own4 ,su* feel+s _c be made to ord]4 ,!y c only be g5]at$ by ! contemplation ( a be+ :o is holy1 b5evol5t1 j1 & true1 9 ! ord9>y acceptation ( ^! words4 ,!y _c be excit$ by any m]ely regulative ideas4 ,we love1 rev]5ce1 & tru/1 n ideas or conceptions1 b p]sons1 possess+ moral attributes4 ,b on ! pr9ciple ( m]ely regulative ideas ( ,god1 ! ass]tion t 8,god is love10 loses all its value1 if ,god is n :at ,i mean by love1 b1 because he is inf9ite1 he may be some?+ else1 ,i "k n :at2 & ?us ! great precept ( ! moral law1 8,?\ %alt love ! ,"l ?y ,god ) all ?y he>t1 m9d1 s\l1 & /r5g?10 becomes mean+less4 ,su* devotion ( our entire nature _c be creat$ by ! m]e comm& to r5d] x4 ,x c only be r5d]$ to a be+ ^: claims ov] u we bo? feel & "k to be an absolute reality1 & to :om on ! conviction ( _! reality we c (f] ourselves up a volunt>y sacrifice4 ,b if we _c "k ,him z ,he is1 h[ is ! fire ( devotion to ,him to be k9dl$ 9 our he>ts8 ,h[ %all we tru/ 9 ,him8 ,h[ %all we acquiesce 9 ,8 "*8 ,h[ %all we wor%ip ,him1 h[ %all we adore ,him1 if x is true t ! ju/ice1 b5evol5ce1 or hol9ess ( ! div9e "* may n resemble our conception ( !m8 ,nay1 m3 ! !ory 9 "q lays ! axe to ! root ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation itself4 ,!re is no affirmation ( ! ,new ,te/am5t m decisive ?an t ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 ,8 div9e & human p]sonality is ! image ( ! invisible ,god1 z f> z ,8 moral p]fections are conc]n$4 ,are ! p]fections ( ! "* ( ,jesus ,*ri/ only regulative1 or are !y real repres5tations ( ^! attributes z !y exi/ 9 ,god8 ,are ! div9e attributes ( hol9ess1 b5evol5ce1 or ju/ice1 adequately repres5t$ by ! manife/ations ( !m1 z made by ,jesus ,*ri/8 ,if we accept ! te/imony ( ,/4 ,john's ,gospel1 our ,"l himself has expressly affirm$1 8,he t ha? se5 me ha? se5 ! ,fa!r0 7,john xiv4 #i74 ,b ?is is impossible if our conceptions ( ,god's moral attributes are only regulative1 & if ! human idea ( hol9ess is no adequate repres5tation ( ! div9e4 ,h[ev] errone\s a sy/em may be1 yet if x has be5 elaborat$ by a p[]ful m9d1 x has g5]ally "s f\ndation 9 reason1 & ,i am f> f affirm+ t1 ) consid]able qualifications1 "s important elem5ts ( tru? may n be f\nd 9 t ( ,dr4 ,mansel4 ,x is well t we %\ld be made to feel t !re are limits ( ?\ght beyond :i* ! human m9d _c p5etrate1 & t !re are pr(undities ( metaphysics :i* an imp]fect measur+l9e _c rea*4 ,b plac+ ! matt] z he has1 ! ,*ri/ian apologi/ may well feel indebt$ to ,mr4 ,mill = 8 cru%+ demolition ( ! dang]\s portions ( ,dr4 ,mansel's sy/em4 ,:5 unbeliev]s quote ! au?ority ( ,dr4 ,mansel1 :y d !y n also tell _! read]s t !re 0 at lea/ "o unbeliev] ( v high logical p[]1 :o wrote aga9/ ! validity ( 8 sy/em4 ,x is "o ?+ to affirm t we _c p5etrate to ! dep?s ( ! ,deity1 & t aft] we h rais$ our ?\ghts to ! highe/1 !re is some?+ high] /ill2 & q ano!r to affirm t our highe/ ?\ghts ( him h no validity2 or1 to use ! t]ms ( a fa%ionable philosophy1 t ,god is unkn[n & unkn[able1 t no true conception ( ,him c be =m$ 9 ?\ght2 9 "o ^w1 t he is absolutely un?9kable4 ,! difficulties ( ?is subject h aris5 ma9ly f discuss+ x 9 t]ms ( pure ab/ractions1 in/ead ( embody+ !m 9 a concrete =m4 ,x is impossible 9 ?is place to ent] on ! pr(\nd dep?s involv$ 9 ^! que/ions2 b a few obs]vations w be necess>y = ! purpose ( cle>+ away ! difficulties 9 :i* our oppon5ts seek to involve ! subject ( miracles4 ,i %all conf9e myself to our conceptions ( ! ,inf9ite4 ,x is affirm$ t no conception ( ! inf9ite c be fram$ 9 ?\ght2 t x is !re=e un?9kable1 & transc5ds ! limits ( human k2 t x is a negation2 & t !re=e our reason is unable to affirm any?+ respect+ x2 t ! idea ( p]sonality is incompatible ) t ( inf9ity2 & t !re=e :5 we speak ( ,god z a p]son :o possesses inf9ite p]fections1 we ent] on a region :]e human ?\ght is invalid1 & respect+ :i* all affirmation involves a contradiction4 ,b :5 we are told t ! inf9ite transc5ds ?\ght1 we are entitl$ to dem& t we %\ld n be kept play+ ) an ab/raction1 & to ask1 :at is inf9ite8 ,9 :at s5se does x transc5d ?\ght8 ,does ?is mean t x is absolutely un?9kable2 or only p>tially s2 or t our conception ( x is imp]fect8 ,is x simply unkn[able1 or does x consi/ ( some?+ :i* we "k1 plus some?+ t has n come )9 ! limits ( our k1 b :i* some?+ is ( a simil> "* to ! kn[n8 ,x w be at once se5 t ! det]m9ation ( ^! que/ions is at ! root ( ! :ole controv]sy4 ,if !n by ! inf9ite we mean some?+ kn[n plus some?+ unkn[n1 to speak ( ,god z unkn[able & un?9kable is absurd4 ,our k ( ,him may n be full1 b yet real s f> z x goes4 ,:5 x is affirm$ t ,god is a be+ :o exi/s1 b is un?9kable by man1 ! effect is to place ,him beyond ! b\nds ( human k1 & !reby free u f all necessity ( tr\bl+ ourselves ab\t ,him4 ,we "k t ,he exi/s 9 ! pr(undities ( ! unkn[n2 & t is all4 ,= ! purposes ( ?\ght & ( morality1 ,he is ?us made ( less value ?an an algebraic x4 ,:5 x is affirm$ t ! inf9ite is unkn[able1 ,i aga9 ask1 :at inf9ite8 ,! inf9ite z an ab/ract idea has no real exi/5ce2 b some?+ t is inf9ite4 ,! conception itself is an ess5tially quantitative conception1 & is only /rictly applicable to numb] & ext5sion4 ,:5 ,i speak !re=e ( an inf9ite numb]1 :at d ,i mean8 ,! only answ] possible is1 8,! greate/ numb] ,i c conceive1 plus all possible numb] )\t limit40 ,does my add+ on ! latt] factor invalidate ! reality ( my conception ( ! =m]8 ,is t :i* is add$ on any?+ else ?an numb]8 ,surely "h ,i h a valid conception4 ,! same is true :5 we speak ( ! inf9ity ( space4 ,i mean by x ! greate/ space ,i c conceive1 plus space )\t limit4 ,is ! idea ( space r5d]$ un?9kable1 because ,i add ! conception ( space )\t limit8 ,does x cease to be space8 ,b space is conceivable4 ,x foll[s !re=e t nei!r inf9ite numb] nor inf9ite ext5sion is absolutely un?9kable4 ,we speak ( ! inf9ite divisibility ( matt]4 ,does matt]1 because x goes on to be divid$ = ev]1 cease to be matt]8 ,9 ! same mann] we speak ( ,god1 & call ,him inf9ite4 ,x w\ld be f> m correct to speak ( ,him z a ,be+ :o has inf9ite attributes4 ,"h1 h[ev]1 if accuracy ( ?\ght is to be pres]v$1 a di/9ction mu/ be made4 ,"s attributes ( ,god may be view$ z quantitative2 o!rs _c4 ,x is to ! =m] only t ! t]m inf9ite prop]ly applies4 ,a moral attribute _c h a quantitative measure appli$ to x4 ,x is !re=e n inf9ite1 b p]fect4 ,:5 we speak ( ,god z a be+ possess$ ( inf9ite p[]1 :at d we mean8 ,! ?+ int5d$ is1 t ,he is a be+ :o possesses su* p[] z enabl$ ,him to create ! univ]se1 & t ,he is capable ( ex]t+ e o!r degree ( p[] :i* is possible4 ,we may call ?is1 if we l1 p[] )\t limit2 ?\gh !re is always "o limit to possible p[]1 viz41 t ( work+ contradictions4 ,( c\rse we are ignorant ( :at are ! limits ( possible p[]4 ,b :5 we make ?is addition to our f9ite conception1 we mean by x p[] simil> to t exhibit$ 9 ! univ]se--x & all o!r p[] beyond x4 ,mu/ su* a conception be bani%$ outside ! limits ( rational ?\ght8 ,is ! idea ( a be+ :o possesses p[] suffici5t to build ! univ]se1 & all possible p[] besides1 un?9kable8 ,aga91 we speak ( ,god z inf9itely wise4 ,:at d we mean by x8 ,we affirm t ,he kn[s all ?+s actual & possible4 ,! k is none ! less k1 because to ! k ( ! actual we add on ! k ( ! possible4 ,su* a be+ is c]ta9ly n un?9kable4 ,aga93 ,god is (t5 spok5 (1 n only z a be+ possess+ inf9ite attributes & p]fections1 b z ! ,inf9ite ,be+4 ,"h ! attempt is made to entangle u 9 a puzzle4 ,x is argu$3 if ,he be ! inf9ite ,be+1 !re c be no be+ beyond ,him4 ,he mu/ !re=e include all be+1 bo? actual & possible4 ,if ?is be s1 ,he mu/ also include ! f9ite1 o!rwise !re w\ld be a be+ :i* is n includ$ 9 inf9ite be+--or 9 o!r words1 be+ )\t limit w\ld n include all be+1 :i* is selfcontradictory4 ,sev]al o!r selfcontradictions may be easily adduc$ by reason+ on ! same pr9ciples4 ,i reply t ! t]m 8,be+0 is us$ "h 9 a s5se s int5sely ab/ract1 t we h remov$ x out ( all ^? conceptions ( :i* quantity c legitimately be pr$icat$4 ,( mat]ial be+ we c affirm t x is quantitative1 b ( no o!r4 ,! add+ on ! ^w 8inf9ite10 & call+ ,god ! inf9ite ,be+1 is to use words :i* h no validity z conceptions4 ,b x is also common to speak ( ,god's moral attributes z inf9ite1 su* z ,8 b5evol5ce1 hol9ess1 ju/ice & tru?4 ,?is aga9 is inaccurate1 & its result is to plunge u into hopeless confusion ( ?\ght4 ,su* attributes admit ( no quantitative measures4 ,!y are p]fect1 n inf9ite4 ,to speak ( ,god's tru?fulness z inf9ite is simply absurd4 ,a ?+ is true1 or n true4 ,a moral be+ is tru?ful or n tru?ful4 ,b5evol5ce may be p]fect or imp]fect2 b x _c be measur$ by numb] or by l9e4 ,^! conceptions c only mean :at we mean by !m1 & no?+ else1 ev5 :5 appli$ to ,god1 or we are attempt+ to pass (f =g$ notes = g5u9e ones4 ,! only possible additional idea :i* we introduce :5 ?us ascrib+ !m to ,god1 is t 9 ,him !y are p]fect1 free f ! imp]fections ) :i* !y exi/ 9 u4 ,to affirm t :5 we say t ,god is p]fectly b5evol5t1 or p]fectly tru?ful1 we introduce into ! conception1 z appli$ to ,him1 a new factor1 beyond ! mean+ ( b5evol5ce & tru?fulness z us$ 9 human language1 & t ?is new factor c make ! div9e b5evol5ce diff]5t f our human conception ( x1 or c lead ,god to actions :i* man c by no possibility view z b5evol5t or true2 & !n to say t ,god is b5evol5t or true1 is an abuse ( language1 or1 to use ,mr4 ,mill's words1 an (f5sive flatt]y4 ,b x has be5 urg$ t ! moral attributes ( ,god1 ev5 if we view !m n z inf9ite b z p]fect1 mu/ be beyond ! limits ( human ?\ght1 & !re=e may produce results diff]5t 9 "* f ! correspond+ pr9ciples 9 man1 because !y are ! attributes ( an inf9ite be+4 ,i h already dispos$ ( ?is objection4 ,b5evol5ce1 hol9ess1 & tru? _c be o!r ?an b5evol5ce1 hol9ess1 & tru?1 to :atev] be+ we may attribute !m4 ,x is !re=e no necess>y consequ5ce1 because we ascribe to ,god "s attributes :i* are inf9ite1 & o!rs :i* are p]fect1 t ,god mu/ !re=e be unkn[able or un?9kable4 ,we may "k mu* ab\t ,him1 )\t kn[+ all ?+s4 ,our n kn[+ all ab\t ?+s does n r5d] !m ei!r unkn[able or un?9kable4 ,our k may be imp]fect2 b z f> z x goes x maybe real4 ,if we 7 to affirm t we only "k t :i* we "k p]fectly1 or 7 unable to reason on imp]fect k1 m5tal progress w\ld be br\ght to a /&/ill4 ,nor is x "r to affirm t we are only reason+ 9 a circle :5 we reason f ,8 moral attributes z display$ 9 ! gov]nm5t ( ! _w 9 fav\r ( ! probability ( a revelation2 or if because a revelation :i* claims to be f ,god1 be>s ! impress ( ,8 "*1 we employ ?is fact z an evid5ce t x comes f ,him4 ,to affirm t ,he is unkn[able or un?9kable is to proclaim t man has no conc]n ) ,god1 & t all revelation is impossible2 !re=e1 ! objections urg$ aga9/ ! evid5ce ( sup]natural religion on ^! gr\nds are unt5able4 ,b !re are ! difficulties ab\t ! ,absolute & ! ,fir/ ,cause4 ,x has be5 urg$ t ! ,absolute is t :i* is out ( relation to e ?+ else--p]fectly indep5d5t 9 itself4 ,x is argu$1 !re=e1 if ,god be ?is ,absolute1 he _c be ! fir/ ,cause1 because a cause c only be a cause by its be+ 9 relation to t ( :i* x is ! cause4 ,= simil> reasons1 if he be ! fir/ ,cause1 ,he _c be ! ,absolute4 ,b z ,he is bo?1 ,he mu/ !re=e be unkn[able & un?9kable4 ,x is impossible 9 a treatise l ?is to ent] into su* pr(\nd metaphysical que/ions4 ,= my pres5t purpose1 ,i c safely ref] to ,mr4 ,mill's discussion on ?is subject4 ,z f> z ! views 9 "q be> adv]sely on ,*ri/ian evid5ce1 he has suffici5tly refut$ !m4 ,x is n fair = unbeliev]s to put =? ^! positions z subv]sive ( ,*ri/ianity1 )\t answ]+ ! reason+s ( s em95t an unbeliev] z ,mr4 ,mill 9 pro( ( _! inconclusiv5ess1 or ev5 allud+ to ! fact t he has pron\nc$ !m unt5able4 ,!re is no po9t :i* reason]s ( ?is class h lab\r$ m dilig5tly to prove ?an t x is impossible = human reason to ?9k ( ,god z a p]son4 ,! assumption ( ! p]sonality ( ,god is ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ri/ian argum5t1 )\t :i*1 ev5 if ! occurr5ce ( miracles c\ld be prov$ z objective facts1 !y w\ld h no evid5tial value4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t if our only mode ( atta9+ ! k ( ! p]sonality ( ,god be f revelation1 we are argu+ 9 a vici\s circle4 ,briefly /at$1 ! argum5t ( unbelief is z foll[s3 ,god is ! inf9ite ,be+4 ,p]sonality is a conception :i* necess>ily involves ! f9ite4 ,!re=e x _c be pr$icat$ ( an inf9ite ,be+4 ,x foll[s !re=e t to speak ( ,god z inf9ite1 & at ! same "t z a p]son1 involves a contradiction4 ,x is an unque/ionable fact t ! only be+s :om we are directly acqua9t$ ) z p]sons are f9ite be+s1 i4e4 m54 ,no less c]ta9 is x t ! only be+s :om we "k to be possess$ ( wisdom & intellig5ce are f9ite be+s1 i4e4 m51 & ^? v>i\s classes ( animals by :i* ! latt] quality is manife/$4 ,! argum5t is equally valid = prov+ t wisdom & intellig5ce c only belong to f9ite be+s2 & consequ5tly t ! exi/5ce ( wisdom & intellig5ce 9 ! fir/ ,cause ( all ?+s is inconceivable1 & ! assumption t ,he is wise & intellig5t is a contradiction4 ,! same argum5t is no less valid aga9/ ascrib+ any moral p]fection to ,him1 or 9 fact any o!r1 = all our k ( su* ?+s is bo? 9 itself f9ite1 & d]iv$ f f9ite be+s4 ,b x ev5 goes fur!r ?an ?is4 ,if1 z ! positive philosophy lays d[n1 our real k ( ?+s is conf9$ to direct subjects ( cognition2 z ! only be+s :i* we "k to be possess$ ( wisdom & intellig5ce are m5 & animals1 x is q contr>y to s\nd reason+ to inf] t ^! qualities c be possess$ by any o!r class ( f9ite be+s4 ,to d s is to transf] human conceptions to be+s :o are n human4 ,equally valid w\ld be ! reason+ ( an animal1 if he c\ld reason on ! subject1 z = in/ance a horse or a dog1 t ! exi/5ce ( wisdom & intellig5ce beyond 8 own limit$ sph]e 0 an unw>rantable assumption4 ,pan!i/s h also prop\nd$ !ories on ! assumption ( ! exi/5ce 9 nature ( an unconsci\s wisdom & intellig5ce4 ,?is assumption is op5 to ! mo/ =midable objections2 b ev5 on _! own pr9ciples x is utt]ly invalid2 = if on ! gr\nds :i* !y allege x is impossible to ascribe p]sonality to ,god1 ! same reason+s are equally valid aga9/ ascrib+ wisdom & intellig5ce to unconsci\s nature4 ,i conclude1 !re=e1 t x by no means foll[s because our direct k ( p]sonality is conf9$ to human be+s1 & is d]iv$ f !m1 t p]sonality itself _c be conceiv$ ( z a prop]ty belong+ to any o!r ?an human be+s4 ,x is absurd to ma9ta9 t ! qualities ( ?+s mu/ be conf9$ to ^? ?+s f :i* we le>n _! exi/5ce4 ,b x w be object$ t ! v ess5tial notion ( p]sonality is limitation2 consequ5tly t al?\gh x may be conceiv$ ( z belong+ to limit$ be+s1 x transc5ds ! p[] ( ?\ght to conceive ( x z ! attribute ( a be+ :o is unlimit$ or inf9ite2 t is to say1 t al?\gh x lies )9 ! p[] ( ?\ght to conceive ( ! ,be+ :o _h adequate p[] to build ! univ]se z a ,p]son1 because ! p[] may be a limit$ p[]1 yet :5 ,i ascribe to ,him beyond ?is ! possession ( all possible p[]1 ! conception ( p]sonality becomes un?9kable4 ,?is is ! real mean+ ( ! affirmation1 unless our reason+s are to be conf9$ )9 ! region ( ab/ractions4 ,b we h no assurance t su* reason+s are valid1 unless we c br+ !m to ! te/ ( "s concrete =m ( ?\ght4 ,next3 ,x by no means foll[s because our conception ( p]sonality is d]iv$ f f9ite be+s1 t x is necess>ily limit$ to !m2 & t x _c be ?\ght ( 9 connection ) a be+1 "s ( ^: attributes are inf9ite & o!rs p]fect2 9 o!r words1 t ! idea ( f9it5ess is necess>ily involv$ 9 t ( p]sonality4 ,:at are ! conceptions t make up ! idea ( our own p]sonality8 ,i reply1 ! p[] to affirm 8,i0 ( "o's own be+--! possession ( w--! p[] ( selfconsci\sness1 & ^! 9 union ) rationality4 ,^! conceptions we und\bt$ly d]ive f ! contemplation ( our own f9ite be+1 b !re is no?+ 9 !m :i* is necess>ily limit$ to ! f9ite4 ,if ! conception ( an inf9ite be+ is possible 7& ! fact t x is s con/antly introduc$ into ?is controv]sy proves t x is possible71 !n !re is no reason :y ^! conceptions1 :i* c]ta9ly conta9 9 !m no?+ quantitative1 %\ld n be applicable to su* a be+4 ,! real fact is1 ^! conceptions are n inh]5tly f9ite1 because !y h no?+ 9 !m ( a quantitative "*1--!y are only d]iv$ f a be+ ^: manife/ation 9 space we conceive ( "u ! =m ( limitation1 & ^: attributes are nei!r inf9ite nor p]fect4 ,i mu/ call att5tion to ! rem>k already made t ! correct repres5tation ( ,god 9 ?\ght is n t ( a pure ab/raction1 ! inf9ite ,be+1 b ( a be+ :o possesses attributes1 "s ( :i* are inf9ite & o!rs p]fect4 ,to affirm t su* a be+ is a p]son1 is n to attempt to ?9k t :i* is un?9kable4 ,:5 we affirm t ,god possesses ! p[] adequate to build ! univ]se1 & all possible p[] beside1 we d n ascribe to ,him t ( :i* x is impossible to pr$icate ! possession ( w or selfconsci\sness4 ,:5 we affirm t su* a be+ exi/s n[1 t he has exi/$ 9 all pa/ kn[n times1 & t no limits 9 po9t ( "t are conceivable ( him1 !re is no?+ contradictory 9 ascrib+ to su* a ,be+ p]sonality4 ,x is q ?9kable t an ultimate p>ticle may nev] h _h a beg9n+ & nev] w h an end2 no less s is x t su* a p>ticle may be possess$ ( p]sonality1 = x is f9ite4 ,surely !re=e !re is no?+ 9 ! ascription to ,god ( exi/5ce )\t beg9n+ & )\t end1 :i* de/roys ! idea ( ,8 p]sonality4 ,x has be5 necess>y to ent] ?us f> into ?is subject1 because 9 reason+ on ! ,*ri/ian revelation we mu/ assume ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god1 unless all su* treatises1 9 addition to _! own prop] subjectmatt]1 mu/ likewise conta9 an elaborate "w on ! pr9ciples ( !ism1 & a refutation ( ^? ( pan!ism & a!ism4 ,! def5d] ( ,*ri/ianity is *>g$ ) reason+ 9 a circle1 z ?\gh he fir/ assum$ ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god1 & !n d]iv$ ! idea ( 8 exi/5ce f revelation4 ,?is *>ge w\ld und\bt$ly be true if ! idea ( ,god be+ a p]son is un?9kable4 ,i am at a loss to conceive h[ x becomes "o atom m ?9kable if communicat$ by a revelation4 ,mu* obscurity has und\bt$ly be5 ?r[n on ?is subject by ,*ri/ian writ]s :o h fanci$ t ! m !y c invalidate our reason ! great] ga9 accrues to ,revelation4 ,?is is n only unwise b irrational4 ,our reason d\btless is b an imp]fect light1 b its ext9ction is to leave u to grope 9 d>kness4 ,i affirm !re=e t ! assumption ( ! div9e p]sonality z ! gr\ndwork ( our argum5t involves no petitio pr9cipii1 or reason+ 9 a circle4 ,"o m rem>k & ,i w br+ ?is portion ( ! subject to a close4 ,! affirmation made by ?is philosophy t c]ta9 ?+s are un?9kable is fallaci\s4 ,:at d we mean by 8un?9kable08 ,x may mean _m ?+s2 fir/1 t ! subject _c be made 9 any s5se an object ( ?\ght4 ,?is1 9 fact1 is ! only legitimate use ( ! ^w4 ,b 9 ?is s5se ! affirmation _c be true ( ev5 ,mr4 ,h]b]t ,sp5c]'s unkn[n & unkn[able ,god1 = x is evid5t t he does manage to reason & ?9k ab\t him someh[4 ,x may mean a be+ respect+ :om we may "k mu* & atta9 a k cont9ually progress+1 b respect+ :om !re is mu* :i* is unkn[n4 ,?is unkn[n is call$ un?9kable4 ,b x is n un?9kable4 ,x has only n yet become ! subject ( our k1 & is no m un?9kable ?an any o!r unkn[n tru?4 ,or t may be pron\nc$ to be un?9kable respect+ :i* our conceptions are want+ 9 def9it5ess & precision4 ,b to designate su* ?+s z un?9kable is an abuse ( language4 ,or t may be designat$ z un?9kable ( :i* our conceptions fail fully to repres5t ! reality4 ,z f> z !y g1 !y may be true1 b !re may be some?+ beyond ( a simil> k9d1 :i* !y d n embrace4 ,?is is ! only s5se 9 :i* x c be affirm$ t ,god is un?9kable1 b ! ass]tion is altoge!r mislead+4 ,! only correct mean+ ( ! expression is :5 "s p>ticul> ?+ is affirm$ to exi/ & at ! same "t contradictions coexi/ 9 x4 ,! actual coexi/5ce ( ^! two contradictions is un?9kable1 b no?+ m4 ,?us ! exi/5ce ( a r\nd squ>e is un?9kable1 s w\ld ! affirmation t ! div9e p[] 0 at ! same "t bo? limit$ & unlimit$4 ,b 9 no o!r s5se is a conception un?9kable4 ,to affirm t ! cause ( all ?+s is un?9kable because our conceptions ( ,him d n measure ! entire dep?s ( ,8 be+ is simply mislead+4 ,i h gone into ?is "q because x is evid5t t if ,god is un?9kable a revelation ( ,him is impossible1 & if a revelation ( ,him is impossible1 all miracles affirm$ to h be5 wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( "o mu/ be delusions4 ,,*apt] ,,vi4 ,,! ,,objection ,,t ,,miracles ,,are ,,contr>y ,,to ,,reason ,,consid]$4 ,"u ?is head are includ$ ! :ole ( t class ( objections :i* ext5d f ! direct ass]tion ( ! impossibility ( miracles to ! affirmation t ev5 if _! possibility is conc$$1 !y are s extremely improbable t x is a violation ( ! fir/ pr9ciples ( our reason to believe 9 _! actual occurr5ce4 ,!y are alleg$ to be violations & contradictions ( ! laws ( nature1 & z su* to be incr$ible1 z ! /ability ( its laws is f\nd$ on a univ]sal exp]i5ce4 ,?is unque/ionably =ms ! mo/ =midable difficulty 9 ! way ( ! acceptance ( miracles1 z actual occurr5ces1 at ! pres5t day1 & !re=e dem&s a c>eful consid]ation4 ,! "q ( ! ab/ract impossibility ( miracles ne$ n occupy u long4 ,su* an affirmation c only be made on ! assumption t our reason is inadequate to affirm ! exi/5ce ( su* a be+ z a p]sonal ,god4 ,if ?is c be e/abli%$1 ! :ole argum5t is end$ = all practical purposes4 ,x may be conc$$ t ! occurr5ce ( "s anomal\s ev5t z a b>e objective fact is q possible1 ev5 on ! pr9ciples ( pan!ism or a!ism4 ,b su* objective fact w\ld be no miracle 9 any s5se 9 :i* ! ^w c be us$ 9 ?is discussion4 ,if ! evid5ce 0 suffici5tly /rong to atte/ x z a fact1 x w\ld be explicable on ! supposition ( "s unkn[n =ce 9 nature1 or ev5 z a purely *ance occurr5ce4 ,a miracle1 9 any s5se 9 :i* x ent]s into ! pres5t argum5t1 is n only an abnormal objective fact1 b "o :i* takes place at ! bidd+ ( a moral ag5t4 ,x is ! union ( ^! two :i* imp>ts to a miracle any p[] to atte/ a revelation4 ,if1 !re=e1 !re is no evid5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 miracles may be pron\nc$ impossible = all practical purposes 9 ?is controv]sy1 & we ne$ n fur!r discuss ! "q4 ,! :ole argum5t z to :e!r ! occurr5ce ( a miracle is or is n contr>y to reason mu/ proce$ on ! assumption ( ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god4 ,x is also a proposition s cle> z to r5d] all pro( ( x sup]flu\s1 t if a p]sonal ,god exi/s :o has creat$ ! univ]se & gov]ns x by ,8 ,provid5ce1 miracles are possible4 ,fir/1 ,i obs]ve t a miracle _c be pron\nc$ incr$ible1 on ! gr\nd t x is an effect )\t an adequate cause4 ,on ?is po9t ,i may ref] to ! high au?ority ( ,mr4 ,mill1 t ! idea ( a miracle contradicts no law ( causation4 8,9 ord]10 says he1 8t any alleg$ fact %\ld be contradictory to a law ( causation1 ! allegation mu/ be n simply t ! cause exi/$ )\t be+ foll[$ by ! effect1 = t w\ld be no uncommon occurr5ce1 b t ?is happ5$ 9 ! abs5ce ( any adequate c\nt]act+ cause4 ,n[ 9 ! case ( an alleg$ miracle ! objection is ! v opposite ( ?is4 ,x is t ! effect 0 defeat$1 n 9 ! abs5ce1 b 9 consequ5ce1 ( a c\nt]act+ cause1 viz41 a direct int]position ( an act ( w ( "s be+ :o has p[] ov] nature2 & 9 p>ticul> ( a be+ ^: w be+ assum$ to h induc$ all ! causes1 ) ! p[]s by :i* !y produce _! effects1 may well be suppos$ able to c\nt]act !m40 7,logic1 vol4 ii4 p4 #afg47 ,a miracle !re=e may n be ! result ( ! action ( any =ce :i* falls )9 ! range ( our k4 ,x may be necess>y = its p]=mance to neutralize ! action ( all exi/+ =ces by ! call+ into en]gy ( m p[]ful ones4 ,b _! op]ation ne$ n ev5 be susp5d$4 ,an adequate =ce1 or p[]1 or cause 7x matt]s n by :at "n we call x7 is pres5t to effectuate ! result2 viz4 ! p[] :i* rules ! univ]se1 i4e4 ,god4 ,z ,mr4 ,mill ju/ly obs]ves1 ! only "q :i* c be rais$ if ! exi/5ce ( ,god is assum$1 is1 n ! want ( ! pres5ce ( an adequate cause1 = ! supposition pre supposes ! pres5ce ( "o1 b ! want ( w on ! "p ( ,god to br+ ab\t ! result4 ,?us x may be fairly argu$ t ,god w n "w a miracle1 f ! fact t ,he has n done s 9 ! c\rse ( previ\s obs]vation4 ,x has be5 frequ5tly affirm$ t a miracle is an act :i* is contr>y to ! laws ( nature1 or a violation ( !m1 or a susp5sion ( !m1 or a violation ( ! ord] ( nature2 & t its occurr5ce is !re=e incr$ible1 z be+ contr>y to reason4 ,a miracle ne$ involve nei!r ( ^!4 ,! laws ( nature z conceiv$ by physical sci5ce are a set ( antec$5ts foll[$ by a set ( inv>iable consequ5ts4 ,a miracle does n int]f]e ) ?is4 ,its v conception involves a new antec$5t foll[$ by its consequ5t4 ,! utmo/ t c be urg$ is t we h nev] be=e witness$ ! pres5ce ( t p>ticul> antec$5t & consequ5t1 or t ! antec$5ts :i* we h witness$ h be5 foll[$ by totally diff]5t consequ5ts4 ,! only mode 9 :i* su* a law c\ld be violat$ w\ld be1 if a p>ticul> antec$5t 0 pres5t & no o!r capable ( modify+ its action1 & x fail$ to be att5d$ ) its prop] consequ5t4 ,b ?is is n involv$ 9 ! conception ( a miracle4 ,let u n[ suppose t ! expression 8laws ( nature0 is ext5d$ s z to comprise ! =ces ( nature z well z its inv>iable sequ5ces4 ,su* a use ( ! t]m is v common4 ,9 ?is po9t ( view1 x is impossible to affirm t ! laws ( nature are violat$ by ! p]=mance ( a miracle4 ,?is c\ld only be ! case if !y 7 made to produce ! opposite results to ^? :i* !y actually produce4 ,?us1 if a boil] 7 fill$ ) wat] & a fire k9dl$ "u x1 & no o!r =ce 0 pres5t capable ( neutraliz+ ! action ( ! fire2 if1 in/ead ( ! temp]ature ( ! wat] be+ rais$1 x gradually froze1 !re w\ld be a cle> violation ( ! laws ( nature1 i4e4 its =ces w\ld cease to produce _! usual results4 ,b !re is no?+ 9 ! idea ( a miracle t involves ?is4 ,x po/ulates ! pres5ce ( a =ce or =ces :i* are adequate to c\nt]act ! action ( ^? already 9 exi/5ce1 & to produce ! adequate result4 ,x w be object$ t we h nev] recogniz$ ! exi/5ce ( su* =ces 9 our previ\s exp]i5ce4 ,su* an objection w\ld be valid only on ! assumption t !re is no =ce 9 ! univ]se besides ^? :i* h be5 already recogniz$ by u4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 sci5ce w 9 ! pres5t /ate ( our k h>dly v5ture to affirm4 ,besides1 x is contr>y to ! supposition ) :i* we />t$1 viz4 ! exi/5ce ( a p[] able to control nature1 t is1 ,god4 ,nor is ! ass]tion correct t ! p]=mance ( a miracle necess>ily involves ev5 a susp5sion ( ! laws ( nature4 ,?is may be ! mode ( ! div9e act+2 b x is mo/ important to obs]ve t x by no means foll[s t x mu/ be s4 ,a miracle may be p]=m$ by ! introduction ( a =ce :i* has suffici5t p[] to c\nt]act ! =ces ( nature ev5 :ile !y are 9 ! fulle/ op]ation4 ,to take an illu/ration3 ,x has be5 frequ5tly said t ! =ce ( gravity mu/ h be5 susp5d$ 9 fav\r ( ,pet]'s body :5 he walk$ on ! wat]1 & 9 fav\r ( t ( our ,"l :5 he asc5d$ into heav54 ,b ?is is by no means ! case4 ,! m]e susp5sion ( ! law ( gravitation w\ld n 9 ei!r case h effect$ ! results 9 "q4 ,! pres5ce ( o!r =ces 0 necess>y4 ,! law ( gravitation might h be5 9 ! fulle/ op]ation1 & ! miracle might h be5 p]=m$ by ! action ( o!r =ces adequate to neutralize x4 ,! n>rative itself implies t ?is =ce 0 s f> f be+ susp5d$1 t x 0 9 full op]ation at ! "t :5 ! miracle 0 p]=m$1 = ! mom5t ! p[] :i* support$ ,pet]'s body ceas$ to act he began to s9k4 ,b fur!r3 ev5 if we assume t any natural =ces h be5 susp5d$ 9 ! p]=mance ( a miracle1 we are n call$ on to assume _! g5]al susp5sion1 b only 9 fav\r ( ! p>ticul> case 9 "q4 ,?is obs]vation is r5d]$ necess>y because x has be5 frequ5tly urg$ aga9/ ! possibility ( miracles t _! p]=mance mu/ h ?r[n ! :ole me*anism ( ! univ]se into confusion1 & involv$ an ext5sive recon/ruction ( ! processes ( nature4 ,?is w\ld unque/ionably be ! case if ! work+ ( a miracle involv$ ! difficulty 9 "q4 ,b ,i h %[n t x ne$ n involve ev5 ! susp5sion ( any natural law :atev]1 & if su* susp5sion took place 9 any p>ticul> case1 ! =ce might h be5 act+ ) full en]gy ev]y:]e else4 ,! c\nt]action or modification ( "o =ce by ! ag5cy ( ano!r is an ev5t :i* we witness e day4 ,! =ce ( gravity is 9 ! fulle/ op]ation :5ev] we lift a weight f ! gr\nd--x is n susp5d$ = a s+le mom5t4 ,! ability to modify ! results ( ! action ( "o =ce by ! ag5cy ( ano!r1 or to comb9e _m =ces s z to produce a def9ite result1 con/itutes ! ess5ce ( all me*anical contrivance4 ,! selfdet]m9+ p[] ( ! human w is t :i* calls all ^! p>ticul> modifications ( exi/+ =ces into activity4 ,by means ( x1 ! entire aspect ( ext]nal nature has be5 *ang$ f ! appe>ance :i* x w\ld h pres5t$1 if no o!r ag5cy _h exi/$ besides ! =ces ( nature :i* belong to matt]4 ,man has be5 a p[] manife/$ 9 ! mid/ ( !m4 ,i am q aw>e t he c create no new =ce1 & t he c only control or modify ! action ( ^? :i* exi/1 b is nev] capable ( susp5d+ !m4 ,yet ?is p[] has produc$ m>vell\s results on ! ext]nal _w1 s t x pres5ts a :olly diff]5t aspect f t :i* x w\ld h done if ! =ces ( nature _h simply cont9u$ act+ uncontroll$ by ! influ5ce ( m9d4 ,ev5 9 mat]ial nature itself1 we meet ) repeat$ in/ances ( su* modifications ( ! results ( "o =ce by ! action ( ano!r1 z = example :5 ! =ce ( gravitation is c\nt]act$ by t ( magnetism1 or ( capill>y attraction4 ,! action ( no =ce is susp5d$1 x is only modifi$4 ,! ass]tion !re=e is inaccurate :i* affirms t ! p]=mance ( a miracle involves ! susp5sion ( a s+le =ce 9 nature4 ,x is consequ5tly s f> no violation ( any natural law4 ,all t ! idea ( x involves is ! pres5ce ( a =ce :i* is capable 9 a p>ticul> in/ance ( c\nt]act+ ! action ( ^? =ces :i* w\ld produce a contr>y result if left to !mselves4 ,x is q unnecess>y = u to det]m9e1 9 ref]5ce to ! subject "u consid]ation1 :e!r ! result may be br\ght ab\t by a comb9ation ( =ces :i* en]gize )9 ! visible sph]e ( ?+s1 or by br++ into action "s lat5t =ce1 or "o :i* only occasionally manife/s itself1 or by ! imm$iate action ( ! div9e m9d1 :i*1 hav+ 9 itself all ! =ces necess>y to produce ! univ]se1 mu/ possess ^? :i* are necess>y to effect ! miracle4 ,x is a fact wor?y ( obs]vation t 9 ! case ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,bible1 ! mat]ials out ( :i* ! new results 7 produc$ already exi/$ 9 nature1 z 9 ! miracle ( ! multiplication ( ! loaves & fi%es4 ,no act ( creation 0 necess>y4 ,all t 0 requir$ 0 ! pres5ce ( a =ce or =ces1 able to build up ^! mat]ials into ! =ms 9 "q4 ,god does ?is 9 ord9>y c\rse by :at we designate natural =ces1 by means ( :i* corn is gr[n & fle% produc$4 ,c x be pret5d$ t no o!r =ces are "u ! control (1 or exi/ 9 ,god1 :i* are able to produce ^! results 9 a diff]5t mann]1 ev5 :ile ! ord9>y =ces ( nature cont9ue 9 activity8 ,x has be5 fur!r urg$ t a miracle involves a violation ( ! laws ( nature1 because z x _c be effect$ by any ( ! =ces ( nature ) :i* we are acqua9t$1 ! pres5ce ( an unkn[n =ce adequate to produce "o mu/ be a violation ( ! laws ( nature4 ,i reply t any app>5t =ce :i* ?is objection may possess is due to an ambigu\s use ( ! ^w 8law40 ,x is "h us$ to d5ote ! ord] ( ! v>i\s occurr5ces 9 nature1 & n its antec$5ts & inv>iable consequ5ts4 ,if !re are =ces 9 nature beyond ^? ) :i* we are acqua9t$1 h[ c _! action be a violation ( nature's ord]8 ,if ,god is always pres5t en]giz+ 9 nature's =ces1 h[ c any fre% putt+ =? ( 8 en]gy be a violation ( nature's laws8 ,9 a c]ta9 s5se ( ! words ! ord] ( nature may be said to be violat$ :5ev] "o ( its =ces is modifi$ by ! action ( ano!r1 t is to say1 an ord] ( ev5ts results f ! modifi$ action diff]5t f t :i* w\ld h result$ f ! unmodifi$ "o4 ,9 ?is s5se man is daily violat+ ! ord] ( nature4 ,b ?is has no be>+ :atev] on ! "q at issue4 ,x w p]haps be urg$ t ! resurrection ( a dead man1 or ! cure ( a man born bl9d by a ^w is a violation ( ! laws ( nature4 ,:e!r ?is be s c only be det]m9$ :5 we are acqua9t$ ) ! means by :i* su* an ev5t may be br\ght ab\t4 ,! ass]tion itself is a m]e g5]al /atem5t t1 z f> z human obs]vation has gone1 dead m5 h nev] return$ to life2 & t bl9dness has nev] be5 cur$ at any p]son's comm&4 ,b ) respect to a resurrection x may be object$ t x is an obs]v$ fact am\nt+ to a complete induction1 t all m5 die & t aft] dea? has tak5 place x is a fact no less univ]sal t ) ! exception ( a few alleg$ in/ances to ! contr>y no resurrection has ev] tak5 place4 ,x may !re=e be said to be a law ( nature t all m5 die1 & t dea? is foll[$ by no resurrection4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 if put into o!r language am\nts to ! foll[+ proposition4 ,t x is a law ( nature t ^! results mu/ foll[1 z long z ! pres5t =ces :i* we obs]ve & no o!rs are 9 en]gy4 ,b x w\ld cease to be s z soon z any o!rs capable ( produc+ su* a result 7 br\ght into activity4 ,! tru? is t dea? is a ph5om5on :i* is caus$ by ! jo9t action ( a multitude ( natural =ces4 ,b if ^! 7 ov]borne by any =ce ( nature1 or by ! ,au?or ( nature call+ any unkn[n =ce into activity1 or ev5 by ! en]gy ( 8 own creative w1 x w\ld be absurd to call su* an ev5t ei!r a violation ( ! laws or ( ! ord] ( nature1 & !re=e to affirm t x 0 incr$ible4 ,dea? is ! result ( ! action ( ! natural =ces :i* we obs]ve ar\nd u4 ,no natural =ce ) :i* we are acqua9t$ c effect a resurrection4 ,if x be affirm$ t 9 ?is s5se a resurrection is contr>y to ! laws & ord] ( nature1 ! expression is ambigu\s & mislead+1 = x is int5d$ to be inf]r$ t su* a violation w\ld be contr>y to reason & !re=e incr$ible4 ,b ! affirmation t a miracle is contr>y to ! ord] ( nature requires fur!r consid]ation4 ,:at d we int5d to affirm :5 we speak ( an ord] ( nature or ( an ev5t be+ contr>y to x8 ,9 a sci5tific s5se ! ord] ( nature c only mean ! results ( =ces en]giz+ 9 con=mity ) inv>iable law4 ,e ev5t :i* occurs is ! result ( a comb9ation ( su* =ces & ! product ( _! jo9t action4 ,^! results necess>ily foll[ an ord]ly arrangem5t2 i4e4 ! ord]ly result always occurs :5 precisely ! same antec$5ts & no o!r are pres5t1 & is inv>iably alt]$ :5ev] ! antec$5ts are modifi$ to ! precise ext5t ( ! modification4 ,z f> !n z ! results 9 nature are ! effect ( kn[n =ces unmodifi$ 9 _! action by o!r =ces1 !y foll[ a def9ite ord]4 ,?us all ! motions ( ! heav5ly bodies pres5t !mselves to ! sci5tific m9d z ! p]fection ( ord]1 because !y are ! results ( ! action ( kn[n =ces act+ 9 con=mity ) inv>iable law4 ,:5ev] a fact is obs]v$ :i* deviates f ! ord] :i* ^! kn[n =ces w\ld produce1 ! action ( ano!r =ce :i* has hi!rto be5 unkn[n is inf]r$4 ,! ord] ( nature !re=e means t ! same =ces always produce ! same results4 ,!re is no?+ inconsi/5t ) ?is 9 ! correct conception ( a miracle4 ,view$ z a physical ev5t only1 x w\ld be due to ! action ( a =ce :i* has hi!rto be5 outside ! sph]e ( our obs]vation4 ,x is cle> !re=e t :5ev] a fre% comb9ation ( =ces takes place1 _! comb9$ action w modify ! result1 & a v diff]5t ord] ( ev5ts w take place f t :i* w\ld h result$ f _! unmodifi$ action4 ,su* modification !re=e mu/ produce a diff]5t ord] ( nature f t :i* w\ld h o!rwise result$4 ,b su* modifications frequ5tly take place ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( man4 ,x !re=e foll[s t man has ! p[] ( effect+ modifications 9 ! ord] ( nature1 )\t caus+ any violation ( nature's laws4 ,b v>i\s o!r influ5ces1 & among !m ^? usually designat$ z *ances1 ex]t a p[]ful influ5ce 9 *ang+ ! ord] ( nature4 ,x is necess>y t its =ces %\ld n only be comb9$1 b comb9$ at ! "r "t & place1 or ! effect :i* is due to _! comb9ation w n take place2 i4e4 a diff]5t ord] ( natural ev5ts w\ld h happ5$4 ,an illu/ration w make ?is cle>4 ,let u take ! case ( a dis9tegrat+ rock2 accord+ z ! diff]5t =ces1 :i* act on x1 meet at ! suitable "t & place1 ! progress ( dis9tegration is greatly l5g!n$ or %ort5$4 ,su* concurr5ces ( ev5ts are :at we view z pure cont+5cies4 ,e4g4 wat] p5etrates into "o ( its fissures2 ?is takes place 9 summ]1 & no appreciable result foll[s4 ,b if 9 w9t] a fro/ happ5s imm$iately aft]w>ds1 x w produce an ord] ( ev5ts widely diff]5t f t :i* w\ld h happ5$ if ei!r no ra9 _h fall5 or fro/ occurr$4 ,by _! jo9t ag5cy ! fissure is wid5$1 or ! rock split asund]4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ! concurr5ce ( ^! two =ces is necess>y at a p>ticul> "t & place to produce ! p>ticul> result4 ,su* concurr5ces1 ?\gh due to natural causes1 are :at we call =tuit\s4 ,yet _! occurr5ce or non occurr5ce occasions a diff]5t ord] ( natural ev5ts4 ,fur!r1 let u suppose t a bird ) a se$ 9 its m\?1 9 ! c\rse ( its flight casually drops x into a fissure 9 ! rock1 :i* has be5 op5$ by ! fro/2 & also t ano!r concurr5ce ( =ces has suppli$ ! conditions suitable = its tak+ root & gr[?4 ,?is produces a new s]ies ( ev5ts1 :i* occasions a m rapid dis9tegration1 & modifies ! :ole ( ! results :i* foll[4 ,if ! casual act ( ! bird _h tak5 place at any o!r "t or place1 ! :ole s]ies w\ld h be5 diff]5t1 v>y+ ) ! causes :i* produc$ ! se$1 & ! cont+5cies :i* br\ght ! bird to ! spot1 & induc$ x to drop x4 ,let u n[ suppose t man ) 8 rational ag5cy int]v5es4 ,he delib]ately wat*es = ! prospect ( a fro/y night1 p\rs wat] into ! fissures1 & plants se$s 9 fissures :]e he kn[s t suitable mat]ial has be5 prep>$ = _! gr[?4 ,"h a new ord] ( ev5ts has be5 introduc$1 :i*1 orig9at+ 9 human ag5cy1 entirely modify ! ord] ( ! results4 ,x is important to obs]ve t all !ories :i* attempt to acc\nt = ! production ( liv+ organisms by ! pr9ciple ( developm5t are compell$ at almo/ e /ep ( ! process to po/ulate ! concurr5ce ( =ces ( ?is description at ! suitable "t & place to r5d] _! production possible4 ,^! mu/ h tak5 place 9 pa/ "t 9 numb]s pass+ all compreh5sion4 ,9 ! case ( _m vegetable /ructures ! result has be5 entirely modifi$ by ! cont+5cy ( "s insect *oos+ to ent] "o fl[] & n to ent] ano!r2 & accord+ z ?is takes place a :olly diff]5t ord] ( ev5ts foll[s4 ,:e!r we *oose to designate su* concurr5ces ( ev5ts at ! suitable "t & place =tuit\s or n1 ! law :i* regulates !m is :olly unkn[n1 ev5 if !y are regulat$ by law4 ,s f> x is impossible to affirm t ^! results foll[ a kn[n & def9ite ord] 9 nature4 ,! concurr5ce ( two or m su* causes introduces a new s]ies1 & occasions a break 9 ! previ\sly exi/+ ord] ( nature4 ,/ill m completely has ?is happ5$ :5 man ) 8 reason & p[]s ( volition is introduc$ on ! sc5e4 ,x w d\btless be object$ by our mat]iali/ic philosoph]s1 t ! =ces :i* en]gize 9 m9d act ) ! same uni=mity z ^? t en]gize 9 matt]1 & t volition ex]ts no appreciable influ5ce on ! results ( our actions4 ,^! !ories1 h[ev]1 contradict ! exp]i5ce ( an ov]:elm+ majority ( mank9d4 ,su* z d s require t ! /ronge/ pro( %\ld be giv5 be=e _! tru? c be consid]$ z e/abli%$4 ,su* pro( c]ta9ly yet rema9s to be giv54 ,its advocates1 h[ev]1 tell u t x w be =?com+ at "s future "t4 ,9 ! mean:ile ! fact is suffici5t = our purpose t man is capable ( act+ on nature & ( produc+ mo/ important *anges 9 ! results ( ! action ( its =ces4 ,?is be+ s1 x is c]ta9 t an ord] ( ev5ts takes place ?r\gh ! int]f]5ce ( man1 q diff]5t f t :i* w\ld h tak5 place ap>t f 8 int]f]5ce4 ,b ^! int]f]5ces take place 9 con=mity ) no kn[n law1 & _! results occasion a break 9 ! previ\sly exi/+ s]ies ( ev5ts1 by ! introduction ( a new "o4 ,man1 !re=e1 is capable ( int]f]+ ) & effect+ *anges 9 ! ord] ( nature4 ,x w be object$ t all ! ag5cies by :i* su* results are br\ght ab\t are =ces en]giz+ 9 nature 9 con=mity ) inv>iable law1 & consequ5tly t ! ord] ( nature is pres]v$ intact4 ,x is unque/ionably true t ! actual =ces at "w are =ces 9 nature4 ,b !re is ano!r pr9ciple at "w :i* int]f]es ) ! regul> c\rse ( _! action1 & br+s out a s]ies ( results q diff]5t to t :i* w\ld h be5 produc$ if !y _h n be5 int]f]$ )4 ,?is is man's reason & intellig5t volition4 ,x is impossible to r$uce ! action ( ?is to any kn[n law ( inv>iable sequ5ce4 ,x foll[s !re=e t man is a p[] ei!r 9 or out ( nature1 :i* is capable ( int]f]+ ) ! ord] ( ! results ( its mat]ial =ces1 or1 9 ! language ( ^? ) :om ,i am reason+1 ( violat+ ! ord] ( nature4 ,b x w be fur!r object$ t man 9 8 action on nature c only use or comb9e su* natural =ces z come )9 8 k2 & ?is proves no?+ ab\t ! possibility ( ! action ( a p[] outside nature :i* is able to employ its kn[n & unkn[n =ces = ! purpose ( produc+ su* results z miracles4 ,i answ] t ?is objection c h no validity unless x is fir/ assum$ t man is a portion ( nature 9 ! s5se 9 :i* we are n[ speak+ ( x4 ,b ! pro( ( ?is has c]ta9ly yet to be giv54 ,by ! ^w 8nature10 z x is us$ by ?is philosophy1 is meant ! sum total ( kn[n mat]ial =ces1 act+ on matt] 9 con=mity ) inv>iable laws2 t is to say1 ( =ces :i* are devoid ( intellig5ce & volition4 ,x is impossible 9 ?is s5se ( ! ^w to include man 9 x1 until 8 entire intellectual & moral be+ c be %[n to be ! result ( mat]ial =ces4 ,nor ev5 if ?is c\ld be done1 w\ld x avail = ! pres5t argum5t2 = h[ev] x may h orig9at$1 man's p[] to modify ! action ( mat]ial =ces is an exi/+ fact1 & produces results q diff]5t 9 k9d f ! action ( ! un9tellig5t =ces ( nature4 ,! fact t ! m9d acts ?r\gh a mat]ial organism1 & is incapable ( call+ into exi/5ce any new =ce1 does n alt] ! position above tak54 ,i am q ready to take ei!r ( ! foll[+ alt]natives4 ,man is ei!r 9 nature1 or he is outside ( x4 ,if he is 9 x1 !n a p[] exi/s )9 x :i* is capable ( compell+ its un9tellig5t =ces to effectuate ! det]m9ations ( rational volition4 ,if he is outside nature1 !n a p[] exi/s outside x :i* is capable ( effectuat+ ^! results4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t 9 ei!r case a p[] exi/s :i* is capable ( modify+ ! ord] ( nature4 ,n[ x w\ld be absurd to d5y t :atev] man c effect1 ,god is able also to effect2 & t ,he is s mu* ! m able1 9 proportion z ,8 k is m p]fect4 ,:e!r1 !re=e1 ,god works 9 nature1 or outside x1 a p[] exi/s :i* is capable ( v>y+ ! ord] ( nature )\t int]rupt+ ! action ( any ( its =ces1 or violat+ its laws4 ,he also mu/ h o!r =ces at ,8 comm& beyond ^? :i* are kn[n to man1 & c comb9e !m & !reby modify _! action 9 con=mity ) ,8 pleasure4 ,he mu/ also be ! prim>y =ce ev]y:]e und]ly+ nature1 :i* imp>ts to e o!r =ce its en]gy & p[]4 ,x foll[s t ,he c "w a miracle )\t ev5 susp5d+ any ( ! exi/+ =ces ( nature1 & t ! allegation t miracles are contr>y to reason1 because !y are contr>y to nature1 & a violation ( its laws & ord]1 is disprov$4 ,i w n[ proce$ to adduce examples ( ^! contradictions to our reason :i* are said to be involv$ 9 ! occurr5ce ( a miracle1 = ! purpose ( illu/rat+ ! confusion aris+ f ! v>i\s s5ses 9 :i* ! words 8nature0 & 8natural law10 & o!r simil> expressions h be5 employ$4 ,al?\gh ! in/ances w be tak5 f ! oppon5ts ( ,revelation1 ,i by no means wi% to imply t !y alone h be5 guilty ( ?is ambigu\s use ( language4 ,its def5d]s are equally obnoxi\s to ! *>ge4 ,aft] quot+ a brief passage f ,dr4 ,newman1 ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 urges ! foll[+ objections3 8,miracles are "h describ$ z #8beside1 beyond1 & above' nature1 b a mom5t's consid]ation w %[ t 9 s f> z ^! t]ms h any mean+ at all1 !y are simply evasions1 & n solutions ( a difficulty4 ,if ! c\rse ( nature be int]rupt$ 9 any way1 :e!r ! int]ruption be said to proce$ f "s cause :i* is said to be beyond1 or beside1 or above nature1 x is c]ta9 t ! int]ruption is n caus$ by nature itself2 & e di/urbance ( ! ord] ( nature1 call x by :atsoev] "n we may1 is contr>y to nature1 ^: *ief *>act]i/ic is inv>iability ( law4 ,x is cle>ly unnatural = ! ord9>y c\rse ( nature to be di/urb$1 & inde$ 7 ?is n ! case1 ! di/urbance w\ld be no miracle at all40 ,x is by no means my purpose to def5d ,dr4 ,newman's use ( ! expressions1 8natural10 8beside nature10 8beyond nature10 or 8above nature40 ,b :ile ! au?or criticises ,dr4 ,newman1 x is cle> t 9 ?is passage he has fall5 into a numb] ( v s+ul> confusions ( ?\ght4 ,fir/3 ,! words 8nature0 & 8natural10 are us$ z ?\gh !y _h "o cle>1 simple1 & inv>iable mean+1 :]eas 9 ?is passage !y are us$ s z to include ph5om5a :i* widely diff] f "o ano!r4 ,we are n told :at is includ$ "u ! t]m 8nature10 :e!r x is re/rict$ to matt]1 its =ces1 & its laws1 or :e!r x also includes m9d & all its ph5om5a4 ,:5 we speak ( int]ruptions 9 ! ord] ( nature1 we usually int5d x to be assum$ t volition is ! cause ( ^! int]ruptions4 ,?is be+ s1 ! au?or has includ$ 9 nature ph5om5a :i* diff] s widely f "o ano!r z ^? ( m9d & matt]4 ,he !n speaks ( ! *ief *>act]i/ic ( nature be+ inv>iability ( law4 ,! laws & =ces :i* regulate matt] are di/+ui%$ by ?is inv>iability4 ,b ! action ( m9d is v diff]5t4 ,all m5 habitually speak ( "s portions ( x z caprici\s4 ,:e!r !y are s or n1 no?+ is m c]ta9 ?an t _m ( our m5tal ph5om5a h n be5 r$uc$ to ! action ( kn[n laws4 ,:51 !re=e1 su* expressions z 8beside1 beyond1 & above nature10 & 8natural10 are us$1 ,i ask :at nature is int5d$8 ,is x matt]1 its =ces & laws2 or m9d1 includ+ ! pr9ciple ( volition2 or bo?8 ,if man is includ$ 9 nature1 !n !re is a p[] 9 nature :i* is capable ( controll+ o!r portions ( nature1 & ev5 ( act+ on itself4 ,if man is exclud$ f nature1 !n !re mu/ exi/ a p[] outside nature1 :i* is 8beyond & above nature10 & is capable ( act+ on x4 ,b if by nature is meant ! sum total ( all ! =ces :i* exi/1 :e!r mat]ial or immat]ial1 !n x is cle> t a p[] mu/ exi/ 9 nature :i* is capable ( controll+ ! =ces ( mat]ial nature1 & ( compell+ !m to effectuate its purposes4 ,:i*ev] po9t ( view we take ( x1 ! objection falls to ! gr\nd4 ,b1 says ! au?or1 8,if ! c\rse ( nature be int]rupt$ 9 any way1 :e!r ! int]ruption proce$ f a cause beyond1 beside1 or above nature1 su* int]ruption _c be caus$ by nature2 & e di/urbance 9 ! ord] ( nature is contr>y to nature40 ,?is passage seems to imply t an int]ruption 9 ! ord] ( nature _c proce$ f nature itself4 ,b ?is is c]ta9ly incorrect4 ,natural =ces1 t is to say1 mat]ial ones1 modify "o ano!r2 & by _! comb9$ action1 !y produce a s]ies ( ev5ts q diff]5t f :at w\ld be ! result ( _! sep>ate action4 ,su* a new s]ies ( ev5ts is to all int5ts & purposes an int]ruption ( ! previ\s ord] ( nature & ! introduction ( a new "o4 ,su* results are produc$ by =tuit\s comb9ations tak+ place1 9 ! mann] :i* ,i h already illu/rat$1 at ! "r "t & place4 ,! =tuit\s comb9ation ( =ces 9 nature is capable ( produc+ a new ord] 8contr>y to0 ! previ\s ord] ( nature4 ,?is1 z ,i h %[n1 is /ill m evid5tly ! case if we include ! ph5om5a ( m9d 9 nature4 ,b x is affirm$1 8if ! int]ruption be due to a cause ei!r beyond1 beside1 or above nature1 ! int]ruption _c be caus$ by nature40 ,?is is ( c\rse a selfevid5t tru?4 ,b !n x is inf]r$ t su* int]ruption is a di/urbance ( ! ord] ( nature2 & t e di/urbance ( its ord] is contr>y to nature4 ,! inf]5ce :i* ! read] is left to draw1 & :i* is directly /at$ 9 o!r p>ts ( ! "w1 is1 t :at is contr>y to nature is contr>y to reason2 t a miracle is ?us contr>y to nature1 & !re=e contr>y to reason4 ,i obs]ve t1 al?\gh ! int]ruption "h ref]r$ to _c be caus$ by nature 7= x is contr>y to ! conditions ( ! case t x %\ld be71 yet x by no means foll[s t x is a brea* ( ! ord] ( nature 9 any o!r s5se ?an t :i* ,i h already discuss$4 ,su* di/urbances occur e day4 ,x is1 !re=e1 mislead+ to designate !m z contr>y to nature1 z !y nei!r necess>ily susp5d any natural =ce nor violate any natural law4 ,i h already prov$ t !re is no?+ 9 su* di/urbances1 or1 if we p]si/ 9 s designat+ !m violations ( ! ord] ( nature1 t is contr>y to reason4 ,su* a use ( ! t]ms 8c\rse & ord] ( nature0 is full ( ambiguities & c]ta9 to betray u into fallaci\s reason+s4 ,b1 adds ! writ]1 8x is cle>ly unnatural t ! ord9>y c\rse ( nature %\ld be di/urb$40 ,"h ! ambiguity ( ! expressions us$1 & ! consequ5t fallacy ( ! reason+s1 are br\ght to a culm9ation4 ,:at1 ,i ask1 is int5d$ by ! ord9>y c\rse ( nature8 ,is x ! inv>iable action ( its =ces1 or ! inv>iable sequ5ces ( _! results1 or ! ord]ly arrangem5t ( its p>ts2 or does x include m9d & all its ph5om5a1 ( ! precise nature ( ! =ces1 laws & ord] ( :i* we are ignorant1 & its action on ! physical univ]se8 ,:at1 aga91 is ! precise mean+ :i* c be atta*$ to ! ^w 8unnatural0 9 su* a context1 :]e x is evid5t t its mean+ mu/ v>y accord+ z we include 9 nature "o1 sev]al1 or all ( ^! ph5om5a8 ,if by ! ^w 8unnatural0 ! mean+ int5d$ to be convey$ is unusual or impossible1 x is !n cle>ly n unnatural t ! c\rse ( nature %\ld be int]rupt$ 9 ! mann] ,i h previ\sly po9t$ out4 ,nor if man is includ$ 9 nature1 is x unnatural t ! results produc$ by its physical =ces %\ld be greatly modifi$ by 8 action8 ,! rem>k ( ! au?or 9 connection ) ?is subject is p]fectly true1 t a gra9 c\ld nev] ( itself1 nor accord+ to ! law ( natural developm5t1 issue 9 a loaf ( bread2 b x is :olly aside f ! issue :i* he raises4 ,x is unque/ionable t =ces purely physical c\ld n effect ?is result2 b does x foll[ f ?is t ! production ( a loaf ( bread is an ev5t contr>y to nature8 ,! result c only be produc$ by ! comb9ation & controll+ ( a numb] ( mat]ial =ces by human reason4 ,! gra9 ( :eat mu/ be plant$ by man at ! prop] season4 ,x mu/ be c>$ = by him4 ,v>i\s physical =ces mu/ contribute to ! gr[? & developm5t ( ! plant4 ,! e>s produc$ mu/ be reap$ 9 h>ve/"t4 ,?is process mu/ be repeat$ until ! gra9s are suffici5t 9 numb] to produce our int5d$ loaf4 ,!n !y mu/ be ?re%$1 gr\nd1 prep>$ = ! ov51 bak$4 ,9 "o ^w1 ! mill] & ! bak] mu/ be invok$ to control1 comb9e1 modify & give a new direction to ! =ces ( nature "u ! direction ( intellig5ce4 ,all ?is involves some?+ m ?an ! action ( mat]ial =ces4 ,! =ces ( nature c>ry on ! "w to a c]ta9 po9t4 ,!n man takes x up & int]rupts _! ord]1 al?\gh he does s by compell+ o!r =ces to effectuate ! purposes ( 8 w4 ,! ord9>y c\rse ( mat]ial nature is di/urb$ 9 ! production ( a loaf ( bread4 ,a new ord] ( ev5ts is introduc$4 ,man is ei!r )9 or )\t nature4 ,9 ei!r case a p[] exi/s :i* is capable ( produc+ innovations 9 its ord]4 ,b h[ /&s ! case ( ! fe$+ ( five ?\s& p]sons on sev5 loaves & two fi%es8 ,! sev5 loaves & two fi%es _h be5 previ\sly produc$1 by ! action ( mat]ial =ces out ( mat]ials already exi/+ 9 ! gr\nd1 9 wat]1 & 9 ! air4 ,( su* mat]ials !re 0 abundance at h& to produce ! requisite am\nt ( food = ! fe$+ ( ! multitude4 ,! only "q 0 h[ to build !m up into ! =ms ( bread & fi%4 ,!re 0 no occasion to create "o s+le p>ticle ( matt]4 ,z to ! nature ( ! =ces employ$ to "w ! miracle ! n>rative says no?+4 ,nor does x imply t "o ( ! ord9>y =ces ( nature 0 susp5d$ on ! occasion4 ,all t x ass]ts is ! pres5ce ( a =ce adequate to build up ! mat]ials already exi/+ into ! =ms ( bread & fi%1 t =ce be+ ,god4 ,9 ! manufacture ( ! loaves & 9 ! cat*+ ( ! fi%1 man _h int]f]$ ) nature's ord] by ! bl5d+ ( h] p[]s4 ,god int]f]$ ) nature's ord] at a high] /age by build+ up ! p>ticul> =ms ( bread & fi% out ( mat]ials already 9 exi/5ce1 by means ( =ces diff]+ f ^? :i* come "u our cognisance4 ,! act ( man is evid5ce ( ! pres5ce ( a be+ :o is able to control ! =ces ( ext]nal nature = 8 own purposes4 ,! miracle w\ld be evid5ce ( ! pres5ce ( a ,be+ :o is able to ex]t a mighti] influ5ce ov] !m 9 ord] to effect 8 own4 ,equal ambiguity prevails 9 ! use ( ! t]m 8law40 ,:at d we mean by law :5 we apply ! t]m to nature8 ,9 physical philosophy1 ! ,duke ( ,argyll tells u x is us$ 9 a great v>iety ( s5ses4 ,its prop] mean+ is to d5ote an inv>iable sequ5ce ( ph5om5a4 ,x is frequ5tly made to include ! conception ( ! =ces at "w :i* produce ! ph5om5a4 ,?is ambigu\s use ( ! ^w has be5 a s\rce ( endless confusion4 ,! foll[+ quotation w furni% u ) an example3-- 8,if 9 animat$ be+s we h ! solit>y in/ance ( an effici5t cause act+ among ! =ces ( nature & possess+ ! p[] ( initiation1 ?is effici5t cause produces no di/urbance ( physical law4 ,its exi/5ce is z mu* a recognis$ "p ( ! inf9ite v>iety ( =m )9 ! ord] ( nature1 z ! exi/5ce ( a cry/al or a plant2 & al?\gh ! "* ( ! =ce ex]cis$ by x may n be cle>ly und]/ood1 its effects are regulat$ by ! same laws z gov]n all ! o!r =ces ( nature4 ,if ! laws ( matt] are susp5d$ by ! laws ( life1 ea* "t an animat$ be+ moves any "p ( its body1 "o physical law is susp5d$ 9 precisely ! same mann] & to an equival5t degree1 ea* "t ano!r physical law is call$ into action4 ,! law ( gravitation1 = in/ance1 is susp5d$ by ! law ( magnetism ea* "t a magnet susp5ds a weight 9 ! air4 ,9 ea* case a law is successfully resi/$ precisely to ! ext5t ( ! =ce employ$4444 ,no ex]cise ( w c ov]come ! law ( gravitation or any o!r law to a great] ext5t ?an ! actual =ce ex]t$1 any m ?an a magnetic curr5t c d s beyond ! action ( ! batt]y4 ,w has no p[] aga9/ exhau/ion4 ,ev5 ,moses 9 ! sublime/ mom5ts ( fai? c\ld n hold up 8 arms to heav5 aft] 8 physical =ce 0 consum$40 ,p4 #dd1 vol4 i4 ,fir/3 x is alleg$ 8t an effici5t cause0 7man = example7 8act+ among ! =ces ( nature1 & possess+ ! p[] ( initiation1 produces no di/urbance ( physical law40 ,:at is "h meant by di/urbance ( physical law8 ,x is pla9 t physical =ces w\ld "w out a :olly diff]5t result ap>t f ! action ( man ^u !m4 ,?\gh he susp5ds no physical =ce1 ! action ( man has produc$ an ord] ( ev5ts 9 nature diff]5t f t :i* w\ld h tak5 place )\t x1 b by balanc+ "o aga9/ ! o!r he modifies _! action4 ,:at is m1 he possesses a p[] ( selfdet]m9ation4 ,o!r =ces are un9tellig5t4 ,man is an intellig5t =ce capable ( introduc+ an ord] ( nature q diff]5t f t :i* ! mat]ial =ces ( nature w\ld h produc$ )\t 8 int]v5tion4 ,next3 we are told t ! exi/5ce ( man 8is z mu* a recognis$ "p ( ! inf9ite v>iety ( =m )9 ! ord] ( nature z ! exi/5ce ( a plant or a cry/al40 ,i aga9 ask1 :at nature8 ,is ! ord] spok5 ( t ( bl9d un9tellig5t =ces1 or does x include intellig5ce & free ag5cy8 ,unless man is a bl9d un9tellig5t =ce1 al?\gh he be suppos$ to exi/ )9 nature1 he belongs to an ord] :olly diff]5t f t ( a plant or a cry/al4 ,to ass]t ! contr>y is to assume ! :ole "q4 ,! results produc$ by intellig5t volition diff] completely 9 "* f ^? effect$ by ! un9tellig5t =ces ( nature4 ,! "o foll[s an ord] ( necessity3 ! o!r ( fre$om4 ,! affirmation t ! results ( ! latt] belong to ! same ord] z ^? ( ! =m] is directly contr>y to facts4 ,aga93 8! laws ( matt] are susp5d$ by ! laws ( life40 ,if laws are ! inv>iable sequ5ces ( ph5om5a h[ is x possible t "o law c susp5d ano!r law8 ,x is n ev5 true t "o =ce c susp5d ano!r =ce4 ,all t x c d is to neutralize its action4 ,physical philosophy is con/antly attribut+ to laws :at c only be true ( =ces1 & ev5 frequ5tly ascribes to !m :at is only true ( intellig5t =ces4 ,x mu/ nev] be ov]look$ 9 ?is controv]sy t ! laws ( nature c effectuate no?+4 ,=ces1 n laws1 produce results4 ,! foll[+ s5t5ce w be a correct expression ( a tru?1 if we sub/itute 8=ce0 = 8law30 8,! law ( gravitation is ov]come by ! law ( magnetism ea* "t a magnet susp5ds a weight 9 ! air40 ,imm$iately aft]1 we are told t ! arm falls 9 ob$i5ce to law4 ,x falls by ! =ce ( gravitation4 ,:5 !ologians use metaphors ( ?is description !y are *>g$ ) an?ropomorphism4 ,su* a *>ge is equally valid aga9/ ! language 9 :i* physical philosophy expresses itself4 ,aga93 ,! au?or affirms 8t ! solit>y in/ance ( an effici5t cause1 if x be di/+ui%$ f ! o!r =ces ( nature by ! possession ( an initiatory impulse1 is f ! mom5t :5 t p[] is ex]t$ subject to physical laws l all o!r =ces2 & !re is no in/ance producible1 or ev5 logically conceivable1 ( any p[] ^: effects are oppos$ to ! ultimate rul+ ( ! laws ( nature4 ,! occurr5ce ( any?+ oppos$ to ^! laws is incr$ible40 p4 #dh4 ,:at is meant1 ,i ask1 by 8! intimate rul+ ( ! laws ( nature08 ,ev5 if we sub/itute =ces = laws1 ! mean+ is suffici5tly obscure4 ,probably ! expression is int5d$ to mean ! comb9$ result effect$ by ! en]gy ( all ! =ces 9 nature4 ,if ^! include all m5tal z well z all mat]ial =ces1 !n ! ass]tion is a simple truism1 t no?+ c be contr>y to itself4 ,b if !y exclude m5tal =ce1 !n ! results :i* !y produce are cle>ly oppos$ to ! ultimate rul+ ( ! =ces ( un9tellig5t nature4 ,num]\s in/ances are n only logically conceivable1 b actually producible4 ,! occurr5ce1 !re=e1 ( any?+ oppos$ to ! ultimate rul+s ( ^! un9tellig5t physical =ces is n incr$ible4 ,x is p]fectly true t man c only produce results ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( ^! physical =ces2 b he c modify _! results1 & s use !m z to make !m ! means ( effectuat+ 8 purposes4 ,x is q true t no?+ c occur oppos$ to ! =ces ( nature2 t is to say1 t1 :ile ! =ce ( gravitation is 9 en]gy1 & no o!r =ce is pres5t capable ( ov]com+ its p[]1 ! asc5sion ( a human body into heav5 is impossible4 ,b :o has ev] affirm$ t x 0 possible8 ,^? :o affirm t an asc5sion has tak5 place1 also ass]t t ano!r =ce 0 9 active en]gy1 :i* 0 capable ( c\nt]act+ ! =ce ( gravitation4 ,?is ass]tion1 !re=e1 is totally irrelevant to ! po9t at issue4 ,! consid]ation ( ! next "q be=e u may v prop]ly be introduc$1 by quot+ ! foll[+ passage ( ! same au?or3 8,our highe/ atta9able conception ( inf9ite p[] & wisdom is bas$ on ! univ]sality & inv>iability ( law1 & inexorably excludes z unwor?y & an?ropomorphi/ic any idea ( its fitful susp5sion40 ,?is at once raises ! v important "q1 :e!r !re is any?+ 9 ! p]=mance ( a miracle inconsi/5t ) ! div9e "* & p]fections4 ,x has be5 (t5 alleg$ by ^? :o d5y ! possibility ( miracles1 t ,god en]gizes 9 ! univ]se 9 con=mity ) inv>iable laws1 :i* express ! uni=m mode ( ! div9e work+4 ,f ^!1 z ! result ( 8 wisdom1 ,he w nev] deviate4 ,to alt] or v>y f ?is mode ( act+ implies t ! ma*9]y ( ! univ]se1 ?r\gh :i* ,he acts1 is imp]fect4 ,! supposition t ,he has work$ a miracle !re=e involves ! assumption t ,he has ceas$ f "o mode ( action & adopt$ ano!r2 or1 9 o!r words1 t ! =ces ( ! univ]se fail to effectuate 8 purposes2 or t ! :ole ma*9e has got out ( ord] & requires rectification4 ,any action ( ?is k9d 9 ! case ( a ,be+ possess$ ( all p[]1 is a reflection bo? on 8 wisdom & 8 immutability4 ,/ill fur!r3 x is affirm$ by "s t ! love ( ord] is an attribute s inh]5t 9 ,deity1 t x is inconceivable t any alt]ation 9 ! exi/+ ord] ( ! univ]se %\ld take place "u 8 gov]nm5t4 ,"o objection rais$ 9 ! above quotation ,i may dismiss summ>ily1 viz4 ! idea t ,god int]poses ) any fitful int]v5tions 9 ! univ]se4 ,! idea ( fitful int]v5tion is q =eign to ! conception ( a miracle1 :i* is describ$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t z "o ( ! means by :i* he realizes 8 delib]ate purposes4 ,i %all else:]e disprove ! allegation t ,revelation is an int]v5tion ( ! ,creator to rectify a misc>riage 9 8 creative "w4 ,x w also be desirable 9 ?is place to answ] ! *>ge ( an?ropomorphism s frequ5tly urg$ aga9/ ! def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,:5 !y speak ( ,god z a p]son1 !y are *>g$ ) manufactur+ a gigantic man4 ,:5 !y ascribe to ,him a moral "*1 or describe ,him z act+ 9 nature1 !y are !n accus$ ( mak+ a ,god out ( a numb] ( conceptions :i* are purely human4 ,?is fault1 if x be "o1 mu/ be %>$ alike by philosoph]s1 m5 ( sci5ce1 & !ologians4 ,! pla9 fact is1 t man has no conceptions b human ones4 ,to ab&on ^! is to cease to ?9k altoge!r4 ,:5 philosoph]s & m5 ( sci5ce speak ( nature1 !y are oblig$ to apply to x conceptions :i* are /rictly true only ( man4 ,we are oblig$ to d precisely ! same ) respect to ,god4 ,s f> all ?\ght1 ! mo/ elevat$ & ! mo/ ord9>y1 is an?ropomorphic4 ,! t]m c be fairly us$ z a reproa* only :5 c]ta9 mat]ial conceptions or degrad$ passions are directly affirm$ to exi/ 9 ! div9e m9d4 ,! au?or1 9 ! foll[+ passage1 places ! objection be=e u 9 a /ill m /rik+ light3 8,be+ !re=e limit$ to reason = our feeble conceptions ( ! div9e ,be+ ( :i* we are capable1 & reason be+ totally oppos$ to an ord] ( nature s imp]fect z to require or p]mit repeat$ int]f]5ce1 & reject+ ! supposition ( arbitr>y susp5sion ( law1 su* a conception ( ! ,deity z is propos$ by !ologians mu/ be pron\nc$ irrational1 & d]ogatory to ! wisdom & p]fection :i* we recognize 9 ! inv>iable ord] ( nature4 ,x is impossible = u to conceive ! supreme ,be+ act+ o!rwise ?an we actually see 9 nature2 & if we recognize 9 ! univ]se ! op]ation ( 8 inf9ite wisdom & p[]1 x is 9 ! immutable ord] & regul>ity ( all ph5om5a1 & ! et]nal preval5ce ( law t we see _! highe/ manife/ation40 ,x is ass]t$ by ?is writ] & a great numb] ( o!rs1 t ! mo/ p]fect conception ( ! univ]se is t ( a ma*9e1 :i* :5 once set into action %all g on et]nally gr9d+ out its results )\t ! smalle/ occasion = ! int]v5tion ( its ,mak]4 ,accord+ to ?is view1 all ! ,he has to d = ! future aft] ! ma*9e is once set into op]ation1 is to retire f ! sc5e ( ,8 creative "w1 & to contemplate ! results ( its wond]ful op]ations4 ,any int]v5tion on ,8 "p w\ld imply a defect 9 ! con/ruction ( ! ma*9e4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ! mo/ p]fect conception ( ,god 7if !re be "o7 is t ( a p]fect me*ani/ & *emi/1 :o has orig9ally =m$ matt] ) its prop]ties & =ces act+ 9 con=mity ) inv>iable law1 & t ?is has be5 done by ,him ) su* p]fection1 t !y h gone on ev] s9ce evolv+ :atev] has exi/$1 )\t ! ne$ ( ,8 int]v5tion or sup]vision2 or to put x 9 o!r words1 aft] ! orig9al act ( creation1 ,8 pres5ce 9 ! univ]se may be disp5s$ ) z unnecess>y4 ,! univ]se is !re=e a selfact+ ma*9e :i* goes on 9 an et]nal s]ies ( selfevolutions4 ,su* a conception may be ! mo/ wor?y "o t we c =m ( a p]fect me*ani/ or *emi/1 ?\gh x may be d\btful h[ f> ! idea ( hav+ 8 s]vices disp5s$ ) = ! future w\ld be :olly satisfactory to him4 ,x is f> f cle>1 h[ev]1 t x is ! mo/ p]fect conception we c =m ( ,god4 ,! creations ( ! me*ani/ & ( ! *emi/ are de/itute alike ( feel+1 reason & volition1 a moral nature1 consci5ce1 & spiritual affections4 ,!y may !re=e :5 complet$ be left to !mselves2 & ! m p]fect ! irrational ma*9e may be1 ! m p]fectly x w gr9d out its results4 ,b _m ( ! con/ructions ( ,god possess attributes1 :i* exhibit o!r qualities 9 _! mak] ?an ^? ( a p]fect me*ani/ or *emi/4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ?is is n ! mo/ p]fect nor ! mo/ wor?y conception :i* we c =m ( ,god4 ,b x w be object$ t ev5 if we conc$e t ! ,creator is ev] pres5t en]giz+ 9 ! works ( nature1 & ev5 if ! =ces ( nature are view$ z ! expressions ( ,8 en]gy1 ,8 action 9 con=mity ) un*ang+ ord] is ! wor?ie/ conception ( ,him1 & to ass]t t ,he ev] has v>i$ f ?is mode ( action is to degrade ,him4 ,su* be+ ! case1 to affirm t miracles h be5 wr\ght by ,him1 is to introduce a degrad$ view ( ! "* ( ,god1 "o alike inconsi/5t ) ,8 wisdom1 immutability & p[]4 ,i reply3 t ! objection ov]looks ! exi/5ce ( purpose 9 ! div9e m9d1 & t x may n be conf9$ to ! realization ( a me*anical result4 ,! purpose or idea ( creation 9 ,god includes ! production ( bo? ! mat]ial & ! moral worlds4 ,if ?is be s1 "o h>moni\s purpose1 includ+ ! div9e manife/ations1 bo? 9 ! mat]ial & moral univ]se1 may be c>ri$ out by a succession ( progressive manife/ations1 ea* =m+ a portion ( "o great div9e plan4 ,a miracle1 !re=e1 z a "p ( su* a moral int]v5tion1 w\ld be no int]ruption ( ! ord]ly action ( ! div9e m9d1 b a portion ( x4 ,b fur!r3 if ,god exi/s1 ,he mu/ h o!r attributes besides ^? ( a me*ani/ or a *emi/4 ,he has creat$ n only ! mat]ial univ]se1 b a moral "o4 ,god1 !re=e1 mu/ be a moral be+1 & a p]son1 = moral attributes c only be conceiv$ ( z belong+ to a be+ :o is possess$ ( p]sonality4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t manife/ations ( ,himself1 "u aspects suitable to moral be+s1 are z mu* to be expect$ z manife/ations ( ,8 p[] or ( ,8 wisdom address$ to an intellectual nature4 ,! supposition1 !re=e1 t all ,8 manife/ations c only be made ?r\gh ! laws ( mat]ial nature1 & 9 an un*ang+ s]ies1 & t x is n a portion ( ,8 purpose to manife/ ,himself z a moral be+1 is only valid on ! d5ial t ,he is "o4 ,x involves ! absurdity ( d5y+ to ,god t fre$om f ! trammels ( necess>y law :i* z matt] ( fact ,he has be/[$ on man4 ,if !re=e ,god be a moral be+ & n an imp]sonal =ce1 x is p]fectly consi/5t ) ! highe/ conceptions ( ,him1 t ,he %\ld manife/ ,himself 9 ! moral z well z 9 ! mat]ial univ]se4 ,?is is ! m necess>y1 because philosophy is nev] we>i$ ) tell+ u1 t we c "k little or no?+ ( ,8 moral attributes f mat]ial nature4 ,z a "p ( su* manife/ation a miracle is address$ to our highe/ reason4 ,x is absurd to argue on ! assumption t !re is a ,god1 & !n to f\nd our reason+s on pr9ciples :i* are inconsi/5t ) x4 ,if !re is a ,god1 ,he mu/ be ! creator ( ! univ]se4 ,x mu/1 !re=e1 h be5 consi/5t ) ,8 p]fection & immutability to create4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 ev5 on ! assumption ( ! tru? ( ! ,d>w9ian !ory ( creation1 t a new ord] mu/ h be5 introduc$1 :5 ,god fir/ brea!d life into ! l[e/ =ms ( matt]4 ,b if ,he introduc$ a new ord] !n1 t is to say1 :5 ,he fir/ deviat$ f ! previ\s ord] ( ,8 exi/5ce1 & p]=m$ ,8 fir/ creative act1 h[ c x possibly be contr>y to reason to affirm t ,he has repeat$ x4 ,a miracle w\ld be su* a repetition1 or1 9 o!r words1 ! introduction ( a new s]ies ( ev5ts4 ,i fully admit t reason is oppos$ to ! supposition ( su* an ord] ( nature z to require repeat$ int]f]5ces ) x1 assum+ t :at is int5d$ is a frequ5t m$dl+ ) x to set x "r1 n con/ant pres5ce & sup]9t5d5ce4 ,/ill m is x oppos$ to ! idea ( arbitr>y int]ruption ( law4 ,! entire validity ( ^! reason+s :i* we h be5 consid]+ proce$s on ! assumption t ! argum5t requires ?is4 ,i c>e n :at "s ,*ri/ian apologi/s may h said on ?is subject4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t affirms 9 ! mo/ unequivocal language t revelation is ! /eady c>ry+ out ( a predet]m9$ purpose 9 ,god to make a manife/ation ( ,himself n only to man1 b to o!r rational be+s besides man4 ,! objection !re=e falls to ! gr\nd4 ,! ass]tion t x is impossible to conceive ( ! supreme ,be+ act+ o!rwise ?an we see him act 9 nature1 may be met by a direct d5ial4 ,on ! contr>y ! pres5ce ( evil1 moral & physical1 =ms ! greate/ difficulty connect$ ) ! belief 9 !ism4 ,! eld] ,mill 0 s capable ( conceiv+ t if a supreme ,be+ exi/$1 ! ord] ( ! univ]se w\ld h be5 s :olly diff]5t f its pres5t ord]1 t x l$ him to affirm t ! pro( ( ,8 exi/5ce 0 altoge!r want+47#c7 ,b intellig5t ,*ri/ians fully recognize 9 ! immutable ord] & regul>ity ( ! univ]se & ! et]nal preval5ce ( law1 ! op]ation ( ,8 inf9ite wisdom & p[]4 ,unless !re 0 su* a g5]al regul>ity & ord] 9 ! univ]se1 ! evid5tial =ce ( miracles w\ld be depriv$ ( all value4 ,x foll[s !re=e1 :i*ev] views we may take ( ! mode 9 :i* a miracle may be p]=m$1 t !re is no?+ 9 ! idea ( x :i* is contr>y to our reason4 ,:5ev] x is affirm$ to be s1 ! ass]tion orig9ates 9 an ambiguity 9 ! use ( t]ms1 or 9 p>tial views ( nature1 or ( ! mode ( ! div9e work+1 or f conf\nd+ "u a common "n ph5om5a s diff]5t 9 "* z ^? ( m9d & matt]1 or by mak+ assumptions respect+ ! div9e op]ations :i* contradict ! laws ( ! univ]se1 or respect+ ! div9e "*1 :i* reason refuses to endorse4 ,h[ f> ! kn[n or unkn[n =ces ( nature may be employ$ 9 ! p]=mance ( a miracle is an ab/ract "q t we h no means ( det]m9+4 ,! ag5cy ( "s ( ! kn[n =ces ( nature is unequivocally ass]t$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t to h be5 ! m$ia employ$ 9 ! p]=mance ( "s ( its miracles4 ,no su* affirmation is made 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,/ill !re is n "o ^w to imply t any ( ! =ces ( mat]ial nature 7 = a s+le mom5t susp5d$ 9 _! action4 ,! only ass]tion made is ! pres5ce & active en]gy ( a =ce capable ( produc+ !m4 ,t =ce is ! ,creator ( ! univ]se be>+ witness to ! div9e mission ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 8,! ,fa!r himself1 :i* ha? s5t me1 ha? borne witness ( me40 8,! works :i* ! ,fa!r ha? giv5 me to f9i%1 ! same works t ,i d1 be> witness ( me1 t ! ,fa!r ha? s5t me40 7,john v4 #cf1 #cg47 ,,*apt] ,,vii4 ,,! ,,allegation ,,t ,,no ,,te/imony ,,c ,,prove ,,! ,,tru? ,,( ,a ,,sup]natural ,,ev5t4 ,hume's position1 :i* affirm$ t x is impossible to prove ! tru? ( a sup]natural ev5t by any am\nt ( te/imony h[ev] /rong1 is c]ta9ly "o ( ! mo/ plausible t h ev] be5 assum$ by unbelief4 ,/at$ briefly & 9 8 own words1 x is z foll[s3 8,a miracle is a violation ( ! laws ( nature2 & z a firm & unalt]able exp]i5ce has e/abli%$ ^! laws1 ! pro( aga9/ a miracle f ! nature ( ! fact is z entire z any argum5t f exp]i5ce c possibly be imag9$40 ,aga93 8,no te/imony is suffici5t to e/abli% a miracle unless ! te/imony is ( su* a k9d t its falsehood w\ld be m miracul\s ?an ! fact :i* x endeav\rs to e/abli%40 ,! fallacy ( ^! positions1 not)/&+ ! plausible argum5ts by :i* !y are support$1 has already be5 po9t$ out by a multitude ( writ]s4 ,mr4 ,mill himself has practically ab&on$ ,hume's argum5t z ei!r a h>mless truism1 or1 9 ano!r po9t ( view1 "o t requires to be modifi$ to su* an ext5t z to deprive x ( any real cog5cy4 ,"u ord9>y circum/ances1 !re=e1 x might be pass$ ov] 9 sil5ce4 ,b ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 has endeav\r$ to rehabilitate x ev5 aga9/ ,mr4 ,mill4 ,he affirms t ,*ri/ian 8,apologi/s f9d x mu* m conv5i5t to evade ! simple b effective argum5ts ( ,hume1 ?an to answ] !m2 & :]e x is possible1 !y dismiss !m ) a sne]1 & ha/5 on to less dang]\s gr\nd40 ,he !n endeav\rs to %[ t ,mr4 ,mill has be5 p>tly misappreh5d$1 & is p>tly inaccurate2 & he proce$s to address himself to ,paley's argum5t aga9/ ,hume1 z ?\gh x 0 reli$ on by mod]n apologi/s z entirely conclusive4 ,no o!r writ] is ev5 notic$ by him4 ,9 ! rec5t "w ( ! late ,mr4 ,w>+ton1 8,c ,i believe 9 miracles80 "o *apt] is devot$ to ! calm & dispassionate exam9ation ( ,hume's argum5t4 ,x is p]haps ! able/ dissection ( x 9 exi/5ce4 ,yet ?is writ]1 :o *>ges ,*ri/ian apologi/s ) evasion1 & ev5 ) gett+ rid ( its =ce by a sne]1 has left ,mr4 ,w>+ton's cru%+ reply to ,hume completely unnotic$4 ,! position tak5 by him r5d]s a few g5]al obs]vations necess>y4 ,z x w be useless to repeat argum5ts t h be5 fully elaborat$ else:]e1 ,i %all cont5t myself ) briefly /at+ ! positions :i* h be5 firmly e/abli%$ on ?is subject4 ,fir/3 ,exp]i5ce consi/s ( two k9ds2 #a/1 ,t :i* has fall5 "u our own direct cognizance1 :i* f ! nature ( ! case mu/ h be5 v limit$4 #b;dly1 ,! g5]al exp]i5ce ( all o!r m51 z f> z we h ! means ( kn[+ x4 ,?is latt] exp]i5ce we become acqua9t$ ) exclusively by te/imony1 & x re/s entirely on its validity4 ,! two toge!r con/itute :at we mean :5 we say t a ?+ is1 or is n1 contr>y to exp]i5ce4 ,secondly3 ,!re is a s5se 9 :i* miracles are contr>y to our exp]i5ce4 ,!y w\ld be de/itute ( all evid5tial value1 if !y 7 n s4 ,b :ile ?is is freely admitt$1 we mu/ lay d[n cle>ly 9 :at s5se we use ! words4 ,!y are n s1 9 ! s5se t we h _h direct evid5ce ( _! nonoccurr5ce4 ,!y are contr>y to our exp]i5ce only 9 ! s5se t we h nev] witness$ !m1 & t ! ord] ( ev5ts :i* we h witness$ is always diff]5t2 = in/ance1 we h witness$ z a matt] ( exp]i5ce t m5 die1 & t none return aga9 to life2 or t bl9d m51 :5 cur$1 are nev] cur$ by a ^w or a t\*4 ,9 ?is s5se alone x is t ! resurrection ( a dead man1 & ! cure ( a bl9d man by a t\*1 is contr>y to our exp]i5ce4 ,?irdly3 ,x is n true t an occurr5ce :i* 9 ?is s5se is contr>y to our exp]i5ce _c be believ$ on adequate te/imony4 ,if x 7 s1 all additions to our k t lie beyond ! limits ( our pa/ exp]i5ce1 ought to be reject$4 ,e extraord9>y occurr5ce mu/ be at once pron\nc$ incr$ible4 ,f\r?ly3 ,! exp]i5ce ( "o age diff]s f t ( ano!r4 ,t :i* lies outside ! exp]i5ce ( "o c5tury becomes )9 ! exp]i5ce ( ! next4 ,! tru? is t ! sum ( human exp]i5ce is receiv+ cont9ual additions1 9 proportion z ! sph]e ( obs]vation enl>ges4 ,if x is true t we ought to reject ev]y?+ contr>y to exp]i5ce1 x foll[s t if _m ( ! inv5tions ( ! pres5t age _h be5 report$ 9 a previ\s "o1 !y ought to h be5 reject$ z incr$ible4 ,= example3 if a c5tury ago x _h be5 affirm$ t a message _h actually be5 convey$ "o ?\s& miles 9 five m9utes1 ! ass]tion ought on ?is pr9ciple to h be5 reject$ z contr>y to ! univ]sal exp]i5ce ( mank9d4 ,9 an e>li] age1 no miracle c\ld h be5 m difficult to believe4 ,yet al?\gh contr>y to prior exp]i5ce1 x has be5 e/abli%$ z a fact4 ,! pr9ciple1 !re=e1 z laid d[n by ,hume1 leads to an absurd conclusion4 ,fif?ly3 ,! exp]i5ce ( ea* individual is limit$ by 8 own obs]vation & :at he has le>n$ respect+ t ( o!rs4 ,?is con/itutes z f> z he is conc]n$ ! exp]i5ce ( mank9d4 ,n[1 "u ! ,equator ! exp]i5ce ( man is t ea* day & night is twelve h\rs long4 ,nei!r he1 nor 8 ance/ors1 nor any p]son :om he tru/s1 h ev] _h any o!r exp]i5ce ?an ?is4 ,to him1 !re=e1 ! affirmation t !re is a place on ! e>? :]e ea* day & night is six mon?s long1 is contr>y to exp]i5ce1 & ought to be reject$ z a fable4 ,six?ly3 ,if we conf9e exp]i5ce to sci5tific exp]i5ce1 extraord9>y discov]ies are made & facts e/abli%$ 9 "o age :i* are contr>y to t ( a =m] "o4 ,on ?is pr9ciple1 ! gr\nd on :i* ,h]odotus reject$ ! /ory ( ! ,phnician navigators t !y _h sail$ r\nd ,africa 0 satisfactory4 ,x 0 contr>y to 8 exp]i5ce t !y %\ld h se5 ! sun 9 ! position 9 :i* !y affirm$ t !y _h se5 x1 ?\gh x is n contr>y to ours4 ,sev5?ly3 ,miracles view$ z m]e ph5om5a /& on exactly ! same gr\nd z v unusual occurr5ces1 or v wond]ful discov]ies4 ,z f> z !y are contr>y to pa/ exp]i5ce1 !y are alike cr$ible or incr$ible4 ,!y are ev5ts ( :i* ! cause is unkn[n1 b may or may n h]eaft] be discov]$4 ,x is q true t any extraord9>y ph5om5on requires a /rong] te/imony to r5d] x cr$ible ?an an ord9>y occurr5ce4 ,b ?is involves no "q ( ab/ract possibility or impossibility1 b is "o purely ( evid5ce1 ea* case hav+ to be decid$ on its own m]its4 ,x mu/ be c>efully obs]v$ t :5 we affirm t ?is or t matt] lies )9 human k1 or is contr>y to x1 exp]i5ce has to d ) ph5om5a alone4 ,all que/ions ( causation lie entirely beyond its cognizance4 ,eigh?ly3 ,! mom5t we view an ev5t o!rwise ?an z a m]e ph5om5on1 & take into consid]ation ! causes produc+ x1 h[ev] unusual x may be1 x is impossible to affirm t x is contr>y to exp]i5ce4 ,:5 we take ^! into consid]ation ! entire "* ( ! ev5t is at once *ang$1 & ! probability ( ! occurr5ce mu/ be e/imat$ on :olly diff]5t gr\nds4 ,"u su* circum/ances1 an extremely improbable ev5t1 :i* we might o!rwise ju/ly reject z contr>y to exp]i5ce1 becomes simply "o ( :i* we h _h no exp]i5ce4 ,?us x is contr>y to exp]i5ce t m5 c live = "o h\r "u wat]1 b :5 we take into consid]ation & ?or\ghly und]/& ! contrivance ( ! div+bell1 ! ev5t becomes "o ( a diff]5t ord] f t ( :i* we suppos$ t we _h exp]i5ce4 ,be=e ?is app>atus 0 inv5t$1 ! ass]tion t m5 c\ld live an h\r "u wat] w\ld h be5 reject$ z fabul\s4 ,! inv5tion has introduc$ a fre% condition into ! case4 ,! ev5t has n[ become a portion ( our exp]i5ce2 b prior to ! discov]y ( ! app>atus x 0 m]ely an ev5t ly+ outside our exp]i5ce1 & n to be reject$ z be+ contr>y to x4 ,9 a simil> way1 a miracle1 z a m]e ph5om5on1 may be said to be contr>y to our exp]i5ce2 b ! mom5t t we take into acc\nt its true "*1 viz4 t its v conception implies ! pres5ce ( a =ce ( "s k9d ) :i* we 7 previ\sly unacqua9t$1 !n su* an ev5t is no long] "o :i* we c pron\nce contr>y to our exp]i5ce1 b m]ely "o :i* lies beyond or outside x4 ,9 ! case ( miracles1 !re=e1 ! position ( ,hume is inapplicable4 ,n9?ly3 ,x is n true t 9 e/imat+ ! tru? ( te/imony1 we simply balance probability1 aga9/ probability1 z /at$ 9 ,hume's argum5t4 ,! =m 9 :i* x has be5 put by him is too ab/ract to admit ( application to individual cases2 nor does any man1 9 e/imat+ ! tru? ( te/imony = practical purposes1 set d[n & delib]ately balance probabilities aga9/ probabilities4 ,! :ole process is ( a f> m in/antane\s "*1 & a numb] ( m9ute consid]ations are involv$1 :i* d n admit ( /atem5t 9 ! =m ( g5]al propositions4 ,?us1 if an ev5t ly+ outside my pres5t exp]i5ce is report$ to me by a fri5d on ^: v]acity & p[]s ( judgm5t ,i h implicit reliance1 ,i accept ! tru? ( 8 /atem5t1 not)/&+ a great degree ( ab/ract improbability2 x be+ assum$ t ! ev5t 0 "o 9 :i* x 0 impossible t he %\ld be deceiv$4 ,9 e/imat+ ?is latt] po9t1 we nev] balance ! probabilities z to ! tru? or falsehood ( human te/imony1 b we consid] ! individual circum/ances ( ! case1 :e!r !y are ( su* a nature t our fri5d c\ld be deceiv$ ab\t !m4 ,if on consid]ation we are conv9c$ t deception 0 impossible1 we yield ass5t to 8 kn[n v]acity1 al?\gh1 z f> z we "k1 ! ev5t report$ by him has nev] be=e come )9 ! range ( human exp]i5ce4 ,let me remove ! "q f an ab/ract into a concrete =m4 ,!re are numb]less ev5ts 9 :i* x happ5s t m5 ( unque/ionable judgm5t & v]acity are deceiv$4 ,!re are o!rs 9 :i* no deception c be possible4 ,an in/ance ( "o class is ! alleg$ case ( p]sons liv+ a consid]able "t )\t food4 ,"h a/ut5ess may impose on ! vigilance ( ! mo/ w>y4 ,take1 on ! o!r h&1 ! case ( a man born bl9d4 ,"o in=mant1 on ^: v]acity we h ! fulle/ reliance1 tells u t he has kn[n ! man f 8 bir?2 t1 up to a c]ta9 day1 8 bl9dness 0 e/abli%$ beyond all reasonable d\bt to e "o :o knew him1 t on t day1 he saw a p]son t\* ! eyes ( ! bl9d man1 :o n only in/antly receiv$ 8 sight1 b c\ld use 8 eyes z p]fectly z ^? :o _h enjoy$ ! use ( !m f bir?4 ,i admit t ?is case is a suppos$ "o1 & does n exactly repres5t any case record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,b ?\gh an assum$ "o1 x is p]fectly valid = ! purposes ( argum5t4 ,9 x deception w\ld be impossible4 ,if all ?is 0 affirm$ to h come "u ! direct k ( "o1 ( ^: v]acity & judgm5t we 7 assur$1 we %\ld accept 8 /atem5t z true1 )\t balanc+ ! ab/ract probability ( ! tru? ( evid5ce aga9/ ! probability ( its falsity1 al?\gh ! ev5t n>rat$ lay outside ! range ( our exp]i5ce4 ,our k ( ! judgm5t & v]acity ( ! in=mant is ! ess5tial elem5t 9 judg+ ( ! tru? ( evid5ce4 ,x is only :5 our means ( =m+ ?is judgm5t are defici5t t we attempt to balance ab/ract probabilities4 ,t5?ly3 ,! "q ( ! tru? ( te/imony z aga9/ pa/ exp]i5ce & ! alleg$ great] probability t te/imony %\ld be false1 ?an t pa/ exp]i5ce %\ld be unreliable1 is greatly modifi$ by ! consid]ation t an ov]:elm+ am\nt ( ! sum total ( pa/ exp]i5ce re/s = its acceptance on ! validity ( te/imony itself4 ,t portion :i* is n ! result ( our own individual exp]i5ce re/s = its tru? exclusively on ! validity ( human te/imony1 & mu/ be unreliable 9 proportion z te/imony is invalid4 ,x mu/ be obs]v$1 h[ev]1 t ,i by no means d5y t te/imony is mu* m frequ5tly invalid 9 its n>rations ( extraord9>y ev5ts ?an ( ord9>y ones4 ,elev5?ly3 ,:ile x is freely conc$$ t ! evid5ce to prove ! tru? ( a v extraord9>y occurr5ce mu/ be f> /rong] ?an t :i* is requir$ to prove an ord9>y "o1 x mu/ nev] be =gott5 t ! am\nt ( evid5ce necess>y to prove any p>ticul> fact always v>ies ) ! am\nt ( ! antec$5t probability ( its occurr5ce4 ,! v same action may be cr$ible or o!rwise1 j 9 proportion z we c disc]n an adequate purpose = its p]=mance1 or inf] ! pres5ce ( a p>ticul> motive4 ,if1 = example1 x 7 report$ t a man ( ! highe/ "* _h be5 se5 dur+ ! h\rs ( e>ly morn+ issu+ f "o ( ! l[e/ haunts ( vice 9 ,london1 ^? :o knew him well w\ld require an ov]:elm+ am\nt ( evid5ce to e/abli% ! tru? ( ! ass]tion4 ,!y w\ld und\bt$ly fall back on ! "q ( ab/ract probability1 & argue t x 0 m likely t x 0 ei!r a case ( mi/ak5 id5tity 7a v common error71 or a delib]ate falsehood1 ?an t ! /atem5t %\ld be true4 ,b1 if1 on ! contr>y1 x c\ld be %[n t he _h be5 s5t = to visit a dy+ p]son1 & _h gone at 8 p>ticul> reque/1 ! :ole ( ! antec$5t improbability w\ld vani%1 & ! o!rwise incr$ible te/imony w\ld become p]fectly cr$ible4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! cr$ibility ( te/imony v>ies ) our k ( ! motive = ! p]=mance ( ! action4 ,?is consid]ation ought to h due weight 9 consid]+ ! evid5ce ( miracles4 ,view$ z m]e ph5om5a1 _! ab/ract improbability is great4 ,:5 !y are view$ z deviations f ! ord9>y c\rse ( nature1 _! improbability becomes /ill great]4 ,b ^? :o believe 9 ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god en]giz+ 9 ! univ]se at e mom5t1 & 9 e place1 po/ulate ! pres5ce ( a =ce fully adequate to "w !m1 = ?is is involv$ 9 ! idea ( ,god4 ,b ! "q arises1 ,w ,he8 ,until a wellatte/$ miracle has actually be5 p]=m$1 ! antec$5t probability d]iv$ f our exp]i5ce ( ! ord] ( nature is aga9/ ! supposition t ,he w1 & ?r[s on ! report] ! necessity ( giv+ a /rong] pro( ?an we require = an ord9>y fact4 ,b 9 proportion z we c %[ t x is probable t ,god w make a revelation1 ! antec$5t improbability ( a miracle is dim9i%$2 & if x c be %[n t x is v probable t ,he w d s1 x :olly disappe>s4 ,x w be readily admitt$ t su* an argum5t c only h weight ) a believ] 9 ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 :o is ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! ,univ]se4 ,to him1 h[ev]1 x is ( ! utmo/ value1 = on ! supposition 9 "q1 ! probability ( "s high] manife/ation ( ! div9e "* ?an t display$ 9 ! mat]ial univ]se does n re/ on !ory1 b on ! facts ( man & 8 condition4 ,look+ at ! pa/ hi/ory ( ! _w1 x is matt] ( fact t ,god has made high] & high] manife/ations ( himself4 ,s f> x is antec$5tly probable t ,he w cont9ue to d s4 ,8 la/ manife/ation has be5 9 ! production ( a be+ possess$ ( a moral nature1 ) p[]s capable ( imm5se elevation4 ,x is also no !ory1 b a fact1 t ?is moral be+ n[ is1 & ev] has be5 )9 ! hi/orical p]iods 9 a /ate ( great imp]fection4 ,x is !re=e highly probable t ! ,creator w adopt means = elevat+ ! moral be+ :om ,he has creat$1 & t ,he w effect ?is by act+1 n on matt]1 b on m9d4 ,contemplat+ ! actual /ate ( man1 ! kn[n law ( ! ,creator's previ\s action1 & ! moral "* ( ,god1 ! antec$5t probability t ,god w make a fur!r manife/ation ( himself is e/abli%$ q indep5d5tly ( ! facts or ass]tions 9 ! ,bible4 ,twelf?ly3 ,:atev] be ! suppos$ antec$5t improbability ( an occurr5ce1 x is capable ( be+ ov]come by an am\nt ( evid5ce :i* c leave no reasonable d\bt 9 a m9d end[$ ) common s5se4 ,!oretical objections may be adduc$ aga9/ any evid5ce :i* c be br\ght 9 pro( ( p>ticul> facts1 b ! ultimate appeal mu/ be1 n to a multitude ( ab/ract !ories1 b to ! common s5se ( mank9d4 ,( ?is "* is all hi/orical evid5ce4 ,x re/s on ! same pr9ciples z ^? :i* guide u 9 ! affairs ( daily life4 ,!re is a c]ta9 am\nt ( evid5ce :i* leaves no d\bt on ! common s5se ( mank9d1 al?\gh x may be op5 to _m !oretical objections4 ,su* evid5ce is capable ( prov+ a fact aga9/ a v high degree ( antec$5t improbability4 ,mr4 ,mill may be consid]$ z a witness ^: pr$ilections 7 all 9 fav\r ( unbelief4 ,yet 8 cle> logical m9d has l$ him to /ate ! case fairly z f> z ! priori probability or improbability ( miracles is conc]n$4 ,8 conclusions are adv]se to ! position assum$ by ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion40 ,i w briefly /ate ! mo/ important ( ,mr4 ,mill's positions4 ,fir/4 ,he po9ts out t a miracle involves no?+ contradictory to any law ( causation4 ,he well rem>ks t to prove su* a contradiction1 x is n only necess>y t ! cause %\ld exi/ )\t produc+ ! effect1 b t no contrav5+ cause %\ld be pres5t4 ,b ! v idea ( a miracle presupposes an adequate contrav5+ cause1 i4e4 ,god4 ,! possibility ( a miracle !re=e _c be d5i$ on ! gr\nd t x does n presuppose ! pres5ce ( a =ce adequate to produce x4 ,mr4 ,mill /ates1 8,( ! adequacy ( t cause1 if pres5t1 !re c be no d\bt1 & ! only antec$5t improbability t c be object$ to a miracle1 is ! improbability t any su* cause exi/$10 t is to say1 ! :ole controv]sy resolves itself into ! "q betwe5 ,pan!ism & ,a!ism on ! "o h&1 & ,!ism on ! o!r4 ,secondly4 ,he obs]ves3 8,all !re=e t ,hume has made out1 & ?is he mu/ be consid]$ to h made out1 is1 t 7at lea/ 9 ! imp]fect /ate ( our k ( natural ag5cies1 :i* leaves x always possible t "s ( ! physical antec$5ts may h be5 hidd5 f u7 no evid5ce c prove a miracle to any "o :o did n previ\sly believe 9 ! exi/5ce ( a be+ or be+s ) sup]natural p[]1 or :o believes himself to h full pro( t ! "* ( ! be+ :om he recognises is inconsi/5t ) 8 hav+ se5 fit to int]f]e on ! occasion 9 "q4 ,if we d n already believe 9 sup]natural ag5cies1 no miracle c prove to u _! exi/5ce4 ,! miracle itself1 consid]$ z an extraord9>y fact1 may be satisfactorily c]tifi$ by our s5ses1 or by te/imony2 b no?+ c ev] prove t x is a miracle3 !re is /ill ano!r possible hypo!sis1 t ( its be+ ! result ( "s unkn[n cause2 & ?is possibility _c be s completely %ut out1 z to leave no alt]native b t ( admitt+ ! exi/5ce ( a be+ sup]ior to nature4 ,^?1 h[ev]1 :o already believe 9 su* a be+ h two hypo!ses to *oose f1 a sup]natural & an unkn[n natural ag5cy2 & !y h to judge :i* ( ! two is ! mo/ probable 9 ?is p>ticul> case40 ,x is impossible to d5y t ?is is a correct /atem5t ( ! "q4 ,hume's position is a g5]aliz$ /atem5t1 t no evid5ce c e/abli% ! reality ( a miracle1 on ! gr\nd t our exp]i5ce ( ! uni=mity ( nature's laws is s firm & unalt]able1 t no am\nt ( te/imony c e/abli% a fact 9 opposition to x2 or z he else:]e puts x1 8unless ! te/imony be ( su* a k9d1 t its falsehood w\ld be m miracul\s ?an ! fact :i* x endeav\rs to e/abli%40 ,he affirms ?is to be equally true on ! pr9ciples ( ,a!ism1 ,pan!ism1 or ,!ism1 = ! only ?+ t he takes into acc\nt is ! inadequacy ( ! te/imony1 & n ! inadequacy ( ! cause4 ,mr4 ,mill !re=e says correctly t all t ?is argum5t avails to prove is1 t x is impossible to prove a miracle1 except to p]sons :o are already conv9c$ t a be+ or be+s exi/ :o are possess$ ( sup]natural p[]s1 & t x is 9 con=mity ) _! "* to "w "o4 ,if ?is is ! only intelligible mean+ ( ,hume's position 7& x is evid5t t x is71 x r$uces 8 argum5t aga9/ miracles to a v h>mless "o4 ,! conception ( a miracle z di/9ct f an unusual ph5om5on implies purpose4 ,purpose is only conceivable ( a be+ possess$ ( p]sonality & w4 ,to ^? !re=e :o ei!r d5y ! exi/5ce ( any su* be+ high] ?an man1 or :o affirm t we h no evid5ce ( 8 exi/5ce1 x is impossible to prove a miracle z a miracle4 ,! utmo/ t c\ld be done w\ld be to prove t an ev5t _h tak5 place 9 nature :i* 9 ! pres5t /ate ( our k c\ld be assign$ to no kn[n cause4 ,9 su* a case ! ,pan!i/ & ! ,a!i/ h always ! alt]native ( believ+ t ! ev5t 9 "q mu/ be due to ! op]ation ( "s unkn[n =ce 9 nature1 b :i* 9 ! gradual developm5t ( k we may h]eaft] be able to detect4 ,?is is a position t no def5d] ( revelation wor?y ( ! "n c be anxi\s to dispute4 ,let x fur!r be obs]v$ t ,mr4 ,mill does n d5y1 b affirms1 t ! occurr5ce ( an extraord9>y ev5t analog\s to a miracle view$ simply z a ph5om5on1 may be satisfactorily c]tifi$ by our s5ses or by te/imony4 ,to affirm ! contr>y w\ld be simply absurd1 z involv+ ! /]eotyp+ ( human ?\ght1 & mak+ ! wisdom ( our ance/ors ! only /&>d ( tru?4 ,!re 0 a "t :5 ! e>? 0 believ$ to be an ext5d$ pla94 ,if at t "t any "o _h ass]t$ t by cont9ually sail+ we/w>d he _h at la/ arriv$ at ! place f :i* he />t$1 or1 9 o!r words1 _h circumnavigat$ ! globe1 ?is affirmation ought to h be5 reject$1 n only z f\nd$ on te/imony contr>y to all previ\s exp]i5ce1 b z intr9sically impossible4 ,yet if ,hume's dictum has any value z an argum5t aga9/ ! possibility ( a miracle1 x mu/ affirm ! impossibility ( e/abli%+ su* an occurr5ce by any am\nt ( evid5ce :atev]4 ,mr4 ,mill's m9d 0 f> too logical n to p]ceive t su* a position is altoge!r unt5able4 ,mr4 ,mill1 h[ev]1 affirms t !re is "o gr\nd on :i* ! argum5t might be t5able aga9/ a !i/1 n because ! evid5ce is insuffici5t to prove ! occurr5ce ( an extraord9>y fact1 z a m]e ph5om5on1 b because x c\ld n prove x to be a miracle4 ,x is n only necess>y1 says he1 9 ord] to r5d] ?is pro( valid1 t "o %\ld believe 9 ! exi/5ce ( a sup]natural be+ :o is able to br+ ab\t ! occurr5ce1 b also t 8! "* ( ?is ,be+ is n inconsi/5t ) 8 hav+ se5 fit to int]f]e on ! occasion 9 "q40 ,?us a man may be a believ] 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 & yet be p]suad$ t x 0 n consi/5t ) 8 "* to int]f]e ) ! c\rse ( natural ph5om5a at all1 or 9 su* a mann] z ! conception ( a miracle presupposes4 ,to su* a !i/ ! utmo/ t evid5ce c\ld prove w\ld be1 t ! extraord9>y ev5t _h be5 br\ght ab\t by ! action ( an unkn[n =ce4 ,aga91 ! same pr9ciple acts1 & acts reasonably1 on ! m9ds ( multitudes ( intellig5t ,*ri/ians1 :o summ>ily reject a c]ta9 class ( report$ miracles )\t inquir+ into _! evid5ce1 on ! gr\nd t ! work+ ( su* miracles is inconsi/5t ) _! conceptions ( ! div9e "*2 t is to say1 !y ?9k x m probable t ! /ories %\ld be untrue1 ?an t ,god %\ld "w 9 ! way 9 "q4 ,b to give ?is argum5t any validity aga9/ ! miracles wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( ,*ri/ianity1 x mu/ be prov$ t x is inconsi/5t ) ! div9e "* to make a revelation1 or to introduce a deviation f :at is to u ! ord9>y mode ( ,8 work+2 or t ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels are repugnant to ! "* ( ,god4 ,mr4 ,mill's g5]al position is !re=e incontrov]tible1 t ^? :o believe 9 ! exi/5ce ( ,god 8h two hypo!ses to *oose f1 viz4 a sup]natural1 or an unkn[n natural ag5cy20 & t !y mu/ judge :i* ( ^! two is ! m probable2 & t1 9 =m+ _! judgm5t1 a mo/ important consid]ation mu/ be ! "* ( ,god1 & ! con=mity ( ! suppos$ ev5t to t "*4 ,?is position e intellig5t ,*ri/ian w readily accept4 ,mr4 ,mill adds3 8,b ) ! k :i* we n[ possess ( ! g5]al uni=mity ( ! c\rse ( nature1 religion1 foll[+ 9 ! wake ( sci5ce1 has be5 compell$ to ackn[l$ge ! gov]nm5t ( ! univ]se1 z be+ on ! :ole c>ri$ on by g5]al laws1 & n by special int]positions4 ,to :osoev] holds ?is belief1 !re is a g5]al presumption aga9/ any supposition ( div9e ag5cy1 n op]at+ ?r\gh g5]al laws2 or1 9 o!r words1 !re is an antec$5t improbability 9 e miracle1 :i* 9 ord] to outweigh x1 requires an extraord9>y /r5g? ( antec$5t probability d]iv$ f ! special circum/ances ( ! case40 ,^! obs]vations require consid]ation4 ,!re is no d\bt t ! poly!i/ic religions po/ulat$ ! exi/5ce ( a va/ numb] ( sup]human be+s by ^: ag5cy & caprice _m natural occurr5ces 7 br\ght ab\t4 ,su* a belief indicates a v imp]fect conception ( 8ord]0 9 nature4 ,b ^! suppos$ int]f]5ces ) x w\ld by no means realize ! notion ( :at we n[ designate a miracle1 ! v idea ( :i* implies an ord] 9 nature to :i* ! miracle =ms an exception4 ,if !re is no ord] 9 nature1 !re c be no miracle4 ,! ,hebrew mono!ism involv$ conceptions directly opposite to ?is4 ,x view$ ! action ( ,god z ! f\ndation ( all ! =ces 9 nature4 ,:il/ above & outside nature1 ,he 0 ev]y:]e pres5t 9 nature4 ,its =ces 7 ! expressions ( ! en]gy ( ,8 w4 ,its ord] 7= ! ,hebrew recognis$ a high ord] 9 nature7 0 ! result ( ,8 good pleasure1 & due to ,8 con/ant work+4 ,9 ! ,old ,te/am5t ! commone/ ev5ts 9 nature are no less ascrib$ to ,god ?an ^? :i* we designate miracul\s4 ,a ,hebrew nev] conceiv$ ( a miracle z a deviation f ! div9e ord]1 b z a consi/5t c>ry+ out ( a div9e purpose 9 ! gov]nm5t ( ! _w4 ,a mod]n conception ( !ism diff]s f ?is 9 suppos+ t !re are c]ta9 =ces 9 mat]ial nature :i*1 :5 once call$ into action1 g on en]giz+ )\t any direct int]v5tion ( ,god4 ,b :5 ?is conception comes to be m9utely analys$1 if we believe 9 a ,god1 x is impossible to conceive ( =ce1 at lea/ 9 its ultimate =m1 except z a direct expression ( ! div9e en]gy4 ,sci5ce has s f> modifi$ religi\s ?\ght on ?is subject1 t :ile x /ill cont9ues to hold t ! v>i\s =ces 9 nature are modes ( ! div9e act+1 x nev]!less believes t ,god does n deviate f 8 pr$et]m9$ c\rse = ! purpose ( meet+ :at we are pleas$ to call special cont+5cies4 ,! div9e action is1 9 fact1 n alt]$ to meet man's conv5i5ce1 & ,8 gov]nm5t is c>ri$ on z f> z x lies )9 our cognisance by ! g5]al =ces ( nature4 ,god acts 9 nature 9 con=mity ) a def9ite law1 & f t ,he w n deviate1 :atev] consequ5ces man's ignorance or disreg>d ( 8 mode ( action may br+ ^u him4 ,mr4 ,mill obs]ves t to any p]son hold+ ?is belief1 !re is a g5]al presumption aga9/ any supposition ( div9e ag5cy1 n op]at+ ?r\gh g5]al laws4 ,t is to say1 we h _h a con/ant exp]i5ce ( 8 act+ ?r\gh g5]al laws2 & no exp]i5ce ( 8 act+ o!rwise4 ,b ! idea ( a revelation introduces a factor into ! case1 entirely diff]5t f any?+ ( :i* we h _h previ\s exp]i5ce4 ,x =ms "p ( a great purpose exi/+ 9 ! div9e m9d1 & is 9 its nature analog\s to ! fir/ introduction ( life1 or ! fir/ creation ( a free moral ag5t4 ,respect+ ! laws by :i* ,god regulates 8 creative acts1 we are ignorant4 ,yet ! !i/ firmly believes 9 creative acts ( "s k9d1 & t !y are regulat$ by law4 ,9 ?is ignorance ( ,god's law ( creation1 x is impossible to affirm t x is antec$5tly improbable t 9 mak+ a fre% manife/ation ( himself1 he w op]ate only ?r\gh ^? g5]al laws1 :i* are ! ord9>y manife/ations ( 8 w4 ,!re is "s want ( cle>ness 9 ,mr4 ,mill's expression1 t 9 ord] to outweigh ! antec$5t improbability ( miracles1 aris+ f ^? modes ( ! div9e action :i* fall )9 ! limits ( our exp]i5ce1 an extraord9>y /r5g? ( antec$5t probability1 d]iv$ f ! special circum/ances ( ! case1 is requir$4 ,if by ?is antec$5t probability he means some?+ su* z has be5 above ref]r$ to1 !re c be no objection to 8 /atem5t4 ,he ought to h obs]v$1 h[ev]1 t ! antec$5t improbability :i* may be suppos$ to belong to miracles1 only atta*es to !m :ile contemplat$ z ph5om5a1 & t su* an improbability readily yields to positive evid5ce4 ,?is is virtually admitt$ 9 a subsequ5t s5t5ce4 8,accord+ z ?is circum/ance1 viz4 ! unkn[n cause1 n hav+ previ\sly manife/$ itself 9 action1 or ! falsity ( ! te/imony1 appe>s m improbable2 t is1 conflicts ) an approximate g5]alization ( a high] ord]1 we believe ! te/imony or disbelieve x ) a /rong] or weak] degree ( conviction1 accord+ to ! prepond]ance1 at lea/ until we h sift$ ! matt] fur!r40 8,?is10 says ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion10 8is precisely ,hume's argum5t1 weak5$ by ! introduction ( res]vations :i* h no cog5cy40 ,we say1 ?is is precisely :at ,hume's argum5t is n1 =1 if x be valid1 ! :ole "q ( miracles may be summ>ily dismiss$ )\t any inquiry into ! evid5ce on :i* !y re/4 ,/ill1 h[ev]1 z ! au?or affirms & endeav\rs to prove t ,mr4 ,mill's position leave ,hume's argum5t unt\*$1 a few fur!r obs]vations w be necess>y4 ,hume's /atem5t is1 8,a miracle is a violation ( ! laws ( nature1 & z a firm & unalt]able exp]i5ce has e/abli%$ ^! laws1 ! pro( aga9/ a miracle f ! nature ( ! fact1 is z entire z any argum5t f exp]i5ce :i* c possibly be imag9$40 ,i reply1 t ! conception ( a miracle does n involve any necess>y violation ( ! laws ( nature4 ,all t x implies is ! pres5ce ( ano!r =ce diff]5t f ^? :i* h come "u our cognisance3 & ?is may act s z to produce ! miracle )\t violat+ "o ( nature's laws4 ,b1 x is add$1 8uni=m & unalt]able exp]i5ce has e/abli%$ ^! laws40 ,:at has ?is exp]i5ce really e/abli%$8 ,x is ?is1 & ?is only1 ,giv5 ! pres5ce ( c]ta9 =ces1 & no o!rs1 c]ta9 results inv>iably foll[4 ,b exp]i5ce _c tell u any?+1 z to :at w\ld be ! law ( nature1 if "s o!r =ce 7 9 action2 nor is x able to say "o ^w z to ! nonexi/5ce ( any =ce :i* has n come "u its obs]vation4 ,ab/ract$ly1 x is true t ! argum5t aga9/ a miracle is z entire z any argum5t f exp]i5ce c be imag9$1 because exp]i5ce really supplies u ) no basis = argum5tation 9 ! case4 ,prior to ! inv5tion ( railways & ! discov]y ( ! uses to :i* /eam c be appli$1 ! argum5t f exp]i5ce 0 equally valid aga9/ ! possibility ( travell+ 9 a c>riage n propell$ by animal =ce4 ,9 ea* case a new =ce ent]s into ! conditions1 ( :i* exp]i5ce is unable to take cognisance4 8,:y is x m probable t all m5 mu/ die80 asks ?is writ]1 8or t lead _c ( itself rema9 susp5d$ 9 ! air2 or t fire consumes wood1 & is ext+ui%$ by wat]1 unless x be t ^! ev5ts are f\nd agreeable to nature1 & !re is requir$ a violation ( its laws1 or 9 o!r words1 a miracle1 to prev5t !m80 ,i answ] t x is probable t all m5 mu/ die1 because we obs]ve "u ! action ( ! kn[n =ces ( nature t all m5 d die4 ,b ?is says no?+ z to :at mu/ take place if ano!r =ce 0 pres5t2 or a comb9ation ( exi/+ =ces 0 discov]$ suffici5tly pot5t to c\nt]act ! action ( ^? :i* 9 ! pres5t /ate ( ?+s br+ ab\t ! dissolution ( man's frame4 ,!re is no necessity1 = ! purpose ( effect+ ?is1 t "o ( ! exi/+ =ces %\ld be susp5d$4 ,! "t 01 :5 c]ta9 =ms ( disease inv>iably result$ 9 dea?4 ,! advance ( m$ical sci5ce has av]t$ ?is result4 ,ought ! discov]y to h be5 reject$ because x pret5d$ to produce a fact contr>y to prior exp]i5ce8 ,are any ( ! laws ( nature violat$1 or are its =ces susp5d$ 9 su* a case8 ,:at has tak5 place8 ,man has discov]$ ag5cies :i* h neutraliz$ ! effect ( o!r ag5cies4 ,our belief t all m5 mu/ die re/s on ! assumption t no =ce c or w at any future "t be br\ght into action :i* w c\nt]act ! =ces n[ 9 op]ation by :i* t ev5t is produc$4 ,! same rem>k applies to ! o!r ?ree cases4 ,to ! second ( !m ! au?or has himself suppli$ ! answ]3 8,lead _c ( itself rema9 susp5d$ 9 ! air40 ,d\btless1 x _c ( itself4 ,:o ev] suppos$ t x c\ld8 ,b x c be susp5d$ :5 a =ce adequate to c\nt]act t ( gravitation is pres5t4 ,s fire w always consume wood1 or be ext+ui%$ by wat]1 z long z no o!r =ces b ! usual ones are 9 op]ation4 ,b man has already inv5t$ ! means ( produc+ combu/ion "u wat]4 ,no violation ( nature's laws is requir$ 9 any ( ^! cases4 ,nor is !re any requir$ 9 a miracle4 ,! fact is1 t !re is an assumption 9 all argum5ts ( ?is k9d1 :i* = obvi\s reasons is n op5ly av[$1 b :i* alone imp>ts to !m an app>5t validity4 8,no su* =ce c exi/10 :i* translat$ into o!r language is id5tical ) ! proposition1 8,!re is no ,god40 ,to keep ?is assumption 9 ! backgr\nd1 :5 ! v basis ( ! argum5t = miracles is ! assumption t !re is "o1 is a c\rse :i* c lead to no good result4 ,b ! au?or rem>ks fur!r3 8,!re mu/1 !re=e1 be a uni=m exp]i5ce aga9/ e miracul\s ev5t1 o!rwise ! ev5t c\ld n m]it t appellation4 ,& z a uni=m exp]i5ce am\nts to a pro(1 !re is h5ce a direct & full pro( f ! nature ( ! fact1 aga9/ ! exi/5ce ( any miracle2 nor c su* a pro( be de/roy$1 or ! miracle r5d]$ cr$ible1 by any opposite pro( :i* is sup]ior40 ,"h aga9 we enc\nt] ! same faults ( reason+1 :i* am\nt to a virtual assumption ( ! po9t at issue4 8,!re mu/ be a uni=m exp]i5ce aga9/ any miracul\s ev5t1 o!rwise x w\ld n m]it ! appellation--d\btless40 ,b :at is ! nature ( ?is uni=m exp]i5ce8 ,exactly ?is1 t ! ord9>y =ces act+ ar\nd u be+ pres5t1 & none o!r1 ! ev5t has n1 & !re=e _c take place4 ,b ?is is n involv$ 9 ! idea ( a miracle4 ,x assumes ! pres5ce ( ano!r =ce1 viz4 ,god4 ,b :at !n8 ,! objector w urge t we h _h no exp]i5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( any su* =ce4 ,is x to be urg$1 t no =ce c exi/1 except ^? ( :i* we h _h exp]i5ce1 or any comb9ation ( =ces n[ 9 action1 diff]5t f ! pres5t8 ,! m5 ( a =m] c5tury 7 equally entitl$ to make ! same assumption4 ,if !y _h done s1 x w\ld foll[1 t if ! discov]]s ( ,am]ica _h f\nd our pres5t railway sy/em 9 full op]ation1 & report$ x to be s1 ! contempor>ies ( ,columbus w\ld h be5 ju/ifi$ 9 treat+ him z an impo/or4 ,b ! au?or fur!r obs]ves3 8,mr4 ,mill qualifies 8 admission respect+ ! effect ( ! alleg$ c\nt]act+ cause1 by ! all important words #8if pres5t2' = 9 ord] to be valid1 ! reality ( ! alleg$ c\nt]act+ cause mu/ be e/abli%$1 :i* is impossible2 !re=e ! objection falls to ! gr\nd4 ,no "o kn[s bett] ?an ,mr4 ,mill1 t ! ass]tion ( a p]sonal deity work+ miracles1 ^u :i* a miracle is all[$ = a mom5t to come into c\rt1 _c be prov$2 & !re=e1 t x _c /& 9 opposition to a complete induction :i* ,hume takes z 8 /&>d40 ,?is passage /rikes u z an extraord9>y "o to h be5 writt5 by any "o :o possesses ! logical p[]s ( ! au?or4 ,we are deal+ ) a =mal argum5t ) a view ( te/+ its validity1 we h ! fulle/ "r to te/ x by a suppos$ case4 ,t suppos$ case is ! pres5ce ( an unkn[n cause1 or an unkn[n comb9ation ( kn[n causes1 or ! pres5ce ( a p]sonal deity4 ,if ! argum5t breaks d[n "u ! application ( ^! te/s1 x is wor?less4 ,does ! au?or mean to say1 t x is necess>y to prove e assumption to be a fact1 be=e x c be us$ 9 argum5t8 ,h[ ab\t ! assumptions 9 ,euclid8 ,i submit t ! reason+ is by no means vitiat$ by ! assumption1 & consequ5tly t by ! application ( ! same pr9ciples ( reason+1 ,hume's argum5t falls to pieces4 ,9 "o s5se ! words 8if pres5t0 are all important1 yet x is n necess>y to prove ! fact 9 ord] to e/abli% ! validity ( ! reason+1 :i* is entirely indep5d5t ( ! tru? ( ! assumption4 ,has ! au?or nev] he>d ( cont+5t reason+ 9 :i* bo? antec$5t & consequ5t may be false1 b ! proposition valid8 8,no "o kn[s10 aga9 says ! au?or1 8bett] ?an ,mr4 ,mill1 t ! allegation ( a p]sonal ,god work+ miracles1 ^u :i* a miracle is = a mom5t all[$ to come into c\rt1 _c be prov$40 ,x seems !n aft] all t we are reason+ ) a p]son :o rejects !ism2 al?\gh he has be5 deal+ ) ! "q on pr9ciples :i* assume its tru?4 ,9 argu+ a "q ( ?is k9d x is necess>y to be consi/5t1 & take our /& ei!r on ! pr9ciples ( !ism1 or on ^? ( pan!ism or a!ism1 & n to fall back on ei!r z ! exig5cies ( ! case dem&4 ,lea/ ( all %\ld ?is be done by a writ] :o *>ges ! def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity ) %ift+ _! gr\nd to suit ! necessities ( _! argum5t4 ,b is ! case correctly /at$8 ,no d\bt t ! conception ( a p]sonal ,god is ess5tial to x4 ,b t ( a p]sonal ,god actually work+ miracles =ms no portion ( x4 ,if ?is 7 assum$1 ! entire reason+ w\ld be a petitio pr9cipii4 ,we are consid]+ :e!r miracles are possible2 or if1 suppos+ "o to be wr\ght1 x c be e/abli%$ by evid5ce4 ,all t we assume is1 t ,god c "w miracles1 n t ,he has wr\ght !m4 ,:e!r we c prove by good evid5ce t ,he has wr\ght miracles1 is q indep5d5t ( ! pres5t "q4 8,no "o kn[s bett] ?an ,mr4 ,mill1 t ! ass]tion ( a p]sonal deity work+ miracles _c be prov$40 ,x is p]fectly true t ,mr4 ,mill believ$ t ! evid5ce adduc$ to prove ! be+ ( a p]sonal ,god 0 insuffici5t1 & t respect+ ! orig9 ( all ?+s1 no?+ c be kn[n4 ,b yet x is impossible to treat ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god z a b>e assumption4 8,x is impossible to be prov$10 says ! au?or4 ,b to :om8 ,to m9ds con/itut$ l ,mr4 ,mill's4 ,! evid5ce t a p]sonal ,god exi/s has appe>$ irresi/ible to an ov]:elm+ majority ( mank9d1 includ+ a great majority ( m9ds gift$ ) equal1 & ev5 ) great] p[]s ?an t ( ,mr4 ,mill4 ,"o might imag9e f ! mode 9 :i* ?is po9t is "h repres5t$1 t ! belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( a p]sonal ,god 0 explod$ among all m5 ( intellect1 & t ! pro(s adduc$ = x 7 unwor?y ( att5tion4 ,surely ! "q ( miracles has a legitimate place 9 ! c\rt :i* tries ! issue ( _! tru? or falsehood4 ,"o m po9t requires notice4 ,hume says1 8,?\gh ! be+1 to :om ! miracle is attribut$ be 9 ?is case ,almighty1 x does n on t acc\nt become a :it m probable1 s9ce x is impossible = u to "k ! attributes or actions ( su* a be+1 o!rwise ?an f ! exp]i5ce :i* we h ( 8 productions 9 ! usual c\rse ( nature40 ,?is position involves an evid5t fallacy4 ,x is also "o :i* und]lies "o or two ( ! /atem5ts ( ,mr4 ,mill1 ^: philosophical !ory ( necessity 0 "o almo/ c]ta9 to involve him 9 x4 ,! /atem5t is1 t x is impossible to "k ei!r ! attributes or ! actions ( su* a be+1 except f our exp]i5ce ( 8 productions 9 ! c\rse ( nature4 ,:at is ! c\rse ( nature "h int5d$8 does x include m9d z well z matt]8 ,if ! =m] is includ$1 & we atta9 our k ( ,god f t s\rce--& e !i/ ma9ta9s t our *ief k ( ,god is d]iv$ f x--!n ! exp]i5ce we h ( man leads u to inf] ! pres5ce ( c]ta9 moral attributes 9 ,god2 & !re is no?+ 9 t exp]i5ce :i* r5d]s ! p]=mance ( a miracle inconceivable or impossible--b z f> z t exp]i5ce is conc]n$1 x is r5d]$ antec$5tly probable4 ,:at is includ$1 ,i aga9 ask1 9 nature8 ,are we1 ! p]cipi5t be+s ourselves8 ,:e!r we are reg>d$ z includ$ or exclud$ f nature1 x is evid5t t a consid]able portion ( our k ( ! div9e "* is d]iv$ f ! contemplation ( our own be+4 ,god is m manife/$ 9 our rationality1 8p]sonality10 fre$om1 & consci5ce1 ?an 9 ! mat]ial =ces & laws ( nature4 ,to p]=m a miracle !re=e is consi/5t ) :at we "k ( ,8 "*4 ,^! obs]vations w r5d] x unnecess>y = me to exam9e 9 detail ! writ]'s obs]vations on ,paley's argum5ts aga9/ ,hume4 ,ev5 if 8 argum5ts are n p]fectly conclusive1 _! failure does n e/abli% ! tru? ( ,hume's positions1 or invalidate ! refutation ( !m by o!rs4 ,z ! object ( ?is au?or is to ree/abli% ! validity ( ,hume's argum5t1 he ought n to h conf9$ himself to ,paley1 ^: m9d 0 little adapt$ to ! inve/igation ( purely logical or metaphysical que/ions1 b to h notic$ ! argum5t ( ! num]\s subsequ5t writ]s :o h m fully h&l$ ! subject4 ,,*apt] ,,viii4 ,,! ,,objection ,,t ,,! ,,def5d]s ,,( ,,*ri/ianity ,,assume ,,c]ta9 ,,facts ,,! ,,tru? ,,( ,,:i* ,,c ,,only ,,be ,,kn[n ,,by ,,revelation1 ,,& ,,!n ,,reason ,,f ,,^? ,,facts ,,to ,,! ,,tru? ,,( ,,! ,,bible1 ,,consid]$4 ,x has be5 object$ t ! v idea ( su* a revelation z t ( ,*ri/ianity implies a defect on ! "p ( ! ,creator 9 ! orig9al con/ruction ( ! ,univ]se1 & t ,he has be5 "u ! necessity ( int]pos+ = ! purpose ( correct+ ?is defect4 ,x is affirm$ t div9es endeav\r to prove t a revelation 0 probable by fir/ assum+ a numb] ( ! mo/ irrational propositions1 :i*1 if true1 c only be prov$ to be s by ! au?ority ( ! ,bible1 & !n argu+ back aga9 t x is highly probable t ,god w\ld int]f]e to rem$y ! defects ( 8 creative "w by a sup]natural revelation2 9 o!r words1 t !y assume a /ate ( ?+s :i* reason w\ld pron\nce to be incr$ible1 unless _! tru? 0 ass]t$ 9 ! ,bible1 & !n argue on ! pr9ciples ( t reason ^: validity !y d5y1 t x is probable t ! ,creator w\ld int]f]e to rem$y a /ate ( ?+s ! exi/5ce ( :i* reason pron\nces to be incr$ible4 ,! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 has /rongly urg$ ?is argum5t1 & plac$ ! difficulty cle>ly be=e u4 ,al?\gh ! entire passage is too long = quotation1 yet z x is important t we %\ld h ! "q :i* he raises be=e u 9 8 own words1 ,i w cite a portion ( x4 8,"h aga9 ! argum5t is bas$ on an assumption4 ,! supposition ( a div9e design 9 a revelation is ! result ( a =egone conclusion 9 its fav\r1 & n sugge/$ by antec$5t probability4 ,div9es assume t a communication ( ?is nature is 9 accordance ) reason1 & 0 necess>y = ! salvation ( ! human race simply because !y believe t x took place1 & no evid5ce wor?y ( ! "n is ev] (f]$ 9 support ( ! assumption4 ,a revelation hav+1 x is suppos$1 be5 made1 t revelation is consequ5tly suppos$ to h be5 contemplat$1 & to h ju/ifi$ any susp5sion ( ! ord] ( nature4 ,! proposition = :i* evid5ce is dem&$ is necess>ily employ$ z evid5ce = itself4 ,! consid]ations involv$ 9 ! assumption ( ! necessity & reasonabl5ess ( su* a revelation1 h[ev]1 are antec$5tly incr$ible & contr>y to reason4 ,we are ask$ to believe t ,god made man 9 ,8 own image1 pure & s9less1 & int5d$ him to cont9ue s2 b sc>cely _h ,8 noble/ "w left ! h& ( 8 ,creator1 ?an man 0 tempt$ into s9 by ,satan1 ! allp[]ful & p]si/5t enemy ( ,god1 ^: exi/5ce & antagonism to a be+ 9 ^: eyes s9 is an abom9ation1 are n acc\nt$ = & are incr$ible4 ,adam's fall br\ght a curse ^u ! e>?1 & incurr$ ! p5alty ( dea? = himself & = ! :ole ( 8 po/]ity4 ,! human race ?us creat$ p]fect & )\t s91 ?us disappo9t$ ! expectations ( ! ,creator1 & became daily m wick$1 ! evil _s hav+ succe$$ 9 fru/rat+ ! designs ( ! ,almighty1 s t ,god rep5t$ t he _h made man1 & at l5g? he de/roy$ by a deluge all ! inhabitants ( ! e>?1 ) ! exception ( eight p]sons :o fe>$ him4 ,?is sweep+ purification1 h[ev]1 0 z futile z ! orig9al design1 & ! race ( man soon became m wick$ ?an ev]40 ,"h foll[s a /atem5t ( :at may be reg>d$ z a plan ( salvation z held by "s mod]n ,*ur*es1 & ! app>5t contradiction ( ! :ole to ! div9e "* & p]fections is elaborately po9t$ out4 ,he !n concludes z foll[s3 8,we are ask$ to believe 9 ! fru/ration ( ! div9e design ( creation1 & 9 ! fall ( man into a /ate ( wick$ness hateful to ,god1 requir+ & ju/ify+ ! div9e design ( a revelation1 & su* a revelation z ?is1 z a prelim9>y to ! fur!r proposition t on ! supposition ( su* a design miracles w\ld n be contr>y to reason40 ,to ?is foll[s an elaborate piece ( reason+1 by :i* ! au?or attempts to prove t e proposition 9 ?is scall$ plan ( salvation is ?or\ghly contr>y to reason4 ,! g5]al positions laid d[n 9 ?is passage 7omitt+ po9ts ( detail7 are z foll[s3 ,c]ta9 incr$ible occurr5ces 9 ! pa/ hi/ory ( man are assum$ by div9es to be facts on ! au?ority ( ! ,bible4 ,^! include ! complete break+ d[n ( ! div9e plan 9 ! creation ( man ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( a be+ :o has fru/rat$ ! purposes ( ! ,almighty4 ,next x is ass]t$ on ! same au?ority t ano!r s]ies ( ev5ts has tak5 place :i* are 9 ! highe/ degree contr>y to reason1 = ! purpose ( rem$y+ ?is failure ( ! orig9al plan4 ,!n x is alleg$ t ! probability ( a div9e int]f]5ce1 9 ord] to rem$y a /ate ( ?+s :i* reason pron\nces to be incr$ible1 is argu$ on ! au?ority ( reason = ! purpose ( prov+ ! occurr5ce ( ano!r /ate ( ?+s equally repugnant to reason4 ,su* a l9e ( argum5t is affirm$ to beg9 9 irrational assumptions1 & to t]m9ate 9 a vici\s circle4 ,i h be=e obs]v$ t ! "w f :i* ! above passage is tak51 al?\gh entitl$ 8,sup]natural ,religion1 or an inquiry into ! reality ( ,div9e ,revelation10 is really an attack on ! c5tral position ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ! hi/orical value ( ! ,gospels4 ,9 tak+ ?is c\rse ! au?or raises an intelligible issue in/ead ( spread+ ! argum5t ov] an endless mass ( controv]sial matt]4 ,if ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels _c be ma9ta9$1 ! :ole controv]sy z to :e!r ,*ri/ianity is a div9e revelation is end$4 ,?is =ms ! key ( ! ,*ri/ian position1 to :i* ! o!r p>ts ( ! controv]sy /& 9 ! relation ( m]e outworks4 ,if ! ev5ts record$ 9 ! ,gospels are hi/orical1 ,*ri/ianity mu/ be a div9e revelation1 not)/&+ ! difficulties connect$ ) c]ta9 /atem5ts ( ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,! real po9t at issue betwe5 ^? :o believe & ^? :o d5y t ,god has made a sup]natural revelation ( ,himself1 is conf9$ to ! foll[+ "q3 ,are ! cont5ts ( ! ,gospels hi/orically cr$ible8 ,is ! "* ( ,jesus ,*ri/ z depict$ 9 !m ! del9eation ( an ideal conception or ( an hi/orical reality8 ,! au?or disc]ns cle>ly t ?is is ! turn+ po9t ( ! controv]sy1 & has accord+ly address$ himself to prove t ! ,gospels are valueless z hi/orical docum5ts4 ,?is l9e ( argum5t is c&id1 & "o :i*1 if adh]$ to1 w save an imm5se exp5diture ( reason+ p[]4 ,n[ ! "q ( ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels is q di/9ct f t ( ! tru? or falsehood ( any sy/em ( ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity1 :i* ass]ts t its !ology is a d$uction f ! ,gospels & ! o!r portions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,x is n revelation itself b a sy/em erect$ by ! application ( reason to ! facts ( revelation4 ,x is mo/ important t ?is di/9ction %\ld be kept 9 view4 ,! tru? is1 t ! facts ( revelation /& 9 ! same relation to !ology z ! facts ( nature d to physical sci5ce4 ,incorrect reason+s respect+ bo? ! "o & ! o!r are alike possible4 ,! ,ptolemaic !ory 0 prop\nd$ z an adequate solution ( ! facts & ph5om5a ( ! univ]se1 & al?\gh utt]ly incorrect 9 all its p>ts1 x = ages held unlimit$ sway ov] ! human m9d4 ,9 a simil> mann] v>i\s !ories h be5 prop\nd$ z solutions ( ! facts ( revelation1 b x by no means foll[s because !y h atta9$ a wide acceptance t !y af=d ! true solution4 ,9 exam9+ ! claims ( ! ,gospels to be view$ z hi/orical1 x is q z mu* out ( place to make !m responsible = all ! !ories :i* ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity has prop\nd$ respect+ ! plan ( salvation1 z x w\ld be to make ! facts & ph5om5a ( ! univ]se answ]able = all ! !ories :i* h be5 prop\nd$ = _! solution4 ,9 exam9+ ! claims ( ! ,gospels to be accept$ z hi/orical docum5ts1 x is mo/ unreasonable to make !m responsible = !ories :i* 7 n =mulat$ 9 ! ,*ur* until c5turies aft] _! publication4 ,mo/ ( ! positions affirm$ 9 ! above quotation 7 n =mulat$ until a late p]iod ( ! ,*ur*'s hi/ory4 ,c]ta9ly !y are n[h]e directly laid d[n 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,! utmo/ :i* c be ass]t$ ( !m is1 t !y are alleg$ to be d]iv$ inf]5tially f its tea*+4 ,!y =m no portion ( ! ,apo/les' or ( ! ,nic5e ,cre$s1 :i* are ! only =mul>ies outside ( ! ,new ,te/am5t :i* c be repres5t$ z embody+ ! cre$ ( ! univ]sal ,*ur*4 ,nor c !y be f\nd ev5 9 ! ,a?anasian cre$4 ,9 discuss+ ! claims ( ! ,gospels to be e/eem$ z hi/orical1 !y c only be made fairly responsible = :at !y actually conta94 ,to br+ into su* a controv]sy positions only affirm$ 9 rec5t attempts to =mulate a body ( ,*ri/ian doctr9e1 z ?\gh !y _h any be>+ on ! claims ( ! ,new ,te/am5t to be view$ z conta9+ a div9e revelation1 c lead to no satisfactory result4 ,i n[ return to ! consid]ation ( ! difficulties above ref]r$ to4 ,x is important to take a c>eful survey ( ! entire "q1 because !y are n only put ) great =ce 9 ! passage :i* ,i h quot$1 b ,i believe t 9 diff]5t =ms !y weigh heavily on ! m9ds ( _m ?\ghtful m54 ,i w fir/ (f] a few obs]vations on ! g5]al pr9ciple4 ,no?+ is easi] ?an to affirm t ! introduction ( moral evil into ! univ]se is a m>r+ ( ! ,creator's plan 9 its =mation4 ,! argum5t is f\nd$ on ! supposition t an ,almighty ,god exi/s1 :o is wise1 holy1 & b5evol5t1 & :o int5d$ to manife/ ^! attributes ?r\gh ! rational be+s :i* he has creat$4 ,x is affirm$ t ! exi/5ce ( moral evil 9 man is a failure ( ?is purpose on ! "p ( ,god4 ,b x is ! mo/ c]ta9 ( facts t moral evil does exi/ 9 ! _w1 & t x exi/s q indep5d5tly ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! objection !re=e is n "o direct$ solely aga9/ ! ,*ri/ianity ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 b be>s ) equal weight aga9/ e =m ( !ism1 :i* admits t ! univ]se has be5 creat$1 & is gov]n$ by a ,god :o is almighty1 wise1 holy1 & b5evol5t4 ,if !re be a ,god :o is ! ,creator ( ! ,univ]se1 x is cle> t ,he mu/ h be5 ! ,creator ( man1 & t man c\ld only h come into be+ 9 con=mity ) ,8 pleasure4 ,n[1 if we decl9e to admit t man 0 creat$ morally p]fect1 yet z he mu/ h be5 creat$ a moral ag5t1 x is cle> t ! fir/ man mu/ h sprung into be+ ei!r ) ! moral faculties ( a savage1 or 9 "s int]m$iate condition betwe5 ^! & a /ate ( moral p]fection4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t man mu/ h be5 made capable ( moral progress4 ,?is is affirm$ by all ^? :o ass]t t he 0 fir/ produc$ 9 a savage /ate4 ,b ! possibility ( moral progress involves also ! possibility ( retrogression4 ,! tru? ( ?is is borne witness to by ! mo/ palpable facts ( daily exp]i5ce4 ,m5 ( ! highe/ m5tal p[]s are capable ( abus+ !m to ! wor/ purposes1 & ?us ( s9k+ fe>fully l[ 9 ! moral scale4 ,! case ( a man l ,f\* w illu/rate my argum5t1 a man gift$ ) high intellectual p[]s1 b :o sunk into ! l[e/ condition ( moral turpitude4 ,su* a man is incomp>ably worse ?an ! fir/ orig9al savage4 ,i submit1 !re=e1 t :atev] view we may take ( ! condition 9 :i* man 0 orig9ally creat$1 ev5 if he 7 creat$ a savage1 yet he 0 made a moral be+ capable ( elevation or degradation2 & t1 to use a human metaphor1 ! purpose ( a holy ,god mu/ h be5 8 elevation4 ,yet ?is involves ! possibility ( 8 moral degradation4 ,?is degradation has also become a fact4 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 t ! difficulty is "o :i* is insep>able f e possible =m ( !i/ic belief1 & is no peculi>ity ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,i %all n attempt to ent] on s pr(\nd a "q z ! orig9 ( evil1 & h[ its exi/5ce is consi/5t ) ! p]fection ( a holy ,god4 ,x is a subject q beyond ! issue be=e u1 & lies n at ! f\ndations ( ,*ri/ianity1 b ( !ism1 ! tru? ( :i* is tak5 = grant$ 9 ! objections :i* ! au?or adduces aga9/ ! popul> view ( ! scriptural acc\nt2 = if !re is no ,god ! objections are valueless4 ,/ill he ought to h in=m$ 8 read]s t x is urg$ z a p>tial explanation ( ^? difficulties by ! def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity1 t x is highly probable t ! creation ( a moral be+ possess$ ( free ag5cy1 b :o at ! same "t is n capable ( s9k+ into a /ate ( moral degradation1 involves z great a contradiction z ! conception ( a circle :i* %\ld possess ! prop]ty ( concavity & n ( convexity4 ,no rational man believes t x is )9 ! compass1 ev5 ( omnipot5ce1 to "w contradictions4 ,if ?is be s1 x foll[s t ! possibility ( ! exi/5ce ( moral evil is a necess>y condition ( ! exi/5ce ( free ag5cy4 ,! production ( a free moral ag5t capable ( yield+ a will+ ob$i5ce to ! moral law is a m glori\s "w ?an any?+ 9 ! mat]ial univ]se1 ev5 ?an t univ]se itself4 ,x might1 !re=e1 h be5 ! good pleasure ( ! wise1 holy1 & b5evol5t ,creator to create free moral ag5ts1 ev5 if x involv$ ! exi/5ce ( moral evil4 ,i am f> f prop\nd+ ?is z a complete solution ( ! difficulty1 b :5 x is ?us us$ unsp>+ly aga9/ ,*ri/ianity1 x w\ld h be5 only c&id to h told ! read] t x bore ) equal weight aga9/ e =m ( !ism1 & to h giv5 ! p>tial explanation :i* has be5 prop\nd$ by !ologians4 ,9 reply to ! def9ite /atem5ts be=e u1 ,i affirm t n[h]e 9 ! ,gospels1 or 9 any o!r portion ( ! ,new ,te/am5t is x ass]t$ or ev5 impli$ t revelation 0 r5d]$ necess>y by ! fru/ration ( ! div9e purpose 9 creation1 or t r$emption 0 a k9d ( aft]?\ght 9 ! div9e m9d r5d]$ necess>y by su* a failure4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! synoptic ,gospels make no affirmation :atev] on ! subject4 ,! f\r? ,gospel conta9s sev]al /atem5ts ab\t ! end & purposes ( ! ,inc>nation1 b ( a description totally diff]5t f ^? :i* are alleg$ 9 ! above quotation to con/itute ! gr\ndwork ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,z ,i h already %[n1 ! ,gospel ( ,/4 ,john speaks ( its great purpose z be+ a revelation ( ! moral "* ( ,god 9 ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,accord+ to its !ology ,god has already manife/$ himself 9 creation2 9 ! ,gospel ,he makes a /ill high] & nobl] manife/ation ( ,8 moral "* 9 ! p]son ( our ,"l4 ,! au?or ( ! fir/ ,epi/le ascrib$ to ,/4 ,john1 :om ,i mu/ assume to h be5 ! au?or ( ! ,gospel1 makes ! foll[+ direct affirmation on ! subject4 8,t :i* 0 f ! beg9n+1 :i* we h he>d1 :i* we h se5 ) our eyes1 :i* we h look$ ^u1 & our h&s h h&l$ ( ! ^w ( life2 = ! life 0 manife/$1 & we h se5 x1 & be> witness1 & %[ unto y t et]nal life :i* 0 ) ! ,fa!r & 0 manife/$ unto u2 t :i* we h se5 & he>d decl>e we unto y1 t ye also may h fell[%ip ) u3 & truly our fell[%ip is ) ! ,fa!r & ) 8 ,son ,jesus ,*ri/40 ,9 ^! words x is evid5tly ! int5tion ( ! writ] to set =? ! div9e purpose ( ! ,inc>nation4 ,x is true t 9 o!r passages he assumes ! exi/5ce ( evil 9 ! univ]se1 & decl>es x to be ! "w ( ! devil1 & t "o ( ! purposes ( ?is div9e manife/ation 0 its de/ruction4 ,/ill he drops no h9t ( any failure 9 ! ,creation1 or t x 0 ! purpose ( ! ,inc>nation to m5d a m>r$ s*eme4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! great tru? set =? 9 ! ,epi/le & 9 ! ,gospel is t ,creation & ,r$emption =m portions ( "o great :ole2 & t ! latt] is a manife/ation ( ! div9e glories beyond ,god's previ\s manife/ations ( himself1 :e!r 9 creation or 9 hi/ory4 ,simil> are ! views ( ! ,apo/le ,paul4 ,accord+ to him1 :ile _m o!r purposes 7 effect$ by ! ,inc>nation1 !re is "o great purpose runn+ ?r\gh all div9e revelation4 ,9 sev]al passages he affirms t its influ5ce ext5ds f> beyond t :i* x ex]ts on ! race ( man4 ,he aga9 & aga9 ass]ts t x 0 ! gradual unfold+ ( an idea or purpose :i* exi/$ f et]nity 9 ! div9e m9d4 ,?us he writes3 8,& to make all m5 see :at is ! fell[%ip ( ! my/]y :i* f ! beg9n+ ( ! _w ha? be5 hid 9 ,god :o creat$ all ?+s by ,jesus ,*ri/1 to ! int5t t n[ unto ! pr9cipalities & p[]s 9 heav5ly places might be kn[n by ! ,*ur* ! manifold wisdom ( ,god1 accord+ to ! et]nal purpose :i* he purpos$ 9 ,*ri/ ,jesus our ,"l40 7,eph4 iii4 & ix47 8,hav+ made kn[n to u ! my/]y ( ,8 w1 accord+ to ,8 good pleasure1 :i* ,he purpos$ 9 ,himself1 t 9 ! disp5sation ( ! fulness ( times ,he might ga!r 9 "o all ?+s 9 ,*ri/1 bo? :i* are 9 heav5 & 9 e>?1 ev5 9 ,him40 7,eph4 i4 #i1 #aj47 8,& hav+ made peace by ! blood ( ,8 cross1 by ,him to reconcile all ?+s unto ,himself3 by ,him1 ,i say1 :e!r !y be ?+s 9 e>? or ?+s 9 heav540 7,col4 i4 #bj47 ,i fully admit t ! ,apo/le affirms t ! design ( br++ man into union ) ,god 0 a portion ( ?is purpose4 ,no?+ h[ev] is m =eign to ! ideas ( ,/4 ,paul ?an t revelation is an aft]?\ght adopt$ z a rem$y = a m>r$ plan4 ,nor are ! views ( ! o!r writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t diff]5t4 ,/4 ,pet] tells u t ! angels desire to look into ! r$emption wr\ght by ,*ri/4 ,/4 ,james assures u t1 8kn[n unto ,god are all ,8 works f ! f\ndation ( ! _w40 ,! au?or ( ! ,epi/le to ! ,hebrews speaks to ! same effect3 8,god1 :o at sundry times & 9 div]s mann]s spake 9 times pa/ unto ! fa!rs 9 7by7 ! prophets1 ha? 9 ^! la/ days spok5 unto u 9 ,8 ,son40 ,s f> f its be+ ! idea ( ! sacr$ writ]s t r$emption is an aft]?\ght design$ to rem$y ! failure ( ! orig9al purpose ( creation1 t bo? ( !m are view$ z p>ts ( ! same :ole2 bo? are purposes :i* h exi/$ 9 ! div9e m9d dur+ ! et]nal ages1 & h be5 gradually evolv$ 9 "t4 ,no?+ is fur!r f _! m9d ?an t ! div9e mode ( work+ is by fits or />ts1 or sudd5 int]v5tions4 ,man 0 ! la/ =m ( life :i* ,god has introduc$ into ! _w1 & 9 t s5se ,he is said to h re/$ f ,8 creative "w4 ,b ,god is no less di/9ctly affirm$ to be always work+ 9 nature & 9 provid5ce1 s t ,sabba? days =m no exception3 8,my ,fa!r worke? hi!rto & ,i "w40 ,su* be+ ! views ( ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t on ?is subject1 ! :ole ( ^? objections1 z f> z !y are f\nd$ on ! ass]tion t revelation is int5d$ to rem$y ! failure ( ,god's creative purpose1 fall to ! gr\nd4 ,my pres5t supposition is t ,i am reason+ ) believ]s 9 !ism4 ,if ,god has gradually evolv$ creation1 ea* successive /age ( ! evolution =ms a "p ( "o great & compreh5sive :ole4 ,at ea* /age ! "w is incomplete1 b its incomplet5ess is no pro( ( failure4 ,a p]iod has exi/$ :5 ! only be+s 9 ! _w 7 devoid ( rationality4 ,if an objector c\ld h contemplat$ x 9 ?is /age1 he might h urg$ t ! plan ( creation 0 a failure1 :ile 9 reality x 0 only incomplete4 ,man came 9 at ! next /age ( ! great design4 ,! next /age1 accord+ to ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is ! ,inc>nation ( ! ,son ( ,god1 int5d$ z a high] manife/ation ( ! moral glories ( ! ,creator = ! purpose ( rais+ man to a high] moral & spiritual elevation4 ,to ! atta9m5t ( ?is purpose all ! previ\s ev5ts 9 man's hi/ory h be5 made subs]vi5t4 ,surely ^? p]sons ) :om ,i am reason+ ought to be ! la/ to object t !re is any?+ inconsi/5t ) ! div9e "* 9 su* a gradual unfold+ ( ! div9e purposes4 ,we might z well object t e advanc+ /age ( ! great design ( ,creation 0 introduc$ to rem$y a prec$+ defect z ass]t t ,*ri/ianity orig9at$ 9 ?is cause4 ,! _w 0 9 a mo/ unf9i%$ /ate :5 x 0 only t5ant$ by ! l[] =ms ( life1 & great fault might h be5 f\nd ) its con/ruction4 ,b a high] came1 & a high]1 !n man1 !n ,*ri/ our ,"l1 ! second ,adam1 z ,/4 ,paul designates him1 8f heav5 heav5ly40 ,:atev] may h be5 ! ass]tions ( c]ta9 classes ( !ologians :o h attempt$ to fa?om ! div9e m9d by _! own %ort s\nd+ l9e1 ! sacr$ writ]s take no n>r[ view ( ! purposes ( ! ,inc>nation4 ,x is decl>$ t !y w be realiz$ 9 ! yet di/ant future1 t[>ds :i* consummation !y are gradually be+ c>ri$ out 9 "t4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! ,new ,te/am5t affirms t a purpose is consi/5tly c>ri$ out 9 ! hi/ory ( r$emption f> diff]5t f t :i* has be5 "h plac$ be=e u z ! assumptions ( ,ecclesia/ical ,*ri/ianity4 ,! au?or has plac$ ^! 9 _! mo/ objectionable =m2 & if ,*ri/ian apologi/s h affirm$ on su* premises z ^? above /at$ t a div9e int]position 0 r5d]$ probable1 ,i %all n attempt to def5d !m4 ,to e/abli% ! probability ( a revelation additional to t af=d$ by creation we h no occasion to appeal to !ories1 b to facts4 ,! exi/+ moral & spiritual condition ( mank9d is univ]sally admitt$ to be imp]fect4 ,bo? believ]s & unbeliev]s 9 revelation alike ackn[l$ge t ! attempt to improve x is desirable4 ,no less c]ta9 is x t man possesses faculties :i* c only receive _! p]fect developm5t 9 a high] condition ( ?+s ?an ! pres5t4 ,^! z mu* po9t to a high] developm5t ( man z ! organization ( ! l[] =ms ( animal life po9ts to ! high] & m p]fect ones4 ,if1 !re=e1 ,god be ! ,creator & moral ,gov]nor ( ! _w1 a fur!r manife/ation ( ,him is r5d]$ highly probable4 ,?is probability may be reason$ out by analogies 9 ! hi/ory ( ! pa/4 ,high] developm5ts f l[] =ms h be5 ! rule4 ,are !y !n to cease ) man 9 8 pres5t /ate ( imp]fection8 ,h[ man came to be ?us imp]fect1 h[ 8 moral degradation has orig9at$1 is a "q :i* does n fall )9 ! pres5t argum5t4 ,x is a fact1 by :atev] !ory x may be attempt$ to be acc\nt$ =4 ,if a rational be+ _h exi/$ 9 ^? ages dur+ :i* !re 0 manife/$ no?+ b ! l[] =ms ( life1 & _h come to ! conclusion t ! _w z x !n exi/$ 0 ! "w ( an intellig5t ,creator1 he w\ld h pron\nc$ x highly probable t ! res\rces ( creative p[] w\ld yet receive a m glori\s manife/ation4 ,:5 v]tebrate life 0 fir/ introduc$ into ! _w1 a c>eful exam9ation ( ! /ate ( ?+s w\ld h l$ to a simil> conclusion4 ,b ! l[] =ms ( v]tebrate life are typical ( ! high]1 & ! high] po9t to man4 ,be=e man ent]$ ! _w a be+ capable ( compreh5d+ ! condition ( ?+s z !n exi/+ w\ld h pron\nc$ x highly probable t !re w\ld be yet a fur!r manife/ation ( creative en]gy1 & t ! "w requir$ = its consummation ! production ( rationality4 ,su* & f> m num]\s h be5 ! actual /ages ( creative action4 ,are we entitl$ to call !m a failure because !y 7 relatively imp]fect1 or any fre% int]v5tion ( div9e p[] an int]f]5ce to rem$y a previ\s failure8 ,on ! contr>y1 ^! scall$ int]v5tions are ! p]si/5t c>ry+ out ( a det]m9$ purpose4 ,! acts ( ,deity are inaccurately designat$ int]v5tions4 ,he is always work+ ) ! mo/ p]fect k ( ! means :i* ,he employs1 & ! mo/ p]fect contr\l ov] !m4 ,failure ) ,him is impossible4 ,! ^w 8int]v5tion0 z appli$ to ! op]ations ( ,god conveys ! idea ( a ma*9e :i* ,he orig9ally con/ruct$1 & !n left to its own op]ations4 ,su* a ma*9e w 9 c\rse ( "t get out ( ord]1 or p]=m its "w imp]fectly1 & require to be supplem5t$ by additional contrivances4 ,?us :5 ! clock ceases to g !re arises a necessity = ! int]v5tion ( ! clockmak]4 ,he con/ructs 8 clock & leaves x to itself4 ,b creation is no m]e ma*9e2 ! ,div9e work] is always pres5t 9 ,8 works4 ,! la/ idea :i* w\ld h occurr$ to ! au?ors ( ! ,bible 0 t ,god 0 oblig$ to be mak+ a numb] ( special int]v5tions to cure defects 9 ! results ( ,8 op]ations4 ,z ! ,bible _c help us+ ! language ( man1 expressions d]iv$ f ! defects ( human language are at times us$ 9 x1 b ! "o preval5t idea is t ,god is always pres5t work+ 9 ! k+doms ( nature & ( grace1 t all ,8 actions are ! con/ant c>ry+ out ( a pr$et]m9$ purpose1 & t ) ,him is no v>iabl5ess nei!r %ad[ ( turn+4 ,if ! possibility ( ! introduction ( moral evil into ! univ]se is a necess>y condition ( ! creation ( a free moral ag5t1 or 9 o!r words1 if ! contr>y supposition involves a contradiction1 ! ,creator mu/ h view$ ! production ( su* a free ag5t z s desirable1 t x =m$ a "p ( ,8 purpose to create him not)/&+ ?is possibility4 ,if !n moral evil became a fact1 x involv$ no failure 9 ! purposes ( ,god4 ,he mu/ h view$ ! exi/5ce ( su* be+s z desirable1 ev5 if ?is cont+5cy became a fact4 ,:y1 ,i ask1 may n a fur!r manife/ation ( ,himself1 by means ( :i* moral evil might be r$uc$ to ! smalle/ dim5sions1 or ev5 ultimately remov$1 :ile fre$om is /ill pres]v$1 =m a portion ( ! same great purpose ( ! div9e m9d8 ,if ?is be possible1 ! ass]tion t ,r$emption is a special int]v5tion ( ,god = ! purpose ( rem$y+ ! break+ d[n ( 8 creative plan1 is disprov$1 & ) x all ! o!r inf]5ces ( ! num]\s writ]s ^: views ,i am consid]+4 ,9 affirm+ ! probability ( a revelation1 ! ,*ri/ian apologi/ ne$ n g beyond ! region ( actual facts4 ,he has no occasion to re/ 8 pro( on any /atem5t made by a suppos$ revelation ! tru? ( :i* is ! po9t at issue4 ,to d s w\ld be to assume ! ?+ :i* requires to be prov$4 ,b facts z !y exi/1 indep5d5tly ( any /atem5ts 9 ! ,bible1 are q suffici5t4 ,man exi/s4 ,he is possess$ ( p[]s & aspirations :i* ?is /ate ( ?+s does n gratify4 ,he is capable ( moral action1 & !re is some?+ )9 him :i* affirms t he ought to obey ! moral law4 ,yet its realization by him is ( ! mo/ imp]fect "*4 ,does ! actual condition ( man af=d satisfaction ev5 to ! unbeliev]1 acc\nt = x z he may8 ,is !re n a great am\nt ( moral evil 9 ! _w8 ,d n consid]able numb]s ( m51 in/ead ( progress+ to high] degrees ( moral p]fection deg5]ate ?r\gh v>i\s /ages ( moral corruption8 ,does n moral evil cause a great am\nt ( physical suff]+8 ,are n va/ numb]s ( m5 ! prey ( ignorance & sup]/ition--great evils d\btless1 & ( :i* unbeliev]s heavily compla98 ,9 "o ^w1 :5 we contemplate ! pres5t condition ( mank9d1 does n ! /]ne/ reason affirm t x is inconceivable t ?is c be ! f9al condition ( ,god's creative "w8 ,yet ^! ?+s are no !ories b obvi\s facts1 & on ! supposition on :i* we are reason+1 facts 9 ! univ]se ( ,god4 ,x foll[s !re=e1 t facts su* z ^!1 :5 contemplat$ by reason1 e/abli% ! probability1 nay almo/ ! c]ta9ty ( a fur!r div9e action4 ,( c\rse ?is is bas$ on ! assumption t !re is a wise & holy ,god :o is ! au?or ( ! univ]se1 b bo? ! oppon5ts & believ]s 9 revelation c only argue ?is subject at all on ! supposition t ,god exi/s4 ,any fre% mode ( div9e action w probably diff] f ! prec$+ ones1 because man exi/s z a moral & spiritual be+4 ,x is !re=e probable t su* div9e action w be moral r ?an physical2 or1 9 o!r words1 ! div9e purpose ( creation includes )9 x a yet fur!r manife/ation ( ! div9e "* & p]fections4 ,?is is :at ! ,new ,te/am5t affirms to h tak5 place 9 ! ,inc>nation4 ,?is is my position4 ,i %all only add "o or two m brief rem>ks4 ,^? :o *>ge !ologians ) mak+ unf\nd$ assumptions %\ld be guiltless ( mak+ !m !mselves4 ,! w>n+ aga9/ fall+ into ?is error may be pr(itably tak5 to he>t by bo? p>ties to ?is controv]sy4 ,x is affirm$ t ! con/itution ( nature be>s ev]y:]e ! indications ( sy/ematic upw>d progression4 ,i ask1 is ?is sy/ematic upw>d progression ev]y:]e true ( man8 ,are !re no :]e indications ( retrogression8 ,europeans g5]ally dur+ ! la/ two ?\s& ye>s h progress$1 al?\gh ev5 ?is is n univ]sally true1 = "s ( ! f9e arts atta9$ to great] p]fection 9 ! anci5t ?an 9 ! mod]n _w4 ,b has ! ,h9doo race progress$ dur+ ! la/ ?ree ?\s& ye>s8 ,h ! ,*9ese8 ,is x n true t ! progress ( ^! two races has be5 "o ( consid]able retrogression8 ,:]e is ! progress made by ! ,negro races f ! fir/ dawn+s ( _! hi/ory8 ,yet ^! ?ree races =m m ?an half ( ! human family4 ,aga91 h ! ,arab races progress$ s9ce ! days ( ,abraham8 ,are ! ,mahomm$an races 9 a /ate ( gradual improvem5t8 ,^! are que/ions to :i* a def9ite answ] mu/ be return$ be=e ! proposition above ref]r$ to c be e/eem$ a solution ( all ! problems ( human hi/ory4 ,x w p]haps be repli$ t nature is gradually ext+ui%+ ^! unprogressive races1 "u ! pressure ( h] inexorable laws4 ,yet !y con/itute an ov]:elm+ majority ( ! human race1 & x is /range to talk ( ?is progressive improvem5t ( ! human race z a great law ( nature1 if ! mode ( improvem5t be ! ext9ction ( ! great majority ( mank9d4 ,b are ! ,h9doo1 ,*9ese1 ,negro1 & o!r unprogressive races less num]\s ?an !y 7 ?ree ?\s& ye>s ago8 ,! evid5ce is all ! o!r way4 ,we want pres5t facts & n !ories ( ! future4 ,x has be5 affirm$1 t 8,! survival ( ! fitte/ is ! /]n law ( nature4 ,! inv>iable action ( law ( itself elim9ates ! unfit4 ,progress is necess>y to exi/5ce4 ,ext9ction is ! doom ( ,retrogression40 ,^! ass]tions may receive _! fulfilm5t 9 "s p]iod ( ! di/ant future1 b !y c]ta9ly d n agree ) ! pa/ hi/ory ( man4 ,:atev] progress ! ,european races may be capable (1 c]ta9 conditions ( climate =m an inexorable b>ri] to _! supplant+ ! ,negro1 ! ,h9doo1 or ! ,*9ese1 & we "k t ,european blood 9 c]ta9 climates has actually deg5]at$4 ,aga91 x is /at$ 8t ! highe/ effect contemplat$ by ! suppos$ revelation is to br+ man into h>mony ) law2 & ?is is insur$ by law act+ on intellig5ce1 & ev5 on in/9ct40 ,:]e1 ,i ask1 is ! pro( ( ?is d]iv$ f ! hi/ory ( man8 ,is ! moral condition ( ! races above ref]r$ to high] ?an x 0 ?ree ?\s& ye>s ago8 ,did ! moral condition ( ! ,greek race progress or retrograde dur+ ! f\r c5turies :i* prec$$ ! ,adv5t8 ,:i* 0 ! m elevat$ condition ( ,roman morality1 t ( ! c5tury :i* prec$$ & foll[$ ! conque/ ( ,italy1 or t ( ! empire & its crumbl+ in/itutions8 ,aga91 we are told t 8!re is n 9 reality a gradation ( brea* ( law t is n foll[$ by an equival5t gradation ( puni%m5t40 ,?is may be ! case 9 "s ,utopia 9 :i* ! au?or lives1 b x c]ta9ly nei!r is nor ev] has be5 ! condition ( ?is _w4 ,does villany1 ,i ask1 always receive adequate puni%m5t 9 ?is _w8 ,x has be5 ! all b univ]sal op9ion ( mank9d t x does n4 ,did n ,f\* die quietly 9 8 b$1 possess$ ( weal? & hon\rs1 & a d>k5$ consci5ce8 ,did n ,philip ,,ii4 ( ,spa91 aft] all 8 crimes1 die "u ! delusions ( selfapprobation8 ,9 a controv]sy l ?is ! mo/ confid5t ass]tions w n supply ! want ( facts on :i* to gr\nd our reason+s4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! ass]tion t ! ,*ri/ian argum5t involves reason+ 9 a circle1 or else t x assumes ! po9t at issue1 is disprov$4 ,,*apt] ,,ix4 ,,demoniacal ,,miracles--,,g5]al ,,consid]ations4 ,x has be5 object$ t ! admission :i* ! ,new ,te/am5t is alleg$ to make z to ! reality ( demoniacal miracles weak5s1 if x does n de/roy1 ! value ( miracles z an atte/ation ( a revelation4 ,9 ord] to d full ju/ice to ! =ce ( ?is objection ,i w /ate x 9 ! words ( ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion30-- 8,! necessity ( ass]t+ ! dep5d5ce ( miracles on doctr9es is ?ru/ ^u div9es by ! circum/ance1 t ! ,bible n>rates s _m cases ( false miracles1 & conta9s s _m w>n+s aga9/ !m40 8,! fir/ ?\ght :i* mu/ occur to any unprejudic$ m9d is amazem5t t an ,almighty ,god %\ld select z a gu>antee ( 8 suppos$ communications signs & wond]s :i* c be s easily imitat$ by o!rs1 t !re mu/ always be a d\bt :e!r ! message be f ! k+dom ( heav51 or f ! k+dom ( lies4 ,x seems priori absolutely incr$ible t a div9e revelation :i* is s important1 & :i* x is int5d$ t man %\ld believe1 %\ld be made 9 su* obscure language1 & ) su* d\btful atte/ation4 ,t heav5 %\ld condesc5d to use ! same argum5ts z hell1 & ) s little diff]5ce 9 ! degree ( ! p[] exhibit$1 t man c sc>cely1 if at all1 discrim9ate betwe5 !m1 is a !ory ( ! mo/ />tl+ description40 8,does n ! necessity ( ?is !ory ( false miracles1 ( ! p[] ( ,god ?us plac$ on a level ) ! p[] ( ,satan1 9 a matt] :]e ! di/9ct purpose is to au!nticate by miracul\s te/imony a miracul\s revelation1 r betray ! unreality ( miracles altoge!r1 & indicate t ! idea ( su* sup]natural int]v5tion orig9ates solely f ! sup]/iti\s ignorance ( m5 9 ages :5 e phase ( nature 0 attribut$ to direct sup]natural int]f]5ce1 & ascrib$ ) arbitr>y promptness to ,god or to ! devil8 ,x is c]ta9 t z miracles are repres5t$ z be+ common bo? to ,god & ,satan1 !y _c be consid]$ z a di/9ctive atte/ation ( a div9e revelation40 ,aft] quot+ ,dr4 ,mozley to ! effect t 8,miracul\s evid5ce _c oblige u to accept any doctr9e contr>y to our moral nature0--an ab/ractly true /atem5t1 b q inapplicable to ! ,new ,te/am5t1 :i* no :]e affirms t miracles h be5 wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( doctr9es--! au?or cont9ues3 8,! ass]tion t evid5ce emanat+ f ,god is 9 "s cases to be reject$ is a mon/r\s proposition2 & ! evid5tial =ce ( miracles is totally de/roy$ by ! logical inf]5ce f x1 & f ! d\ble "* ( miracles z ,div9e & ,satanic2 t ,god is n only capable ( ex]t+ sup]natural p[] to atte/ :at is true1 b t ,satan equally possesses & ex]cises ! same p[] 9 opposition to ,god = purposes ( deception4 ,if miracul\s evid5ce is indiff]5tly employ$ to c]tify tru? & error1 x is at once degrad$ by su* common s]vice into contempt40 ,^! passages put u 9 possession ( ! au?or's views1 & p]haps x w\ld be impossible to /ate ! objections m /rongly4 ,i h quot$ !m ?us fully1 n only z embody+ ! views ( ?is p>ticul> writ]1 b z plac+ be=e u 9 a cle> & di/9ct light ! *ief objections :i* c be urg$ aga9/ ! atte/ation t miracles give to ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation1 on ! assumption t demoniacal miracles h be5 p]=m$1 or ev5 on ! admission t !y are possible4 ,be=e ,i ent] on ! g5]al "q1 ,i mu/ briefly draw att5tion to ! /atem5ts & assumptions conta9$ 9 ?is rem>kable passage4 #a4 ,! ass]tion t miracles are alleg$ 9 pro( ( doctr9es1 & t div9es1 :5 ! necessities ( _! position compel !m1 affirm ! direct conv]se ( ?is1 viz4 t miracles are dep5d5t = _! tru? on doctr9es1 is an entire misappreh5sion ( ! ,*ri/ian argum5t4 ,its true position w be discuss$ 9 a subsequ5t *apt]4 #b4 ,! ass]tion t ! miracles ( ,almighty ,god c be imitat$ by ,satan is a gratuit\s assumption4 ,n[h]e is ?is affirm$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,on ! contr>y1 our ,"l uni=mly decl>es t ,8 works 7 cle>ly di/+ui%able f ! work+ ( ,satan1 & c\ld only malici\sly be conf\nd$ ) !m4 #c4 ,:ile ! ,bible speaks ( false miracles1 its language is q consi/5t ) ! fact t !y 7 impositions practis$ on ! s5ses1 l ! acts ( juggl]s4 #d4 ,! ^w 8miracle0 is "h us$ to d5ote a sup]natural fact 9 ext]nal nature devoid ( all moral environm5t4 ,i h already po9t$ out ! inaccuracy ( ?is position2 & %all h mu* to say on ?is subject h]eaft]4 ,to /rip a sup]human occurr5ce ( its moral aspect is simply to assume ! "q at issue4 #e4 ,x is n correct t ! ess5ce ( a miracle consi/s 9 ! degree ( p[] manife/$ 9 ! p]=mance ( ! outw>d act4 ,! p]=mance ( a miracle does n necess>ily involve a great] ex]tion ( p[] ?an is manife/$ 9 ! ord9>y occurr5ces ( nature4 ,a miracle is n only an act ( p[]1 b x involves ! elem5ts ( pr$iction & ( purpose4 #f4 ,! affirmation t ! ,*ri/ian argum5t involves ! position t heav5 mu/ condesc5d to use ! same argum5ts z hell1 if demoniacal possession is suppos$ to be possible1 is altoge!r inaccurate4 #g4 ,! ,*ri/ian argum5t n[h]e involves ! assumption t evid5ce emanat+ f ,god is "u c]ta9 circum/ances to be reject$4 ,x is q conceivable t a real miracle may h be5 wr\ght1 :i* 0 adequately atte/$ :5 x 0 p]=m$1 b t ! evid5ce has become imp]fect by lapse ( "t4 #h4 ,ev5 if x be suppos$ t demoniacal miracles are possible1 !re is no?+ 9 t assumption :i* r5d]s x necess>y to take = grant$ t ,satan is all[$ to ramble ov] ! univ]se & "w miracles at 8 pleasure1 & to imitate ! miracles ( ,god4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t uni=mly ass]ts t :atev] ag5cy he c ex]t is a p]mitt$ "o1 :i* is conf9$ )9 def9ite limits4 ,9 consid]+ ! "q ( demoniacal miracles x mu/ be kept 9 m9d t ! language employ$ by ! writ]s ( ! ,bible is inv>iably ph5om5al4 ,!y describe ev5ts z !y appe>$ to ! eye ( ! behold]4 ,h5ce x by no means foll[s1 :5 !y ref] to ! arts ( magic & o!r simil> practices :i* 7 s preval5t 9 ! anci5t _w1 & say t ! magicians did su* & su* ?+s1 t !y meant to affirm ! reality ( _! p]=mance4 ,_! language is always tak5 f ! obs]v]'s po9t ( view4 ,z f> z he saw1 !y did s4 ,we frequ5tly speak 9 ! same way ( mod]n feats ( conjurors4 ,?us1 :5 x is said t ! magicians br\ght =? frogs1 ! language is q consi/5t ) ! act be+ a delusion successfully practis$ on ! s5ses4 ,x is affirm$ by ! au?or t ! ,bible ass]ts ! reality ( su* miracles4 ,i reply t x makes no su* ass]tion1 b m]ely describes !m z !y appe>$ to ! eye ( ! behold]4 ,its /rong d5unciations ( su* practices is no evid5ce t !y 7 any?+ else ?an deceptions :i* ! p]=m]s endeav\r$ to palm (f = wick$ purposes4 ,! precept ( ,moses1 8,?\ %alt n suff] a wit* to live10 has be5 urg$ z af=d+ pro( t ! ,bible 9 unqualifi$ t]ms ass]ts ! reality ( wit*craft4 ,:e!r ! art 0 real or simulat$1 ! s5t5ce ( ! lawgiv] w\ld h be5 equally j1 = impo/ors :o practise su* arts = ! purpose ( delusion1 are f> m injuri\s to society ?an _m k9ds ( crim9als :o h und]gone ! sev]e/ puni%m5t4 ,9 ! ,new ,te/am5t 8ly+ wond]s0 are occasionally ref]r$ to4 ,! expression may legitimately mean "o ( two ?+s1 ei!r a sup]natural act p]=m$ = ! atte/ation or propagation ( a lie1 or an app>5t miracle1 :i* is 9 itself a lie4 ,x _c be d5i$ t ! language ( ! ,new ,te/am5t w hone/ly be> ?is int]pretation4 ,i w quote ! /ronge/ passage to be f\nd 9 x4 ,/4 ,paul1 writ+ to ! ,!ssalonians1 9 speak+ ( ! manife/ation ( a great anti *ri/ian p[]1 says1 8,^: com+ is aft] ! work+ ( ,satan1 ) all p[]1 & signs1 & ly+ wond]s1 & ) all ! deceivabl5ess ( unrighte\sness1 9 !m t p]i%1 because !y receive n ! love ( ! tru? t !y might be sav$40 ,?is language is q consi/5t ) ! idea t ! works "h spok5 ( 7 n sup]natural1 b deceptions wr\ght = ! propagation ( a sy/em ( falsehood4 ,!re c be no "q t impositions ( ?is k9d h be5 sy/ematically practis$ 9 lat] times 9 support ( a great sy/em ( ecclesia/ical p[]1 & to atte/ doctr9es 9 connection ) x4 ,b x is wor?y ( obs]vation t ! demoniacal sup]naturalism :i* we read ( 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is n repres5t$ z hav+ be5 employ$ = ! atte/ation ( any sy/em ( doctr9e :atev]4 ,elymas1 ! sorc]]1 practis$ 8 art = ! purpose ( e/abli%+ an influ5ce ov] ,s]gius ,paulus1 b = aught t appe>s he 0 a simple impo/or4 ,all ! o!r cases ( ,satanic sup]naturalism ref]r$ to 9 ! ,gospels resolve !mselves into cases ( possession1 or ! occasional production ( a disease4 ,x is fur!r to be obs]v$ t n[h]e ?r\gh\t ! ,new ,te/am5t is a miracle1 prop]ly s call$1 ascrib$ to ,satanic action4 ,possession is a ph5om5on entirely diff]5t f a miracle4 ,i admit t !re is "o app>5t exception1 namely 9 ! hi/ory ( our ,"l's temptation4 ,?is if x is int5d$ to be a description ( an objective fact1 is und\bt$ly an in/ance ( direct int]f]5ce ) ! action ( ! =ces ( nature2 ,satan is "h repres5t$ z possess+ & ex]cis+ ! p[] ( c\nt]act+ ! =ce ( gravitation by transport+ ! body ( our ,"l f place to place4 ,z ?is is ! "o solit>y in/ance 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 :i* su* p[] is ascrib$ to him1 x dem&s especial consid]ation4 ,we are told t dur+ "o p]iod ( 8 temptation our ,"l 0 c>ri$ by ,satan to an exce$+ high m\nta92 & aga91 t he 0 plac$ on a p9nacle ( ! temple4 ,^! acts involve su* an ex]cise ( sup]natural p[] z may ju/ly be put 9 comp>ison ) 8 walk+ on ! wat]4 ,x becomes !re=e a v important "q :e!r ?is acc\nt is int5d$ to be tak5 z a lit]al n>rative4 ,! fact ( its be+ ! only record$ in/ance ( its k9d af=ds a contr>y presumption1 = if ! writ]s _h believ$ t !re 0 no?+ 9 su* int]f]5ce ) ! physical =ces inconsi/5t ) ! ord9>y c\rse ( ,satanic action x is h>dly possible t !y c\ld h view$ ?is z a solit>y in/ance ( ! ex]cise ( su* p[]1 especially :5 ! case ( ! demoniacs af=d$ s _m opportunities = its manife/ation4 ,x is cle> f ! n>rative itself t ! only s\rce ( in=mation reg>d+ ! temptation mu/ h be5 an acc\nt giv5 by our ,"l himself to 8 disciples1 z x 0 an occurr5ce ( :i* !re c\ld h be5 no witnesses4 ,o!rwise x mu/ be assum$ to be a m]e fiction4 ,x is also cle> t ! ?ree temptations into :i* ! n>rative is divid$ are int5d$ to describe ?ree great crises ?r\gh :i* our ,"l's m9d pass$4 ,accord+ to ,m>k's acc\nt he is repres5t$ z und]go+ temptations dur+ ! :ole p]iod ( =ty days4 ,mat!w & ,luke pres5t u ) ! g5]al results ( ! entire temptation4 ,if our ,"l gave an acc\nt ( x to 8 disciples1 !re c be no reason :y he %\ld n h embodi$ its results 9 a n>rative =m1 z is ! c\rse :i* he adopt$ 9 8 p>ables4 ,if ! p>ables 7 n usually introduc$ ) ! =mula 8he spake a p>able10 we might easily mi/ake !m also = n>ratives ( actual occurr5ces4 ,b al?\gh ?is is ! usual =m1 x is n ! only "o1 z appe>s 9 ! p>able ( ,dives & ,laz>us4 ,x is !re=e q conceivable t on giv+ 8 disciples an acc\nt ( ! crises ?r\gh :i* 8 m9d pass$ dur+ ! p]iod ( ! temptation he may h put x into a p>abolic =m1 ( :i* himself 0 ! c5tre1 z "o :i* w\ld be mo/ adapt$ to ! level ( _! appreh5sions2 o!rwise x w\ld h assum$ ! "* ( a numb] ( ab/ract disquisitions4 ,b we are n left to inf] f m]e probabilities t ! n>rative 0 n int5d$ to be und]/ood lit]ally4 ,"o portion ( x places x beyond d\bt t x 0 int5d$ to conta9 a vision>y or p>abolic elem5t ( "s k9d4 ,9 ! acc\nt ( ! temptation to fall d[n & wor%ip ,satan1 x is expressly /at$ t ! ,devil transport$ our ,"l to an exce$+ high m\nta91 & %[$ him all ! k+doms ( ! _w & ! glory ( !m4 ,! n>rative ( ,luke adds t all ?is 0 done 9 a mom5t ( "t1 :i* %[s cle>ly t x 0 n int5d$ to be f "o end to ! o!r a lit]al /atem5t ( facts4 ,x is !re=e absolutely necess>y to assume ! pres5ce ( a vision>y elem5t some:]e2 ! only "q is1 :]e1 & to :at ext5t8 ,if we atta* ! mean+ usually assign$ by ! writ]s 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t to ! ^w 8_w10 x is impossible to imag9e t any am\nt ( cr$ulity c h believ$ t !re 0 any m\nta9 f ^: top su* a view c\ld h be5 atta9$ by ! unaid$ p[] ( ! human eye4 ,b fur!r1 x is ass]t$ n only t ! k+doms ( ! _w 7 r5d]$ visible1 b _! glory2 t is to say1 ! spectator 0 able to see _! great cities1 _! build+s1 & all _! signs ( outw>d magnific5ce1 = ! sight ( _! glory 0 obvi\sly int5d$ to add =ce to ! temptation4 ,yet ev5 ! mo/ cr$ul\s p possess "s mod]ately correct idea z to ! ext5t ( view :i* ! eye c rea* & w\ld feel q c]ta9 t )\t ! int]position ( a miracle su* a survey 9 a mom5t ( "t w\ld be impossible4 ,x may probably be urg$ by "s t ! fir/ "p ( ! acc\nt only is int5d$ to be a description ( an objective fact1 & t ! la/ temptation 0 vision>y4 ,to ?is ,i reply t ! entire n>rative is c\*$ 9 language ( fact1 & ! latt] portion q z mu* s z ! =m]4 ,besides1 if ! sight ( ! k+doms ( ! _w & _! glory 0 a vision>y repres5tation1 !n ! reason = convey+ ,jesus to a l(ty m\nta9 ceases1 = su* a vision might equally well h be5 pres5t$ to him 9 a pla92 :]eas if we take x z an acc\nt ( a lit]al fact1 x is cle> t ! reason = convey+ him to ! m\nta9 0 to af=d him an ext5sive view4 ,x is !re=e impossible to draw a di/9ction betwe5 ! two portions ( ! n>rative4 ,e consid]ation !re=e proves t ! entire n>rative is ei!r p>abolic or an acc\nt ( a vision>y transaction1 precisely simil> to _m ( ^? describ$ 9 ! ,old ,te/am5t1 & n ( an actual occurr5ce4 ,?is be+ s1 we arrive at ! inf]5ce t n[h]e 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t is ,satanic influ5ce describ$ z int]f]+ ) ! ord9>y action ( ! =ces ( nature1 by a direct ex]tion ( p[]4 ,x may h[ev] be object$ t !re 7 probably reasons :y he 0 p]mitt$ to d s on ?is p>ticul> occasion2 b on su* a "q ,i %all n ent]4 ,i %all only repeat t x is impossible to view ! latt] portion ( ! n>rative z an acc\nt ( an objective fact2 & ?is be+ ! case x is f> m probable t ! :ole p>takes ( ! same "*4 ,at any rate x is ! s+le in/ance 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 :i* ! possession ( su* p[] is ascrib$ to ,satan4 ,?is has a v important be>+ on ! argum5t4 ,! au?or affirms t ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t attribut$ to ,satan a g5]al p[] ( int]f]+ ) ! =ces ( nature1 & ( work+ miracles :i* may fairly be contra/$ ) ! miracles ( ,god4 ,b :atev] may h be5 ! op9ions ( o!rs on ?is subject1 x is cle> t su* op9ions 7 n held by !m4 ,if !y _h believ$ t ,satanic ag5cy 0 con/antly ex]t$ 9 ! affairs ( ! visible univ]se1 !re is e reason :y !y %\ld h inv5t$ num]\s /ories ( ?is description1 & ascrib$ !m to ,satanic int]v5tion4 ,! writ] to :om ,i am ref]r+1 urges 9 ! /ronge/ mann]1 t ! belief 9 magic1 & 9 frequ5t ex]tions ( demoniacal p[] ov] ! ext]nal univ]se1 0 univ]sal among ! ,jews at ! "t ( ! ,adv5t4 ,to prove ?is1 he has adduc$ a numb] ( op9ions ent]ta9$ by ! writ]s ( ! ,talmud & o!rs1 involv+ ! mo/ grovell+ sup]/itions1 & ass]ts t indications ( ! same are to be f\nd 9 ! ,gospels4 ,z an in/ance1 he fav\rs u ) ! foll[+ /ory told by ,josephus1 :o decl>es t he 0 an eyewitness ( ! fact4 8,josephus _h se5 a c\ntryman ( 8 own1 nam$ ,eliez]1 release p possess$ ( devils 9 ! pres5ce ( ! ,emp]or ,vespasian & 8 sons1 & ( 8 army4 ,he put a r+ conta9+ "o ( ! roots prescrib$ by ,solomon1 into ! nose ( a demoniac1 & drew ! demon out ( 8 no/rils1 & 9 ! "n ( ,solomon1 & recit+ "o ( 8 incantations1 he adjur$ him to return no m4 ,9 ord] to demon/rate to ! spectators t he _h p[] to ca/ out demons1 ,eliez] 0 accu/om$ to set a pit*] ( wat] a little way (f1 & he comm&$ ! demon1 z he left ! body ( ! man1 to ov]turn x1 by :i* means ! skill & wisdom ( ,solomon 0 made v manife/40 ,! object = :i* ?is & k9dr$ /ories are ref]r$ to1 is to prove t ! ,jewi% m9d 0 s int5sely cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s on ! subject ( demoniacal action at ! "t ( our ,"l1 t !re 0 no?+ s mon/r\s1 :i* x 0 n 9 ! habit ( accept+ z fact4 ,we are also repeat$ly in=m$ t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus %>$ 9 ?is unb\nd$ cr$ulity4 ,x may be ev5 inf]r$ f ! ass]tion be=e u1 t !y 7 f> m cr$ul\s4 ,! argum5t :i* ?is writ] adduces is plausible1 & x may be /at$ ?us4 ,if a writ] l ,josephus1 :o 0 ext5sively acqua9t$ ) ,greek lit]ature1 & ! ,talmudi/s :o belong$ to ! lite ( ! nation1 c\ld n>rate su* follies z facts1 :at mu/ h be5 ! beliefs ( ! vulg> h]d8 ,we mu/ n =get t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 *iefly f ! l[] ord]s4 8,! common p he>d him gladly40 ,! inf]5ce :i* ! read] is all[$ to draw is t !y mu/ h be5 addict$ to yet m gross cr$ulity4 ,:at 7 ! reasons :i* induc$ ,josephus1 a man :o _h se5 ! wide _w1 to relate ?is mon/r\s /ory ,i %all n inquire4 ,"o c h>dly believe t he 0 a dupe2 8 report+ x1 h[ev]1 no m proves t su* beliefs 7 univ]sal :5 he wrote1 ?an ! exi/5ce ( a wide spread spirituali/ic lit]ature proves t a belief 9 _srapp+ prevails g5]ally among all classes ( society at ! pres5t day1 al?\gh _m ( ! believ]s 9 spiritualism belong to ! educat$ classes1 & readily accept absurdities :i* ! s\nd s5se ( multitudes ( artisans w\ld imm$iately repudiate4 ,! argum5t be=e me tells 9 a direction precisely opposite to t :i* is int5d$ by ^? :o h invok$ x1 & x is m>vell\s t !y d n p]ceive t x is de/ructive ( _! own case4 ,i put x z foll[s3 ,if ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels ent]ta9$ ! views ( demoniacal ag5cy :i* ?is au?or repres5ts !m to h held1 _! n>ratives1 :i* directly lead !m to ref] to t subject1 w\ld h conta9$ num]\s ref]5ces to /ories ( ! type ( t quot$ f ,josephus4 ,let me illu/rate ?is argum5t by an example4 ,! ,arabs & o!r ,ori5tals believe 9 ! p[] ( demons & magicians ov] ext]nal nature4 ,!y consid] ?is action to be ( frequ5t occurr5ce4 ,_! lit]ature !re=e ab\nds ) acc\nts ( su* mon/r\s int]v5tions4 ,b ! ,gospels1 ) ! exception ( ! hi/ory ( ! ,temptation1 d n conta9 an acc\nt ( a s+le m>vel wr\ght by ! ag5cy ( demons on ext]nal nature4 ,demoniacal ag5cy is repeat$ly m5tion$ by !m2 b x belongs to an ord] ( ph5om5a ( an entirely diff]5t "*4 ,:at1 ,i ask1 is ! only legitimate inf]5ce8 ,t ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels 7 free f ! sup]/itions 9 "q4 ,be=e go+ fur!r x w be necess>y to asc]ta9 :at is ! precise nature & "* ( t demoniacal sup]naturalism :i* is app>5tly ass]t$ 9 ! pages ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,)\t do+ s1 x w be impossible to =m a correct op9ion on ! subject "u consid]ation4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t app>5tly ascribes to ,satanic ag5cy n only a p[] ( sugge/+ temptations to ! m9ds ( m51 b also 9 c]ta9 cases ( depriv+ !m ( ! supremacy ( _! wills1 ( enslav+ _! intellectual & moral p[]s1 ( int]f]+ ) ! use ( _! bodily organs1 &1 9 "o in/ance1 ( imp>t+ an unusual /r5g?4 ,^! ph5om5a con/itute :at is designat$ z 8possession10 & be> no inconsid]able resemblance to diff]5t =ms ( insanity4 ,b ! ,new ,te/am5t also makes m5tion ( lunacy z well z possession4 ,h[ f> !y 7 di/+ui%able f ea* o!r we h no suffici5t data to enable u to det]m9e4 ,at "o "t !y are spok5 ( z ! same disease2 at o!rs !y are cle>ly di/+ui%$ f ea* o!r4 ,! language ( ! ,gospels seems to imply t "s maladies 7 believ$ to be produc$ by ! influ5ce ( possession4 ,9 "o or two in/ances language is us$ :i* may imply t a bodily disease 0 br\ght on by ,satanic ag5cy )\t actual possession4 ,:atev] may h be5 ! belief ( ! ,jews on ?is subject1 x is c]ta9 t ! cases ref]r$ to 9 ! ,gospels are v few2 & al?\gh ! m5tion ( diseases is v common1 no?+ is said ab\t _! be+ due to demoniacal influ5ce4 ,n a s+le case occurs 9 :i* ord9>y accid5ts are ref]r$ to ?is influ5ce1 al?\gh su* is affirm$ to h be5 ! common belief ( ! ,jews4 ,9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les only two cases ( possession are m5tion$1 "o t ( ! damsel at ,philippi1 & ! o!r ! occasion :5 c]ta9 ,jewi% exorci/s und]took to exorcise demoniacs at ,ephesus 9 ! "n ( ,jesus4 ,! =m] case is ( "s importance4 ,! girl is describ$ z possess$ by a _s ( ,py?o1 i4e4 %e pret5d$ to practise ! art ( div9ation by ! inspiration ( ! god ,apollo1 & 9 _m respects %e practis$ ! arts ( ! mod]n =tunetell]4 ,su* p]sons 7 n uncommon at ! "t4 ,! ,py?ia at ,delphi pr(ess$ to prophesy "u ! influ5ce ( a simil> inspiration4 ,:atev] may h be5 ! real causes by :i* ?is m5tal condition 0 br\ght ab\t1 ! p>oxysms 7 s real t "o is record$ to h di$ "u _! influ5ce4 ,h] /ate :5 "u prophetic influ5ce1 is describ$ z "o ( phr5si$ excitem5t4 ,/4 ,paul is repres5t$ by ! hi/orian z address+ himself to ! _s1 & comm&+ him to come out 9 ! "n ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! p[]s ( su* p]sons 7 conf9$ to div+ into ! secrets ( ! future2 b to o!r k9ds ( sup]natural p[] !y made no claims4 ,if ! language "h employ$ be o!r ?an ph5om5al1 x seems to imply t 9 ,/4 ,paul's op9ion c]ta9 practices ( ! anci5t _w :i* 7 f> f uncommon1 7 connect$ ) demoniacal ag5cy4 ,^! 7 usually comb9$ ) c]ta9 =ms ( religi\s phr5sy1 su* z ev5 9 ! pres5t day manife/ !mselves 9 connection ) ! m degrad$ =ms ( religion4 ,at no p]iod 0 ?is class ( ph5om5a m preval5t ?an dur+ ! c5tury :i* prec$$1 & t :i* foll[$ ! ,adv5t1 :5 human nature 0 /irr$ to its pr(\nde/ dep?s4 ,!re are also a few passages 9 ,/4 ,paul's writ+s :i* seem to affirm a connection betwe5 demoniacal ag5cy & pagan wor%ip4 ,:atev] may h be5 8 own op9ions on ?is subject1 x is evid5t t ! action :i* he suppos$ to h be5 ex]t$ 0 entirely m5tal4 ,n "o ^w is utt]$ by him :i* implies t he reg>d$ ?is mode ( demoniacal action z involv+ a p[] ( int]f]+ ) ! =ces ( ! mat]ial univ]se4 ,su* is a g5]al /atem5t ( ! facts z !y appe> 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 connection ) possession1 & demoniacal action4 ,x has be5 necess>y ?us di/9ctly to /ate !m1 9 ord] t we may keep ! subject cle> ( all adv5titi\s issues ) :i* x has be5 attempt$ to obscure x4 ,t =m ( demoniacal action involv$ 9 ! suppos$ p[] possess$ by demons ( tempt+ m5 to evil does n fall )9 ! limits ( ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,b ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity are n cont5t to reason on ! facts respect+ demoniacal action z !y are pres5t$ to u 9 ! pages ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,!y *>ge its writ]s ) a numb] ( ! mo/ grotesque beliefs on ?is subject1 = :i* ! book itself furni%es u ) no evid5ce4 ,?is c\rse has be5 tak5 = ! purpose ( fa/5+ on !m a b\ndless cr$ulity1 & !reby de/roy+ _! claim to be accept$ z cr$ible report]s ( hi/orical facts4 ,i w cite "o or two examples ( ?is mode ( reason+1 9 ord] t we may be able to =m a correct e/imate ( its value4 ,aft] hav+ giv5 a detail$ acc\nt ( a numb] ( mon/r\s beliefs glean$ f ! ,talmud & o!r s\rces respect+ angels1 ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 !n proce$s3 8,! belief 9 demons at ! "t ( ,jesus 0 equally emphatic & compreh5sive1 & we ne$ n m5tion also t ! ,new ,te/am5t is full ( x4 ,!y are 9 ! air1 on e>?1 9 ! bodies ( m5 & animals1 & ev5 at ! bottom ( ! sea4 ,!y are ! (fspr+ ( ! fall5 angels :o lov$ ! daught]s ( m54 ,!y h w+s l angels1 & c fly f "o place 9 ! e>? to ano!r4 ,!y atta9 a k ( ! future by li/5+ beh9d ! veil ( ! temple ( ,god4 ,_! numb]s are inf9ite4 ,! e>? is s full ( !m1 t if man _h ! p[] to see1 he c\ld n exi/ on acc\nt ( !m2 !re are m demons ?an m51 & !y are ab\t z close z ! e>? ?r[n up out ( a new made grave4 ,x is /at$ t ea* man _h #aj1jjj demons on 8 "r h&1 & #ajjj on 8 left4444 ,! cru% on ! ,sabba? 9 ! synagogue arises f !m2 also ! dresses ( ! ,rabb9s become s soon worn ?r\gh _! rubb+2 9 l mann] also !y cause ! tott]+ ( ! feet4 ,he :o wi%es to discov] ^! spirits mu/ take sift$ a%es1 & /rew !m ab\t 8 b$1 & he w p]ceive _! footpr9ts ^u !m l a cock's tread40 ,"h foll[ a numb] ( ! mo/ ineffable absurdities1 unsurpass$ by any?+ conta9$ 9 ! ,arabian ,nights1 :i* ,i ne$ n cite4 ,! au?or !n proce$s3 8,demons1 h[ev]1 take m especial delight 9 f\l & (f5sive places1 & an evil _s inhabits e private closet 9 ! _w4 ,demons haunt des]t$ places1 ru9s1 graves1 & c]ta9 k9ds ( trees4 ,we f9d indications ( ^! sup]/itions ?r\gh\t ! ,gospels4 ,! possess$ are repres5t$ z dwell+ among ! tombs1 & be+ driv5 by unclean spirits into ! wild]ness1 & ! demons c f9d no re/ 9 clean places4 ,demons also frequ5t$ spr+s & f\nta9s4 ,! episode ( ! angel :o 0 said to desc5d at c]ta9 times & tr\ble ! wat] ( ! pool ( ,be!sda1 s t he t fir/ /epp$ 9 0 heal$ ( :atsoev] disease he _h1 may be m5tion$ "h 9 pass+1 al?\gh ! passage is n f\nd 9 ! old] manuscripts ( ! f\r? ,gospel1 & 0 c]ta9ly a late addition40 ,"h foll[ fur!r citations ( ,rabb9ical absurdities4 ,! au?or !n proce$s3 8,! ,talmud & o!r ,rabb9ical writ+s are full ( ref]5ces to demoniacal possession1 b we ne$ n ent] into details on ?is po9t1 z ! ,new ,te/am5t itself pres5ts suffici5t evid5ce respect+ x4 ,n only c\ld "o _s ent] into a body1 b _m took possession ( ! same individual4 ,!re are _m in/ances m5tion$ 9 ! ,gospels1 su* z ,m>y ,magdal5e1 out ( :om w5t sev5 demons 7 71 & ! man ^: "n 0 legion1 because _m demons 7 7 _h ent]$ into him4 ,demons likewise ent]$ into ! bodies ( animals1 & 9 ! n>rative to :i* we h j ref]r$1 ! demons1 on be+ expell$ f ! man1 reque/$ to be all[$ to ent] into ! h]d ( sw9e1 :i* be+ p]mitt$1 #8! demons w5t out ( ! man into ! sw9e1 & ! h]d ran viol5tly d[n ! cliff into ! lake & 7 dr[n$1' ! evil spirits1 z usual1 tak+ pleasure only 9 ! de/ruction & injury ( man & bea/4 ,besides possession1 all ! diseases ( m5 & animals are ascrib$ to ! action ( ! devil & demons4 ,9 ! ,gospel1 = in/ance1 ! woman ) a _s ( infirmity is describ$ z b\nd by ,satan1 al?\gh ! case 0 n "o ( demoniacal possession40 ,! au?or !n proce$s to enum]ate a l>ge numb] ( grotesque beliefs z held by ! ,jews at ! "t ( ! ,adv5t4 ,i regret ! necessity :i* has compell$ me to cite s l5g?y a passage1 b x is absolutely necess>y t ! read] %\ld be enabl$ to see1 beyond ! possibility ( misappreh5sion1 ! nature ( ! objections :i* are urg$ aga9/ ! hi/orical cr$ibility ( ! ,gospels1 & ! reason+s by :i* !y are attempt$ to be support$4 ,! g5]al pr9ciple t und]lies !m may be /at$ 9 a few words1 t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus & ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels 7 a prey to su* a multitude ( degrad+ sup]/itions on ! subject ( demonology z :olly to de/roy ! value ( _! hi/orical te/imony4 ,! effect ( ?is passage ) its context is to produce ! impression on ! m9d ( ! read]1 n only t ^! absurd beliefs 7 g5]ally ent]ta9$ by ! ,jews at ! "t ( ! ,adv5t1 b t !y con/itut$ ! =m ( ?\ght ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,x may be urg$ t ! object ( ! au?or is to prove ! g5]al sup]/ition ( ! times2 & t he does n int5d to affirm t x 0 %>$ 9 by e "o ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,?is may be correct2 b if x is n int5d$ to be ass]t$ t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 ! prey ( equal sup]/itions1 ! ref]5ce to ?is mass ( cr$ulity c h no be>+ on ! pres5t argum5t1 & is simply mislead+4 ,to :at purpose1 ,i ask1 is x made1 unless x is int5d$ to implicate our ,"l's foll[]s 9 ^! beliefs8 ,unless x 7 s1 ! fact t o!rs ent]ta9$ !m w\ld n 9 ! smalle/ degree affect ! value ( _! hi/orical te/imony4 ,b on ?is po9t we are n left to inf]5ces2 n only are passages 9 ! ,gospels ref]r$ to1 b we are repeat$ly in=m$ t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus did %>e 9 ^! popul> delusions4 ,! position1 !re=e1 :i* is tak5 by ! au?or is cle>4 ,8 read]s are invit$ to believe t ! foll[]s ( our ,"l 7 a prey to ! belief 9 a numb] ( ineffable absurdities respect+ demons su* z he has enum]at$4 ,if ?is c be e/abli%$1 ! conclusion is inevitable1 t _! hi/orical te/imony is valueless4 ,let u n[ consid] ! mode 9 :i* ! pro( ( ?is is attempt$ to be e/abli%$4 ,! au?orities quot$ are *iefly ! ,talmudical writ]s2 t is to say1 p]sons :o wrote z late z f ,a4,d4 #bjj to ,a4,d4 #ejj1 are cit$ z ! pro( t su* op9ions 7 univ]sally ent]ta9$ by ! ,jews 9 ! "t ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,equally valid w\ld x be to quote ! writ]s ( mod]n spiritualism to prove t su* op9ions 7 held by our ance/ors 9 ! "t ( ! ,/u>ts or ! ,plantag5ets4 ,on ! /r5g? ( ?is & k9dr$ evid5ce1 su* op9ions are ascrib$ to ! orig9al propagators ( ,*ri/ianity1 & to ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels4 ,b ?is is n all4 ,! only correct me?od ( asc]ta9+ ! sup]/ition & cr$ulity ( any p>ticul> writ] is c>efully to exam9e ! cont5ts ( 8 book1 & to note ! v>i\s in/ances :i* we f9d 9 x ( :at we consid] to be sup]/itions2 & !n proce$ to e/imate _! value1 &1 if ne$ful1 to comp>e !m ) o!r contempor>y au?orities4 ,?is c\rse1 h[ev]1 is n t pursu$ by ?is writ]4 ,on ! contr>y1 he quotes ! absurdities :i* we h se5 f ! ,talmudical writ]s1 & ref]s 9 ! mid/ ( !m to ne>ly e passage 9 ! ,gospels :i* c be made to be> ev5 a remote ref]5ce to ! views 9 "q4 ,i submit t su* a mode ( reason+ is n conducive to ! int]e/s ( tru?4 ,a few examples ( ?is mode ( conduct+ ! argum5t require notice4 ,aft] ref]r+ to a numb] ( mon/r\s sup]/itions1 he tells u t ! ,jews believ$ t 8demons took especial delight 9 f\l & (f5sive places1 & t an evil _s inhabits e private closet 9 ! _w4 ,demons haunt$ des]t$ places1 ru9s1 graves1 & c]ta9 k9ds ( trees4 ,we f9d indications ( ^! sup]/itions ?r\gh\t ! ,gospels4 ,! possess$ are repres5t$ z dwell+ among ! tombs1 & z be+ driv5 by unclean spirits into ! wild]ness1 & demons c f9d no re/ 9 clean places40 8,we f9d indications ( ^! sup]/itions ?r\gh\t ! ,gospels40 ,to ?is obs]vation ,i invite ! read]'s att5tion4 ,is x meant to be affirm$ t any indication c be f\nd 9 ! ,gospels t ! writ]s believ$ t a demon inhabit$ e private closet 9 ! _w8 ,two in/ances only are ref]r$ to 9 ! text1 9 "o ( :i* ! demoniac ( ,gad>a is repres5t$ z dwell+ among ! tombs1 & z hav+ be5 driv5 into ! wild]ness2 & ! o!r ! p>able ( ! unclean _s go+ out ( ! man1 & f9d+ no re/ :5 walk+ ?r\gh dry places4 ,d ^! two cases prove ! tru? ( ! sweep+ ass]tions above ref]r$ to8 ,does ! p>abolic repres5tation t ! expell$ demon f\nd no re/ 9 dry or clean places prove t ! disciples ( ,jesus believ$ t !y took especial delight 9 f\l or (f5sive ones8 ,does ! fact t ! demoniac ( ,gad>a _h be5 driv5 by ! evil _s into ! wild]ness prove t x 0 a univ]sal belief t des]ts & graves 7 haunt$ by demons8 ,9 pro( also ( ^! ass]tions we are ref]r$ 9 a note to five passages 9 ! ,gospels1 viz4 ,matt4 viii4 #bh2 xii4 #dc2 ,m>k v4 #ce2 ,luke viii4 #bgbi2 xi4 #bd4 ,five passages are v few to ju/ify ! ass]tion t we f9d indications ( ^! sup]/itions ?r\gh\t ! ,gospels4 ,on exam9+ !m1 h[ev]1 ! five ref]5ces are r$uc$ to two1 ?ree belong to ! acc\nt ( ! demoniac at ,gad>a1 report$ by ea* ( ! ,synoptics2 & two to ! tw(old report ( ! same p>able z giv5 by ,mat!w & ,luke6 ,?is is a v sl5d] f\ndation on :i* to gr\nd ! ass]tion t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus believ$ t 8demons took especial delight 9 f\l & (f5sive places1 t !y inhabit$ e private closet 9 ! _w1 & t !y haunt$ des]t$ places1 graves1 ru9s1 & c]ta9 k9ds ( trees1 & t we f9d indications ( ^! sup]/itions ?r\gh\t ! ,gospels40 ,/ill m extraord9>y is ! next ref]5ce4 8,demons haunt$ spr+s & f\nta9s10 says ! au?or4 ,to ?is he adds1 8! episode ( ! angel :o 0 said to desc5d at c]ta9 seasons & tr\ble ! wat] ( ! pool ( ,be!sda1 s t he :o fir/ /epp$ 9 0 cur$ ( :atsoev] disease he _h1 may be m5tion$ 9 pass+40 ,:y1 ,i ask1 m5tion x at all8 ,is ! visit ( an angel to ?is p>ticul> pool = ! purpose ( work+ a miracle1 a pro( t ! foll[]s ( our ,"l believ$ t demons inhabit$ spr+s & f\nta9s8 ,b our a/oni%m5t at ! au?or's ref]5ce to x is increas$ :5 we read ! foll[+ words3 8,al?\gh ! passage is n f\nd 9 ! olde/ manuscripts ( ! ,f\r? ,gospel1 & x is c]ta9ly a late int]polation40 ,i mu/ put ! "q aga9 9 real e>ne/ness4 ,?is be+ s1 :y m5tion x "h8 ,! au?or admits t x =m$ no portion ( ! orig9al ,gospel ( ,/4 ,john1 & t x is c]ta9ly a late int]polation4 ,n[ ! ,gospel ( ,/4 ,john1 accord+ to ! op9ion ( ! mo/ em95t unbeliev]s1 0 n publi%$ be=e ,a4,d4 #agj4 ,if ?is 0 ! case 7! au?or himself evid5tly assigns to its composition a v late date7 a late int]polation c\ld n h f\nd its way into its pages until ab\t ! ye> #bej1 at ! e>lie/ #bjj4 ,:at !n is ! nature ( ! reason+ be=e u8 ,we are ref]r$ = pro( t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus held ^! op9ions to an au?ority :i* ! au?or himself admits to h be5 a late int]polation1 :i* c\ld n h be5 introduc$ into ?is ,gospel e>li] ?an #ahj ye>s aft] ! m9i/ry ( our ,"l1 z a pro( t 8 orig9al foll[]s believ$ t demons inhabit$ spr+s & f\nta9s4 ,su* reason+s furni% _! own refutation4 ,! exposure ( "o m fallacy ( ?is description w be suffici5t4 ,we are told t1 8,n only "o evil _s ent]$ into a body1 b _m took possession ( ! same individual4 ,!re are _m in/ances m5tion$ 9 ! ,gospels1 su* z ,m>y ,magdal5e1 out ( :om w5t sev5 demons1 & ! man ^: "n 0 legion1 because _m demons _h ent]$ into him40 ,i ask1 :]e are ^! 8_m in/ances08 ,! pla9 fact mu/ be /at$1 t ! two "h ref]r$ to1 con/itute ! only ones :i* are m5tion$ z facts by ! ,evangeli/s4 ,besides ^! !re is ! p>able ( ! unclean _s go+ out ( ! man above allud$ to1 :o1 :5 he c\ld f9d no re/ return$ to 8 =m] habitation 9 company ) sev5 o!r spirits m wick$ ?an himself4 ,x %\ld be obs]v$ t 9 two ( ! cases ! numb] giv5 is ! my/ical numb] 8,sev502 & t "o ( !m occurs 9 a p>able1 ! moral ( :i* is1 to w>n ! ,jews1 t al?\gh !y _h got rid ( ! evil _s ( idolatry1 !y 7 9 dang] ( fall+ into ! great] evil ( ,ph>iseeism & hypocrisy4 ,b to return to ! argum5t4 ,! great mass ( ! au?or's citations = ! purpose ( prov+ t ! ,jews at ! "t ( ! ,adv5t1 & among !m ! foll[]s ( ,jesus1 7 a prey to ^! grotesque beliefs respect+ ! action ( demons1 are made f au?ors :o are sep>at$ by an int]val ( c5turies f ! m9i/ry ( our ,"l4 ,i submit1 !re=e1 t su* au?orities are utt]ly valueless to prove t ,8 disciples & e>ly foll[]s 7 a prey to ^! gross delusions4 ,nor has he adduc$ an atom ( valid pro( f ! ,new ,te/am5t itself4 ,! ref]5ces above ref]r$ to h ei!r be5 made 9 a mo/ c>eless mann]1 or h be5 us$ to assi/ 9 prov+ a =egone conclusion4 ,b let u suppose = ! sake ( argum5t t ! ,jews at ! "t ( our ,"l did g5]ally ent]ta9 ^! mon/r\s demoniacal beliefs3 to :at conclusion1 ,i ask1 w\ld su* a fact1 if true1 indubitably po9t8 ,cr$ul\s & sup]/itions p1 inv>iably inv5t /ories t are ! c\nt]p>ts ( _! own cr$ulity4 ,?is is prov$ by ! :ole mass ( exi/+ my?ology4 ,my?ological inv5tions give u ! precise measure ( ! beliefs ( ^? :o h orig9at$ !m4 ,if !n ! demonology ( ^? :o h elaborat$ ^! portions ( ! ,gospels 0 ( ! "* t ?is writ] & o!rs ass]t x to h be51 ! ,gospels w\ld h conta9$ an embodim5t ( su* demoniacal beliefs z ^? :i* ! au?or has s indu/ri\sly collect$1 & has endeav\r$ to fa/5 ^u _! writ]s4 ,n[ ! idea ( demonology hav+ be5 pres5t 9 ! m9ds ( ! writ]s1 x is obvi\s t !y did n omit all ref]5ce to ^! absurd beliefs1 m]ely because !y 7 outside ! subject on :i* !y 7 writ+4 ,b :ile demoniacal action is repeat$ly allud$ to1 x is an und5iable fact t no /ories ( ! description giv5 by ?is writ] are to be f\nd 9 !m4 ,! au?or !re=e has furni%$ ! mo/ conclusive pro(1 )\t int5d+ to d s1 t ^! =ms ( ?\ght1 to :omsoev] else !y may h app]ta9$1 7 nei!r ^? ( ! orig9al foll[]s ( ,jesus1 nor ( ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ?is attempt to prove t ! foll[]s ( our ,"l & ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels 7 a prey to su* a mass ( grotesque beliefs respect+ demons1 z to invalidate _! hi/orical te/imony1 falls to ! gr\nd1 & t ! data on :i* ?is has be5 attempt$ to be e/abli%$1 af=d pro( on ! contr>y t !y did n ent]ta9 ! beliefs 9 "q4 ,,*apt] ,x4 ,,! ,,exi/5ce ,,& ,,miracles ,,( ,,satan4 ,i fully admit t a difficulty is involv$ 9 ! idea t a be+ l ,satan is p]mitt$ to p]=m actions :i* be> ev5 a remote analogy to div9e miracles4 ,i h already %[n t ! ,new ,te/am5t only app>5tly ascribes to him a sup]natural action ( a v limit$ & special k9d1 diff]+ widely f our usual conception ( a miracle4 ,i n[ proce$ to inquire h[ f> ?is limit$ action1 ?us attribut$ to him1 if we suppose t possession 0 an objective fact1 & n a =m ( madness1 int]f]es ) ! validity ( ! atte/ation ( miracles to ! ,*ri/ian revelation4 ,! exi/5ce ( a be+ l ,satan is alleg$ z con/itut+ an enorm\s difficulty aga9/ ! /atem5ts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,a num]\s class ( writ]s dismiss ! idea ( 8 exi/5ce z unwor?y ( s]i\s argum5t1 & endeav\r to dispose ( x ) a sne]4 ,?is _w h[ev] conta9s num]\s analog\s cases ( v evil m5 end[$ ) ! highe/ m5tal p[]s1 :o h ex]t$ ! mo/ injuri\s influ5ces on o!rs4 ,_! exi/5ce is a fact2 & ! difficulties att5d+ x _c be got rid ( by any k9d ( evasion4 ,! objections t h be5 urg$ 9 connection ) ?is subject are n f\nd$ on ! facts ( ! moral univ]se z !y exi/2 b on priori pr9ciples alone4 ,x has be5 affirm$ to be incr$ible t ,almighty ,god %\ld h p]mitt$ ! exi/5ce ( su* a be+ z ,satan2 or if 8 exi/5ce is p]mitt$1 t he c be all[$ to int]f]e 9 ! affairs ( m54 ,9 deal+ ) ?is "q x is evid5t t ,i mu/ proce$ on ! supposition t ,i am reason+ ) !i/s only4 ,! :ole "q is irrelevant on ! pr9ciples ( ,pan!ism or ,a!ism1 or1 to put ! case m di/9ctly1 on su* pr9ciples !re is no great] difficulty 9 suppos+ t nature has evolv$ evil be+s sup]ior to m5 9 _! faculties & p[]s 9 "s o!r "p ( ! univ]se1 ?an t x has evolv$ evil m51 :o are gift$ ) high =ms ( intellig5ce 9 ?is2 or ev5 t su* be+s %\ld be capable ( int]f]+ 9 human affairs4 ,if ,pan!ism or ,a!ism is a correct acc\nt ( ! facts ( ! univ]se1 x is impossible to say :at k9d ( be+s nature may h evolv$ 9 ! pa/1 or may evolve 9 ! future f h] prolific womb4 ,b if x is once conc$$ t a p]sonal ,god exi/s1 :o is ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! ,univ]se1 ! affirmation t ! exi/5ce ( su* be+s is inconsi/5t ) 8 attributes1 is only ano!r =m ( ass]t+ t ! exi/5ce ( moral evil is incompatible ) !m4 ,! gr\nd ( its exi/5ce has be5 a problem1 into :i* ! human m9d has /riv5 to p5etrate f ! e>lie/ dawn ( ?\ght1 )\t ev] approa*+ to its solution2 b into ?is "q x is useless to ent]4 ,9 ! pres5t argum5t we are deal+ ) facts1 & ! exi/5ce ( aggravat$ =ms ( moral evil 9 ! univ]se is a fact4 ,if !re be a ,god1 x mu/ be consi/5t ) 8 attributes4 ,! real difficulty lies 9 its exi/5ce at all 9 ! univ]se ( a ,god :o is allp[]ful & good4 ,b s9ce x does exi/1 ! exi/5ce ( a be+ l ,satan is a m]e "q ( degree4 ,x is an unque/ionable fact1 :e!r we c expla9 x or n1 t _m m5 ( ! wor/ moral pr9ciples h be5 gift$ ) ! highe/ intellectual p[]s1 & h be5 plac$ 9 positions 9 society :i* h enabl$ !m to inflict ! greate/ evil on o!rs4 ,hi/ory is full ( su* cases4 ,! mo/ extreme =ms ( human corruption h be5 n inaptly designat$ z 8,satanic40 ,if !re=e "u ! moral gov]nm5t ( ,god x is a fact t su* =ms ( human wick$ness exi/2 & if x is supposable1 t !re are o!r rational be+s 9 ! univ]se end[$ ) high] p[]s ?an man1 h[ c x be inconceivable t !y may diff] 9 moral "*1 precisely 9 ! same way z m5 d2 & t "s may be em95tly virtu\s1 & o!rs fe>fully corrupt8 ,x is cle> t ! difficulty c5tres 9 ! exi/5ce ( moral evil 9 ! univ]se ( a ,god :o is possess$ ( almighty p[]1 & p]fect hol9ess & goodness4 ,:y has ,he p]mitt$ x8 ,is its exi/5ce a necess>y condition ( ! creation ( a free moral ag5t8 ,if s1 might n ! am\nt ( x h be5 greatly dim9i%$8 ,! utmo/ light t reason c ?r[ on ^! que/ions consi/s ( a few v imp]fect glimm]+s4 ,! fact is und5iable1 t a l>ge mass ( moral evil exi/s1 & 9 v fe>ful =ms4 ,if !re be a ,creator ( ! univ]se1 x is pla9 t ! pres5t /ate ( ?+s mu/ be consi/5t ) 8 attributes4 ,! only mode ( escap+ f ?is difficulty is by tak+ refuge 9 ! va/ly great] ones ( pan!ism or a!ism4 ,_m !i/s1 press$ by ^! difficulties1 h attempt$ to evade !m by endeav\r+ to r$uce ! am\nt ( moral evil 9 ! univ]se1 ! exi/5ce ( :i* !y _c d5y1 to indef9itely small proportions1 & !n affirm+ t x w be ultimately swall[$ up 9 ! ocean ( univ]sal good4 ,b ! m]e dim9i%+ ( its am\nt by no means solves ! difficulty4 ,! real "q is1 h[ has x come ev5 into tempor>y exi/5ce8 ,b !re is also a /ill m grave objection to ?is c\rse ( reason+4 ,x r5d]s x necess>y t we %\ld close our eyes to ! mo/ obvi\s facts4 ,s f> is x f be+ ! case t ! am\nt ( moral evil 9 ! _w is small1 t x is v l>ge4 ,?is fact is indisputable4 ,! :ole c\rse ( hi/ory tells u t x has exi/$ 9 all pa/ ages & 9 v aggravat$ =ms4 ,to try to get rid ( ! difficulty 9 ?is mann] is simply to close our eyes1 & refuse to see x4 ,b n only does moral1 b physical evil exi/4 ,?is is ano!r unque/ionable fact1 & its exi/5ce be>s directly on my argum5t4 ,_m & va9 h be5 ! attempts to expla9 x away4 ,x has be5 affirm$ t pa9 aft] all is no su* great matt]4 ,i /rongly suspect t ^? :o h ass]t$ ?is1 h exp]i5c$ b little ( x4 ,x is true t x may ultimately result 9 good "u ,god's gov]nm5t1 b tak5 by itself1 x is und5iably an evil4 ,d n frightful suff]+s ab\nd8 ,d n mo/ pa9ful diseases afflict our frames8 ,is x n possible to suff] t]ribly f causes q indep5d5t ( our own conduct8 ,is n a great e>?quake a t]rible calamity to ^? :o suff] f its effects1 al?\gh x may be att5d$ ) b5eficial results to ^? :o d n8 ,pa9s may be said to be useful w>n+s2 b surely ! w>n+ might h be5 giv5 )\t ! extremity ( ! suff]+4 ,!y are also affirm$ to be ! p5alties ( ignorance1 & ?is may be p>tially true3 b ! ignorance is 9 a va/ majority ( cases unavoidable4 ,x is a simple fact1 t a great am\nt ( physical suff]+ exi/s1 ! reason ( :i* we are :olly unable to expla94 ,b fur!r3 moral evil propagates itself1 & inflicts calamities on ^? :o are n implicat$ 9 its guilt4 ,is x n true t m5 h exi/$ bo? 9 ! anci5t & mod]n _w1 ^: actions h inflict$ ! greate/ evils on mank9d = g5]ation aft] g5]ation8 ,c any "o d\bt t desc5dants suff] = ! s9s ( remote ance/ors1 & *ildr5 = ^? ( _! p>5ts8 ,facts are facts1 & !y w n become less s by our refus+ to look at !m4 ,! evil wr\ght by su* a man z ,philip ,,ii4 ( ,spa91 is a fact1 & x has ext5d$ its baneful influ5ce to our own times4 ,is n a l>ge portion ( ! evils "u :i* ,france has groan$1 traceable to ! misde$s ( two ( h] sov]eigns8 ,^! 7 quietly sleep+ 9 _! graves1 :5 ! evils !y _h occasion$ bur/ on ! head ( _! guiltless successor4 ,b x is ne$less to quote examples4 ,hi/ory is "o long succession ( !m4 ,:e!r we l x or n1 ! old say+ is an accurate acc\nt ( ! moral ord] ( ! univ]se z x exi/s1 8,visit+ ! s9s ( ! fa!rs on ! *ildr5 unto ! ?ird & f\r? g5]ation ( !m t hate me1 & %[+ m]cy unto ?\s&s ( !m t love me1 & keep my comm&m5ts40 ,^! are facts :i* ! !i/ equally ) ! ,*ri/ian mu/ face1 = !y exi/ 9 ! univ]se ( t ,god1 9 ^: moral p]fections bo? believe4 ,i repeat1 !re=e1 t ! only way ( escap+ f !m is by ru%+ into ! f> great] difficulties ( pan!ism or a!ism4 ,^! reason+s might be indef9itely ext5d$4 ,! result :i* foll[s f !m is cle>1 t if we attempt to reason f ab/ract pr9ciples to ! con/itution ( a univ]se1 we %all produce "o utt]ly unlike t :i* actually exi/s4 ,x foll[s1 t z !y _c acc\nt = ! facts ( ! univ]se1 z !y come "u our obs]vation1 !y are unsafe guides on all simil> que/ions4 ,consequ5tly !y are unable to %[ t ! exi/5ce ( evil be+s possess$ ( sup]human p[]s1 is inconsi/5t ) ! p]fections ( ,god4 ,nor is !re any great] =ce 9 ! objection1 t if su* be+s exi/ at all1 x is inconsi/5t ) our conceptions ( ! div9e gov]nm5t1 t !y %\ld be all[$ to int]f]e 9 ! affairs ( m54 ,i reply1 t x is equally inconceivable1 t ,god %\ld h all[$ a man1 to :om he has imp>t$ ! greate/ m5tal end[m5ts1 & :om he has plac$ 9 an elevat$ position 9 society1 :o liv$ c5turies ago1 to ex]t an evil influ5ce on ! pres5t g5]ation4 ,! difficulty t a p[]ful influ5ce = evil c be ex]t$ by m5 on ^? :o h nev] se5 !m1 & ( ^: exi/5ce !y h nev] he>d1 is j z great z ! "o "u consid]ation4 ,yet x is "o ( ! mo/ und5iable ( facts1 t m5 d ex]t ! mo/ p[]ful influ5ce on "o ano!r1 & t su* influ5ce c be ex]t$ by g5]ations long s9ce pass$ away on ^? :o live ages aft]w>ds2 & t x c be ex]t$ unconsci\sly4 ,i am f> f wi%+ to d5y1 t ! difficulty is a real "o4 ,on ! contr>y1 ,i fully admit x2 & t x is "o :i* our pres5t faculties are unable to expla94 ,b x is "o :i* is n peculi> to ,*ri/ianity1 nor has x orig9at$ 9 x4 ,! int]f]5ce ( sup]human be+s 9 human affairs = ! purposes ( evil1 w\ld be only ano!r =m ( ! same difficulty4 ,precisely simil> reason+s to ^? :i* h be5 employ$ to prove t ! exi/5ce ( a be+ l ,satan is impossible1 :5 !y are appli$ to o!r subjects1 br+ u into direct collision ) realities4 ,!re c be no d\bt1 t if ! con/itution ( ! univ]se _h be5 plac$ 9 our h&s1 its ph5om5a w\ld h be5 v diff]5t4 ,b our function is a f> humbl] "o4 ,x is n to erect a univ]se accord+ to our conceptions ( :at is be/1 b to le>n ! ord] ( t 9 :i* we live1 & to accept facts on suffici5t evid5ce1 h[ev] /rongly !y may conflict ) ab/ract !ories4 ,i n[ proce$ to consid] ! real difficulty connect$ ) ?is subject1 & :i* has be5 v /rongly urg$ by ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion40 ,x is ?is4 8,if x is conceivable t be+s exi/ :o possess sup]human k & p[]2 & t !y are capable ( int]f]+ z ! ,new ,te/am5t affirms1 9 ! affairs ( m51 h[ c ! p]=mance ( a miracle be ! gu>antee ( a div9e commission8 ,may n inf]ior ag5ts1 :o possess sup]human k & p[]1 be able to produce results :i* w\ld to all outw>d appe>ance be miracul\s8 ,might n an evil be+1 :o 0 possess$ ( ! highe/ intellig5ce l ,satan1 p]=m su* actions z w\ld be equival5t to miracles1 = ! purpose ( au!nticat+ falsehoods8 ,all t su* actions prove is ! pres5ce ( sup]human k & p[]2 b !y w\ld leave x q unc]ta9 :e!r ! p[] 0 div9e or ,satanic40 ,su* is ! objection1 & x dem&s an adequate solution4 ,i reply1 t if we view ! "q m]ely z an ab/ract "o1 x is q possible1 if a sup]human be+ ( high intellig5ce is p]mitt$ to int]f]e 9 ! affairs ( m51 t he %\ld be able to p]=m actions :i* might h all ! appe>ance ( be+ sup]natural4 ,su* results might be ev5 br\ght ab\t by a sup]ior acqua9tance ) ! exi/+ =ces ( nature1 & by a successful comb9ation ( !m1 )\t ! introduction ( any new =ce :atev]4 ,= su* results we ne$ n invoke ! aid ( a sup]natural be+4 ,!y h be5 frequ5tly effect$ by a sup]ior human intellig5ce act+ on an inf]ior "o4 ,we all "k h[ ,columbus us$ 8 sup]ior k ( a/ronomy1 to pr$ict an eclipse1 & ! ignorant natives ( ,am]ica mi/ook ?is z d5ot+ ! pres5ce ( a sup]human be+4 ,su* results may be always produc$1 :5 sup]ior k acts on ignorance2 & su* is ! orig9 ( no inconsid]able numb] ( impositions :i* h be5 practis$ on mank9d4 ,x is !re=e q conceivable1 z an ab/ract "q1 t z m5 :o possess a v sup]ior intellig5ce1 are capable ( produc+ results :i* to an inf]ior intellig5ce w\ld h ! appe>ance ( be+ sup]natural1 )\t really be+ s1 9 ! same mann]1 if ,satan is suppos$ to possess an intellig5ce great] ?an t ( ! wise/ ( mank9d1 & if 8 int]f]5ce 9 human affairs is p]mitt$1 he may be able to p]=m actions :i* w\ld h ! appe>ance ( be+ sup]natural1 by a skilful use ( ! exi/+ =ces ( nature4 ,b to su* p[] !re mu/ be a limit4 ,!re are c]ta9 results :i* pla9ly lie beyond ! p[] ( any m]e comb9ation ( ! =ces ( nature to produce4 ,( ^!1 _m ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels are in/ances1 su* z ! cure ( bl9d or lepr\s m5 by no o!r visible in/rum5tality ?an a ^w or a t\*4 ,actions ( ?is k9d diff] :olly 9 "* f ^? :i* we are n[ consid]+4 ,if a miracle 0 a m objective fact tak+ place 9 ext]nal nature1 & no?+ m1 x might be op5 to "q :e!r its p]=mance 0 ow+ to sup]natural ag5cy1 or to "s comb9ation ( kn[n or unkn[n =ces4 ,b ! miracles ) :i* we are conc]n$ 9 ?is controv]sy1 involve a great deal m ?an m objective facts 9 mat]ial nature4 ,b assum+1 z ,i _c help do+ 9 an argum5t l ! pres5t1 ! exi/5ce ( a ,god1 :o is ! ,creator & ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 ! "q is n a m]e ab/ract "o1 :at a ,be+ l ,satan1 if he is suppos$ to exi/1 might be capable ( do+2 b x becomes entirely "o ( p]mitt$ ag5cy4 ,x is pla91 t if !re is a ,god1 e be+ 9 ! univ]se1 h[ev] p[]ful or intellig5t1 c only act )9 a c]ta9 def9ite sph]e ( op]ation1 :i* ! ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se has assign$ to him4 ,)9 :at limits !n is he all[$ act8 ,are subord9ate ag5ts p]mitt$ to int]f]e ) ! mat]ial =ces ( ext]nal nature8 & if s1 )9 :at b\nds8 ,c !y w&] ov] ! univ]se at _! m]e w & pleasure1 & int]f]e ) its op]ations8 ,h[ f> is _! int]f]5ce p]mitt$ 9 ! moral & spiritual worlds8 ,! "q be=e z is ev5 r$uc$ to "o ( f> n>r[] limits4 ,our only direct k ( ! exi/5ce ( su* an ag5cy is d]iv$ f ,revelation4 ,! real po9t !re=e :i* conc]ns u is1 to :at ext5t is su* p]mitt$ ag5cy affirm$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,d ! ,satanic int]v5tions !re describ$ int]f]e ) div9e miracles z atte/ations ( a div9e commission8 ,we h no?+ :atev] to d ) ab/ract propositions or ) :at ,rabb9ical writ]s may h affirm$ on ?is subject1 b ) ! ass]tions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t alone4 ,if !re is a ,god1 x is c]ta9 t ! pres5t ord] ( nature mu/ be a manife/ation ( ,8 w4 ,s mu/ be ! en]gy ( its =ces 9 con=mity ) inv>iable law4 ,:atev] p[] ,he has delegat$ to subord9ate ag5ts1 mu/ =m a portion ( ?is univ]sal ord]1 & be ex]cis$ 9 con=mity ) ! div9e purposes4 ,x is inconceivable t subord9ate ag5ts c be all[$ to break 9 ^u x at _! w & pleasure1 = ! g5]al p]man5ce ( its ord] =ms an ess5tial condition = ! ex]cise ( moral ag5cy4 ,if !y are all[$ to d s1 x mu/ be only )9 cle> & def9ite limits1 :i* ultimately effectuate ! purposes ( ! ,creator4 ,su* is ! nature ( ! p[] :i* man c ex]t ov] mat]ial nature4 ,x c only modify results1 by giv+ a new direction to its =ces4 ,9 ! case ( man ?is p[] is limit$ to ! _w 9 :i* he lives4 ,9 a simil> mann]1 if be+s sup]ior to him 9 p[] & intellig5ce exi/1 _! int]f]5ce mu/ be subject to def9ite limitations4 ,su* is ! uni=m affirmation ( ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,ev5 if we take _! language 9 ! mo/ lit]al s5se1 ! sup]natural int]v5tions :i* !y attribute to ,satan1 are conf9$ to a v def9ite ord] ( ph5om5a4 ,9 "o ^w1 ! sacr$ writ]s h describ$ ,satanic int]v5tion z limit$ to ! _w ( m9d2 & z capable1 ?r\gh its action on ! m9d1 ( produc+ c]ta9 results on ! bodily organization4 ,to ?is !re is "o exception1 ! app>5t ascription ( a few diseases to ,satanic ag5cy4 ,?is ,i %all consid] h]eaft]4 ,x is a rem>kable fact1 & "o wor?y ( p>ticul> att5tion1 t ! sup]natural action attribut$ to ,satan 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ) ! exception above ref]r$ to1 is a m5tal "o4 ,x is ?r\gh ! action on m5's m9ds alone1 t demoniacal ag5cy produces any results on _! bodily frame4 ,no direct action on ! mat]ial =ces ( nature is ev] attribut$ to x4 ,we f9d no?+ 9 ! smalle/ degree resembl+ ! act ( a demon ov]turn+ a pit*] ( wat]4 ,! k9d ( influ5ce attribut$ to ,satan is ( a simil> "*1 ?\gh mu* high] 9 degree1 to t :i* "o man c ex]t ov] ano!r4 ,"o man ( sup]ior m5tal p[] is capable ( ex]t+ an influ5ce ov] a weak] m9d to su* a degree1 z almo/ to en?ral x4 ,we call ?is a species ( fasc9ation4 ,9 ! ,new ,te/am5t ! simil> b mighti] ,satanic influ5ce is ,possession4 ,"o m9d1 by gett+ a p[]ful hold on ano!r1 c ex]t an influ5ce on ! body1 z 9 mesm]ism4 ,! ,satanic influ5ce ex]t$ 9 possession is only a m p[]ful "o4 ,x is c]ta9 t ! ext5t to :i* "o human m9d c act on ano!r is b\nd$ by no n>r[ limits2 :at is m1 x is "o :i* is frequ5tly ex]t$ = evil4 ,x is evid5tly )9 ! purposes ( ! ,creator to p]mit ?is4 ,:y x is all[$ to ! ext5t to :i* x is1 is beyond our p[]s to discov]4 ,b ! wide ext5t to :i* x n only c be1 b actually is ex]t$1 is a fact t _c be d5i$4 ,x is also an influ5ce t c be ex]t$ secretly4 ,! diff]5ce betwe5 ?is p[] & t :i* is suppos$ to be attribut$ to ,satan 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t is f> m "o ( degree ?an ( k9d2 & ! latt] is "o :i* is b\nd$ by cle> & def9ite limits4 ,betwe5 a ,satanic possession & a miracle p]=m$ by ,jesus ! di/9ction is unmi/akable4 ,x foll[s f ! =ego+ consid]ations1 t ! ,satanic sup]naturalism1 :i* we h to consid]1 z f> z if /&s 9 opposition to ! miracles ( ,god1 is r$uc$ to v n>r[ limits4 ,x consi/s almo/ exclusively ( possession & its ph5om5a4 ,no o!r k9d ( action be>+ ev5 a remote analogy to a miracle1 ) ! s+le exception ( ! hi/ory ( ! temptation1 is any:]e attribut$ to ,satan 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,9 e/imat+ ! evid5tial "* ( miracles1 x has be5 a f> too common practice ) ^? :o d5y ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels1 to keep out ( view _! moral aspect z an important portion ( _! evid5tial value4 ,x has be5 affirm$ t a miracle mu/ be e/imat$ z an act ( p[] q ap>t f its moral impress4 ,! au?or be=e me ev5 goes ! l5g? ( suppos+1 t1 if ,satan is z cunn+ z he is repres5t$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 he may ev5 turn himself into an angel ( light & p]=m works be>+ ! impress ( hol9ess = ! purpose ( fur!r+ ! int]e/s ( ! k+dom ( lies4 ,su* an idea receives no c\nt5ance f any?+ :i* is affirm$ by ,/4 ,paul4 ,! passage 9 :i* allusion is made to ,satan trans=m+ himself into an angel ( light is z foll[s3 8,= su* are false apo/les1 deceitful work]s1 trans=m+ !mselves into ! apo/les ( ,*ri/4 ,& no m>vel1 = ,satan himself is trans=m$ into an angel ( light4 ,!re=e x is no great ?+ if 8 m9i/]s %\ld be trans=m$ z ! m9i/]s ( righte\sness40 ,x is q cle> t no?+ 0 fur!r f ! ,apo/le's m9d ?an ! idea ( ,satanic miracles be>+ ! impress ( hol9ess z wr\ght 9 support ( ! k+dom ( falsehood4 ,he is simply speak+ ( ,judaiz+ tea*]s1 :o claim$ ! support ( apo/olical au?ority1 = ! purpose ( dissem9at+ _! un*ri/ian views4 ,! idea is absurd & ridicul\s1 b we "k t x occurr$ to ! oppon5ts ( our ,"l1 :o *>g$ him ) work+ miracles by ,satanic ag5cy4 ,! special in/ance 9 :i* !y made ?is *>ge 0 t ( 8 suppos$ expulsion ( demons4 ,our ,"l met x by ! decisive argum5t1 8,h[ c ,satan ca/ out ,satan8 ,if ,satan be divid$ aga9/ himself1 h[ %all 8 k+dom /&80 ,9 a ^w1 he appeal$ to ! moral aspect ( 8 miracles z a conv9c+ pro( t _! accusation c\ld only h be5 in/igat$ by delib]ate malice4 ,! same objection 0 d\btless urg$ aga9/ 8 o!r miracles1 al?\gh x is n[h]e /at$ 9 express t]ms 9 ! ,gospels4 ,b :atev] absurd beliefs may h be5 ent]ta9$ by ! le>n$ ,rabbis1 !y 7 easily met by ! common s5se ( ! p4 8,we "k10 said ! ,rabbis1 8t ?is man is a s9n]40 8,h[ c a man t is a s9n] p]=m su* miracles80 is ! reply4 8,:e!r he be a s9n]1 ,i "k n1 b "o ?+ ,i "k1 t :]eas ,i 0 bl9d1 n[ ,i see40 8,c a devil op5 ! eyes ( ! bl9d80 ,x is evid5t t ! difficulties sugge/$ by ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 z to ! evid5tial value ( miracles be+ nullifi$ by ! views :i* prevail$ respect+ demoniacal action 7 n appreciat$ :5 ! f\r? ,gospel 0 compos$1 al?\gh accord+ to ?is !ory !y ought to h be5 at t "t 9 full =ce4 ,b ap>t f ! peculi> "* ascrib$ to ,satanic sup]naturalism 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ! entire idea t !re c\ld h be5 any dang] ( conf\nd+ ,satanic miracles ) ! miracles ( ,god1 re/s on ! fallacy ( conf\nd+ a m]e objective fact ) an action ( a moral ag5t4 ,a miracle does n consi/ m]ely 9 ! outw>d ev5t1 :i* is caus$ by him1 b 9 ! occurr5ce unit$ ) ! "* & purpose ( ! ag5t4 ,! actions ( holy be+s mu/ be> ! impress ( _! hol9ess2 ^? ( evil ones1 ( ! contr>y4 ,if1 !re=e1 evil moral ag5ts are capable ( p]=m+ actions :i* are analog\s to miracles1 !y _c fail to be /amp$ ) ! evil ( _! *>act]s4 ,su* w\ld always =m a discrim9at+ m>k betwe5 ,div9e & ,satanic miracles1 ev5 on ! supposition t ! latt] are possible4 ,?is precisely repres5ts ! case z x /&s 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,all ! miracles alleg$ to h be5 wr\ght by ,god1 be> a def9ite impress ( "* & purpose4 ,! sup]naturalism ascrib$ to ,satan is no less def9itely m>k$4 ,! "o cle>ly comes f above4 ,! indications t ! o!r1 if real1 mu/ h come f bel[1 are equally di/9ct4 ,! moral impress :i* ! two s]ies ( ev5ts be>1 is fully suffici5t to discrim9ate ! "o f ! o!r4 ,! attempt to di/+ui% betwe5 ! miracul\s act & its moral environm5t1 is absurd4 ,x has be5 affirm$ t "o miracul\s act is z good z ano!r1 q ap>t f ! circum/ances ) :i* !y are att5d$4 ,su* a pr9ciple w\ld de/roy ! di/9ction betwe5 a highly m]itori\s act & ! f\le/ crime4 ,a1 = example1 has kill$ ,b4 ,! outw>d act may be ! same2 b ! accompany+ circum/ances make all ! di/9ction betwe5 a ju/ifiable homicide1 & a mo/ atroci\s murd]4 ,x is ridicul\s to affirm t pr9ciples :i* are legitimate 9 common life become invalid only :5 !y are appli$ to ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,:y1 9 ! "n ( common s5se1 may n "o miracle be z cle>ly di/+ui%able f ano!r by its moral environm5t1 z an ev5t 9 ord9>y life is simil>ly di/+ui%$8 ,! affirmation1 !re=e1 t ! supposition ( ! possibility ( ,satanic miracles mu/ invalidate ! miracles ( ,god is absurd4 ,our ,"l1 !re=e1 0 "r 9 appeal+ to ! "* ( 8 works z af=d+ a conclusive pro( ( ! s\rce :5ce !y orig9at$1 & 9 contra/+ !m ) ! species ( sup]naturalism :i* 0 popul>ly attribut$ to ,satan4 8,h[ c ,satan ca/ out ,satan8 ,if ,i d n ! works ( my ,fa!r1 believe me n2 b if ,i d1 ?\gh ye believe n me1 believe ! works1 t ye may see & believe t ! ,fa!r is 9 me & ,i 9 ,him40 ,?is is conclusive reason+4 ,x is only possible to d>k5 ! "q by treat+ x z "o ( b>e possibilities1 z to :at k9d ( actions a be+ l ,satan might be capable ( p]=m+1 if he is all[$ to int]f]e ) ! arrangem5ts ( ! univ]se at 8 pleasure4 ,su* a supposition is =eign to ! "q at issue1 :i* is :e!r ! sup]naturalism :i* ! ,new ,te/am5t is suppos$ to attribute to him c int]f]e ) ! evid5tial value ( ! miracles wr\ght by ,jesus4 ,my reply is1 ,exam9e & comp>e ! two4 ,:5 ?is has be5 done1 no d\bt c rema9 on any reasonable m9d t ! latt]1 if real1 are f above2 & ! =m] f bel[4 ,! affirmation !re=e t if ,satanic miracles1 su* z possession1 are possible1 x invalidates ! evid5ce ( ^? wr\ght by ,god 9 atte/ation ( ! tru? ( a div9e commission is disprov$4 ,equally invalid is ! objection aga9/ a miracul\s atte/ation to a div9e commission1 on ! gr\nd t su* te/imony c be easily imitat$4 ,i reply1 t ! great mass ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t d n easily admit ( a fraudul5t imitation4 ,i by no means d5y t ! art ( leg]dema9 is capable ( produc+ results :i* to an ignorant obs]v] h ! appe>ance ( be+ sup]natural4 ,b ?is class ( actions be>s n ! smalle/ analogy to ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,no art ( leg]dema9 c p]suade a man :o has be5 = _m ye>s bl9d to believe t he has recov]$ 8 sight1 & enable him to act accord+ly4 ,b x has be5 argu$2 if ,god is ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 is ,he n b\nd to prev5t a be+ l ,satan f act+ = ! purposes ( evil 9 ! affairs ( m58 ,?is "q may be be/ answ]$ by ask+ ano!r4 ,is ,he n equally b\nd to h9d] evil m5 f ex]t+ su* t]rible influ5ces on o!rs1 ev5 long aft] !y are dead8 ,is ,he n b\nd to h9d] ! possibility ( ! br++ up ( *ildr5 by _! p>5ts 9 v>i\s =ms ( vice1 s z to r5d] !m 9 aft] life1 m wick$ ?an !mselves8 ,yet x is an indubitable fact t su* an influ5ce is ex]t$ "u ! moral gov]nm5t ( ,god4 ,human life ab\nds ) su* cases1 :i* be> a close analogy to ,satanic action ex]t$ 9 ! affairs ( m54 ,:5 we c fully fa?om ! reason = ! p]mission ( ! "o1 we %all h made consid]able progress 9 und]/&+ ^? ( ! o!r4 ,! case may be simply /at$4 ,!re are difficulties 9 ! moral gov]nm5t ( ! univ]se1 into ! gr\nds ( :i* we _c p5etrate4 ,^! press equally on e =m ( !ism4 ,! ,satanic sup]naturalism describ$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t pres5ts a precisely analog\s difficulty4 ,?is !re=e c =m no reason :y "o :o believes t ,god is ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 z x n[ exi/s1 %\ld reject ,*ri/ianity because ! difficulties are ( a simil> ord]1 & press equally on bo?4 ,! only escape f !m1 z ,i h already said1 is ! inevitable position assum$ by a!ism1 or pan!ism1 & ! dre>y prospect :i* !y af=d to ! aspirations ( ! human m9d4 ,,*apt] ,,xi4 ,,possession3 ,,is ,,! ,,!ory ,,t ,,x ,,0 ,,madness ,,subv]sive ,,( ,,! ,,hi/orical ,,value ,,( ,,! ,,gospels ,,or ,,inconsi/5t ,,) ,,! ,,v]acity ,,( ,,*ri/8 ,!re c be no d\bt t ! subject ( possession is att5d$ ) real difficulties1 :i*ev] view we may take ( its actual "*4 ,! symptoms :i* are alleg$ to h accompani$ x pres5t _m ( ! usual ph5om5a ( madness4 ,no possession is believ$ to take place n[1 b su* ph5om5a are attribut$ to causes purely natural4 ,! suppos$ possessions !re=e :i* are m5tion$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t or 9 o!r anci5t writ+s are said to be due only to ignorance ( natural causes4 ,_m v em95t def5d]s ( ,*ri/ianity h be5 s deeply impress$ by ^! & o!r reasons t !y h admitt$ t possession is only a =m ( madness1 & t ! language respect+ x 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t is bas$ on ! curr5t ideas ( ! day4 ,x is desirable t ! difficulty %\ld be put 9 ! /ronge/ light4 ,i w !re=e /ate x 9 ! words ( ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion40 8,x w\ld be an insult to ! und]/&+ ( ^? :o are consid]+ ?is "q1 to pause "h to prove t ! hi/orical books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 speak 9 ! cle>e/ & mo/ unmi/akable t]ms ( actual demoniacal possession40 ,n[ :at has become ( ?is !ory ( disease8 ,! ,ar*bi%op ( ,dubl9 is probably ! only "o :o ass]ts ! reality ( demoniacal possession =m]ly1 & 9 ! pres5t day2 & 9 ?is way we mu/ say t he is consi/5t4 ,dean ,milman1 on ! o!r h&1 :o spoke ) ! enlight5m5t ( ! #ai? c5tury1 8has no scruple 9 av]r+ 8 op9ion on ! subject ( demoniacal possession to be t ( ,joseph ,m$e1 ,l>dn]1 ,dr4 ,mead1 ,paley1 & all ! le>n$ mod]n writ]s4 ,x 0 a k9d ( insanity1 & no?+ is m probable ?an t lunacy w\ld take ! turn1 & speak ! language ( ! prevail+ sup]/ition ( ! times40 ,! ,dean1 z well z 8all ! le>n$ mod]n writ]s0 to :om he ref]s1 felt ! difficulty1 b 9 seek+ to evade x1 !y sacrifice ! ,gospels4 ,!y ov]look ! fact1 t ! writ]s ( ^! n>ratives1 n only !mselves adopt 8! prevail+ sup]/ition ( ! times10 b repres5t ,jesus z do+ s ) equal complet5ess4 ,!re is no possibility1 = in/ance1 ( evad+ su* /atem5ts z ^? 9 ! miracle ( ! c\ntry ( ! ,gad>5es1 :]e ! objectivity ( ! demons is s fully recognis$1 t on be+ ca/ out ( ! man1 !y are repres5t$ z reque/+ to be all[$ to g into ! h]d ( sw9e1 & be+ p]mitt$ by ,jesus to d s1 ! entry ( ! demons into ! sw9e is at once signalis$ by ! h]d runn+ viol5tly d[n ! cliff into ! lake & be+ dr[n$4 7p4 #aca47 ,! au?or might h /r5g!n$ 8 case1 z f> z mod]n au?orities are conc]n$1 by draw+ att5tion to ! fact1 t ev5 ,dr4 ,f>r>1 :o seems to ma9ta9 ! objective reality ( demoniacal possessions 9 8 rec5tly publi%$ 8,life ( ,*ri/10 admits t 9 ! /atem5t t ! demons locally pass$ f ! man into ! sw9e1 "s inaccuracy has crept into ! n>rative ( ! ,evangeli/s4 ,x w be at once se5 t ! allimportant po9t 9 ?is objection is ! app>5t acceptance by our ,"l ( demoniacal possession1 z be+ a correct acc\nt ( an objective fact4 ,i fully agree ) ?is writ]1 t ^? :o affirm t x 0 madness & no?+ else are b\nd1 :5 !y propose ?is solution ( ! difficulty1 to po9t out di/9ctly h[ x affects ! "q ( our ,"l's v]acity1 & ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels4 ,9 approa*+ ?is "q1 let me at once obs]ve t :ile ,i ent]ta9 a def9ite op9ion z to ! nature ( ! inspiration ( ! ,new ,te/am5t d]iv$ n f priori assumptions1 b f a c>eful /udy ( its facts & ph5om5a1 yet ! "q at issue is n :at is ! nature or ! ext5t ( ! inspiration1 b ! reality ( ! sup]natural ev5ts record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,?is issue is "o :i* is purely hi/orical1 & !re=e ,i h simply to exam9e x on hi/orical gr\nds1 & n to def5d any p>ticul> !ory ( inspiration4 ,our bus9ess is fir/ to asc]ta9 :at are ! facts ( ! ,new ,te/am5t :i* are support$ by hi/orical evid5ce2 :5 we h asc]ta9$ ^!1 we %all be 9 a position to prop\nd a !ory ( inspiration 9 accordance ) ! facts & ass]tions2 /ill1 h[ev]1 x w be necess>y to f9d out h[ a c]ta9 /ate ( ! facts w affect ! "* :i* ! ,gospels attribute to our ,"l4 ,! foll[+ facts are pla9 on ! surface ( ! ,gospels4 ,fir/1 t ! foll[]s ( our ,"l believ$ t ! demoniacal possessions !re record$ 7 objective facts1 & n m]e =ms ( disease4 ,secondly1 t our ,"l himself1 if ! words attribut$ to ,him are correctly report$1 us$ language :i* seems to imply t ,he %>$ 9 ?is belief4 ,?irdly1 t 9 a p>ticul> in/ance1 n only d ! ,evangeli/s affirm t our ,"l address$ a demoniac1 b also ! demons :o possess$ him1 & t ,he p]mitt$ _! dep>ture into a h]d ( sw9e1 !reby app>5tly confirm+ ! objective reality ( ! possession4 ,! "q is a f> m s]i\s "o1 z x affects our ,"l1 ?an ^? on ^: reports ! /atem5ts ( ! ,gospels are f\nd$4 ,he is repres5t$ z be+ a div9e p]son1 & z possess$ 9 ,8 human nature1 n ( inf9ite b ( sup]human k4 ,8 app>5t sanction ( an errone\s view is !re=e a v diff]5t ?+ f ! app>5t sanction ( x by an au?or ( a ,gospel1 or f ! mi/ak5 views :i* 8 foll[]s might h ent]ta9$ z to ! causes ( a bodily disease4 ,i %\ld f9d no difficulty 9 adopt+ ! !ory ( ! em95t writ]s above nam$1 t ! demoniacal possessions m5tion$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 7 no?+ b =ms ( insanity1 if x 7 n t our ,"l has app>5tly recognis$ _! reality4 ,x has be5 urg$ t if possession 0 no?+ b insanity1 !re is an end ( ! miracle4 ,b ?is is n ! case1 = ! cure ( a madman is q z mu* a sup]natural act z ! expulsion ( a demon4 ,let me n[ assume = argum5t's sake1 t possession 0 simple madness4 ,h[ does su* a supposition affect ! v]acity ( ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels1 & _! judgm5t z cr$ible hi/orians ( ! ev5ts ( our ,"l's life8 ,if we assume t possession 0 madness1 x is evid5t f ! language :i* ! ,evangeli/s h employ$ t !y mu/ h %>$ 9 ! ignorance ( ! times 9 :i* !y liv$ z to ! true causes ( ! compla9t4 ,:5 h[ev] we speak ( ! ignorance ( any p>ticul> p]iod1 x %\ld be obs]v$ t ! expression is an indef9ite "o4 ,we h no "r to impute to any body ( au?ors op9ions on p>ticul> subjects ( :i* _! writ+s conta9 no traces4 ,x has be5 affirm$1 z we h se51 t ! ,jews ( ! apo/olic age held a numb] ( op9ions on ! subject ( possession ( ! mo/ grotesque & mon/r\s description4 ,i h already %[n t to impute ^! op9ions to !m1 :5 no trace ( !m c be f\nd 9 _! writ+s is a mo/ unfair mode ( reason+4 ,:51 !re=e1 ,i use ! expression t !y mu/ h %>$ 9 ! ignorance ( ! age respect+ ! causes ( ?is disease1 ,i mu/ gu>d aga9/ ! dang] ( ascrib+ to !m a great] degree ( ignorance ?an t :i* !y h actually %[n4 ,! expression1 8ignorance ( ! age10 d5otes no uni=m quantity ( ignorance %>$ 9 by e individual alike4 ,9 an ignorant or sup]/iti\s age1 "o p]son may be f> m s ?an ano!r4 ,x is q conceivable t two ?\s& ye>s h5ce human improvem5t may h become s great1 t ^? :o live 9 ! pres5t c5tury may be designat$ z ignorant4 ,x may be h]eaft] ass]t$ t su* writ]s z ,huxley1 ,tyndall1 ,h]b]t ,sp5c]1 & ,mill %>$ 9 ! ignorance ( ! age 9 :i* !y liv$ on "s important physical facts4 ,b f ?is x w\ld be absurd to draw ! conclusion t !y 7 believ]s 9 ! alleg$ facts ( spiritualism because l>ge numb]s ( _! contempor>ies 7 kn[n to h believ$ 9 !m1 & spirituali/ic publications enjoy a l>ge circulation bo? 9 ,europe & ,am]ica 9 ?is n9ete5? c5tury4 ,z f> z ! ,evangeli/s are conc]n$1 ! supposition t ,i am n[ consid]+ involves no?+ m ?an t !y held a false !ory z to ! cause ( a p>ticul> =m ( disease1 & t !y h us$ language respect+ x t embodies ?is !ory4 ,9 ?is po9t ( view !y w\ld n diff] f writ]s ( e age :o h ent]ta9$ false !ories z to ! causes ( physical ph5om5a4 ,9 su* cases x is easy to sep>ate ! fact f ! incorrect view z to :at 7 ! causes ( t fact4 ,anci5t philosophical writ]s held _m false !ories z to ! place ( ! local habitation 9 our bodies ( c]ta9 affections ( our moral nature4 ,^! c be trac$ v di/9ctly 9 ! language ( ! pres5t day4 ,?us we say t a man is devoid ( he>t1 & talk ( mak+ appeals to ! he>t4 ,^!1 & multitudes ( simil> expressions :i* occur bo? 9 anci5t & mod]n writ+s1 involve false philosophical !ories2 b x is easy to sep>ate ! facts int5d$ f ! !ories4 ,?us1 if ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels in=m u t our ,"l cur$ a demoniac1 & give an acc\nt ( ! demoniac's outcries1 z ?\gh !y 7 ! utt]ances ( a demon1 we h only to sub/itute madman = demoniac1 & ! correct /ate ( ! case is easily discov]$4 ,! real difficulty :i* is felt on ?is subject1 arises n f ! n>ratives z ord9>y hi/ories1 b on ! supposition t ! writ]s possess$ an inspiration :i* ought to h gu>d$ !m f su* errors4 ,popul> !ories ( inspiration unque/ionably r5d] su* an assumption necess>y1 b ,i c see no gr\nd = x1 ei!r 9 ! /atem5ts ( ! ,gospels1 or any o!r portion ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,n[h]e is x affirm$ t its writ]s 7 to be guid$ into all tru?1 sci5tific1 philosophical1 or ev5 hi/orical4 ,all t is affirm$ is t !y possess$ a degree ( sup]natural enlight5m5t adequate to communicate ! ,*ri/ian revelation to mank9d4 ,nei!r is !re a h9t giv51 nor c a fact be adduc$1 to %[ t _! sup]natural illum9ation ext5d$ beyond ?is4 ,! spiritual gifts be/[$ no enlight5m5t beyond ! special function ( ^? gifts4 ,?is ! affirmation ( ,/4 ,paul 9 ! ,epi/les to ! ,cor9?ians makes cle>4 ,a p]son hav+ ! gift ( tongues1 if he _h n also t ( int]pretation 0 unable to int]pret 8 own utt]ances1 & ! possession ( ! high gift ( prophecy by no means exempt$ ! possessor f ! dang] ( us+ x 9 a mann] to create confusion 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,ev5 ! highe/ apo/olic gifts conf]r$ no infallibility1 b 7 /rictly limit$ to _! prop] functions ( communicat+ ! great tru?s ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation4 ,! idea t !y conf]r$ a g5]al infallibility is no /atem5t ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 b a pure figm5t ( ! imag9ation4 ,x !re=e by no means foll[s because ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t _h an illum9ation suffici5t = _! functions t !y _h any o!r ?an _! ord9>y enlight5m5t beyond t limit4 ,!y might h be5 good tea*]s ( religi\s tru?1 & yet utt]ly ignorant ( physical sci5ce4 ,! ass]tion may be correct t ,/4 ,luke possess$ a sup]natural guidance suffici5t to enable him to compose ! ?ird ,gospel1 & yet x may be no less true1 t z a physician he _h no m$ical k beyond t ( 8 "t1 & t he %>$ 9 all its errors z to ! causes & cure ( physical disease4 ,a man may be a good physician ( ! s\l1 & at ! same "t a v ignorant physician ( ! body4 ,x is q conceivable1 !re=e1 ev5 if ! ,evangeli/s or ^? foll[]s ( ,*ri/ f :om !y d]iv$ _! acc\nts possess$ v>i\s degrees ( sup]natural enlight5m5t on matt]s directly affect+ ,*ri/ianity1 t !y possess$ none :atev] z to ! causes ( disease1 & t !y may h view$ madness z a result ( demoniacal action1 & describ$ x accord+ly4 ,! facts w\ld rema9 ! same2 ! symptoms might h be5 exhibit$1 & ! cure actually effect$4 ,b ! ,new ,te/am5t likewise affirms t our ,"l imp>t$ to ,8 foll[]s ! p[] ( expell+ demons1 z well z t ( heal+ diseases4 ,n[1 on ! supposition t ^! demoniacs 7 simple maniacs1 h[ does ?is affect ! cr$ibility ( ! n>rative8 ,i reply t dur+ ! mission ( ! ,apo/les & ! ,sev5ty 7= ^! are ! cases allud$ to7 !re is no promise made !m ( sup]natural enlight5m5t4 ,!y 7 simply s5t out to ann\nce a specific fact1 ! ne> approa* & sett+ up ( ! k+dom ( heav51 & to "w miracles 9 confirmation ( x4 ,x is true t 9 ,8 address to !m1 our ,"l told !m t a "t 0 com+ :5 !y w\ld h to te/ify to ,him be=e pr9ces & k+s1 & t ,he promises !m1 t !y %\ld receive sup]natural assi/ance1 suitable to ! em]g5cy4 ,b ?is nev] arose dur+ ! mission 9 "q4 ,!y 7 comm&$ to cure ! reput$ demoniac 9 confirmation ( _! mission4 ,?is w\ld be an equally miracul\s sign :e!r he 0 "o possess$ or a simple maniac4 ,9 ?is case1 !re=e1 !re 0 no reason :y !y %\ld be sup]naturally enlight5$ z to ! causes ( ?is disease1 m ?an ( any o!r4 ,no d\bt ! !ories !n preval5t z to ! causes ( disease g5]ally 7 v faulty4 ,x c\ld n be o!rwise 9 ! /ate ( m$ical sci5ce at t p]iod4 ,s !y mu/ always h be5 :ile su* a tru? z ! circulation ( ! blood 0 unkn[n4 ,b ! object ( ,*ri/ianity 0 n to communicate sci5tific k1 or to tea* ! true causes ( disease1 b to discov] tru?s mightily op]ative 9 ! moral & spiritual worlds4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! ignorance ( ! disciples z to ! actual causes ( mania no m affects ! cr$ibility ( ! n>rative ?an _! ignorance ( ! causes ( p>alysis or leprosy4 ,x is also evid5t f ! /atem5ts ( ! ,gospels1 t !re 7 a consid]able numb] ( p]sons :o practis$ exorcisms ( v>i\s k9ds1 & :o fully believ$ t ! p]sons on :om !y op]at$ 7 possess$ by demons4 ,x seems also probable f ! allusions made to !m1 t ^! exorcisms 7 occasionally successful 9 effect+ a cure2 & x may be1 m frequ5tly1 9 mitigat+ ! symptoms4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 0 n always ! case2 = ! ,evangeli/s describe ! disciples z entirely unsuccessful 9 ! case ( ! *ild1 out ( :om !y invok$ ! demon to dep>t 9 ! "n ( ,jesus4 ,x is wor?y ( obs]vation1 t 9 ?is in/ance1 ! fa!r ( ! demoniac describes 8 son's case z a comb9ation ( lunacy & possession1 8,he is lunatic & sore vex$40 ,_! failure is directly attribut$ to want ( fai?1 i4e4 t !re 0 some?+ want+ 9 _! m5tal /ate :i* prev5t$ !m f ex]t+ ! requisite influ5ce ov] ! lunatic y\?4 ,! want ( success ) :i* exorci/s 7 n unfrequ5tly att5d$ is /rik+ly set be=e u 9 ! acc\nt giv5 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 ( ! attempt made by c]ta9 ,jewi% exorci/s to cure ! demoniac at ,ephesus4 ,9 ?is case x n only end$ 9 a complete failure1 b 9 an aggravation ( ! malady4 ,n[ :5 we consid] ! v>i\s =ms :i* mania assumes1 x is q cr$ible t exorcisms may h ex]t$ a fav\rable influ5ce on x1 altoge!r ap>t f any sup]natural p[] possess$ by ! op]ator4 ,x is cle> t ! suppos$ maniacs imag9$ !mselves "u ! influ5ce ( demoniacal possession4 ,:5 we consid] ! p[]ful influ5ce t "o m9d is capable ( ex]t+ ov] ano!r "u ^! circum/ances we c see t ! pres5ce ( sup]ior m5tal p[] 0 an influ5ce exactly suit$ to produce a fav\rable result4 ,9 our mod]n treatm5t ( mania 7:atev] may be ! op9ions z to its physical orig97 x is n[ univ]sally admitt$ t moral means are ! mo/ efficaci\s4 ,"s obvi\s physical causes c be dealt ) & remov$1 :ile o!rs _c4 ,b ! mo/ successful op]ator on ^! =ms ( lunacy is he :o applies to !m ! mo/ effective moral treatm5t1 "u :i* 9 _m cases its symptoms h gradually disappe>$4 ,"o ( ^! modes ( treatm5t is nev] to cross ! pati5t on ! subject ( 8 delusions4 ,no?+ is m rem>kable ?an ! influ5ce :i* ! effici5t practition] c ex]t ov] p]sons suff]+ f ^! =ms ( madness1 by ! m]e en]gy ( 8 w2 a display ( m5tal p[] analog\s to t ( /rong fai?4 ,?is w (t5 produce a calm among maniacs :i* p]sons ( inf]ior end[m5ts utt]ly fail to excite4 ,x is an unque/ionable fact t high m5tal & moral p[] is capable ( produc+ /rik+ results on diff]5t =ms ( maniacal disease4 ,?is be+ s1 x foll[s t exorci/s might be capable ( ex]t+ ^u maniacs a p[]ful influ5ce fav\rable to cure4 ,9 ! anci5t _w ! usual treatm5t 0 t ( extreme h>%ness4 ,! demoniac ( ,gad>a _h be5 b\nd ) *a9s & fett]s4 ,?is is n[ kn[n to h a direct t5d5cy to aggravate ! disease1 r ?an to cure x4 ,x is no wond]1 !re=e1 if ! exorci/1 by adopt+ an opposite mode ( treatm5t1 & ev5 by sympa?iz+ ) ! suff]]'s delusions1 0 capable ( alleviat+ ! symptoms ( ! compla9t1 if n ( effect+ a cure4 ,! :ole result may h be5 due to moral influ5ce & spiritual p[]1 :i* may h be5 tak5 = ! expulsion ( a demon4 ,9 :atev] way x 0 effect$1 ! cure or ! alleviation 0 no less real4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! exorci/s ( ! anci5t _w 7 f> f necess>ily be+ a set ( impo/ors1 ev5 on ! supposition t possession 0 simple mania4 ,!y may h be5 able to effect real alleviations or ev5 cures ( ! compla9t1 al?\gh !y 7 ignorant z to its cause1 or h[ _! ex]tions produc$ a successful result4 ,!re is no?+ inconsi/5t ) _! g5]al hone/y1 if !y !mselves 7 "u ! belief t !y 7 expell+ demons1 :ile !y 7 really cur+ ord9>y mania4 ,x %\ld also be obs]v$1 t a real p[] ( ex]t+ an influ5ce on madm5 0 "o :i* 9 ^? times ( ignorance1 bo? ( m5tal & physical sci5ce1 admitt$ ( fe>ful abuse1 & if ex]cis$ = evil purposes1 0 capable ( produc+ _m ( ! wor/ results ) :i* ! practice ( wit*craft & sorc]y h be5 att5d$4 ,a l>ge portion ( ^! latt] op]ations no d\bt result$ f ! successful practice ( ocul> deception1 b ano!r portion ( !m unque/ionably result$ f ! mighty influ5ces t a p[]ful m9d c ex]t ov] a weak1 imag9ative1 & sup]/iti\s "o4 ,!re are _m dep?s ( human nature into :i* sci5ce has z yet fail$ to p5etrate2 & among ^! are ! entire ph5om5a ( mania & religi\s fr5zy4 ,^! facts & consid]ations are suffici5t to v9dicate ! cr$ibility ( ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 _! /atem5t1 t a p[] ( exorcism 0 kn[n & ex]cis$ 9 _! "t1 & t its ex]cise 0 at times att5d$ ) fav\rable results4 ,! /atem5t on ?is subject attribut$ to our ,"l1 8,if ,i by ,satan ca/ out devils1 by :om d y\r sons ca/ !m out8 !re=e %all !y be y\r judges10 is pla9ly an ad hom9em argum5t4 ,x am\nts to no m ?an ?is2 ,y ,ph>isees accuse me ( ca/+ out demons ?r\gh ,beelzebub4 ,y ass]t t y\r disciples ex]cise a p[] ( exorcism2 & t !y d ?is 9 virtue ( a div9e p[] communicat$ to !m4 ,on :at pr9ciple ( common s5se c y affirm t ! p[] :i* ,i ex]cise is demoniacal1 & t :i* y\r disciples ex]cise is div9e8--,!re is no ass]tion made "o way or ! o!r z to ! reality ( ! acts 9 "q2 nor is !re any difficulty 9 suppos+ t our ,"l recognis$ t "s ( ! influ5ces ?us ex]t$ 7 g5u9e4 ,i h hi!rto1 9 treat+ ?is "p ( ! subject1 be5 deal+ ) ! supposition t our ,"l's disciples mi/ook maniacs = demoniacs1 & ! consequ5ces ( su* a mi/ake on ! au!nticity ( ! ,gospel n>ratives4 ,i mu/ n[ address myself to ! f> m important "q z to ! consequ5ces :i* foll[ f our ,"l's app>5t recognition ( ! exi/5ce ( demoniacal possession on ! supposition t x 0 simple mania4 ,! facts z !y appe> 9 ! ,gospels are unmi/akable4 ,x 0 ! di/9ct op9ion ( _! au?ors t our ,"l recognis$ ! ph5om5a :i* !y h report$ z ! results ( demoniacal possession & n ( simple mania4 ,9 pro( ( ?is x w be ne$less to ref] to e in/ance !y h record$4 ,! acc\nt ( ! demoniac at ,gad>a & t ( ! lunatic y\? are among ! mo/ rem>kable1 & on !m ! case may be all[$ to re/4 ,9 ! =m] case ! words ( ,/4 ,m>k1 ^: description ( ! sc5e ab\nds 9 ^? details :i* are r>ely se5 except 9 n>ratives d]iv$ f direct ocul> te/imony1 are3 8,& all ! demons bes\ght him1 say+1 ,s5d u into ! sw9e t we may ent] into !m4 ,& =?) ,jesus gave !m leave4 ,& ! unclean spirits w5t out & ent]$ into ! sw9e1 c40 ,9 ! case ( ! demoniac *ild ! ,evangeli/ describes ! ,apo/les z ask+ ,jesus1 8,:y c\ld n we ca/ him out80 ,! foll[+ words are ascrib$ to our ,"l3 8,?is k9d goe? n out b by pray] & fa/+40 ,x is und5iable1 !re=e1 t ! ,evangeli/s h ascrib$ to ,jesus a belief 9 ! reality ( demoniacal possession4 ,i am n conc]n$ 9 ! pres5t argum5t ) ! words & actions :i* !y h attribut$ to ! demoniacs2 b ) ! words & actions attribut$ to ,jesus4 ,we "k t "s madm5 lab\r "u ! delusion1 n only t !y are emp]ors & k+s1 b ev5 9 a few in/ances t !y are ,god himself4 ,?is be+ s1 x is q possible t a maniac may confuse 8 p]sonality ) "o or m demons2 & speak & act consi/5tly ) ! delusion4 ,! maniacs may h giv5 utt]ance to exclamations result+ f m]e delusions2 b ! ,evangeli/s 9 record+ ^! utt]ances gave simple /atem5ts ( facts4 ,x is q possible1 t ! demoniac ( ,gad>a may h imag9$ himself possess$ by a legion ( demons1 & h spok5 & act$ accord+ly1 :il/ he 0 at ! same "t lab\r+ "u simple mania4 ,n[1 on ! assumption t possession 0 simple mania & no?+ m1 ! foll[+ suppositions are ! only possible ones4 ,fir/1 t our ,"l really di/+ui%$ betwe5 mania & possession2 b t ! ,evangeli/s h inaccurately report$ 8 words & actions1 ?r\gh ! m$ia ( _! own subjective impressions1 or1 9 %ort1 h attribut$ to ,him language t ,he did n really utt]4 ,second1 t our ,"l knew t possession 0 a =m ( mania1 & adopt$ ! curr5t notions ( ! "t 9 speak+ ( x1 & t ! words 7 really utt]$ by ,him4 ,?ird1 t ) simil> k1 ,he adopt$ ! language 9 "q z "p ( ! curative process4 ,f\r?1 t ,he accept$ ! validity ( ! di/9ction1 & t x 0 a real "o dur+ ^? times4 ,^! alt]natives dem& our c>eful consid]ation1 n = ! purpose ( det]m9+ :i* is ! correct "o1 b ( e/imat+ ! results :i* fl[ f ei!r ( !m on ! c5tral "* ( ! ,gospels4 ,! position :i* ,i take mu/ be cle>ly /at$4 ,x is ?is3 ,if possession be mania1 !re is no?+ 9 ! language :i* ! ,evangeli/s h attribut$ to our ,"l :i* compromises ! tru?fulness ( 8 "*4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 we assume t possession 0 an objective fact1 !re is no?+ 9 our exi/+ sci5tific k ( ! human m9d :i* proves t ! possessions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 7 impossible4 ,let u consid] ! fir/ alt]native4 ,a c>eful exam9ation ( ! ph5om5a pres5t$ by ! synoptic ,gospels leads to ! irresi/ible conclusion t !y l>gely consi/ ( acc\nts :i* _h be5 h&$ d[n by oral tradition1 = a consid]able "t prior to _! be+ committ$ to writ+1 & t ^! h be5 9 v>i\s degrees supplem5t$ by in=mation d]iv$ f o!r s\rces4 ,assum+ ?is to h be5 ! case x gives an adequate acc\nt ( ! diff]5ces ( =m :i* !y pres5t1 _! v>iations 9 m9or circum/ances1 & t mo/ rem>kable ( all _! ph5om5a1 ! sam5esses ( expression int]wov5 ) consid]able div]sities1 :i* is pres5t$ alike by ! p>allel n>ratives & disc\rses4 ,! ?reefold & m frequ5tly tw(old =m 9 :i* sev]al ( ! disc\rses h be5 h&$ d[n to u1 prev5t u f believ+ t ^! disc\rses 7 int5d$ to be rigid reproductions ( ! v]bal utt]ances ( our ,"l4 ,all !y c be is an accurate acc\nt ( ! s5se & v frequ5tly ( 8 words4 ,! important "q = our pres5t consid]ation is1 ,h ! ,evangeli/s1 9 report+ ! disc\rses ( ,jesus1 imp>t$ to !m a col\r+ d]iv$ f _! own subjective impressions or d !y accurately convey to u 8 mean+ & 8 mean+ only8 ,or ) respect to ! po9t be=e u1 ,h ! ,evangeli/s 9 report+ ! utt]ances ( ,jesus to ! demoniacs & 8 obs]vations on possession to 8 disciples giv5 u ! sub/ance ( :at ,he actually said1 or _! own impressions ( :at ,he might h said8 ,i reply1 ! int]nal gr\nds = assum+ _! accuracy are /rong4 ,?is is v\*$ = by ! fact t :ile we h a ?ree or tw(old report ( ! same disc\rse1 v>y+ v consid]ably 9 words & arrangem5t1 & :ile we h :ole s5t5ces 9 "o ,evangeli/ :i* mat]ially aid 9 det]m9+ ! mean+1 ei!r omitt$ 9 "o or ins]t$ 9 ano!r1 /ill ) all ^! v>iations 9 expression1 ! v>iations 9 s5se are ( ! smalle/ possible importance4 ,?is be+ ! case ! :ole aspect ( ! disc\rses leads u to inf] t !y are altoge!r unaffect$ by ! subjective impressions ( ^? :o report$ !m4 ,!y are indelibly /amp$ ) ! m9d ( ,jesus himself & ) 8 alone4 ,!re are _m po9ts on :i* 8 tea*+ ran /rongly c\nt] to ! subjective impressions ( ^? :o report$ x4 ,"h !n if su* impressions _h intrud$ !mselves we %\ld be c]ta9 to f9d indications ( su* intrusion1 & t 9 no d\btful =m4 ,b !re are none4 ,! !ory !re=e ( ! introduction ( ! subjective impressions ( ! foll[]s ( our ,"l into ! disc\rses has no f\ndation 9 _! cont5ts1 & !re=e x is :olly illegitimate to assume x = ! solution ( a difficulty4 ,! ph5om5a :i* di/+ui% ,/4 ,m>k's ,gospel /rongly display ! m>ks ( autoptic te/imony4 ,?is greatly increases ! difficulty ( ! supposition 9 "q1 = ^! expressions are f\nd 9 t ,gospel1 & 9 x we also f9d ! rem>kable say+1 8,?is k9d goe? n out b by pray] & fa/+40 ,x seems !re=e impossible to d\bt ! ,evangeli/'s ass]tion t su* words 7 utt]$ by our ,"l4 ,b ,i mu/ n[ inquire :e!r ,dr4 ,f>r>'s supposition is t5able1 t "s misappreh5sion has crept into ! n>rative :5 x affirms t ! demons 9 objective reality left ! body ( ! man & ent]$ into ! sw9e4 ,i answ] t !re is no?+ 9 ! ,evangeli/s :i* requires u to consid] _! words z an accurately sci5tific /atem5t ( ! mode 9 :i* ! demon act$ on ! m9d ( ! possess$4 ,x is true t !y repeat$ly say t !y ent]$ 9 & out ( ! man1 b ?is may well be 9 con=mity ) popul> ideas on ! subject1 )\t int5d+ to ass]t z a sci5tific fact1 t ! demons made ei!r ! body or ! _s ( ! man _! local habitation4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t attempts to det]m9e no?+ respect+ ! modus op]&i ( spirits4 ,god is said to dwell 9 a holy man1 b x is ridicul\s to affirm t ! omnipres5t ,_s makes ! man 8 local habitation4 ,!re is a case 9 po9t z to ! use ( su* language 9 ! n>rative ( ! woman :o 0 heal$ ( ! issue ( blood4 ,! effect produc$ on h] is describ$ by our ,"l & ! ,evangeli/s by ! words 8,p[] 77 has gone out ( me40 ,yet no "o :o consid]s ! mode 9 :i* ! ,gospels are compos$1 w affirm t our ,"l by us+ ^! words int5d$ to convey a sci5tific tru? z to 8 modus op]&i 9 p]=m+ ! miracle1 or t x 0 actually p]=m$ by "s subtle emanation call$ 8,p[]10 :i* issu$ f 8 p]son4 ,) ^? :o assume t nei!r our ,"l nor 8 ,apo/les c\ld use popul> expressions ( ?is k9d1 b 7 b\nd to use t]ms ( /rict sci5tific accuracy all reason+ is ?r[n away4 ,if ! /ricte/ v]bal accuracy mu/ be obs]v$ on e occasion x w\ld be incorrect to say t a physician has cur$ a lunatic1 = ! idea on :i* ! t]m lunacy is f\nd$ is sci5tifically inaccurate4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ! t]ms :i* are s con/antly appli$ to demons 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 t !y ent]$ into1 dep>t$ out (1 or possess$ a man may well be popul> expressions1 d5ot+ t !y ex]t$ a mighty1 nay1 an ov]:elm+ influ5ce ^u him1 :i* 9 ! %att]$ /ate ( 8 physical or moral condition he 0 unable to %ake (f1 )\t det]m9+ any?+ z to ! mode 9 :i* t influ5ce 0 ex]t$4 ,?us1 9 ,/4 ,john's ,gospel1 ! devil is describ$ z hav+ put x 77 into ! he>t ( ,judas ,isc>iot to betray our ,"l4 ,aft] ! giv+ ( ! sop1 ,satan is said to h ent]$ into him4 ,surely ! only fact :i* ^! words are int5d$ to convey is t ,judas all[$ 8 :ole moral & spiritual be+ to be ov]p[]$ by ! influ5ce ( ! evil "o4 ,x is q possible t ! ,evangeli/s might h ?\ght t ! influ5ce 0 ex]t$ by actually go+ 9 or com+ out ( a man4 ,b ?is is a m]e physical !ory z to ! mode ( action1 & c]ta9ly is n a po9t on :i* ! writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t any:]e affirm t a sup]natural k 0 imp>t$ to _! au?ors4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ! expressions 8go+ out f ! man10 & 8ent]+ into ! sw9e10 may only d5ote ! cessation ( ! influ5ce ( ! demons ov] ! man1 & its ex]tion on ! sw9e1 )\t det]m9+ ! mode 9 :i* t influ5ce 0 ex]t$4 ,surely :5 our ,"l promis$ t ,he w\ld come to ! man :o lov$ him & make 8 abode ) him1 t did n imply a local indwell+ ( 8 p]son b an indwell+ ( influ5ce4 ,) su* expressions 9 abundance be=e u1 9 :i* x is obvi\s t !y 7 nev] int5d$ to d5ote any?+ local1 x is absurd to fix x on ! sacr$ writ]s 9 ?is p>ticul> case4 ,!y n[h]e ass]t t ! demons 7 se5 to pass f ! man & ent] ! sw9e4 ,x 0 simply a matt] ( inf]5ce f ! facts :i* !y witness$ t !y _h done s4 ,! man ceas$ to rave & became a rational creature4 ,! sw9e ru%$ d[n into ! lake & p]i%$4 ,!y also affirm t ! result took place by ! p]mission ( ,jesus4 ,yet x is some:at rem>kable t x is only ,mat!w :o attributes to him ! ^w 8,g40 ,m>k & ,luke only m5tion ! reque/ ( ! demons1 & ! result :i* foll[$4 ,!re is no?+ !re=e d]ogatory to ! "* ( ! ,evangeli/s z hi/orians 9 suppos+ t ! facts receiv$ a col\r+ f _! own subjective impressions1 ?\gh x w\ld be s if "u su* circum/ances !y _h all[$ ^? impressions to assign a diff]5t mean+ to our ,"l's words f t :i* he actually convey$4 ,?is conclusion at :i* we h arriv$1 t our ,"l's mean+ is accurately report$ by ! ,evangeli/s1 disposes ( ! fir/ alt]native4 ,we w n[ proce$ to exam9e ! second1 viz41 t our ,"l knew t possession 0 mania1 & t ,he adopt$ ! curr5t notions ( ! times 9 speak+ ( x4 ,! all important "q is1 h[ f> does ?is affect 8 v]acity8 ,on ?is po9t ,ar*bi%op ,tr5* has laid d[n ! foll[+ position broadly3 8,if ,jesus knew t ! ,jewi% belief 9 demoniacal possession 0 baseless & t ,satan did n ex]cise su* p[] ov] ! bodies or spirits ( m5 !re w\ld be 9 su* language t abs5ce ( agreem5t betwe5 ?\ghts & words 9 :i* ! ess5ce ( a lie consi/s40 ,if ?is position is correct x involves a pr9ciple f> m ext5sive ?an ! case imm$iately be=e u4 ,x is no?+ less ?an t our ,"l nei!r 9 8 =mal tea*+ nor 9 8 conv]sation %\ld h us$ language :i* 0 o!r ?an sci5tifically correct4 ,x might be argu$1 t if ,he _h done s ,he w\ld h l5t 8 sanction to ! error :i* x involv$4 ,ev5 if ! pr9ciple ?us laid d[n c\ld be conf9$ to religi\s tru? 7:i* x _c71 x w\ld !n h be5 necess>y t :5ev] ! curr5t ideas1 or ! mode ( conception ( ! day conta9$ an assumption involv+ an incorrect !ory or endang]+ a religi\s error1 our ,"l ought to h correct$ x 9 ! c\rse ( 8 tea*+4 ,if we admit t demoniacal possession 0 a real ag5cy !re c be no d\bt t ! ,jews w\ld conf\nd _m cases ( ord9>y mania ) x4 ,?is be+ s1 if ! pr9ciple is correct1 our ,"l ought to h po9t$ out ! di/9ction4 ,aga91 ev5 if x is assum$ t demoniacal ag5cy 0 sometimes manife/$ 9 ! ph5om5a ( wit*craft1 !re c be no d\bt t mu* ( x 0 due to human impo/ure4 ,on ! pr9ciple laid d[n by ! ,ar*bi%op our ,"l ought to h correct$ e error t 0 preval5t on t subject4 ,on ! same pr9ciple x w\ld h be5 impossible = him to h us$ an ad hom9em argum5t or 9 fact any =m ( expression f\nd$ on an errone\s conception4 ,x is !re=e evid5t t ! pr9ciple1 if accept$ at all1 c only be accept$ "u v consid]able qualifications1 or we %all conv]t our ,"l f ! reveal] ( tru? & tea*] ( ,*ri/ianity into "o ^: duty x 0 to combat e errone\s op9ion ( ! day4 ,on su* a !ory x is difficult to see h[ our ,"l 0 n b\nd to correct e errone\s op9ion !n curr5t respect+ ! fir/ & second *apt]s ( ,g5esis1 & to po9t out _! true relation to ! mod]n discov]ies ( geology1 = ,he expressly ref]r$ to ! second *apt] 9 8 tea*+4 ,he also ref]r$ to ! flood1 respect+ :i* _m errone\s op9ions 7 und\bt$ly curr5t4 ,if ! pr9ciple is good x might be urg$ t ,he sanction$ ^? errors by 8 sil5ce4 ,! same pr9ciple mu/ also h be5 applicable to _m o!r errone\s op9ions :i* ! ,jews ent]ta9$ respect+ ! int]pretation ( ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,9 fact x w\ld be difficult to assign any limits to our ,"l's duty ( correct+ popul> errors :i* _h any k9d ( be>+ on religi\s tru?4 ,b to return to ! demoniacs4 ,is !re any ?+ inconsi/5t ) our ,"l's tru?fulness1 if we suppose t !y 7 lunatics & no?+ m1 9 8 us+ ! curr5t language ( ! day respect+ !m8 ,let x be obs]v$ t two consid]ations are really involv$2 fir/1 our ,"l is repres5t$ z conv]s+ directly ) ! demoniac4 ,secondly1 ,he also occasionally speaks ( demoniacal possession 9 8 ord9>y tea*+ 9 ! curr5t language ( ! day4 ,n[ if x be admitt$ to be consi/5t ) 8 tru?fulness to address su* language to ! maniac1 is x equally s to employ su* language 9 8 disc\rses to o!rs8 ,i obs]ve fir/1 t if possession 0 mania1 ! real gr\nd ( ! popul> error 0 an errone\s op9ion z to ! cause ( a natural disord]4 ,! popul> belief 9 fact ascrib$ x to sup]natural in/ead ( natural causes4 ,s f>1 b no f>!r1 x t\*$ religi\s que/ions4 ,to correct ! error involv$ n m]ely ! tea*+ ( religi\s tru?1 b 9 ?is p>ticul> case ! enunciation ( s\nd] pr9ciples ( m5tal philosophy4 ,i ?9k t ,i may fe>lessly affirm t ! tea*+ ( sci5tific tru?1 ei!r m5tal or mat]ial1 did n come )9 ! scope ( our ,"l's div9e mission4 ,political tru? is a "p ( moral tru?1 & moral tru? is closely alli$ to religi\s tru?4 ,n[ al?\gh ,*ri/ianity is a p[] :i* w ultimately re=m ! political _w1 our ,"l expressly affirm$ t x 0 no "p ( 8 mission to enunciate political tru?4 ,9 ! same mann] x may h =m$ no direct portion ( 8 mission to tea* correct views respect+ ! orig9 ( mania1 or to c\nt]act ! op9ions :i* ascrib$ x to sup]natural causes4 ,if ?is pr9ciple is correct1 !re is no?+ inconsi/5t ) 8 tru?fulness if :5 our ,"l conv]s$ ) a suppos$ demoniac1 ,he address$ him 9 language :i* took = grant$ ! tru? ( 8 delusions4 ,ev5 if x is suppos$ t tru?fulness requir$ t ,he %\ld h expos$ a popul> delusion1 surely x 0 no occasion = do+ s1 :5 ,he 0 address+ a madman4 ,:o w\ld affirm t a physician is want+ 9 tru?fulness if he addresses 8 pati5t 9 t]ms ( 8 own delusions1 or imag9es t x is 8 duty to ent] into a discussion ) a madman z to ! causes ( 8 malady8 ,on ^! pr9ciples x is q consi/5t ) our ,"l's tru?fulness to suppose t ! dialogue ) ! demoniac ( ,gad>a actually occurr$1 :ile ,he himself knew t possession 0 no?+ b mania4 ,let u suppose t ! man 0 a rav+ madman4 ,he _h be5 treat$ cruelly4 ,he ru%$ t[>ds ,jesus & 0 aw$ by ! greatness ( 8 "*4 ,! dialogue takes place1 z x is describ$ by ! ,evangeli/4 ,i see no want ( tru?fulness on our ,"l's "p1 nor c ,i conceive any necessity = expla9+ to ! man t he 0 n possess$ by a multitude ( demons2 or if ! madman reque/$ t ! demons by :om he imag9$ himself possess$ might be all[$ to g into ! sw9e1 t our ,"l %\ld expla9 to him t x 0 impossible t !y %\ld d s because ! idea ( ! demoniac 0 a delusion4 ,! case w\ld be "o ( confus$ or d\ble p]sonality1 & accord+ly ! n>rator has describ$ ! demons & ! man z alt]nately speak+1 & our ,"l z address+ !m4 ,9 su* a case ! =m ( ! n>rative w\ld be modifi$ by ! subjective impressions ( ! n>rator4 ,b ! words :i* our ,"l is describ$ z address+ to ! demoniac lad also require consid]ation4 ,/4 ,m>k describes !m z foll[s4 ,jesus rebuk$ ! f\l _s1 say+ unto him1 8,?\ deaf & dumb _s1 ,i *>ge !e come out ( him1 & ent] no m into him2 & ! _s cri$1 & r5t him sore & came out ( him40 ,let u suppose t ! disease 0 mania1 & t our ,"l knew x to be s1 b t ! fa!r1 z well z ! maniac & ! o!rs :o 7 pres5t believ$ t x 0 caus$ by ! action ( an evil _s4 ,:at 0 !re inconsi/5t ) v]acity 9 address+ ! maniac 9 t]ms ( 8 own delusions8 ,if x is urg$ t ! belief 9 possession 0 a sup]/ition1 & t to use su* language t5d$ to confirm ! belief1 ,i reply t if we assume t our ,"l 0 b\nd n to use ! language :i* 0 common among 8 he>]s 9 speak+ ( su* diseases1 or t ,he ought to h giv5 explanations ( _! true causes1 !n we assume t 8 "* z a reveal] ( ,*ri/ianity r5d]$ x necess>y t 9 ! c\rse ( 8 public m9i/ry ,he %\ld correct all ! errors :i* ,he enc\nt]$1 & nev] use language :i* _h orig9at$ 9 !m4 ,! words :i* are ascrib$ to our ,"l by ! ,evangeli/ :5 ,he /ill$ ! tempe/ w ?r[ light on ?is subject4 ,/4 ,m>k gives !m z foll[s3 8,he rebuk$ ! w9ds & said to ! sea1 ,peace1 be /ill40 ,! ^w "h r5d]$ 8,be /ill0 is 9 ! ,greek f> m emphatic1 ,be gagg$ 774 ,9 ! case ( ! demoniac our ,"l is repres5t$ z rebuk+ ! evil _s4 ,"h ,he rebukes ! waves4 ,n[ x is only possible to rebuke rational ag5ts4 ,su* an expression w\ld !re=e be only accurate if address$ to a be+ :o 0 capable ( he>+ x1 & :o 0 utt]+ load cries4 ,x may be object$ t ! expression fav\rs ! notion t ! speak] suppos$ ! ro>+ ( ! waves to be ! voice ( an evil _s1 :o 0 excit+ ! tempe/1 or1 9 o!r words1 t ,he gave c\nt5ance to ! hea!n belief1 t x 0 ! voice ( olus1 ! _s ( ! /orm4 ,:atev] am\nt ( sup]/ition may be attribut$ to ! ,jews at ! "t ( ! ,adv5t1 x w sc>cely be urg$ t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus attribut$ ! ro>+ ( ! gale to ! voice ( a demon4 ,/ill x may be urg$ on ! pr9ciples above ref]r$ to t ! words utt]$ by our ,"l t5d$ to confirm sup]/itions notions z to ! nature & orig9 ( /orms4 ,i argue1 on ! o!r h&1 t ^! expressions prove indisputably t ! language us$ by ,him 0 n always int5d$ to be a lit]al description ( fact1 any m ?an ! num]\s simil> addresses to ! inanimate creation :i* we f9d 9 ! ,psalms4 ,b 9 ! case ( ! demoniac1 ! real difficulty consi/s 9 ! results :i* are alleg$ to h happ5$ to ! sw9e4 ,i h already obviat$ "s portion ( ?is z f> z ! =m ( ! n>rative is conc]n$4 ,b !re rema9s ! fact t ! sw9e are /at$ to h ru%$ into ! lake & p]i%$4 ,z to ! reality ( su* an occurr5ce !re c h be5 no mi/ake4 ,! m]e mode ( expression (f]s no explanation1 nor c a mi/ake respect+ su* an occurr5ce h orig9at$ 9 any possible deception ( ! imag9ation4 ,if x 0 n a fact x mu/ h be5 a fictiti\s inv5tion4 ,c any explanation ( x be giv58 ,x has be5 sugge/$ t ! sw9e 7 driv5 d[n ! cliff by ! madman4 ,aga9/ ?is supposition1 x has be5 urg$ t no animals are less easily driv5 ?an sw9e4 ,h[ !n c\ld x h be5 possible to drive two ?\s& ( !m into ! wat]8 ,b !re is no necessity to assume t !y 7 driv5 at all4 ,! sc5e z x is describ$ by ! ,evangeli/s 0 well calculat$ to inspire animals ) fright4 ,x w\ld h[ev] h be5 impossible to fright5 two ?\s& ( !m4 ,grant$3 b l>ge h]ds ( animals foll[ _! lead]s implicitly4 ,:5 "u excitem5t "o makes a leap1 ! o!rs w foll[4 ,all t w\ld h be5 necess>y1 if we suppose t ! h]d 0 ne> ! edge ( ! cliff1 0 t ! lead]s %\ld h receiv$ ! requisite impulse f ! madman1 & "u its influ5ce ru%$ wildly d[n ! cliff1 & be5 foll[$ by _! companions4 ,b ! case is diff]5t :5 our ,"l speaks to o!rs1 & n to ! demoniacs !mselves4 ,8 obs]vations to ! ,ph>isees on ?is subject ,i h already consid]$4 ,!re rema9s ! /rik+ "o address$ to ! disciples3 8,?is k9d goe? n out b by pray] & fa/+40 ,! circum/ances ( ! case are ^!4 ,! disciples _h fail$ to cure ! y\?1 :e!r a demoniac or a simple lunatic4 ,!y ask our ,"l :y x 0 t !y _h fail$4 ,he tells !m t x 0 because ( _! unbelief4 ,n[ x is impossible = u to say :at 0 ! nature ( ! influ5ce ( fai? 9 affect+ miracul\s cures1 & :y ! want ( x prev5t$ success4 ,x is suffici5t to draw att5tion to ! fact t x is uni=mly laid d[n 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 t 9 ! case ( subord9ate ag5ts work+ miracles fai? 0 necess>y = _! accompli%m5t4 ,our ,"l also usually requir$ fai? 9 ! recipi5ts ( 8 cures1 b n always4 ,b to 8 disciples :5 !y attempt$ to p]=m a miracle fai? 0 indisp5sable to _! success4 ,! "q 0 n :at 0 ! nature ( ! disease1 b :y 9 ?is p>ticul> case !y _h fail$ to cure x4 ,our ,"l repli$ t 9 ?is in/ance n only 0 fai? necess>y to effect ! cure1 b a v unusual degree ( x4 ,if ! "q _h be5 :at 0 ! cause ( ! *ild's disease1 & if our ,"l "k t x 0 n possession1 b mania1 x is q possible t ,he w\ld h refus$ to answ] x1 z ,he did on o!r occasions :5 curi\s que/ions 7 put to him1 & w\ld h d$uc$ "s moral lesson f ! fact4 ,?is x w be rememb]$ 0 ! c\rse :i* ,he pursu$ :5 ,he 0 ask$ :e!r only a few w\ld be sav$4 ,b ! inquiry 0 n :at caus$ ! disease1 b :y ! attempt to cure x _h prov$ a failure4 ,su* be+ ! "q1 !re is no?+ inconsi/5t ) tru?fulness 9 our ,"l's answ]4 ,he avoid$ ent]+ into an explanation z to :at 0 a physical cause ( ! disease1 :i* 0 q =eign to 8 div9e mission4 ,he !re=e simply told !m t _! failure 0 ow+ to _! unbelief1 & !n add$1 9 language c\*$ 9 _! own =ms ( ?\ght1 & :i* w\ld n !re=e op5 a discussion on subjects =eign to ! purposes ( 8 mission1 8,?is k9d goe? n out b by pray] & fa/+40 ,^? :o lay /ress on difficulties ( ?is k9d are 9 ! habit ( ov]look+ ! pla9 fact1 t our ,"l's tea*+ 0 specifically address$ to ! liv+ *>act]s ( ! day1 & to _! exi/+ l9es ( ?\ght1 & _c )\t ref]5ce to !m be directly translat$ into our own4 ,?is rem>k is no less true ( ! moral tea*+ conta9$ 9 ! ,gospels1 ?an ( _! hi/orical /atem5ts4 ,x is ev5 m s1 = a great numb] ( ! moral precepts ( ,*ri/ _c be appli$ z practical guides until !y h be5 adapt$ to ! alt]$ conditions ( ?\ght & ( society47#d7 ,!y are 9 fact pr9ciples giv5 9 ! =m ( precepts4 ,if our ,"l's words _h be5 report$ s z to make !m squ>e ) ! l9es ( ?\ght ( e age1 !y w\ld h giv5 u1 n 8 actual tea*+ b a modification ( x4 ,x is our duty by a c>eful /udy ( ! great pr9ciples on :i* x is bas$ to apply x to our pres5t wants4 ,x may appe> to "s f> m desirable t x %\ld h be5 capable ( a direct in/ead ( an indirect application1 yet ! fact is z ,i h /at$ x4 ,want ( att5tion to ?is has occasion$ no inconsid]able numb] ( ! difficulties ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,"o or two rem>ks w be all t is necess>y = illu/rat+ ! position :i* "s h adopt$ t our ,"l's mode ( deal+ ) demoniacs 0 int5d$ by ,him z "p ( ! process ( cure4 ,i %\ld n h allud$ to ?is subject at all unless ! view 9 "q _h be5 prop\nd$ by a v em95t writ]4 ,i h already consid]$ its ma9 pr9ciples "u ! previ\s head4 ,x ought to be obs]v$ t ! c>e ( demoniacs1 :atev] view we may take ( possession1 belongs to a class ( our ,"l's miracles :i* are di/9ct f all o!rs4 ,all ! o!rs are describ$ z wr\ght on ! human body1 or on ext]nal nature4 ,! ,evangeli/s d n record a s+le miracle beside ^! t 0 wr\ght on ! human m9d4 ,?is is a rem>kable fact4 ,9 ! c\rse ( 8 m9i/ry ,he enc\nt]$ e =m ( moral & spiritual disease1 f ! weaknesses ( 8 disciples & atta*$ fri5ds to ! opposition ( 8 mo/ av[$ enemies4 ,n[1 al?\gh ,he emphatically ass]t$ t ,he 0 ! physician ( ! s\l1 & al?\gh = ! spiritual diseases ( m5 ,he felt ! mo/ pr(\nd sympa?y1 nev] once is ,jesus repres5t$ z ex]t+ 8 sup]natural p[] = _! c>e4 ,on ! contr>y1 ,he is uni=mly repres5t$ z hav+ rec\rse to moral & spiritual means & n to miracles to effect x4 ,physical diseases ,he cures in/antane\sly1 moral ones sl[ly & ) ef=t4 ,?is fact is wor?y ( deep att5tion z %[+ t our ,"l uni=mly act$ 9 con=mity ) ! laws ( ! moral univ]se4 ,if ! ,gospels are fictions1 :y is ! ,great ,physician ( ,s\ls nev] repres5t$ z p]=m+ a sudd5 or miracul\s cure 9 ! moral & spiritual worlds1 9 ! same mann] z ,he does 9 ! mat]ial8 ,! ne$ ( miracul\s int]v5tion to secure ,simon ,pet] f ! moral & spiritual dang] :i* surr\nd$ him 0 z great z to prev5t him f s9k+ 9 ! wat]4 ,yet no o!r ?an moral & spiritual influ5ces 7 call$ into action4 ,! foll[+ is ! be>+ ( ?is fact on ! "q be=e u4 ,if ! cure ( a demoniac 0 ! expulsion ( a demon1 x involv$ ! lib]ation ( a moral nature f its ?raldom1 & at ! same "t ! cure ( ! bodily organisation z f> z its disord]$ condition enabl$ ! demon to ex]t 8 p[]4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 x 0 ! cure ( simple mania1 /ill ! act _h a direct be>+ on ! moral nature ( ! suff]]4 ,9 ei!r case ! use ( moral means z well z sup]natural ag5cy w\ld be especially appropriate4 ,if demoniacs 7 madm51 our ,"l 0 fully ju/ifi$ 9 display+ t[>ds !m ! highe/ degree ( sympa?y1 & 9 br++ to be> on !m ! mighty moral & spiritual =ces :i* abode 9 8 l(ty p]sonality4 ,! same rem>k w\ld be equally true if ! suff]] 0 held 9 ?rall by demoniacal p[]4 ,ea* class ( miracles 9 ! mode ( _! p]=mance is exactly suit$ to ! condition ( ^? on :om our ,"l 0 op]at+4 ,on ei!r supposition ,he 0 deal+ n m]ely ) physical =ces1 b ) moral ag5cy1 & ,he dealt ) x accord+ly4 ,i conclude1 !re=e1 t if x may be tak5 z e/abli%$ t possession involv$ no?+ b simple mania1 !re is no?+ 9 ! facts z !y are record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t inconsi/5t ) t supposition1 or :i* affects ! cr$it ( ! ,gospels z hi/orical n>ratives4 ,nor are !y inconsi/5t ) ! idea t _! writ]s 7 fav\r$ ) su* sup]natural assi/ance 9 compos+ !m z 0 adequate = ! purpose ( giv+ u su* an acc\nt ( ! actions & tea*+s ( ,jesus z 0 necess>y = communicat+ all ! great tru?s ( ! ,*ri/ian revelation4 ,nor is ! supposition inconsi/5t1 z x has be5 alleg$ to be1 ) ,8 div9e "* & tru?fulness4 ,i w exam9e 9 ! next *apt] ! supposition t possession 0 n mania1 b an actual objective fact4 ,,*apt] ,,xii4 ,,possession1 ,,if ,,an ,,objective ,,reality1 ,,nei!r ,,incr$ible ,,nor ,,contr>y ,,to ,,! ,,asc]ta9$ ,,tru?s ,,( ,,m5tal ,,sci5ce4 ,i n[ proce$ to ! consid]ation ( ! rema9+ alt]native1 ! tru? ( :i* ! =m ( ! n>rative seems mo/ to fav\r1 viz41 t our ,"l accept$ ! di/9ction betwe5 possession & mania2 & t dur+ ^? times possessions 7 actual occurr5ces4 ,9 consid]+ ?is subject1 x w be necess>y to pay att5tion to ! di/9ction to :i* ,i h ref]r$ 9 ! previ\s *apt]1 t ev5 if _m ( ! ph5om5a t accompani$ possession 7 due to sup]human ag5cy1 ! ,gospels are by no means pl$g$ to any p>ticul> !ory ( ! modus op]&i by :i* ! ph5om5a 7 br\ght ab\t4 ,:at ,i mean is t ^! ph5om5a might h be5 due to a sup]human ag5cy1 )\t involv+ ! fact t ! demon _h a local habitation ei!r 9 ! body or ! _s ( ! man4 ,all t ! ,gospels c be tak5 to affirm is1 t ! evil _s 9 "s way or o!r1 ( :i* we are ignorant1 held ! man 9 a /ate ( ?raldom1 made 8 m5tal p[]s ! subject ( a divid$ consci\sness1 ov]p[]$ ! functions ( 8 reason & 8 w1 & ?r\gh 8 action on ! m9d us$ = 8 own purposes ! organs ( 8 body4 ,! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are pl$g$ to no !ory z to h[ su* results 7 effect$4 ,!y h simply report$ ! ph5om5a z !y pres5t$ !mselves to _! obs]vation4 ,9 do+ ?is1 ! language :i* !y h employ$ d5otes local habitation2 b ! words us$ 9 /ill+ ! /orm make x q cle> t ! lit]al mean+ _c be press$4 ,consid]+ ! g5]al "* ( ^! n>ratives1 x is impossible to pl$ge !m to ! p>ticul> mode 9 :i* ^! results 7 br\ght ab\t4 ,"o circum/ance seems to militate aga9/ ! supposition t possession involv$ no?+ b simple mania1 namely1 ! numb]s ( ^? :o are spok5 ( z possess$4 ,if ! ,gospel n>ratives are hi/orical1 x w\ld appe> t su* cases 7 num]\s4 ,n only are sev]al miracles ( ?is description def9itely record$1 b ! ,evangeli/s sev]al times affirm t our ,"l cur$ demoniacs 9 consid]able numb]s1 )\t furni%+ u ) ! details4 ,n[ x is difficult to believe t maniacs exi/$ 9 su* l>ge numb]s 9 a c\ntry ( ! size & population ( ,juda4 ,yet all ! ph5om5a ( possession po9t to maniacal1 & n to h>mless lunacy4 ,! numb] ( ! cases ( mania t occur be>s b a small proportion to ^? ( ! latt] =m ( d]angem5t4 ,x is true t at times ( popul> excitem5t v>i\s =ms & num]\s cases ( fr5zy manife/ !mselves2 b ^! diff] f mania1 ?\gh !y n unfrequ5tly t]m9ate 9 x4 ,i h made ^! obs]vations1 because1 9 discuss+ su* a subject1 x is only "r to /ate fully ! difficulties ) :i* p>ticul> !ories are att5d$4 ,x is v probable1 h[ev]1 t z ! symptoms s closely resembl$ ea* o!r1 _m cases ( actual mania w\ld be conf\nd$ 9 popul> e/imation ) possession1 &1 !re=e1 t cases ( actual possession may n h be5 s num]\s z at fir/ sight w\ld appe>4 ,on ! supposition t possession 0 a reality1 we h no means ( det]m9+ :at moral or physical preconditions 7 necess>y = its manife/ation4 ,x is cle> t ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels mu/ h consid]$ t x 0 ow+ to "s pr$ispos+ causes1 physical or moral1 ?\gh !y h n describ$ !m4 ,unless ?is 0 ! case1 ! evil1 in/ead ( be+ p>tial1 w\ld h be5 univ]sal4 ,v>i\s moral causes w\ld naturally =m a suitable precondition = its manife/ation4 ,!re c be no d\bt t a numb] ( vices1 :5 indulg$ 9 beyond a c]ta9 po9t1 r$uce man's moral be+ to a wreck & r5d] him obnoxi\s to ! action ( ext]nal ag5cy4 ,! p[] ( selfcontrol may be indef9itely weak5$4 ,if vice is c>ri$ to its extreme =ms1 x produces ph5om5a h>dly1 if at all1 di/+ui%able f madness4 ,su* a /ate ( man's moral nature w\ld =m a suitable precondition to enable a sup]human be+ to ov]p[] ! reason & ! w1 ! supremacy ( :i* 0 already impair$ by an influ5ce f )94 ,9 su* cases possession w\ld h be5 r5d]$ possible by a man's selfinduc$ moral corruption4 ,! te/imony ( hi/ory proves t dur+ ! c5tury :i* prec$$ & t :i* foll[$ ! ,adv5t1 ! /ate ( moral corruption 0 extreme4 ,m5 7 sat$ ) ! old1 & crav+ = new & unhe>d ( =ms ( s5sual gratification4 ,! old class ( ideas1 moral & religi\s1 7 gradually dy+ out1 & m5 7 eag]ly seek+ = some?+ to fill ! void4 ,!re consequ5tly nev] 0 a "t :5 a great] numb] ( abnormal =ms ( ?\ght bur/ on ! human m9d1 :i* 0 %ak5 to its utmo/ dep?s4 ,! outbreak ( fanaticism comb9$ ) moral wick$ness1 :i* display$ itself =ty ye>s aft] 9 ! ,jewi% w> ( indep5d5ce1 is probably )\t a p>allel 9 ! hi/ory ( man4 ,= ?is !re mu/ h be5 ye>s ( prep>ation4 ,a some:at simil> /ate ( ?+s exi/$ 9 ! ,pagan _w1 :i* l$ to ! production ( num]\s religi\s *>latans & impo/ors4 ,! times 7 *>act]is$ by an extravagance ( ?\ght on almo/ e subject1 philosophy itself =m+ no exception4 ,su* an abnormal m5tal condition 0 peculi>ly suit$ to ! reception ( ext]nal m5tal influ5ces1 if we suppose !m possible4 ,b ,i am b\nd to admit t ! facts record$ 9 ! ,gospels prove t possession 0 n always ! result ( moral degradation4 ,?is is prov$ by ! case ( ! y\?1 ^: possession ! fa!r directly connects ) lunacy1 & says t x _h seiz$ him f a *ild4 ,9 ?is case ! cause :i* r5d]$ ! possession possible mu/ h be5 physical1 probably a d]angem5t ( ! n]v\s sy/em4 ,if ,i und]/& rightly ! position :i* is tak5 by ^? :o affirm t possession 0 mania1 & no?+ else1 x is z foll[s4 ,x is alleg$ t at c]ta9 p]iods ( hi/ory1 ! belief 9 possession has be5 widely spread4 ,possessions are unkn[n 9 mod]n times2 & all ! in/ances :i* h be5 alleg$ are ei!r cases ( mania or delusion4 ,! belief 9 x has gradually di$ away z k has advanc$4 ,9 =m] times x g5]at$ a numb] ( grotesque /ories1 :i* 7 pure inv5tions ( ! imag9ation heat$ by en?usiasm4 ,su* facts z 7 real may be ref]r$ to madness z _! cause4 ,! o!rs are simply disbeliev$4 ,"u ! influ5ce ( increas+ k1 !re has aris5 a widespread belief 9 mod]n times1 t !re is no?+ sup]human 9 ! causes ( su* ph5om5a1 b t !y are due to influ5ces exi/+ )9 ! m9d itself4 ,?is1 z x is affirm$1 be+ true ( all ! alleg$ in/ances ( possession 9 ! mod]n _w1 x is inf]r$ t simil> ones 9 ! anci5t _w are equally unreal2 & if we _h ! requisite data be=e u1 we %\ld be able to ref] !m all to ord9>y human causes4 ,) respect to ! g5]al fact1 !re c be no d\bt t advanc+ k has caus$ a g5]al disbelief 9 ! reality ( any mod]n =m ( possession1 or ( wit*craft4 ,! supreme grotesqu5ess ( ! ph5om5a ( ! latt] has caus$ ! belief 9 x to p]i% "u ! influ5ce ( common s5se1 aid$ by an increas$ acqua9tance ) s\nd pr9ciples ( causation1 & ! /ability ( ! op]ations ( nature4 ,/ill x is incorrect to affirm t ! preval5ce ( su* beliefs has be5 due to no o!r cause ?an univ]sal ignorance4 ,! belief 9 wit*craft produc$ its mo/ unhappy results dur+ ! reigns ( ,elizabe? & ! ,/u>ts1 9 ! v age ( ,bacon1 ,%akespe>e1 & ,raleigh4 ,su* beliefs orig9ate 9 c]ta9 pr9ciples ( our m9ds ^: gratification consi/s 9 ! contemplation ( ! m>vell\s1 ! action ( :i* ,i %all consid] h]eaft]4 ,!y h exi/$ 9 e condition ( society1 & only *ang$ ! =m ( _! manife/ation4 ,^? :o boa/ ( our fre$om f su* delusions1 ow+ to ! sup]ior light ( ! n9ete5? c5tury1 seem to h =gott5 ! exi/5ce at ! pres5t day ( a belief 9 spiritualism1 :i* is little1 if at all1 less absurd ?an wit*craft1 ?\gh ! =m] has enc\nt]$ a less sev]e treatm5t ?an ! latt]4 ,?is has be5 m due to ! improvem5t ( our humanity ?an to our k ( physical sci5ce4 ,x is a fact t spiritualism is believ$ 9 by multitudes2 & its vot>ies belong f> m to ! cultivat$ class ( society ?an to ! ignorant & ! vulg>4 ,:at ! wit* mania 0 to ! sixte5? & sev5te5? c5turies1 spiritualism is to ! n9ete5?4 ,x is ! peculi> =m r ?an ! possibility ( su* delusions t has pass$ away4 ,x %\ld be obs]v$ also t ! demoniacal sup]naturalism ( ! mona/ic writ]s1 & ( ! middle ages1 diff]s f t ( ! ,new ,te/am5t to su* a degree t !y _c fairly be comp>$4 ,9 ! =m] ! app>ition ( demons & dep>t$ spirits 0 a ?+ ( con/ant occurr5ce2 9 ! latt]1 nev]4 ,to ! monks ! devil 0 cont9ually appe>+ 9 ! mo/ phanta/ic =ms1 & p]=m+ ! mo/ grotesque miracles4 ,to ?is =m ( demonology mod]n spiritualism c put 9 v /rong claims to be e/eem$ ! g5u9e successor4 ,! heat$ imag9ation ( ev5 su* a man z ,lu!r sugge/$ to him t he saw ,satan 9 visible reality4 ,x is wor?y ( rem>k t ,/4 ,paul knew no?+ ( visible ,satanic manife/ations4 ,) him !y 7 inv>iably spiritual4 ,x is important to keep /eadily 9 view ! fact1 t ! ,new ,te/am5t inv>iably repres5ts possession z consi/+ 9 ! action ( a /rong] m9d on a weak] "o4 ,! influ5ce :i* ! demon ex]t$ on ! bodily organs might h be5 effect$ ?r\gh ! ag5cy ( ! man himself4 ,x is nev] describ$ z involv+ a visible manife/ation ( ! demon1 b 8 action is "o :i* is purely m5tal & spiritual4 ,8 pres5ce & 8 dep>ture 7 simply judg$ ( by _! effects4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! d5ial ( ! possibility ( an influ5ce ( ?is k9d mu/ re/ on a v wide pr9ciple4 ,x _c be conf9$ to su* action alone1 b mu/ g to ! ext5t ( d5y+ ! possibility ( ! action ( all spiritual be+s on ! m9d ( man4 ,! only pr9ciple on :i* ! d5ial c re/ is1 t our m5tal sci5ce has s f> succe$$ 9 analyz+ all ! pa/ & pres5t op]ations ( ! human m9d1 t x is ju/ifi$ 9 affirm+ t !y all orig9ate entirely )9 ! m9d itself2 & are nev] br\ght ab\t by an action on x f )\t by any invisible ag5t4 ,if ?is is ! pr9ciple on :i* ! d5ial re/s1 x w be equally valid to exclude ! action ( ,god on our m9ds1 z well z t ( all o!r invisible be+s4 ,x w d\btless be urg$ t x is only int5d$ to d5y ! action ( invisible evil be+s4 ,b if x is true t our m5tal philosophy has asc]ta9$ t all our ?\ghts orig9ate ei!r 9 ! m9d itself1 or 9 ! m9d act$ on by ext]nal nature1 or by o!r m51 ! pr9ciple mu/ be valid = prov+ t all o!r spiritual ag5cy ex]t$ on ! m9d is impossible1 & t all suppos$ in/ances ( x are delusions4 ,x is impossible on ?is pr9ciple to exclude ! evil ag5cy1 & n to exclude ! good also4 ,x is evid5t t ?is pr9ciple is f> too broad to be us$ = ! purpose ( affirm+ ! impossibility ( ! action ( ext]nal evil ag5ts only4 ,x is bas$ on ! supposition t our m5tal philosophy is s complete z to be able to assign ev5 ! mo/ abnormal portions ( our m5tal action to def9ite & kn[n =ces1 all ( :i* orig9ate )9 ! m9d itself1 & are nev] due to ext]nal influ5ces4 ,if m5tal philosophy c\ld e/abli% ?is z a fact1 x w\ld d\btless prove t possession 0 impossible2 b x c\ld prove a great deal m1 ev5 t ,god nev] act$ on or influ5c$ ! _s ( man4 ,b if !re is any "o ph5om5on ( ! m9d1 ( ! orig9 ( :i* we are ignorant1 ! :ole pr9ciple is vitiat$1 = t v ph5om5on may be caus$ by ! action ( an ext]nal p[]4 ,! real po9t ( ! controv]sy !re=e is1 ,is our m5tal sci5ce ?us complete8 ,has x be5 able to r$uce all our m5tal ph5om5a1 includ+ ! mo/ abnormal ( !m1 to ! action ( kn[n =ces8 ,has x analyz$ our m5tal p[]s to _! inmo/ dep?s8 ,until x has done ?is1 x is impossible to affirm t ! abnormal actions ( ! m9d may n be occasion$ by an ext]nal ag5cy4 ,x w probably be urg$1 t al?\gh our philosophy has n yet succe$$ 9 assign+ all our m5tal ph5om5a to ! action ( kn[n =ces1 x hopes to accompli% ?is h]eaft]2 & t its pa/ conque/s ought to be accept$ z a pl$ge ( its future p]=mances2 & t ! "t w c]ta9ly come1 :5 x w be able to ref] e m5tal ph5om5on to a cause orig9at+ 9 ! m9d itself1 & act+ 9 con=mity ) inv>iable law4 ,promises1 h[ev]1 are n p]=mances2 :at is requisite to imp>t validity to wide affirmations is pres5t actual k1 n ! hope t future sci5tific conque/s w be ext5d$ ov] ! entire regions ( ! unkn[n4 ,sci5ce pr(esses to walk by sight & n by fai?4 ,9 a subject ( ?is k9d x is mo/ unphilosophical to assume t ! possibilities ( ! future are ! realities ( ! pres5t2 & to enunciate propositions ^: validity re/s solely on ! fact t !y are s4 ,i w n[ def9itely /ate ! pr9ciple :i* c alone give any sci5tific value to ! ass]tion1 t su* demoniacal action z t :i* is describ$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is unbelievable4 ,x is z foll[s3 t we h s completely asc]ta9$ ! nature ( ! =ces :i* act on our m9ds1 & ! laws :i* regulate !m1 t we "k z a sci5tifically e/abli%$ tru?1 t !y all orig9ate ei!r 9 our own m5tal organization1 or 9 ! action ( o!r m5 on our m9ds4 ,! /atem5t ( ! pr9ciple 9 ?is di/9ct =m at once %[s t x is invalid4 ,x is impossible = "o mom5t to affirm t our k is s complete1 t we h a sci5tific acqua9tance ) ! causes ( all our v>i$ m5tal ph5om5a1 & ! laws :i* regulate !m4 ,we h asc]ta9$ ! nature ( sev]al ( our m5tal processes2 b h[ small a portion ( man's m5tal activity d !y embrace4 ,i ne$ only p>ticul>ize a few ( :i* we are 9 complete ignorance1 z to ! =ces :i* g5]ate !m1 & ! laws :i* regulate _! action4 ,fir/1 ) respect to ,g5ius4 ,g5ius is a m5tal p[] :i* manife/s itself only on r>e occasions4 ,:o c affirm t we h asc]ta9$ ! law :i* regulates its bir?8 ,we may judge f analogy t ?is1 z o!r ?+s1 foll[s a law ( "s k9d2 b respect+ ! causes :i* give x bir? our philosophy is pr(\ndly ignorant4 ,nor h we any k ( its mode ( action4 ,x manife/s itself 9 v>i\s =ms4 ,!re is ! g5ius :i* makes ! poet1 ! philosoph]1 ! sci5tific discov]]1 ! orator1 ! politician1 & _m o!rs4 ,h[ ^? :o are possess$ ( ?is p[] effectuate _! m5tal op]ations1 or h[ _! great ideas orig9ate 9 _! m9ds is a subject :i* exce$s ! limits ( our sci5tific k4 ,take = example ! g5ius ( ! poet4 ,:5ce came1 & :at 0 ! nature ( t intuitive p[] ) :i* ,%akespe>e 0 end[$1 or h[ 0 x call$ into ex]cise8 ,we call su* p[]s intuitions4 ,we say t a great poet is end[$ ) a species ( inspiration4 ,:at is ?is b to confess our entire ignorance bo? ( ! orig9 & ! mode ( 8 m5tal op]ations4 ,probably ! poet himself w\ld be unable to give u any analysis ( ! orig9 ( 8 own ?\ghts1 or ( ! laws t regulate !m4 ,h[ !n c we v5ture to affirm t !y mu/ all orig9ate 9 ! m9d itself1 & n be due to ! action ( "s ext]nal p[]8 ,! habit ( speak+ ( 8 inspirations1 f :i* sci5tific m5 are n exempt1 proves our complete ignorance bo? ( its nature & orig94 ,b to desc5d to a humbl] sph]e--our own m9ds4 ,we are all consci\s t ?\ghts ru% into !m 9 a mo/ unbidd5 mann]1 & t we pass ?r\gh m5tal /ates :i* our analysis is unable to expla94 ,c any man affirm1 h[ev] deep may be 8 philosophy1 t ! kn[n laws ( association ( ideas are adequate to acc\nt = all ! m5tal ph5om5a ( :i* he has be5 consci\s8 ,:o has n _h exp]i5ce ( sev]e ef=ts to realize some?+ 9 ?\ght1 :i* h end$ 9 failure1 & t ! "r ?+ has sudd5ly come into 8 m9d uncall$ & unbidd58 ,n unfrequ5tly has a sudd5 ?\ght ent]$ ! m9d 7we "k n :5ce x came7 :i* has entirely *ang$ ! :ole curr5t ( a previ\s life4 ,/ill m frequ5tly has a happy idea occurr$ to u1 ! orig9 ( :i* x is impossible to trace4 ,:o aga9 has n _h exp]i5ce ( ! sudd5 ru%+ ( a temptation into 8 m9d ) an all b ov]:elm+ =ce1 ev5 :ile 8 ?\ghts 7 occupi$ ) subjects 9 no way alli$ to ! sugge/ion8 ,_m ( our m5tal ph5om5a may be expla9$ by ! pr9ciple ( association ( ideas & o!r kn[n m5tal p[]s2 b :o c v5ture to affirm t !y are adequate to acc\nt = all ! v>i\s /ates ( :i* he has be5 consci\s1 or t "s ( !m h n orig9at$ 9 sugge/ions f )\t8 ,sci5tific k is c]ta9ly able to make no su* affirmation4 ,next3 !re are num]\s abnormal conditions to :i* ! m9d is unque/ionably subject4 ,:o w v5ture to affirm t he has p5etrat$ to _! dep?s1 or asc]ta9$ ! laws :i* regulate _! action8 ,^! h a mo/ important be>+ on ! pres5t subject4 ,!y are be/ designat$ by ! t]m phr5zy4 ,_! aspect is v v>i$4 ,!y diff] 9 _m respects f mania1 ?\gh !y are closely alli$ to x4 ,!y are conf9$ to no "o race ( m51 b are coext5sive ) human nature4 ,!y 7 preval5t 9 ! anci5t _w1 & connect$ ) v>i\s =ms ( religi\s belief4 ,!y display !mselves ) peculi> viol5ce 9 ! religi\s rites ( savages4 ,9 ,ori5tal c\ntries at ! pres5t day1 !y frequ5tly manife/ !mselves & assume a great v>iety ( aspects4 ,examples might be easily adduc$4 ,! phr5zi$ fanatic (t5 pres5ts indications ( 8 m9d be+ act$ on by an ov]:elm+ ext]nal influ5ce2 & :5 "u ! influ5ce ( ! rites ( a degrad$ religion1 ! symptoms pres5t no little resemblance to ^? :i* accompani$ demoniacal possession4 ,i h no wi% to affirm t su* ph5om5a mu/ be due to an action ( ?is k9d1 b to draw att5tion to ! fact t we are ignorant ( ! p[] 9 :i* !y orig9ate1 & t su* be+ ! case1 x is q possible t _! mo/ viol5t & t]rible =ms may be ar\s$ by ! influ5ce ( a p[] ext]nal to ! m9d itself4 ,equally ignorant are we ( ! causes ( ev5 _! mild] manife/ations4 ,:atev] may be ! hopes :i* are ent]ta9$ ( ! future triumphs ( sci5ce1 x is n too mu* to ass]t1 t x has n yet r$uc$ ^! abnormal conditions ( ! m9d to any ?+ l a sci5tific law1 & t x has n succe$$ 9 trac+ ! ph5om5a to ! exclusive op]ation ( a =ce act+ )9 ! m9d itself4 ,9 tru? our m5tal sci5ce is ignorant ( _! causes3 & = aught t x c affirm to ! contr>y1 _m ( !m may be due to causes human1 sup]human1 or a comb9ation ( ! two4 ,9 cases :]e we are pr(\ndly ignorant1 dogmatical ass]tions %\ld be c>efully avoid$4 ,:ile su* ph5om5a are incapable ( explanation by ! action ( kn[n m5tal =ces1 ! /ud5ts ( m5tal sci5ce are n ju/ifi$ 9 affirm+ t possession contradicts its kn[n tru?s4 ,i fully admit1 h[ev]1 t !re is a sy/em ( pr(ess$ m5tal sci5ce1 :i*1 if its tru? c\ld be prov$1 w\ld e/abli% ! fact t possession 0 impossible4 ,i ne$ h>dly say t ,i allude to t :i* affirms t ?\ght is ! result ( a function ( ! bra91 & no?+ else4 ,accord+ to ! views ( ^! philosoph]s1 ! bra9 secretes ?\ght z a gl& secretes its own peculi> secretion4 ,until ?is philosophy has succe$$ 9 prov+ ! tru? ( its fir/ pr9ciples1 x is useless to consid] its be>+ on ?is p>ticul> "q4 ,!re is ano!r abnormal m5tal condition1 ! exi/5ce ( :i* is unque/ionable1 & :i* has a close connection ) ! pres5t "q1 namely1 ! ec/atic /ate4 ,! =ms 9 :i* ?is has manife/$ itself h be5 extremely v>i\s1 & x is impossible = any "o to ass]t t our m5tal philosophy has fully fa?om$ !m1 & has succe$$ 9 assign+ !m to =ces orig9at+ )9 ! m9d itself4 ,on ! contr>y x is n too mu* to affirm t x has z yet :olly fail$ to analyze its nature1 or to acc\nt = ! abnormal p[]s display$ by ! m9d :5 9 ?is condition4 ,9 ! anci5t _w ?is /ate ( m9d 0 closely connect$ ) ! manife/ations ( ! prophetic p[]1 ! reality ( :i* 0 recogniz$ by _m ( its philosoph]s4 ,x w ( c\rse be obs]v$ t ,i am n speak+ ( ?is p[] z x exi/$ 9 ! ,jewi% *ur*1 b ( its suppos$ manife/ations 9 ! hea!n _w4 ,simil> ec/atic /ates h frequ5tly display$ !mselves 9 mod]n times4 ,:5 9 ?is condition ! m9d is especially liable to be act$ on by ext]nal influ5ces4 ,is x possible1 ,i ask1 9 ! pres5t /ate ( our m5tal philosophy1 to ass]t t we "k _! nature1 or ! =ces :i* produce !m8 ,! ec/atic 9 union ) a phr5zi$ /ate ( ! m9d 0 app>5tly ! condition ( ! ,delphian prie/ess :5 %e deliv]$ oracles to ^? :o consult$ h]4 ,accord+ to all ! acc\nts t we possess1 %e pres5t$ ! appe>ance ( be+ subject to an ov]p[]+ ext]nal influ5ce4 ,e o!r description :i* we possess ( ! manife/ation ( ?is prophetic p[]1 7& we h sev]al7 describes x z pres5t+ ph5om5a closely alli$ to rav+ madness1 an influ5ce ( "s k9d app>5tly ov]p[]+ ! prophet's p]sonality4 ,until ! =ces :i* produc$ ^! ph5om5a 9 ! anci5t _w1 & ! some:at simil> ones :i* h be5 manife/$ 9 mod]n times1 c be %[n to owe _! orig9 to =ces orig9at+ 9 ! m9d itself1 & to no?+ else1 x is absurd to affirm t su* a ph5om5on z possession is 9 contradiction to our sci5tific k ( ! human m9d4 ,!re is ano!r po9t :i* dem&s our att5tion1 namely1 ! close connection betwe5 ! extreme =ms ( moral wick$ness1 & madness4 ,x is an unque/ionable fact t no?+ is m difficult ?an to draw ! precise l9e :]e moral wick$ness ends1 & madness beg9s4 ,9 _! great outl9es !y are easily di/+ui%able1 b 9 ! m advanc$ /ages ( moral evil1 ! "o passes into ! o!r by ins5sible degrees4 ,s difficult is x to lay d[n ! precise l9e :i* sep>ates !m1 t sci5tific m5 are n want+1 :o affirm t e extreme case ( moral wick$ness is a species ( mania4 ,consi/5tly ) ?is !ory frequ5t ef=ts are made to save ! mo/ ab&on$ crim9als f ! consequ5ces ( _! crimes4 ,if ! pr9ciple is correct1 x is impossible n to assign less] degrees ( moral evil to ! same cause4 ,su* a pr9ciple logically leads to ! d5ial ( any di/9ction betwe5 moral & physical action4 ,happily h[ev]1 al?\gh ?is conclusion is "o :i* has be5 arriv$ at by a consid]able numb] ( physici/s1 x is "o :i* ! common s5se ( mank9d /eadily refuses to accept4 ,x is suffici5t = ! pres5t purpose1 t extreme =ms ( moral evil %ade (f into mania by ins5sible degrees2 & t ultimately !y are capable ( produc+ insanity4 ,if insanity c be produc$ by moral causes1 x foll[s t a sup]human influ5ce p[]ful = evil1 act+ on a degrad$ moral nature1 may be att5d$ ) a simil> result1 & produce su* a ph5om5on z possession4 ,b fur!r3 :ile madness is produc$ by physical causes1 x is a c]ta9 fact t x is frequ5tly occasion$ by causes purely m5tal4 ,( ?is ! in/ances are innum]able4 ,^! m5tal causes react on ! bra9 & ! n]v\s sy/em2 & ?us !y sup]9duce disease on ^? p>ts ( our bodily organization by means ( :i* ! m9d ex]cises its p[]s4 ,/ill ! disease itself orig9ates 9 causes t are n seat$ 9 ! body1 b 9 ! m9d4 ,! m9d is !re=e capable ( act+ p[]fully on our bodily frame4 ,if !re=e possession be view$ z ! action ( "o m9d on ano!r1 !re is no reason :y x %\ld n be able to sup]9duce ^? =ms ( bodily d]angem5t :i* exhibit$ !mselves 9 ! demoniacs by ! simple action ( ! m9d ^u ! body4 ,! m5tal causes capable ( produc+ mania are1 z we "k1 ( a v>i$ description2 & among !m is ! action & influ5ce :i* "o m9d is capable ( ex]t+ on ano!r4 ,z1 !re=e1 9 c]ta9 /ates ( our m9ds1 or ( our n]v\s sy/em1 mania ) all its results c be produc$ by ! simple action ( m9d on m9d1 & ?r\gh ! action ( ! m9d disord] may be produc$ 9 our bodily organization1 !re c be no reason :y possession ) all its att5dant ph5om5a %\ld n orig9ate 9 simil> causes4 ,!re is no?+ to imply t ! sup]human ag5cy manife/$ 9 possession 0 directly ex]t$ on ! body ( ! possess$4 ,an ag5cy :i* 0 entirely m5tal 0 fully adequate to produce all ! ph5om5a ) :i* x 0 accompani$4 ,9 cases ( mania produc$ by m5tal action ! removal ( ! excit+ cause is ! precondition ( its cure1 & 9 _m cases effects x4 ,simil>ly1 9 cases ( possession ! removal ( ! excit+ cause w\ld produce simil> results4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 f ! =ego+ consid]ations1 t ! allegation t ! possessions describ$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t are incr$ible1 because !y contradict ! kn[n tru?s ( m5tal sci5ce1 is disprov$4 ,! "q really resolves itself into ! foll[+ "o3 ,d evil be+s1 o!r ?an m51 exi/ 9 ! univ]se8 ,or1 if !y exi/1 is x cr$ible t !y are all[$ to int]f]e 9 ! affairs ( m58 ,?is "q we h already consid]$ 9 a =m] *apt]1 & we h arriv$ at ! conclusion t if we free ourselves f ! trammels ( priori !ories1 & judge only by ! facts ( ! univ]se z x exi/s1 nei!r _! exi/5ce nor _! int]v5tion 9 human affairs is contr>y to our reason4 ,two ?+s1 h[ev]1 mu/ be /eadily kept 9 m9d4 ,fir/3 t if su* int]v5tions 9 human affairs are facts1 ! ag5cy :i* c be ex]t$ is only a p]mitt$ ag5cy1 & only capable ( be+ ex]t$ 9 subord9ation to ! div9e purposes 9 ! gov]nm5t ( ! univ]se4 ,a l>ge numb] ( ! difficulties ) :i* ! subject is att5d$ h orig9at$ 9 ! :olly inaccurate idea t a p[] is attribut$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t to ,satan1 ( int]f]+ bo? 9 ! mat]ial & ! moral univ]se at 8 own w & pleasure4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 is altoge!r contr>y to ! fact4 ,:atev] p[] is attribut$ to him is an entirely p]mitt$ "o1 & ex]cis$ 9 subord9ation to ! g5]al purposes ( ,god4 ,secondly1 t al?\gh ! disord] 9 ! moral _w might lead u to suspect ! pres5ce ( an evil ag5cy1 diff]5t f t ( man2 yet z x is n a visible "o1 b conf9$ to ! regions ( ! m9d1 x is "o :i* _c come "u our di/9ct obs]vation1 & c\ld !re=e only become kn[n to u by revelation4 ,"o m difficulty has to be consid]$4 ,x is alleg$ t possession nev] takes place n[4 ,x is !re=e inf]r$ t x nev] took place at all4 ,i reply fir/1 if we grant t demoniacal action1 9 ! =m ( possession has n[ ceas$1 x by no means foll[s t x 0 n once real4 ,! objection ov]looks ! fact t its action 0 a p]mitt$ "o2 & c\ld only be ex]cis$ )9 ! limits assign$ to x4 ,!re may h be5 reasons at ! "t ( ! ,adv5t :y ! ex]cise ( a ,satanic ag5cy %\ld be p]mitt$ at t p>ticul> p]iod to a great] ext5t ?an x ev] has be5 be=e or s9ce4 ,secondly3 c]ta9 moral & physical conditions 7 necess>y = its ex]cise4 ,^! may be no long] 9 exi/5ce1 b !y may h pass$ away ) _m o!r abnormal conditions ( human nature :i* exi/$ 9 ! anci5t _w4 ,?irdly3 x is n possible to affirm ) c]ta9ty t1 ev5 at ! pres5t day1 no sup]natural ag5cies be>+ an analogy to possession1 are ex]t$ on ! m9d4 ,?is w be only possible1 :5 all ^? abnormal ph5om5a :i* manife/ !mselves 9 connection ) v>i\s debas$ =ms ( religion & o!r cases ( phr5zi$ excitem5t c be trac$ to kn[n =ces1 orig9at+ solely 9 ! m9d itself4 ,!re is "o fur!r objection :i* requires a brief consid]ation4 ,x is urg$ t ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t ent]ta9$ ! belief1 t diseases 7 g5]ally occasion$ by demoniacal action1 q indep5d5tly ( possession2 & t ?is belief has receiv$ ! sanction ( our ,"l4 ,"o case only is alleg$ 9 pro( ( ?is1 t ( ! woman ) ! _s ( infirmity4 ,%e 0 no demoniac1 b an ord9>y diseas$ p]son1 & ! disease is ass]t$ to h be5 occasion$ by demoniacal action4 ,i reply1 t consid]+ ! l>ge numb] ( diseases ( v>i\s k9ds m5tion$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 9 none ( :i* is !re any allusion to demoniacal ag5cy z _! cause1 a s+le example is a n>r[ f\ndation on :i* to build ! affirmation t ! foll[]s ( our ,"l held su* a !ory z to ! orig9 ( disease 9 g5]al4 ,i admit t disorganization ( ! bodily functions is m5tion$ among ! ph5om5a ( possession4 ,b ?is diff]s widely f a bodily evil sup]9duc$ )\t ! ag5cy ( possession4 ,let u inquire :e!r ! special in/ance af=ds any ju/ification = ?is wide ass]tion4 ,! ,evangeli/ /ates t ! woman 0 b[$ d[n by a _s ( infirmity1 & c\ld 9 no wise lift h]self up4 ,"h x is j z absurd to fa/5 on him ! int5tion to describe a sci5tific fact1 z :5 on ano!r occasion x is said t 8p[]0 w5t out ( our ,"l 8& heal$ !m all40 ,! "o /&s on ! same gr\nd z ! o!r4 ,9 effect+ ! cure1 our ,"l uses ! words1 8,woman1 ?\ art loos$ f ?9e infirmity40 ,"h !re is no ref]5ce to ,satanic ag5cy :atev]4 ,! only m5tion ( x occurs 9 8 argum5t ) ! rul] ( ! synagogue on ! lawfulness ( effect+ su* cures on ! ,sabba? day4 ,! words are1 8,?\ hypocrite1 ought n ?is woman1 :o is a daught] ( ,abraham1 :om ,satan ha? b\nd1 lo1 ^! eighte5 ye>s1 to be loos$ f ?is bond on ! ,sabba? day80 ,^! words are address$ to ! rul] 9 answ] to ! objection t our ,"l 0 no prophet1 because he effect$ 8 cures on ! ,sabba?4 ,if s1 z ! reality ( ! miracle 0 n d5i$1 x 0 int5d$ to be impli$ t x _h be5 wr\ght by ! p[] ( ,satan1 ( :i* ! violation ( ! ,sabba? 0 ! pro(4 ,! real po9t ( controv]sy !re=e 0 ! lawfulness ( effect+ cures on ?is day1 n ! ,satanic orig9 ( ! compla9t4 ,0 !re any conceivable reason :y our ,"l %\ld n discuss ! po9t ) ! rul] on 8 own pr9ciples8 ,:y 0 x necess>y to raise a :olly diff]5t issue1 viz4 ! ,satanic or non,satanic orig9 ( ! disease1 in/ead ( conf9+ x /rictly to ! po9t1 :i* 0 ! allimportant "o1 t ,8 cur+ ?is woman on ! ,sabba? day 0 s f> f be+ a pro( t ,he did n come f ,god1 t x 0 a /rong reason = believ+ t ,he did s8 ,to h ent]$ on a discussion z to :at 0 ! cause ( ! compla9t1 w\ld n only h div]t$ att5tion f ! real "q1 b w\ld h introduc$ "o :olly =eign to ! purposes ( ,8 div9e mission4 ,two suppositions only are possible respect+ possession4 ,x mu/ h be5 ei!r a =m ( madness produc$ by natural causes1 or a manife/ation ( sup]human p[]4 ,z ! facts on :i* a judgm5t c be =m$ are meagre1 ,i h n v5tur$ to det]m9e :i* ( ^! two !ories is alone consi/5t ) ! facts & ph5om5a ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,i h !re=e tak5 ei!r alt]native1 & %[n1 t nei!r does ! !ory t x 0 mania int]f]e ) ! claims ( ! ,gospels to be accept$ z hi/orical docum5ts1 nor is ! language attribut$ to our ,"l contr>y to ! tru?fulness ( ,8 "*2 nor does ! supposition t x 0 due to sup]human causes contradict ! e/abli%$ tru?s ( m5tal sci5ce4 ,,*apt] ,,xiii4 ,,! ,,alleg$ ,,cr$ulity ,,( ,,! ,,foll[]s ,,( ,,jesus4 ,! allegation t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus1 & ! e>ly ,*ri/ians g5]ally1 7 a body ( int5sely cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s p1 may be consid]$ z n only ! /ronghold ( ^? :o impugn ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels1 b also z ! ars5al f :i* !y draw no small numb] ( _! weapons ( attack4 ,a cr$ulity :i* knew no limits is lib]ally ascrib$ to !m z %[+ h[ e miracul\s n>rative might h be5 inv5t$4 ,!y h ev5 be5 cr$it$ ) a facility ( inv5t+ fictions1 & !n delud+ !mselves into ! belief t !y 7 facts :i* !y _h actually witness$4 ,?us x has be5 ass]t$ t x 0 _! firm belief t ! ,messiah ought to h wr\ght miracles2 t ,jesus himself may n ev5 h pr(ess$ to p]=m !m2 b t ! f]vid imag9ations ( ,8 foll[]s inv5t$ a set ( miracles1 attribut$ !m to ,him1 & end$ ) ! belief t !y _h se5 ,him p]=m !m4 ,on ! o!r h&1 :5ev] ^! objectors are press$ by a difficulty 9 acc\nt+ = ! orig9 ( p>ticul> ph5om5a 9 ! ,gospels1 !y retire on ! cr$ulity ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus z into a k9d ( citadel1 9 :i* !y consid] !mselves s /rongly entr5*$ t !y may defy e attack4 ,!re is also ano!r important purpose :i* x is made to s]ve4 ,x is ass]t$ t x r5d]s wor?less ! te/imony ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus z to ! actual occurr5ce ( miracles4 ,! allegation takes two =ms3 #a/4 ,t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 ! prey ( a cr$ulity & sup]/ition :i* greatly exce$$ ! limits ( ! ord9>y cr$ulity ( mank9d2 & t !re=e ! value ( _! hi/orical te/imony is de/roy$4 #bnd4 ,t ! ord9>y cr$ulity ( mank9d ) respect to ! occurr5ce ( sup]natural ev5ts is s great & widespread1 z to r5d] ! inv5tion ( miracul\s n>ratives easy1 & to de/roy ! cr$it ( all n>ratives conta9+ !m4 ,i propose to consid] ^! subjects 9 ?is & ! foll[+ *apt]4 ,no?+ is easi] ?an to *>ge a body ( m5 ) int5se cr$ulity & sup]/ition4 ,be=e1 h[ev]1 su* *>ges des]ve to h any notice tak5 ( !m1 !y %\ld be sub/antiat$ by direct pro(4 ,x is impossible to meet !m if urg$ 9 a m]e g5]al =m4 ,=tunately1 ! au?or ( 8,sup]natural ,religion0 makes a numb] ( specific & def9ite *>ges1 9 :i* he endeav\rs to fa/5 an unspeakable degree ( cr$ulity & sup]/ition on ! imm$iate foll[]s ( ,jesus & ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels1 & ref]s to au?orities 9 support ( 8 ass]tions4 ,i w /ate 8 g5]al position 9 8 own words4 8,we h giv5 a mo/ imp]fect sket* ( "s ( ! op9ions & sup]/itions preval5t at ! "t ( ,jesus1 & :5 ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 7 writt54 ,^!1 z we h se51 are cont9u$ ) little or no modification ?r\gh\t ! fir/ c5turies ( our era4 ,x mu/ h[ev] be rememb]$ t ! few details t we h giv51 omitt+ mu* ( ! gross] p>ticul>s1 are ! views absolutely express$ by ! mo/ educat$ & intellig5t "p ( ! community2 & t x w\ld h requir$ inf9itely d>k] col\rs adequately to h portray$ ! d5se ignorance & sup]/ition ( ! mass ( ! ,jews4 ,x is impossible to receive ! report ( suppos$ m>vell\s occurr5ces f an age & p l ?is1 )\t ! grave/ suspicion4 ,miracles :i* spr+ f su* a hotb$ ( sup]/ition are too natural 9 su* a soil to be ! object ( surprise2 & 9 los+ _! exceptional "*1 _! claims on att5tion are proportionally weak5$1 if n altoge!r de/roy$4 ,pret]natural int]f]5ce ) ! affairs ( life & ) ! ph5om5a ( nature 0 ! rule 9 ^? days1 n ! exception1 & miracles 9 fact _h app>5tly lo/ all novelty1 & ?r\gh famili>ity _h become degrad$ into m]e commonplace40 8,!re c be no d\bt t ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t %>$ 9 ! popul> sup]/itions ( ! ,jews40 ,be=e proce$+ fur!r1 ,i mu/ draw ! read]'s att5tion to ?ree affirmations 9 ?is important passage4 #a/4 ,t ! educat$ ,jews ( ! "t ( ,jesus 7 a prey to ! sup]/itions 9 "q4 #bnd4 ,t ! common class ( ,jews 7 a prey to yet gross] sup]/iti\s4 #crd4 ,t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus1 :o 7 *iefly ,jews ( ! l[] classes1 & ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels1 %>$ 9 ^! sup]/itions4 ,! au?or devotes n less ?an fifty pages to a m9ute description ( ! sup]/itions ( ! educat$ classes4 ,^! are alleg$ to h be5 ( s gross a nature1 t ! read] w get b a v imp]fect conception ( ! po9t at issue1 unless ,i give a brief sket* ( "s ( !m4 ,i4 ,! ,jews are affirm$ to h believ$ 9 an innum]able multitude ( angels1 ^: ag5cy 0 cont9ually display$ 9 ! ord9>y ph5om5a ( nature4 ,!y presid$ ov] & en]giz$ 9 its ord9>y op]ations1 z = in/ance1 9 ?und]1 lightn+1 ! w9ds1 ! seas1 fro/1 hail1 ra91 mi/s1 heat1 light1 c42 heav5 & e>? 9 fact are fill$ ) !m1 & !y are also cont9ually busy+ !mselves 9 human affairs1 ( :i* m9ute details are giv54 ,,ii4 ,!y are alleg$ to h believ$ 9 a demonology ( ! mo/ phanta/ic description4 ,to ?is ,i h else:]e suffici5tly allud$4 ,,iii4 ,!y are likewise affirm$ to h believ$ t ! sun1 moon & />s are rational be+s1 & traces ( ?is belief are di/9ctly affirm$ to exi/ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,,iv4 ,! belief 9 sorc]y1 wit*craft & magic is affirm$ to h be5 univ]sal among !m4 ,to give ! read] an idea ( ! grossness ( ^! beliefs1 to :i* ev5 ! educat$ classes are affirm$ to h be5 a prey1 ,i mu/ quote ! foll[+ passage3 8,amulets consi/+ ( seals1 or pieces ( pap]1 ) *>ms writt5 ^u !m1 7 hung r\nd ! necks ( ! sick1 & consid]$ efficaci\s = _! cure4 ,*>ms1 spells & mutt]+s 7 con/antly said ov] w\nds1 aga9/ unlucky meet+s1 to make p sleep1 to heal diseases1 & to av]t en*antm5ts2 aga9/ mad dogs = in/ance1 aga9/ ! demon ( bl9dness & ! l1 z well z =mul = av]t+ ! evil eye1 & mutt]+s ov] diseases40 ,"h foll[ sev]al pages ( unutt]able absurdities4 ,x is n too mu* to say1 t !re 0 h>dly an occurr5ce 9 nature1 & h>dly an ev5t ( daily life1 :i* 0 n influ5c$ by ^! sup]natural p[]s1 & v frequ5tly 9 a mann] unspeakably grotesque4 ,if su* 7 ! beliefs ( educat$ p1 urges ! au?or 7& he tells u t he has omitt$ ! gross] =ms ( !m71 :at mu/ h be5 ^? ( ! l[] ord]s1 & ! ext5t ( _! degrad$ sup]/ition8 ,x mu/ be kept con/antly 9 m9d t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus *iefly consi/$ ( p]sons tak5 f ! l[] /rata ( society4 ,b ! au?or 9 express words *>ges !m ) %>+ 9 su* beliefs4 ,if !y did n1 ! ref]5ce to !m w\ld h no be>+ on ! argum5t4 ,we h !re=e 9 ?is portion ( ! "w a def9ite issue rais$ = our consid]ation4 ,x is no vague *>ge ( g5]al b\ndless cr$ulity & sup]/ition1 su* z is g5]ally urg$ aga9/ ! foll[]s ( ,jesus & ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels4 ,x is pres5t$ to u 9 a cle> & def9ite =m4 ,i fully all[ t if ?is *>ge c\ld be sub/antiat$1 x w\ld deprive ! ,evangeli/s ( all hi/orical cr$it4 ,! issue :i* is ?us rais$ is consequ5tly "o ( ! highe/ importance4 ,x w be necess>y !re=e = u c>efully to exam9e ! mode 9 :i* x is attempt$ to e/abli% ! tru? ( ^! *>ges4 ,! process is an extremely s+ul> "o4 ,:5 we h a set ( writ+s be=e u & endeav\r to e/imate ! am\nt ( cr$ulity & sup]/ition to :i* _! au?ors 7 a prey1 ! only legitimate mode ( proce$+ is to subject ^! writ+s to a ?or\gh & m9ute exam9ation z to ! indications ( cr$ulity & sup]/ition conta9$ 9 !m4 ,hav+ done ?is1 x !n becomes our duty to asc]ta9 ! am\nt ( g5]al good s5se or ! want ( x :i* is display$ by !m 9 ^! or 9 o!r subjects1 & !n to =m a g5]al conclusion by fairly balanc+ ! indications ( cr$ulity & good s5se aga9/ ea* o!r4 ,! au?or1 h[ev]1 seems n to h _h ! smalle/ idea t x is ! duty ( ! critic to asc]ta9 :at are ! facts ( ! case z pres5t$ by ! writ+s1 & to =m a g5]al conclusion by a c>eful review ( ! entire evid5ce4 ,on ! contr>y1 8 mode ( reason+ is to quote a numb] ( op9ions held by v>i\s writ]s1 widely sep>at$ f ea* o!r 9 "t1 to *>ge !m on ! contempor>ies ( our ,"l1 & ref] to ne>ly e passage 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t :i* has ev5 ! remote/ be>+ on ! subject1 = ! purpose ( fa/5+ ^! sup]/itions on ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,su* a mode ( reason+ c only avail to e/abli% a =egone conclusion4 ,aga93 ,9 =m+ a judgm5t on su* a subject1 x also behoves u mo/ c>efully to consid] :e!r ! subjectmatt] ( ! writ+s is or is n ( su* a "*1 t if _! au?ors _h be5 addict$ to su* gross sup]/itions1 !re w\ld n ( necessity h be5 frequ5t examples ( !m 9 _! pages8 ,also :e!r ! abs5ce ( su* ref]5ces1 :5 ! subject on :i* !y 7 writ+ 0 c]ta9 to h sugge/$ !m to _! m9ds1 does n con/itute a /rong pro( t ^! sup]/itions 7 n held by !m8 ,9 "o ^w1 x is absurd to attempt to *>ge writ]s ) b\ndless cr$ulity & sup]/ition1 on ! gr\nd t a multitude ( grotesque beliefs 7 preval5t 9 _! day4 ,no au?or c be held responsible = beliefs o!r ?an ^? :i* appe> 9 8 pages1 especially :5 subjectmatt] ( 8 writ+s w\ld h be5 c]ta9 to call !m into activity if he _h ent]ta9$ !m4 ,! c\rse pursu$ by ! au?or is directly opposite to ?is4 ,he has be5 compell$ to adopt x1 because x is ! only me?od by :i* extreme cr$ulity & sup]/ition c be fa/5$ on ! writ]s ( ! ,gospels4 ,! available contempor>y lit]ature1 besides t conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 :i* c ?r[ light on ! op9ions ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus1 is v small4 ,! po9t :i* requires pro( is t ! entire ,jewi% nation1 )\t any exception1 0 a prey to ! base/ sup]/ition & cr$ulity4 ,unless ?is c be e/abli%$1 ! *>ge aga9/ ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels falls to ! gr\nd1 except s f> z x c be prov$ by ! ,gospels !mselves4 ,! contempor>y pro( ( x1 h[ev]1 fail+1 he endeav\rs to sub/antiate 8 position by quot+ ! op9ions ( writ]s sep>at$ f ! times ( ,jesus by sev]al c5turies1 & affirm+ t !y 7 held by ! entire body ( ,8 contempor>ies4 ,su* a mode ( reason+ is useless to support any?+ b a =egone conclusion4 ,a brief ref]5ce to ! au?orities reli$ ^u w at once expose ! fallacy ( ! argum5t4 ,fir/1 c]ta9 diff]5ces exi/+ betwe5 ! ,septuag9t & ! ,hebrew ,scriptures are press$ into ! s]vice1 :i* are no in/ances ( ei!r cr$ulity or sup]/ition4 ,!n ! frequ5t idolatries :i* prevail$ among ! ,jews prior to ! captivity are adduc$ z a pro( ( ! sup]/iti\s t5d5cies ( ! ,jewi% m9d1 z if sup]/itions preval5t at ! "t ( ,becket 7 any evid5ce ( ! condition ( ,engli% ?\ght at ! pres5t day4 ,next ! absurdities 9 ! ,apocryphal ,book ( ,tobit are put 9 z evid5ce1 al?\gh ! contr>y evid5ce af=d$ by ! o!r books ( ! ,apocrypha1 :i* conta9 no traces ( su* sup]/itions1 is left )\t m5tion4 ,! writ+s ( an ,assyrian ,jew :o liv$ ab\t ?ree hundr$ & fifty ye>s be=e ! ,*ri/ian era are ab\t z valid to prove ! op9ions held by ,*ri/ & 8 foll[]s z ! op9ions ( ,cic]o w\ld be 9 evid5ce ( ! beliefs ( ,con/ant9e4 ,!n ref]5ce is made to ! angelology & demonology conta9$ 9 ! writ+s ( ,philo1 :o 0 unque/ionably a contempor>y ( our ,"l2 b n ! smalle/ h9t is giv5 to ! read] t he 0 deeply t+$ ) ! pr9ciples ( ! ,neo,platonic philosophy1 a mode ( ?\ght :olly ali5 f t ( ! ,pale/9ian ,jews1 or t ,philo 0 himself an ,alex&rian ,jew4 ,next ! book ( ,eno* is quot$1 :i* 7:5ev] x 0 writt51 = its date is unc]ta97 is unque/ionably n ! "w ( a ,pale/9ian ,jew4 ,?is book1 :i* is an ,apocalypse1 conta9s a mon/r\s angelology & demonology1 & ab\nds ) extravagances4 ,al?\gh "p ( x 0 writt5 prior to ! ,adv5t1 o!r portions are cle>ly subsequ5t to x4 ,its au?or is unkn[n2 b x is highly probable f c]ta9 resemblances ( expression betwe5 x & ! ,new ,te/am5t1 t he 0 acqua9t$ ) portions ( ! latt]2 or1 to /ate ! !ory ( unbeliev]s1 t ! au?ors ( ! ,new ,te/am5t borr[$ f x4 ,if ?is view is true1 !n x is evid5t t !y mu/ h reject$ its angelology & demonology1 = t conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t is utt]ly dissimil> 9 "* to t :i* we read 9 ! book ( ,eno*4 ,z f>1 !re=e1 z ! evid5ce ( ?is book is conc]n$1 x af=ds a di/9ct pro( t !y 7 n a prey to its mon/r\s sup]/itions4 ,?is rem>k is equally applicable to ! book ( ,tobit1 & ! writ+s ( ,philo4 ,b !re is a ref]5ce made to ,philo :i* des]ves p>ticul> notice z an exemplification ( ! mode adopt$ by ^? :o endeav\r to fix ! *>ge ( unb\nd$ cr$ulity on ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels4 ,i cite ! au?or4 8,! belief t ! sun1 moon & />s 7 liv+ entities possess$ ( s\ls 0 g5]ally held by ! ,jews at ! beg9n+ ( our era1 along ) ,greek philosoph]s1 & we %all pres5tly see x express$ by ! fa!rs4 ,philo ,judu consid]s ! />s spiritual be+s full ( virtue & p]fection1 & t to !m is grant$ lord%ip ov] o!r heav5ly bodies1 n absolute1 b z vic]oys "u ! ,supreme ,be+4 ,we f9d a simil> view express$ reg>d+ ! nature ( ! />s 9 ! ,apocalypse1 & x con/antly occurs 9 ! ,talmud & ,t>gums40 8,we f9d10 says ! au?or1 8a simil> view express$ reg>d+ ! nature ( ! />s 9 ! ,apocalypse10 i4e4 t ! />s are spiritual be+s full ( virtue & p]fection1 & t !y hold lord%ip ov] o!r heav5ly bodies4 ,no quotation is made f ?is book1 b f\r passages are ref]r$ to 9 a note z prov+ ?is4 ,!y are z foll[s3 8,! my/]y ( ! sev5 />s :i* ?\ sawe/ 9 my "r h&1 & ! sev5 gold5 c&le/icks4 ,! sev5 />s are ! angels ( ! sev5 *ur*es1 & ! sev5 c&le/icks :i* ?\ sawe/ are ! sev5 *ur*es40 7,rev4 i4 #bj47 ,) z good reason may x be said t ! book ( ,revelation tea*es ! rationality ( c&le/icks4 8,^! ?+s sai? ,he t ha? ! sev5 ,spirits ( ,god1 & ! sev5 />s40 7,rev4 iii4 #a47 ,x is difficult to see h[ ?is proves t ! au?or ( ! ,revelation 0 ( op9ion t ! />s 7 rational entities4 ,! next passage ref]r$ to 7,rev4 iv4 #e7 makes no m5tion ( />s at all1 b ( 8sev5 lamps ( fire burn+ be=e ! ?rone1 :i* are ! sev5 ,spirits ( ,god40 ,! la/ ref]5ce is3 8,i saw a /> fall f heav5 unto ! e>?2 & to him 0 giv5 ! key ( ! bottomless pit40 7,rev4 ix4 #a47 ,"h a /> is spok5 ( z a liv+ ag5t2 b to ref] 9 pro( ( ?is to a book :i* is full ( symbols & is an av[$ vision is ridicul\s & mislead+4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! ,new ,te/am5t supplies ! mo/ unque/ionable evid5ce t its writ]s 7 free f ?is sup]/ition1 into :i* ev5 philosoph]s _h fall54 ,! next writ] ref]r$ to1 to prove t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 a prey to cr$ulity & sup]/ition1 is ,josephus1 9 8 n>rative ( ! signs :i* prec$$ ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4 ,to :at ext5t ,josephus embelli%$ ^! signs may be a "q4 ,mo/ ( !m h a v hea!n aspect1 & x is unque/ionable t he 0 mu* dispos$ to conciliate 8 hea!n read]s4 ,x is suffici5t to obs]ve t ! pages ( ! ,new ,te/am5t conta9 no?+ resembl+ !m4 ,b ! *ief s\rce :5ce ^! ineffable pu]ilities are d]iv$1 & *>g$ on ! contempor>ies ( our ,"l1 & ?r\gh !m on ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 is ! ,talmud4 ,probably !re are no writ+s 9 exi/5ce f :i* a m mon/r\s set ( absurdities c be collect$ ?an f ^? ( ! ,talmudi/s4 ,b h[ does ?is prove t ?is mass ( nons5se 0 believ$ 9 by ! ,jewi% nation 9 our ,"l's day8 ,"o portion ( ! ,talmud1 ! ,mi%na1 0 compos$ betwe5 ,a4,d4 #ahj & ,a4,d4 #bjj1 or "s ye>s aft] ! date assign$ by unbeliev]s to ! ,f\r? ,gospel4 ,! lat5ess ( ?is date is urg$ by !m z conclusive pro( t t ,gospel does n embody ! real traditions ( ! e>ly foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,h[ !n c x be urg$ ) any ?+ l consi/5cy t ! ,mi%na adequately repres5ts _! views respect+ ! ord] ( nature8 ,b ! o!r portion ( ! ,talmud1 ! ,gem>a1 0 n put =? 9 a writt5 =m prior to ,a4,d4 #ejj4 ,to quote works ?us remote 9 "t z pro(s ( ! sup]/itions ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus1 is to adopt a c\rse :i* if appli$ g5]ally to hi/ory1 w\ld r$uce x to a tissue ( falsehoods4 ,bi%op ,jewell 0 a believ] 9 wit*craft2 b x w\ld be absurd if "s future writ] 7 to quote ! writ+s ( mod]n spirituali/s z a pro( t he believ$ 9 _! doctr9es4 ,nor is x true t ! op9ions ( ! masses ( a nation are at all adequately repres5t$ by ^? ( its le>n$ m51 especially :5 le>n+1 z 9 ! case 9 "q1 assum$ ! mo/ unb\nd$ lic5ce ( speculation4 ,9 mo/ cases ! common s5se ( ! masses :o are br\ght into contact ) ! h>d facts ( daily life w pres]ve !m f pu]ilities1 into :i* le>n+1 :i* draws exclusively on ! imag9ation1 is c]ta9 to fall4 ,!re is suffici5t evid5ce ( ! sup]/ition ( ! masses dur+ ! middle ages2 b no?+ w\ld be m absurd ?an to quote "s mon/r\s op9ions held by ! great s*ola/ic writ]s to prove t !y 7 ! curr5t op9ions ( ! vulg>4 ,yet ! pr9ciple "h adopt$ is to adduce op9ions prop\nd$ by le>n$ writ]s1 :o liv$ c5turies aft]w>ds1 z a pro( t !y 7 curr5t among ! entire ,jewi% race at ! "t ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! rema9+ ref]5ces 9 pro( ( ?is position are /ill m notewor?y4 ,to e/abli% ! sup]/ition ( ! ,jews at ! "t ( ! ,adv5t1 a set ( op9ions are adduc$ :i* 7 held by ,*ri/ian ,fa!rs1 ^: writ+s cov] a p]iod ( n less ?an f\r c5turies4 ,a li/ ( !m w be suffici5t4 ,! apocryphal ,b>nabas & ,h]mas1 ,ju/9 ,m>tyr1 ,!ophilus1 ,clem5t ( ,alex&ria1 ,tatian1 ,t]tullian1 ,cyprian1 ,orig51 ,augu/9e1 ,j]ome1 ,*ryso/om1 ,lactantius1 ,eusebius1 & ,cyril ( ,j]usalem4 ,a numb] ( grotesque op9ions are collect$ f ^! writ]s1 z ?\gh !y c\ld h any possible be>+ on ! "q :e!r ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 able correctly to report :at !y saw & he>d4 ,i submit !re=e t ! facts adduc$ utt]ly fail to e/abli% ! *>ge ( int5se sup]/ition & cr$ulity aga9/ ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,b ,i g fur!r1 & affirm t !y furni% ! means ( giv+ a mo/ conclusive pro( ( ! contr>y4 ,^! quotations furni% u ) a cle> & conclusive pro(1 :i* is also furni%$ by ! entire range ( lit]ature1 t :5 writ]s are ! prey ( a def9ite class ( sup]/itions1 _! pages w af=d abundant evid5ce n only ( _! exi/5ce1 b ( _! nature & "*4 ,?is1 ( c\rse1 mu/ be qualifi$ by ! supposition t ! subjectmatt] on :i* !y wrote is "o suitable to call _! lat5t sup]/itions into activity4 ,?is always happ5s :5 ! works are ( a religi\s "*4 ,9 su* cases !y w fai?fully reflect ! sup]/itions ent]ta9$ by _! au?ors4 ,?is is preem95tly ! case ) all ! writ+s 9 "q4 ,!y are all on religi\s subjects1 on :i* !y all[$ _! imag9ations to run riot4 ,!y ent]ta9$ a numb] ( grotesque op9ions1 & accord+ly we f9d 9 _! writ+s a grotesque sup]naturalism1 exactly correspond+ to ! peculi> ideas ( ea* individual writ]4 ,on ! pr9ciple t 8out ( ! abundance ( ! he>t ! m\? speake?10 we may be q c]ta9 t :5 an au?or is extremely cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s1 x w f9d expression 9 8 pages :5ev] he is writ+ on a subject on :i* 8 imag9ation gives scope to exhibit !m4 ,i put ! argum5t z foll[s3 all writ]s exhibit 9 _! pages ! sup]/itions to :i* !y are a prey4 ,! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t d n exhibit ! sup]/itions 9 "q4 ,x foll[s !re=e t f ^! p>ticul> sup]/itions !y are free4 ,consequ5tly ! *>ge aga9/ !m ( int5se sup]/ition & cr$ulity falls to ! gr\nd1 z f> z x re/s on ! evid5ce 9 "q4 ,! am\nt ( subjectmatt] 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t :i*1 indep5d5tly ( a g5]al belief 9 miracles1 ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity c designate z sup]/iti\s1 is ( a v limit$ & def9ite nature4 ,x may be said to be almo/ exclusively conf9$ to a belief 9 ! reality ( possession2--a few cases ( disease occasion$ by ,satanic ag5cy2--an occasional int]v5tion ( angels1 & _! p[] to act on nature2--& p]haps t demonology & hea!nism 7 9 "s way connect$ ) ea* o!r4 ,?is is ! sum total ( su* beliefs :i* appe> on ! face ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,!y appe> 9 unequal degrees 9 ! works ( diff]5t writ]s2 & view+ !m z m]e human compositions1 we h no "r to *>ge on "o writ] ! beliefs ( ano!r4 ,! book ( ,revelation1 & its imag]y z pr(ess$ly m]ely se5 9 a vision1 _c fairly be introduc$ into ?is controv]sy4 ,if !n we conc$e1 = ! sake ( argum5t1 t ! ,jews 9 ! "t ( ,*ri/ 7 a prey to ! extravagant sup]/itions ref]r$ to2 if !y believ$ t ! :ole c\rse ( nature & human life 0 incessantly int]f]$ ) by an army ( spirits 9 numb]s pass+ all compreh5sion1 & t ^! int]f]5ces 7 ( ! mo/ grotesque & phanta/ic "*2 if !y univ]sally believ$ 9 magic1 *>ms & incantations1 ! nonappe>ance ( su* ph5om5a 9 ! pages ( ! ,new ,te/am5t is a pro( t its au?ors 7 n a prey to ! curr5t sup]/itions ( ! day4 ,no inconsid]able numb] ( sup]natural ev5ts are record$ 9 _! pages1 b unbelief itself is compell$ to admit t !y are all ( a dignifi$ "*1 ) p]haps ! exception ( ! entrance ( ! demons into ! sw9e1 & ! discov]y ( ! piece ( money 9 ! m\? ( ! fi%4 ,f :at is mon/r\s1 grotesque & phanta/ic1 !y are absolutely free4 ,if x be conc$$1 = ! sake ( argum5t1 t miracles are possible1 !n x _c be d5i$ t ^? ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 tak5 z a :ole1 /& out 9 m>k$ contra/ to ! curr5t sup]naturalism ( sup]/ition4 ,_! :ole conception is l(ty2 !re is 9 !m no?+ mean or contemptible2 !y subs]ve a great purpose2 !y are wor?y ( t great "* to :om !y are ascrib$1 ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,i put ! "q boldly3 h[ is x1 if ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 a prey to ! degrad+ sup]/itions above ref]r$ to1 t we f9d no indications ( !m 9 _! pages8 ,also3 h[ is x possible t m5 ( su* a "* %\ld h inv5t$ su* a numb] ( noble creations8 ,let unbeliev]s acc\nt = ?is on any pr9ciple :i* a s\nd philosophy c recognise4 ,b fur!r3 ! ,gospels m5tion a c]ta9 numb] ( possessions1 & _! cures effect$ by our ,"l4 ,"h !n we are 9 ! v pres5ce ( a demonology su* z 0 actually believ$ 9 by ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,"h1 !re=e1 is ! v condition ( m9d & outw>d circum/ances :]e1 if !y _h be5 a prey to ! phanta/ic & disgu/+ beliefs ab\t demons above ref]r$ to1 su* beliefs w\ld c]ta9ly h made _! appe>ance 9 _! pages4 ,b1 z ,i h %[n1 ! demonology ( ! ,gospels /&s 9 m>k$ contra/ to t ( ! ,talmud1 ( ,josephus1 & ( ! ,*ri/ian ,fa!rs4 ,we h no fumigations ( demoniacs ) ! liv] ( a fi%1 we he> no?+ ( a demon drawn out ( a man's nose1 & ov]turn+ a bas9 ( wat]1 no?+ ( a demon inhabit+ e private closet4 ,on ! contr>y1 _! action is describ$ z m5tal1 &1 ?r\gh ! m9d1 affect+ ! body1 ) ! exception ( a few d\btful cases4 ,i am n "h argu+ :e!r a belief 9 ! reality ( demoniacal possession is a sup]/ition or n4 ,b ,i affirm t if ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t _h be5 a prey to ! sup]/itions ) :i* !y are *>g$1 ^! are ! n>ratives 9 :i* !y c\ld n h fail$ to make _! appe>ance4 ,aga93 ,x has be5 affirm$ t !y held a mon/r\s angelology4 ,i reply t al?\gh angels are unque/ionably /at$ to h appe>$1 & _! exi/5ce is affirm$ by ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 /ill _! record$ appe>ances are r>e4 ,!y are conf9$ to a few v rem>kable occasions1 viz43 ! ,annunciation & bir? ( our ,"l1 ! temptation1 ! agony 9 ! g>d51 & ! resurrection4 ,surely ?is does n look z if ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels ?\ght t !y 7 always int]f]+ ) ! c\rse ( nature or ! ev5ts ( life4 ,9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 !y appe> at ! ,asc5sion2 once to lib]ate ,/4 ,pet]1 & at ano!r "t ! ,apo/les1 f prison2 to direct ,philip to prea* to ! eunu*2 twice 9 a vision to ,/4 ,paul2 & ,h]od ,agrippa is also said to h be5 smitt5 by ! m9i/ry ( an angel4 ,!re 7 c]ta9ly _m occasions :51 if ! writ]s _h believ$ 9 ! habitual int]v5tion ( angels1 we %\ld h f\nd !m introduc$4 ,?us an angel is n s5t to deliv] ,paul f prison1 or to /ill ! tempe/1 b simply to assure him ( 8 safety4 ,/4 ,paul enum]ates 9 a passage ( "s l5g? ! v>i\s dang]s :i* beset him 9 8 missions1 especially m5tion+ ! p]ils he enc\nt]$ 9 travel4 ,b nei!r he nor ,/4 ,luke once ref]s to an angelic int]v5tion 9 8 fav\r4 ,9 num]\s passages he ref]s to dang]s & p]secutions :i* he enc\nt]$4 ,b x is our ,"l1 & n angels1 :o deliv]$ him4 ,is ?is consi/5t ) a belief 9 _! habitual int]v5tion 9 nature8 ,if he 0 ! vision>y :i* he has be5 ass]t$ to h be51 w\ld he n h be5 cont9ually see+ visions ( angels = 8 protection8 ,9 ,/4 ,paul's writ+s we are 9 ! pres5ce ( docum5ts :i* are 9 ! highe/ degree hi/orical4 ,ev5 ^? :o endeav\r to prove t ! ,gospels & ! ,acts 7 n writt5 until ! second c5tury1 are oblig$ to all[ t at lea/ f\r ( ! mo/ important ( 8 lett]s 7 writt5 )9 #cj ye>s aft] ! ,crucifixion1 & t ! evid5ce t f\r ( ! rema9d] are 81 va/ly prepond]ates4 ,"h !n we are 9 ! pres5ce ( hi/orical docum5ts ( ! highe/ ord]1 comp>$ ) :i* su* a writ+ z ! book ( ,eno* is wor?less1 & ! ,talmud & ! ,fa!rs are mod]n compositions4 ,:at light !n d ^! lett]s ?r[ on ! op9ions ( ,/4 ,paul & ! ,paul9e ,*ur*es8 ,mu* e way3 !y let u into ! secret ( _! inn] life4 ,!y tell u t ^! ,*ri/ians ?\ght !y possess$ c]ta9 sup]natural gifts2 t ,/4 ,paul ass]t$ t he wr\ght miracles2 t demons by an invisible ag5cy tempt$ m5 to s91 & oppos$ ! progress ( ! ,gospel2 b beyond ?is !re is sc>cely a trace ( angelology or demonology 9 !m4 ,) ^! epi/les 9 our h&s1 is x cr$ible t _! writ]1 or ^? to :om he wrote1 held a multitude ( mon/r\s & phanta/ic beliefs on ?is subject8 ,are n ^! writ+s *>act]iz$ by supreme good s5se8 ,d !y n 9 ?is po9t ( view m>vell\sly contra/ ev5 ) ^? ( ! e>lie/ ,fa!rs8 ,! writ] und\bt$ly believ$ t unse5 spiritual ag5cies 7 capable ( act+ on ! m9d ( man1 & t !y 7 active ag5ts 9 ! production ( moral evil2 b :]e is ! evid5ce t he consid]$ t ext]nal nature 0 "u _! control1 or t !y made !mselves visible to ! mortal eye8 ,al?\gh he affirms t he possess$ a sup]natural illum9ation on religi\s subjects1 only on two occasions does he ref] to visions z actually se5 by him2 & he directly affirms t he _h ! p[] ( di/+ui%+ ! ec/atic f ! ord9>y condition ( 8 m9d4 ,ev5 ) ! aid ( ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 we c only add a few m to ! numb]4 ,surely ?is is n ! m5tal condition ( a man :o 0 a prey to unb\nd$ sup]/ition4 ,contra/ ! am\nt ( good s5se 9 ! epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul ) an equal numb] ( consecutive pages f ! ,fa!rs & ! ,talmud1 & ! diff]5ce is enorm\s4 ,:]e are ! ineffable pu]ilities f\nd 9 ^! writ+s ev5 h9t$ at 9 ^? ( ,/4 ,paul8 ,aga93 if we include 9 our exam9ation ! o!r writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 !y :olly fail to supply u ) any evid5ce ( ! sup]/ition or cr$ulity ( _! au?ors4 ,on ! contr>y !y are *>act]iz$ by ! m>ks ( uni=m good s5se4 ,x w be d\btless object$ t !y1 z well z ,/4 ,paul1 7 bad logicians1 & t _! applications ( ! ,old ,te/am5t ,scriptures are inapt3 b ?is does n affect _! tru/wor?9ess z hi/orians4 ,!y 7 und\bt$ly m5 ( great religi\s f]v\r1 yet !y are bo? sp>+ 9 ! use ( miracles1 & :5 !y report !m1 ! miracul\s action is nev] repres5t$ z ext5d+ beyond ! necessities ( ! case4 ,_! miracles consi/ ( simple acts1 z = in/ance ! cure ( diseases1 b all m>vell\s sup]additions are want+4 ,x has be5 urg$ t 9 comp>+ ! miracles ( ! ,gospels ) o!r miracul\s n>ratives1 we h no "r to d m ?an comp>e ! ext]nal miracle ( ! "o ) ! ext]nal miracle ( ! o!r2 z = in/ance a resurrection ) a resurrection1 or a cure ( bl9dness record$ 9 "o ) a simil> case record$ 9 ano!r2 & n to take into acc\nt ei!r ! ext]nal circum/ances or ! moral aspect ( ! miracle4 ,i h else:]e prov$ t ?is position is unt5able4 ,b = ! purpose ( ! argum5t let u "h assume t all ! circum/ances may be ! inv5tion ( ! n>rator4 ,if x be s1 x proves at any rate ! s\ndness ( 8 judgm5t & ! elevation ( 8 ideas1 i4e4 t x is impossible t he c\ld h be5 ei!r int5sely sup]/iti\s or cr$ul\s4 ,h[ is x possible1 ,i ask1 = m9ds :i* 7 a prey to su* mon/r\s beliefs z ^? :i* we h be5 consid]+1 to h dramatiz$ miracul\s n>ratives ( ! elevat$ type ( ^? conta9$ 9 ! ,gospels8 ,w\ld n all ! circum/ances ) :i* !y inve/$ !m be ! c\nt]"p ( _! own degrad$ conceptions8 ,b !re is "o mo/ di/9ctive ph5om5on pres5t$ by ! ,gospels :i* af=ds a conclusive pro( t nei!r _! au?ors nor ! foll[]s ( ,jesus c\ld h be5 a prey to ei!r degrad+ sup]/ition or cr$ul\s fanaticism4 ,i allude to ! fact t1 :atev] !ory may be prop\nd$ to acc\nt = _! orig91 ! ,gospels1 z a matt] ( fact1 unque/ionably conta9 a del9eation ( ! greate/ ( all *>act]s1 :e!r actual or ideal1 t ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,i %all h]eaft] draw att5tion to ! portraiture ( ?is "* = ! purpose ( prov+ t !y are v]itable hi/orical docum5ts4 ,9 ?is place ,i ref] to x simply = ! purpose ( prov+ t _! au?ors & ^? :o inv5t$ ! alleg$ fictions ( :i* _! cont5ts consi/1 7 possess$ ( a s\ndness ( judgm5t :i* is :olly inconsi/5t ) ! tru? ( ! ass]tion t !y 7 a prey to b\ndless sup]/ition or cr$ulity4 ,= ! purpose ( ! argum5t ,i mu/ assume t ?is "* is a fictiti\s "o1 because to assume t x is a del9eation ( an actual hi/orical "*1 w\ld be to take = grant$ ! entire "q at issue4 ,if ! ,jesus ( ! ,evangeli/s is an hi/orical p]sonage1 !re c be no d\bt respect+ ! claims ( ! ,gospel to be a div9e revelation4 ,b ev5 if we make ! assumption above m5tion$1 x is q cle> t ^? p]sons :o inv5t$ ! "*1 or :o put x toge!r out ( ! numb] ( leg5d>y /ories float+ ab\t 9 ! ,*ur*1 mu/ h be5 possess$ ( a s\nd judgm5t1 & ! highe/ appreciation ( :at 0 great & noble4 ,! "* we h be=e u1 & x is confess$ly ! noble/ :i* c be f\nd ei!r 9 hi/ory or fiction4 ,! inv5tors1 :oev] !y 71 h succe$$ 9 portray+ a great h>moni\s :ole4 ,su* a "* c\ld only h be5 del9eat$ by m5 possess$ ( s\nd discrim9at+ judgm5t4 ,! m ! ,gospels are depreciat$ z hi/ories ! m does ?is depreciation e/abli% ! cr$it ( _! au?ors z ! successful del9eators ( an ideal "*1 to :i* !y h succe$$ 9 imp>t+ a naturalness :i* m5 ( ! mo/ exalt$ g5ius h mi/ak5 = an hi/orical reality4 ,!y mu/ h be51 !re=e1 consummate ma/]s ( ! art ( ideal del9eation4 ,! m5tal p[]s adequate to effect su* results are ^? ( high g5ius1 to :i* 9 ?is case mu/ h be5 add$ a v elevat$ conception ( morality4 ,su* m5tal qualities are nev] exhibit$ by m5 :o are ! prey ( gross cr$ulity & sup]/ition4 ,! great ideal del9eations ( poets h be5 only capable ( be+ produc$ by ! lite ( ! human race4 ,on ! o!r h&1 if we assume t ! "* is a fictiti\s "o1 & its inv5tors m5 ( ! m5tal calibre :i* !y are affirm$ to h be5 by ^? aga9/ :om ,i am reason+1 x w\ld h be5 inevitable t its proportions %\ld be m>r$ by ! introduction into x ( traits m>k$ by meanness1 pu]ility1 & mon/rosity4 ,9 support ( ?is ass]tion we h no occasion to appeal to !ories b to facts4 ,happily antiquity has pres]v$ to u sev]al del9eations ( a my?ical ,jesus on :i* ! inv5tors h /amp$ ! mo/ unmi/akable impress ( _! own cr$ulity & sup]/ition4 ,i ne$ n say t ,i allude to ! ,apocryphal ,gospels1 ! del9eations ( ,jesus :i* !y conta91 & above all to _! miracul\s n>ratives4 ,^? :o reit]ate ^! *>ges aga9/ ! au?ors ( ! ,canonical ,gospels1 are v sl[ to draw att5tion to _! be>+ on ?is portion ( ! argum5t4 ,9 ! ,apocryphal ,gospels we are br\ght face to face ) ! leg5d>y _s ex]t+ itself 9 ! inv5tion ( miracul\s /ories4 ,!re c be no d\bt t _! au?ors 7 bo? extremely cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s2 & _! miracul\s n>ratives give u ! precise measure ( _! cr$ulity4 ,!re is e reason to believe t two ( ^! compositions 7 writt5 z e>ly z ! second c5tury4 ,:at1 ,i ask1 is ! g5]al "* ( ! miracles :i* !y h attribut$ to ,jesus8 ,!re c be only "o answ]4 ,!y are mean1 ridicul\s1 degrad$1 burlesque1 de/itute ( all trait ( moral gr&eur4 ,if ! au?ors ( ! f\r ,gospels1 or ! inv5tors ( _! miracul\s n>ratives1 :oev] !y may h be51 _h be5 a prey to simil> cr$ulity & sup]/ition1 ! m>ks ( !m w\ld h be5 indelibly /amp$ on _! pages4 ,^! docum5ts also conta9 acc\nts ( miracles wr\ght by ,jesus1 "s ( :i*1 z b>e facts1 are precisely ! same z "s record$ 9 ! ,canonical ,gospels1 i4e4 !y conta9 acc\nts ( resurrections f ! dead1 & ! cure ( diseases4 ,i ask1 d _! accompany+ circum/ances & moral aspect /& z no?+ 9 our e/imate ( ! cr$ibility ( _! au?ors8 ,comp>e ! acc\nt ( ! resurrection ( ,laz>us1 or t ( our ,"l himself1 ) ! resurrections 9 ! ,apocryphal ,gospels1 & m>k ! diff]5ce4 ,comp>e likewise ! o!r miracles1 :i*1 z b>e facts1 resemble "o ano!r4 ,! "o h ! /amp ( hi/orical probability1 & precisely fit 9 ) ! l(ty "* ( ,jesus2 ! o!r ( an unbelievable leg5d1 9 :i* ! "* is degrad$ to a level ) ! conceptions ( ! inv5tors4 ,let n unbeliev]s1 !re=e1 decl9e to grapple ) ! "q4 ,let !m cease to pass x ov] 9 sil5ce4 ,i propose to !m ! foll[+ que/ions = solution4 ,if bo? sets ( ,gospels orig9at$ ) m9ds int5sely cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s1 :5ce has come ! diff]5ce betwe5 !m8 ,:y is ! "o set ( miracles dignifi$1 & ! o!r mean8 ,:5ce ! entire diff]5ce ( _! moral aspect8 ,:y is ! ,jesus ( ! ,canonical ,gospels ! mo/ elevat$ p]sonage 9 hi/ory1 & ! ,jesus ( ! ,apocryphal ones1 "o ( ! mo/ mean & silly8 ,if two ( ! ,apocryphal & ! f\r ,canonical ,gospels are ! production ( ! sup]/ition & cr$ulity ( ! same c5tury1 :5ce ! m>vell\s contra/ betwe5 !m8 ,:i* ( ! ,fa!rs ( ! second or ?ird c5tury 0 equal to ! task ( r$uc+ a mass ( float+ leg5ds1 ! creations ( numb]s ( sup]/iti\s m51 into _! pres5t =m1 z !y /& 9 our ,canonical ,gospels8 ,w\ld !y n c]ta9ly h col\r$ ! ev5ts ) _! own absurdities8 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 x be all[$ t ! ,canonical ,gospels are ! production ( ! fir/ c5tury1 & ! ,apocryphal ,gospels ( subsequ5t ones1 h[ came ! cr$ul\s foll[]s ( ,jesus to produce fictions dramatiz$ ) su* admirable ta/e 9 ! fir/ c5tury1 & ! same _s 9 subsequ5t c5turies to pres5t s /rik+ a contra/8 ,! only possible answ] :i* c be return$ to ^! que/ions is t ! ph5om5a ( ! ,canonical ,gospels are inconsi/5t ) ! supposition t _! miracul\s n>ratives are ! inv5tion ( m5 :o 7 ! prey ei!r ( cr$ulity or d5se sup]/ition2 !y mu/ h be5 m5 well able to di/+ui% betwe5 a g5u9e miracle & a my?ic p>ody ( "o4 ,b x has be5 urg$ t ! dignifi$ "* ( ,jesus induc$ ! compil]s ( our pres5t ,gospels to select all ! miracul\s /ories ( a high type :i* 7 curr5t 9 ! hotb$ ( ,*ri/ian fanaticism1 & to attribute !m to ,jesus1 & to suppress all ( a contr>y description4 ,if ?is be ! true solution ( ! facts1 !n x c]ta9ly foll[s t ! compil]s ( ! ,gospels mu/ h be5 free f ! sup]/itions ( ! times 9 :i* !y liv$4 ,o!rwise1 h[ came !y to select all ! elevat$ /ories & attribute !m to ,jesus1 & to consign ^? ( a l[] type to a wellm]it$ oblivion8 ,is x n a fact t cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s p h (t5 attribut$ :at is contemptible & mean to elevat$ *>act]s8 ,let ! ,apocryphal ,gospels be> witness4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ev5 on ?is supposition ! "q mu/ be decid$ 9 fav\r ( ! au?ors ( our pres5t ,canonical ,gospels1 t !y mu/ h be5 free f ! degrad$ sup]/iti\s to :i* _! fell[believ]s 7 a prey4 ,b !re is yet ano!r problem1 ev5 if we assume ! above supposition to be true1 :i* urg5tly dem&s solution4 ,if1 among ! mass ( leg5ds ) :i* ! hi/ory ( ,jesus 0 incru/$1 a c]ta9 portion ( ! miracul\s /ories 7 ( an elevat$ type1 :o among ,8 cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s foll[]s 7 ! inv5tors ( !m8 ,7 !y m5 ( l cr$ulity ) ! rema9d]8 ,!re are only two alt]natives4 ,!y 71 or !y 7 n4 ,if !y 71 ,i ask1 h[ came !y to inv5t elevat$ /ories8 ,if !y 7 n1 !n x foll[s t !re 7 p]sons among ,8 foll[]s :o 7 nei!r int5sely cr$ul\s nor sup]/iti\s4 ,if ! latt] be ! alt]native adopt$1 !n ! !ory :i* ,i h be5 consid]+1 :i* attributes to ! foll[]s ( ,jesus su* a degree ( ^? qualities z to r5d] _! hi/orical te/imony valueless1 falls to ! gr\nd4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 on a c>eful consid]ation ( ! position1 t ! data on :i* ! *>ge :i* we h be5 consid]+ is made aga9/ ! foll[]s ( ,jesus & ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels utt]ly fail to e/abli% x2 & t ! ph5om5a ( ! ,new ,te/am5t prove ! contr>y to h be5 ! fact4 ,,*apt] ,,xiv4 ,,! ,,love ,,( ,,! ,,m>vell\s--,,its ,,be>+ ,,on ,,! ,,value ,,( ,,te/imony ,,to ,,miracles4 ,x has be5 object$ t ! love ( ! m>vell\s has 9 e age con/itut$ s rem>kable a phase ( human nature z greatly to weak51 if n entirely to invalidate ! te/imony to ! p]=mance ( miracles4 ,x is alleg$ t ! great hi/orians ( anci5t times h record$ a numb] ( sup]natural occurr5ces :i* are n[ summ>ily reject$ z incr$ible3 & x is !re=e argu$ t all n>ratives ( miracul\s occurr5ces mu/ %>e ! same fate4 ,?is objection diff]s f t :i* ,i h consid]$ 9 ! =m] *apt]1 9 t x avoids ! necessity ( imput+ to ! foll[]s ( ,jesus & ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels a degree ( sup]/ition & cr$ulity greatly 9 excess ( t :i* *>act]izes ! majority ( mank9d4 ,x w be !re=e necess>y to give ?is subject a c>eful consid]ation4 ,x is an unque/ionable fact t ! human m9d has be5 9 all ages dispos$ to accept a numb] ( n>ratives ( sup]natural occurr5ces ^u v insuffici5t te/imony1 & :i* ! pr9ciples ( s\nd reason lead u to reject z untrue4 ,su* beliefs h be5 peculi> to no "o p]iod ( ! _w's hi/ory1 b h be5 coext5sive ) ! human race2 & !y =m "o ( ! mo/ rem>kable facts 9 our nature4 ,_m ( ! anci5t hi/orians h report$ su* occurr5ces )\t app>5t suspicion2 or if !y ent]ta9$ any d\bts respect+ _! tru?1 !y did n v5ture ev5 to :isp] !m into ! popul> e>4 ,:at is /ill m2 em95t m5 ( ! anci5t _w did n scruple to act 9 matt]s ( ?is k9d a "p :i* !y knew to be deceptive1 because !y held ! op9ion t su* beliefs1 ?\gh !y might be laugh$ at by philosoph]s1 7 necess>y to act z re/ra9ts on ! vulg>4 ,?us we "k1 on ! mo/ indubitable au?ority1 t a ,roman ,augur c\ld gravely act 8 "p be=e ! public at ! v "t t he 0 secretly laugh+ 9 8 sleeve at ! ridicul\sness ( 8 art4 ,x does n !re=e foll[ because ! anci5t hi/orians h report$ numb]s ( occurr5ces ( ?is nature ) consid]able gravity1 t !y accept$ !m z facts4 ,!y 7 frequ5tly influ5c$ by ! _s ( accommodation1 ?9k+ x necess>y = ! welf>e ( society to keep up ! vulg> ideas on ! subject4 ,x w\ld be inaccurate !re=e to attribute all ! acc\nts ( su* ?+s :i* we meet ) 9 anci5t writ]s to simple cr$ulity1 or to inf] f !m t !y did n believe 9 an inviolable ord] ( nature ( "s k9d4 ,) respect to ! arts ( magic1 h[ev]1 "o feels t ev5 ! greate/ ( ! anci5t writ]s contemplat$ !m ) a k9d ( bat$ brea?4 ,?is w\ld appe> to h be5 ! /ate ( m9d ev5 ( ,tacitus1 ) "o exception ! greate/ hi/orian ( ! anci5t _w1 & "o :o 0 intimately acqua9t$ ) ! v>i\s sy/ems ( its philosophy4 ,consci\s z he 0 t va/ numb]s ( ! pr(essors ( magic 7 impo/ors1 he seems h>dly able to realize ! fact t ! :ole art 0 a delusion4 ,x has be5 affirm$ t ! progress ( physical sci5ce has de/roy$ 9 ?is n9ete5? c5tury all belief 9 ! actual occurr5ce ( ! sup]natural1 & t x n[ prevails only 9 "s ( ! d>k corn]s ( ,*ri/5dom4 ,! widespread belief 9 ! ph5om5a ( spiritualism1 :i* is c]ta9ly v f> f be+ conf9$ to religi\s m51 & f :i* "s /ud5ts ( physical sci5ce h n be5 exempt1 is a /rik+ pro( ( ! contr>y4 ,all t c be affirm$ ) tru? is t1 9 ^! mod]n times1 ^! =ms ( belief h tak5 a new direction4 ,mod]n sci5ce has done mu* to e/abli% & spread ! belief t ! op]ations ( all natural1 i4e4 mat]ial =ces are uni=m4 ,_m ( its /ud5ts h ev5 br\ght !mselves to ! belief t ! occurr5ce ( any ev5t ^: exi/5ce is due to ! action ( any o!r ?an ! kn[n =ces ( nature1 is impossible3 ?\gh ?is is f> f be+ ! inv>iable1 & is c]ta9ly n ! necess>y result ( its /udy4 ,/ill1 probably1 ! mo/ ard5t vot>y ( ^! op9ions w\ld f9d x difficult to keep himself :olly free f t]rors aris+ f unse5 causes1 if !y 7 ar\s$ by a suitable app>atus4 ,! /udy ( physical sci5ce is f> f be+ a univ]sal safegu>d aga9/ ! invasions ( sup]/ition4 ,its causes lie f> m deeply root$ 9 our nature ?an ! pr9ciples ( physical sci5ce c rea*4 ,nor is x able to gu>d aga9/ an extravagant use ( ! imag9ation4 ,:e!r1 9 ! pres5t /ate ( our philosophy1 we h fully p5etrat$ to ! dep?s ( ?is pr9ciple ?us work+ 9 ! m9d ( man1 may admit ( d\bt2 b its pres5ce !re1 z an ess5tial portion ( our nature1 is an unque/ionable fact4 ,we are n )\t ! means ( gett+ a g5]al idea ( its "*4 ,x is d\btless intimately connect$ ) ^? pr9ciples ( our nature :i* con/itute man a religi\s be+1 & :i* =m a fundam5tal "p ( 8 m5tal con/itution4 ,z su* x mu/1 l all our o!r faculties1 h a legitimate & an illegitimate action4 ,x po9ts1 z we %all see1 to ! exi/5ce ( ! sup]natural4 ,a rational religion =ms ! object = its appropriate ex]cise4 ,:5ev] man has be5 de/itute ( ?is1 & 8 reason has be5 weak1 ?is pr9ciple1 devoid ( its prop] object1 has always manife/$ itself 9 v>i\s =ms ( extravagance4 ,s p[]ful is x 9 ! human m9d t ev5 av[$ a!ism has n be5 pro( aga9/ its p[]4 ,julius ,cs> 0 an a!i/1 & possess$ "o ( ! mo/ p[]ful m9ds t ev] inhabit$ ! human frame4 ,yet1 on ! great day ( 8 triumph1 he asc5d$ ! /eps ( ! ,capitol = ! purpose ( av]t+ an av5g+ ,nemesis4 ,napoleon ! ,fir/ 0 no a!i/1 ?\gh few p]sons :o h ev] liv$ h be5 m free f ! re/ra9ts ( religion or sup]/ition4 ,al?\gh he possess$ a mighty intellect & 0 no /rang] to ! tru?s ( mod]n sci5ce1 yet ev5 he believ$ 9 8 />4 ,_m o!r in/ances ( m5 ( p[]ful intellect :o disbeliev$ 9 religion1 yet :o ent]ta9$ s+ul> sup]/itions1 might be easily adduc$4 ,i ref] to !m = ! purpose ( prov+ t ! pr9ciple out ( :i* su* ?+s orig9ate mu/ be "o :i* is deepseat$ 9 ! nature ( man1 & !re=e an ess5tial portion ( x4 ,if x is f\nd$ on a fundam5tal pr9ciple ( our m5tal con/itution1 x foll[s t x mu/ h a legitimate subjectmatt] on :i* to ex]cise its p[]s1 & t ! abnormal =ms ( x :i* are s frequ5tly manife/$ are ! results ( "s disord] 9 its action4 ,:at !n is its nature8 ,!re are c]ta9 pr9ciples deeplyseat$ )9 u1 :i* =m z def9ite a portion ( ourselves z ev5 our rational faculties1 & :i* directly prompt to ! belief 9 ! sup]natural1 & !re=e po9t to its exi/5ce4 ,among ^!1 ! faculties ( imag9ation1 wond]1 rev]5ce & awe1 hold a conspicu\s place4 ,x is impossible to d5y t !y =m portions ( ! actual con/itution ( our m9ds1 h[ev] we may acc\nt = _! orig94 ,is x !n our duty to eradicate !m because !y prompt u to ! belief 9 some?+ :i* transc5ds ! visible ord] ( nature8 ,?is w h>dly be affirm$ by ! mo/ ?or\ghgo+ sceptic2 = if x be our duty to d s1 ! human m9d mu/ be a mass ( disord] 9 ! mid/ ( a univ]se ( ord]4 ,if we 7 to make ! attempt 7= inde$ x has be5 attempt$7 ! result w\ld be to upset ! balance ( our m5tal con/itution1 & x w\ld t]m9ate 9 failure4 ,human nature1 tak5 z x is1 con/itutes a :ole4 ,^! faculties hold 9 x a place subord9ate to reason & to consci5ce4 ,:5 our rational1 our imag9ative1 & our moral p[]s act h>moni\sly toge!r1 !y con/itute man a religi\s be+4 ,b1 = ! purposes ( ! pres5t argum5t1 ,i h simply to draw att5tion to ! fact t imag9ation1 wond]1 rev]5ce & awe =m an ess5tial portion ( our be+4 ,x w\ld be 9 ! highe/ degree undesirable to get rid ( !m1 ev5 if we 7 able4 ,h[ mighty is ! influ5ce ( ! fir/ ( ^! pr9ciples6 ,x lies at ! f\ndation ( ev]y?+ t is great & noble 9 man4 ,to x are due ! magnific5t creations ( poetry2 9 fact ev]y?+ :i* adorns life1 & mu* ( t :i* raises u above ! me*anical =ces ( nature4 ,de/itute ( x1 our reason c\ld n act2 nay1 x c\ld n ev5 exi/2 & we %\ld be r$uc$ to ! m]e me*anical action ( ! und]/&+1 ! :eels ( :i* w\ld be 9 dang] ( ru/+4 ,nor has ! faculty ( wond] a less def9ite place 9 our be+4 ,x is closely connect$ ) our imag9ation1 :i* supplies x ) objects fitt$ to excite x1 & ought to be ex]cis$ "u ! guidance ( reason4 ,its object is ! great & ! va/1 %all ,i n say1 ! inf9ite8 ,regulat$ by reason & unit$ ) awe1 x produces rev]5ce4 ,rev]5ce po9ts to ! exi/5ce ( "s object :i* is really wor?y ( v5]ation4 ,v5]ation c only be legitimately ex]cis$ on t :i* is truly v5]able4 ,z su* x directly po9ts to a p]sonal ,god1 & refuses to re/ 9 any?+ %ort ( ,him z able fully to gratify its aspirations4 ,view+ !m z a :ole1 ! legitimate object ( ^! faculties1 & ! subject f :i* !y c receive _! fulle/ gratification1 is t ,great ,be+ :o ev]y:]e manife/s ,himself 9 ?is glori\s univ]se4 ,b :5 man has ceas$ to contemplate 9 nature a rational p[] guid+ & controll+ x1 ! pr9ciple ( wond] has frequ5tly prompt$ him to gratify its aspirations by peopl+ x ) a multitude ( phanta/ic creations4 ,:5 "u ! influ5ce ( awe1 he has contemplat$ x 9 its t]rible aspects1 unguid$ by a be+ :o possesses a moral "*1 ^! feel+s h prompt$ ! imag9ation to fill x ) be+s :o excite ! feel+ ( sup]/iti\s dread4 ,al?\gh ! va/ness ( ! mat]ial univ]se & ! en]gy ( its =ces c excite ! feel+ ( wond]1 yet t ( rev]5ce refuses to f9d 9 ! m]e ext5sion ( space1 or ! might ( mat]ial =ces1 any object adequate to its dem&s4 ,! va/ness ( ! mat]ial univ]se may fill ! m9d ) wond] & admiration2 b ev5 wond] refuses to re/ satisfi$ ) a va/ness ( :i* ! limits are kn[n4 ,x dem&s some?+ :i* is conceivable1 :i* yet runs up into ! regions ( ! inconceivable4 ,b ev5 "h ! feel+ ( rev]5ce c f9d no?+ on :i* to en]gize4 ,x directly po9ts to a moral be+ 9 :om x c f9d a c5tre1 & x w f9d its gratification 9 no?+ %ort ( "o4 ,to talk1 z _m ,pan!i/s d1 ( feel+ rev]5ce = an imp]sonal ,univ]se1 is a misuse ( language4 ,:at6 to rev]5ce a ,be+1 if ! imp]sonal ,univ]se c be call$ a ,be+1 :i* is ev]la/+ly ca/+ up ! bubbles ( exi/5ce 9 ! =m ( moral ag5ts1 & is ev]la/+ly dev\r+ !m1 devoid alike ( consci\sness1 volition1 & a moral nature6 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 if ^! pr9ciples =m a con/itu5t portion ( our nature1 t l all our o!r faculties1 !y mu/ admit ( a "r & a p]v]t$ use4 ,x is !re=e absurd to lay d[n z a g5]al pr9ciple1 because !y admit ( an illegitimate use1 t ! :ole class ( ph5om5a connect$ ) !m are wor?y ( no?+ b summ>y rejection1 )\t ex]cis+ our reason on ! evid5ce on :i* !y /&4 ,all t _! exi/5ce c prove 9 ref]5ce to ?is subject is some?+ :i* is v l a truism2 t mank9d1 be+ liable to all k9ds ( mi/akes & errors1 & hav+ frequ5tly fall5 into !m1 no class ( ph5om5a ought to be accept$ z facts1 until evid5ce ( _! occurr5ce has be5 adduc$ :i* is capable ( satisfy+ our reason4 ,b ?is is a v h>mless proposition4 ,!re c be no d\bt t to a p]v]t$ use ( ^! faculties is due ! belief 9 a k9d ( curr5t sup]naturalism1 :i* 9 v>i\s =ms runs ?r\gh ! entire hi/ory ( man4 ,?is has ow$ its orig9 to ! ef=ts ( ! imag9ation to supply objects = its gratification :5 ! reason is feeble & ! moral faculties h become p]v]t$4 ,h5ce ! read9ess ( l>ge masses ( mank9d to accept n>ratives ( m>vels )\t reg>d to ! evid5ce on :i* !y re/4 ,!y are accept$ simply z gratify+ ! pr9ciple ( wond]4 ,?is is ! cause ( :at ,i h designat$ by ! t]m 8,curr5t ,sup]naturalism40 ,b because all our faculties admit ( abuse1 & ! high] !y are1 ! great]1 ?is =ms no reason = reject+ _! legitimate use1 or ! entire subjectmatt] on :i* !y op]ate4 ,z ,i h obs]v$1 ! pr9ciple is f\nd en]giz+ :]ev] man exi/s4 ,al?\gh 9 "o age x may be m active ?an 9 ano!r1 x is alike ! inh]itance ( ! civiliz$ man & ! savage4 ,x has display$ itself 9 ! creations ( ! poet & ! writ] ( fiction2 9 ! v>i\s =ms ( religi\s ?\ght2 9 ! production ( gho//ories & pictures ( ! "u _w2 9 ! creation ( ! v>i\s =ms ( demonology1 wit*craft & magic2 9 ! mild] =m ( fairytales2 9 *>ms & incantations1 & 9 ef=ts to pry into ! future4 ,ev5 9 philosophy & sci5ce we may trace its influ5ce1 n only 9 aid+ & sugge/+ _! great discov]ies1 b 9 prop\nd+ multitudes ( />tl+ !ories1 erect$ on ! smalle/ basis ( fact4 ,^! n only gratify ?is feel+1 b promise an app>5tly royal road to k1 :i* avoids ! long & t$i\s "o ( only prop\nd+ !ories aft] a c>eful inve/igation ( facts4 ,b 9 ! regions ( intellectual pursuit1 its abnormal manife/ations are preem95tly 9 ! sci5ce ( hi/orical criticism1 9 ^? num]\s dep>tm5ts ( hi/orical inquiry :]e ! facts are few & vague4 ,"h no?+ is easi] ?an to supply ! abs5ce ( facts by !ory1 & to erect a magnific5t edifice on a f\ndation ( s&4 ,! anci5t soo?say] gratifi$ vulg> curiosity by guess+ at ! ev5ts ( ! future4 ,!re is a species ( mod]n soo?say+ :i* exp5ds its en]gies 9 guess+ at ! ev5ts ( ! pa/4 ,su* guess+ pres5ts an unspeakable fasc9ation to a l>ge numb] ( m9ds1 by its happy mixture ( fiction & fact1 & is ! true analogue to _m ( ! =ms ( anci5t ?\ght4 ,x has be5 necess>y to draw att5tion to ^! ?+s = ! purpose ( prov+ ! widespread influ5ce ( ?is pr9ciple on human nature4 ,its action has manife/$ itself 9 diff]5t =ms 9 diff]5t ages2 b ! cause is ! same 9 all1 ! exi/5ce 9 man ( a pr9ciple :i* po9ts to ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 & :i* c only receive its adequate gratification 9 ,him4 ,! action ( simil> pr9ciples produces 9 man ! love ( ! extraord9>y1 ! unusual & ! novel4 ,?is is s p[]ful t unless x is kept 9 subord9ation to reason1 x produces a numb] ( fictiti\s beliefs4 ,s /rong is x1 t x may be truly said ( l>ge numb]s ( mank9d t !y sp5d all ! "t :i* !y are n compell$ to devote to ! s]i\s realities ( life1 9 little else ?an he>+ & speak+ ( "s new ?+4 ,x is und\bt$ly ! cause ( a l>ge numb] ( fictiti\s beliefs1 & produces1 9 m9ds :]e ! rational p[]s are weak1 a ready acceptance ( ! unusual1 ! /range1 & ! wond]ful4 ,! same pr9ciple1 act+ 9 conjunction ) o!rs1 :5 uncontroll$ by reason1 has occasion$ _m ( ! exagg]ations :i* are to be f\nd 9 hi/ory4 ,/ill1 z "o ( ! fundam5tal pr9ciples ( our m9ds1 x _c b h a legitimate sph]e ( action4 ,unit$ ) curiosity1 x is ! *ief s\rce ( all m5tal activity4 ,x is t :i* produces ! e>ne/ desire to p5etrate into ! regions ( ! unkn[n4 ,z su*1 x is ess5tial to ! activity ( our rational faculties1 & has be5 ! excit+ cause :i* has r5d]$ all our great discov]ies possible4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t if ^! pr9ciples =m "p ( our m5tal con/itution1 ! objection t !y de/roy ! value ( miracles z a te/imony to a revelation is absurd4 ,we might z well argue t because ! love ( ! m>vell\s has g5]at$ a belief 9 a numb] ( fictions z facts 9 ord9>y hi/ory1 x invalidates its te/imony to ev5ts :i* h really happ5$1 or r5d]s all unusual occurr5ces incr$ible4 ,i w illu/rate ?is by an example4 ,h]odotus tells u 9 8 hi/ory t !re 7 c]ta9 tribes :o dwelt 9 wood5 habitations erect$ ov] lakes1 & he gives u sev]al p>ticul>s z to _! mann] ( life4 ,?is fact1 until a comp>atively rec5t p]iod1 might h be5 pron\nc$ incr$ible1 & h be5 suppos$ to h orig9at$ 9 ! simple love ( ! m>vell\s1 ei!r 9 ! au?or or 9 8 in=mants4 ,i own t :5 ,i fir/ read ! hi/orian1 ?is 0 ! op9ion :i* ,i =m$ respect+ x4 ,b we n[ "k t he report$ an actual fact4 ,on ! o!r h& x is c]ta9 t a great portion ( ! details ( ! ,scy?ian exp$ition ( ,d>ius mu/ h orig9at$ 9 ! undue activity ( ! m5tal faculties to :i* ,i h ref]r$1 i4e4 t !y are inv5tions4 ,b if ! pr9ciple ( summ>ily reject+ n>ratives ( ev5ts :i* lie beyond our exp]i5ce is valid1 because ! abnormal activity ( c]ta9 faculties has urg$ m5 to inv5t1 & believe 9 a multitude ( fictions1 ! acc\nt ( ! lakedwell+s giv5 by ! hi/orian ought to h be5 reject$ z equally unwor?y ( cr$it1 ) "s ( ! occurr5ces ( ! ,scy?ian exp$ition4 ,x is impossible to deal ) ! ev5ts ( hi/ory on any g5]al priori pr9ciples2 !y mu/ /& or fall on _! own intr9sic evid5ce4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t if ^! pr9ciples admit ( an abnormal action1 we are /ill by no means ju/ifi$ 9 a summ>y rejection ( all unusual occurr5ces4 ,x only =ms an adequate reason = closely scrut9iz+ ! evid5ce on :i* ! cr$ibility ( hi/ory re/s4 ,! faculty ( imag9ation1 in/igat$ by t ( wond]1 has produc$ widespread beliefs 9 a mass ( sup]natural ev5ts :i* are utt]ly incr$ible4 ,b z t faculty mu/ h a legitimate action some:]e1 x is cle> t its abuse c be no valid reason = ! rejection ( all sup]natural occurr5ces1 unless = o!r reasons !y are prov$ to be incr$ible4 ,! :ole mu/ be a "q ( evid5ce & ( reason4 ,if x =m$ a valid gr\nd = ! rejection ( miracles1 x is cle> t ! pr9ciple on :i* x is f\nd$ _c be conf9$ to any su* n>r[ limits1 b mu/ h a wide & g5]al application1 & ext5d to all t is wond]ful & unusual4 ,x is an unque/ionable fact t a l>ge proportion ( mank9d 9 e age h eag]ly s\ght ! means ( af=d+ gratification to ! feel+ ( wond]1 & t ?is has be5 ! means ( introduc+ into hi/ory a consid]able numb] ( fictions ( v>i\s k9ds4 ,b does ?is invalidate its te/imony8 ,does x ju/ify u 9 reject+ :ole classes ( ph5om5a z unwor?y ( consid]ation8 ,we h already se5 t :atev] pr9ciple is appli$ to miracles mu/ be equally appli$ to all extraord9>y ev5ts1 because z ph5om5a !re is no diff]5ce betwe5 !m4 ,we admit t _m fictions h got into hi/ory4 ,^! x is ! duty ( ! critical hi/orian to detect & displace4 ,w anyone affirm t _! introduction invalidates ! ev5ts 9 ! hi/ory ( ! pa/1 :i* re/ on an adequate atte/ation8 ,:at t is1 ,i %all consid] h]eaft]4 ,:atev] effect ?is may h ex]t$ on ! m9or details ( hi/ory1 w anyone affirm t its great outl9es d n re/ on a sub/antial basis ( tru?8 ,x is impossible to lay d[n on ^! subjects a wide & compreh5sive canon :i* w save u ! tr\ble ( c>eful & accurate inve/igation4 ,all reports ( extraord9>y ev5ts1 m>vels1 & miracles1 mu/ /& or fall ) ! adequacy ( ! evid5ce :i* c be adduc$ = _! occurr5ce1 & _c be decid$ by any artificial rule4 ,if ! evid5ce is good1 !y mu/ be accept$1 not)/&+ ! fact t ext5sive classes ( m>vels h be5 accept$ by mank9d on te/imony :olly insuffici5t to e/abli% _! tru?4 ,if ! evid5ce fails1 !y mu/ be reg>d$ z ! result ( ! abnormal ex]cise ( faculties :i* yet h a legitimate place 9 our m5tal con/itution4 ,no?+ is m common ?an ! ass]tion t at c]ta9 p]iods ( hi/ory1 mank9d h be5 ignorant t !re is an ord] 9 nature2 & t ?is ignorance has giv5 ^! faculties su* unb\nd$ play z to r5d] all reports ( sup]natural occurr5ces unwor?y ( cr$it1 not)/&+ any am\nt ( evid5ce :i* may be alleg$ 9 _! fav\r4 ,x is urg$ t1 if m5 are ignorant t !re is an ord] 9 nature1 to su* a /ate ( m9d no?+ w\ld be really sup]natural2 b e ev5t1 :e!r sup]natural or o!rwise1 w\ld be view$ z a matt] ( ord9>y occurr5ce4 ,to ?is /ate ( m9d a miracle w\ld convey no mean+1 & !re=e x w\ld be valueless z evid5ce ( a div9e revelation4 ,9 o!r words1 x has be5 affirm$ t !re h be5 c]ta9 conditions ( mank9d 9 :i* ! love ( ! m>vell\s has be5 s p[]ful1 & ! action ( reason s weak1 z to de/roy all s5se ( ! di/9ction betwe5 a natural & a sup]natural occurr5ce4 ,i reply t ! ,*ri/ian revelation 0 n address$ to su* a condition ( ! human m9d4 ,on ! contr>y1 x 0 made aft] a long c\rse ( prep>ation = its introduction4 ,aft] ! :ole c\rse ( previ\s hi/ory1 "u ! controll+ provid5ce ( ,god1 _h prep>$ ! way = ,8 ,adv5t1 ,jesus ,*ri/ appe>$4 ,! ,gospel 0 n prea*$ to m5 9 ! l[e/ /ate ( b>b>ism1 b to civiliz$ man4 ,:at may h be5 ! ideas ( degrad$ savages1 at "s e>ly p]iod ( ! hi/ory ( our race1 x w be ne$less to inquire4 ,) mank9d 9 su* a condition we h no?+ to d 9 ! pres5t controv]sy1 b ) ! /ate ( ?\ght 9 ! ,roman ,empire dur+ ! fir/ c5tury ( our era4 ,?is 0 no p]iod ( m5tal d>kness or ( b\ndless cr$ulity4 ,9 ! e>ly ages1 :5 e ph5om5on ( nature 0 view$ z due to ! action ( "s caprici\s god1 ! belief 9 an ord] ( nature mu/ h be5 9 a high degree vague & unc]ta94 ,b su* a /ate ( ?+s1 :atev] x might once h be51 _h long s9ce pass$ away4 ,! p]iod ( hi/ory n[ "u consid]ation 0 "o ( widespread intellig5ce1 v>y+ greatly 9 diff]5t p>ts ( ! empire1 b /ill "o ( intellig5ce & civilization4 ,x is impossible = m5 to atta9 a degree ( progress necess>y = ! exi/5ce ( civilization1 & /ill to rema9 ignorant t a l>ge class ( natural occurr5ces foll[ an ord] :i* does n admit ( deviation4 ,civilization w\ld be impossible unless ?is 7 g5]ally recogniz$4 ,x is 9 fact f\nd$ on its recognition4 ,at ! same "t1 !re is a class ( ph5om5a :i* are n recogniz$ by ! ord9>y m9d z foll[+ a def9ite ord]4 ,x is )9 ?is alone t ! beliefs ( curr5t sup]naturalism ex]t _! activity4 ,b ! sup]natural occurr5ces n>rat$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t d n belong to ?is ambigu\s ord] ( ev5ts1 & are !re=e unaffect$ by !m4 ,!re is a l>ge class ( ev5ts :i* civiliz$ man _c help recogniz+ z belong+ to a def9ite ord] & sequ5ce1 & :]e ! belief 9 ! m>vell\s ex]ts little or no influ5ce4 ,! violation ( ?is ord] he views z impossible4 ,?us he _c fail to recognize ! fact t m5 _c walk on ! wat] )\t support2 t ?\s&s ( p]sons _c be f$ by a few loaves & fi%es2 t diseases nev] leave u in/antane\sly by no o!r ag5cy ?an t ( a t\* or a ^w2 & t m5 :o h be5 actually dead h nev] return$ to life4 ,no am\nt ( ! love ( ! m>vell\s has ev] induc$ m5 to consid] su* occurr5ces possible4 ,:atev] may h be5 ! curr5t sup]naturalism ( ! anci5t _w1 x did n embody beliefs ( ?is description4 ,?is is prov$ by ! entire c\rse ( anci5t hi/ory4 ,its sup]naturalism is ( a :olly diff]5t ord]4 ,! love ( ! m>vell\s1 !re=e1 has nev] s conf\nd$ ! di/9ction betwe5 ! natural & ! sup]natural among civiliz$ m51 z to h depriv$ a miracle ( its significance4 ,su* an ass]tion respect+ any "p ( ! ,roman ,empire1 dur+ ! c5tury :i* prec$$ & t :i* foll[$ ! ,adv5t1 w\ld be contr>y to fact4 ,on ! contr>y1 c]ta9 classes ( ev5ts :i* 7 report$ to h happ5$1 7 inv>iably believ$ to h be5 really sup]natural4 ,!y 7 s f> f be+ consid]$ z devoid ( mean+1 t p]sons suppos$ to be skill$ 9 ! art ( int]pret+ !m 7 habitually consult$ z to :at !y 7 int5d$ to d5ote4 ,! only exceptions to ?is 7 ^? occurr5ces :i* 7 suppos$ to h be5 br\ght ab\t by ! art ( magic4 ,^! seem to h be5 view$ z 9 "s measure due to ! exi/5ce ( occult p[]s 9 nature1 ! results ( :i* ! pr(essors ( ! art _h succe$$ 9 ma/]+4 ,x may be safely affirm$ t at no portion ( ?is p]iod 0 ! love ( ! m>vell\s s preval5t 9 any portion ( ! ,roman ,empire z to h depriv$ a real miracle ( its signification4 ,x foll[s !re=e t x is impossible to lay d[n any ab/ract rule :i* w save u ! tr\ble ( inve/igat+ ! evid5ce ( miracles1 because mank9d has 9 all ages be5 greatly influ5c$ by ! love ( ! m>vell\s1 & "u its influ5ce has inv5t$ a numb] ( occurr5ces :i* reason pron\nces incr$ible4 ,! action ( ?is pr9ciple is f> f be+ conf9$ to subjects connect$ ) religion1 b ext5ds ov] ! :ole range ( lit]ature4 ,:ile x is q true t1 "u ! influ5ce ( v>i\s pr9ciples ( ?is description1 numb]s ( fictions h be5 report$ by anci5t hi/orians1 ?is =ms a valid reason only = reject+ ^? :i* re/ on no adequate atte/ation4 ,! adoption ( ! o!r pr9ciple w\ld r5d] all k ( ! pa/ impossible4 ,all ! faculties ( our m9ds admit ( a legitimate & an illegitimate use4 ,to reject ! results ( ! "r use ( our faculties1 because !y are capable ( a wrong "o1 is absurd4 ,b an opposite view may be tak5 ( ! entire "q1 & "o :i* is dictat$ by ! pr9ciples ( reason4 ,sev]al pr9ciples 9 man directly po9t to ! exi/5ce ( ! sup]natural4 ,among ^! v5]ation & consci5ce occupy a conspicu\s place4 ,^! act+ 9 conjunction ) reason con/itute man a religi\s be+4 ,man alone ( all liv+ be+s is capable ( religion4 ,! pr9ciple ( rev]5ce f9ds its only adequate gratification 9 ! contemplation ( moral p]fection4 ,moral p]fection is inconceivable :]e p]sonality & volition are n4 ,?is pr9ciple !re=e =ms ! c\nt]p>t 9 man :i* is directly correlat$ to ! be+ & ! p]fections ( a p]sonal ,god4 ,x foll[s t in/ead ( ^! pr9ciples invalidat+ ! exi/5ce ( ! sup]natural1 !y e/abli% x4 ,! conception ( imm5sity is ! adequate subjectmatt] on :i* our faculty ( wond] works4 ,! highe/ conception ( greatness is realiz$ 9 ,god4 ,9 ,him !re=e ?is faculty receives its mo/ p]fect realization4 ,rev]5ce po9ts to greatness unit$ ) supreme moral goodness4 ,! imp]fection ( man w n satisfy x4 ,x !re=e impels man to b[ d[n be=e ! ?rone ( ,"o :o transc5ds ! imp]fections ( ! creat$ univ]se4 ,if !re be a p]sonal ,god1 supremely good1 :o is ! ,creator & moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 no?+ is m 9 con=mity ) our highe/ reason ?an t ,he %\ld make a fur!r manife/ation ( ,himself to man1 9 addition to t :i* ,he has made 9 ! mat]ial univ]se4 ,,*apt] ,,xv4 ,,our ,,summ>y ,,rejection ,,( ,,curr5t ,,sup]naturalism ,,consid]$ ,,9 ,,its ,,be>+ ,,on ,,! ,,evid5ce ,,= ,,miracles4 ,!re c be no d\bt t !re is an enorm\s mass ( sup]natural beliefs :i* we feel at once ju/ifi$ 9 reject+ )\t tr\bl+ ourselves to inquire into ! evid5ce on :i* !y re/4 ,o!rs also we reject because on inve/igation we f9d !m altoge!r de/itute ( evid5ce4 ,o!rs aga9 :i* re/ on evid5ce :i* w\ld be suffici5t to e/abli% an ord9>y fact1 we reject not)/&+ ?is atte/ation1 on ! gr\nd ( _! inh]5t improbability4 ,x has be5 object$ t our summ>y rejection ( ! great mass ( curr5t sup]naturalism puts ! case ( miracles out ( c\rt1 & r5d]s !m s improbable1 t x is unnecess>y m9utely to exam9e ! evid5ce :i* c be adduc$ 9 support ( !m4 ,i propose !re=e 9 ?is *apt] to consid] ! reasons = our summ>y rejection ( ! great mass ( curr5t sup]naturalism1 & its be>+ on ! cr$ibility ( ! miracles 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,fir/3 ,i obs]ve t ! /ories ( curr5t sup]naturalism are n ! only ones :i* we reject 9 a summ>y mann]4 ,we treat 9 ! same way a great numb] ( o!r /ories :i* (f5d aga9/ ! pr9ciples ( common s5se4 ,x is cle> t 9 ^! latt] cases1 we d n reject !m m]ely because !y are sup]natural1 b because !y are g5]ally incr$ible4 ,! fact !re=e t we ?us reject a numb] ( absurd n>ratives )\t inquiry into ! evid5ce on :i* !y re/1 _c be urg$ z a reason = reject+ o!r occurr5ces :i* are n involv$ 9 any su* absurdity4 ,if ! pr9ciple is valid aga9/ miracles1 x mu/ be equally s aga9/ o!r ext5sive classes ( facts4 ,to ass]t t miracles are ?us absurd or ridicul\s is to assume ! po9t :i* ought to be prov$4 ,secondly3 ,we reject ! great mass ( curr5t sup]naturalism because x is unable to assign any adequate reason = its exi/5ce4 ,:5 x is alleg$ t a miracle has be5 p]=m$ z an atte/ation ( a revelation1 if x =ms a necess>y portion ( su* atte/ation1 ?is is an adequate reason = ! miracle4 ,b ! great mass ( curr5t sup]naturalism is utt]ly unable to assign any reason = its exi/5ce2 or if reasons h be5 giv51 !y are q inadequate4 ,( ?is ! case ( magic is an example4 ,if x 7 a reality1 x w\ld n only int]f]e ) ! ord] ( nature1 b no reason c\ld be giv5 = ?is int]f]5ce4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 its ph5om5a 7 alleg$ to be due to secret =ces 9 nature1 !n !y w\ld belong to an ord] ( grotesque & mon/r\s ph5om5a1 :i* we are ju/ifi$ at once 9 refus+ to believe to be due to ! action ( intellig5ce or goodness2 & on ! supposition t !re is a moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 x is utt]ly incr$ible t !y w\ld occur ei!r by 8 ag5cy or ) 8 p]mission4 ,p]haps ! be/ atte/$ occurr5ces ( curr5t sup]naturalism are ! ph5om5a ( spiritualism4 ,x w t5d to ! illu/ration ( ?is subject1 if we consid] ! gr\nds on :i* we reject a l>ge portion ( its report$ ph5om5a q irrespectively ( ! evid5ce produc$ 9 fav\r ( _! reality1 & ascribe ! belief 9 !m to ! effect ( an excit$ imag9ation1 & 9 "s cases to impo/ure4 ,9 consid]+ ?is subject1 x is n necess>y to exam9e :e!r ! ph5om5a alleg$ by spirituali/s1 if true1 w\ld be really sup]natural1 or belong to an ord] ( nature hi!rto unkn[n4 ,_m ( ! manife/ations ( spiritualism possess a grotesqu5ess :i* we see 9 no o!r class ( natural ph5om5a4 ,if !y are alleg$ to be ! results ( ! action ( natural =ces previ\sly unkn[n1 !n !y mu/ belong to a class ( =ces :i* contra/ 9 a mo/ rem>kable degree ) all kn[n ones2 t is to say1 ! kn[n & ! unkn[n =ces ( nature mu/ be utt]ly out ( h>mony ) "o ano!r4 ,i am n[ speak+ on ! supposition t su* =ces are m]ely natural ones1 n "u ! guidance ( intellig5ce4 ,9 t case !y mu/ h be5 always 9 exi/5ce1 only lat5t2 yet !y n[ = ! fir/ "t manife/ !mselves "u v special circum/ances & conditions1 su* z are highly fav\rable to ! exi/5ce ( delusion4 ,! abnormal "* ( ^! ph5om5a1 s entirely at v>iance ) ! kn[n ord] ( nature1 =ms ! /ronge/ gr\nd = ! conviction t !y _c be ! results ( ! action ( unkn[n natural =ces4 ,x w\ld require an ov]:elm+ am\nt ( evid5ce to conv9ce u t ^! two sets ( natural =ces1 di/+ui%able by ! /ronge/ possible contra/s1 7viz4 ^? :i* produce ! visible ph5om5a ( nature1 & ^? :i* produce ano!r class1 int]mitt5t 9 _! action1 ( :i* grotesqu5ess & mon/rosity are ! mo/ /rik+ *>act]i/ics1 & :i* only manife/ _! exi/5ce "u circum/ances calculat$ to ?r[ a suspicion on _! reality71 c be ! results ( ! action ( =ces :i* h be5 pres5t 9 nature dur+ all pa/ "t4 ,b fur!r3 ^! ph5om5a1 if natural1 mu/ belong to an ord] ( nature :i* is n only unlike ! visible ord]1 b w\ld ?r[ its action into confusion4 ,i am "h reason+ on ! supposition t ! moral ord] ( ! univ]se is due to ! action ( no?+ b physical =ces4 ,if ?is be s1 x mu/ =m a portion ( ! exi/+ ord] ( nature4 ,b ! =ces :i*1 on ! supposition ( ! tru? ( spiritualism1 mu/ be capable ( be+ br\ght into activity1 w\ld int]rupt t moral ord] ( :i* we are actually consci\s4 ,_! action1 if real1 w\ld int]rupt ! entire c\rse ( ! moral _w4 ,no man w\ld be safe f _! intrusion4 ,ev5 9 our deepe/ retirem5t we %\ld nev] be free f ! invasion ( _! pry+ curiosity4 ,su* a p[] w\ld be incompatible ) ! moral ord] ( society4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t an unkn[n ord] ( nature1 pres5t+ ! mo/ viol5t contra/ to ! visible "o1 ^: ph5om5a d n foll[ an inv>iable b an int]mitt5t law1 & are only alleg$ to manife/ !mselves "u conditions fav\rable to impo/ure1 possesses su* a degree ( inh]5t improbability z to ju/ify its rejection1 ev5 by ^? :o recognise ! action ( none b mat]ial =ces 9 ! univ]se4 ,b to ^? :o recognise ! pres5t ord] ( nature z due to ! action ( a wise & intellig5t ,creator1 x becomes absolutely incr$ible t =ces su* z ! ph5om5a ( spiritualism require = _! production1 c =m a portion ( t ord] :i* ,he has creat$1 z !y contradict e conception :i* we c rationally =m ( 8 "*4 ,b if ^! ph5om5a are view$ z due to ! action ( sup]natural ag5cy1 ! reality ( _! occurr5ce becomes /ill m inconceivable4 ,if su* ag5cy is capable ( be+ ex]t$1 we c only conceive t its ex]tion is p]mitt$ = ! realization ( "s kn[n end4 ,yet ! ph5om5a ( spiritualism s]ve no purpose :atev]4 ,spirituali/s h be5 hold+ _! sances = _m ye>s2 b no "o practical result has yet be5 realiz$ by !m4 ,! spirits ( ! dep>t$ h be5 invok$1 b !y h nev] yet giv5 a s+le useful response4 ,surely if !re be a _s _w1 its occupations _c be ! production ( ! abnormal1 ! mean & ! grotesque4 ,its employm5ts mu/ possess "s pret5sions to be e/eem$ dignifi$4 ,x has be5 alleg$ t su* manife/ations help to conv9ce ! incr$ul\s ( ! reality ( ! immortality ( man4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! idea t spirits c be guilty ( su* phanta/ic tricks c only help to ?r[ discr$it on ! doctr9e4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t if ! ph5om5a ( spiritualism are view$ z due to sup]natural causes1 x is utt]ly incr$ible ei!r t ! ,gov]nor ( ! ,univ]se w\ld p]mit su* a c\rse ( action1 or t ! spirits !mselves1 unless depriv$ ( reason1 w\ld exhibit !mselves 9 su* a v>iety ( phanta/ic =ms1 & = no o!r app>5t purpose ?an to effect a numb] ( caprici\s int]f]5ces ) ! visible ord] ( nature4 ,?is incr$ibility is s great z to entitle u summ>ily to reject ! idea t ! reput$ ph5om5a c be actual occurr5ces4 ,9 addition to ?is1 ! alleg$ manife/ations are made "u circum/ances preem95tly suit$ to excite suspicion4 ,! ph5om5a ( mod]n spiritualism are a fair illu/ration ( ! g5]al "* ( ! curr5t sup]naturalism ( ! anci5t _w4 ,x 0 = ! mo/ "p equally s5seless & absurd4 ,! atte/ation to its actual occurr5ce 0 ( a v inf]ior "* to t :i* c be urg$ 9 fav\r ( ! alleg$ facts ( spiritualism4 ,i h m]ely tak5 notice ( ^! latt] z an illu/ration ( ! g5]al aspect ( ! ph5om5a ( curr5t sup]naturalism1 & z plac+ be=e u ! reasons :i* fully ju/ify u 9 reject+ a l>ge portion ( x )\t m9utely inquir+ into its evid5ce4 ,i w n[ proce$ to contra/ ! entire mass ( curr5t sup]naturalism ) ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t = ! purpose ( /ill fur!r illu/rat+ ! gr\nds on :i* we reject x1 :ile we claim = ! latt] t _! reality mu/ be te/$ by ! evid5ce :i* c be adduc$ 9 fav\r ( _! actual occurr5ce4 ,let me aga9 draw att5tion to ! fact t ! only correct conception ( a miracle 9 connection ) ?is controv]sy1 is t ( an ev5t wr\ght 9 ext]nal nature ) a def9ite moral aim & purpose4 ,extraord9>y ev5ts1 to :i* no su* moral aim & purpose c be assign$1 may be unusual occurr5ces1 b are 9 no prop] s5se ( ! words evid5tial miracles4 ,an isolat$ occurr5ce ( an extraord9>y nature1 & an ev5t m>k$ ) a def9ite moral purpose1 are two :olly diff]5t ?+s4 ,! "o may be cr$ible1 & ! o!r :olly incr$ible4 ,we habitually recognise ! di/9ction 9 ord9>y life1 & x entirely affects our judgm5t ( ! probability ( an ev5t4 ,we e/eem ! action ( a p>ticul> p]son q cr$ible "u "o set ( circum/ances1 :i* we %\ld reject z incr$ible "u ano!r4 ,?us if we 7 in=m$ t a fri5d ) :om we 7 intimately acqua9t$1 _h precipitat$ himself f a height into ! wat]1 suppos+ him to be sane1 we %\ld n believe x4 ,b if we receiv$ ! in=mation t he _h done x to save a p]son f dr[n+1 & we knew t he 0 a man ( c\rage1 we %\ld accept ! fact )\t ! smalle/ hesitation4 ,on ?is acc\nt1 !re=e1 ! moral aspect ( ! alleg$ miracle is ( ! utmo/ importance2 & x is necess>y = its correct conception t x %\ld n only be an extraord9>y occurr5ce 9 ext]nal nature1 b t x %\ld take place at ! bidd+ ( ano!r1 & 9 ord] to r5d] x cr$ible1 t x %\ld be calculat$ to effectuate "s def9ite moral purpose4 ,alleg$ sup]natural ev5ts1 :i* are de/itute ( ^! accompanim5ts1 are always liable to a v high degree ( priori suspicion4 ,9 fact x w\ld be difficult to prove !m to be sup]natural4 ,all t c\ld be affirm$ respect+ !m w\ld be t !y 7 v unusual occurr5ces1 :i* x 0 impossible to acc\nt = by ! action ( any kn[n =ce4 ,if ! univ]se is "u ! gov]nm5t ( ,god1 all sup]natural action mu/ ei!r be ! result ( ,8 ag5cy or p]mission4 ,if ,he int]f]es ) ! ord] ( occurr5ces1 x is evid5t t su* int]f]5ce _c be caprici\s1 b mu/ h a def9ite purpose4 ,we are ju/ifi$1 !re=e1 9 refus+ to accept occurr5ces z sup]natural1 :i* are de/itute ( all appe>ance ( purpose 9 _! p]=mance4 ,b fur!r3 ! alleg$ miracle mu/ be consi/5t ) ! "* ( ,god1 be=e x is possible to attribute x to ,him z wr\ght by ,8 direct ag5cy4 ,?is re/s on ! same pr9ciple on :i* we refuse to cr$it ! reports ( actions p]=m$ by m5 :i* are contradictory to _! well kn[n *>act]s4 ,b ?is is f> m c]ta9 ) respect to ,god ?an x c be ( man4 ,human *>act]s c at be/ be b imp]fectly kn[n1 & !re are unse5 dep?s 9 ! human he>t :i* sometimes r5d] actions possible1 :i* /& 9 /rik+ contra/ to ! g5]al "* ( ! ag5ts4 ,to /ate ! tru? g5]ally1 z x is impossible t man c act 9 opposition to ! inmo/ pr9ciples ( 8 moral be+1 s 9 a f> high] degree is x impossible t ,god c contradict ! p]fections ( ,8 moral nature4 ,?is be+ s1 x foll[s t we are entitl$ to reject all miracles alleg$ to h be5 wr\ght by ,god1 :i* are contr>y to ,8 moral attributes2 all :i* are l[1 mean1 or grotesque1 & unfitt$ to realize an elevat$ moral purpose4 ,x w "h be object$ t if ^! positions are true1 demoniacal miracles are r5d]$ impossible4 ,i h already po9t$ out t if demoniacal sup]naturalism is affirm$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t to be an actuality1 its action is describ$ z be+ limit$ to ! human m9d1 & t :atev] p]mitt$ activity is conc$$ to x1 always be>s ! mo/ di/9ctive m>ks ( be+ f b5ea?4 ,!re is no possibility ( mi/ak+ betwe5 su* sup]natural occurr5ces & ! miracles ( ,god4 ,su* !n are our g5]al pr9ciples1 ! tru? ( :i* c h>dly be conte/$4 ,if !y are true1 ! great mass ( curr5t sup]naturalism is wor?y ( rejection = ! foll[+ reasons4 #a4 ,:ile x claims to be ! result ( sup]natural ag5cy1 x is de/itute ( all def9ite moral purpose1 & su* moral impress z x be>s is mean & degrad$4 ,:at end1 ,i ask1 0 x design$ to s]ve8 ,x involv$ an almo/ cont9ual int]f]5ce ) ! ord] ( nature2 or if at times x claim$ to be due to occult =ces1 !y 7 only suit$ to conf\nd ! visible ord] ( ! univ]se4 ,i am reason+ on ! supposition t !re is a ,god :o rules ! _w4 ,?is be+ s1 x is impossible to conceive t su* a mode ( act+ c be ,84 ,"u ?is head ( sup]naturalism fall all ! mon/r\s & ! grotesque1 & ! entire range ( magical ph5om5a4 #b4 ,! :ole range ( anci5t sup]naturalism is 9 contradiction to ev]y?+ :i* we c conceive ( ! moral "* ( ,god4 ,let u take z an illu/ration ! ph5om5a ( ,soo?say+4 ,:o c believe t ,god employ$ ! entrails ( slaught]$ bea/s z ! means ( reveal+ ! future8 or t x 0 consi/5t ) 8 "* to manife/ 8 w ?r\gh a multitude ( mon/r\s port5ts8 ,!re is p]haps n a s+le occurr5ce ( anci5t sup]naturalism :i* does n (f5d aga9/ our prim>y conception ( ! ,div9e "*2 &1 !re=e1 ! :ole is wor?y ( summ>y rejection4 #c4 ,anci5t sup]naturalism assign$ its occurr5ces to no cause adequate to produce !m4 ,^? :o ass]t$ its reality1 ref]r$ x to ! action ( deities :o possess$ v limit$ p[]1 or to occult p[]s 9 nature4 ,su* occult p[]s we n[ "k to h no exi/5ce1 & ! p[] attribut$ to ! suppos$ deities 0 f> too limit$ to be capable ( produc+ ! results 9 "q4 ,all reput$ ev5ts1 ! alleg$ cause ( :i* is unable to produce !m1 we are entitl$ to reject )\t fur!r inve/igation4 #d4 ,a l>ge am\nt ( anci5t sup]naturalism re/$ on no evid5ce :atev]4 ,( ^? portions = :i* any reasons 7 alleg$1 ! evid5ce itself 0 ( a "* exactly suit$ to discr$it x4 ,( ?is k9d 0 ! :ole ( ! sup]naturalism connect$ ) ! /ate religions4 ,^! 7 9 ! h&s ( m5 :o us$ !m = ! purpose ( act+ on ! vulg>1 & :o !re=e readily accept$ ! report ( any?+1 h[ev] incr$ible1 :i* c\ld subs]ve _! end4 ,o!r portions 7 palpable impo/ures work$ = ! base/ & mo/ selfi% purposes4 ,a v brief acqua9tance ) ! nature ( ! evid5ce on :i* x re/s is suffici5t to ju/ify u 9 reject+ x )\t ent]+ on any inquiry z to its details4 ,su* be+ ! g5]al "* ( anci5t sup]naturalism1 x is absurd to argue t its exi/5ce is a reason = reject+ along ) x ano!r ord] ( sup]naturalism1 :i* /&s contra/$ ) x 9 e p>ticul>4 ,we might z well urge ! exi/5ce ( a va/ numb] ( c\nt]feits z a reason = reject+ ev]y?+ :i* is g5u9e4 ,we d n reject x because x is sup]natural1 b because x is utt]ly incr$ible4 ,a /atem5t ( a few p>ticul>s w exhibit ! contra/ betwe5 x & ! sup]naturalism ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 a /rik+ po9t ( view4 #a4 ,*ri/ian sup]naturalism alleges t its occurr5ces are ! result ( ! action ( a =ce :i*1 if pres5t1 is c]ta9ly adequate to produce !m4 ,anci5t sup]naturalism alleges no cause :atev]1 or "o :olly inadequate4 #b4 ,*ri/ian sup]naturalism alleges a p]fectly adequate purpose = its production2 t purpose be+ ! atte/ation ( ! div9e mission ( ,jesus4 ,anci5t sup]naturalism alleges ei!r no purpose at all1 or a degrad$ "o4 #c4 ,*ri/ian sup]naturalism is made to c5tre ar\nd ! greate/ & mo/ exalt$ "* t has ev] appe>$ 9 hi/ory4 ,anci5t sup]naturalism1 in/ead ( be+ connect$ ) ! mo/ em95t *>act]s ( ! times1 directly connects itself ) ! mo/ que/ionable4 #d4 ,*ri/ian sup]naturalism is /amp$ ?r\gh\t ) a high moral "* & aspect4 ,?is is :olly want+ 9 ! sup]naturalism ( ! anci5t _w4 #e4 ,*ri/ian sup]naturalism belongs to an elevat$ ord] & type2 ! objects realiz$ by x 7 = ! mo/ "p b5evol5t4 ,! mode ( its action 0 dignifi$ & ! effects produc$ by x 7 in/antane\s1 foll[+ directly on ! ^w ( ! ag5t4 ,! mode 9 :i* its miracles 7 p]=m$ is *>act]iz$ by ! utmo/ simplicity1 de/itute alike ( any?+ sc5ic or fanta/ic1 entirely 9 h>mony ) ! great "* :o p]=m$ !m4 ,! sup]naturalism ( ! anci5t _w is m>k$ by ! opposite *>act]i/ics4 #f4 ,*ri/ian sup]naturalism1 or to speak m correctly1 ! greate/ sup]natural occurr5ce :i* ,*ri/ianity records1 namely ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/1 has n only left a mighty impression on hi/ory1 b has creat$ a civilization ( its own :i* embraces all ! progressive nations ( ! _w1 & ex]ts a p[]ful influ5ce ev5 on ^? :o d5y its tru?4 ,! only result wr\ght by ! sup]naturalism ( ! anci5t _w 0 ! moral degradation ( ^? among :om x prevail$4 #g4 ,! sup]naturalism ( ,*ri/ianity re/s on an atte/ation :i* ev5 unbeliev]s w\ld all[ to be q suffici5t to e/abli% ! tru? ( any ord9>y facts4 ,! o!r re/s ei!r on no te/imony at all1 or on "o :i* is op5 to ! grave/ suspicion4 ,su* are "s ( ! /rik+ contra/s :i* di/+ui% ! sup]naturalism ( ! ,new ,te/am5t f t ( ! anci5t _w4 ,:5 two s]ies ( ev5ts pres5t su* opposite features1 x is ! duty ( a s\nd philosophy to trace ^! di/9ctions to _! causes1 & to %[ :at is ! nature ( ! =ces :i* h impress$ on ea* s]ies its own peculi> *>act]i/ics4 ,in/ead ( ?is1 h[ev]1 we are invit$ to pron\nce bo? alike incr$ible2 t is to say1 because "o s]ies ( ev5ts is deeply impress$ ) *>act]i/ics :i* r5d] !m incr$ible1 we are invit$ to pron\nce a simil> condemnation on ano!r s]ies1 :i* is di/+ui%$ by ! mo/ opposite features1 & :i* has only ?is po9t 9 common ) ! =m]1 t bo? belong to an ord] ( ev5ts :i* we designate z sup]natural4 ,no?+ c be m unphilosophical ?an su* a mode ( reason+4 ,we reject ! "o s]ies 9 a mass1 n because ! ev5ts :i* x conta9s are sup]natural1 b because !y are absolutely incr$ible4 ,a simil> rule we apply to ord9>y1 no less ?an sup]natural occurr5ces4 ,b x w d\btless be object$ t !re is ano!r s]ies ( sup]natural occurr5ces :i* rational m51 ) a few exceptions1 greet ) an equally summ>y rejection1 viz4 ! long s]ies ( ecclesia/ical miracles :i* ext5ds 9 an almo/ unbrok5 succession f ! second c5tury ( our era ne>ly to ! pres5t day4 ,^!1 x has be5 urg$1 are alleg$ to h be5 wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( ,*ri/ianity1 & be> "s rem>kable analogy1 z facts wr\ght 9 ext]nal nature1 to ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,x is argu$ t if we reject ! "o1 we are = ! same reason b\nd to reject ! o!rs4 ,! foll[+ po9ts may be consid]$ z admitt$4 ,fir/2 ,t e c5tury f ! second d[nw>ds has be5 *>act]iz$ by a consid]able am\nt ( pret5sion to ! possession ( sup]natural p[]2 & dur+ ?is p]iod "o section ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* claims to h actually wr\ght miracles4 ,secondly2 ,sev]al ( ^! miracles1 view$ m]ely z ph5om5a 9 outw>d nature1 are precisely simil> to ^? record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,?irdly2 ,:5 a miracle is alleg$ to h be5 p]=m$ at ! pres5t day1 z has rec5tly be5 ! case 9 a neighb\r+ c\ntry1 n only all unbeliev]s 9 ! possibility ( sup]natural occurr5ces1 b also all rational ,*ri/ians concur 9 its summ>y rejection1 n m]ely on ! gr\nd t ! evid5ce is insuffici5t1 b t ! ev5t is 9 itself incr$ible4 ,f\r?ly2 ,t rational m5 reject 9 a simil> mann] & = simil> reasons ! great mass ( ecclesia/ical miracles z unwor?y ( s]i\s inquiry into _! atte/ation4 ,) respect to ! second po9t1 ,i h already obs]v$ t if we view miracles m]ely z ph5om5a 9 ext]nal nature1 & if a simil> belief 9 a curr5t sup]naturalism1 :i* we h se5 to be "o ( ! ph5om5a ( human nature1 prevail$ 9 ! ,*ur*1 x 0 to be expect$ t ! curr5t =ms ( ecclesia/ical sup]naturalism w\ld adopt ^? ( ! ,new ,te/am5t = _! basis1 & consequ5tly t x w\ld ab\nd 9 n>ratives ( resurrections f ! dead & ! cures ( v>i\s diseases4 ,?is is actually ! case4 ,x may also n only excite our wond] t ! model 0 n f> m exactly copi$1 b t ecclesia/ical1 & especially monki% miracles1 :i* con/itute an ov]:elm+ majority ( ! miracles ( ,*ur* hi/ory1 ab\nd s l>gely 9 features :i* /& 9 su* m>k$ contra/ to ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 _! peculi> *>act]i/ics be+ ! same z ^? ( anci5t sup]naturalism1 viz4 ! mon/r\s & ! grotesque4 ,?is po9t is "o :i* dem&s ! s]i\s consid]ation ( unbeliev]s2 = if1 z !y av]1 !y are bo? due to ! action ( ! same causes1 ?is div]sity requires to be acc\nt$ =4 ,! tru? is1 t ) ! exception t bo? s]ies conta9 reports ( miracles :i* are simil> or m]e objective occurr5ces1 9 o!r respects _! *>act]i/ics diff] widely4 ,) respect to ! fact t rational m5 concur 9 ! rejection ( mod]n miracles1 x %\ld be obs]v$ t ?is is n because all sup]natural ev5ts are believ$ to be incr$ible2 b because ! reput$ ev5ts !mselves possess *>act]i/ics :i* excite 9 u ! grave/ suspicions ( _! tru?2 & especially because by f> ! greate/ numb] ( !m are well kn[n n to h orig9at$ 9 m]e cr$ulity1 b 9 actual impo/ure4 ,m5 or communities :o h once l5t !mselves to ! delib]ate co9+ ( miracles1 are ( bla/$ reputations1 & :5ev] m>vell\s occurr5ces are report$ by su* p]sons1 we are ju/ifi$ 9 reject+ !m )\t fur!r inquiry4 ,x is evid5t t ^! are ! gr\nds on :i* su* /ories are reject$1 & n simply because !y are sup]natural1 s9ce ^? :o believe 9 ! sup]naturalism ( ! ,new ,te/am5t concur ) ^? :o disbelieve 9 x1 9 ?us reject+ !m4 ,i mu/ n[ briefly consid] ! g5]al gr\nds on :i* we reject ! great mass ( ecclesia/ical miracles1 :ile we accept ^? 9 ! ,gospels z actual occurr5ces4 ,! g5]al gr\nd ( our rejection ( !m is precisely ! same z t on :i* we reject ! sup]naturalism ( ! anci5t _w4 ,! only ?+ :i* di/+ui%es !m f ! latt]1 is t !y conta9 a numb] ( ev5ts :i* view$ z b>e facts are simil> to ^? record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,9 e o!r respect ! contra/ is complete4 ,i %all only draw att5tion to a few consid]ations :i* might o!rwise escape ! notice ( ! read]4 ,! ecclesia/ical miracles 7 n wr\ght 9 atte/ation t ! p]son work+ !m _h a div9e commission1 b t a div9e p[] p]man5tly abode 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,! qualification :i* 0 ?\ght necess>y = ! exhibition ( ?is p[] 0 ! possession ( a great degree ( reput$ sanctity4 ,! ex]cise ( miracul\s p[] 0 suppos$ to prove1 n t its possessor _h a div9e commission1 b t he 0 a sa9t4 ,! sa9t 0 suppos$ to h 9 himself "s inh]5t p[] ( work+ miracles1 be>+ a consid]able analogy to t :i* ! woman ) ! issue ( blood believ$ to be possess$ by our ,"l4 ,a miracul\s p[] 9 ! %ape ( a virtue issu$ f ! sa9t4 ,h5ce ! sup]natural p[] :i* 0 ascrib$ to dead m5's bones & to relics4 ,su* a sup]natural p[] is devoid ( ev]y?+ :i* presupposes a div9e purpose1 & ( all evid5tial value4 ,its frequ5cy w\ld de/roy ! nature ( a miracle z an atte/ation ( a div9e commission1 & involve an int]f]5ce ) ! ord] ( nature1 :i* w\ld de/roy ! s5se ( its regul>ity1 ! k ( :i* is s ess5tial to our well be+1 z well z to ! conception ( a miracle4 ,moreov]1 ! sup]natural ag5cy is n suppos$ to be due to ! direct int]v5tion ( ,god1 b to "s imag9>y virtue resid+ 9 man4 ,! ecclesia/ical miracles ( :i* we h any?+ l a detail$ acc\nt1 :5 !y are n simply reg>d$ z due to ! direct sanctity ( ! p]son p]=m+ !m1 are nev] alleg$ to be p]=m$ 9 pro( ( a div9e commission2 b :5 !y are ass]t$ to h be5 evid5tial1 !y are affirm$ to h be5 wr\ght 9 pro( ( "s doctr9e1 or 9 fav\r ( "s p>ticul> p>ty 9 ! ,*ur*2 or1 :at inve/s !m ) a /ill great] degree ( suspicion1 9 fav\r ( ! p[] ( a p>ticul> ord]4 ,! la/ class ( alleg$ miracles may at once be dismiss$ z due to simple impo/ure4 ,! fir/ are /rongly contra/$ ) ^? ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 :]e we _c f9d ! acc\nt ( a s+le miracle wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( a doctr9e1 ! "o or two app>5t exceptions be+ really p]=m$ to atte/ a div9e commission4 ,b :5 a miracle is wr\ght to prove an irrational doctr9e1 ! cr$ibility ( ! miracle p]i%es ) ! tru? ( ! doctr9e4 ,we are1 !re=e1 ju/ifi$ 9 reject+ ! miracles :5ev] we h suffici5t evid5ce t ! doctr9es :i* !y 7 alleg$ to atte/ are untrue4 ,aga93 :5ev] a p>ticul> p>ty alleges a div9e atte/ation 9 its fav\r1 its "* may be kn[n by its works4 ,! p>ties 9 ! ,*ur* :o h claim$ su* miracul\s atte/ation1 h prov$ by _! actions t ! idea ( a div9e int]f]5ce 9 _! fav\r is incr$ible1 z be+ inconsi/5t ) ! div9e "*4 ,x is p]fectly true t at ! pres5t day all rational m51 ) few exceptions1 concur 9 reject+ almo/ ! entire mass ( ecclesia/ical miracles4 ,!y d ?is1 h[ev]1 n because !y believe miracles to be impossible1 b because !y are p]suad$ t ,god w n "w "o on a light or trivial occasion1 & because ! great mass ( su* pret5d$ miracles are *>act]is$ by m>ks :i* are inconsi/5t ) ! idea t !y h be5 wr\ght by ,god4 ,) our l>g] acqua9tance ) ! ord] ( nature1 we no long] believe t x is possible = miracles to be wr\ght by any inh]5t virtue 9 ?+s !mselves1 b t if p]=m$ at all1 x c only be by ! direct ag5cy or p]mission ( ! ,au?or ( ,nature4 ,9 a ^w1 ! g5]al incr$ibility ( ! ecclesia/ical miracles1 & _! repugnance to our conception ( ! mode ( ! div9e act+ is ! reason :y we reject !m altoge!r4 ,x is also unque/ionably true t at ! pres5t day a great majority ev5 ( religi\s p]sons w\ld receive ) no little incr$ulity ! report ( a miracle1 :ile su* incr$ulity w\ld n h exi/$ at a =m] p]iod4 ,?is is due to two causes3 fir/1 our increas$ k ( ! p]man5ce ( ! =ces ( mat]ial ,nature2 & secondly1 our belief t sup]natural occurr5ces c only take place by ! direct ag5cy & p]mission ( ,god1 & n by means ( my sup]natural p[] inh]5t 9 p>ticul> p]sons4 ,f ?is we draw ! inf]5ce t almo/ all ! alleg$ ecclesia/ical miracles mu/ be reject$ z inconsi/5t ) ! div9e "*4 ,we are ( op9ion1 !re=e1 t a miracle wr\ght = any o!r purpose ?an ! atte/ation ( a revelation is n cr$ible2 & z f ! nature ( ! case revelations mu/ be r>e1 we summ>ily reject all reports ( sup]natural occurr5ces z impo/ures1 or ! (fspr+ ( a heat$ & undiscipl9$ imag9ation4 ,n[ al?\gh ?is is g5]ally ! case1 yet x is unque/ionable t if a miracle 0 report$ to u ) a preem95tly /rong atte/ation1 no rational p]son w\ld refuse to give a s]i\s consid]ation to ! evid5ce m]ely because ! ev5t 0 sup]natural4 ,a report$ miracle w\ld d\btless be att5d$ ) no inconsid]able degree ( antec$5t improbability2 b if a man ) :om we 7 intimately acqua9t$1 ( s\nd intellect1 & high moral "* 7 to allege t he _h p]=m$ an act :i*1 if real1 mu/ h be5 indisputably miracul\s1 x w\ld be altoge!r irrational to reject 8 ass]tion summ>ily z unwor?y ( consid]ation m]ely because 9 all ages miracul\s /ories h be5 ext5sively believ$4 ,! application ( su* a pr9ciple w\ld lead u into ! grosse/ error4 ,?is "q has a v important be>+ on ! subject be=e u4 ,x has be5 alleg$ t :ile no?+ has be5 m common ?an ! ascription ( miracles to em95t m51 x is impossible to f9d a man ( s\nd judgm5t & high moral "* :o has delib]ately affirm$ t he has p]=m$ "o himself4 ,t su* affirmations h be5 v r>e is c]ta91 & = ! simple reason1 t miracles h be5 v r>e occurr5ces4 ,b ! ass]tion t no su* cases are to be f\nd is inaccurate4 ,"o1 at all ev5ts1 exi/s1 al?\gh probably ! only "o1 b x is t ( a man ( ! mo/ und\bt$ v]acity1 ! ,apo/le ,paul4 ,z ,i h already obs]v$1 f\r ( ! mo/ important writ+s :i* h be5 attribut$ to him are admitt$ by a va/ majority ( ^? unbeliev]s :o are compet5t to =m an op9ion on ! subject1 to be 8 g5u9e productions4 ,^! are be=e u1 & we c =m f !m a full judgm5t z to ! "* ( ! man4 ,9 !m he di/9ctly tells u t he p]=m$ miracles4 ,he writes3 8,i h !re=e :]e( ,i may glory 9 ^? ?+s :i* p]ta9 to ,god4 ,= ,i w n d>e to speak ( any ( ^? ?+s :i* ,*ri/ ha? n wr\ght by me to make ! ,g5tiles ob$i5t by ^w & de$1 ?r\gh mighty signs & wond]s1 by ! p[] ( ! ,_s ( ,god2 s t f ,j]usalem1 & r\nd ab\t unto ,illyricum1 ,i h fully prea*$ ! ,gospel ( ,*ri/40 7,rom4 xv4 #ah1 #ai47 ,"h at lea/ we h a direct affirmation on ! subject4 ,x is n ! only "o made by him4 ,b !re is also "o :i* is equival5t to ano!r affirmation made by ,"o :om unbeliev]s mu/ admit to h be5 ! greate/ man :o ev] liv$1 ,jesus ,*ri/ ,himself4 ,^? ) :om ,i am reason+ all[ t ! disc\rses 9 ! ,synoptic ,gospels are acc\nts ( ,8 real utt]ances4 ,9 !m ,he directly affirms t ,he p]=m$ miracles4 ,ev5 ^? aga9/ ^: op9ions ,i am argu+1 w conc$e t ! *>act]s ( ,*ri/ & ,/4 ,paul /& at ! greate/ height ( moral elevation4 ,if !re are any o!r p]sons ^: utt]ances h be5 h&$ d[n to u1 :o h delib]ately made ?is affirmation1 _! numb]s are unque/ionably few4 ,c]ta9ly no o!r ?or\ghly great & elevat$ "* has done s4 ,?is is a rem>kable fact & well wor?y ( consid]ation4 ,:ile _m ( ! ,fa!rs h affirm$ t miracles 7 p]=m$ by o!rs1 n "o ( !m has affirm$ t he has wr\ght any himself4 ,! sup]naturalism ( ! ,new ,te/am5t diff]s1 z we h se51 f all o!r alleg$ k9ds ( sup]natural occurr5ces4 ,x diff]s moreov] 9 ?is respect1 t "o ( ! p]sons ?r\gh ^: ag5cy ^! miracles are decl>$ to h be5 p]=m$1 has made a delib]ate affirmation t he wr\ght !m2 & t ! f\nd] ( ,*ri/ianity1 9 record$ utt]ances :i* are admitt$ to be g5u9e1 has likewise ass]t$ t miracles 7 wr\ght by ,him4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t our summ>y rejection ( all ! curr5t sup]naturalism :i* has be5 alleg$ to h tak5 place at v>i\s p]iods ( hi/ory1 is q consi/5t ) our accept+ z true ! s]ies ( sup]natural ev5ts record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 :i* are di/+ui%$ by *>act]i/ics ( an entirely diff]5t ord]4 ,,*apt] ,,xvi4 ,,g5]al ,,objections ,,to ,,miracles ,,z ,,cr$5tials ,,( ,a ,,revelation4 ,:ile consid]+ ?is subject1 x w be necess>y to keep /eadily 9 view t miracles are n alleg$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t to h be5 p]=m$ to prove ! tru? ( doctr9es1 b t a p>ticul> p]son possesses a div9e commission2 or 9 atte/ation ( p>ticul> facts1 su* z ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! tru? ( a div9e commission be+ e/abli%$1 x foll[s t ! div9elyappo9t$ mess5g] mu/ h "s message to communicate4 ,we fur!r inf] t ,god w n intru/ a message to any p]son :om ,he has n previ\sly fully enlight5$ z to ! subject :i* he has to communicate1 & :o w\ld n tru?fully communicate ! message ) :i* he is intru/$4 ,a miracle is !re=e n only an atte/ation to ! div9e commission ( ! p]son p]=m+ "o1 b also to ! adequate in=mation & v]acity ( ! mess5g]4 ,al?\gh a miracle is n wr\ght to prove ! tru? ( a p>ticul> doctr9e1 b t a p>ticul> p]son is intru/$ ) a div9e commission1 we accept a doctr9al /atem5t z true1 :5 made by a mess5g] ?us atte/$1 )9 ! limits ( ! message ) :i* he affirms himself to be intru/$1 on ! gr\nd t su* a mess5g] mu/ bo? be tru?ful1 & possess adequate k4 ,9 o!r words1 our belief 9 ! doctr9al /atem5t does n re/ on ! miracle1 b on ! v]acity ( ,god4 ,?is is ! affirmation made 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t respect+ ! mo/ important class ( ! miracles :i* x records4 ,z ,i h else:]e obs]v$1 n a s+le in/ance occurs 9 x ( a miracle wr\ght = ! purpose ( prov+ t a doctr9e is true4 ,our ,"l's di/9ct affirmation is1 8,! same works t ,i d1 be> witness ( me t ! ,fa!r ha? s5t me40 7,john v4 #cf47 8,if ,i say ! tru?1 :y d ye n believe me80 7,john viii4 #df47 ,! miracles :i* are alleg$ to h be5 p]=m$ by ! ,apo/les = directly evid5tial purposes1 7 wr\ght 9 pro( ( ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/1 & ( _! own div9e commission1 :i* directly dep5d$ on x4 ,let x also be obs]v$ t x by no means foll[s t e miracle record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t 0 p]=m$ exclusively = evid5tial purposes4 ,?is po9t ,i %all consid] h]eaft]4 ,if ^! pr9ciples are correct1 !y w at once dispose ( two objections :i* are alleg$ aga9/ miracles3 fir/1 t !y _c prove a doctr9e2 & secondly1 t !y _c prove a moral tru?4 ,i fully accept ! /atem5t t moral tru?s _c be prov$ by ! evid5ce ( miracles1 b mu/ re/ on _! own inh]5t evid5ce2 & t all positive duties re/ on ! comm& ( ,god1 to :om we feel1 on o!r gr\nds1 t all love1 rev]5ce1 & adoration are due4 ,! tru? ( doctr9es also _c be e/abli%$ by ! p]=mance ( a miracle2 b :5 we accept !m on ext]nal au?ority1 !y re/ on ! te/imony ( ,god1 & our full p]suasion t ,he mu/ be 9 possession ( all tru?4 ,al?\gh1 !re=e1 ,i accept z correct ^! pr9ciples1 on :i* ! objection is f\nd$1 !y h no be>+ on ! po9t at issue2 = ! ,new ,te/am5t n[h]e affirms t its miracles 7 wr\ght to prove ei!r doctr9al /atem5ts or moral tru?s1 b facts4 #a4 ,x is object$ t ! preval5ce ( sup]natural beliefs r5d]s ! exi/5ce ( miracles 8s hackney$ z sc>cely to attract ! notice ( ! nation to :om ! ,*ri/ian revelation 0 9 ! fir/ in/ance address$40 7,sup]natural ,religion47 ,i reply t ?is objection conta9s two inaccuracies4 ,fir/1 x is n true t ! miracles ( ,jesus sc>cely attract$ ! notice ( ^? among :om !y 7 p]=m$4 ,! only au?ority on ?is po9t is ! ,new ,te/am5t itself1 & ?is ass]tion contradicts its express /atem5ts4 ,num]\s passages 9 ! ,gospels directly affirm t ! miracles ( our ,"l attract$ v g5]al att5tion1 & produc$ a pr(\nd a/oni%m5t2 & t ^? :o _h witness$ !m consid]$ t !re 0 a wide di/9ction betwe5 !m & ! miracul\s pret5sions !n curr5t4 ,8 fame is repres5t$ z hav+ be5 spread by !m 9 regions beyond ,pale/9e2 & great multitudes are /at$ to h collect$1 bo? = ! purpose ( he>+ ,him & ( be+ heal$ ( _! diseases4 ,! f\r? ,gospel repres5ts our ,"l z rebuk+ ! multitudes1 = att5d+ on ,him = sordid purposes4 ,x is q true1 t not)/&+ ! miracles1 ! body ( ! ,jewi% nation ultimately reject$ ,*ri/ianity1 ?\gh ! epi/les be> witness t ! ,jewi% elem5t :i* 0 attract$ into ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* 0 l>ge4 ,! ass]tion1 !re=e1 is simply contr>y to fact1 t miracles 7 9 ^? days s common & hackney$ z to attract little or no att5tion to him :o pr(ess$ to "w !m4 ,equally inaccurate is ! ass]tion t ! evid5ce ( miracles z ! atte/ation to a revelation 0 a 8hackney$0 "o4 ,! ,old ,te/am5t pr(ess$ to re/ on miracul\s evid5ce4 ,?is be+ ! case1 ! ,jews 7 fully entitl$ to expect t if ,god made a fur!r revelation ( ,8 w1 x w\ld be accompani$ by a miracul\s atte/ation4 ,b ,judaism 0 ! only religion ( ! anci5t _w :i* pr(ess$ to be f\nd$ on ! evid5ce ( miracles4 ,a belief 9 a curr5t sup]naturalism 0 no d\bt mix$ up ) ! anci5t religions1 b its wond]s 7 n alleg$ to h be5 wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( ! fact t !y 7 revelations1 nor ev5 z atte/ations to _! tru?4 ,! religion ( ! ,greeks possess$ bo? prie/s & prophets2 b !y p]=m$ no miracles 9 atte/ation ( a div9e commission4 ,! only atte/ation ( ?is k9d :i* !y claim$ 0 ! utt]ance ( obscure or m5daci\s oracles4 ,i am n aw>e t anyone :o pret5d$ to be a reveal] ( ! div9e w 9 anci5t times ev] pr(ess$ to p]=m visible & palpable miracles 9 pro( ( 8 ass]tions4 ,simil> is ! position ( ! old religions :i* /ill exi/ 9 ! mod]n _w4 ,_m ( !m ab\nd 9 /ories ( ! mo/ fanta/ic manife/ations ( _! gods 9 anci5t times4 ,_! vot>ies believe 9 ! efficacy ( magic1 *>ms1 & incantations4 ,b none ( ^! ?+s h be5 affirm$ to h be5 wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( a div9e commission4 ,mahometanism claims1 9 ! /ricte/ s5se1 to be a div9e revelation2 yet ! ,koran ev5 (f]s apologies = ! fact t its f\nd] wr\ght no miracles 9 atte/ation ( 8 claim to be a div9e mess5g]4 ,s f> !re=e is x f be+ ! fact t miracles are s g5]ally alleg$ by religions 9 v9dication ( _! claim to be revelations1 t ,judaism & ,*ri/ianity are absolutely unique 9 ?is respect4 ,! idea ( work+ a miracle 9 atte/ation ( a div9e commission is s f> f be+ a 8hackney$0 "o1 t x has ! /ronge/ claims to orig9ality4 #b4 ,x is urg$ by ! same writ] t 8e m>vel & e n>rative ( sup]natural int]f]5ce seem$ a matt] ( c\rse to ! sup]/iti\s cr$ulity ( ! age4 ,h[ev] mu* miracles are ! exception to ! ord] ( nature1 !y h always be5 ! rule 9 ! hi/ory ( ignorance4 ,9 fact ! excess ( belief 9 !m ?r\gh\t _m c5turies ( d>kness1 is almo/ fatal to _! claims to cr$5ce n[4 ,!y h be5 limit$ to p]iods ( ignorance & sup]/ition1 & are unkn[n to ages ( enlight5m5t4 ,! ,*ri/ian miracles are r5d]$ almo/ z suspici\s f _! place 9 a long s]ies ( simil> occurr5ces1 z !y are by _! be+ exceptions to ! sequ5ce ( natural ph5om5a4 ,x w\ld be extraord9>y if cycles ( miracles occurr+ be=e & s9ce ^? ( ! ,gospels1 & 9 connection ) e religion1 c\ld be repudiat$ z fables1 & ^! alone ma9ta9$ z g5u9e40 ,! pr9ciples :i* ,i h laid d[n 9 a =m] *apt] fully meet ! *ief po9ts rais$ 9 ^! objections4 ,a few additional obs]vations on !m1 !re=e1 are all t w be necess>y4 ,fir/3 ! ass]tion t e m>vel or n>rative ( sup]natural int]f]5ce seem$ a matt] ( c\rse to ! sup]/iti\s cr$ulity ( ! age1 is inaccurate4 ,if !y _h be5 ( habitual or con/ant occurr5ce1 !y w\ld h ceas$ to be m>vels at all4 ,9 su* a case ! trade ( ! impo/or w\ld h gone1 = x w\ld n h paid him4 ,! entire plausibility ( su* reason+s arises f conf\nd+ "u a common "n ph5om5a :olly diff]5t 9 "*4 ,i ask emphatically1 did ! curr5t sup]naturalism ( any age or nation accept z matt]s ( c\rse su* ev5ts z ! resurrection ( ,*ri/1 or ! cure ( a bl9d man1 or a man full ( leprosy1 by a ^w or a t\*8 ,h n hea!n writ]s pron\nc$ actual resurrections f ! dead to be impossibilities8 ,7 su* occurr5ces ev] believ$ to be )9 ! p[] ( magic to effect8 ,belief 9 ! possibility ( su* occurr5ces became curr5t only "u ! influ5ce ( ,*ri/ianity4 #b4 ,x is n correct to ass]t t ! belief 9 miracles has be5 conf9$ to ages ( ignorance4 ,w x be affirm$ t ! mo/ fl\ri%+ p]iod ( ,grecian lit]ature 0 an age ( ignorance8 ,yet a belief 9 a curr5t sup]naturalism prevail$ 9 x4 ,0 ! ,augu/an age an age ( ignorance8 ,bo? ages 7 ignorant ( physical sci5ce3 b dur+ few p]iods has ! human intellect be5 equally active4 ,ea* age conta9$ m5 end[$ ) common s5se suffici5t to make !m adequate judges :e!r ! sup]natural occurr5ces above ref]r$ to 7 possible or n4 #c4 ,x is inaccurate to affirm t ! ,*ri/ian miracles are int]pos$ betwe5 two simil> s]ies ( sup]natural occurr5ces4 ,!re is only "o po9t 9 common betwe5 !m2 ! claim to be sup]natural4 ,z ,i h prov$1 9 e o!r respect !y are /rongly contra/$4 ,x is1 !re=e1 by no means extraord9>y t a s]ies ( sup]natural occurr5ces1 :i* h ! highe/ moral impress1 & possess o!r di/+ui%+ *>act]i/ics1 %\ld be true2 & t ! o!rs1 "o ( :i* took place be=e & ! o!r aft] t 9 "q1 & :i* are /amp$ ) ! v opposite *>act]i/ics1 %\ld be false4 ,! same au?or adduces ! foll[+ objections1 z ly+ at ! root ( miracul\s te/imony to a revelation3 8,surely sup]natural evid5ce ( s common & prodigal a nature betrays great want ( =ce & div9e orig9ality4 ,h[ c\ld t be consid]$ z special evid5ce = a new revelation1 :i* 0 already s well kn[n to all ! _w1 & :i* 0 scatt]$ broadca/ ov] s _m c5turies1 z well z successfully simulat$ by ,satan40 ,aga93 8,in/ead ( a few evid5tial miracles tak+ place at "o epo* ( hi/ory1 & fill+ ! _w ) surprise at su* novel & exceptional ph5om5a1 we f9d miracles repres5t$ z tak+ place 9 all ages & 9 all c\ntries4 ,! ,gospel miracles are set 9 ! mid/ ( a s]ies ( simil> wond]s :i* comm5c$ _m c5turies be=e ! dawn ( ,*ri/ianity1 & cont9u$ )\t int]ruption fifte5 c5turies aft] x4 ,no div9e orig9ality *>act]iz$ ! evid5ce select$ to accr$it ! div9e revelation40 7,p4 #aib47 ,i reply1 ,fir/3 ,x behoves ^? :o except aga9/ ! plan ( atte/+ a div9e revelation by miracles1 to in=m u 9 :at o!r way x is possible t ! tru? ( a div9e commission c be atte/$4 ,x is d\btless possible = ,god to make a special revelation ( ,8 w to ea* individual man2 yet ev5 ?is w\ld involve sup]natural ag5cy ( "s k9d2 & x is v que/ionable :e!r to d s w\ld be consi/5t ) ! plan ( ,god's moral gov]nm5t :i* comes "u our actual obs]vation4 ,b ! ,*ri/ian revelation is f\nd$ on ! idea ( mak+ a div9e manife/ation additional to1 & ( a diff]5t ord] f1 t :i* is made by ! creat$ univ]se2 & n simply ( imp>t+ s mu* additional in=mation to ea* individual4 ,?is manife/ation pr(esses to be made by ! ,inc>nation4 ,h[1 ,i ask1 0 su* a manife/ation to be made except by a sup]natural action ( "s k9d8 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 t e manife/ation ( ,god diff]+ f t made by ! ord9>y =ces ( nature1 or by ! moral nature ( man1 mu/ be sup]natural4 ,!re c be no d\bt z to ! means :i* mu/ be employ$4 ,! only "q :i* c be rais$ is "o :i* ,i h consid]$ else:]e1 namely3 :e!r x is ! purpose ( ,god to make su* a manife/ation ( ,himself4 ,x w be object$ t su* a manife/ation might h be5 made self evid5t to ! moral nature ( man1 & consequ5tly x w\ld h requir$ no additional atte/ation4 ,to ?is ,i reply t1 on ! supposition t x is ,god's purpose to make su* an additional manife/ation ( ,himself1 ,he mu/ be all[$ to be ! only adequate judge ( ! "r mode ( accompli%+ x4 ,b ev5 if a revelation involv$ no su* manife/ation ( ,god1 b only a communication ( tru? to man1 x is incumb5t on ^? :o object to its atte/ation by miracles1 to f9d "s o!r me?od by :i* ! reality ( a div9e commission c\ld be atte/$1 & to %[ t ?is mode w\ld be pref]able to an atte/ation by miracles4 ,b fur!r3 if we reg>d a miracle z a sup]natural occurr5ce wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( a div9e commission1 :i* is ! unque/ionable aspect ( a consid]able numb] ( ^? record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ! fact t !re 0 a widespread belief 9 ! exi/5ce ( sup]natural ev5ts is f> f int]f]+ ) its efficacy4 ,:at did ! curr5t beliefs imply8 ,t !re exi/$ be+s1 o!r ?an ! bl9d =ces ( nature1 :o int]f]$ 9 human affairs2 & t !y 7 9 "s way or o!r capable ( communicat+ ) man4 ,:at is ! v conception impli$ by a revelation8 ,t a ,god exi/s1 :o is ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 :o c>es = man1 & is capable ( hold+ communications ) him4 ,bo? conceptions re/ on a common gr\nd--! exi/5ce ( sup]natural be+s capable ( manife/+ !mselves by outw>d indications4 ,:y !n %\ld n ! moral ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se1 if x 0 ,8 purpose to make a revelation1 employ m$ia1 :i* 7 all b univ]sally recogniz$8 ,no inconsid]able numb] ( ! objections ( unbeliev]s re/ on ! assumption1 t if !re be a ,god1 x is d]ogatory to ,8 "* to suppose t ,he is capable ( condesc5d+ to ! weaknesses & imp]fections ( man4 ,a ,god :o nei!r w nor c d s may be a v gr& conception2 b "o :o is v ill adapt$ to ! wants ( human nature1 & :o is incapable ( excit+ human sympa?ies4 ,! only ?+ t w\ld be necess>y1 on ! supposition t x 0 ,8 purpose to make su* a revelation1 w\ld be t ,8 mode ( manife/+ ,8 pres5ce %\ld be "o cle>ly di/+ui%able f ! ev5ts ( curr5t sup]naturalism4 ,:at 0 requisite w\ld h be5 to af=d evid5ce t ! manife/ation 9 "q 0 due to no o!r be+ ?an ,himself2 t is to say1 t ! miracles %\ld be> ! unque/ionable impress ( ,8 own p]fections4 ,! subject ( alleg$ demoniacal miracles ,i h consid]$ else:]e4 ,! simple "q be=e u is--,are ! sup]natural ev5ts record$ 9 ! ,gospels cle>ly di/+ui%able 9 _! g5]al "* f ! sup]naturalism :i* 0 curr5t previ\s to ! ,adv5t8 ,i h already %[n t x conta9s no d\btful indications z to :o ! ag5t mu/ h be51 if we suppose ! facts to h be5 actual occurr5ces4 ,b fur!r3 if ! objection has any validity1 x presupposes t ,god ought n to make a revelation 9 ages ( sup]/ition & ignorance2 b mu/ wait until k has cle>$ away ! mi/s ( ignorance & error1 & suppli$ u ) ! means ( infallibly discrim9at+ betwe5 true miracles & false ones2 or1 9 o!r words1 we mu/ wait = ! mu*talk$( jury ( sci5tific m51 :o c submit ,8 alleg$ miracles to ! :ole range ( sci5tific te/s4 ,happily1 h[ev]1 ,god has gift$ a consid]able numb] ( m5 ) common s5se1 :i* is q adequate to det]m9e :e!r a c]ta9 class ( ev5ts wr\ght "u c]ta9 circum/ances are miracul\s op]ations1 or m]e natural occurr5ces1 or due to impo/ure4 ,if ?is be s1 :at is !re1 ,i ask1 unwor?y ( ,god1 9 mak+ a revelation at su* times z man /&s 9 special ne$ ( "o8 ,x is fur!r object$ t a miracul\s atte/ation to a div9e commission %[s a want ( =ce & div9e orig9ality4 ,i ask1 h[8 ,! fact is t ) ! exception ( ,judaism1 no anci5t religion pr(ess$ to be s atte/$2 & ! ,jew w\ld naturally expect t any fre% revelation w\ld be atte/$ 9 a mann] simil> to t :i* he believ$ 9 z div9e4 ,! objection t because ! belief 9 sup]naturalism 0 s g5]al1 !re=e miracles mu/ be wor?less z evid5ce1 ,i h already %[n to be fallaci\s4 ,b x is also object$3 8,in/ead ( a few evid5tial miracles tak+ place at "o p>ticul> p]iod ( hi/ory & fill+ ! _w ) surprise at su* novel & exceptional ph5om5a1 we f9d !m repres5t$ z tak+ place 9 all ages & 9 all c\ntries40 ,?is is ! old objection ( ! ,jews :o dem&$ ( our ,"l a sign f ,heav54 ,bo? dem& a p>ticul> class & ord] ( miracle1 viz43 some?+ /up5d\s1 or t]rific4 ,! value ( ea* objection lies 9 conceiv+ ( a miracle z a m]e objective fact 9 ext]nal nature1 /ript ( all its moral accompanim5ts4 ,9 "o ^w1 x contemplates ! miracle 9 its mo/ vulg> aspect1 z a b>e act ( p[]1 a port5t1 a prodigy4 ,a great light ev]y:]e appe>+ 9 ! heav5s might h appe>$ to vulg> m9ds a great] miracle1 & h attract$ m att5tion ?an ! cure ( a man full ( leprosy by ! utt]ance ( a ^w4 ,b x w\ld n h pres5t$ /rong] evid5ces ( hav+ be5 wr\ght by ! p[] ( ,god4 ,b ) respect to ! g5]al "q1 ,i ask1 ,is n ! resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 e respect an exceptional ev5t8 ,:]e are resurrections to be f\nd 9 ! hi/ory ( curr5t sup]naturalism8 ,:o ev] pret5d$1 be=e or s9ce1 to h a div9e commission :i* 0 atte/$ by 8 own resurrection f ! dead8 ,?is miracle is at any rate absolutely unique2 & x mu/ nev] be =gott5 t x is ! only "o record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t on ! tru? ( :i* its writ]s /ake ! claim ( ,*ri/ianity to be reg>d$ z a div9e revelation4 ,al?\gh !y ref] to o!r miracles1 wond]s & signs :i* ,god wr\ght by ,him1 yet :5ev] !y adduce ! full & conclusive evid5ce ( ,8 div9e mission1 !y always appeal to ! fact t ,god _h rais$ ,him f ! dead4 ,b a fur!r objection is urg$ z invalidat+ ?is k9d ( te/imony3 8,at ! v "t :5 ! k ( ! laws ( nature began to r5d] m5 capable ( judg+ ( ! reality ( miracles1 ^! wond]s entirely ceas$4 ,?is extraord9>y cessation ( miracles at a "t :5 _! evid5ce ought to h acquir$ value f an appeal to p]sons capable ( appreciat+ !m1 is p]fectly un9telligible1 if !y are view$ z ! sup]natural cr$5tials ( a div9e revelation40 ,?is passage conta9s sev]al fallacies4 ,"o1 to :i* ,i h repeat$ly drawn att5tion1 runs ?r\gh x1 viz41 ! class+ toge!r e k9d ( alleg$ sup]natural occurr5ce1 f ! miracles ( ,jesus to ! fanta/ic p]=mances ( ! magician1 z ?\gh !y all /ood on ! same level4 ,i ne$ n fur!r allude to ! fallacy ( su* reason+4 #b4 ,x is affirm$ t miracles entirely ceas$ :5 ! k ( ! laws ( nature began to r5d] m5 capable ( judg+ ( _! reality4 ,i conclude t by ! ^w 8miracles0 9 ?is passage1 ! au?or means ecclesia/ical miracles1 viz41 ^? :i* h be5 alleg$ to be wr\ght 9 atte/ation ( ! e/abli%$ sy/em ( belief4 ,if x is meant to be ass]t$ t all belief 9 a curr5t sup]naturalism has n[ ceas$1 ! affirmation is inaccurate1 z ! widespread belief 9 spiritualism abundantly te/ifies4 ,b if ! ass]tion is int5d$ to be conf9$ to ecclesia/ical miracles1 x involves an inaccuracy z to a matt] ( hi/ory4 ,!y _h become ?or\ghly discr$it$ long be=e ! bir? ( mod]n physical sci5ce4 ,! cure ( bl9d & lepr\s p]sons by a t\*1 or ! fe$+ ( five ?\s& p]sons on sev5 loaves & a few fi%es1 require no?+ else ?an s\nd common s5se = ! appreciation ( _! sup]natural "*1 or ! te/+ ( _! reality4 ,! ass]tion1 !re=e1 t miracles ceas$ precisely at ! "t :5 _! evid5ce w\ld h be5 mo/ valuable1 by _! be+ able to be te/$ by ^? p]sons be/ capable ( appreciat+ !m1 is entirely inaccurate4 ,i fully admit t a belief 9 a curr5t sup]naturalism1 z = in/ance 9 ! absurdities ( wit*craft1 surviv$ ! ,re=mation4 ,:at ! ,re=mation de/roy$ 0 a belief 9 a div9e ord] ( miracles wr\ght 9 support ( an ecclesia/ical sy/em4 ,! belief 9 ?is curr5t sup]naturalism has be5 gradually dim9i%+ ev] s9ce1 "u ! comb9$ influ5ce ( ! increase ( ! k ( physical sci5ce1 & common s5se4 ,! objection rais$ is simply irrelevant to ! po9t at issue4 ,b !re is ano!r subject :i* dem&s consid]ation4 ,hi!rto we h be5 deal+ ) ! evid5tial "* ( miracles4 ,b al?\gh all miracles h an evid5tial value1 if !y c be adequately atte/$1 x by no means foll[s t e miracle record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t 0 int5d$ to subs]ve ?is purpose alone4 ,x 0 necess>y n only t a revelation %\ld be communicat$1 & receive an adequate atte/ation1 b t x %\ld be propagat$ among mank9d4 ,to r5d] ?is possible1 x 0 necess>y t its mess5g]s %\ld be arm$ ) "s means ( insur+ t _! message %\ld be he>d ) att5tion4 ,!re 0 also ano!r object to be effect$2 namely1 ! e/abli%m5t 9 ! _w ( t great in/itution1 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 :i* 0 int5d$ s l>gely to influ5ce its de/9ies4 ,x w be q cle> to any p]son :o c>efully consid]s ! v>i\s sup]natural occurr5ces record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t t !y are n all ( equal evid5tial value4 ,! highe/ class ( !m are directly affirm$ to h be5 p]=m$ = ! purpose ( atte/+ ! div9e mission ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & z a portion ( ,8 sup]natural manife/ation4 ,to ?is class belong ! miracles wr\ght by ,himself1 & sev]al ( ^? p]=m$ by ! ,apo/les4 ,b !re is ano!r class ref]r$ to 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 ( :i* ! prim>y object seems to h be5 to awak5 att5tion to ! ,apo/olic message1 ?\gh ev5 ^! 7 n de/itute ( evid5tial value4 ,!re is also ano!r ord] ( manife/ations frequ5tly ref]r$ to 9 ! ,epi/les1 viz41 ! sup]natural gifts ( ! ,_s1 "o ( ! decl>$ purposes ( :i* 0 to lay deep ! f\ndations ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,z div9e int]positions1 !y 7 all to a c]ta9 ext5t evid5tial2 b x w be important to obs]ve t !re is an ord] ( sup]natural manife/ations m5tion$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ^: app>5t prim>y int5tion 0 to subs]ve a diff]5t purpose4 ,let x be obs]v$ !re=e1 t at ! introduction ( ,*ri/ianity1 two di/9ct purposes _h to be effect$3 fir/1 to atte/ ! tru? ( ! revelation2 secondly1 to e/abli% ! ,*ur*4 ,i w briefly draw att5tion to ?is latt] portion ( ! subject1 z f> z x affects c]ta9 portions ( ! sup]natural action affirm$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,i allude to a c]ta9 class ( miracles1 su* z ! cure ( ! cripple at ,ly/ra1 ^? wr\ght by ! pass+ ( ,pet]'s %ad[1 & by g>m5ts br\ght f ,paul's p]son1 & "s o!rs2 also to ! entire class ( ! sup]natural gifts m5tion$ 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 & s frequ5tly ref]r$ to 9 ! ,epi/les4 ,"o ( ! greate/ difficulties :i* beset ! mission>y is to obta9 a he>+ 9 ! mid/ ( ! ho/ile elem5ts by :i* he is surr\nd$4 ,yet to obta9 ?is is ! necess>y condition ( c>ry+ on 8 "w4 ,9 ?is respect1 ! mod]n mission>y possesses great advantages comp>$ ) ! primitive mission>y ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,he belongs to a sup]ior civilization1 & is !re=e able to br+ to be> ! :ole =ce ( a high] on a l[] "o4 ,?is 0 exactly rev]s$ 9 ! case ( ! primitive mission>ies4 ,in/ead ( be+ able to br+ to be> ! pre/ige ( a high civilization on ^? among :om !y lab\r$1 !y belong$ to a despis$ race2 or if ! mission>y himself 0 a memb] ( ! race :om he address$1 he belong$ to ! l[] sections ( society4 ,h[ 0 ?is enorm\s defici5cy to be suppli$8 ,h[ 0 a man ?us despis$ to obta9 a he>+ = ! message ) :i* he 0 *>g$8 ,! ,new ,te/am5t affirms t ! defici5cy 0 suppli$ by imp>t+ to ! e>ly ,*ur* a c]ta9 numb] ( sup]natural end[m5ts1 :i*1 :5 once communicat$1 act$ l our ord9>y faculties2 also t a sup]natural gift ( cur+ c]ta9 diseases 0 imp>t$ to p>ticul> individuals1 a gift :i* 0 exactly suit$ to obta9 an att5tive he>+ = _! message4 ,among ! sup]natural gifts :i* ,/4 ,paul affirms to h be5 communicat$ to ! ,*ur*1 !re 7 two ( :i* he ass]ts t ! op]ation 0 di/9ct1 b :i* are m]g$ 9 ! mod]n idea ( miracles4 ,^! he designat$ by ! expressions 1 or ! inwork+ ( p[]s2 & 1 end[m5ts ( heal+ p[]s4 ,! di/9ction 9 function betwe5 ^! p[]s is affirm$ by him no less ?an ?ree times2 :at x consi/$ 91 we are only able to judge f ! t]ms !mselves1 & ! nature ( ! case4 ,!re is e probability t ! di/9ction po9ts to a high] & a l[] ex]cise ( sup]natural p[]2 ! "o be+ ! evid5tial miracle prop]ly s call$1 & ! o!r a sup]natural k ( h[ to effect cures--a gift :i* w\ld be exactly suit$ to enable ! mission>y to obta9 t att5tive he>+ ( 8 message :i* he s urg5tly requir$4 ,! ,epi/le ( ,/4 ,james furni%es u ) a g5]al idea ( ! nature ( ! gift1 :5 he directs1 t 9 case a p]son 0 sick1 ! eld]s ( ! ,*ur* 7 to be s5t =1 :o 7 to pray ov] ! sick man1 & ano9t him ) oil 9 ! "n ( ! ,"l2 8,& ! pray] ( fai?10 says he1 8%all save ! sick2 & ! ,"l %all raise him up40 7,james v4 #ae47 ,! :ole description po9ts to a cure :i*1 al?\gh 9 a measure sup]natural1 0 n in/antane\s2 ! latt] po9t be+ "o :i* w\ld be requir$ to make a miracle 9 ! prop] s5se ( ! ^w evid5tial4 ,a p[] ( effect+ cures1 h[ev]1 :e!r by a k ( natural means sup]naturally acquir$1 or by sup]natural ag5cy1 w\ld be "o :i* w\ld obta9 = ! despis$ ,jewi% mission>y a he>+ 9 ,g5tile cities1 :i* o!rwise he w\ld be unable to obta94 ,to su* a class ( sup]natural op]ations w\ld belong su* cures z ^? effect$ by ! conveyance ( h&k]*iefs & aprons f ,/4 ,paul's body to ! sick4 ,^! are only ass]t$ to h tak5 place on "o occasion1 at ,ephesus1 a city greatly addict$ to ! arts ( magic4 ,!y 7 adapt$ to ! circum/ances ( ! place1 :]e ! ,apo/le _h to enc\nt] a p>ticul> =m ( sup]naturalism2 & !y w\ld h be5 exactly suit$ to meet ! difficulty 9 "q4 ,! hi/orian tells u t ! success 0 great1 = _m ( ^? :o _h us$ magical arts came =w>d & confess$ _! de$s1 collect$ toge!r _! magical books1 :i* 7 wor? a consid]able sum ( money1 & publicly burn$ !m4 ,! same obs]vations apply to ,pet]'s %ad[4 ,al?\gh ! hi/orian does n tell u t cures 7 wr\ght by x1 yet ! n>rative presupposes t a l>ge outbur/ ( sup]natural p[] took place 9 connection ) ,pet]'s p]son4 ,al?\gh ! cure ( ! cripple at ,ly/ra belongs to a class ( miracles :i* is /rictly evid5tial1 yet ! imm$iate occasion ( its p]=mance seems to h be5 ) ! view ( ar\s+ ! att5tion ( an ignorant hea!n population4 ,b n only _h a revelation to be communicat$ & atte/$1 n only _h conv]ts to be made & in/ruct$1 b x 0 also necess>y t ! f\ndations ( ! ,*ur*1 ! visible k+dom ( ,*ri/1 %\ld be firmly laid1 & t x %\ld be e/abli%$ among ! visible in/itutions ( ! e>?4 ,suffici5t att5tion has n be5 paid to ?is portion ( ! subject 9 consid]+ ! "q ( sup]natural int]v5tion4 ,! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,*ur* z a visible in/itution1 :i* 0 int5d$ gradually to leav5 mank9d ) ! great pr9ciples ( ,8 revelation1 is aga9 & aga9 affirm$ by ,jesus ,*ri/ to h be5 "o ( ! great purposes ( ,8 com+4 ,a description ( its "* & functions =ms ! subject ( no inconsid]able numb] ( ,8 p>ables1 & x is ! great end & purpose = :i* ,he gave ! great f9al ,apo/olic commission to g & ga!r x toge!r out ( all ! nations ( ! e>?4 ,! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/ _h !re=e to be =m$ into a community out ( ! mo/ het]og5e\s elem5ts4 ,x 0 de/9$ n = a mom5t>y exi/5ce1 b = a cont9u\s gr[?1 s z to leav5 human nature ) its influ5ces4 ,! creation ( su* a society 0 a conception s bold t x _h nev] previ\sly ent]$ ! head ( ei!r poet or philosoph]4 ,^? ) :om ,i am reason+ w n d5y t ! attempt 0 a v ardu\s1 & to all appe>ance a mo/ *im]ical "o4 ,yet x is ! mo/ c]ta9 ( facts t ! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/ is n[ 9 ! n9ete5? c5tury ( its exi/5ce4 ,! boldness ( ! und]tak+ w be m fully e/imat$ :5 we reflect t ! ,*ur* 0 int5d$ to be a society :i*1 :ile exi/+ 9 ! _w1 %\ld diff] 9 its ess5tial "* f all ! o!r societies on ! e>?4 ,its action 0 to be entirely spiritual & moral4 ,its f\nd] int5d$ x to be inve/$ ) no co]cive p[]s4 ,! appeal 0 to be1 n to =ce1 b to consci5ce4 ,^? :o (f]$ to enroll !mselves z ! subjects ( ,*ri/'s spiritual k+dom _h to be =m$ into a social organization4 ,unless ?is c\ld be effect$1 "o ( ! great objects = :i* ! revelation 0 giv5 mu/ h prov$ a failure4 ,! elem5ts ( :i* x _h to be compos$ 7 ( ! mo/ unpromis+ description4 ,! fir/ conv]ts consi/$ ( no small numb] ( ,jews & proselytes1 :o 7 ext5sively leav5$ ) ! n>r[e/ prejudices ( ,judaism4 ,:5 ! ,g5tiles began to jo9 ! new community1 its memb]s 7 *iefly d]iv$ f ! l[] ranks ( society1 includ+ a consid]able numb] ( slaves4 ,! infant ,*ur* embrac$ a great div]sity ( op9ions & *>act]s4 ,:5 conv]ts 7 made1 ! "t = _! in/ruction 0 %ort4 ,yet su* an in/itution _h to cont5d ) mighty civilization1 ! habits & prejudices ( exi/+ society1 ! selfint]e/ ( a corrupt religion1 & ! opposition ( a p[]ful gov]nm5t4 ,su* 7 "s ( ! difficulties :i* _h to be surm\nt$ be=e ?is new in/itution c\ld be firmly plant$ among ! exi/+ societies ( ! _w1 & exp& itself ) ! life :i* 0 peculi>ly its own4 ,if ! primitive foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 animat$ by ! cr$ul\s sup]/ition :i* unbeliev]s delight 9 attribut+ to !m1 none %\ld be bett] qualifi$ ?an !y to =m a judgm5t ( ! difficulties :i* mu/ h beset _! pa?4 ,yet ^! h be5 surm\nt$4 ,to ?is fact ! vigor\s life ( ! ,*ur* dur+ eighte5 c5turies te/ifies4 ,x has n only held its gr\nd1 b x has succe$$ 9 leav5+ all exi/+ civilizations ) its influ5ces4 ,h[ has ?is be5 accompli%$8 ,! ,apo/olic ,epi/les return an answ]4 ,!y affirm t ! e>ly conv]ts 7 end[$ ) a numb] ( sup]natural gifts1 exactly fitt$ to qualify !m = ! v>i\s functions :i* !y 7 call$ ^u to dis*>ge4 ,i subjo9 a li/ ( !m1 z !y are directly affirm$ by ,/4 ,paul to be !n exi/+ 9 ! ,cor9?ian ,*ur*4 ,!y 7 n9e 9 numb]1 ea* ( :i* is ass]t$ by him to h _h a di/9ct & sep>ate function & subjectmatt]3 ! gifts ( wisdom1 k1 fai?1 work+ ( miracles1 end[m5ts ( heal+ p[]s1 prophecy1 disc]n+ ( spirits1 tongues1 & int]pretation4 ,x does n appe> :e!r ?is la/ is meant to be exhau/ive ( ! sup]natural m5tal end[m5ts :i* ! memb]s ( ! e>ly *ur*es suppos$ !mselves to possess1 or :e!r !y 7 v>i$ = ! purpose ( meet+ p>ticul> exig5ces4 ,nor d ,i ask ^? ) :om ,i am reason+ to accept ?is /atem5t z a true acc\nt ( an objective fact2 b only t !y 7 suppos$ to be s by ! ,apo/le & ^? to :om he wrote4 ,x is pla91 h[ev]1 t ^! sup]natural end[m5ts1 if real1 7 precisely su* z ! ,*ur* 0 9 urg5t ne$ (1 z ! in/rum5tality = weld+ toge!r ! discordant elem5ts ( :i* x 0 compos$1 & enabl+ x firmly to plant itself 9 ! soil ( human nature4 ,^! sup]natural gifts ( ! ,_s1 ) two exceptions1 produc$ no results on ext]nal nature4 ,!y con/itut$ enl>gem5ts ( ! p[]s ( ! human m9d4 ,z su*1 !y _c ) /rict propriety be said to belong to ! class ( evid5tial miracles1 al?\gh l all o!r sup]natural op]ations ( :i* ,god is ! ,au?or1 !y _c fail to be indirectly evid5tial4 ,x is important to obs]ve t !y belong to a sep>ate class ( sup]natural ph5om5a1 :i* 7 z necess>y 9 ref]5ce to ! ,*ri/ian revelation1 contemplat+ z x did ! in/itution ( a div9e society1 z ! ord] ( sup]natural manife/ations :i* directly atte/$ ! div9e mission ( ,jesus ,*ri/ & ,8 ,apo/les4 ,if ?is 0 _! end & purpose we c und]/& :y !y 7 )drawn at a v e>ly p]iod1 be=e !y c\ld be submitt$ to ! te/s ( our mod]n savants4 ,!y 7 giv5 = a special purpose1 & !y 7 )drawn :5 !y _h accompli%$ x4 ,! ,apo/le :o affirms _! exi/5ce ass]ts t !y 7 n int5d$ p]man5tly to cont9ue 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,!re is "o m allegation :i* is occasionally urg$ aga9/ ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & :i* ,i mu/ briefly consid]4 ,x is alleg$ t pi\s frauds h be5 v g5]al 9 all ages ( ,*ri/ian hi/ory2 t _m good m5 h n hesitat$ to p>ticipate 9 !m2 & t lit]>y =g]ies 7 v abundant 9 ! fir/ ages ( ,*ri/ianity1 & 7 ev5 common 9 ! days ( ! ,apo/les4 ,x is ins9uat$ t ?is /ate ( m9d ?r[s great suspicion on ! alleg$ miracles ( ! apo/olic age4 ,z ! *>ge ( pi\s fraud is n made aga9/ ,jesus himself or 8 imm$iate foll[]s1 x is difficult to meet s indef9ite an objection4 ,x seems to be put 9 to add =ce to o!rs1 r ?an = its intr9sic value4 ,mod]n unbeliev]s express a ne>ly unanim\s concurr5ce 9 endeav\r+ to acc\nt = ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 by assum+ t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 ! victims ( ! mo/ int5se en?usiasm1 sup]/ition1 & cr$ulity4 ,x is difficult to compreh5d1 on ! assumption t ! exi/5ce ( ! sup]natural portions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t is due to ^! causes1 h[ direct fraud c\ld h any?+ to d ) ! concoction ( ^! miracul\s /ories4 ,int5se en?usiasm & fanaticism1 & delib]ate fraud1 are usually opposite poles ( "*2 & if we call 9 "o to acc\nt = ^! miracles1 we mu/ exclude ! o!r f ex]t+ an influ5ce on _! orig9ation4 ,to make ! *>ge ( any avail aga9/ ! n>ratives ( ! ,gospel1 x is necess>y n to prove t pi\s frauds 7 common 9 ! second1 ?ird1 or f\r? c5tury1 or ev5 9 ! fir/1 b to e/abli% directly ei!r t ,jesus pr(ess$ to "w miracles :ile ,he knew t !y 7 n su*1 or t ,8 foll[]s delib]ately inv5t$ a numb] ( miracul\s /ories & attribut$ !m to ,him1 well kn[+ t ,he _h p]=m$ none4 ,! *>ge t ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t orig9at$ 9 en?usiasm & cr$ulity is a def9ite "o1 & c be def9itely met4 ,s is ! "o t !y orig9at$ 9 delib]ate fraud4 ,s w\ld be ! *>ge t ! innoc5t foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 impos$ ^u by fraudul5t impo/ors4 ,b to comb9e ! *>ge ( int5se en?usiasm & cr$ulity ) t ( consci\s fraud1 is a mode ( reason+ :i* conta9s ! gr\nds ( its own refutation4 ,x is no d\bt a fact1 t ! practice ( lit]>y =g]y 0 n unkn[n to ! e>ly ages ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,/4 ,paul seems to h ?\ght t !re 7 9 ! _w impo/ors d>+ en\gh to attempt to =ge a lett] 9 8 "n1 & to try to foi/ x on ! *ur*es :i* he _h plant$1 z a g5u9e production4 ,b ! exi/5ce ( su* impo/ors has no be>+ :atev] on ! "q :e!r ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t are facts or fiction4 ,did n ,/4 ,paul himself ass]t t he _h p]=m$ miracles8 ,0 he an impo/or8 ,did he n believe t ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 v]itable reality rose f ! dead8 ,:at h su* beliefs to d ) ! exi/5ce ( a set ( d>+ lit]>y impo/ors8 ,happily1 h[ev]1 ! :ole ( ?is class ( anci5t writ]s 7 utt] bungl]s 9 ! art ( fictiti\s composition4 ,x is a univ]sal *>act]i/ic ( !m1 t !y 7 entirely unable to ?r[ !mselves into ! _s ( =m] times1 or ( ! p]sons ^: names !y assum$4 ,9 _! ref]5ces to hi/ory1 geography1 mann]s1 cu/oms1 & "*1 !y lay !mselves op5 at almo/ e po9t to c]ta9 detection4 ,!re is good reason = believ+ t no =g] or writ] ( fiction 9 ! anci5t _w has succe$$ 9 8 art4 ,9 inve/+ fiction ) app>5t probability1 ! mod]n _w has completely out/ript ! anci5t4 ,/ill1 h[ev]1 ev5 9 ! mo/ p]fect works1 :5 ! fictions are ext5d$ ov] a wide sph]e ( action1 no am\nt ( g5ius w protect a writ] f leav+ "s weak po9t ungu>d$4 ,x is probably n too mu* to say t nei!r 9 anci5t nor mod]n times1 has a fictiti\s "w or a =g]y be5 able to ma9ta9 its gr\nd aga9/ ! app>atus :i* c be br\ght to be> on x by a s\nd & rational criticism4 ,mo/ ( ! o!r objections :i* are adduc$ aga9/ ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t h be5 answ]$ 9 pr9ciple "u ! =ego+ heads4 ,i mu/ n[ adduce "s ( ! mo/ important consid]ations :i* prove !m to h be5 hi/orical facts4 ,,*apt] ,,xvii4 ,,! ,,hi/orical ,,evid5ce ,,on ,,:i* ,,! ,,great ,,facts ,,( ,,*ri/ianity ,,re/--,,g5]al ,,consid]ations4 ,x has be5 urg$ by oppon5ts1 t ! def5d]s ( hi/orical ,*ri/ianity re/ cont5t ) endeav\r+ to prove t miracles are possible or probable2 b t !y neglect an allimportant "p ( _! duty1 viz43 t ( adduc+ hi/orical pro( t miracles h be5 actually p]=m$4 ,if ! fact is z "h /at$1 !re c be no d\bt t works :i* pr(ess to discuss ! subject ( miracles1 & omit to give a cle> /atem5t ( ! *ief po9ts ( ! evid5ce :i* c be adduc$ to prove t !y h actually occurr$1 mu/ be unsatisfactory4 ,to answ] ! objections :i* are urg$ to prove t miracles are impossible1 or :i* affirm on g5]al pr9ciples t all evid5ce 9 _! fav\r is unwor?y ( cr$it1 is an ess5tial prelim9>y to ! consid]ation ( ! hi/orical evid5ce :i* c be adduc$ to prove _! actual occurr5ce4 ,b to af=d pro(1 t z facts !y re/ ^u an adequate atte/ation1 is ! ess5tial duty ( e "o :o ass]ts _! reality4 ,to ?is portion ( ! "w ,i w n[ proce$ to address myself4 ,:at !n is ! position occupi$ by ! ,*ri/ian advocate8 ,is x requisite 9 ord] to e/abli% ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity1 t he %\ld give an hi/orical pro( ( ev]yone ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t8 ,i answ] ?is "q emphatically 9 ! negative1 & = ! foll[+ reason4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t itself1 :ile x affirm t _m miracles h be5 p]=m$1 re/s ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity on "o miracle alone1 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/ f ! dead4 ,?is is ! great ev5t :i*1 accord+ to ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 ! e>ly mission>ies urg$ z ! di/9ctive pro( ( _! ,ma/]'s div9e mission4 ,! views express$ 9 ! ,apo/olic ,epi/les are precisely simil>4 ,9 !m1 ! entire evid5ce ( ! tru? ( our ,"l's div9e mission is made to c5tre 9 ! fact ( ,8 resurrection4 ,n only is ! great fact ref]r$ to ei!r directly or indirectly 9 almo/ e page1 b ,/4 ,paul has di/9ctly re/$ ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity on ! reality ( its occurr5ce4 ,su* a /atem5t is made respect+ no o!r miracul\s ev5t record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,x is ! miracle ( miracles1 unique & alone1 by :i* ! seal ( ,god 0 affix$ to ! div9e mission ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,x =m$ ! locus /&i ( ! ,*ur*1 & ! sole gr\nd ( its exi/5ce4 ,if x 0 n an objective fact1 ^? :o te/ifi$ to its occurr5ce mu/ h be5 false witnesses1 & ! :ole ( ,*ri/ianity ei!r a delusion or an impo/ure4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ?is great miracle =ms ! v key ( ! ,*ri/ian position4 ,ev]y?+ else is an outwork1 an important "o x may be1 b yet an outwork4 ,if ?is position c be successfully assail$1 ! entire =tress ( ,*ri/ianity mu/ surr5d] at discretion4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 ! mo/ det]m9$ unbeliev] c\ld be conv9c$ t !re is good hi/orical evid5ce t ,jesus ,*ri/ rose f ! dead1 he w\ld f9d no difficulty 9 accept+ ! ,gospels z hi/orical docum5ts1 & ! :ole priori objection aga9/ !m w\ld disappe>4 ,aga93 ,if ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/ is a fact1 ,*ri/ianity mu/ be a div9e revelation4 ,! p]fect hi/orical accuracy ( ! ,gospels 9 m9ute details may be /ill op5 to "q2 deep ?\ght & c>eful inve/igation may be necess>y = asc]ta9+ ! precise am\nt ( tru? communicat$ by t revelation2 pa/ ages may h err$ 9 its int]pretation1 or 9 _! d$uctions f x2 _m que/ions z to ! relation 9 :i* revelation /&s to sci5ce or hi/ory may be op5 ones--all ?is is bo? conceivable & possible--b /ill1 if ,jesus ,*ri/ rose f ! dead1 8 entire manife/ation1 "w1 & tea*+1 mu/ be a communication f ,god to man4 ,?is !n is my position4 ,! real "q /&s )9 v n>r[ limits4 ,! miracle t requires /rong hi/orical pro( is ! ,resurrection4 ,! o!r sup]natural occurr5ces record$ 9 ! ,gospels are important portions ( ! revelation made by ,*ri/4 ,!y 7 important evid5ces to ^? :o witness$ !m4 ,b to u 9 ^! latt] times ! "o great "q is3 ,is ! ,resurrection capable ( be+ e/abli%$ z an actual occurr5ce8 ,if x is1 x w c>ry ) x all ! o!rs4 ,if x is n1 ! pro( ( ! o!rs w fall along ) x4 ,let u exam9e ! hi/orical conditions ( ! case4 ,*ri/ianity diff]s f all o!r religions 9 pr(ess+ n to consi/ ( a mass ( ab/ract dogmatic /atem5ts1 b to be f\nd$ on1 & l>gely to consi/ (1 a numb] ( hi/orical facts4 ,!re are unque/ionably a consid]able numb] ( dogmatic /atem5ts 9 ! pages ( ! ,new ,te/am5t2 b !y pr(ess to gr[ out ( ! facts & to be explanations ( !m4 ,! facts =m1 s to say1 ! ess5ce ( ! religion4 ,! ,*ri/ianity ( ! ,new ,te/am5t is a gr[? :i* encircles itself ar\nd ! p]son ( its f\nd] 9 a mann] 9 :i* no o!r sy/em ( ?\ght or religion1 :i* has exi/$ among m51 has ev] done4 ,if we take ! p]son ( ,jesus ,*ri/ out ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ! :ole sy/em ( its tea*+ crumbles into no?+ness4 ,if we remove ! p]son ( its f\nd] f e o!r sy/em ( human ?\ght--its great religions =m no exception--! sy/em rema9s intact4 ,?is is a v /rik+ peculi>ity 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,9 ?is respect x /&s absolutely unique4 ,b z ,*ri/ianity is f\nd$ on an hi/orical p]son1 :o liv$ 9 a p>ticul> age1 s ,he is ! f\nd] ( a great hi/orical in/itution1 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,?is in/itution diff]s f e o!r society :i* has ev] exi/$1 9 t bo? its orig9ation & its cont9u$ exi/5ce are inextricably b\nd up ) ! p]son ( its f\nd]4 ,o!r societies c\ld exi/ ev5 if x c\ld be prov$ t _! reput$ f\nd]s 7 creations ( ! imag9ation2 b ?is w\ld be fatal to ! life ( ! ,*ur* ( ,*ri/4 ,if x c\ld be prov$ t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 a my?1 or no?+ b a le>n$ ,rabbi1 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 mighty society z x is1 w\ld c]ta9ly collapse4 ,! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* )\t ,*ri/ w\ld be f> m out ( place ?an ! play ( ,hamlet ) ! "p ( ,hamlet omitt$4 ,9 ?is respect x is a in/itution unique among all ^? :i* ! _w has ev] se51 :e!r political or religi\s4 ,?is great society1 :i* n[ compreh5ds a va/ majority ( ! intellig5ce ( mank9d1 & all ! progressive nations ( ! _w1 _h a def9ite beg9n+ 9 hi/orical times4 ,x diff]s :olly f a philosophic sect1 ^: bond ( union consi/s 9 ! acceptance ( a body ( dogmatic tea*+4 ,x is & ev] has be5 an organiz$ society ) specific purposes & aims1 & "o :i* has ev] m$itat$ s*emes ( conque/4 ,x diff]s widely f all political in/itutions1 & yet ev] s9ce its bir? x has tak5 a place beside !m4 ,! orig9 ( ?is society is n lo/1 l t ( _m o!rs1 9 ! mi/s ( ! ho>y pa/4 ,hi/ory enables u to assign a def9ite "t :5 ?is society 0 c]ta9ly n 9 exi/5ce4 ,x no less def9itely m>ks out a p]iod :5 x n only 0 9 exi/5ce1 b _h ent]$ on a condition ( active gr[?4 ,its orig9 did n take place 9 ! cl\d l& ( ! my?ic or ! semimy?ic p]iod ( hi/ory1 b 9 ! reign ( ,tib]ius ,cs>1 & 9 a c\ntry occupi$ by ,roman g>risons1 & presid$ ov] by ,roman gov]nors4 ,x w be object$ t our only acc\nts ( ! causes :i* l$ to ! organization ( ?is society are writ+s compos$ by its own memb]s4 ,9 ?is !re is no?+ peculi>2 = until societies h gr[n suffici5tly p[]ful to attract ! att5tion ( ! _w outside !m1 !re c be no o!r s\rce ( in=mation4 ,/ill ! fact c be asc]ta9$ on ! mo/ unque/ionable au?ority1 t at a c]ta9 date ?is society 0 n 9 exi/5ce1 & t )9 a c]ta9 numb] ( ye>s aft]w>ds1 x 0 n only 9 exi/5ce1 b rapidly increas+2 & t x orig9at$ 9 ,jesus ,*ri/1 :o 0 put to dea? by ! ,roman gov]nm5t4 ,?is society1 !re=e1 came into exi/5ce at a def9ite p]iod ( "t4 ,its e>ly writ]s give u an acc\nt ( h[ x orig9at$4 ,!y affirm t its f\nd] 0 ,jesus ,*ri/2 & t1 hav+ be5 int]rupt$ by ,8 dea?1 x 0 call$ into a new exi/5ce by ,8 resurrection4 ,to ?is great ev5t !y mo/ positively affirm t ! orig9 ( ! ,*ur*1 z an in/itution1 0 due4 ,to ! belief 9 x z a fact1 x has c]ta9ly ow$ its gradual enl>gem5t1 until x has atta9$ its pres5t dim5sions aft] m ?an eighte5 c5turies ( exi/5ce4 ,to ?is belief is due ! great moral p[] :i* x has ex]cis$ on mank9d2 & if its memb]s c\ld be p]suad$ t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( its f\nd] 0 a m]e delusion1 great z ?is society is1 x w\ld c]ta9ly p]i%4 ,!re are five facts connect$ ) ! orig9 ( ?is society1 :i* no "o :o believes 9 ! possibility ( hi/oric tru? w dispute4 ,fir/3 ,t at ! ye> ,a4,d4 #be1 ?is society _h no exi/5ce4 ,secondly3 ,t 9 ,a4,d4 #dj1 x 0 9 a /ate ( vigor\s gr[?4 ,?irdly3 ,t x 0 f\nd$ by ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,f\r?ly3 ,t ,8 crucifixion by ! ,roman gov]nm5t caus$ its tempor>y collapse4 ,fif?ly3 ,t an ev5t ( "s k9d1 :i* took place %ortly aft] ,8 dea?1 imp>t$ to x a new vitality1 :i* x has nev] lo/ to ! pres5t h\r1 & :i* has caus$ x to ex]t a mighti] influ5ce on mank9d ?an any o!r community1 :e!r political or religi\s1 t has ev] exi/$4 ,! problem1 !re=e1 :i* hi/ory has to solve1 is to acc\nt = ! r5ew$ life1 ! m>vell\s progress1 ! int5se vitality ( ?is society1 & ! mighty influ5ce :i* x has ex]t$ on ! de/9ies ( mank9d2 orig9at+ z x did 9 ! smalle/ possible beg9n+s1 & 9 a mann] diff]+ f all o!r exi/+ in/itutions4 ,! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* has prop\nd$1 f ! fir/ comm5cem5t ( its r5ew$ life1 its own solution ( ?is problem4 ,x is3 t its f\nd]1 aft] hav+ be5 crucifi$1 rose aga9 f ! dead4 ,?is acc\nt has ?is cle> & obvi\s advantage1 t if x be true1 x suffici5tly acc\nts = all ! ph5om5a ^: exi/5ce we h to solve4 ,8 resurrection 0 a p[] adequate to revive ! society aft] its tempor>y collapse1 to imp>t to x its mighty moral & spiritual en]gy1 & to impress on ! orig9al "w & tea*+ ( ,jesus1 a new & peculi> aspect4 ,9 %ort1 assum+ ! ,resurrection to h be5 a fact1 x assigns a cause adequate to acc\nt = all ! ph5om5a :i* h be5 pres5t$ by ! ,*ur*4 ,"h !n we h firm gr\nd on :i* to take our /&2 viz41 ! belief ( ?is society z to its orig91 capable ( be+ trac$ hi/orically to ! fir/ h\r ( its r5ew$ life1 & :i* also1 if true1 af=ds a rational acc\nt ( x4 ,b fur!r2 besides ?is acc\nt :i* ! ,*ur* has giv5 ( its own orig91 !re is no rival acc\nt ( x 9 exi/5ce4 ,z f> z hi/orical docum5ts are conc]n$1 !re is no o!r4 ,all o!rs are f\nd$ on conjecture4 ,our oppon5ts1 h[ev]1 affirm t ! alleg$ fact :i* ! ,*ur* ass]ts to h be5 ! cause ( its exi/5ce is incr$ible1 because all miracles are impossible4 ,!n1 leav+ priori gr\nds1 !y also affirm t ! evid5ce to prove ! ,resurrection to h be5 an hi/orical fact is insuffici5t = ! purpose4 ,! ,*ur*1 h[ev]1 is cle>ly 9 possession ( a vantagegr\nd1 f :i* x is n easy to dislodge h]4 ,! cause :i* %e alleges is adequate to acc\nt = all ! ph5om5a4 ,! onus prob&i !re=e cle>ly re/s on ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,if !y d5y ! tru? ( ! fact :i* ! ,*ur* has ev] h&$ d[n z ! true acc\nt ( h] orig91 !y are b\nd n only to %[ t x is devoid ( hi/orical atte/ation1 b to prop\nd a !ory :i* w adequately acc\nt = all ! facts to :i* hi/ory te/ifies4 ,x is cle> t no?+ %ort ( ?is is requir$ ( !m z philosophical hi/orians4 ,c]ta9 facts are pla9 & und5iable4 ,a society1 ( a v special "*1 sprang into exi/5ce at a def9ite po9t ( hi/ory1 & has ex]t$ a mighti] influ5ce ?an any o!r on ! de/9ies ( man4 ,if !re=e !y reject ! acc\nt :i* ! ,*ur* h]self gives1 !y are b\nd to supply a rational acc\nt ( h[ ?is great society came into be+2 h[ ! ph5om5a :i* con/itute its hi/ory h be5 br\ght ab\t2 & :at x 0 t imp>t$ to x its vitality & p[]4 ,we are 9 ! pres5ce ( ! greate/ in/itution ) :i* hi/ory is acqua9t$1 f\nd$ z x is on ! greate/ ideal conception 7if x is n hi/orical7 :i* ! human m9d has ev] succe$$ 9 inv5t+4 ,bo? ^! came into exi/5ce1 n 9 pre hi/oric times1 b 9 ! mid/ ( a p]iod ( contemporane\s hi/ory4 ,respect+ ! times1 ! modes ( ?\ght1 & ! g5]al "* ( ! p]iod1 we h ext5sive hi/orical data4 ,! religi\s1 moral1 & philosophical op9ions1 & ! g5]al l9e ( ?\ght1 are well kn[n4 ,! v>i\s =ces :i* 7 !n 9 activity we are able to appreciate4 ,) all ^! data be=e him1 x is incumb5t on ! philosophical hi/orian to give u an acc\nt ( ! moral & religi\s =ces 9 activity at ?is p]iod1 :i* 7 capable ( creat+ ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 & g5]at+ its conception ( ! ideal ,*ri/4 ,if x is alleg$ t aft] ! utmo/ inve/igation x is impossible to acc\nt = _! orig9 by ! action ( any kn[n moral or spiritual =ces act+ on ! human m9d1 ?is w\ld be at once to confess t ! orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity & ! ,*ur* is entirely abnormal1 or 9 o!r words1 t x is a moral & spiritual miracle4 ,to d unbeliev]s ju/ice1 !y h n be5 sl[ to recognize ! fact t if !y reject ! acc\nt :i* ! ,*ur* has giv5 ( its orig91 !y are b\nd to give u a rational "o ( h[ ,*ri/ianity came into exi/5ce4 ,accord+ly1 !ory aft] !ory has be5 prop\nd$ on ?is subject4 ,no intellectual ex]tion has be5 sp>$ to po9t out h[ ,*ri/ianity & ! ,*ur* h succe$$ 9 gett+ into exi/5ce1 & 9 effect+ _! religi\s & moral conque/s1 by =ces purely human1 & )\t ! aid ( any sup]natural int]v5tion4 ,"o ?+ respect+ ^! !ories is wor?y ( p>ticul> att5tion4 ,no unbeliev] has z yet be5 able to sugge/ "o :i* has succe$$ 9 comm&+1 ,i w n say ! univ]sal1 b ev5 ! g5]al ass5t ( ! unbeliev+ _w4 ,!ory aft] !ory has be5 prop\nd$ & ab&on$4 ,x is !re=e cle> t ! difficulty ( acc\nt+ = ! orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity & ! ,*ur* ?r\gh ! action ( ! ord9>y =ces t op]ate on ! human m9d1 is extreme4 ,!re is no analog\s case 9 ! :ole hi/ory ( man4 ,let me briefly enum]ate ! *ief pr9ciples :i* h be5 invok$ to aid 9 ! solution ( ?is problem4 ,fir/1 x has be5 attempt$ to get rid ( ! sup]natural elem5ts conta9$ 9 ! ,gospels by repres5t+ !m z di/ort$ repres5tations ( real facts4 ,?is has be5 ju/ly ab&on$ z *ildi%4 ,!n came ! my?ic & leg5d>y !ories4 ,^!1 hav+ be5 f\nd inadequate1 h be5 supplem5t$ by v>i\s !ories ( developm5t ( ideas2 & ! supposition ( a viol5t p>ty _s exi/+ 9 ! ,*ur*1 :i* "u ! influ5ce ( a _s ( accommodation produc$ v>i\s compromises2 a mass ( v>i$ & (t5 cont5d+ op9ions see?+ 9 ! bosom ( a society cont9ually ?reat5$ ) disruption1 until !y someh[ succe$$ 9 weld+ !mselves toge!r2 en?usiasm1 fanaticism1 b\ndless cr$ulity1 aid$ by a prodigi\s p[] ( my?ic & leg5d>y inv5tion1 & :5ev] occasion s requir$1 ! pres5ce ( a moral atmosph]e1 :i* on great em]g5cies did n %r9k f delib]ate impo/ure4 ,all ^!1 9 ev] v>y+ degrees & proportions1 h be5 press$ into ! s]vice ( creat+ ! ,*ur*1 ! ideal ,*ri/1 & ! ,*ri/ianity ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,x is impossible 9 a "w l ! pres5t to exam9e ^! v>i\s !ories1 & %[ _! inadequacy z philosophical explanations ( ! fact4 ,?is ,i h already done 9 a =m] "w17#e7 to :i* ,i mu/ ref] ! read] = _! refutation4 ,a few obs]vations only w be necess>y 9 ?is place4 ,fir/3 ,! positions tak5 by unbeliev]s are !ories1 :i* re/ on ! smalle/ basis ( hi/orical evid5ce4 ,i readily admit t :]e !re is a kn[n fact1 b ! recollection ( ! ev5ts :i* w\ld give an acc\nt ( its orig9 has p]i%$1 if a !ory c be prop\nd$ :i* fully acc\nts = ! fact1 !n x has a "r to take its place z an hi/orical ev5t :i* re/s on evid5ce ( ! highe/ probability4 ,an example d]iv$ f ! mode 9 :i* ! /udy ( comp>ative philology discloses ! hi/ory ( ! pa/ w expla9 my mean+4 ,we h be=e u ! facts ( language4 ,! hi/ory ( ^? :o =m]ly us$ x has p]i%$2 ! acc\nts ( _! migrations h n[h]e be5 pres]v$4 ,b c]ta9 facts ( comp>ative philology ju/ify ! assumption t c]ta9 primitive races ( m5 mu/ h migrat$ 9 p>ticul> directions4 ,^! assum$ migrations are really a !ory1 b "o :i* is exactly adequate to acc\nt = ! facts :i* language unque/ionably pres5ts4 ,?us ! facts ( ! ,indo,g]manic languages ju/ify ! assumption t 9 ! prehi/oric ages1 migrations we/w>d mu/ h tak5 place1 ( :i* hi/ory conta9s no record4 ,/ill ! !ory af=ds s p]fect an explanation ( ! facts1 t ! occurr5ce ( ! migrations is z c]ta9 z if !y _h be5 record$ by contemporane\s writ]s4 ,on simil> gr\nds x has be5 inf]r$ ) a degree ( probability s high z to be equal to c]ta9ty1 t a language e>li] ?an ! ,sanskrit1 & f :i* bo? x & ! ,indo,g]manic family ( languages h be5 d]iv$1 0 spok5 by a previ\s race4 ,inve/igations ( ?is k9d are l>gely add+ to our hi/orical k4 ,let u obs]ve ! basis on :i* su* argum5ts re/4 ,9 all ^! cases we h be=e u n m]e conjectures1 b a di/9ct & positive fact1 or set ( facts4 ,! connect+ l9ks are miss+4 ,by ! aid ( conjecture we prop\nd a !ory2 or 9 o!r words1 we suppose a set ( ev5ts to h occurr$1 :i*1 if !y really happ5$1 w\ld be adequate to acc\nt = ! facts 9 "q4 ,:5 !y ?us acc\nt = !m1 & = !m alone1 & no o!r conjectural occurr5ce w d s1 ! assum$ fact is fully entitl$ to take its place 9 hi/ory z an ev5t :i* has actually happ5$4 ,! reason ( ?is is1 t x c /& ! te/ ( hi/orical v]ification4 ,a problem simil> to t above ref]r$ to is ! "o :i* ^? :o d5y ! hi/orical tru? ( ! ,gospels are call$ ^u to solve4 ,we are 9 ! pres5ce ( c]ta9 unque/ionable hi/orical facts1 viz41 ! five above ref]r$ to1 & _m o!rs4 ,! d5ial ( ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian acc\nt leaves !m )\t ! connect+ l9k :i* once unit$ !m4 ,:at 0 t l9k8 ,x c only be suppli$ by conjecture4 ,b to enable su* a conjectural fact or facts to take rank z hi/orical ev5ts1 !y mu/ be adequate to acc\nt = ! facts1 & be true to human nature1 & to ! circum/ances ( ! case2 9 o!r words1 !y mu/ be capable ( endur+ a rigid hi/orical v]ification4 ,!ories :i* _c endure ?is are no bett] ?an ropes ( s&4 ,?is is ! "* ( ! !ories :i* h be5 prop\nd$ to acc\nt = ! ,*ri/ianity ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,let me illu/rate ?is by "o ( ! fav\rite !ories us$ by unbeliev]s = ?is purpose4 ,we are told t a numb] ( extremely ho/ile factions divid$ ! primitive ,*ur*4 ,( ^! ! foll[]s ( ,james1 ,pet]1 & ,paul may be tak5 z fairly repres5tative4 ,^! 7 9 a /ate ( great ho/ility to ea* o!r1 & w5t on gradually elaborat+ a ,*ri/ianity t 0 9 con=mity ) _! own views & ta/es4 ,aft] a :ile x occurr$ to ^! ho/ile p>ties t x w\ld be advantage\s to compromise _! diff]5ces4 ,an influ5tial p]son1 su* z we may suppose ! au?or ( ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les to h be51 compos$ a hi/ory1 = ! purpose ( mak+ matt]s smoo?1 & to af=d a common gr\nd ( union among ! cont5d+ factions4 ,?is process 0 repeat$ z (t5 z 0 necess>y2 & 9 good "t1 by ! aid ( my? & leg5d1 & ! :ole ( ! ne$ful app>atus1 appe>$ ! ,*ri/ianity ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 & ! ,*ur* 0 consolidat$ out ( ^! v>i$ elem5ts4 ,su* !ories griev\sly (f5d aga9/ ! logic ( hi/ory1 & are 9 direct v>iance ) ! facts ( human life4 ,we are "h 9 ! mid/ ( a :ole mass ( conjectural facts1 ea* ( :i* is imag9$ to acc\nt = ! exi/5ce ( ! o!r2 & ! :ole ( !m tak5 toge!r fail to give an adequate solution ( ! ph5om5a be=e u4 ,!y are bo? untrue to human nature & unable to acc\nt = ei!r ! facts ( ,*ri/ianity or ! exi/5ce ( ! ,*ur*4 ,i mu/ cont5t myself ) select+ "o ( !m = illu/ration4 ,we are ask$ to believe t ! ,*ur* 0 divid$ into a numb] ( p>ties1 ! opposition betwe5 :om 0 viol5t2 & t ^! effect$ a numb] ( compromises1 out ( :i* 0 ultimately evolv$ a common ,*ri/ianity4 ,?is result is 9 direct contradiction to ! te/imony ( ! religi\s hi/ory ( man4 ,religi\s p>ties d n effect compromises1 b g on cont5d+ & wid5+ _! diff]5ces1 until _! en?usiasm we>s out & !y die ( inanition4 ,to ?is ! hi/ory ( all sects be>s ample te/imony1 & ! great] ! en?usiasm & n unfrequ5tly ! less] ! gr\nds ( diff]5ce1 ! great] ! animosity4 ,compromises betwe5 ho/ile sects1 9 ! r>e cases 9 :i* !y h tak5 place1 h be5 br\ght ab\t by means ( ext]nal co]cion4 ,! religi\s hi/ory ( mank9d pres5ts no example ( furi\s religi\s p>ties1 :ile animat$ by a liv+ en?usiasm1 volunt>ily coalesc+ on ! g5]al pr9ciple ( compromise4 ,witness ! unsuccessful attempts at compromise betwe5 ! ,ea/]n & ,we/]n ,*ur*es1 ev5 :5 x 0 urg$ by ! /ronge/ ext]nal pressure4 ,witness ! sects :i* grew out ( ! ,re=mation4 ,compromises h frequ5tly orig9at$ among politicians1 b ^! h 9 va9 tri$ _! heal+ influ5ces among cont5d+ sects4 ,occasionally !y h be5 br\ght ab\t by ! aid ( pressure ex]t$ by ! temporal p[]1 z 9 ! ,*ur* ( ,engl&4 ,no?+ m /rongly illu/rates ! difficulty ) :i* compromise betwe5 religi\s p>ties c be effect$ ?an ! failure ( ! attempts to reconcile ! ,*ur* ( ,engl& & ! ,me?odi/s4 ,! compromis] :o w effect ?is union exi/s only 9 ! hopes ( ! future4 ,b we ne$ n conf9e ourselves to ! manife/ations ( sect>ian _s 9 connection ) ,*ri/ianity4 ,! ,mahometan ,*ur* is also divid$ by sect>ian diff]5ces4 ,is !re any t5d5cy to produce a common ,mahometanism1 erect$ on ! basis ( compromise8 ,d ,buddhism & ,brahm9ism %[ any disposition to compromise _! diff]5ces by fus+ !m into a common ,pan!ism :i* %all suit bo? p>ties8 ,! idea ( produc+ a ,*ri/ianity by a succession ( happy compromises ent]$ into by viol5tly ho/ile p>ties 9 ! e>ly ,*ur*1 is a dream :i*1 h[ev] plausible x may h seem$ 9 ! closet1 is rudely dissipat$ ! mom5t we come 9 contact ) ! /]n realities ( life4 ,b fur!r3 ! wide sep>ation ( ! e>ly ,*ur*es f ea* o!r2 &1 accord+ to ! op9ions ( ^? aga9/ :om ,i am reason+1 _! want ( a gov]n+ p[] ackn[l$g$ by all1 mu/ h r5d]$ agreem5t on ! basis ( mutual compromise impossible4 ,compromises are ! results ( consid]ations ( policy1 & are unhe>d ( among fanatics1 su* z my oppon5ts ass]t ! e>ly foll[]s ( ,jesus to h be54 ,b :at fur!r r5d]s ?is !ory unt5able is1 t x is compell$ to imag9e a numb] ( developm5ts accompani$ by correspond+ compromises betwe5 ho/ile p>ties1 be=e we c succe$ 9 evolv+ ! ,*ri/ianity ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,n only does x contradict ! hi/ory ( man2 n only is x an assumption made to =m ! connect+ l9k betwe5 o!r e/abli%$ facts1 b x is itself f\nd$ on o!r assumptions4 ,among ^! are ! ass]tions made z to ! evid5ce ( ! p>ty _s exi/+ 9 ! ,*ur*1 & ! opposition betwe5 its lead]s4 ,p>ty _s we "k to h exi/$1 b n ) ! viol5ce :i* ?is !ory is compell$ to po/ulate4 ,! /atem5t also t ! doctr9al opposition betwe5 ^! p>ties 0 ( s decl>$ a type is n f\nd$ on ! evid5ce t we possess1 b on a highly exagg]at$ view ( x1 di/ort$ = ! purpose ( add+ /r5g? to ! !ory2 or1 9 o!r words1 x is f\nd$ on a set ( unw>rant$ assumptions4 ,! passages 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t alleg$ to prove ! decl>$ opposition betwe5 ! lead]s ( ! ,*ur*1 :i* ?is !ory is compell$ to pre suppose1 c only be made to d s by tak+ x = grant$ t !y d4 ,= example1 ! ass]tion t ! p]son d5\nc$ 9 ! ,epi/les to ! ,sev5 ,*ur*es 9 ! book ( ,revelation1 is ,/4 ,paul1 is a simply gratuit\s "o1 ! only evid5ce = :i* is ! w & pleasure ( ^? :o make x4 ,! !ory1 !re=e1 n only contradicts ! hi/ory ( man1 b is bas$ ^u a numb] ( alleg$ facts :i* are ei!r absolute assumptions or exagg]ations1 & fail to give any acc\nt ( ! orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity :i* w /& ! te/ ( ! scrut9y ( a s\nd philosophy4 ,! my?ic & leg5d>y !ories are equally unable to acc\nt = ! facts z !y /& 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,i _c "h attempt to foll[ !m 9 _! innum]able w9d+s4 ,tak5 by !mselves !y are n n[ accept$ z adequate acc\nts ( !m1 b o!r !ories are call$ 9 to aid !m4 ,/ill1 :atev] assi/ance ^! are suppos$ to imp>t1 my? & leg5d mu/ always hold a prom95t place 9 ! sy/ems ( ^? :o endeav\r to acc\nt = ! orig9 ( ! ,gospels on purely human pr9ciples4 ,z !y conta9 a l>ge sup]natural elem5t1 x is c]ta9 t if ?is is n hi/orical1 x mu/ h orig9at$ 9 "s species ( fiction1 i4e4 ei!r 9 ! my?ic & leg5d>y _s1 or 9 pure inv5tion4 ,h5ce ! use ( my?s & leg5ds mu/ always be freely invok$ by ^? :o1 :ile !y d5y ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels1 d n g to ! l5g? ( accus+ ! orig9al foll[]s ( ,jesus ( delib]ate inv5tion4 ,i mu/ "h draw att5tion to "o p>ticul> portion ( ! evid5ce1 ! full significance ( :i* ,i h describ$ else:]e4 ,:atev] op9ions may be =m$ z to ! unhi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels1 !re is "o fact respect+ !m z to :i* believ]s & unbeliev]s mu/ alike agree1 namely t !y conta9 a del9eation ( ! mo/ p]fect conception ev] =m$ by ! m9d ( man1 ! "* ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,!re x is1 beyond ! p[] ( contradiction2 ! ov]:elm+ majority ( m5 possess$ ( ! mo/ p[]ful m9ds h recogniz$ x z ! greate/ ( ideals1 z well z ! millions ( ord9>y m5 to :om x has be5 ! object ( supreme admiration & attraction4 ,! foll[+ que/ions respect+ x !re=e urg5tly dem& an answ]4 ,if ! ,gospels are a m]e collection ( my?ic & leg5d>y /ories1 g5]at$ & put toge!r 9 ! mann] affirm$ by ^? :o d5y _! hi/orical "*1 h[ got ?is great "* !re8 ,if ! fables ( :i* !y are compos$ are ! inv5tions ( _m m9ds1 :5ce its unity8 ,if _! inv5tors 7 cr$ul\s en?usia/s & fanatics1 :5ce its p]fection8 ,if !y 7 implicat$ 9 all ! sup]/itions ( ! age1 :5ce its moral elevation8 ,( :at ord] ( ?\ght !n exi/+ is x ! embodim5t8 ,h[ c\ld ! cr$ulity :i* 0 necess>y = ! acceptance ( su* fictions1 or h[ c\ld ! _s :i* inv5t$ !m1 h conceiv$ ^! moral elem5ts8 ,!re ! "* is--let u be di/9ctly in=m$ h[ x 0 put toge!r2 h[ mu* ( x is fact1 & h[ mu* fiction2 h[ ! fictions 7 weld$ toge!r ) ! facts s z to compose ! :ole2 & :at class or ord] ( m9ds 9 ! e>ly ,*ur* 0 equal to its elaboration4 ,?is del9eation mu/ h be5 made at an e>ly p]iod1 & c\ld n h be5 a late inv5tion2 = x is sub/antially ! same z t conta9$ 9 ^? ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul1 :i* are ackn[l$g$ to h be5 writt5 )9 ?irty ye>s ( ! date ( ! ,crucifixion4 ,a di/9ct answ] to ^! que/ions is dem&$ ( ^? :o affirm t ! ,gospels h no value z hi/ories4 ,x is impossible to d5y t !y h a mo/ important be>+ on ! pres5t "q4 ,:y d n unbeliev]s set !mselves to grapple ) ?is problem8 ,b ! value to be assign$ to ! ,gospels z hi/ories mu/ be a matt] = subsequ5t consid]ation4 ,at pres5t ,i ne$ simply draw att5tion to ! fact t :ile ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity fully recognize ! necessity ( prop\nd+ a rational !ory ( its orig91 ! m we exam9e _! v>i\s !ories 9 detail1 ! m app>5t becomes _! inadequacy to acc\nt = ! ph5om5a4 ,! fact1 already allud$ to1 t unbeliev]s _c come to any agreem5t among !mselves on ?is subject1 %[s t !y f9d ! problem extremely difficult ( solution4 ,! plausibility ( _! !ories is due to ! ab/ract & g5]al =m 9 :i* !y are pres5t$4 ,v>i\s causes are held up )\t any discrim9ation z to :at ea* ( !m is capable ( effect+2 & ! wi%$= result is ascrib$ to _! comb9$ action4 ,b :5 we analyse ! v>i\s =ces at _! comm&1 asc]ta9 ! mode ( _! action1 ! difficulties !y w\ld h to enc\nt] be=e !y c\ld effectuate _! results1 & exam9e :e!r !y are true to ! facts ( human nature z te/ifi$ to by ! long c\rse ( hi/ory1 x is n too mu* to affirm t all ! inve/igations ( unbeliev]s h completely fail$ to give an acc\nt ( ! orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity :i* c take ! place ( t h&$ d[n to u by ! ,*ur*4 ,until ?is c be giv51 not)/&+ all ! exp5diture ( intellect on ! "q1 we are ju/ifi$ 9 affirm+ t ! problem is insoluble1 al?\gh ,*ri/ianity orig9at$ 9 a p]iod unque/ionably hi/orical1 9 ! mid/ ( ! ,roman ,empire ov] :i* x rapidly spread1 despite ! opposition ( ! gov]nm5t & ! entire organization ( society4 ,be=e proce$+ to ! direct consid]ations by :i* ! great fact ( ,*ri/ianity is atte/$1 ,i mu/ take a g5]al glance at ! nature ( ! mat]ials :i* we h at our comm&1 & at _! hi/orical value4 ,i %all take z my />t+po9t ! five facts already m5tion$1 ! hi/orical c]ta9ty ( :i* x is ne$less to prove4 ,my />t+po9t1 !re=e1 is ! cont9u\s exi/5ce ( ! ,*ur*1 :i* came into be+ at a def9ite p]iod ( "t1 to :i* x c be trac$ up 9 "o unbrok5 succession4 ,?is society has always affirm$ t its corporate exi/5ce1 z well z ! life ( its individual memb]s1 is due to ! ,resurrection ( its f\nd]4 ,i %all also c>efully exam9e & e/imate ! contemporane\s evid5ce af=d$ by ! ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul1 especially ^? :i* are ackn[l$g$ to be g5u9e1 z well z t ( ! o!r writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 = ! purpose ( e/imat+ ! value ( _! te/imony on ?is subject4 ,ev5 if "s ( ^! writ+s are n all[$ by unbeliev]s to be ! productions ( ! p]sons ^: names !y be>1 /ill !y are all ( a v e>ly date1 & unque/ionably reflect ! ?\ghts & ideas ( ^? :o wrote !m1 & ( ! p]sons to :om !y are address$4 ,b be=e ,i ent] on my imm$iate subject1 x w be necess>y to lay d[n ! lead+ pr9ciples ( hi/orical evid5ce1 & to e/imate ! value ( tradition z a te/imony to hi/orical facts4 ,i am fully prep>$ to abide by ! *ief pr9ciples laid d[n by ,sir ,g4 ,c4 ,lewis on ?is subject 9 8 great "w on ! ,cr$ibility ( ,e>ly ,roman ,hi/ory4 ,!y are g5]ally consid]$ to be suffici5tly sev]e & exact+4 ,by _m !y are view$ z ( f> too /r+5t a "*4 ,! evid5ce on :i* ! great fact ( ! ,resurrection re/s1 w endure _! mo/ rigid application4 ,!y h ?is great advantage1 t !y are laid d[n = ! inve/igation ( a subject purely secul>1 ) :i* religion has no?+ to d4 ,!y are !re=e :olly free f religi\s bias1 & are simply ! pr9ciples = te/+ ! claims ( ord9>y facts on our belief4 ,if ! *ief facts ( ,*ri/ianity c /& ?is scrut9y1 x is impossible to affirm t !y are n support$ by ! /ronge/ hi/orical te/imony4 #a4 ,e alleg$ fact1 9 ord] to be entitl$ to our belief1 mu/ be %[n to re/ on direct contemporane\s te/imony1 or t :i* is its hi/orical equival5t4 ,?is rule is by no means int5d$ to affirm t e fact = :i* contemporane\s te/imony c be adduc$ is true2 b only t x is to be accept$ z su* :5 !re is no reason = disbeliev+ x4 ,we mu/ h "s means to enable u to =m a judgm5t ( ! k & v]acity ( ! in=mant4 ,x rema9s = consid]ation1 :5 ! direct te/imony ( a contempor>y is n to be _h1 z mu/ be frequ5tly ! case ) ev5ts long pa/1 :at may be consid]$ z its hi/orical equival5t8 ,x mu/ be kept 9 m9d t "o ( ! mo/ valuable =ms ( contemporane\s te/imony1 if n ! mo/ valuable ( all1 is a set ( lett]s :i* conta9 v>i\s & def9ite allusions to ! curr5t ev5ts1 habits1 & modes ( ?\ght ( ! "t4 ,= c]ta9 purposes ^! are f> m valuable ?an =mal hi/ories4 ,! latt] are frequ5tly writt5 "u ! influ5ce ( p>ty _s1 p>tiality1 or bias4 ,! writ] ( a hi/ory is usually on 8 gu>d1 has c>efully consid]$ :at he says1 & af=ds u b little opportunity ( int]rogat+ him4 ,b ! writ] ( a lett]1 unless he has special reasons = be+ gu>d$1 places be=e 8 correspond5t 8 entire m9d4 ,we are !re=e capable ( int]rogat+ him4 ,he (t5 lets u into ! secret causes ( ev5ts4 ,he also makes a numb] ( incid5tal allusions to ev5ts :i* are pass+4 ,^! =m te/imony ( a mo/ valuable k9d4 ,we c 9 a mann] almo/ conv]se ) him4 ,z a confirmation ( ! facts :i* =mal hi/ories n>rate1 & z lett+ u into ! secret spr+s ( ev5ts1 a s]ies ( lett]s1 writt5 by p]sons :o 7 actively engag$ 9 !m1 are hi/orical docum5ts ( ! highe/ ord]4 ,_! value is increas$ :5 !y be> all ! appe>ance ( com+ f ! writ]'s he>t4 ,no?+ is m /rik+ ?an ! happy results :i* h accru$ f ! ext5sive use made by mod]n hi/orians ( orig9al correspond5ce4 ,x is n too mu* to say t x has l>gely modifi$ our view ( ev5ts1 z !y h be5 report$ 9 =mal hi/ories4 ,ano!r v high =m ( contemporane\s te/imony is ! exi/5ce ( in/itutions & monum5ts :i* c be c]ta9ly trac$ up to a p>ticul> p]iod1 & :i* ow$ _! exi/5ce to ev5ts ( t p]iod4 ,^! =m a species ( liv+ witnesses to ! tru? ( ! facts out ( :i* !y h orig9at$1 & z f> z _! te/imony goes1 x is incapable ( falsehood4 ,! mo/ valuable te/imony ( ?is k9d is a great in/itution ( :i* we possess def9ite evid5ce t x orig9at$ 9 a p>ticul> ev5t1 or 9 ! belief ( x4 ,?is k9d ( evid5ce ,*ri/ianity possesses 9 ! highe/ =m1 9 ! cont9u$ exi/5ce ( t great in/itution1 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 #b4 ,te/imony has a g5]al cr$ibility1 subject ( c\rse to ! k & hone/y ( ! in=mant1 :5 ! reports are d]iv$ f ^? :o liv$ dur+ ! g5]ation 9 :i* a p>ticul> ev5t occurr$1 suppos+ x to h be5 "o ( suffici5t notoriety to attract att5tion1 & t ! report] possess$ adequate means ( in=mation1 & inve/igat$ x ) suffici5t c>e4 ,we are always ju/ifi$ 9 assum+ t he tells ! tru? unless !re are reasons = suspect+ ! contr>y4 #c4 ,n>ratives ( ev5ts :i* a man has he>d f 8 fa!r or 8 contempor>ies1 b :i* happ5$ be=e 8 own recollection1 are = ! purpose ( hi/ory1 7b subject to ! requisite qualifications7 fair repres5tations ( contemporane\s te/imony4 ,hi/ory admits he>say te/imony "u prop] re/rictions4 ,! k ( ! pa/ w\ld be impossible1 if x 7 to all[ itself to be fett]$ by ! te*nical rules :i* h be5 introduc$ into ! adm9i/ration ( ju/ice4 ,! allimportant consid]ations ) ! hi/orian1 are ! notoriety ( ! fact & ! tru?fulness ( ! in=mant4 ,facts t a man may h he>d detail$ by 8 gr&fa!r or 8 contempor>ies z hav+ happ5$ 9 _! "t /& z repres5tations ( contemporane\s te/imony 9 ! same position z ^? d]iv$ f ! e>li] g5]ation4 #d4 ,b :5 a ?ird /age is int]pos$ 9 ! transmission ( ev5ts1 z = in/ance :5 we le>n f our fa!rs or gr&fa!rs :at !y h le>nt f !irs1 an elem5t ( unc]ta9ty is introduc$4 ,/ill an hi/orian1 writ+ aft] su* an int]val ( "t1 if he sift$ evid5ce ) c>e1 w\ld be able to report ) accuracy all ! great ev5ts1 :atev] difficulty he might h 9 asc]ta9+ ! m9or details4 ,)9 ?is p]iod abundance ( s\rces ( accurate in=mation exi/ on all po9ts ( importance1 al?\gh ! details gradually fade out ( p's recollections4 ,aft] ?is int]val1 ! acc\nts ( ev5ts are likely to receive a c]ta9 am\nt ( col\r+1 accord+ to ! prejudices ( ! n>rators2 b ! int]val is too %ort1 & ! remembrance ( !m too rec5t1 to all[ ( _! becom+ incru/$ ) important my?ical additions4 ,all ! mat]ials = inve/igation are 9 exi/5ce1 & )9 ! rea* ( ! hone/ hi/orian4 ,he might f9d difficulty 9 arrang+ ! details 9 hi/orical sequ5ce2 b if he does n give an accurate acc\nt ( ! great outl9es1 x is ow+1 n to ! want ( hi/orical mat]ials1 b to ! abs5ce ( a desire to inve/igate & report ! tru?4 #e4 ,! limits ( "t dur+ :i* tradition c be consid]$ z a suffici5tly accurate m$ium = pres]v+ ! memory ( ev5ts1 may be put g5]ally at f "o hundr$ to "o hundr$ & tw5ty ye>s4 ,)9 ?is p]iod c>eful inve/igation & inquiry w enable ! hi/orian to report ! ma9 features ( ev5ts ) sub/antial tru?1 f ! te/imony ( ^? :o 7 contempor>ies1 or :o d]iv$ _! in=mation f ^? :o 74 ,beyond ?is p]iod1 :5 ! k ( occurr5ces has to pass ?r\gh ?ree or f\r m$ia ( transmission1 tradition becomes an unc]ta9 & untru/wor?y in=mant1 & aft] ! lapse ( a great] int]val1 x is utt]ly unreliable1 af=d+ no means ( *eck+ ! introduction ( leg5d>y n>ratives4 ,!re may be a few exceptional cases :i* h impress$ !mselves deeply on ! public recollection4 ,occasionally ! protract$ lives ( a few individuals may l5g!n ! p]iod ( tru/wor?y transmission1 b ?is is an ev5t ( su* r>e occurr5ce z b slightly to modify ! g5]al rule4 ,x mu/ be obs]v$ t !re are two cases 9 :i* ! traditional k ( ev5ts is transmitt$ ) f> m accuracy1 & ov] f> long] int]vals ( "t ?an 9 ord9>y ones1 viz41 ^? ( families :i* h an hi/orical importance d]iv$ f ! actions ( _! ance/ors1 & ^? ( bodies ( m5 :o h a k9d ( corporate life1 succe$+ "o ano!r 9 unbrok5 succession1 especially :5 ?is corporate life is f\nd$ on ! ev5ts !mselves4 ,?is latt] case pres5ts ! means be/ adapt$ = ! tradition>y transmission ( facts1 & "o 9 :i* x is h>dly possible t !y %\ld fail ( be+ accurately transmitt$ )9 a reasonable int]val ( "t4 ,?is 0 precisely ! position occupi$ by ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* dur+ ! fir/ c5tury ( its exi/5ce respect+ ! *ief ev5ts 9 ! life ( its f\nd]4 ,an example w illu/rate ?is3 ,if !re _h be5 no writt5 memorials ( ! life ( ,john ,wesley1 !re c be no d\bt t ! society :i* he f\nd$ w\ld h h&$ d[n to ! pres5t day an acc\nt ( ! *ief ev5ts ( 8 life1 :i* w\ld h be5 accurate 9 its ma9 outl9es4 ,?\s&s ( p]sons are n[ liv+ :o h conv]s$ ) ^? :o h he>d him prea*2 ,i myself h done s4 ,x w\ld !re=e be impossible to impose ^u !m a :olly my?ic acc\nt 9 place ( t :i* w\ld h be5 h&$ d[n by ! ,wesleyan body4 ,yet ?is society is f\nd$ on a set ( dogmas1 n on ! hi/orical facts ( its f\nd]'s life4 ,! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* !re=e 0 9 a f> sup]ior position = pres]v+ a sub/antially accurate acc\nt ( ! *ief ev5ts 9 ! life ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 yet ! int]val :i* sep>ates u f ! dea? ( ,wesley is great] ?an t :i* elaps$ betwe5 ! dea? ( ,*ri/1 & ! publication ( ! late/ ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels1 ev5 if we accept ! dates :i* are assign$ to !m by our oppon5ts4 #f4 ,:5 ! k ( pa/ ev5ts has p]i%$1 x is impossible to re con/ruct !m by ! aid ( conjecture1 except )9 ! limits to :i* ,i h previ\sly allud$4 ,^! limits mu/ be /rictly def9$1 o!rwise t :i* is prop\nd$ z hi/ory becomes no?+ else ?an a /atem5t ( our subjective impressions4 ,conjectures :i* _c /& ! te/ ( hi/orical v]ification _c be accept$ z facts ( hi/ory4 ,no?+ is easi] ?an1 :5 facts are want+1 to inv5t !m1 & ?us bridge ov] ! int]vals :i* lie betwe5 o!rs1 ! connect+ l9ks ( :i* h p]i%$4 ,b h[ are we to "k t su* conjectural ev5ts 7 real facts1 & n m]e creations ( ! imag9ation8 ,cle>ly ?is c be det]m9$ 9 no o!r way ?an by subject+ !m to a rigid v]ification4 ,if !y w n endure ?is1 !y mu/ be reject$4 ,hi/orical conjectures h no high] claims = acceptance ?an sci5tific ones4 ,bo? mu/ be subject to ! same te/s1 & mu/ %>e ! same fate4 ,i d n d5y t _m su* conjectures may h a consid]able degree ( plausibility2 b1 unless we rigidly reject f ! rank ( hi/oric facts ^? t break d[n "u ! te/ ( v]ification1 hi/ories w be conv]t$ into novels or poems4 ,if our k ( ! connect+ l9ks betwe5 ev5ts 9 ! hi/ory ( ! pa/ has p]i%$1 we %all n improve x by imag9+ facts1 & call+ ! result by ! "n ( hi/ory4 ,we _c be too gu>d$ 9 ?is p>ticul> subject1 because an almo/ b\ndless lic5se has be5 introduc$ into ! pres5t controv]sy4 ,pure creations ( ! imag9ation1 :i* x is impossible to v]ify1 are con/antly prop\nd$ z facts 9 ! hi/ory ( ! pa/4 ,i by no means wi% to d5y t bo? p>ties mu/ plead guilty to ! *>ge ( ?is species ( hi/orical =g]y4 ,! fact may be unpleasant1 b we %all d no good by refus+ to recognize x4 ,:5 ! k ( pa/ ev5ts has p]i%$1 & our conjectures break d[n "u ! te/ ( v]ification1 we h no?+ to d b to rema9 cont5t ) our ignorance4 ,if ^! pr9ciples are correct1 a consid]able numb] ( rec5tly publi%$ lives ( ,jesus1 & o!r simil> compositions1 h no claim to ! designation ( hi/orical writ+s4 ,!y are m]e novels evolv$ out ( ! selfconsci\sness ( _! au?ors4 ,!y are no?+ b simple imag9ations ( :at1 "u c]ta9 conjectural circum/ances1 might h happ5$1 b are de/itute ( all evid5ce t !y actually occurr$4 ,if hi/ory is ?us degrad$1 x mu/ become devoid ( all sci5tific value4 ,i h press$ ?is po9t because n[h]e is ?is lic5se ( conjectural guess+ at ev5ts m l>gely indulg$ 91 ?an 9 que/ions connect$ ) ! ,bible & its criticism4 ,,*apt] ,,xviii4 ,,! ,,te/imony ,,( ,,! ,,*ur*1 ,,& ,,( ,,/4 ,,paul',s ,,epi/les1 ,,to ,,! ,,facts ,,( ,,primitive ,,*ri/ianity4 ,,_! ,,hi/orical ,,value ,,consid]$4 ,i h 9 ! prec$+ *apt] drawn att5tion to ! *ief pr9ciples ( hi/orical evid5ce1 & to ! importance ( c]ta9 classes ( hi/orical docum5ts2 also to ! important be>+ :i* ! cont9u$ exi/5ce ( a great in/itution l ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* has on ?is subject1 especially z its orig9 c be trac$ up to a def9ite p]iod ( hi/ory4 ,i h fur!r %[n t z ! ,*ur* gives a def9ite acc\nt ( its orig91 :i*1 if true1 is an adequate "o2 x is incumb5t on ^? :o reject ?is acc\nt to prop\nd ano!r :i* %all be able to /& ! application ( ! pr9ciples ( a s\nd philosophy ( human nature4 ,i mu/ n[ consid] ! evid5ce :i* ! exi/5ce ( ! ,*ur* z a visible in/itution1 & ! ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul1 af=d to ! great facts on :i* ,*ri/ianity is bas$4 ,if x c be prov$ beyond "q t ! ,*ur* imm$iately aft] x assum$ a di/9ctive =m n only believ$ 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 z "o among _m miracul\s facts1 b affirm$ t ! belief 9 its tru? 0 ! "o sole gr\nd ( its corporate exi/5ce1 )9 a v %ort int]val aft] ! date ( ,8 crucifixion1 x mu/ be admitt$1 ev5 by unbeliev]s1 to involve a "q ( ! mo/ s]i\s importance4 ,x proves = c]ta9 t ! belief 9 "o miracle1 & t ! greate/ ( all record$ 9 ! ,gospels1 0 nei!r a my?ic nor a leg5d>y creation4 ,x fur!r foll[s t if ! orig9al foll[]s ( ,jesus ?\ght t ,he _h ris5 f ! dead1 x may be tak5 z a moral c]ta9ty t !y mu/ h believ$ t o!r sup]natural actions 7 p]=m$ by ,him dur+ ,8 life4 ,! solution :i* unbeliev]s prop\nd z ! acc\nt ( ! orig9 ( ! miracul\s n>ratives 9 ! ,gospels is t !y are a gradual creation ( a my?ic & leg5d>y _s4 ,h5ce _! ef=ts to assign !m to ! late/ possible date4 ,if _! publication c be def]r$ to ! e>ly ye>s ( ! second c5tury1 !y consid] t ?is w\ld af=d ! requisite "t = surr\nd+ ! hi/ory ( ,jesus ) a halo ( my?ic & leg5d>y environm5t4 ,b if x c be %[n t ! newborn ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 )9 a %ort int]val aft] ! ,crucifixion1 affirm$ t ! sole gr\nd ( its r5ew$ life 0 ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( its f\nd]1 ! possibility t su* belief c\ld h be5 ei!r my?ic or leg5d>y is tak5 away4 ,:atev] may be urg$ ab\t ! o!r p>ts ( ! /ory1 !re rema9s "o miracle 7& t ! greate/ ( all71 :i* x is impossible to affirm to h be5 ei!r a my?ical or a leg5d>y creation4 ,if ! ,*ur* accept$ x z ! sole gr\nd ( its exi/5ce1 & if t belief c be trac$ to ! h\r ( its bir?1 x mu/ h be5 due ei!r to "s species ( delusion1 or to a fact4 ,if ,jesus 0 ?us believ$ to h ris5 f ! dead1 x is useless to assign ! belief 9 ,8 o!r miracles to a lat] leg5d>y _s4 ,b fur!r3 ,! ,*ur*1 )9 a %ort numb] ( ye>s f ! date ( its bir?1 mu/ h _h all ! consci\sness t x 0 a "y society4 ,x 0 engag$ 9 a con/ant /ruggle = exi/5ce1 & _h be=e x ! alt]native ( enl>g+ its numb]s1 or p]i%+4 ,a new society con/antly /ruggl+ = exi/5ce c\ld n fail )9 ?is int]val ( "t to h ! mo/ lively consci\sness ( :at x 0 to :i* x ow$ its orig91 & :i* =m$ ! bond ( union among its memb]s4 ,x mu/ h be5 to !m a con/antly recurr+ ?\ght4 ,e "o mu/ h kn[n t x 0 an alleg$ miracul\s fact1 a suppos$ ,resurrection ( "o :o _h be5 crucifi$4 ,0 x possible = ! memb]s ( su* a society to avoid look+ back ) anxiety on ! alleg$ gr\nd ( its exi/5ce8 ,x 0 no dogma capable ( endless discussion1 b a fact4 ,! bond ( union 0 allegiance to a liv+ p]son4 ,is x conceivable t ?is p]son 0 n ! object ( daily int]e/ to its memb]s1 or t !y did n make ,8 hi/ory ! subject ( e>ne/ inquiry8 ,c we suppose = "o mom5t t any ( !m 7 ignorant ( or _h =gott5 ! gr\nds on :i* !y _h jo9$ ! new community1 or :i* =m$ ! basis ( its life8 ,! recollections ( ! memb]s ( a society :i* is only betwe5 tw5ty & ?irty ye>s old mu/ be fre%4 ,b x may be said1 ^! p 7 v cr$ul\s4 ,be x s4 ,cr$ul\s p plac$ 9 ! circum/ances ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* are nev] defici5t 9 curiosity4 ,ev5 if ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus _h orig9at$ 9 cr$ulity1 ! fir/ pr9ciples ( human nature w\ld h urg$ !m to get all ! in=mation :i* !y c\ld respect+ x4 ,!y 7 9 ! exact position to enable !m to d ?is4 ,)9 t51 tw5ty1 ?irty1 or =ty ye>s1 !re mu/ h be5 pl5ty ( in=mation at h& to enable !m to asc]ta9 :e!r ! society to :i* !y belong$ did or did n owe its exi/5ce to ?is belief1 & to get full in=mation z to ! g5]al outl9e ( ! /ory on :i* x 0 f\nd$4 ,x is impossible = memb]s ( a society ^: orig9 0 s rec5t to h rema9$ ignorant ( ! circum/ances :i* gave x bir?4 ,!y mu/ h be5 h&$ d[n by a lively tradition4 ,i conclude !re=e1 t x w\ld h be5 simply impossible = ! memb]s ( ! ,*ur*1 )9 ?is %ort "t1 to be mi/ak5 z to :e!r its exi/5ce & cont9u$ life 0 due to ! belief t its f\nd] _h ris5 f ! dead1 or :e!r ,he 0 suppos$ to h work$ miracles dur+ ,8 life2 & t its belief c\ld n h be5 due to my?ic or leg5d>y causes4 ,! "q be=e u !n1 becomes cle> & def9ite1 fre$ f ! vagu5ess ) :i* x has be5 endeav\r$ to obscure x4 ,if x c be prov$ t ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* ow$ its orig9 to its belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & t its r5ew$ life began )9 ! briefe/ int]val aft] ,8 crucifixion1 ! :ole discussion becomes n>r[$ into ! foll[+ issue3 ,is x possible t su* a belief1 )9 s %ort a "t aft] ,8 dea?1 c\ld h orig9at$ 9 a fiction8 ,?ree alt]natives are op5 = our acceptance1 & ?ree only2 ei!r3 ,jesus did n really die1 :ile 8 foll[]s suppos$ t ,he _h1 & !y mi/ook "s appe>ance ( ,him aft] ,8 crucifixion = a resurrection3 ,or !y imag9$ t ,he appe>$ to "s ( !m aft] ,8 dea?1 b ! appe>ance 0 a delusion ( _! imag9ations3 ,or ,he rose f ! dead z an objective fact4 ,o!r alt]natives !re are none2 & ) respect to ?is p>ticul> miracle1 ! :ole app>atus ( my?1 leg5d1 developm5t & compromise1 :i* is s lib]ally us$ to acc\nt = ! sup]natural portions ( ! ,gospels1 is simply wor?less z a rational acc\nt ( ! orig9 ( ! /ory4 ,a v bold affirmation has be5 made1 t no contempor>y te/imony c be adduc$ = ! p]=mance ( any miracle record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,?is ass]tion is f\nd$ on ! supposition t none ( ! ,gospels c be prov$ to h be5 writt5 e>li] ?an ! end ( ! fir/1 or ! beg9n+ ( ! second c5tury4 ,x is alleg$ t !y are ( v unc]ta9 au?or%ip1 t two ( !m d n pr(ess to communicate any?+ b secondh& in=mation2 & ! pro( ( ! e>ly composition ( ! o!r two utt]ly fails4 ,! ?ree fir/ ,gospels be+ ?us quietly assign$ to ! region ( my?s & leg5ds1 & ! f\r? affirm$ to be a =g]y1 x is ass]t$ t contempor>y evid5ce = ! tru? ( ! sup]natural n>ratives ( ! ,gospels :olly disappe>s4 ,:at !n is contemporane\s te/imony to a fact8 ,few p]sons :o actually witness ev5ts compose hi/ories ( !m4 ,!re is sc>cely an acc\nt ( a great battle :i* has be5 compos$ by ! g5]al :o comm&$ 9 x2 & :5 su* acc\nts h be5 publi%$ by p]sons :o 7 actually pres5t1 !y c\ld h witness$ b a small portion ( ! ev5ts :i* !y describe4 ,su* is ! case ) ! great mass ( facts :i* con/itute ! hi/ory ( ! pa/4 ,! *ief actors 9 !m are seldom ! hi/orians4 ,b al?\gh su* p]sons r>ely compose n>ratives ( ev5ts at :i* !y 7 actually pres5t1 yet x is q possible to possess te/imony :i* = all practical purposes is ( equal value4 ,z ,i h already po9t$ out1 su* te/imony consi/s ( hi/orical docum5ts compos$ by p]sons :o liv$ dur+ ! "t 9 "q1 & :o _h ample means ( procur+ in=mation f ^? :o mu/ h kn[n ! tru? ( ! occurr5ces4 ,we possess contemporane\s te/imony ( ! highe/ ord] 9 ! ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,i h already obs]v$ t no docum5ts are ( high] hi/orical value ?an lett]s compos$ by p]sons actively engag$ 9 ! ev5ts to :i* !y ref]4 ,i mu/ n[ po9t out specifically ! importance ( ^! lett]s z hi/orical docum5ts4 ,fir/3 f\r ( ! longe/ ( !m are admitt$1 by e s*ool ( unbeliev]s1 :o h giv5 any consid]ation to ! subject1 to be ! g5u9e productions ( ! ,apo/le4 ,! evid5ce1 bo? ext]nal & int]nal1 ( 8 au?or%ip1 is ( ! highe/ "*4 ,if x is n valid to prove t !y 7 writt5 by him1 all hi/orical c]titude is r5d]$ impossible4 ,!y are ! two to ! ,cor9?ians1 & ^? address$ to ! ,romans & ! ,galatians4 ,_! importance is greatly enhanc$ by _! pres5t+ to u a m di/9ct picture ( ! inn]mo/ life ( ! ,apo/le ?an any o!rs :i* h be5 attribut$ to him4 ,to ^! may be add$ f\r m1 viz4 ! two to ! ,!ssalonians1 & ^? to ! ,philippians & to ,philemon1 :i*1 al?\gh d\bt$ by "s1 are yet fully admitt$ by o!r unbeliev]s1 among :om is ,r5an1 to be g5u9e4 ,! int]nal evid5ce t ! ,epi/les to ! ,philippians & to ,philemon 7 writt5 by ! same p]son :o compos$ ^? to ! ,cor9?ians & ,galatians1 is z /rong z su* evid5ce c possibly be4 ,! :ole =m ( ?\ght is in/9ct ) ! pres5ce ( ! same m9d4 ,nor c ! two to ! ,!ssalonians admit ( any reasonable d\bt4 ,to ^! foll[ ! two to ! ,colossians & ! ,ephesians1 = :i* ! evid5ce is c]ta9ly less /rong2 b ,r5an admits t x greatly prepond]ates on ! side ( _! be+ g5u9e productions ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,altoge!r1 !n1 we h eight lett]s :i* are und\bt$ly 81 & two m :i* are probably s2 in/9ct ) 8 m9d1 & plac+ be=e u a vivid picture ( ! inn]mo/ life ( ! e>ly ,*ur*4 ,secondly1 z to _! date4 ,six ( !m 7 unque/ionably writt5 )9 tw5tyeight ye>s aft] ! crucifixion1 by ! mo/ active ag5t 9 ! propagation ( ,*ri/ianity1 :o _h be5 employ$ 9 ?is "w = a p]iod ( at lea/ eighte5 ye>s previ\sly4 ,let u consid] :at su* a p]iod ( "t really means4 ,tw5tyeight ye>s is ab\t ! p]iod :i* lies betwe5 ! pres5t ye> & ! repeal ( ! cornlaws4 ,:ile "s ( ^? :o effect$ x h pass$ away1 _m ( ^? :o took a mo/ active "p 9 x are /ill liv+4 ,all ! ev5ts connect$ ) x lie )9 ! p]iod ( ! mo/ lively hi/orical recollection4 ,_m p]sons are /ill alive :o c look back ) ! mo/ p]fect rem9isc5ce to ! great ev5ts ( ! anticornlaw agitation4 ,:ile ^! p]sons live1 x w be impossible to encircle ! *ief actors 9 x ) a halo ( my? or leg5d4 ,9 precisely ! same position mu/ multitudes h /ood to ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 :5 ^! ,epi/les 7 writt54 ,! fact is wor?y ( our deepe/ att5tion1 t :5 we read ^! lett]s & ! v>i\s /atem5ts !y conta91 we are 9 ! imm$iate pres5ce ( "s ( ! mo/ important ev5ts 9 hi/ory4 ,al?\gh ,/4 ,paul _h nev] se5 ,jesus himself1 yet 8 age 0 su* :5 he wrote ^! lett]s1 t 8 recollection 0 good = _m ye>s be=e ! comm5cem5t ( ,8 m9i/ry4 ,great numb]s ( p]sons also 7 alive ^: recollections ( ev5ts t occurr$ at a mu* e>li] date mu/ h be5 di/9ct & cle>4 ,) ! e>ly foll[]s ( ,jesus he _h = n less ?an tw5ty ye>s e facility = hold+ communication4 ,is x to be believ$ t a man ^: entire be+ 0 swall[$ up 9 "o cont9u\s sacrifice ( himself to ,jesus ,*ri/1 & :o 0 p5etrat$ ) ! pr(\nde/ love t[>ds ,him1 _h n accurately in=m$ himself ( ! great facts ( ,8 e>?ly life1 :5 dur+ ! la/ tw5ty ye>s he _h enjoy$ e means ( obta9+ in=mation f ,8 foll[]s1 & previ\sly _h inve/igat$ x ) ! ke5 sc5t ( an angry p]secutor8 ,! idea is incr$ible4 ,9 ^! lett]s ( ,/4 ,paul !re=e1 z f> z !y ?r[ light on ?is subject1 we are 9 ! pres5ce ( contemporane\s hi/orical evid5ce ( ! highe/ ord]4 ,?irdly3 ,al?\gh ^! lett]s 7 writt5 )9 s brief an int]val aft] ! ,crucifixion z f tw5tyfive to ?irty ye>s1 yet !y af=d evid5ce :i* c>ries u up to a mu* e>li] p]iod4 ,/4 ,paul's conv]sion dates at lea/ eighte5 ye>s e>li] ?an ! e>lie/ ( !m4 ,8 te/imony !re=e is good z to ! g5]al nature ( ! beliefs ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* dur+ ! :ole p]iod ( 8 m9i/ry4 ,x proves1 among _m o!r ?+s1 ?is allimportant po9t1 t ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/ 0 believ$ by ! :ole ,*ri/ian community1 & =m$ ! gr\ndwork ( ! exi/5ce ( ! ,*ur*1 )9 less ?an t5 ye>s aft] ! crucifixion4 ,b ! ,apo/le's ho/ile connection ) ! ,*ri/ian sect dates /ill e>li]4 ,z a p]secutor he mu/ h asc]ta9$ :at 7 ! lead+ subjects ( ! ,*ri/ian belief1 & mu/ h subject$ ! :ole matt] to a rigid inve/igation4 ,above all1 he c\ld n h fail$ to "k :e!r ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/ 0 or 0 n f its comm5cem5t ! gr\nd ( ! r5ew$ life ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,e consid]ation mu/ h induc$ him :5 a p]secutor to make ?is entire "q ! subject ( a mo/ c>eful inve/igation4 ,no?+ 0 m important ?an t he %\ld asc]ta9 :e!r any consid]able int]val _h elaps$ betwe5 ! ,crucifixion ( ,*ri/ & ! propagation ( ! report ( ,8 ,resurrection2 & 8 means ( asc]ta9+ ! tru? ab\t x mu/ h be5 complete4 ,to det]m9e ?is = c]ta9 w\ld h be5 mo/ important 9 8 "w ( convict+ ! f\nd]s ( ! new sect ( impo/ure2 = if any consid]able "t _h elaps$ betwe5 ! dea? & report$ resurrection1 x w\ld h af=d$ t ( :i* all ! !ories ( unbelief /& 9 ne$1 a suffici5t int]val = ! delusion to gr[ & propagate itself2 or1 if ! belief 0 ! result ( fraud1 = ! imposition to be concoct$ & spread4 ,/4 ,paul's te/imony !re=e af=ds ! mo/ conclusive pro( t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection z a fact 0 contemporane\s ) ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ur*2 t x 0 ! cause ( its r5ew$ vitality2 t no int]val c\ld h elaps$ betwe5 ! dea? ( ,jesus & ,8 report$ resurrection1 suffici5t = ! gr[? ( my? or leg5d1 ! fabrication ( an impo/ure1 or ! gradual spread+ ( ! halluc9ations ( a s+le individual among a multitude ( p]sons4 ,9 "o ^w1 if ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection orig9at$ 9 ! conv]sion ( "s subjective delusion into an objective fact1 x mu/ h be5 "o :i* spread ) incompreh5sible rapidity4 ,^! lett]s also =m ! mo/ conv9c+ pro(1 n only t ! ,resurrection 0 univ]sally believ$ z a fact by ! communities to :i* !y 7 address$1 b t x 0 accept$ by ! individual memb]s ( ^! ,*ur*es f ! fir/ comm5cem5t ( _! ,*ri/ianity4 ,al?\gh two ( ^! ,*ur*es _h be5 plant$ by ,/4 ,paul1 t ( ! ,romans 0 n plant$ by him1 & 0 ( consid]able /&+ :5 he wrote ! lett]4 ,its fame _h spread ?r\gh\t ! :ole ,*ri/ian _w4 ,ev]y?+ 9 ! ,epi/le d5otes t its ,*ri/ianity 0 ( no rec5t gr[?4 ,_m ( ^! ,*ur*es1 especially ! ,jewi% portions ( !m1 c\ld c>ry _! recollections up to a mu* e>li] "t4 ,x %\ld be c>efully obs]v$ t ! int]val ( tw5ty eight ye>s f ! f\ndation ( a sect is a p]iod :olly insuffici5t = ! gr[? ( an h]$it>y & otiose fai?4 ,! majority ( ! memb]s ( ^! ,*ur*es 7 beyond all d\bt actual conv]ts1 :o _h once be5 ei!r ,jews or ,pagans4 ,h[ev] cr$ul\s we may suppose !m to h be51 _! conv]sion mu/ h be5 due to an inquiry ( "s k9d4 ,! %ort p]iod :i* _h elaps$ s9ce ! f\ndation ( ! ,*ur* & ! supreme int]e/ :i* ! :ole ( ! ev5ts & circum/ances mu/ h excit$ 9 ! conv]ts1 7 precisely :at 0 requisite = pres]v+ tradition>y recollections ) ! utmo/ s\ndness4 ,!re c\ld h be5 no d\bt 9 any ( _! m9ds :e!r or n ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection 0 ! gr\ndwork ( _! ,*ri/ianity4 ,!y mu/ h kn[n !re=e :e!r x 0 a /ory :i* _h gradually spread1 or _h exi/$ f ! beg9n+2 or :e!r ! peculi> =m ( x 0 an inv5tion ( ,/4 ,paul2 or :e!r x 0 ! f\ndation ( ! convictions ( ^? by :om !y _h be5 conv]t$4 ,! mann] 9 :i* ! fact ( ! ,resurrection is ref]r$ to 9 ^! ,epi/les proves t ! belief 0 ( no rec5t gr[?1 b _h exi/$ f ! beg9n+4 ,! ,epi/le to ! ,romans op5s ) ^! words3--8,conc]n+ ,8 ,son ,jesus ,*ri/ 444 :o 0 decl>$ to be ! ,son ( ,god ) p[]1 accord+ to ! ,_s ( hol9ess1 by ! resurrection f ! dead40 ,x is impossible t a writ] c\ld h made su* a ref]5ce z ?is at ! op5+ ( 8 lett]1 unless he _h be5 c]ta9 t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection _h be5 accept$ z a fact by ^? :om he address$1 & by ! :ole ,*ri/ian community ) :om !y 7 acqua9t$4 ,b fur!r3 x is utt]ly incr$ible t if ! conv]ts accept$ ! fact ( ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/ z ! f\ndation ( _! ,*ri/ianity1 !y %\ld h cont5t$ly rema9$ ignorant ( ! facts ( ,8 previ\s hi/ory1 at a p]iod :5 !re mu/ h be5 abundant means ( obta9+ an acqua9tance ) x4 ,f\r?ly3 ! value ( ^! lett]s z hi/orical docum5ts is greatly increas$ by ! fact t a /rong _s ( p>ty exi/$ 9 ! ,*ur*es4 ,none are m ready to accept ! fact t ! ,*ur* 0 divid$ into a numb] ( p>ties ?an ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,n only h !y admitt$ x1 b = _! own purposes !y h greatly exagg]at$ x4 ,b x is a weapon :i* c be us$ 9 def5ce ( ,*ri/ianity m efficaci\sly ?an 9 opposition to x4 ,x is cle> on ! face ( ^! lett]s n only t ! ,*ur*es 7 divid$ into p>ties1 b t p>ty_s exi/$ 9 !m ) consid]able viol5ce4 ,x is ne$less = ! purpose ( ! pres5t argum5t to asc]ta9 ! numb] ( ! p>ties into :i* "s ( ! ,*ur*es 7 divid$2 b ^! lett]s1 confirm$ z !y are by incid5tal ref]5ces 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 leave no d\bt t ! opposition betwe5 ,/4 ,paul & ^? :o foll[$ 8 tea*+1 & a p[]ful ,judaiz+ p>ty 9 ! ,*ur*1 0 ( a v decid$ "*2 t ?is p>ty _h a great dislike to ! p]son ( ! ,apo/le2 & t he himself d5\nc$ !m z corrupt]s ( ! fundam5tal pr9ciples ( ! ,gospel4 ,!y make x q cle> t ev5 9 ! ,*ur*es ( :i* he 0 ! f\nd]1 ! ,apo/le 0 f> f hav+ x all 8 own way4 ,judaiz+ tea*]s _h made v consid]able progress 9 ali5at+ ! ,galatian ,*ur*es f him4 ,8 lett] to ^! ,*ur*es discusses ! entire "q betwe5 him & 8 oppon5ts1 :o actually w5t ! l5g? ( d5y+ 8 apo/olical au?ority4 ,9 ! ,*ur* ( ,cor9? also !re 0 a p[]ful ,judaiz+ p>ty1 :o affirm$ t he 0 no true ,apo/le4 ,9 ?is ,*ur* !re 7 also o!r p>ties :o designat$ !mselves by ! names ( p>ticul> lead]s 9 v>i\s degrees ( opposition to ,/4 ,paul4 ,x is evid5t t ^! p>ties mu/ h d]iv$ _! views ( ,*ri/ianity f a s\rce q indep5d5t ( ! ,apo/le4 ,portions ( ! fir/ & n less ?an half ( ! second ,epi/le are occupi$ by ,/4 ,paul 9 sett+ =? 8 claims 9 opposition to ^! lead]s4 ,x is altoge!r a mi/ake to suppose t ^! ,*ur*es 7 dispos$ to accept 8 ass]tions )\t "q1 z equival5t to oracles f ,heav54 ,on ! contr>y1 ,judaiz+ tea*]s habitually foll[$ 8 /eps1 & to "s ext5t succe$$ 9 subv]t+ ! fai? ev5 ( 8 own conv]ts4 ,no?+ c m enhance ! value ( ^! lett]s z hi/orical docum5ts ?an ! exi/5ce ( ?is p>ty_s 9 ! ,*ur*es to :i* !y 7 address$4 ,if ,/4 ,paul _h writt5 !m to none b devot$ admir]s1 z is frequ5tly ! case ) ! lead]s ( religi\s sects1 8 ass]tions might h be5 op5 to grave suspicion4 ,x might h be5 urg$ t su* p]sons 7 ready to accept any?+ & ev]y?+ :i* he affirm$4 ,b no?+ is m ke5ey$ ?an religi\s p>ty_s 9 detect+ & d5\nc+ ! false positions ( an oppon5t1 ev5 :5 x is suffici5tly ready to accept ev]y?+ :i* makes 9 its own fav\r4 ,s /rong 0 ! opposition to ! ,apo/le1 t 9 two ( ^! ,*ur*es1 z we h se51 a p[]ful p>ty exi/$ :o w5t ! extreme l5g? ( d5y+ 8 "r to ! apo/olic (fice4 ,yet ^! lett]s 7 n only int5d$ to be read to ! :ole ,*ur*1 b portions ( !m are directly address$ to ! oppon5ts 9 "q4 ,:at gu>antee ( ! tru?fulness ( /atem5ts c comp>e ) ?is8 ,! ,apo/le's lett]s are op5ly read 9 ! pres5ce ( ! oppos+ p>ty1 be=e ! assembl$ ,*ur*1 *all5g+ !m to impugn 8 /atem5ts4 ,x w p]haps be object$ t we h no record ( ! discussion :i* foll[$ ! read+ ( 8 lett]s1 & ( ! results att5d+ x4 ,! second ,epi/le to ! ,cor9?ians has pres]v$ "s ( ^? results1 ?\gh x is pla9 t an oppos+ p>ty /ill cont9u$4 ,?is ,epi/le is a v /r5u\s attack on !m4 ,! man :o _h ! moral c\rage to write su* lett]s z ! second to ! ,cor9?ians & t to ! ,galatians1 to be op5ly read 9 ! pres5ce ( 8 adv]s>ies1 mu/ h be5 well assur$ ( ! goodness ( 8 cause4 ,common s5se alone w\ld h sugge/$ to him n to make 9 !m /atem5ts :i* 7 sure to receive direct & in/ant contradiction4 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 t c]ta9 po9ts on :i* ^! lett]s make v def9ite /atem5ts mu/ h be5 held 9 common by ,/4 ,paul & 8 oppon5ts4 ,if x _h n be5 s1 x is impossible t ! lett]s c\ld h be5 writt5 9 _! pres5t =m4 ,! ,*ri/ianity on :i* ! two p>ties agre$ beyond all d\bt1 conc5trat$ itself ar\nd ! ,messianic "* ( ,jesus4 ,! lett]s !mselves make ! po9ts on :i* !y disagre$ suffici5tly obvi\s1 c5t]+ z !y did on ! necessity ( obs]v+ ! rites ( ! ,mosaic law 9 ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,b ! ,epi/les conta9 a va/ numb] ( allusions to o!r subjects1 n a few ( :i* are ( a v incid5tal "*4 ,:at is ! only legitimate inf]5ce :i* c be d$uc$ f ?is circum/ance8 ,obvi\sly t ! ,apo/le wrote !m ) ! fulle/ conviction t 8 /atem5ts on ^! subjects w\ld be accept$ by 8 oppon5ts z "p ( _! jo9t belief2 & n only by !m1 b by all ! memb]s ( ! ,*ur*4 ,x is inconceivable t a man ( ! m5tal calibre ( ,/4 ,paul %\ld h writt5 lett]s su* z ^? to ! ,cor9?ians & ,galatians1 ab\nd+ z !y d ) ref]5ces to facts & doctr9es1 if he _h n be5 fully p]suad$ t !y con/itut$ ! common fai? ( himself & ^? to :om he wrote4 ,x is impossible to ov]e/imate ! hi/orical importance ( lett]s l ^!1 :5 9 ?is incid5tal mann] !y conta9 num]\s ref]5ces to facts & op9ions1 & to ! actual controv]sies !n exi/+ 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,! =m 9 :i* !y are made con/itute u almo/ z adequate judges ( _! value z if we 7 able to int]rogate _! au?or4 ,we h him1 9 fact1 9 ! witnessbox be=e u1 & c n>r[ly scrut9ize 8 m5tal "*4 ,!y c leave no d\bt on our m9ds z to :e!r ! allusions 7 incid5tal1 or made = a purpose4 ,! value ( lett]s1 writt5 by p]sons :o h impress$ on !m ! image ( _! own inn] life & "*1 & ref]r+ at ! same "t to curr5t ev5ts & op9ions1 is n[ univ]sally ackn[l$g$ z ! be/ means ( correct+ ! mi/akes & misrepres5tations ( =mal hi/ories4 ,b :5 we take into consid]ation t ^! lett]s ( ,/4 ,paul are outp\r+s ( 8 inmo/ m9d1 int5d$ n only = admir+ fri5ds1 b = scrut9iz+ oppon5ts1 we h be=e u hi/orical evid5ce ( ! highe/ ord]4 ,fif?ly3 ,! ,apo/le pres5ts himself to u 9 ^! lett]s 9 ! fulle/ outbur/s ( 8 he>t4 ,we h ! :ole man be=e u1 intellectually1 morally1 & religi\sly4 ,probably no eight lett]s exi/ 9 all lit]ature1 f :i* x is possible to con/ruct 9 equal fulness ! m5tal portraiture ( ! writ]4 ,n[h]e c we f9d /rong] bur/s ( feel+4 ,he 0 a man ( deep s5sibility1 unit$ ) ! firme/ resolve4 ,8 sacrifice ( self1 & complete fre$om f all selfi% aims1 is exce$$ by only "o "* 9 hi/ory4 ,:o c read ^! lett]s ?r\gh1 & "q ! s9c]ity ( ! writ]8 ,c any "o believe t he 0 n true to 8 convictions1 or t he 0 capable ( delib]ately /at+ :at he knew to be false8 ,if ! facts 7 n z he has /at$ !m1 ! only possible alt]native is t he 0 ! prey ( an halluc9ation4 ,yet 9 e detail ( bus9ess1 & 9 dispos+ ( all practical que/ions1 8 judgm5t 0 ( ! s\nde/ "*4 ,!re is "o rem>kable fact :i* ^! lett]s br+ out di/9ctly1 :i* is probably true ( no o!r man t ev] liv$4 ,! ,apo/le claim$ to decide c]ta9 que/ions au?oritatively 9 virtue ( a div9e guidance :i* he possess$4 ,he gave t decision on two po9ts1 hav+ ! close/ be>+ on ! daily life ( ! ,*ri/ians ( t day1 & :i* excit$ deep consci5ti\s scruples4 ,^! 73 :e!r ! obligation ( obs]v+ c]ta9 days 0 b9d+ on ! ,*ri/ian consci5ce1 & :e!r x 0 unlawful to eat meat :i* _h be5 (f]$ 9 sacrifice to a hea!n god4 ,on ea* ( ^! po9ts he gives 8 own apo/olical decision2 yet 9 ! v act ( do+ s1 he directly enjo9s t ! consci5ti\s scruples ( ^? :o c\ld n acquiesce 9 x %\ld be respect$4 ,c ?is be said ( any o!r man :o ?\ght t he possess$ a sup]natural guidance8 ,en?usia/ic he 02 b 8 0 an en?usiasm :i* did n bl9d 8 judgm5t4 ,he 0 a man1 too1 ( a highly delicate m9d1 yet capable ( us+ a ref9$ s>casm 9 deal+ ) 8 oppon5ts4 ,we h ! :ole man be=e u1 & 8 entire "* r5d]s him a witness ( ! highe/ ord]4 ,z mod]n unbeliev]s refuse to all[ u to appeal to ! ,gospels z hi/orical docum5ts1 x becomes a matt] ( ! highe/ importance to asc]ta9 :at facts 9 connection ) ! orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity & ! beliefs ( ! e>lie/ foll[]s ( ,jesus c be e/abli%$ ) ! aid ( ^! lett]s4 ,unbeliev]s _c dispute t !y are ! au!ntic writ+s ( ! mo/ active ag5t 9 ! propagation ( ,*ri/ianity1 :o has contribut$ m to its p]man5t e/abli%m5t ?an any o!r ( ! disciples ( ,jesus4 ,?is be+ s1 x is impossible to d5y t !y are contempor>y hi/orical records ( ! highe/ value4 ,our oppon5ts dem& contempor>y te/imony1 & we pres5t !m ) ! ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,9 pursu+ ?is argum5t1 x w be my duty to =get t we ,*ri/ians consid] t ! man :o wrote !m _h a sup]natural guidance1 & to use !m z ,i w\ld ! lett]s ( ,cic]o4 ,i w proce$ to exam9e _! te/imony4 ,fir/3 ,x has be5 ass]t$1 ) a view ( weak5+ ! evid5ce ( ! sup]natural portions ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 t al?\gh its writ]s h report$ miracles z wr\ght by o!rs1 n "o ( !m has affirm$ t he himself ev] p]=m$ "o4 ,i reply t ,/4 ,paul di/9ctly affirms t he believ$ he wr\ght miracles4 8,truly10 says he1 8! signs ( an apo/le 7 wr\ght among y 9 all pati5ce1 9 signs1 & wond]s1 & mighty de$s40 7#b ,cor4 xii4 #ab47 ,he "h affirms t su* a p[] 0 possess$ n only by himself1 b by o!r ,apo/les also4 ,! p[] to p]=m 8signs1 wond]s1 & mighty de$s0 0 directly connect$ ) ! apo/olic (fice4 ,aga91 he says to ! ,galatians 7iii4 #e71 8,he t m9i/]e? to y ! ,_s1 & worke? miracles among y40 ,9 ?is ref]5ce he evid5tly means himself1 & affirms t he _h p]=m$ miracles 9 ,galatia4 ,9 ! ,epi/le to ! ,romans he makes ! foll[+ affirmation3 8,= ,i w n d>e to speak ( any ( ^? ?+s :i* ,*ri/ ha? n wr\ght by me1 to make ! ,g5tiles ob$i5t1 by ^w & de$1 ?r\gh mighty signs & wond]s1 by ! p[] ( ! ,_s ( ,god2 s t f ,j]usalem1 & r\nd ab\t unto ,illyricum1 ,i h fully prea*$ ! ,gospel ( ,*ri/40 7,rom4 xv4 #ah1 #ai47 ,"h !n we h ,/4 ,paul's direct affirmation t 9 8 own op9ion1 ?r\gh\t ! mission 9 "q1 he _h be5 9 ! habit ( p]=m+ 8mighty signs & wond]s40 ,aft] ^! passages x is ne$less to quote fur!r4 ,! ,apo/le delib]ately affirms to ! ,cor9?ians & ,galatians t he p]=m$ miracles1 & ! :ole passage makes x cle> t he suppos$ !y w\ld fully recognize ! fact ( 8 hav+ done s4 ,( c\rse ?is affirmation does n prove t !y 7 real miracles2 b x does prove t he & ^? to :om he wrote ?\ght t !y 7 s4 ,n less di/9ct is 8 affirmation to ! ,romans4 ,^! passages fur!r di/9ctly prove t x 0 an accept$ belief 9 ! ,*ur*es :5 ! ,apo/le wrote1 & ev5 at a mu* e>li] p]iod1 t sup]natural manife/ations att5d$ ! e>ly prea*+ ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,x foll[s !re=e t ! inv5tion ( miracul\s /ories 0 n due to a lat] my?ic & leg5d>y _s4 ,?is ! /atem5t made by ! ,apo/le 9 8 ,epi/le to ! ,romans di/9ctly proves2 = he evid5tly consid]$ t he _h be5 9 ! habit ( p]=m+ miracles up to ! v "t :5 he wrote ! lett]1 & dur+ ! :ole c\rse ( 8 prec$+ m9i/ry4 ,also ! affirmation t miracles 7 ! signs ( an ,apo/le1 & admitt$ to be su*1 is a /rong corroboration ( ! /atem5t made by ! ,synoptics t our ,"l 0 suppos$ to h conf]r$ su* p[]s on ! ,apo/les2 & z x is simply incr$ible t any %\ld h believ$ t ,he conf]r$ on ! ,apo/les p[]s :i* ,he did n ex]cise himself1 x c>ries up ! belief ( ! ,*ur* t ,jesus 0 a pr(ess$ work] ( miracles to ! v fir/ ye>s ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,i am q aw>e t ^! beliefs ( ! ,*ur* d n prove ^! miracles to h be5 real ones4 ,b !y d prove t ! belief 9 _! actual p]=mance 0 contempor>y ) ! bir? ( ,*ri/ianity itself4 ,!y !re=e c\ld n h orig9at$1 z ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity are nev] we>y ( assum+1 9 a my?ic or leg5d>y _s2 = my?s & leg5ds require a consid]able "t to gr[2 & x is impossible t !y c encircle an em95t "* ) an unreal halo till aft] ^? :o witness$ 8 actions & p]sonally "k him are sil5t 9 ! grave4 ,b 9 ! case be=e u we h affirmations ( ,/4 ,paul respect+ himself1 :i* put ! :ole app>atus ( my?s & leg5ds out ( ! "q4 ,if !n ?is belief 9 ! manife/ation ( a sup]natural p[] 9 connection ) ,*ri/ianity dates ?us e>ly1 !re are only ?ree modes 9 :i* x is possible to acc\nt = x1 viz4 t x 0 due to delib]ate & consci\s impo/ure2 or t ,jesus & ,8 imm$iate foll[]s lab\r$ "u a delusion :5 !y ?\ght t !y p]=m$ miracles2 or t !y 7 really wr\ght4 ,z no "o n[adays pret5ds to ma9ta9 ! tru? ( ! fir/ alt]native1 we may dismiss x f fur!r consid]ation4 ,b x w be ass]t$ t ,/4 ,paul does n m5tion any specific miracles :i* he consid]$ t he _h p]=m$1 & t 8 /atem5ts are m]ely g5]al4 ,i reply t su* a mode ( /atem5t is precisely :at we %\ld expect to f9d 9 a lett] ( ?is k9d1 & is j ! "o :i* w\ld be adopt$ by a p]son :o 0 satisfi$ t ^? to :om he 0 writ+ 7 z firmly conv9c$ ( ! fact z he 0 himself4444 ,a =mal & di/9ct description ( ! miracles :i* he _h p]=m$ w\ld h be5 q out ( place 9 a ref]5ce ( ?is k9d1 & w\ld h impli$ t d\bts respect+ !m exi/$ on "o side or ! o!r4 ,besides1 ! words :i* he uses embrace all ! diff]5t expressions by :i* ! v>i\s k9ds & aspects ( miracles are designat$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,secondly3 ,^! lett]s also af=d unque/ionable evid5ce t at ! "t :5 !y 7 writt5 bo? ! writ] & ^? to :om he address$ !m1 7 firmly conv9c$ t !re 0 !n actively op]at+ 9 ! ,*ur* a numb] ( sup]natural manife/ations ( a v peculi> "*1 & widely diff]5t f any species ( sup]natural belief :i* has be5 curr5t be=e or s9ce4 ,i allude to ! gifts ( ! ,_s1 to :i* ! ,apo/le has s frequ5tly allud$ 9 ^! ,epi/les1 & ( ! nature ( :i* he has 9 ^? to ! ,cor9?ians giv5 a di/9ct acc\nt1 toge!r ) def9ite rules to regulate _! use4 ,! reason :y he has giv5 u a f> m def9ite acc\nt ( ?is class ( manife/ations ?an ( ! o!r is obvi\s4 ,9 ! ,*ur* 9 "q !y _h become ! subjects ( ambiti\s rivalry1 & "u its influ5ce "s ( !m _h be5 p]v]t$ to p]nici\s uses4 ,! :ole subject is def9itely treat$ ( 9 ! #ab?1 #ac?1 & #ad? *apt]s ( ! fir/ ,epi/le to ! ,cor9?ians1 besides a numb] ( di/9ct ref]5ces to x 9 o!r portions ( 8 writ+s4 ,^! ass]tions on ! "p ( ,/4 ,paul t bo? he & ^? to :om he wrote 7 fully ( op9ion t sup]natural p[]s 7 !n manife/$ 9 ! ,*ur*1 are s cle> t !y require a mo/ c>eful consid]ation4 ,! foll[+ po9ts respect+ !m are prov$ by ?is ,epi/le4 #a4 ,t ,/4 ,paul1 & ! v>i\s p>ties 9 ! ,cor9?ian ,*ur*1 h[ev] mu* !y might disagree on o!r po9ts1 fully believ$ t ^! sup]natural p[]s 7 !n & !re manife/+ !mselves 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,?is belief might h be5 a delusion1 b ! lett] proves beyond d\bt t x 0 ent]ta9$ by ! :ole ,*ur*1 includ+ all its v>i\s p>ties4 #b4 ,t ^! gifts 7 e>ne/ly covet$ by ! v>i\s memb]s ( ?is ,*ur*2 t _m ( !m made a v o/5tati\s use ( !m2 & t /r+5t rules 7 requir$ to prev5t _! use f deg5]at+ into an abuse4 #c4 ,n9e ( ^! sup]natural end[m5ts are enum]at$ by ! ,apo/le4 ,x is n cle> :e!r ! li/ is int5d$ to be exhau/ive4 ,probably x is n2 b x is evid5t t ! writ] int5d$ to enum]ate ! *ief ( !m4 ,!y are z foll[s3 ! gifts ( wisdom1 k1 fai?2 gifts ( heal+ 7 72 work+ ( miracles 7 72 ! gift ( prophecy1 ^? ( disc]n+ spirits2 tongues & int]pretation4 ,?is li/ ( gifts 9 a slightly alt]$ =m is repeat$ no less ?an ?ree times 9 ! same *apt]4 ,!y are affirm$ to be sup]natural end[m5ts1 qualify+ ! possessor = di/9ct functions 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,x is wor?y ( p>ticul> rem>k1 z %[+ h[ free ! ,apo/le 0 f contemplat+ ! subject ) ! eye ( a cr$ul\s en?usia/1 t he di/9ctly ass]ts t !y 7 design$ = a def9ite purpose only1 & t :5 t 0 effect$ !y 7 to cease4 ,a fanatic w\ld c]ta9ly h consid]$ t !y 7 de/9$ to cont9ue = ev]4 ,?is po9t is wor?y ( our deepe/ att5tion4 #d4 ,! exi/5ce ( a m>k$ di/9ction betwe5 ^! gifts is def9itely affirm$ by ! ,apo/le4 ,!y 7 n conf9$ to a p>ticul> ord] ( m51 b 7 spread ov] ! entire community4 ,!y also diff]$ n only 9 k9d b 9 degree4 ,"s ( !m subs]v$ high]1 o!rs humbl] purposes4 ,! reason = :i* !y 7 giv5 0 ! build+ up ( ! ,*ur* into a di/9ctive community4 ,:5 t 0 effect$ !y 7 to cease4 #e4 ,! ,apo/le also mo/ c>efully po9ts out t a di/9ction ( function exi/$ betwe5 ^! v>i\s sup]natural end[m5ts4 ,?is is a v important consid]ation4 ,:e!r we view !m z realities1 or z delusions1 x is pla9 t ?is di/9ction ( function mu/ h po9t$ to "s correspond+ facts well kn[n 9 ! ,*ur*1 at ! "t :5 ! ,epi/les 7 writt54 ,! possession ( "o ( !m by no means impli$ t ( ano!r1 al?\gh ! subjectmatt] ^u :i* !y op]at$ 0 closely ak94 ,?us ! possession ( ! gift ( tongues 7:atev] x may h be571 did n imply ! possession ( ! gift ( int]pretation4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! rules :i* ! ,apo/le gives = ! regulation ( ^? gifts1 z well z 8 /atem5ts respect+ !m1 prove t !y 7 a set ( di/9ct manife/ations1 & 7 possess$ v (t5 by diff]5t p]sons1 & t ! pres5ce ( ! "o p[] by no means impli$ t ( ! o!r4 ,?is mu/ unque/ionably po9t to ! exi/5ce ( a rem>kable ph5om5on ( "s k9d4 ,ev5 if x is suppos$ t ,/4 ,paul & ^? to :om he wrote 7 lab\r+ "u a delusion1 x proves t ! ,apo/le possess$ a p[] ( discrim9ation :i* is n exhibit$ by an ord9>y en?usia/ or fanatic4 ,a di/9ction :i* ,/4 ,paul affirms to h exi/$ betwe5 two ( ^! gifts1 viz4 betwe5 ! gifts ( heal+ & ( miracles1 des]ves special att5tion4 ,t a real di/9ction exi/$ betwe5 !m is affirm$ ?ree times ov] 9 ! same *apt]4 ,bo? ( ^! gifts1 accord+ to our pres5t mode ( view+ ! subject1 w\ld be conf\nd$ "u ! designation ( a p[] ( work+ miracles4 ,b x is cle> f ! ,apo/le's /atem5t1 t he1 & ^? to :om he wrote1 saw an appreciable di/9ction betwe5 !m4 8,to ano!r10 says he1 8are giv5 ! gifts ( heal+ by ! same ,_s2 to ano!r ! work+ ( miracles40 8,b all ^! worke? t "o & ! selfsame ,_s1 divid+ to e man sev]ally z he w40 7#a ,cor4 xii4 #iaa47 ,aga91 9 summ+ up _! relative importance1 he says3 8?irdly tea*]s1 aft] t miracles1 !n gifts ( heal+10 7v]4 #bh72 & aga91 z qualify+ individuals = p>ticul> (fices3 8,are all apo/les8 are all prophets8 are all work]s ( miracles8 ,h all ! gifts ( heal+80 7v]4 #bi1 #cj47 ,n[ al?\gh we may d5y t ^! ph5om5a 7 sup]natural 9 _! "*1 x is pla9 t !re mu/ h be5 some?+ 9 exi/5ce 9 ?is ,*ur* correspond+ to !m1 & ( :i* !y 7 ! suppos$ manife/ation4 ,! ,apo/le & ^? to :om be wrote evid5tly und]/ood "o ano!r4 ,:at ?is di/9ction 0 x is n[ impossible accurately to det]m9e4 ,z ,i h already obs]v$1 x probably _h ref]5ce to a high] & l[] class ( miracles2 ^? :i* 7 9 ! prop] s5se evid5tial2 & ^? :i* might 9 v>i\s degrees h resembl$ ! act m5tion$ by ,/4 ,james1 ! ano9t+ a sick man ) oil 9 ! "n ( ! ,"l1 ! (f]+ f]v5t pray] = 8 recov]y1 & ! gradual cure ( 8 compla9t4 ,su* w\ld belong to a l[] class ( miracles to :i* ,i h else:]e allud$1 z r fitt$ to procure a fav\rable att5tion to ! mission>y ?an = evid5tial purposes4 ,be ! di/9ction :at x may1 & ev5 suppos+ t ,/4 ,paul & ! ,cor9?ians 7 "u a delusion z to _! sup]natural "*1 x is pla9 t "s real diff]5ce1 :i* 0 cle>ly di/+ui%able1 mu/ h exi/$ 9 ! outw>d manife/ations4 ,?is is a fact ( v consid]able importance1 z x proves t bo? ! ,apo/le & ! ,cor9?ians 7 9 a /ate ( m9d 9 :i* !y 7 capable ( ex]cis+ a cle> discrim9ation betwe5 ^! gifts1 :i* is ! la/ ?+ ( :i* vision>y & cr$ul\s en?usia/s ev] ?9k4 #f4 ,^! gifts 7 likewise cle>ly sep>ate 9 respect to ! subject matt] on :i* !y op]at$4 ,! ,apo/le & ! ,cor9?ians suppos$ t !y communicat$ a sup]natural illum9ation ( "s k9d2 b ! illum9ation conf]r$ by "o might leave ! possessor completely 9 ! d>k ) respect to ! special subjectmatt] ( ! o!r4 ,?is is def9itely affirm$ ) respect to ! gift ( tongues1 & int]pretation4 ,a p]son might possess ! =m] & yet be altoge!r de/itute ( ! latt]4 ,!re c be no d\bt t ! same analogy ran ?r\gh !m all4 ,?is is affirm$ :5 ,/4 ,paul ass]ts t all ^! gifts 7 ! "w ( "o & ! same ,_s divid+ to e man sev]ally z he w 7#a ,cor4 xii71 & is impli$ by ! comp>ison :i* he in/itutes betwe5 !m & ! memb]s ( ! human body & _! respective functions4 ,?us3 ! p[] ( see+ furni%es no in=mation 9 matt]s ( s\nd2 nor ! latt] on ! p]ceptions we d]ive ?r\gh ! s5se ( smell4 ,equally functional 7 ^! gifts1 ea* be+ conf9$ to its own prop] subjectmatt]4 ,if ! idea 0 t ! possessor _h an inspiration1 z f> z respects ! subjectmatt] ( 8 gift1 x conf]r$ on him no sup]natural k on matt]s outside its special function4 ,?us a man :o _h ! gift ( tongues might rema9 p]fectly ignorant ( ! int]pretation ( !m1 if he _h n ! latt] gift4 ,"o :o possess$ ! p[] ( disc]n+ ( spirits might h be5 de/itute ( ! p[] ( work+ miracles4 ,"o :o _h ! gift ( prophecy might h _h no illum9ation ) respect to t special k :i* 0 conf]r$ by ! gift ( wisdom4 ,! inspiration :i* 0 suppos$ to be conf]r$ by !m1 conf]r$ no g5]al infallibility--x 0 /rictly functional & did n ext5d beyond ! limits ( ! gift4 ,all ^! po9ts are ( ! highe/ importance 9 an hi/orical po9t ( view4 ,:e!r we ?9k t ,/4 ,paul & ! ,cor9?ians 71 or 7 n1 "u delusions ab\t ?is matt]1 !y cle>ly prove t !re mu/ h be5 ph5om5a ( "s k9d :i* 7 suppos$ to be ! results ( ! gifts 9 "q2 & t ! p]sons :o believ$ t !y possess$ !m ex]cis$ a discrim9at+ judgm5t respect+ !m4 ,x is no less cle> t !y did believe t !y actually possess$ !m4 ,"s ( !m 7 ( su* a nature t x is difficult to compreh5d h[ ! possessor c\ld be "u delusion on ! subject4 ,take = example ! p[] ( disc]n+ spirits4 ,once ! possessor _h x n4 ,aft]w>ds he mu/ h believ$ t he possess$ a sup]natural insight into ! "* ( o!rs4 ,x is difficult to compreh5d h[ a man's consci\sness c\ld be deceiv$ on a po9t l ?is4 ,he mu/ h surely kn[n :e!r )9 a def9ite p]iod ( "t he _h obta9$ an insight into "*1 :i* he did n possess be=e4 ,ev]y:]e 9 ! acc\nt giv5 u ( ^! gifts we seem to be deal+ ) facts4 ,! di/9ctions laid d[n z exi/+ betwe5 !m1 & ! sep>at5ess ( _! functions are truly philosophical1 suppos+ ! gifts to h be5 real1 & 7 ! la/ ?+s :i* 7 likely to h occurr$ to cr$ul\s en?usia/s4 #g4 ,^! gifts admitt$ ( be+ abus$4 ,! possession ( !m 0 n suffici5t to conf] any infallibility 9 ! use ( !m4 ,?is fact is wor?y ( deep att5tion1 n only z po9t+ to ! reality ( ! manife/ations b to ! s\ndness ( ! ,apo/le's judgm5t4 ,if ^! gifts _h be5 m]e inv5tions ( a cr$ul\s imag9ation !y w\ld h be5 repres5t$ z gu>d$ f ! possibility ( abuse by ! sup]natural p[] 9 :i* !y orig9at$4 ,ev5 at ! pres5t day x is a v common idea t ! gift ( inspiration _c possibly be a functional "o :i* is limit$ to a def9ite subjectmatt]1 b t x mu/ conf] a g5]al infallibility4 ,v diff]5t 7 ! views ( ,/4 ,paul & ( ! ,*ur*es to :i* he wrote4 ,! ,apo/le 0 ( op9ion t :5 !y _h be5 once conf]r$1 !y 7 subject to ! control ( ! w1 & capable ( a good or bad use 9 ! same mann] z our ord9>y faculties4 ,8 /atem5t is cle> t 9 ?is ,*ur* !y 7 us$ 9 a mann] little conducive to edification4 ,9 ord] to suppress ?is abuse he adopt$ "s /r+5t rules4 ,no p]son 0 to be all[$ 9 ! congregation to use ! gift ( tongues 7a gift :i* he 0 s f> f und]rat+ t he ?ank$ ,god t he possess$ x m l>gely ?an any o!r memb] ( ! ,*ur*71 unless !re 0 "s "o pres5t :o _h ! gift ( int]pretation4 ,! gift ( prophecy held ! second rank 9 po9t ( importance4 ,yet f ! eag]ness ( its possessors to use x1 confusion arose 9 ! congregation2 & ! ,apo/le 0 compell$ to prescribe rules = limit+ its ex]cise & en=c+ ord] among ! prophets4 ,! m ! acc\nt is /udi$ ! /rong] mu/ be ! conviction t x po9ts to actual ph5om5a1 :i* 7 exhibit$ 9 ! ,apo/olic ,*ur*es2 & t ,/4 ,paul1 9 8 description ( !m1 exhibits ! /ronge/ indications ( a s\nd judgm5t4 ,su* 7 ! ph5om5a :i* ! ,apo/le1 & ^? to :om he wrote1 consid]$ to be sup]natural manife/ations4 ,i obs]ve respect+ !m3 ,fir/3 ,t x is cle> t :5 ,/4 ,paul wrote ^! ,epi/les1 bo? he & ^? :om he address$ 7 fully p]suad$ t c]ta9 sup]natural manife/ations 7 !n habitually pres5t 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,x is impossible to attribute ?is belief to ! pres5ce ( ! my?ic or leg5d>y _s4 ,secondly3 ,x is cle> f o!r /atem5ts 9 ! ,epi/les1 n only t ,/4 ,paul firmly believ$ t he himself 0 end[$ ) sev]al ( ^! sup]natural gifts1 b t he _h be5 ! means ( imp>t+ !m to o!rs4 ,?irdly3 ,if we consid] ! nature ( "s ( ^! gifts1 x is difficult to conceive t a man l ,/4 ,paul c\ld h be5 deceiv$ respect+ _! reality4 ,sev]al ( !m involv$ accessions ( m5tal p[]1 z = example ! gift ( wisdom1 k1 & disc]n+ ( spirits4 ,he mu/ h kn[n t at "o "t he _h no?+ b 8 natural end[m5ts4 ,at a lat] p]iod he mu/ h believ$ t 8 wisdom1 k1 & p[] ( disc]n+ "* 0 increas$4 ,^! mu/ h be5 def9ite facts ( 8 m5tal consci\sness4 ,x is difficult to conceive h[ delusion 0 possible1 :5 9 8 treatm5t ( ! entire subject he displays su* cle> indications ( s\nd judgm5t & common s5se4 ,f\r?ly3 ,x is necess>y to suppose n only t ,/4 ,paul 0 a prey to delusion on ?is subject--if we d5y t ! gifts 7 real--b t a simil> delusion 0 spread ov] ! entire ,*ur*4 ,its individual memb]s believ$ t !y possess$ !m1 no less ?an ! ,apo/le4 ,^? :o possess$ only ! l[] gifts 7 emul\sly desir\s ( possess+ ! high] ones4 ,!y also made an o/5tati\s use ( !m4 ,su* are n ! ph5om5a pres5t$ by en?usiasm4 ,0 x possible t consid]able numb]s ( p]sons %\ld be deceiv$ 9 suppos+ t !y _h acquir$ p>ticul> m5tal end[m5ts ( :i* !y well knew t !y _h be5 previ\sly de/itute8 ,fif?ly3 ,:ile ! ph5om5a "u consid]ation 7 unque/ionably believ$ bo? by ,/4 ,paul & ! ,cor9?ian ,*ur* to be sup]natural manife/ations1 yet x is a sup]naturalism :i* diff]s 9 its entire aspect & "* f any o!r :i* has be5 believ$ 9 by man4 ,we may w&] ov] ! entire regions ( hi/ory & fable1 & we %all fail to f9d any belief 9 ! sup]natural1 be>+ ! smalle/ resemblance to x4 ,x is mo/ def9itely contra/$ ) t :i* has be5 ascrib$ to ! contempor>ies ( our ,"l2 & :i* ,i h consid]$ 9 ! e>li] portions ( ?is "w4 ,:5ce has come ?is mo/ /rik+ contra/8 ,if ,/4 ,paul & ! memb]s ( ! ,cor9?ian ,*ur* 7 a prey to ! sup]/iti\s beliefs above ref]r$ to1 h[ 0 x possible = !m to h consid]$ !mselves to be liv+ 9 ! mid/ ( an atmosph]e :i* pres5t$ s m>vell\s a contra/4 ,! gifts1 if real1 7 precisely suit$ to ! wants ( ! ,*ur*1 = build+ x up into ! great in/itution :i* x became4 ,x requir$ accessions to its numb]s f ! populations 9 ! mid/ ( :i* x liv$4 ,! two miracul\s gifts1 ev5 if !y 7 n evid5tial1 7 fitt$ to draw att5tion to its claims4 ,collect$ z its memb]s 7 f ,judaism & ,hea!nism1 )\t suffici5t means = _! def9ite in/ruction1 ^? :o p]=m$ ?is (fice 7 qualifi$ = x by two gifts conf]r+ v>i\s degrees ( enlight5m5t4 ,!n !re 0 ! prophet1 :o z an inspir$ prea*] exp\nd$ & en=c$ ! tru?s ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,its memb]s 7 illqualifi$ = public (fices1 ow+ to ! l[ condition ( ! society f :i* !y sprang4 ,"h aga9 7 two m5tal end[m5ts to supply ! ne$1 ! p[] ( disc]n+ spirits & ! sup]natural gift ( fai?4 ,all ^! gifts "h enum]at$1 7 ! v end[m5ts suit$ = ! build+ up ( a body ( conv]ts tak5 f su* unpromis+ s\rces1 into ! great society to :i* x spe$ily grew4 ,a new society _h to be =m$ ( a :olly diff]5t "* f any previ\sly exi/+4 ,x 0 design$ to leav5 by new influ5ces ! /ate ( religi\s1 moral1 & political ?\ght out ( :i* x orig9at$4 ,! old social organization met x ) det]m9$ opposition4 ,! problem 0 h[ 0 x to be erect$ on su* a basis z w\ld give x p]man5ce8 ,! ,*ur* ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 to be a new moral creation 9 ! mid/ ( effete society4 ,an ext5sive communication ( end[m5ts1 su* z are ref]r$ to 9 ! ,paul9e ,epi/les1 0 ! v ?+ :i* 0 requisite to accompli% ?is purpose4 ,x came into exi/5ce2 x grew2 x /ruggl$2 x conqu]$2 x subv]t$ ! old =ms ( civilization2 x creat$ new ones4 ,^! are facts :i* require to be acc\nt$ =4 ,! =ces ref]r$ to 9 ^! ,epi/les z 9 active en]gy be=e ! eyes ( ,/4 ,paul & ! memb]s ( ^! ,*ur*es1 7 adequate to h effect$ ?is4 ,)\t "s su* moral creation att5d+ ! fir/ plant+ ( ,*ri/ianity1 ! =mation ( ?is unique society out ( ! v>i\s elem5ts ( :i* x 0 compos$1 & _! weld+ toge!r into an organization in/9ct ) life1 :i* has imbu$ ) its pr9ciples all exi/+ in/itutions1 mu/ rema9 a problem :i* baffles all ! attempts ( philosophy to solve4 ,la/ly3 ,^! lett]s prove on ! highe/ hi/orical evid5ce t a sup]natural p[] 0 believ$ to be manife/$ 9 ! ,*ur* at ! date ( _! composition1 :olly diff]5t f any k9d ( ord9>y curr5t sup]natural belief4 ,?r\gh ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 its exi/5ce c be trac$ up to a /ill e>li] p]iod4 ,two ( ^! gifts1 b two only1 involv$ a p[] :i* we %\ld n[ designate z ess5tially miracul\s4 ,?is be+ s1 ! te/imony ( ,/4 ,paul1 involv+ z x does t ( ! entire ,*ur*1 is express z to ! belief ( contempor>ies t miracles 7 actually p]=m$4 ,we c trace ?is belief up to ! fir/ orig9 ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,if ,jesus 0 believ$ to h end[$ ,8 foll[]s ) ?is p[]1 x is impossible to believe t ,he 0 n suppos$ to h possess$ x himself4 ,^! ,epi/les !re=e are evid5ce t ! e>lie/ foll[]s ( ,jesus believ$ t ,he 0 a work] ( miracles4 ,s f> ! pro( is complete t ! ascription ( miracles to ,jesus & ,8 orig9al foll[]s 0 n due to ! imag9ation ( subsequ5t g5]ations4 ,! c>eful p]usal ( ^! ,epi/les c leave only "o impression on ! m9d ( ! read]1 t he is 9 ! pres5ce ( facts ( an unque/ionably hi/orical "*4 ,,*apt] ,,xix4 ,,! ,,evid5ce ,,furni%$ ,,by ,,! ,,epi/les ,,to ,,! ,,facts ,,( ,,our ,,"l',s ,,life1 ,,& ,,to ,,! ,,tru? ,,( ,,! ,,resurrection4 ,i h prov$ 9 ! la/ *apt] t ,/4 ,paul & ^? to :om he wrote 8 ,epi/les firmly believ$ t a numb] ( sup]natural manife/ations 7 display+ !mselves 9 ! ,*ur* "u _! imm$iate obs]vation1 & t _! pres5ce c be trac$ up to a mu* e>li] date4 ,i h also %[n t ,/4 ,paul ass]ts 9 ! mo/ positive language t he 0 p]suad$ t he wr\ght miracles dur+ ! :ole c\rse ( 8 mission4 ,x is !re=e 9 ! highe/ degree probable t ! s]vant 0 conv9c$ t he did by ! div9e p[] ( 8 ,ma/] t :i* he believ$ t 8 ,ma/] _h accompli%$ be=e him2 9 o!r words1 t he 0 a work] ( miracles4 ,b z x has be5 ass]t$ t ,/4 ,paul knew only ( a div9e1 & sc>cely any?+ ( a human ,jesus1 t is to say1 t he 0 to a great ext5t ignorant ( ! ev5ts ( our ,"l's life1 ,i mu/ inquire :at light ! ,epi/les ?r[ on ?is subject2 = if x c be %[n t ,/4 ,paul all[$ himself to be ignorant ( ! human life ( ,jesus1 x l[]s ! value ( 8 te/imony to ! fact ( ! ,resurrection4 ,! gr\nd ( ?is affirmation is t ! direct ref]5ces to ! ev5ts ( our ,"l's life are few1 & t he *iefly dwells on ! glorifi$ aspect ( x aft] ,8 ,resurrection4 ,! only passage1 z f> z ,i am aw>e1 :i* has be5 adduc$ z prov+ ?is /range position is ! foll[+3--8,he di$ = all1 t !y :i* live %\ld n h5ce=? live unto !mselves1 b unto him :i* di$ = !m & rose aga94 ,:]e=e1 h5ce=? "k we no man aft] ! fle%2 yea1 ?\gh we h kn[n ,*ri/ aft] ! fle%1 yet n[ h5ce=? "k we him no m4 ,!re=e1 if any man be 9 ,*ri/1 he is a new creature3 old ?+s are pass$ away2 behold all ?+s are become new40 #b ,cor4 v4 #aeag4 ,! utmo/ t ?is passage c be made to prove is1 t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/ _h ?r[n an entirely new aspect ov] ,8 human life4 ,! p]sons :o _h witness$ x _h n se5 its true significance4 ,?is is :at ! ,synoptic ,gospels pla9ly affirm to h be5 ! case ev5 ) ! ,apo/les dur+ ,8 public m9i/ry4 ,!y _h witness$ ! ev5ts1 b !y _h fail$ to p5etrate into _! inn] life4 ,?is is :at ! ,apo/le means by 8kn[+ ,*ri/ aft] ! fle%10 i4e4 accord+ to ! uni=m mean+ ( t expression 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ! kn[+ ! ev5ts ( ,8 life m]ely ext]nally1 z s _m b>e objective facts devoid ( spiritual significance4 ,?is he affirms w\ld be ! mode 9 :i* nei!r he nor ! ,*ur* w\ld 9 future contemplate ?is subject4 ,! v words :i* he uses imply t he & o!rs _h _h ?is k ( ,jesus4 ,b su* a k w\ld h be5 impossible )\t an intimate acqua9tance ) ! ev5ts ( ,8 human life4 ,:at he affirms is1 t he w contemplate !m 9 future 9 _! moral & religions aspect4 ,! affirmation t ,/4 ,paul 0 n ?or\ghly acqua9t$ ) ! details ( our ,"l's m9i/ry1 & t aft] 8 conv]sion he 0 simply absorb$ 9 ! contemplation ( a div9e ,*ri/ is incr$ible4 ,:5 we are ask$ to accept a />tl+ proposition1 x is necess>y t x %\ld n (f5d aga9/ ! fir/ pr9ciples ( human nature4 ,t a man l ,/4 ,paul did n make accurate inquiries into ! facts ( 8 ,ma/]'s life is inconceivable4 ,9 8 eyes ,8 human 0 ! manife/ation ( ,8 div9e life4 ,did n ! p]secutor ,saul ?or\ghly in=m himself respect+ ! life & actions ( ,him ^: div9e mission he d5i$1 & :om he believ$ to be an impo/or8 ,0 n ?is ! obvi\s c\rse to take1 9 ord] to enable him to expose imposition1 & to de/roy ! ,*ur*8 ,on ! o!r h&1 ! conv]t$ ,paul 0 animat$ by a m int5se love = ,jesus ?an "o man ev] felt = ano!r4 ,is x conceivable t su* love did n impel him to treasure up 9 8 bosom e rem9isc5ce :i* fell )9 8 rea*1 & to inquire ) ! mo/ pr(\nd int]e/ into ! life & actions ( him :o 0 become ! object ( 8 adoration8 ,is x conceivable t ! man :o 0 incessantly inquir+ into ! condition ( 8 conv]ts1 made no inquiry ab\t ! life & actions ( 8 ,ma/]8 ,! position ( ,/4 ,paul1 ! ard\r ( 8 temp]am5t1 ! fi]c5ess ( 8 opposition1 & ! int5se selfsacrifice ) :i* he aft]w>ds consecrat$ himself to ,jesus ,*ri/1 fall+ into communication z he mu/ ) p]sons :o _h witness$ ,8 e>?ly m9i/ry1 are suffici5t pro( t ! ,apo/le _h us$ e available means ( becom+ acqua9t$ ) ! facts ( ,8 life4 ,b 9 ! ,epi/les !mselves1 al?\gh ow+ to ! circum/ances :i* call$ !m =?1 !y conta9 few direct ref]5ces to x1 ! indirect allusions are q suffici5t to prove t ,/4 ,paul & ^? :om he address$1 7 9 possession ( a numb] ( facts respect+ _! ,ma/]'s life :i* =m$ ! subject ( a common ,*ri/ology4 ,i am q ready to admit t :5 ! ,apo/le wrote1 none ( our pres5t ,gospels 7 9 exi/5ce4 ,! conv]ts _h to receive _! in/ruction orally1 or f %ort writt5 memor&a4 ,b in/ruction ( "s k9d !y mu/ h _h4 ,)\t x1 conv]ts f ,paganism c\ld h kn[n no?+ ab\t ,him to :om 9 ! act ( jo9+ ! ,*ur* !y pr(ess$ allegiance2 ,jewi% conv]ts liv+ 9 ,g5tile cities1 b little4 ,z ,*ri/ianity 0 n a m]e body ( dogmas1 l a philosophy1 b consi/$ 9 direct adhesion to a p]son1 x is cle> t x c\ld n be propagat$ at all )\t at ! same "t communicat+ in=mation respect+ ,8 hi/ory4 ,! e>ly mission>ies ann\nc$ t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/4 ,su* an ann\ncem5t w\ld h be5 mean+less unless !y _h giv5 an acc\nt ( :o ,jesus 01 :at ,he _h done to claim ! homage ( ^? address$1 & :at 0 ! nature ( ,8 (fice4 ,^! consid]ations e/abli% ! fact t an oral acc\nt ( ,8 life mu/ h be5 h&$ d[n 9 ! ,*ur* prior to ! publication ( writt5 ,gospels1 suffici5tly def9ite to con/itute ! ,*ri/ianity ( ! conv]ts4 ,! intimations conta9$ 9 ! ,epi/les prove t su* 0 ! fact4 ,fir/ let u consid] ,/4 ,paul's own positive ass]tions4 ,! mo/ important is 9 #a ,cor4 xv4 8,moreov]1 bre?r51 ,i decl>e unto y 71 ,i rem9d y (1 or refre% y\r memories respect+7 ! ,gospel 7 7 :i* ,i prea*$ unto y1 :i* also ye h receiv$1 & :]e9 ye /&2 by :i* also ye are sav$1 if ye keep 9 memory :at ,i prea*$ unto y1 unless ye h believ$ 9 va94 ,= ,i deliv]$ unto y fir/ ( all 7 1 z matt] ( prime importance7 t :i* ,i also receiv$1 h[ t ,*ri/ di$ = our s9s accord+ to ! ,scriptures2 & t ,he 0 buri$1 & t ,he rose aga9 ! ?ird day accord+ to ! ,scriptures40 ,let x be obs]v$ t ! subject :i* ! ,apo/le 0 "h discuss+ ) c]ta9 memb]s ( ?is ,*ur*--! possibility ( a resurrection ( ! dead--l$ him to ref] to ! fir/ pr9ciples ( ,*ri/ianity z he _h taught !m4 ,!y d5i$ ! tru? ( a mat]ial resurrection4 ,/4 ,paul draws _! att5tion to ! fact t ,*ri/ianity z taught by him consi/$ ( a body ( facts4 ,! foll[+ po9ts are cle>ly d$ucible f ! passage be=e u4 #a4 ,! 1 or message ( good news1 :i* ! ,apo/le _h ann\nc$ at 8 fir/ prea*+ at ,cor9?1 consi/$ ( a body ( facts z di/9ct f m]e doctr9al tea*+s2 & t :atev] doctr9es he taught 7 built on !m z a f\ndation4 #b4 ,among ! facts ( prime importance :i* he ann\nc$1 0 ! dea?1 burial1 & resurrection ( ,*ri/4 #c4 ,he /ates t 9 8 prea*+ !re 7 matt]s ( prime importance1 ( :i* ,*ri/'s dea? & resurrection 0 "o4 ,x foll[s !re=e t !re 7 o!r matt]s ( prime importance1 :i* 8 pres5t argum5t did n require him to notice4 ,?is is obvi\s f ! nature ( ! case3 ! ann\ncem5t ( ,*ri/'s dea? & resurrection w\ld h be5 sc>cely intelligible )\t ! addition ( a great _m o!r facts to give x mean+4 ,b fur!r1 ! ass]tion t !re 7 facts ( prime importance1 implies t !re 7 also po9ts ( second>y importance1 :i* he mu/ h ann\nc$ likewise1 or 9 o!r words1 t ! ,gospel :i* he proclaim$ mu/ h consi/$ ( an acc\nt1 m or less full1 ( ! human life ( ,jesus4 #d4 ,?is acc\nt ! ,apo/le says t he deliv]$ to ! ,cor9?ian ,*ur*4 ,! words imply t he committ$ x 9 a =mal mann] to _! keep+1 z ! gr\nd ( _! ,*ri/ian in/ruction4 ,?is he likewise affirms t he _h no less =mally receiv$4 #e4 ,z 8 /atem5t respect+ ! ,resurrection is some:at m9ute1 ! inf]5ce is1 t ! o!r facts ( prime importance 7 communicat$ ) equal detail4 ,x is also fairly presumable t 9 8 oral communications ! ,apo/le did n give a b>e li/ ( ! appe>ances ( ,jesus aft] 8 ,resurrection1 b a detail$ acc\nt ( !m2 & s ) respect to 8 o!r facts4 ,?is 8 conv]ts w\ld naturally h requir$ him to d1 if we suppose t !y 7 only animat$ by common curiosity4 ,! less important facts w\ld be necess>y to connect toge!r ^? ( prim>y importance4 ,9 %ort1 ! ,apo/le's n>rative mu/ h be5 :at we may call a brief ,gospel4 #f4 ,z ,/4 ,paul /ates t "o ( ! facts :i* he committ$ to ! ,*ur* 0 t ,*ri/ di$ = our s9s1 x foll[s t he mu/ h giv5 an acc\nt ( 8 dea? m or less resembl+ ^? 9 our pres5t ,gospels4 #g4 ,"o ( ! great facts :i* he deliv]$ to ! ,*ur*1 0 t ( ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/4 ,?is is ! great miracle ( ,*ri/ianity2 ! "o to :i* x is expressly affirm$ t ! ,*ur* owes its be+4 ,! ,apo/le's ,gospel !re=e conta9$ a detail$ acc\nt ( "o great miracle4 ,x is also fairly presumable t among 8 o!r facts ( prim>y or second>y importance 7 acc\nts ( sup]natural occurr5ces 9 ! life ( ,jesus4 #h4 ,! ,apo/le does n leave u )\t ! means ( judg+ respect+ ! am\nt ( matt] 9 ^! n>ratives ( ev5ts 9 ! life ( ,*ri/ :i* he committ$ to ! ,*ur*4 ,he has giv5 u 79 #a ,cor4 xi4 #bcbe7 a =mal acc\nt ( ! in/itution ( our ,"l's ,supp]1 q z full z t conta9$ 9 ei!r ( our ,gospels4 ,?is acc\nt he prefaces by ! same words :i* we h already consid]$1 z d5ot+ ! =m or mode 9 :i* he receiv$ x1 & deliv]$ x to ! ,*ur*3 8,= ,i h receiv$ ( ! ,"l t :i* also ,i deliv]$ unto y1 t ! ,"l ,jesus ! same night 9 :i* ,he 0 betray$ took bread2 & :5 ,he _h giv5 ?anks ,he brake x1 & said1 ,take1 eat2 ?is is ,my body :i* is brok5 = y4 ,?is d 9 remembrance ( ,me4 ,aft] ! same mann] also ,he took ! cup1 :5 ,he _h supp$1 say+1 ,?is cup is ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 ,my blood3 ?is d ye z (t z ye dr9k x1 9 remembrance ( me40 ,?is acc\nt v>ies 9 words1 b x is equal 9 m9ut5ess1 & sub/antially agrees ) ^? 9 our pres5t ,gospels2 al?\gh x m ne>ly approa*es1 :ile x is n precisely id5tical ) t ( ,luke1 :o is ass]t$ 9 ! ,acts to h be5 ! companion ( ! ,apo/le4 ,judg+ !re=e by ?is example1 ! hi/orical details :i* ,/4 ,paul committ$ to ! ,*ur* respect+ ! life ( ,jesus mu/ h be5 ( consid]able m9ut5ess4 #h4 ,ano!r fact 9 ! life ( our ,"l is directly ref]r$ to 9 ^! lett]s1 ,8 desc5t f ! family ( ,david4 8,:o 0 made10 says ! ,apo/le1 8( ! se$ ( ,david1 accord+ to ! fle%1 & decl>$ to be ! ,son ( ,god ) p[] accord+ to ! _s ( hol9ess1 by ! resurrection f ! dead40 ,^! words prove t ,/4 ,paul 0 9 possession ( an acc\nt ( ! bir? ( ,jesus1 :i* 9 ?is p>ticul> po9t 0 9 agreem5t ) t 9 ,/4 ,mat!w's & ,/4 ,luke's ,gospels1 & t x 0 kn[n to ! memb]s ( ! ,*ur* at ,rome1 & receiv$ by !m z true4 ,he does n positively affirm t ! bir? 0 sup]natural2 b 8 language cle>ly implies x4 ,x w\ld be absurd 9 speak+ ( an ord9>y human bir? to say t ! p]son born 0 desc5d$ f 8 ance/ors1 8accord+ to ! fle%40 ,! natural mean+ ( su* an expression is t bo? ! writ] & ^? :om he 0 address+ 7 well acqua9t$ ) an acc\nt ( ! sup]natural bir? ( ,jesus1 & accept$ x z true4 ,s f> _! acc\nts & t 9 ! ,gospels agre$ 9 ! ma9 issue4 #i4 ,"o m ref]5ce mu/ be add$3 8,jesus ,*ri/10 says ! ,apo/le1 80 made a m9i/] ( ! circumcision = ! tru? ( ,god1 to confirm ! promises made unto ! fa!rs2 & t ! ,g5tiles might glorify ,god = ,8 m]cy40 ,?is passage n only proves t ! ,apo/le & ^? to :om he wrote 7 9 possession ( an acc\nt ( ! circumcision ( ,*ri/1 b also t !y well knew t ,8 m9i/ry _h be5 conf9$ to ! ,jewi% p1 b ) ! ultimate purpose ( ,8 be+ manife/$ to ! ,g5tiles4 ,9 ^! p>ticul>s x exactly correspond$ ) ! acc\nt giv5 9 our ,gospels4 #aj4 ,!re are also sev]al passages 9 :i* ! ,apo/le directly ref]s to our ,"l's tea*+1 & cle>ly di/+ui%es x f 8 own4 ,^! ref]5ces uni=mly agree ) t :i* is attribut$ to ,jesus 9 ! ,synoptic ,gospels1 & prove t ! ,apo/le & ! ,*ur* 7 9 possession ( details ( x4 ,su* are ! direct ref]5ces to ! life ( ,jesus 9 ^! ,epi/les4 ,b !re are num]\s indirect ref]5ces :i* prove t ! ,apo/le & ^? to :om he wrote mu/ h be5 acqua9t$ ) acc\nts ( ! life ( its ,f\nd]1 :i* w5t into a consid]able degree ( detail4 ,i %all give a few in/ances3 #a4 ,8 prea*+ ( ! ,gospel to ! ,!ssalonians is describ$ z a proclamation t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/ or ,messiah4 ,9 "o ( ! ,epi/les to ?is ,*ur* he speaks ( !m z hav+ be5 s p[]fully influ5c$ t 9 consequ5ce ( x 8!y _h turn$ to ,god f idols to s]ve ! liv+ & true ,god10 & 8z hav+ become foll[]s ( him & ( ! ,"l40 ,among p]sons ?us utt]ly ignorant ( ,*ri/ianity1 z !y 7 :5 he fir/ prea*$ to !m1 x w\ld h be5 impossible to make an ann\ncem5t ( ?is k9d1 or to set =? ! ,messianic claims ( ,jesus1 )\t lay+ be=e !m a great _m ( ! details ( ,8 human life4 ,! expression above quot$1 implies cle>ly t he _h put 8 conv]ts 9 possession ( su* an acc\nt ( ! life ( ,*ri/ z to enable !m to become 8foll[]s ( ! ,"l40 #b4 ,^! ,epi/les conta9 _m def9ite ass]tions z to ! duty ( imitat+ ,*ri/4 8,put ye on ! ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/20 8,z _m z h be5 baptiz$ into ,*ri/ h put on ,*ri/20 8,let e "o ( u please 8 bro!r = 8 good unto edification1 = ev5 s ,*ri/ pleas$ n himself20 8,! ,god ( pati5ce & consolation grant y to be l m9d$ "o t[>d ano!r1 accord+ to ,*ri/ ,jesus20 8,i besee* y by ! meekness & g5tl5ess ( ,*ri/20 8,ye h n s le>n$ ,*ri/20 8,be ye foll[]s ( me1 z ,i am ( ,*ri/40 ,_m o!r simil> expressions might be cit$1 b ^! are suffici5t4 ,fir/3 ,i obs]ve t ! exhortation to put on ! "* ( ano!r is mean+less1 unless ! p]sons s exhort$ 7 kn[n to h be5 ?or\ghly acqua9t$ ) ! life & actions ( him :om !y are urg$ to imitate4 ,! same obs]vation is true :5 we are delib]ately recomm5d$ to make ano!r p]son our example4 ,aga91 ! exhortation to lay ourselves out 9 ef=ts to please o!rs = _! good to edification1 on ! gr\nd t ,*ri/ pleas$ n himself1 w\ld be )\t mean+1 unless ! writ] felt assur$ t ^? :om he address$ 7 9 possession ( facts 9 ! life ( ,*ri/1 :i* exhibit$ ,him 9 ! "* ( a sacrific] ( self4 ,s aga91 ! exhortation to pati5ce1 aft] ! example ( ,*ri/1 is f\nd$ on ! assumption t ^? :om ! ,apo/le 0 address+ 7 acqua9t$ ) details :i* exhibit$ him z a model ( pati5ce4 ,! same rem>k is true ) respect to ! entreaty address$ to ! ,cor9?ians by ! meekness & g5tl5ess ( ,*ri/4 ,!y mu/ h be5 acqua9t$ ) actions ( ,8 :i* exhibit$ ,him z supremely meek & g5tle4 ,^! & o!r indirect ref]5ces =m an indisputable pro( t ! *ur*es to :om ,/4 ,paul wrote mu/ h be5 9 possession ( a v consid]able numb] ( details ( ! human life ( ,jesus1 9 :i* a l>ge portion ( ! in/ruction giv5 to ^? ,*ur*es consi/$4 ,?is imp>ts to !m a f> high] value ?an if !y _h be5 direct4 ,x is ! mode univ]sally adopt$ 9 g5u9e lett]s1 :]e ! writ]1 & ^? to :om he writes1 are freely communicat+ to ea* o!r _! inmo/ ?\ghts4 ,:5 "o p>ty is firmly p]suad$ t ! o!r is well acqua9t$ ) a c]ta9 set ( ev5ts1 !y nev] detail !m =mally1 b simply ref] to !m 9 pass+ allusions4 ,su* allusions are ! /ronge/ possible evid5ce t ! ev5ts 9 "q are ! common prop]ty ( ! writ] & ( ^? :om he is address+4 ,! :ole ( ^! ,epi/les conta9 a cont9u\s body ( ref]5ces to ! v>i\s aspects ( our ,"l's div9e & human "* z x is depict$ 9 ! f\r ,gospels4 ,! ref]5ces to ! =m] are v num]\s4 ,!y conta9 a ,*ri/ianity ( s advanc$ a "* z to resemble 9 all its great features t :i* we read ( 9 ,/4 ,john's ,gospel1 & :i* are only di/+ui%able f x1 if di/+ui%able at all1 by ! aid ( m9ute criticism4 ,i h treat$ ?is subject at l5g? 9 ano!r "w 9 ref]5ce to its evid5tial value1 & !re=e ne$ n discuss x "h4 ,i %all only obs]ve t ! incid5tal ref]5ces 9 ^! ,epi/les to ^! subjects =m ! /ronge/ hi/orical pro(s t ,/4 ,paul & ^? to :om he wrote 7 9 possession ( a suffici5t numb] ( facts respect+ ! life ( ,jesus to enable !m to f\nd on !m a def9ite ,*ri/ology2 & t !re mu/ h be5 well kn[n 9 ! ,*ur*es a g5]al outl9e ( ,8 human life1 :i* mu/ h be5 to _! memb]s z rec5t conv]ts a subject ( ! pr(\nde/ int]e/4 ,i fully admit t if ,paul & ! e>ly ,*ri/ians1 :ile c5t]+ _! highe/ affections on ! glorifi$ ,*ri/1 _h be5 cont5t$ to rema9 9 ignorance ( ! facts ( ,8 human life1 ! value ( _! te/imony to ! tru? ( ! ,resurrection w\ld h be5 greatly weak5$4 ,b ! supposition is n only untrue to human nature1 b is contradict$ by ! facts ( ! ,epi/les1 :i* x is impossible n to admit z docum5ts ( ! highe/ hi/orical value4 ,i w n[ proce$ to exam9e ! evid5ce :i* ^! ,epi/les af=d to ! tru? ( ! ,resurrection4 ,! ref]5ces :i* !y conta9 to ?is great miracle ( ,*ri/ianity are extremely num]\s1 occurr+ 9 "s =m or o!r 9 almo/ e page4 ,%all ,i n say t _! entire cont5ts are writt5 on ! supposition ( its reality8 ,!y are ( ! mo/ direct z well z ( ! mo/ incid5tal "*4 ,!y make x cle> t ! belief 9 x lay at ! f\ndation ( ! exi/5ce ( ! ,*ur*2 t x 0 t :i* 0 suppos$ to communicate its moral p[] to ,*ri/ianity1 & t x 0 ! s\rce ( ! new spiritual life ( e individual believ]4 ,9 ! foll[+ passage ,/4 ,paul di/9ctly pl$ges ! tru? ( ,*ri/ianity on ! reality ( ! fact3 8,& if ,*ri/ be n ris51 !n is our prea*+ va91 & y\r fai? is also va92 yea1 & we are f\nd false witnesses ( ,god2 because we h te/ifi$ ( ,god t he rais$ up ,*ri/1 :om he rais$ n up1 if s be t ! dead rise n1 444 & if ,*ri/ be n rais$1 y\r fai? is va92 ye are yet 9 y\r s9s4 ,!n !y also :i* are fall5 asleep 9 ,*ri/ are p]i%$4 ,if 9 ?is life only we h hope 9 ,*ri/1 we are ( all m5 mo/ mis]able40 7#a ,cor4 xv4 #ad1 etc47 ,:atev] op9ion may be =m$ z to ! g5u95ess ( ! o!r writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 !y give "o consi/5t te/imony t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection 0 coext5sive ) ! ,*ur*1 & con/itut$ ! only gr\nd ( its exi/5ce4 ,h[ c\ld x be o!rwise8 ,! ,*ur*1 z a community1 0 f\nd$ on ! belief ( ! p]sonal ,messiah%ip ( ,*ri/2 a dead ,messiah w\ld h be5 utt]ly wor?less to x4 ,)\t a liv+ ,messiah to =m its c5tre ! :ole sup]/ructure mu/ collapse4 ,! foll[+ are "s ( ! mo/ important po9ts :i* ^! lett]s prove z matt]s ( fact respect+ ! ,resurrection4 ,fir/3 ,t ! belief 9 x 0 coext5sive ) ! entire ,*ur*4 ,x 0 n ! belief ( any s+le p>ty 9 x1 b ( ! :ole community4 ,?is !y e/abli% on ! mo/ indisputable evid5ce4 ,! exi/5ce ( v>i\s p>ties 9 ! ,*ur* 9 direct opposition to ,/4 ,paul proves beyond ! possibility ( contradiction t x 0 ! "o belief respect+ :i* !re 0 n ! smalle/ div]sity ( op9ion4 ,if ^! p>ties _h n exi/$1 x might h be5 urg$ ) "s degree ( plausibility t ! te/imony ( ^! lett]s 0 inconclusive1 because all ! memb]s ( ! ,*ur*es receiv$ s]vilely :atev] ,/4 ,paul *ose to dictate4 ,b z we h already se51 a p[]ful p>ty exi/$ 9 bo? ! ,cor9?ian & ,galatian ,*ur*es1 :o summ>ily reject$ 8 claim to apo/olic au?ority1 ma9ta9+ t ! twelve 7 ! only g5u9e ,apo/les4 ,nev]!less1 ! ,epi/les make x cle> t !y mu/ h believ$ 9 ! ,resurrection q z /rongly z ,/4 ,paul did himself4 ,let u suppose = a mom5t t !y d\bt$ x4 ,h[ is x conceivable t ,/4 ,paul %\ld h address$ to !m su* lett]s z ^? to ! ,cor9?ians1 ab\nd+ ev]y:]e ) bo? direct & incid5tal allusions to x z an ackn[l$g$ tru? & z ! f\ndation ( 8 reason+s8 ,w\ld anyone 9 8 s5ses h ?us expos$ himself to in/ant d5unciation if he _h suppos$ t !re 0 ! smalle/ d\bt respect+ its reality 9 ! m9ds ( 8 oppon5ts8 ,w\ld !y n at once1 if !y _h ent]ta9$ x1 h made %ort "w ) ! ,apo/le & 8 reason+s8 ,b ! po9t is almo/ too cle> to ne$ any argum5t4 ,9 "o ( ! passages :]e he is discuss+ ) !m ! reality ( 8 apo/le%ip he urges z ! f\ndation ( 8 claim to ?is (fice3 8,h n ,i se5 ,jesus ,*ri/ our ,"l80 ,?is reason+ is evid5tly f\nd$ on ! supposition t all ! o!r ,apo/les pr(ess$ to h se5 ,him2 & t none c\ld h a valid claim to ! (fice :o _h n se5 ,him4 ,b ,paul c\ld only h se5 ,*ri/ aft] ! ,resurrection2 & x 0 9 virtue ( an appo9tm5t f ! ris5 ,jesus t he claim$ to hold ! (fice4 ,if !re _h be5 ! smalle/ d\bt 9 ! m9ds ( 8 oppon5ts z to ! reality ( ! ,resurrection1 or if !y _h n be5 p]suad$ t ! ,apo/les1 ^: claims !y set up aga9/ ^? ( ,/4 ,paul1 affirm$ t !y _h se5 ,him also1 ?is w\ld at once h settl$ ! controv]sy & cov]$ ! ,apo/le ) confusion be=e ! assembl$ ,*ur*4 ,b if ?is reason+ requires any additional confirmation1 x is af=d$ by ! ,epi/le to ! ,galatians4 ,! opposition lead]s 9 ?is ,*ur* 7 yet m ho/ile to ,/4 ,paul ?an ^? at ,cor9?4 ,8 d5unciation ( !m is v sev]e4 ,!y are describ$ z 8false apo/les1 deceitful work]s10 & subv]t]s ( ! ,gospel4 ,yet 9 ! v op5+ words ( 8 address to ?is ,*ur* 9 :i* he ?us %>ply d5\nces 8 oppon5ts1 ! ,apo/le writes3 8,paul1 an ,apo/le1 n ( man nor by man1 b by ,jesus ,*ri/1 & ,god ! ,fa!r :o rais$ him f ! dead40 ,is x conceivable1 ,i ask1 t ,/4 ,paul %\ld h us$ su* language1 "u su* circum/ances1 9 address+ ?is ,*ur*1 unless he 0 absolutely c]ta9 t 8 oppon5ts accept$ ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/ z a fact8 ,we %all see h]eaft] t ^! ass]tions & allusions ( ! ,apo/le n only prove t ! ,resurrection 0 believ$ 9 by e section ( ! ,*ri/ian community at ! "t :5 he wrote ^! lett]s1 b t !y enable u to c>ry up ! date ( ?is belief to ! v comm5cem5t ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,secondly3 ,! ,epi/le to ! ,romans sets be=e u ! /ate ( ?is belief 9 a ,*ur* :i* ,/4 ,paul _h n visit$4 ,( ! exact date ( ! f\ndation ( ?is ,*ur* we h no record2 b ! entire cont5ts ( ! ,epi/le prove t x _h be5 9 exi/5ce = _m ye>s be=e ! ,apo/le address$ to !m ?is lett]4 ,! g5]al impression produc$ by x is t ?is 0 "o ( ! mo/ important ,*ri/ian communities !n 9 exi/5ce4 ,we le>n f x t among its memb]s 7 p]sons atta*$ to ! h\sehold ( ,n]o4 ,z ! int]c\rse betwe5 ,rome & ,juda 0 v consid]able1 !re c be no d\bt t ! ,*ur* orig9at$ at an e>ly p]iod1 ei!r by ,*ri/ian ,jews visit+ ! imp]ial city1 or by ,roman ,jews visit+ ,juda & hav+ ?us become conv]t$4 ,at any rate its ,*ri/ianity mu/ h be5 d]iv$ f a s\rce entirely indep5d5t ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,! evid5ce af=d$ by ?is ,epi/le z to ! importance & univ]sal preval5ce ( ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection1 & to its e>ly orig9 is conclusive4 ,! allusions to x are m num]\s ?an 9 any o!r ( ,/4 ,paul's ,epi/les4 ,mo/ ( !m are ( an entirely incid5tal "*1 & _! g5]al nature proves beyond ! possibility ( "q t bo? ! writ] & ^? to :om he wrote mu/ h view$ ! fact z ! fundam5tal gr\ndwork ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! ref]5ce to a few passages w r5d] ?is po9t indubitable4 ,an allusion ( a mo/ incid5tal "* z =m+ ! gr\nd ( ! writ]'s apo/le%ip occurs 9 ! v op5+ words ( ! ,epi/le3 8,& decl>$ to be ! ,son ( ,god ) p[]1 accord+ to ! ,_s ( hol9ess1 by ! resurrection f ! dead2 by :om we h receiv$ grace & apo/le%ip = ob$i5ce to ! fai? among all nations = 8 "n40 ,x is inconceivable t ,/4 ,paul %\ld h ?us address$ a body ( /rang]s1 at ! v comm5cem5t ( 8 lett]1 unless he _h be5 c]ta9 t !y accept$ ?is belief z an unque/ionable fact4 ,besides sev]al ref]5ces 9 ! int]m$iate *apt]s1 !re are ?ree allusions to x 9 ! six? *apt] ( ! mo/ incid5tal "*1 9 :i* ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection is directly connect$ ) baptism1 & affirm$ to lie at ! v f\ndation ( ,*ri/ianity1 & to be ! div9e p[] exhibit$ 9 ! r5ew$ ,*ri/ian life4 8,"k ye n t z _m ( u z 7 baptiz$ into ,jesus ,*ri/1 7 baptiz$ into 8 dea?8 ,!re=e we are buri$ ) him by baptism into dea?1 t l z ,*ri/ 0 rais$ up f ! dead by ! glory ( ! ,fa!r1 ev5 we also %\ld walk 9 newness ( life4 ,= if we h be5 plant$ toge!r 9 ! lik5ess ( 8 dea?1 we %all be also 9 ! lik5ess ( 8 resurrection3 kn[+ ?is1 t our old man is crucifi$ ) him1 t ! body ( s9 might be de/roy$1 t h5ce=? we %\ld n s]ve s94 ,= he t is dead is fre$ f s94 ,n[ if we be dead ) ,*ri/1 we believe we %all also live ) him3 kn[+ t ,*ri/ be+ rais$ f ! dead die? no m2 dea? ha? no m dom9ion ov] him4 ,= 9 t ,he di$1 ,he di$ unto s9 once2 b 9 t ,he live?1 ,he live? unto ,god4 ,likewise reckon ye also y\rselves to be dead inde$ unto s91 b alive unto ,god ?r\gh ,jesus ,*ri/ our ,"l40 ,x is impossible to read ?is passage )\t feel+ t x is conclusive ( ! "q be=e u3 ! :ole community to :om x 0 address$ mu/ h accept$ ! ,resurrection z a fact1 & t acceptance mu/ h be5 contempor>y ) ! v comm5cem5t ( _! ,*ri/ianity4 ,a portion ( ! baptismal rite to :i* !y _h all submitt$ 0 view$ by !m z symbolical ( _! ,ma/]'s dea?3 ! o!r portion1 ( ,8 ,resurrection4 ,8 dea? & resurrection 7 consid]$ by !m z sett+ =? _! cessation f _! old habits1 pr9ciples & "*1 9 :i* !y _h liv$ z ,jews or ,pagans2 & _! entrance into t new moral life into :i* !y 7 br\ght by ,*ri/ianity4 ,! ,apo/le directly appeals to ! recollection ( ^? :om he is address+1 to say :e!r x 0 n a c]ta9 fact t _! entire ,*ri/ianity1 includ+ all its moral influ5ce1 c5t]$ 9 ?is tru?4 ,8 words !re=e c>ry ?is belief up to ! fir/ orig9 ( ?is ,*ur*4 ,!y g1 moreov]1 a /ep fur!r1 & involve ! belief & te/imony ( ^? by :om its fir/ memb]s _h be5 conv]t$4 ,b fur!r3 ! ,apo/le1 ?r\gh\t ?is *apt]1 speaks ( ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/ z be+ ! great moral & spiritual p[] ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! memb]s ( ! ,*ur* _h ent]$ on a new moral & religi\s life4 ,!y _h di$ to _! =m] s9ful habits & practices4 ,!y 7 liv+ to ,god1 & 7 reap+ ! fruits ( hol9ess in/ead ( receiv+ ! wages ( s94 ,t ^! facts 7 true1 ! ,apo/le appeals to _! consci\sness to witness4 ,0 ?is a fact or 0 x n8 ,x w\ld h be5 impossible = ,/4 ,paul to write 9 ?is mann] unless he _h be5 assur$ t ^? to :om he wrote ?\ght s4 ,?is p[] _h = its c5tre ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/4 ,x 0 caus$ by _! connection ) ,him z a liv+ p]son to :om all _! reg>ds 7 due4 ,x is impossible to h /rong] hi/orical evid5ce t ?is belief 0 e/eem$ by ! ,*ur* to be fundam5tal to ,*ri/ianity :5 ?is lett] 0 writt54 ,i %all !re=e only quote two m passages z %[+ ! purely incid5tal "* ( ! allusions3-- 8,:o %all lay any?+ to ! *>ge ( ,god's elect8 ,x is ,god t ju/ifie?2 :o is he t condemne?8 ,x is ,*ri/ t di$1 yea r1 t is ris5 aga91 :o is ev5 at ! "r h& ( ,god1 :o also make? int]cession = u4 ,:o %all sep>ate u f ! love ( ,*ri/80 7,rom4 viii4 #ch1 c47 ,aga93 8,he t reg>de? ! day reg>de? x unto ! ,"l2 & he t reg>de? n ! day1 to ! ,"l he do? n reg>d x4 ,he t eate?1 eate? to ! ,"l1 = he give? ,god ?anks2 & he t eate? n1 to ! ,"l he eate? n1 & give? ,god ?anks4 ,= none ( u live? to himself1 & no man die? to himself4 ,= :e!r we live1 we live unto ! ,"l2 & :e!r we die1 we die unto ! ,"l4444 ,= to ?is end ,*ri/ bo? di$ & rose1 & reviv$1 t ,he might be ,"l bo? ( ! dead & liv+40 ,x is impossible t any words c\ld make x cle>] ?an ^! d t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection =m$ ! c5tre ( ! daily life ( ,*ri/ians at ! "t :5 ! ,apo/le 0 writ+4 ,! ,*ri/ian 0 a man :o 0 consecrat$ to ! s]vice ( ,*ri/ z to a liv+ p]son1 :o _h a "r to 8 supreme reg>d4 ,x is !re=e e/abli%$ beyond ! possibility ( a d\bt t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/ 0 univ]sal 9 ! ,*ur* :5 ,/4 ,paul wrote ^! lett]s1 i4e4 )9 less ?an ?irty ye>s aft] ! ev5t4 ,at ?is p]iod ( "t ! traditional recollection ( x1 accord+ to ! pr9ciples laid d[n by ,sir ,g4 ,c4 ,lewis1 w\ld h =m$ ! be/ mat]ial = hi/ory4 ,all ! o!r writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 :atev] be _! suppos$ date1 give a uni=m te/imony 9 complete agreem5t ) ?is4 ,"o ( !m dem&s a special notice--! book ( ,revelation4 ,unbeliev]s d n dispute t ?is is a contemporane\s docum5t1 ! "w ( ! ,apo/le ,john1 & freely use x to support _! own !ories z to ! int5sity ( ! opposition betwe5 ! ,jewi% ,apo/les & ,/4 ,paul4 ,i am q s5sible t a book :i* is pr(ess$ly an apocalypse mu/ be us$ ) caution z an hi/orical docum5t1 or we may fall into num]\s errors 9 draw+ inf]5ces f obscure allusions conta9$ 9 visions4 ,b if !re is "o po9t m ?an ano!r :i* ?is book makes cle>1 x is ! /r5g? ( ! au?or's belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus4 ,! frequ5t allusions to x1 & to ,jesus z be+ ! ,*ri/1 put ?is beyond all dispute4 ,we h "h ! te/imony ( a book :i* unbeliev]s concur 9 consid]+ to h be5 compos$ n lat] ?an a ye> aft] ! dea? ( ,n]o1 & all[ x to be ! "o solit>y writ+ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t compos$ by "o ( ! twelve ,apo/les4 ,accord+ to ! op9ions ( ! oppon5ts ( ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels1 ,/4 ,john 0 ! mo/ ,judaiz+ ( ! orig9al apo/les ( ,*ri/4 ,( ?is !y ?9k t !y disc]n v di/9ct traces 9 ! book ( ,revelation4 ,8 opposition to ,/4 ,paul 0 9 _! op9ion extreme2 & !y ?9k t he is actually ref]r$ to 9 ! second & ?ird *apt]s z tea*+ ! ,jewi% ,*ri/ians to apo/atize4 ,to discuss ! tru? or falsehood ( ^! op9ions c =m no portion ( ! pres5t "w2 b x is pla9 t 9 ei!r case we _c h a m unexceptionable witness4 ,if ^! views are correct1 ! ,apo/le may be consid]$ z ! spokesman ( ! ,jewi% ,*ri/ians4 ,at any rate he 0 "o ( ! orig9al foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,n[ !re is no book 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t :i* te/ifies m /rongly to ! complet5ess ( ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/1 & ( ,8 cont9u$ ,messianic life 9 ! heav5ly _w4 ,! writ] _h conv]s$ ) ,him be=e ,8 crucifixion4 ,! vision is to a consid]able ext5t a description ( ,8 resurrection life4 ,?is te/imony alone c>ries ) x ! belief ( ! primitive ,*ur* at ,j]usalem1 & proves t on ?is po9t at lea/ !y & ,/4 ,paul 7 at "o4 ,?is 8 ,epi/les place beyond ! possibility ( "q4 ,! p>ties 9 opposition 7 beyond all d\bt ,judaiz+ ,*ri/ians4 ,accord+ to ^? aga9/ :om ,i am reason+1 !y repres5t$ ! op9ions & claim$ to act "u ! au?ority ( ,/4 ,james & ! ,*ur* at ,j]usalem4 ,b z ^! ,judaiz+ tea*]s 7 at "o ) ,paul ab\t ! fact ( ! ,resurrection1 x foll[s t ! lead]s ( t ,*ur* concurr$ ) him 9 op9ion also4 ,if _! opposition 0 z /r5u\s z has be5 atte/$1 if !re _h be5 any diff]5ce betwe5 ,/4 ,paul & ! twelve on s fundam5tal a po9t1 x is impossible t !y c\ld h avoid$ adduc+ x to ! ,apo/le's prejudice4 ,! /r5g? ( ,/4 ,paul's assurance1 t !re 0 no div]sity ( op9ion 9 ! ,*ur* respect+ ?is fact is rem>kably illu/rat$ by a passage 9 #a ,cor4 xv4 ,_h x n be5 s1 8 reason+ w\ld h be5 simply absurd4 ,!re 7 p]sons 9 t ,*ur* :o d5i$ ! fact ( a future ,resurrection4 ,yet !y mu/ h admitt$ ! tru? ( ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/4 ,?is is cle> f ! foll[+ words3--8,if !re be no resurrection ( ! dead1 !n is ,*ri/ n ris540 ,! reply to ?is argum5t is s obvi\s t x c\ld n h escap$ ! dulle/ appreh5sion2 if ^? :o d5i$ ! reality ( a future resurrection ( ! dead _h ent]ta9$ ! smalle/ d\bt z to ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/1 !y w\ld h _h no?+ to d b to affirm t ! fact 0 d\btful1 & ! :ole argum5t w\ld fall to pieces4 ,on ! contr>y1 h[ev]1 ,/4 ,paul ?\ght t !y 7 s fully p]suad$ ( ! tru? ( ,*ri/'s ,resurrection1 t he c\ld safely use ! fact to prove ! possibility ( t future resurrection :i* !y d5i$4 ,x is cle>1 t unless ! belief 0 ( ! firme/ "*1 no logical position c\ld be m dang]\s ?an ?is l9e ( argum5t4 ,! ,epi/le to ! ,romans e/abli%es ! same conclusion4 ,! belief ( ?is ,*ur* 9 ! ,resurrection z ! fundam5tal fact ( ,*ri/ianity c be trac$ up1 z ,i h already obs]v$1 n only to ! comm5cem5t ( _! own ,*ri/ianity1 :i* 0 palpably ( _m ye>s' /&+1 b ev5 to ! bir? ( ,*ri/ianity itself4 ,( ?is1 "o brief incid5tal allusion (f]s decisive pro(3 8,salute10 says ,/4 ,paul1 8,&ronicus & ,junia1 my k9sm51 & my fell[prison]s1 :o 7 ( note among ! ,apo/les1 :o 7 also 9 ,*ri/ be=e me40 ,?is passage makes ! foll[+ po9ts cle>4 ,&ronicus & ,junia 7 conv]t$ to ,*ri/ianity be=e ,/4 ,paul1 i4e4 )9 less ?an t5 ye>s f ! date ( ! ,crucifixion4 ,!y mu/ !re=e h be5 memb]s ( ! ,j]usalem ,*ur*4 ,!y 7 ( note among ! ,apo/les4 ,?is expression _c mean less ?an t !y 7 highly e/eem$ by ! orig9al twelve1 & by ! lead]s ( ! ,*ur* at ,j]usalem4 ,yet ! ,apo/le wrote ?is ,epi/le 9 ! fulle/ confid5ce t !y w\ld accept 8 ,*ri/ology1 includ+ 8 acc\nt ( ! ,resurrection4 ,?is proves t bo? !y & ! ,*ur* at ,j]usalem1 includ+ all its *ief lead]s1 accept$ ! ,resurrection z a fact )9 a v %ort int]val aft] its suppos$ date4 ,b x does m3 x proves t its importance z vital to ,*ri/ianity 0 fully recogniz$2 or1 9 o!r words1 x proves t ! belief mu/ h be5 contemporane\s ) ! orig9 ( ! ,*ur*4 ,equally decisive is ! pro( af=d$ by ! ,epi/le to ! ,galatians4 ,x m5tions two visits :i* ! writ] made to ,j]usalem4 ,"o 9 :i* he paid ,pet] a visit ( fifte5 days1 dur+ :i* "t he communicat$ ) ,james4 ,on ! second occasion he w5t up to ,j]usalem z a memb] ( an embassy f ! ,*ur* at ,antio*1 = ! purpose ( settl+ po9ts "u dispute betwe5 ! ,jewi% & ,g5tile conv]ts4 ,on ?is occasion he tells u t he _h a =mal int]view ) ! lead]s ( ! ,jewi% ,*ur*1 ( :i* ,pet]1 ,james1 & ,john 7 e/eem$ ! pill>s4 ,he expressly in=ms u t he communicat$ to !m ! lead+ po9ts ( ! ,gospel :i* he prea*$ among ! ,g5tiles2 & t he receiv$ f !m ! "r h& ( fell[%ip1 :i* c only mean t !y sanction$ 8 views & fundam5tal pr9ciples4 ,x is true t ! ,resurrection is n expressly m5tion$ z "o ( ^!2 b x is impossible t ! /atem5t t he communicat$ 8 ,gospel to !m c be true1 if ?is 0 n "o ( ! facts :i* he imp>t$ to !m4 ,x is a v important fact1 & wor?y ( special notice1 t 9 ! acc\nt giv5 9 ! ,epi/le to ! ,cor9?ians ( ! appe>ances ( ,jesus aft] ,8 ,resurrection1 ,/4 ,paul expressly affirms t ! ris5 ,jesus 0 se5 by ,pet] & by ,james2 ! latt] appe>ance be+ m5tion$ n[h]e else3 & ! =m] only ref]r$ to 9 ! exclamation :i* greet$ ,cleopas & 8 companion on _! return f ,emmaus4 ,x seems1 !re=e1 morally c]ta9 t ,/4 ,paul _h he>d an acc\nt ( ^! two appe>ances f ! ,apo/les 9 "q4 ,if s1 x br+s u directly into contact ) two ( ! mo/ important ( ! apo/olic body1 :o mu/ h believ$ t !y _h actually se5 him4 ,respect+ ! belief ( ,/4 ,john1 ! ?ird pill> ( ! ,*ur* at ,j]usalem1 ! te/imony ( ! book ( ,revelation leaves no room = d\bt4 ,^! writ+s enable u to affirm t ?ree ( ! orig9al ,apo/les believ$ t !y _h se5 ,jesus1 ris5 f ! dead4 ,x is evid5t1 !re=e1 t ?is br+s u into ! pres5ce ( hi/orical evid5ce ( ! fir/ ord]1 q indep5d5tly ( ! affirmations ( ! ,gospels4 ,if ! fir/ ,epi/le ( ,/4 ,pet] is g5u9e 7& !re is no?+ b surmises & priori assumptions ab\t ! opposition ( 8 views to ^? ( ,/4 ,paul on :i* ! d\bts respect+ its g5u95ess are bas$7 !n we h ! affirmation ( ! fulness ( 8 belief 9 ! ,resurrection "u 8 own h&4 ,besides ! /rong ext]nal te/imony t x 0 writt5 by ,/4 ,pet]1 !re is "o pro( ( its g5u95ess :i* is almo/ conclusive1 & to :i* suffici5t weight has n be5 atta*$ by ei!r ! def5d]s or ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,x is h>dly possible to read ?is ,epi/le c>efully )\t feel+ t ! writ] ( x is ! same man z ! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels2 ! "o be+ sep>at$ f ! o!r by a consid]able int]val ( "t2 ! ,pet] ( ! ,epi/le be+ 9 fact a mell[$ =m ( ! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels4 ,b ?is has n only a direct be>+ on ! evid5ce ( ! ,resurrection1 b also a mo/ important "o1 :i* ,i %all notice h]eaft]1 on ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels !mselves4 ,"o m writ+ ( ! ,new ,te/am5t mu/ be allud$ to1 because :oev] 0 its au?or x belongs to a s*ool ( ?\ght di/9ct f ! o!r writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,i ne$ h>dly say t ,i allude to ! ,epi/le to ! ,hebrews4 ,! te/imony ( ?is writ+ to ! fact t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus 0 fundam5tal to ,*ri/ianity is no less decisive2 x n only proves :at 7 ! individual op9ions ( ! writ]1 b ( ! s*ool ( ,*ri/ian ?\ght = :om x 0 int5d$4 ,x af=ds abundant pro( t ! writ] knew t _! op9ions on ! subject 7 entirely 9 accordance ) 8 own4 ,i h n[ %[n on ! /ronge/ hi/orical evid5ce t x is impossible t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection c h gr[n up sl[ly & only succe$$ 9 gradually e/abli%+ itself4 ,on ! contr>y1 ,i h prov$ t x 0 coeval ) ! bir? ( ! ,*ur*1 & t x =m$ ! "o sole gr\nd ( its exi/5ce4 ,i h also prov$ t ! belief 9 x 0 univ]sal1 & t x 0 accept$ by ! entire ,*ri/ian community )\t di/9ction ( p>ty2 & t _! belief c be trac$ up z ! sole cause ( ! r5ew$ life ( ! ,*ur* aft] ! crucifixion4 ,i %all consid] 9 ! foll[+ *apt] ! be>+ ( ^! facts on ! tru? ( ! ,resurrection1 & %[ t ! facts be=e u are inconsi/5t ) any o!r supposition b t ( its objective occurr5ce1 & t x is impossible to acc\nt = x by any !ory :i* endeav\rs to expla9 x on ! supposition t ! belief orig9at$ 9 ! cr$ulity & en?usiasm ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,,*apt] ,,xx4 ,,! ,,resurrection ,,( ,,jesus ,,*ri/ ,,an ,,hi/orical ,,fact4 ,i h prov$ 9 ! prec$+ *apt]1 on ! te/imony ( ! highe/ ord] ( hi/orical evid5ce3-- #a4 ,t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus 0 univ]sal 9 ! ,*ur* :5 ,/4 ,paul wrote ^! ,epi/les4 #b4 ,t ?is belief 0 held by e section 9 ! ,*ur*1 by ! /ronge/ oppon5ts no less ?an by ! admir+ fri5ds ( ,/4 ,paul4 #c4 ,t ! ,*ur*es hold+ ?is belief 7 sep>at$ f ea* o!r by a wide geographical area1 & consi/$ ( a great div]sity ( "*1 !reby af=d+ ! greate/ ob/acle to ! spread+ ( an absurd /ory4 #d4 ,t ^! ,*ur*es did n m]ely accept ! ,resurrection z a b>e fact1 b t !y consid]$ t _! exi/5ce z communities 0 bas$ on its tru?4 #e4 ,t !y view$ ! fact ( ! ,resurrection n only z ! great bond ( union1 b z ! s\rce ( ! moral p[] ( ! ,*ri/ianity :i* !y pr(ess$1 & fully believ$ t _! acceptance ( x _h ex]cis$ a mighty influ5ce 9 turn+ !m f ! l[ & debas+ pursuits ( _! previ\s life4 #f4 ,t _! belief 9 ! ,resurrection 0 closely b\nd up ) all ! pursuits ( _! daily life4 #g4 ,t ^! ,epi/les n only af=d indisputable pro( t ?is /ate ( ?+s exi/$ 9 ! ,*ur*es )9 less ?an tw5tyeight ye>s aft] ! crucifixion1 b !y no less cle>ly %[ t ! e>lie/ ,*ri/ian communities1 su* z ! ,*ur*es ( ,antio* & ,j]usalem1 ent]ta9$ simil> beliefs4 #h4 ,t x is an unque/ionable hi/orical fact t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection 0 coeval ) ! re/or$ life ( ! ,*ur* :i* _h be5 ext+ui%$ by ! crucifixion4 #i4 ,t ! ?ree pill> ,apo/les ( ! ,*ur* ( ,j]usalem believ$ t !y _h se5 ,jesus aft] ,8 ,resurrection1 & t ! entire body ent]ta9$ a simil> op9ion4 #aj4 ,t z late z ,a4,d4 #eg or #eh m ?an #bej p]sons 7 /ill liv+ :o believ$ t !y _h se5 ,jesus aft] ,8 ,resurrection2 & t orig9ally m ?an five hundr$ p]sons ent]ta9$ a simil> p]suasion4 ,su* are pla9 facts ( hi/ory4 ,! "q n[ be=e u is1 h[ are !y to be acc\nt$ =8 ,only ?ree possible alt]natives pres5t !mselves4 ,ei!r3 ,"s ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus mu/ h fanci$ t !y saw ,him ris5 f ! dead1 & h communicat$ ?is delusion to ! re/4 ,or3 ,t ,he did n actually die1 :5 ,he 0 suppos$ to h done s2 & t ,8 subsequ5t appe>ance1 :5 p>tially recov]$1 0 mi/ak5 = a resurrection4 ,or3 ,t ,he rose f ! dead 9 v]itable reality1 & 0 se5 by ,8 foll[]s1 & conv]s$ ) !m4 ,i omit ano!r possible supposition1 t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection 0 due to a delib]ate fraud1 because no "o capable ( appreciat+ moral or hi/orical evid5ce v5tures to affirm x4 ,! idea t ! greate/ & pure/ ( human in/itutions c owe its orig9 to a delib]ate impo/ure is a libel on human nature4 ,ar\nd "o or o!r ( ^! alt]natives ! conte/ lies4 ,x is useless to attempt to becl\d ! "q ) a numb] ( b>r5 & indef9ite g5]alities1 su* z my?s & leg5ds1 vague *>ges ( en?usiasm1 fanaticism1 & cr$ulity1 or g5]al ass]tions ( developm5ts br\ght ab\t by a succession ( compromises betwe5 ho/ile p>ties4 ,we are "h 9 ! pres5ce ( /]n hi/orical facts1 :i* require a cle> & def9ite solution4 ,! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* exi/s z a fact4 ,we c trace x up to its fir/ orig94 ,x ass]ts t its exi/5ce is due to ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & to no?+ else4 ,if unbeliev]s affirm t ! fact is false1 !y are b\nd to (f] "s !ory :i* is true to human nature1 & lies )9 ! possibilities ( ?+s1 to %[ u h[ ?is belief orig9at$1 & h[ x 0 able to consolidate ! life ( ?is new community4 ,! idea t ! greate/ moral p[] :i* has ev] appe>$ among mank9d has _h no o!r orig9 ?an a baseless delusion is supremely melan*oly4 ,t ,*ri/ianity has be5 su* a moral p[] w be disput$ by few2 & a l>ge numb] ( unbeliev]s w all[ t not)/&+ ! faults :i* !y attribute to x1 no?+ has equally contribut$ to ! civilization & elevation ( ! race4 ,yet if x be a delusion1 x mu/ be recognis$ z su*1 & we mu/ submit to our h>d fate4 ,/ill x is a t]rible proposition to realize1 t ! noble/ ( human in/itutions has orig9at$ 9 a lie1 ev5 if x be "o :i* 0 n delib]ately int5d$ z su*4 ,x is evid5t t h[ev] great may be ! g5]al cr$ulity ( mank9d1 x is a v difficult matt] to get any numb] ( m5 to accept z a fact ! ass]tion t a p]son :o has actually di$ has return$ aga9 to bodily life4 ,su* a belief w only be effect$ by ! production ( evid5ce :i*1 if n true1 is at all ev5ts 9 ! highe/ degree plausible4 ,?is1 z ,i h already obs]v$1 is fully e/abli%$ by ! hi/ory ( ! pa/1 = h[ev] num]\s ! n>ratives ( m>vell\s occurr5ces may be1 :e!r 9 hi/ories or fictions1 x is next to impossible to f9d reports ( beliefs 9 ! actual occurr5ce ( a resurrection1 or ev5 9 ! possibility ( "o prior to t ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,n[ ,/4 ,paul's conv]sion _c be dat$ lat] ?an )9 t5 ye>s ( ! crucifixion2 mo/ probably x 0 e>li]4 ,x is cle> t1 prior to 8 conv]sion1 communities ( ,jewi% ,*ri/ians mu/ h exi/$ 9 consid]able numb]s--9 su* numb]s1 9 fact1 z to raise 8 wra? & indignation to ! highe/ po9t4 ,! _s ( p]secution is ar\s$ by a s5se ( dang]4 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 f ! fact ( ! p]secution1 t ! p]sons 9 p[] saw dang] f ! progress ( ! new sect1 & t its numb]s mo/ h be5 consid]able4 ,f ,/4 ,paul's te/imony1 x is also c]ta9 t ,*ri/ianity _h spread at lea/ to "o place beyond ,juda4 ,! inf]5ce1 !re=e1 seems irresi/ible t 9 ! p]iod :i* elaps$ betwe5 ! crucifixion & ,/4 ,paul's conv]sion1 ! numb] ( ! believ]s 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus _h increas$ to sev]al ?\s&s4 ,^?1 !re=e1 aga9/ :om ,i am reason+1 _c help admitt+ t an int]val ( eight or t5 ye>s is a v %ort "o = ! conv]sion ( su* a l>ge numb] ( p]sons to ! belief t a man :o _h be5 publicly execut$1 9 ! v city 9 :i* _m ( !m liv$1 _h be5 re/or$ to life4 ,x is impossible t ?is belief c\ld h be5 ent]ta9$ by only a few solit>y individuals :o treasur$ x up secretly 9 _! bosoms4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! conditions ( ! case prove t x mu/ h spread rapidly4 ,x 0 n suffici5t = ! creation ( ! ,*ur* t a few solit>y en?usia/s %\ld believe t _! ,ma/] 0 ris5 f ! dead1 b x 0 necess>y t ! ,society1 :i* ,jesus _h =m$ 9 8 life"t1 %\ld be imm$iately reorganiz$ on ! basis ( ?is belief4 ,! belief 9 ! ,messiah%ip ( ,jesus con/itut$ ! orig9al bond ( union4 ,a dead ,messiah 01 9 ! eyes ( a ,jew1 an absurdity2 /ill m s "o :o _h be5 publicly crucifi$4 ,) ! dea? ( ,jesus1 !re=e1 ! bond ( union among ,8 foll[]s mu/ h be5 sev]$4 ,unless ! ,*ur* 0 to p]i% 9 ,8 grave1 x 0 absolutely necess>y t x %\ld be recon/ruct$ on ! basis ( ,8 r5ew$ life4 ,! sl[ness ) :i* any l>ge numb] ( ev5 cr$ul\s p w accept ! fact ( a resurrection f ! dead1 mu/ h =m$ an ob/acle1 ! =ce ( :i* x is impossible to ov]e/imate4 ,yet ! "w 0 done1 &1 )9 a p]iod ( sev5 or eight ye>s1 ! belief _h spread s widely t its adh]5ts c\ld be numb]$ by ?\s&s4 ,! tru? ( ! ,resurrection1 f\nd$ on ! direct te/imony ( a consid]able numb] ( p]sons :o _h _h suffici5t opportunity ( te/+ x by ! evid5ce ( _! s5ses1 w\ld fully acc\nt = ! rapid gr[? ( ! belief4 ,if1 h[ev]1 x orig9at$ 9 ! bra9 ( "o or two craz$ fanatics1 if ! belief ( s prodigi\s an ev5t c\ld propagate itself at all1 a consid]able int]val ( "t 0 absolutely necess>y = its do+ s4 ,! memory ( ! ,crucifixion 0 fre% & rec5t4 ,:at w\ld h be5 ! natural effect ( ann\nc+ ! fact ( ,8 ,resurrection8 ,incr$ulity6 ,:at has become ( ,8 body8 ,:y does ,he n appe> to ,8 =m] fri5ds8 ,! /rang5ess ( ! ev5t mu/ h prompt$ ev5 ! mo/ cr$ul\s to make "s inquiry ab\t ! matt]1 & ! inquiry mu/ h dissipat$ ! delusion4 ,su* a belief c\ld only readily propagate itself aft] rec5t memories _h gr[n dim1 & a long int]val ( "t _h elaps$1 suffici5t = ! ,f\nd] ( ,*ri/ianity to become surr\nd$ ) a halo ( imag9>y glory4 ,let u n[ consid] ! position 9 :i* ! foll[]s ( ,jesus mu/ h f\nd !mselves on ! night ( ! ,crucifixion1 & dur+ ! foll[+ days4 ,_! hopes _h be5 bas$ on ,him z ! ,messiah1 :o 0 to reign 9 ! k+dom promis$ by ! prophets2 & !y expect$ important places 9 t k+dom z ! rew>d ( _! fidelity4 ,^! hopes mu/ h be5 annihilat$4 ,! ,messiah :om !y expect$ to reign _h p]i%$ at ! h&s ( ,8 enemies4 ,:at 0 to be hop$ = m8 ,_m c\ld n help ?9k+ t he _h be5 a selfdeceiv]1 if n an impo/or4 ,0 !re any gr\nd = hop+ t ,he c\ld be rais$ f ! dead8 ,_m ( ! prophets ( ! anci5t ,*ur* _h p]i%$ by ! au?ority ( =m] gov]nm5ts1 or by ! viol5ce ( ! mob4 ,b ,god _h nev] int]f]$ to v9dicate ! cause ( "o ( !m by rais+ him f ! dead4 ,! utmo/ t ,he _h done 0 to raise up "s new prophet to take 8 place4 ,b ?is man 0 m ?an a prophet--he 0 ! ,messiah4 ,did n all ! old prophets promise ,him a k+dom & a glory & a mighty triumph8 ,yet ,he _h be5 cut (f by ,8 enemies1 in/ead ( triumph+ ov] !m2 & ,8 dead body 0 sil5t 9 ! grave4 ,any h9t t ! ,gospels allege ,jesus to h giv5 ,8 foll[]s ( ,8 own ,resurrection is1 accord+ to ! !ory ( ^? ) :om ,i am reason+1 a late inv5tion4 ,on ! days1 !re=e1 :i* foll[$ ! ,crucifixion1 ! ,*ur* mu/ h pres5t$ ! /illness ( dea?1 brok5 only by a few utt]ances ( lov+ despair4 ,b ! ,*ur* did n p]i%2 x set itself to ! "w ( recon/ruction4 ,x exp&$ & grew4 ,)9 ! space ( eight ye>s aft] ! ,crucifixion1 ! believ]s 9 ! ,resurrection c\ld be numb]$ by ?\s&s4 ,?is is an indisputable fact4 ,aga9 x exp&$ & grew1 & x nev] ceas$ to gr[ until 9 less ?an ?ree hundr$ ye>s aft] ! public execution ( its ,f\nd] by ! au?ority ( ! ,roman gov]nm5t1 "o ( its pr(ess$ adh]5ts m\nt$ ! imp]ial ?rone1 & f\nd its /r5g? suffici5t to enable him to make x "o ( ! in/itutions ( ! ,/ate4 ,^! facts are )\t a p>allel 9 hi/ory4 ,h[ are !y to be acc\nt$ =8 ,! foll[]s ( ,jesus affirm$ t _! ,ma/] rose f ! dead2 & t ,he ?us resum$ ,8 place z ! ,messiah ( ,8 ,*ur*4 ,unbeliev]s1 9 ! face ( ! evid5ce be=e u1 _c d5y t ! great body ( ,8 foll[]s mu/ h believ$ t ,he _h done s )9 ! %ort int]val ( a few mon?s aft] ,8 public execution4 ,our docum5ts on ?is po9t are di/9ct & def9ite4 ,!y affirm t ,he 0 n only se5 b h&l$ by _m ( ,8 disciples aft] ,8 ,resurrection1 t ,he ate ) !m1 & t !y _h int]views ) ,him individually & collectively4 ,i mu/ n[ exam9e ! alt]native positions2 & fir/1 t ,8 suppos$ appe>ances 7 delusions ( ! imag9ation4 ,! loose & g5]al affirmation has be5 made t ! foll[]s ( ,jesus 7 s en?usia/ically atta*$ to ,him t ! idea ( ,8 dea? 0 simply unbe>able1 & t !y attempt$ to get rid ( ! fact by suppos+ t ,he _h ris5 f ! dead4 ,i reply fir/3 t all su* g5]al /atem5ts are wor?less4 ,we h specific facts be=e u2 & ^! c only be acc\nt$ = by facts :i* are equally def9ite1 & n m]e fancies4 ,! ass]tion be=e me is n only a b>e supposition )\t "o atom ( evid5ce to re/ ^u1 b x contradicts all ! kn[n facts ( ! case4 ,s f> is x f hav+ be5 ! case t ! disciples 7 9 su* a /ate ( en?usia/ic exultation1 t our own docum5ts in=m u t !y _h fall5 into ! l[e/ /ate ( despond5cy4 ,b fur!r3 :5 a !ory is prop\nd$ to acc\nt = an hi/orical fact1 ! possibility ( ! supposition mu/ be support$ by "s analog\s cases 9 ! hi/ory ( man1 m or less resembl+ x4 ,all !ories :i* are devoid ( ?is support are wor?less z hi/ory4 ,let ^?1 !re=e1 :o w\ld urge ?is on our acceptance z an acc\nt ( ! orig9 ( ! greate/ ev5t 9 hi/ory1 %[ t some?+ l x has occurr$ 9 ! records ( ! pa/4 ,let !m %[ u "o in/ance ( a body ( m5 ^: en?usiasm = _! lead] 0 s great t1 :5 he _h be5 put to dea? by ! au?ority ( ! gov]nm5t ( ! c\ntry1 !y got ov] ?is by fancy+ t he _h be5 rais$ f ! dead1 & !n took to p]suad+ o!rs ( its tru?4 ,! en?usiasm ( foll[]s = _! lead]s has urg$ !m to =m plots1 & ev5 to make attempts to rescue !m f ! h&s ( _! enemies4 ,su* en?usiasm1 h[ev]1 is n ev5 h9t$ at 9 ! case ( ! disciples ( ,*ri/4 ,no :isp] ( tradition has rea*$ u t any ( !m =m$ a plot1 or made a solit>y attempt to rescue _! ,ma/]4 ,are we !n to believe t !y imag9$ a resurrection to repair ! damage ( ,8 ,crucifixion8 ,su* imag9ative conceits w\ld nev] h made a s+le conv]t to _! /ory4 ,!y left _! ,ma/] to p]i% 9 ,8 agony1 & :5 ,he _h expir$ "u ! h&s ( ,8 execution]s1 re/or$ ,him to an ideal life by imag9+ t ,he 0 ris5 f ! dead4 ,su* fictions may be safely dismiss$ )\t fur!r notice4 ,secondly3 ,let u suppose t "s "o ( ,8 disciples ?\ght t he actually saw ,him1 & 9 ! height ( 8 en?usiasm conv]t$ a fancy into a fact2 & p]suad$ ! o!r disciples t ,he 0 ris5 f ! dead3 t ^! too1 9 turn1 7 wr\ght up into s high a /ate ( en?usiasm t !y likewise fanci$ t !y saw ,him3 ?us ! delusion spread4 ,i reply3-- ,fir/3 ,z ,i h already obs]v$1 we are entitl$ to dem& t "s analog\s case %\ld be adduc$ be=e we c be rationally ask$ to accept su* !ories z to ! solution ( an unque/ionable hi/orical fact4 ,surely1 if su* are ! work+s ( human nature "u influ5ces s g5]al z en?usiasm & cr$ulity1 "s simil> occurr5ce mu/ be no uncommon ev5t 9 hi/ory4 ,let "o !re=e be adduc$4 ,secondly3 ,no?+ is easi] to affirm ?an t "s cr$ul\s & en?usia/ic foll[] ( ,jesus mi/ook a fancy ( 8 imag9ation = a fact1 ?\ght t he _h se5 ,him alive1 & communicat$ 8 en?usiasm to ! re/4 ,:atev] may be said z to ! possibility 9 fits ( en?usiasm ( a few halfcrazy fanatics mi/ak+ fancies = facts1 x is cle> t to communicate ?is en?usiasm to o!rs is a v difficult und]tak+1 especially :5 !y are 9 a depress$ /ate ( m9d4 ,z ,i h already %[n1 x is 9 ! highe/ degree difficult1 if n impossible1 to p]suade ev5 v cr$ul\s p]sons ( ! occurr5ce ( an actual resurrection1 z all hi/ory & fiction prior to ! ,adv5t te/ify4 ,a case ( a p]son :o pr(ess$ to h se51 t\*$1 conv]s$1 & eat5 ) "o :o 0 rais$ f ! dead is n on record4 ,! belief 9 gho/ /ories & app>itions ( ! dep>t$ is to be met ) at e turn4 ,sorc]y pr(ess$ to be able to br+ dep>t$ spirits f ! "u_w1 b x nev] attempt$ to re/ore to life a body :i* once 0 dead4 ,betwe5 ^! two classes ( facts ! di/9ction is mo/ important4 ,! en?usiasm or cr$ulity :i* easily creates ! "o belief1 refuses to accept ! o!r4 ,:at we h to acc\nt = 9 ?is case is1 n t "s imag9ative foll[] ?\ght t he _h se5 ! _s ( ! crucifi$ ,jesus1 come f ! "u_w to make a communication to 8 foll[]s1 & t ! o!r disciples cr$ul\sly accept$ ! report3 b t ! appe>ance 0 t ( 8 body re/or$ to ! functions ( animal life--9 "o ^w1 a ,resurrection1 able to repair ! damage :i* _h be5 occasion$ by 8 ,crucifixion4 ,b = ! purpose ( argu+ ! "q we mu/ suppose t "s "o ( ! en?usia/ic foll[]s ( ,jesus fanci$ t he saw ,him aft] ,8 dea?1 & mi/ook t fancy = a fact4 ,i own t x is v difficult ev5 to assume ! exi/5ce ( en?usiasm 9 ! pres5t in/ance1 because all ! kn[n facts z well z ! conditions ( ! case prove t :atev] en?usiasm _h once exi/$1 x 0 at a v l[ ebb on ! morn+ ( ! suppos$ ,resurrection4 ,/ill1 h[ev]1 ! assumption mu/ be made1 or argum5t w be impossible4 ,z "o en?usia/ w be z good z ano!r1 let u assume t our suppos$ en?usia/ 0 ,m>y ,magdal5e1 :o w5t e>ly to ! sepul*re1 f\nd ! /one gone1 saw ! g>d5] 9 ! dim light1 mi/ook him = ,jesus1 & w5t & told h] fri5ds t %e _h se5 ,him ris5 f ! dead3 or to put ! case m simply1 t h] excit$ bra9 creat$ "s spectral illusion2 & t "u its influ5ce %e ?\ght %e saw ,him1 & proce$$ to convey ! report to h] fri5ds4 ,x at once /rikes u z mo/ unacc\ntable t1 en?usia/ic z %e mu/ h be51 %e did n d some?+ to assure h]self ( ! reality ( ! bodily pres5ce ( h] ,ma/]4 ,x 0 h>d ev5 = an en?usia/ to believe t x 0 ,he4 ,if %e _h spok51 & x 0 ! g>d5]1 %e w\ld h be5 at once cur$ ( h] delusion4 ,if %e _h attempt$ to embrace ,him & x _h be5 a phantom1 ! same result w\ld h foll[$4 ,surely ! int5sity ( h] love1 h[ev] cr$ul\s or fanatical %e might be1 w\ld n h all[$ h] to leave ! spot )\t "s suitable demon/ration4 ,equally incr$ible is x t %e %\ld h left ,him1 )\t inquir+ :i!r ,he int5d$ to betake ,himself1 or obta9+ ! promise ( "s future meet+ at :i* ,8 disconc]t$ fri5ds might see ,him4 ,h[ev] en?usia/ic %e may h be51 x is simply untrue to human nature1 t %e %\ld h ?\ght t h] mu* lov$ ,ma/] _h appe>$ to h] 9 bodily reality1 & t %e %\ld nei!r h spok5 to ,him1 t\*$ ,him1 nor endeav\r$ to asc]ta9 ! place ( ,8 propos$ retreat1 nor :at ,8 int5tions 7 ab\t ! future4 ,if %e _h done any ( ^! ?+s1 x w\ld h dissipat$ h] delusions4 ,let u suppose1 h[ev]1 t all ^! difficulties d n exi/1 & t %e is gone to publi% among ! fri5ds ( ,jesus t %e _h se5 ,him ris5 f ! dead4 ,8 dea? _h prov$ to !m a /unn+ bl[2 b let u suppose t !y 7 /ill eag]ly desir\s ( ! occurr5ce ( some?+ :i* might r5ew _! old fai? 9 _! ,ma/]'s ,messiah%ip4 ,x is cle> t no?+ %ort ( a belief 9 ,8 resurrection c\ld h accompli%$ ?is4 ,yet h[ev] desir\s !y may h be5 ( ,8 return to life1 !y 7 confront$ ) ! /]n fact t ,he _h be5 publicly execut$1 & t ! cr$ulity ( ! pa/ _h n succe$$ 9 re/or+ dead m5 to life4 ,_! despond5cy occasion$ by ! ev5ts ( ! la/ ?ree days 0 extreme4 ,let u suppose t ,m>y ,magdal5e ru%es 9 ) ! ann\ncem5t3 8,i h se5 ! ,"l1--! tomb is empty1--,he is ris5 f ! dead40 ,h[ev] desir\s !y might be t ! news %\ld be true1 x is evid5t t su* an ann\ncem5t mu/ h fill$ ! m9ds ( ev5 ! mo/ cr$ul\s ) a/oni%m5t4 ,:at6 n ! app>ition ( ,8 dep>t$ _s1 b a bodily reality1 ! v man himself8 ,is x possible t none ( !m suspect$ t x 0 ! dream ( an en?usia/ic woman8 ,is x conceivable t m5 or wom51 passionately atta*$ to _! ,ma/]1 ask$ h] no que/ions ab\t ! int]view2 :at ,he _h said to h]2 :]e ,he 0 to be f\nd8 ,"s replies to ^! & k9dr$ que/ions 7 inevitable2 & unless !y 7 di/9ct & satisfactory1 ! ris+ en?usiasm mu/ h be5 *eck$4 ,is x true to human nature t ! mo/ en?usia/ic cr$ulity c\ld h accept$ ^! ?+s z facts1 or t ! dead ,jesus c\ld h /raightway assum$ ,8 place ( ,messianic dignity 9 _! m9ds1 if ,he _h made no appo9tm5t :]e ,he c\ld meet ,8 fri5ds2 or if t appo9tm5t 0 creat$ by ! imag9ation ( ! ,magdal5e1 b :5 te/$ by ! attempt to see him1 x prov$ a delusion8 ,b ev5 cr$ulity1 :5 unit$ ) pr(\nd love & atta*m5t to a dep>t$ fri5d1 mu/ h "s f>!r satisfaction ?an a fanci$ sight4 ,if ! disciples1 9 ! height ( _! en?usiasm1 imag9$ t !y saw ,him1 !y surely w\ld h spok5 to ,him4 ,c\ld !y h help$ embrac+ ,him on 8 return to life aft] ,8 cruel suff]+s & ignom9i\s dea?8 ,above all1 :at ab\t ! future8 ,0 ,he go+ to tea* aga9 9 public8 ,0 ,he n go+ to br+ confusion on ,8 enemies8 ,0 ,he actually go+ to retire f public view out ( _! way8 ,& if ,he did s1 :at ab\t ,8 ,messianic claims8 ,:o 0 to head ! p>ty = ! future8 ,c\ld !y h no secret int]views ) ,him8 ,if ,he h5ce=? retir$ into obscurity1 :at ann\ncem5t 7 ,8 fri5ds to make to ,8 oppon5ts8 ,! mo/ fanatical en?usia/s mu/ h ask$ "s ( ^! que/ions4 ,ei!r no answ] 0 return$1 & ! delusions mu/ h be5 imm$iately dispell$2 or ! en?usiasm :i* g5]at$ a phantom1 & mi/ook x = a reality1 inv5t$ an answ] likewise4 ,any reply :i* fell %ort ( a promise to appe> = ! future at _! head1 & ei!r conv9ce or conf\nd ,8 adv]s>ies1 mu/ h ext+ui%$ _! belief 9 ,8 ,messiah%ip4 ,!y ei!r fanci$ !y saw ,him aga91 or !y did n4 ,if ! =m] 0 ! case1 !y mu/ h _h repeat$ int]views1 all creat$ by ! imag9ation1 at :i* some?+ def9ite mu/ h be5 suppos$ to h pass$ suffici5t to e/abli% ! belief t ,he 0 a ,messiah return$ to !m f ! grave4 ,if ,8 old ,messianic "* _h ceas$1 "s def9ite plan mu/ h be5 prop\nd$ ( ! mode 9 :i* ,he 0 go+ to ent] on a new "o4 ,if1 h[ev]1 we accept ! alt]native t ,he saw !m no m1 we %all possibly be told t ,8 foll[]s acc\nt$ = ,8 abs5ce by imag9+ t ,he _h = a "t be5 tak5 up into heav51 :5ce ,he 0 %ortly com+ aga9 to de/roy ,8 enemies4 ,b 9 t case x mu/ h be5 a cruel bl[ to en?usia/ic love4 ,:at6 _! mu* lov$ ,ma/]1 = :om !y _h sacrific$ _! all1 to af=d !m "o mute int]view aft] ,8 resurrection1 imm$iately to g into heav51 & leave !m )\t a head1 expos$ to ! assaults ( ! oppon5ts :o _h murd]$ ,him8 ,b let u imag9e all ^! difficulties got ov]1 & t !y fanci$ t !y caught "o solit>y glimpse ( ,him1 & t ,he 0 tak5 up into heav51 :5ce ,he w\ld come aga9 to revive ,8 s9k+ cause4 ,0 ,he to return 9 a few days1 or mon?s1 or ye>s8 ,if ! days became mon?s1 & ! mon?s ye>s1 :at 0 to be done ) ! ,*ur* 9 ! meantime8 ,0 x to organize itself8 ,if s1 on :at new basis8 ,0 x to confront ,8 foes8 ,0 x to make conv]ts2 or quietly to await ,8 return8 ,if ! latt]1 z mon?s & ye>s pass$ away1 ! ,*ur* mu/ h simply di$ ( inanition1 & we %\ld h he>d no m ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,if ! =m] hypo!sis be pref]r$1 !n x is pla9 t ,8 foll[]s mu/ h det]m9$ to />t ,8 ,messiah%ip on a new basis4 ,b :at 0 ?is8 ,h[ 0 x to be prop\nd$ to ! _w8 ,h[ 7 ,8 o!r disciples to be p]suad$ to accept x8 ,in/ead ( an e>?ly1 ! ,*ur* = ! future mu/ be head$ by a heav5ly ,messiah1 :o 0 com+ at "s future day to take v5geance on ,8 foes4 ,su* a *ange ( tactics mu/ h be5 resolv$ ^u1 & t spe$ily2 ! :ole plan mu/ h be5 conceiv$ & execut$ by a few cr$ul\s en?usia/s1 or ! belief 9 ! ,messiah%ip ( ,jesus mu/ h be5 ext+ui%$ 9 ,8 grave4 ,b fur!r2 ! necessity ( conv]t+ ! o!r disciples to ?is belief 0 mo/ urg5t2 = until ?is c\ld be done1 ! society 0 dissolv+ into its individual elem5ts4 ,h[ 0 x to be accompli%$8 ,x is easy to say t ^! en?usia/s communicat$ _! en?usiasm to ! re/4 ,b ?is little s5t5ce conceals beh9d x :ole m\nta9s ( difficulty4 ,e "o to :i* ,i h already allud$1 mu/ h _h to be surm\nt$ 9 ea* individual case4 ,!re mu/ h be5 _m o!r disciples :o de>ly lov$ _! ,ma/]4 ,:at mu/ h be5 _! feel+s on he>+ t ,he _h appe>$ to only f\r or five ( !m1 & _h gone up into heav58 ,:at6 ,he1 :om we lov$1 :o de>ly lov$ u1 ris5 f ! dead1 & gone to heav5 )\t af=d+ u ! consolation ( a p>t+ int]view8 ,su* a ?\ght 0 en\gh to *ill all ord9>y en?usiasm4 ,0 ,8 "m "o ( ^? :o fanci$ !y saw ,him come aga9 f ! grave8 ,if %e 01 c\ld %e h be5 mi/ak58 ,if %e did n see ,him1 :at mu/ h be5 h] feel+s at ! ?\ght t ,he _h left ! _w1 )\t all[+ h] to behold ,him8 ,:at w\ld h be5 ! feel+s ( ! wom51 ^: b5efic5ce _h contribut$ to ,8 support1 or ( ,8 intimate fri5ds among ! ,apo/les8 ,surely all ^! w\ld h ?\ght x m c]ta9 t _! companions' report orig9at$ 9 a heat$ imag9ation1 ?an t ,jesus %\ld h act$ ?us4 ,b ! idea t a few fanatics only fanci$ t !y saw ,jesus alive aft] ,8 ,crucifixion is negativ$ by an hi/orical fact di/9ctly affirm$ by ,/4 ,paul 9 ! face ( 8 oppon5ts 9 ! ,cor9?ian ,*ur*4 ,hav+ m5tion$ ,8 appe>ance to ,pet] & ! twelve1 ,/4 ,paul ass]ts3 8,aft] t1 ,he 0 se5 ( above five hundr$ bre?r5 at once1 ( :om ! great] "p rema9 unto ?is pres5t1 b "s are fall5 asleep40 ,"h !n we are 9 possession ( direct contemporane\s te/imony4 ,?is ass]tion is boldly made 9 ! face ( ! p[]ful p>ty :o d5i$ ,/4 ,paul's apo/le%ip4 ,x is cle> t if !y _h n believ$ 9 ! tru? ( 8 ass]tion1 !y w\ld n h lo/ su* an opportunity ( ?r[+ discr$it ^u him by convict+ him ( falsehood4 ,! ,apo/le affirms 9 ! pres5ce ( 8 adv]s>ies t !re 7 !n liv+ m ?an #bej p]sons :o believ$ t !y _h se5 ,jesus ,*ri/ aft] ,he _h ris5 f ! dead2 & n only s1 b t upw>ds ( #ejj p]sons _h se5 ,him on "o & ! same occasion4 ,if ?is ass]tion 0 false1 no?+ 0 easi] ?an = ! oppon5ts ( ! ,apo/le to refute x4 ,on ! supposition1 !re=e1 t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection orig9at$ 9 a delusion1 x mu/ h be5 "o on a prodigi\sly l>ge scale4 ,unless ,/4 ,paul1 & ! oppos+ section ( ! ,cor9?ian ,*ur*1 :o mu/ h repres5t$ ! op9ions ( ! ,*ur* at ,j]usalem1 7 mis9=m$ on ?is subject1 x is necess>y to frame an hypo!sis :i* %all n only acc\nt = ?ree or f\r fanatics1 fancy+ t !y saw ,jesus ,*ri/ alive1 :5 x 0 no?+ b ! creation ( a disord]$ imag9ation1 b = ! fact t m ?an five hundr$ p]sons lab\r$ "u a simil> delusion4 ,! ass]tion ( ! ,apo/le is express1 n t m ?an five hundr$ p]sons 7 p]suad$ to believe t "s o!rs _h se5 ,jesus ,*ri/ aft] ,he 0 ris5 f ! dead1 b t !y _h actually se5 ,him !mselves4 ,! only way ( evad+ ! =ce ( ?is te/imony is ei!r by directly impugn+ ,/4 ,paul's v]acity1 or by suppos+ t he made an ass]tion bas$ on a vulg> rum\r4 ,! :ole "* ( ! ,apo/le r5d]s ! supposition ( a delib]ate falsehood incr$ible1 besides ! dang] already allud$ to ( c]ta9 detection by 8 oppon5ts4 ,nor is ! o!r alt]native m t5able1 t on su* a subject he adopt$ a m]e idle rum\r4 ,no subject m occupi$ 8 m9d ?an ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,= ,him he sacrific$ ev]y?+4 ,to ,him he devot$ 8 entire life4 ,is x conceivable t su* a man w\ld n1 "u ! influ5ce ( common curiosity1 h inquir$ into ! alleg$ facts ( 8 ,ma/]'s ,resurrection8 ,b ^! lett]s prove t he 0 a man ( f> m ?an ord9>y curiosity4 ,x is cle> f !m t he kept himself acqua9t$ ) ! details ( ! ev5ts :i* took place 9 ! ,*ur*es :i* he _h plant$4 ,mess5g]s 7 s5t by him to supply him ) all necess>y in=mation4 ,ev5 9 s di/ant a ,*ur* z t ( ,rome1 :i* he _h n ev5 visit$1 he knew no small numb] ( ! *ief ,*ri/ians by "n1 & took ! deepe/ int]e/ 9 _! affairs4 ,are we to believe t su* a man receiv$ su* a fact connect$ ) ! de>e/ int]e/s ( 8 life )\t tak+ ! tr\ble to asc]ta9 its tru?8 ,moreov]1 8 =m] "* z a p]secutor mu/ h r5d]$ x necess>y t he %\ld in/itute a dilig5t inquiry into ! alleg$ ,resurrection ( "o :om he consid]$ an impo/or1 & ^: adh]5ts he 0 endeav\r+ to compel to r5\nce _! allegiance4 ,we mu/1 !re=e1 conclude t :at ,/4 ,paul "h affirms mu/ h be5 true1 t on "o def9ite occasion sev]al hundr$s ( p]sons ?\ght t !y _h se5 ,jesus ,*ri/ aft] ,he 0 ris5 f ! dead4 ,b if x is 9 ! highe/ degree difficult to acc\nt = ! possibility ( ?ree or f\r ( ! disciples ( ,jesus fancy+ !y saw _! ris5 ,ma/]1 :5 !y saw no?+ b a creation ( _! own imag9ation1 :at !ory c be fram$ to acc\nt = ! fact ( sev]al hundr$s ( p]sons hav+ become ! prey ( a simil> delusion8 ,l>ge numb]s ( p]sons d n fall into delusions ( ?is k9d4 ,are we to suppose t "s ( !m affirm$ t "s di/ant object :i* !y saw 0 ,jesus1 & t ! rema9d] accept$ ! ass]tion )\t inquiry8 ,if ,he _h n come ne> to !m1 w\ld !y n h ru%$ up to a man1 :o 0 believ$ to h come up aga9 f ! grave1 & endeav\r$ to conv]se ) him8 ,let all hi/ory be se>*$ = any fact at all l ?is4 ,until some?+ l x c be f\nd1 we are ju/ifi$ 9 pron\nc+ su* a delusion impossible4 ,nay3 h[ev] common ! belief 9 gho/ /ories1 x w\ld be impossible to f9d a case ( sev]al hundr$ p]sons :o believ$ t1 on "s "o def9ite occasion1 :5 !y 7 all assembl$1 !y _h se5 ! gho/ ( a p]son :o _h rec5tly be5 execut$1 appe> be=e !m1 & on ! /r5g? ( ?is belief1 con/itut$ !mselves into a new society2--a society :i* has endur$ ?r\gh eighte5 c5turies8 ,h[ev] cynical our views may be1 x is impossible to believe t human nature is a lie4 ,aga93 ,if = ! purposes ( ! argum5t we accept ! impossible supposition t a few delud$ fanatics p]suad$ !mselves t !y _h se5 _! ,ma/] ris5 f ! dead1 & t !y set !mselves to p]suade o!rs t ?is 0 a fact1 !n x is cle> t ! wi% ( mak+ conv]ts to _! belief mu/ h be5 a v gradual & sl[ process4 ,?is1 9 ! face ( all ! evid5ce suppli$ by hi/ory1 does n require fur!r pro(4 ,x w\ld be impossible to make conv]ts at all1 )\t adduc+ "s ov]:elm+ evid5ce ( ! tru? ( _! ass]tion4 ,b on ! supposition t x 0 a delusion ( ! imag9ation1 su* evid5ce c\ld n be =?com+4 ,su* beliefs are only possible aft] ! lapse ( v consid]able int]vals ( "t1 if !y are possible ev5 !n4 ,b 9 ! pres5t case recollections 7 all fre%4 ,w ! attempt to p]suade p]sons :o live 9 ! city :]e a public execution has tak5 place1 t ! man execut$ is alive aga91 succe$8 ,w x succe$ any:]e 9 ! neighb\rhood1 :ile ! ev5ts are /ill 9 ev]ybody's recollection8 ,liv+ actors mu/ h di$ out1 memories ( ! pa/ mu/ h become fa9t1 be=e su* ?+s c be made to we> ev5 ! semblance ( possibility4 ,b ! pla9 hi/orical facts refuse to conc$e ! requisite int]val dur+ :i* su* a belief c\ld sl[ly gr[ up4 ,:ile ! belief 0 gr[+1 ! ,*ur* w\ld h be5 p]i%+ f want ( a ,messiah to /ep into ! place ( ! dead ,jesus4 ,on ! contr>y1 ! gr[? ( ! belief 0 rapid4 ,! ,*ur* spe$ily rose f its ru9s4 ,be=e ,/4 ,paul's conv]sion1 x _h increas$ to su* numb]s z to be wor? p]secut+4 ,!re 0 a ,*ur* at ,j]usalem2 !re 7 ,*ur*es 9 ,juda2 !re 7 ,*ri/ians 9 ,damascus4 ,be=e ?is ev5t ! small knot ( delud$ fanatics _h p]suad$ ?\s&s2 !y _h =m$ ! ,society :i* subv]t$ ! religion & in/itutions ( ! ,roman empire1 & ( :i* all ! progressive races ( m5 pr(ess--n[ 9 ! #ai? c5tury ( its exi/5ce--to be /ill memb]s4 ,! facts ( unque/ionable hi/ory utt]ly refuse to ! advocates ( ?is !ory ! "t necess>y = imp>t+ to x ev5 a pass+ plausibility4 ,i inf]1 !re=e1 t ! !ory t "o or m cr$ul\s en?usia/s among ! disciples ( ,jesus fanci$ t !y saw _! ,ma/] ris5 f ! dead1 :ile 9 reality !y 7 lab\r+ "u "s m5tal halluc9ation1 & t !y communicat$ _! en?usiasm to ! re/1 & t ^! creat$ ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 is uns\nd 9 philosophy1 contradicts ! facts ( hi/ory1 & ! ph5om5a ( human nature1 z te/ifi$ to by pa/ exp]i5ce1 & is de/itute ( ! possibility ( v]ification1 & also is contr>y to analogy4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ?is portion ( ! alt]native be=e u mu/ be pron\nc$ utt]ly inadequate z a solution ( ! facts4 ,let u n[ consid] ! o!r alt]native1 t ,jesus did n actually die1 b1 al?\gh ,he _h be5 crucifi$1 escap$ ) ,8 life2 t ,8 disciples saw ,him aft] ,8 crucifixion2 &1 be+ p]suad$ t ,he _h expir$1 mi/ook ,8 appe>ance = a re/oration to life4 ,?is alt]native ne$ n deta9 u long4 ,x is involv$ 9 a consid]able numb] ( ! difficulties :i* are connect$ ) ! assumption t "s "o or m ( ! disciples fanci$ t !y saw ,him :5 !y did n really see ,him1 & t !y p]suad$ ! o!rs t ,he 0 ris5 f ! dead4 ,^! difficulties ,i h already dispos$ (4 ,b x has 9 addition "s difficulties peculi>ly its own1 :i* ,i w n[ briefly notice4 ,i admit t x 0 possible to recov] f ! effects ( crucifixion1 if tak5 d[n f ! cross 9 "t4 ,?is we le>n f ,josephus1 :o1 on 8 return "o day f go+ to exam9e a place = ! encampm5t ( ! ,roman =ces1 f\nd t ?ree ( 8 fri5ds _h be5 crucifi$ dur+ 8 abs5ce4 ,by 8 entreaties1 he obta9$ ! ord]s ( ,titus = _! be+ tak5 d[n4 ,two di$ "u cure2 "o recov]$4 ,josephus is sil5t z to :e!r !y _h be5 sc\rg$ be=e !y 7 crucifi$4 ,?is 0 no d\bt an important po9t 9 ref]5ce to ! possibility ( recov]y4 ,su* 0 ! usual practice2 al?\gh :5 ! ,romans crucifi$ ! ,jews 9 l>ge numb]s1 z !y _h n[ be5 9 ! habit ( do+ = "s "t1 x may be a "q :e!r x 0 always inflict$4 ,^! p]sons _h probably be5 susp5d$ on ! cross = "s h\rs be=e !y 7 tak5 d[n4 ,!y 7 treat$ ) ! utmo/ c>e1 ) a view to _! recov]y2 yet two out ( ! ?ree di$4 ,su* are ! facts1 z relat$ by ,josephus4 ,x has be5 sugge/$ t ,jesus 0 only 9 a swoon :5 tak5 d[n f ! cross2 t 9 ! sepul*re ,he recov]$ ,8 consci\sness1 to :i* ! l>ge quantity ( spices us$ at ,8 burial might h contribut$2 t ,he manag$ to creep out ( ! grave to "s place ( security1 :]e ,he 0 se5 by a few ( ,8 disciples1 b t ,he di$ n long aft]4 ,?is1 x is said1 ! disciples mi/ook = a ,resurrection1 & t x =m$ ! basis ( ! r5ew$ life ( ! ,*ur*4 ,let x be obs]v$ t !re w\ld be ! same difficulties 9 recon/itut+ ! ,*ur* on su* a basis1 & 9 procur+ conv]ts to ?is belief1 z !re w\ld h be5 on ! o!r alt]native1 :i* ,i h %[n to be unt5able4 ,^!1 !re=e1 ,i ne$ n consid]4 ,?is !ory presupposes n only t ! body ( ,jesus 0 int]r$1 b t x 0 committ$ to ! cu/ody ( ,8 fri5ds4 ,?is fact we h f ! ,gospels2 z well z ! additional fact t ! "t dur+ :i* ,he 0 susp5d$ on ! cross did n exce$ six h\rs at ! utmo/4 ,b we also le>n f !m t1 be=e ,pilate ord]$ ! body to be deliv]$ up1 he took c>e to asc]ta91 f ^? 9 *>ge1 ! c]ta9ty ( ! dea?2 & ! f\r? ,gospel affirms t "o ( ! soldi]s1 9 ord] to remove all d\bt on ! subject1 pi]c$ 8 side ) a spe>4 ,n[ )\t ! aid ( ! ,gospels x w\ld n h be5 kn[n t ! body 0 committ$ to ! cu/ody ( ,8 fri5ds4 ,if1 !re=e1 _! hi/orical te/imony is good = ?is fact1 x is absurd to refuse !m cr$5ce :5 !y te/ify to ! o!r facts4 ,we say di/9ctly3 if ! tru? ( ! "o set ( facts is d5i$1 because ! ,gospels are unhi/orical1 ! tru? ( ! o!r set 7= ! ,gospels are ! sole au?orities7 mu/ n be assum$ on _! te/imony4 ,ap>t f ?is1 we are only at lib]ty to assume t ! crucifixion 0 conduct$ 9 ! usual mann]2 & t ! bodies 7 dispos$ ( accord+ly1 i4e4 t1 if ! crucifi$ p]sons 7 buri$ at all1 !y 7 buri$ ignom9i\sly4 ,x has also be5 affirm$ t ,pilate sacrific$ ,jesus by compulsion1 & t ! c5turion on gu>d 0 n illdispos$ t[>ds him4 ,?is aga91 ,i say1 we only le>n f our pres5t ,gospels1 & ,i mu/ aga9 prote/ aga9/ ! practice ( accept+ _! te/imony on "o side & ignor+ x on ! o!r4 ,! ,romans1 moreov]1 7 n ! sort ( m5 to all[ a crucifi$ victim to be tak5 d[n f ! cross until !y 7 well assur$ t he _h hung !re long en\gh to ext+ui% life2 & f ! frequ5cy ( su* executions !y w\ld le>n h[ long x w\ld require1 & :at on su* occasions 7 ! symptoms ( dea?2 nor did !y conc$e to p]sons s execut$ an hon\rable burial4 ,b fur!r3 ,x nev] occurr$ to ! ,jews t x 0 possible t ! crucifi$ ,jesus _h escap$ ) ,8 life1 & t ?is fact 0 really at ! bottom ( ! ann\ncem5t ( ,8 resurrection4 ,if x 0 kn[n to any p]son conc]n$ t ,he _h ?us escap$1 no?+ c\ld h be5 m dang]\s on ! "p ( ,8 foll[]s ?an to ann\nce t ,he 0 ris5 f ! dead4 ,?is 0 ! v ?+ to promote inquiry1 & to ar\se a suspicion among ,8 enemies t ,he _h n really di$1 & ?us to induce !m to make e ef=t to asc]ta9 ! place ( ,8 retreat4 ,! quicke/ way to put an end to ! /ory ( ! ,resurrection 0 to produce ! liv+ ,jesus1 weak & exhau/$ f ,8 w\nds2 or1 if ,he _h really di$1 to produce ,8 body4 ,b n a s+le :isp] has come d[n to u f ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity t ,he did n really die4 ,if su* an idea _h af=d$ ev5 a probable acc\nt ( ! /ory ( ! ,resurrection1 x w\ld c]ta9ly h occurr$ to ,paul :5 a p]secutor1 & he w\ld h _h rec\rse to x z a means ( dissipat+ ! delusion4 ,su* are "s ( ! fir/ difficulties :i* surr\nd ?is mode ( acc\nt+ = ! /ory ( ! ,resurrection4 ,a sepul*re 0 a place illfitt$ = a man1 exhau/$ by sc\rg+ & crucifixion1 to recov] 92 nor 0 !re a retreat at h&4 ,b1 z we scrut9ize ! matt] m closely1 ^! difficulties become impossibilities4 ,x is cle> t f ! h\r ( ,8 suppos$ dea? on ! cross1 ,jesus disappe>s f hi/ory1 except 9 ! =m ( ,jesus ! ,messiah rais$ aga9 f ! dead1 ! great ,f\nd] ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur*4 ,if1 !re=e1 ,8 suppos$ ,resurrection 0 no?+ b a recov]y f a swoon1 "o ( two ?+s is c]ta93 ei!r ,he di$ %ortly aft] f exhau/ion1 or ,he liv$ some:]e 9 deepe/ retirem5t1 only receiv+ visits f ^? ( ,8 foll[]s :o 7 9 ! secret1 & 9 due c\rse ,he expir$4 ,p]haps x may be urg$ t ,8 fri5ds succe$$ 9 c>ry+ ,him (f into "s di/ant c\ntry1 & t "s "o or m ( ,8 foll[]s1 :o _h se5 ,him sl[ly recov]+1 mi/ook ?is = a resurrection1 & propagat$ ! /ory4 ,we mu/ keep /eadily 9 view t :at we h to acc\nt = is n a m]e /ory ( a resurrection propagat$ by a craz$ fanatic1 b ! erection ( ! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* on its basis4 ,x is a pla9 fact t ,jesus appe>$ no m 9 public1 & t ,8 e>?ly hi/ory ends ) ,8 crucifixion4 ,:at became ( ,him8 ,x is impossible to ov]e/imate ! importance ( ?is "q4 ,let u take ! fir/ supposition t ,he recov]$ f a swoon1 b di$ %ortly aft]w>ds f exhau/ion4 ,?is !ory involves ! necessity t "s "o or m ( ,8 foll[]s %\ld h se5 ,him alive & dy+ ( exhau/ion4 ,0 x possible1 ,i ask1 = ! mo/ delud$ fanaticism to mi/ake su* a condition = a resurrection f ! dead8 ,0 ?is a basis on :i* to revive ! hopes ( ! disciples1 & to re con/ruct ! ,*ur*8 ,w\ld any am\nt ( en?usia/ic cr$ulity mi/ake su* a p]son = ! ,messiah ( ! future8 ,if ,he di$ %ortly aft]w>ds1 :at became ( ,8 ,messiah%ip8 ,did ,8 o!r foll[]s pay ,him no visits dur+ ,8 illness8 ,did !y see ,him die1 or att5d ,8 burial8 ,surely su* positions d n require s]i\s argum5t4 ,b let u suppose t ,he recov]$1 liv$ 9 retirem5t & only receiv$ ! secret visits ( a few foll[]s1 & t out ( ?is ! /ory ( ! ,resurrection grew4 ,h[ grew8 ,i aga9 ask4 ,su* gr[?s require consid]able p]iods ( "t1 & ^!1 hi/ory utt]ly refuses to grant4 ,w\ld x be possible1 ,i ask1 = any delud$ foll[] to mi/ake su* facts = a resurrection f ! dead8 ,c\ld ,jesus himself h s mi/ak5 x8 or1 h[ev] well ! secret might be kept1 w\ld a ,messiah1 liv+ 9 privacy1 out ( ! sight ( fri5ds & foes1 be a possible ,messiah1 :o c\ld imp>t a new life to ! ,*ur*8 ,9 su* a case x is impossible to exon]ate ! p]sons conc]n$ f fraud1 ev5 ! ,great ,tea*] himself4 ,are we to suppose t ,he himself actually mi/ook ,8 recov]y f a swoon = a resurrection1 & ju/ifi$ ,8 foll[]s 9 publi%+ a report ( x8 ,:y !n did ,he n appe> 9 public & ass]t ,8 ,messianic claims8 ,b c\ld ,8 foll[]s h p]suad$ !mselves t a man :o mu/ h %[n di/9ct indications ( sl[ recov]y1 & :o nev] v5tur$ to appe> aga9 9 public1 0 rais$ aga9 f ! dead to cont9ue ,8 ,messianic "w8 ,if ?is is ! true acc\nt ( ! matt]1 x 0 n a delusion b an impo/ure4 ,if we suppose t a few fri5ds only visit$ ,him1 :at did ,8 o!r disciples say ab\t ! matt]8 ,did ! few1 ) ! concurr5ce ( _! ,ma/]1 propagate ! belief t ,he 0 gone into heav51 kn[+ t ,he 0 /ill on e>?8 ,be ^! ?+s z !y may 7& ^? :o h />t$ ! idea %\ld solve x71 if ! real basis ( ! /ory ( ! ,resurrection be a recov]y f a swoon & a subsequ5t life ( privacy1 ,jesus mu/ h %>$ ! common fate ( humanity & di$4 ,?is mu/ h be5 kn[n to ^? ) :om ,he liv$2 x mu/ h be5 kn[n to ^? :o visit$ ,him4 ,8 dea? mu/ h dispell$ _! delusions4 ,h5ce=? ! propagation ( _! /ory mu/ h be5 due to wilful fraud--a fraud = :i* x is impossible to assign a motive1 & :i* x is n ! mod]n practice to *>ge on ! fir/ propagators ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! rema9+ supposition1 t ,jesus1 aft] hav+ be5 se5 by "o or two ( ,8 foll[]s alive & sl[ly recov]+1 0 convey$ away to "s di/ant place1 :]e !y saw ,him no m1 & t out ( ?is grew ! /ory ( ,8 ,resurrection & ,asc5sion into ,heav51 is n only 9 itself intr9sically incr$ible1 b x (f5ds aga9/ e "o ( ! pr9ciples :i* ,i h e/abli%$4 ,i ne$ n1 !re=e1 discuss x fur!r4 ,! exi/5ce ( ! ,*ur* is a fact4 ,x is pr(ess$ly bas$ on ano!r fact1 namely1 ! ,resurrection ( ,*ri/4 ,if ?is be true1 x fully acc\nts = ! exi/5ce1 orig91 & gr[? ( ! ,*ur*4 ,no o!r !ory c acc\nt = x4 ,! ,resurrection is a fact1 or a delusion4 ,if x is n a fact1 two suppositions respect+ its orig9 are alone possible4 ,^! h be5 prov$1 on ! /ronge/ hi/orical evid5ce1 to be impossible4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! only rema9+ alt]native is ! true "o3 t ,,jesus ,,*ri/ ,,rose ,,f ,,! ,,dead4 ,its atte/ation is /rong] ?an t ( any o!r fact 9 hi/ory4 ,,*apt] ,,xxi4 ,,! ,,hi/orical ,,value ,,( ,,! ,,gospels ,,z ,,d$uc$ ,,f ,,previ\s ,,consid]ations4 ,i h prov$ 9 ! prec$+ *apt]s t "o ( ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,gospels is sub/antiat$ by ! highe/ =m ( hi/orical te/imony1 on evid5ce q indep5d5t ( _! cont5ts4 ,i h adopt$ ?is c\rse because unbeliev]s affirm t ! miracul\s n>ratives conta9$ 9 !m are alone suffici5t to prove !m to be unhi/orical4 ,x has !re=e become necess>y to prove ! tru? ( ! greate/ miracle :i* !y n>rate1 )\t any ref]5ce to _! ass]tions4 ,*ri/ianity unque/ionably exi/$ be=e ! ,gospels 7 writt51 & ! allimportant fact on :i* x re/s c be sub/antiat$ )\t _! aid1 on data :i* are conc$$ by our oppon5ts4 ,its tru? or falsehood !re=e does n re/ on any m]e "q z to :at 0 _! actual date1 or :o 7 _! au?ors4 ,/ill !y are ! only records ( ! life ( ,jesus ,*ri/ t ! ,*ur* possesses4 ,! "q !re=e z to :e!r !y are true 9 all _! *ief outl9es1 is "o ( su* importance z to r5d] a few obs]vations on ?is subject indisp5sable4 ,!re c be no d\bt t no "o w\ld h ev] ?\ght ( d5y+ _! g5]al au!nticity1 except on acc\nt ( ! miracul\s n>ratives !y conta94 ,?is has made !m ! battlefield ( ,*ri/ianity1 because x has be5 suppos$ t if _! hi/orical "* c be %ak51 ,*ri/ianity w\ld be disprov$ z re/+ on no o!r basis4 ,= ?is purpose e v>iation 9 !m1 ev5 ! smalle/1 has be5 not$1 & ^! v>iations h be5 magnifi$ into contradictions4 ,!re is no weapon :i* criticism has n employ$ = ! purpose ( impugn+ _! v]acity4 ,b ! real gr\nd ( (f5ce is ! miracul\s n>rative4 ,z1 h[ev]1 ,i h prov$ t ! mo/ important miracle record$ 9 !m c be e/abli%$ on gr\nds q indep5d5t ( _! te/imony1 we c n[ approa* _! consid]ation ) ?is great antec$5t difficulty remov$4 ,if ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus is an actual occurr5ce1 ! o!r miracul\s ev5ts record$ 9 !m no long] /& 9 ! way ( _! acceptance z g5u9e hi/ories4 ,?is "o miracle is suffici5t to c>ry all ! re/2 n1 ( c\rse1 t x proves t !y occurr$1 b x gets rid ( ! entire priori difficulty ) :i* _! acceptance is att5d$4 ,nay1 fur!r1 if ,*ri/ rose f ! dead1 x is m probable ?an n1 t ?is 0 n ! only miracle connect$ ) ,him3 or1 9 o!r words1 if ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels attribut$ to ,him no o!r miracul\s action1 x w\ld r af=d a presumption aga9/ !m z cr$ible hi/orians4 ,x foll[s !re=e1 t al?\gh ! pro( ( ! ,resurrection does n by itself e/abli% ! reality ( ! o!r miracles record$ z hav+ be5 p]=m$ by ,him1 x r5d]s !m s f> probable1 t ! same am\nt ( evid5ce1 :i* is suffici5t to e/abli% ! ord9>y facts ( hi/ory1 is suffici5t to e/abli% ! g5]al tru? ( ! ev5ts record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,i d n mean to affirm t "s miracle may n h be5 incorrectly attribut$ to ,*ri/ 9 ! traditions ( ! ,*ur*1 f :i* ! n>ratives 9 ! ,gospels h be5 d]iv$1 9 ! same mann] z "s inaccurate reports ( facts h obta9$ admission into ord9>y hi/ories4 ,b z ^! latt] d n affect ! g5]al cr$ibility ( hi/ory1 s errors ( ?is description w\ld n affect ! g5]al cr$ibility ( ! ,gospel n>ratives4 ,all t ,i claim = !m is t !y %\ld be bo? alike tri$ by ! hi/orical canons ( criticism applicable to ! same species ( docum5ts4 ,let me /ate once = all ! position t ,i occupy4 ,i am n call$ ^u to prove t no error c h crept into _! acc\nts2 t ev5ts are all arrang$ 9 _! true ord] ( sequ5ce2 t v>iations d n exi/ 9 !m :i* ) our pres5t k ( ! details1 x is difficult to reconcile1 or ev5 t ! ,evangeli/s !mselves may n h misconceiv$ _! true ord]1 or gr\p$ !m 9 "o t 0 ! result ( religi\s consid]ations4 ,! det]m9ation ( su* que/ions may affect our views z to ! nature ( ! inspiration "u :i* we suppose ! ,gospels to h be5 writt51 b x is "o :olly =eign to an hi/orical discussion4 ,! "q :i* ,i h to consid] is1 n ! ext5t ( ! inspiration ( _! au?ors2 b :e!r !y d or d n conta9 g5u9e hi/ory2 & if !y d1 to :at class ( hi/orical writ+s !y belong1 & to e/imate _! te/imony accord+ly4 ,i w consid] ?is la/ "q fir/4 ,! ,gospels mo/ di/9ctly affirm t !y d n belong to ! class ( pr(ess$ hi/ories1 b to t ( memoirs4 ,?is is a v important consid]ation2 = if !y only claim to be memoirs & n hi/ories x is absurd to dem& ( !m an accuracy ( arrangem5t & ( detail1 :i* w\ld be ess5tial to a hi/ory1 b :i* =ms no portion ( ! plan ( a memoir4 ,b !y n only affirm t !y are memoirs1 b memoirs ( a peculi> "*2 t is to say1 religi\s memoirs1 compos$ ) a d\ble purpose1 viz4 t ( sett+ =? ! ev5ts ( a life1 & at ! same "t ( tea*+ a religion4 ,?is po9t is s important1 & is s g5]ally ov]look$ 9 ! argum5ts bo? ( ^? :o affirm & ( ^? :o d5y _! hi/orical "*1 t x w be necess>y to prove x4 ,x is n only evid5t f ! g5]al nature ( _! cont5ts1 b ?ree ( ! ,evangeli/s directly affirm x1 & two ( !m1 ,luke & ,john1 9 express t]ms4 ,! =m] di/9ctly ass]ts t he compos$ 8 ,gospel 9 ord] t a p]son call$ 8,!ophilus0 might "k ! c]ta9ty ( ! ?+s 9 :i* he _h be5 in/ruct$4 8,=asmu* z _m h tak5 9 h& to set =? a decl>ation ( ^! ?+s t are mo/ surely believ$ among u2 ev5 z !y deliv]$ !m unto u1 :i* f ! beg9n+ 7 eye witnesses & m9i/]s ( ! ^w2 x seem$ good to me also1 hav+ p]fect und]/&+ ( all ?+s f ! fir/1 to write unto !e 9 ord]1 mo/ excell5t ,!ophilus1 t ?\ mighte/ "k ! c]ta9ty ( ^? ?+s 9 :i* ?\ ha/ be5 in/ruct$40 7,luke i4 #ad47 ,"h we h ! purpose ( ! writ] def9itely affirm$4 ,x is to set =? a /atem5t ( ! lead+ facts ( ! life ( ,jesus1 = ! purpose ( communicat+ in/ruction 9 ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,9 "o ^w1 ! au?or propos$ to tea* a religion by means ( a n>rative ( facts4 ,x is h>dly possible to give a m accurate description ( a memoir z di/+ui%$ f a hi/ory4 ,he also tells u t he meant to compose x 9 an ord]ly arrangem5t1 b he does n tell u :e!r ! ord] 0 int5d$ to be /rictly *ronological1 or m]ely regulat$ by ! av[$ religi\s purpose ( ! "w4 ,x is q possible = a writ] to adopt an ord]ly arrangem5t1 :o arranges 8 matt] z mu* by religi\s consid]ations z by *ronological ones4 ,accord+ to ! /atem5t ( ?is preface1 ! religi\s purpose is cle>ly ! pr$om9ant "o2 & x is !re=e only reasonable to suppose t x has ex]t$ consid]able influ5ce on ! gr\p+4 ,we le>n also f ?is preface t ! ?+s mo/ surely believ$ among ,*ri/ians consi/$ ( a numb] ( facts1 :i* _h be5 deliv]$ to !m by p]sons :o f ! beg9n+ 7 eyewitnesses & m9i/]s ( ! ^w4 ,sev]al p]sons _h already set =? writt5 acc\nts ( !m be=e ! au?or compos$ ?is ,gospel4 ,x is impli$ t he did s because he possess$ bett] & m accurate s\rces ( in=mation ?an previ\s writ]s4 ,! object1 h[ev]1 is cle>2 x 0 t ,!ophilus might "k ! c]ta9ty ( ^? ?+s1 i4e4 ! great facts on :i* ! ,*ri/ianity1 9 :i* he _h be5 in/ruct$1 0 bas$4 ,! ass]tion ( ?is religi\s purpose 9 ! composition ( ! f\r? ,gospel1 & t ! mat]ials are a selection f a l>ge mass ( o!rs is ev5 m di/9ct & def9ite4 8,_m o!r signs truly did ,jesus 9 ! pres5ce ( 8 disciples1 :i* are n writt5 9 ?is book1 b ^! are writt5 t ye may believe t ,jesus is ! ,*ri/1 ! ,son ( ,god1 & t believ+ ye may h life ?r\gh 8 "n40 7,john xx4 #cj1 #ca47 ,words c\ld h>dly h be5 fram$ :i* m def9itely ass]t t ?is ,gospel is a memoir1 & n a hi/ory2 & t ! religi\s purpose1 9 its composition1 0 ! pr$om9ant idea ( ! writ]4 ,! ass]tions ( ! au?or ( ,/4 ,m>k's ,gospel1 al?\gh n equally full1 are suffici5tly def9ite4 ,he designates x z 8,! beg9n+ ( ! gladsome message ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ! ,son ( ,god40 ,"h1 aga91 ! religi\s idea is pla9ly ! pr$om9ant "o 9 ! writ]'s m9d1 & ! obvi\s conclusion is t he int5d$ 8 "w to be a memoir1 & n a hi/ory4 ,we h no su* direct affirmation by ! au?or ( ,/4 ,mat!w's ,gospel1 unless ! op5+ words1 8,! book ( ! g5]ations ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ! ,son ( ,david1 ! ,son ( ,abraham10 are int5d$ to cov] ! entire "w4 ,! nature ( its cont5ts1 h[ev]1 leave n ! smalle/ d\bt t 8 design 9 writ+ 0 precisely ! same z t ( ! o!r ,evangeli/s1 viz4 to tea* ,*ri/ianity by sett+ =? a memoir ( ! life ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,su*1 !n1 is ! av[$ purpose ( ! au?ors ( ! f\r ,gospels4 ,ea* ( !m is a religi\s memoir4 ,?is be+ s1 x is absurd to dem& ( su* writ+s :at c only be f\nd 9 regul>ly compos$ hi/ories4 ,9 :at1 !n1 does a hi/ory diff] f a memoir8 ,! object ( ! hi/orian is n only to give an acc\nt ( ! ev5ts :i* he n>rates precisely z !y occurr$2 b ! ord] ( 8 n>rative is regulat$ by ! def9ite sequ5ces ( "t & place4 ,! writ] ( a memoir1 on ! contr>y1 is n b\nd to obs]ve ?is ord]1 b he is entitl$ to v>y x 9 ref]5ce to ! special object he has 9 view1 & ! po9ts :i* he requires to illu/rate4 ,b ! religi\s purpose is mo/ def9itely affirm$ to h be5 ! pr$om9ant "o 9 ! m9ds ( ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels4 ,x w\ld !re=e h an important influ5ce on _! arrangem5t ( _! mat]ials4 ,we %\ld expect to f9d !m gr\p$ f> m 9 ref]5ce to ?is end1 ?an to ! m]e sequ5ces ( "t & place4 ,:5 c]ta9 ( ! actions or portions ( ! tea*+ ( our ,"l illu/rat$ ! p>ticul> subject :i* ea* ,evangeli/ _h be=e him1 he w\ld neglect ! exact hi/orical ord]1 & gr\p !m 9 ref]5ce to ?is special purpose4 ,9 writ+s ( ?is description1 !re=e1 :ile all ! *ief po9ts ( 8 life & 8 disc\rses ought to pres5t a sub/antial agreem5t1 we %\ld naturally expect to f9d a consid]able numb] ( m9or div]g5cies4 ,:ile we h ! fulle/ "r to expect t ! facts w be accurately report$1 we h no "r to dem& t ! writ] %\ld obs]ve no o!r ord] 9 8 n>rative ?an ! m]e sequ5ces ( "t & place4 ,x is on ! assumption t ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels int5d$ to set =? an exact hi/orical acc\nt ( ! m9i/ry ( ,*ri/1 in/ead ( tak+ !m = :at !y h affirm$ !m to be1 religi\s memoirs ( t m9i/ry1 t no inconsid]able numb] ( _! alleg$ discrepancies h orig9at$4 ,! pres5ce ( v>iations1 or if x is pref]r$ to call !m contradictions1 9 writ+s ( ?is description by no means invalidates _! hi/orical "*4 ,x has be5 well obs]v$ by a writ] 9 ! 8,we/m9/] ,review10 t !y are to be f\nd 9 e hi/orical writ+ f ,h]odotus to ,mr4 ,fr\de4 ,z ^! discrepancies 9 ! ,gospels are s l>gely dwelt on by unbeliev]s1 ,i subjo9 a passage f ,dean ,/anley's acc\nt ( ! murd] ( ,?omas a ,becket1 9 8 8,memorials ( ,cant]bury ,ca!dral10 z %[+ ! exi/5ce ( su* inaccuracies ev5 9 ! acc\nts ( p]sons :o 7 actual eyewitnesses ( ev5ts 9 :i* !y 7 deeply int]e/$4 ,speak+ ( ! numb] ( exi/+ acc\nts ( ! murd]1 he says3-- 8,( ^! ?irty n>rators1 f\r1 ,edw>d ,grimes1 ,william ,fitz/eph51 ,john ( ,salisbury1 :o un=tunately supplies b little1 & ! anonym\s au?or ( ! ,lambe? manuscript1 claim to h be5 eyewitnesses4 ,?ree o!rs 7 monks ( ! conv5t1 & al?\gh n pres5t at ! massacre1 7 probably some:]e 9 ! prec9cts4 ,?ree o!rs1 ?\gh n 9 ,engl& at ! "t1 _h be5 on t]ms m or less intimate ) ,becket1 & two ( !m seem to h tak5 ! utmo/ pa9s to asc]ta9 ! tru? ( ! facts :i* !y n>rate4 ,f ^! sev]al acc\nts1 we c recov] ! p>ticul>s ( ! dea? ( ,ar*bi%op ,becket to ! m9ute/ details4 ,x is true t hav+ be5 writt5 by mona/ic & cl]ical hi/orians1 aft] ! national feel+ _h be5 rais$ to en?usiasm 9 8 behalf1 all[ance mu/ be made = exagg]ation1 suppression1 & e k9d ( false col\r+ :i* c\ld set (f _! h]o to advantage4 ,x is true1 also1 t 9 "s po9ts ! v>i\s au?orities are hopelessly irreconcilable4 ,b /ill a m9ute comp>ison ( ! n>rators ) ea* o!r1 & ) ! localities1 leads to a conviction t on ! :ole ! facts h be5 sub/antially pres]v$2 & z (t5 happ5s1 ! tru? c be asc]ta9$ 9 spite & ev5 9 consequ5ce ( attempts to di/ort & suppress x40 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 t ! pres5ce ( v>iations1 nay ev5 hopeless contradictions 9 su* n>ratives1 does n int]f]e ) _! g5]al hi/orical "*4 ,x appe>s t f n>ratives :i* conta9 8exagg]ation1 suppression1 & e k9d ( false col\r+10 we c asc]ta9 ! p>ticul>s ( ! dea? ( ,becket to ! m9ute/ p>ticul>4 ,:y d n unbeliev]s apply ! same rule to ! ,gospels8 ,:y are _! m9or v>iations 9 details alleg$ to prove t ! entire n>rative is unhi/orical8 ,"o ?+ respect+ !m is cle>3 in/ead ( pres5t+ indications ( 8exagg]ation1 suppression1 & false col\r+10 !y are *>act]iz$ by a uni=m sobriety 9 _! /atem5ts4 ,!y (f] no comm5ts1 & all[ ! facts to produce _! own impression on ! read]4 ,x foll[s !re=e t if ! ,gospels 7 ord9>y biographies1 ! v>iations 9 !m w\ld n int]f]e ) _! hi/orical "*1 & t diff]5ces 9 m]e details w\ld leave ! ma9 facts unaffect$4 ,/ill m true is ?is ) respect to memoirs1 & especially ) ^? compos$ ) ! object ( tea*+ a religion4 ,att5tion to ?is obvi\s fact w get rid ( a l>ge numb] ( ! objections :i* h be5 s p]t9aci\sly urg$ aga9/ !m4 ,) respect to _! g5]al cr$ibility1 x is important to obs]ve t ev5 if ! date ( ! ,synoptics be plac$ z late z t assign$ to !m by ^? critics :o d5y _! hi/orical "*1 viz4 some:]e betwe5 ,a4,d4 #ij & #aae1 /ill ! "t :5 !y mu/ h be5 compos$ lies1 accord+ to ! rule ( ,sir ,g4 ,c4 ,lewis1 )9 ! p]iod ( tru/wor?y hi/orical tradition4 ,9 ?is case ! e>lie/ ( !m w\ld be> date ab\t sixty1 & ! late/ ( !m ab\t eightyfive ye>s aft] ! ev5ts !y n>rate4 ,r5an is ( op9ion t _! int]nal evid5ce proves !m to h be5 compos$ be=e ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4 ,be ?is z x may2 ev5 at ! date assign$ to !m by ! mo/ sceptical critics1 good tradition>y in=mation lay )9 ! rea* ( _! respective au?ors4 ,! int]val is ab\t ! same 9 ! "o case z t :i* sep>ates u f ! invasion ( ,france by ! allies 9 #ahad1 & 9 ! o!r case f ! outbreak ( ! ,fr5* ,revolution4 ,_m p]sons are /ill alive :o c rememb] ! =m] ev5t2 & al?\gh ne>ly ev]yone :o c\ld rememb] ! latt] has pass$ away1 yet l>ge numb]s ( ! exi/+ g5]ation1 ^: recollections w be good = tw5ty ye>s to come1 h conv]s$ ) ^? :o took ! deepe/ int]e/ 9 ! sc5es 9 "q4 ,:ile ?is g5]ation lives1 x w\ld be impossible = ! :ole outl9e ( ! facts to become falsifi$4 ,m9or errors might creep into ! details2 _! precise ord] & sequ5ce might n be accurately pres]v$2 yet _! g5]al outl9e w\ld be h&$ d[n correctly1 & x w\ld be impossible to hide ! true hi/ory beh9d a set ( leg5ds4 ,if ! au?ors ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels 7 only sep>at$ by ?is int]val ( "t f ! ev5ts t !y n>rate1 !y mu/ h _h all ! mat]ials ( true hi/ory )9 _! rea*4 ,p]sons mu/ h be5 liv+ :5 ! fir/ ,gospel 0 writt5 :o c\ld accurately rememb] ! ev5ts 9 "q2 & ev5 at ! late/ date :i* c be assign$ to ! o!r ,gospels1 l>ge numb]s ( p]sons mu/ h be5 liv+ :o _h he>d n>ratives ( !m f _! fa!rs1 :i*1 z unspeakably int]e/+1 !y w\ld treasure up ) ! livelie/ recollection4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ev5 if we assume ! late/ date :i* has be5 assign$ = ! publication ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels x lies consid]ably )9 ! p]iod ( accurate hi/orical recollection1 ev5 if we suppose t _! au?ors compos$ !m f traditional s\rces only1 & 7 n assi/$ by writt5 docum5ts4 ,b ! exi/5ce ( docum5ts is expressly ass]t$ by ! au?or ( ,/4 ,luke's ,gospel4 ,& ev5 if we 7 devoid ( ?is te/imony1 we might inf] x f ! inh]5t probability ( ! case4 ,?is 0 inevitable1 z ! basis ( ! religion 0 plac$ on a p]sonal hi/ory4 ,! sy/em ( in/ruction mu/ h involv$ a con/ant ref]5ce to ! details ( t hi/ory4 ,:51 !re=e1 ! memb]s ( ! ,*ur*es he>d !m f ! lips ( orig9al witnesses1 ! int]e/ ( ! subject mu/ h induc$ ^? :o 7 able to write1 to compose brief memor&a = ! purpose ( assi/+ _! recollections4 ,9 ?is way a consid]able am\nt ( ,*ri/ian lit]ature 9 connection ) ! life ( ,jesus mu/ h gr[n up 9 ! c\rse ( ye>s1 & ! necessity = x w\ld become ! m urg5t 9 proportion z ! orig9al disciples :o _h he>d ,8 disc\rses & se5 ,8 actions pass$ away f ! sc5e4 ,?is is exactly 9 con=mity ) ! /atem5t made by ! au?or ( ,/4 ,luke's ,gospel4 ,x is cle>1 !re=e1 t ev5 if ! publication ( our pres5t ,gospels did n take place be=e ! "t assign$ to !m by unbeliev]s1 ! hi/orical mat]ials at ! comm& ( _! au?ors mu/ h be5 ample4 ,x w\ld h be5 impossible t facts & leg5d>y inv5tions %\ld h become bl5d$ toge!r )9 s %ort a p]iod4 ,consequ5tly no?+ b neglect to use ! mat]ials at h&1 or a delib]ate purpose ( falsification c\ld h prev5t$ !m f giv+ an acc\nt ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus :i* w\ld be sub/antially accurate 9 all its ma9 features4 ,if on ! o!r h& we suppose ^! ,gospels to h be5 writt5 = ! purpose ( falsification1 !n _! contradiction to ! acc\nts :i* _h be5 hi!rto accept$ by ! ,*ur* mu/ h de/roy$ _! cr$it4 ,x w\ld h be5 impossible = ! au?ors to h succe$$ 9 conceal+ ! facts beh9d a mass ( my?s & leg5ds :ile !y =m$ ! v gr\ndwork ( ! daily life ( ! community4 ,"u ! peculi> circum/ances ( ! ,*ri/ians ( ! fir/ c5tury "s portion ( ! ev5ts ( ! life & tea*+ ( ,*ri/ mu/ h be5 br\ght to _! m9ds e day4 ,! ho/ility ( ! ,pagan _w ar\nd !m 0 alone suffici5t to ensure ?is4 ,moreov]1 ! religion 0 n "o :i* 0 committ$ to ! cu/ody ( a ca/e or prie/hood2 b x appeal$ directly to ! individual4 ,z di/+ui%$ f ! o!r religions ( ! _w ,*ri/ianity may be n incorrectly def9$ z ! religion ( ! individual4 ,x awoke emotions ( ! pr(\nde/ nature 9 ! he>ts ( ev5 its humble/ foll[]s1 address+ itself bo? to _! consci5ces & _! affections4 ,^! emotions 7 all c5t]$ 9 a p]sonal life4 ,if "o fact is m c]ta9 ?an ano!r1 x is t ,jesus 0 view$ by ! e>ly ,*ri/ians z _! religi\s ,k+1 to :om !y ow$ a p]sonal allegiance4 ,?is mu/ h r5d]$ x necess>y = !m to treasure up all ! facts ( ,8 hi/ory ) ! deepe/ c>e4 ,fur!r3 ! e>ly ,*ri/ians n only liv$ 9 ! mid/ ( a society extremely ho/ile to !m1 b 7 also zeal\s proselyt]s4 ,?is alone w\ld h be5 suffici5t to compel !m to keep 9 lively remembrance ! *ief ev5ts 9 ! hi/ory ( ,jesus4 ,h[ else 0 x possible = !m to p]suade o!rs t ,he 0 ! ,*ri/8 ,! ,*ur* 0 n a s*ool ( philosophy1 b consi/$ ( a body ( m5 ^: bond ( union 0 adh]5ce to a lead]4 ,to make conv]ts to su* a religion w\ld h be5 impossible )\t an accurate acqua9tance ) ! facts on :i* ,8 claims 7 gr\nd$4 ,corporate bodies possess a p[] ( h&+ d[n a tradition>y k ( ev5ts 9 a f> great] degree ?an individuals4 ,! ,*ri/ian ,*ur* consi/$ ( a set ( communities :i* _h n only an individual1 b also ! /ronge/ corporate life4 ,al?\gh x conta9$ no prie/hood1 prop]ly s call$1 ! cohesion ( ^! communities1 plac$ z !y 7 9 ! mid/ ( a ho/ile population1 9 ,jewi% or ,g5tile cities1 0 ( ! /ronge/ "*1 & 9 proportion to _! smallness1 ! action ( ea* individual memb] w\ld be important4 ,ea* sep>ate ,*ur* !re=e =m$ a corporation z oppos$ to ! ,jewi% & hea!n _w by :i* x 0 surr\nd$2 & ea* sep>ate unit felt himself animat$ by a simil> life1 :i* dictat$ to him ! necessity ( conqu]+ or p]i%+4 ,f ?is arose an int5se desire ( mak+ new conv]ts & ( increas+ ! numb] ( ! fai?ful4 ,h[ 0 ?is to be accompli%$8 ,an organization 0 necess>y4 ,ea* ( ! communities _h "o :i* 0 suitable to its ne$4 ,"o ( its mo/ important functions mu/ h be5 to in/ruct new conv]ts 9 its pr9ciples1 & to keep actively burn+ ! zeal ( its orig9al memb]s4 ,b z ! exi/5ce ( ! community 0 f\nd$ on an adhesion to a p]son1 ! c\rse ( in/ruction mu/ h consi/$ to a consid]able ext5t ( details ( ! actions & tea*+ ( ,jesus4 8,h[ %all !y believe on him ( :om !y h n he>d80 0 a p]t95t "q ( ,/4 ,paul1 8or h[ %all !y he> )\t a prea*]80 ,no society has ev] exi/$ 9 ! _w :i* has _h an equal inducem5t to h& d[n accurately ! ev5ts ( its f\nd]'s life1 or _h equal facilities = detect+ any attempt to sub/itute a fictiti\s acc\nt ( him = ! true "o4 ,x foll[s !re=e t at ! p]iod 9 "q x w\ld h be5 simply impossible t a fictiti\s or leg5d>y acc\nt ( ! life ( ,jesus %\ld h tak5 ! place ( ! "o :i* ^! ,*ur*es _h accept$ at ! "t :5 !y fir/ came into exi/5ce4 ,i h already prov$ t ! ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul put x beyond ! possibility ( "q t an acc\nt ( ! *ief facts 9 ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus =m$ ! f\ndation ( ! religi\s life ( ! ,*ur*es at ! "t :5 he wrote !m1 & t x _h done s f ! fir/4 ,! difficulty !re=e ( introduc+ an entirely new v]sion ( x mu/ h be5 insurm\ntable4 ,a d\btful fact or two might h become incorporat$1 b :ile ! religi\s life ( ! community 0 ?us /rong1 x w\ld h be5 utt]ly impossible to give a new col\r+ to ! :ole4 ,b fur!r3 ?is difficulty mu/ h be5 greatly increas$ by ! wide sep>ation ( su* ,*ur*es z ^? ( ,rome1 ,cor9?1 ,galatia1 ,j]usalem1 & o!rs1 f "o ano!r4 ,ea* ,*ur* mu/ h _h an acc\nt ( its own ( ! *ief facts ( our ,"l's m9i/ry4 ,if "o ( !m c\ld h be5 induc$ to accept a new set ( facts1 !re w\ld h be5 ! greate/ difficulty 9 p]suad+ ! o!rs to foll[ its example4 ,daily exp]i5ce tea*es u h[ v sl[ religi\s bodies are 9 *ang+ ! fundam5tal articles ( _! belief4 ,h[ev] mu* ! s5tim5ts ( individuals may h *ang$1 ! orig9al confessions ( fai? are reta9$ ) ! utmo/ t5acity1 ev5 aft] !y h ceas$ to embody ! religi\s life ( ! community4 ,:at confessions ( fai? are to mod]n ,*ur*es1 ! *ief facts ( ! m9i/ry ( our ,"l mu/ h be5 to ! primitive "o2 ! only diff]5ce be+ t ^! latt] liv$ ) a f> great] t5acity 9 ! m9ds ( ! e>ly ,*ri/ians ?an ! =m] h 9 mod]n ,*ur*es4 ,if !re=e a s+le ,*ur* c\ld h be5 induc$ to accept a new v]sion ( its ,f\nd]'s life1 ! sep>ation ( ^! diff]5t communities f "o ano!r1 w\ld h plac$ an insup]able b>ri] 9 ! way ( impos+ su* an acc\nt on ! o!r ,*ur*es4 ,! inquiry mu/ h at once aris51 ,:5ce has ?is ,*ur* d]iv$ its new ,gospel1 ?us fundam5tally diff]5t f t :i* has f ! fir/ =m$ ! basis ( our religi\s life8 ,x is cle> !re=e t ev5 if we accept ! late/ date :i* _h be5 assign$ to ! publication ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels1 _! au?ors mu/ h be5 9 possession ( abundance ( mat]ials = sett+ =? an acc\nt ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus1 :i* w\ld h be5 correct 9 all its great outl9es2 & t ev5 if !y _h be5 s m9d$ x w\ld h be5 impossible = !m to h succe$$ 9 palm+ (f a previ\sly unkn[n set ( facts 9 place ( ^? :i* _h hi!rto =m$ ! gr\ndwork ( ! life ( ! diff]5t ,*ur*es4 ,we h se5 also t :5 ,/4 ,paul wrote 8 ,epi/les1 ! diff]5t ,*ur*es 7 9 possession ( an outl9e ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus ,*ri/ :i* conta9$ )9 x1 z a matt] ( ! highe/ importance1 ! mo/ rem>kable miracul\s fact :i* is record$ 9 ! ,gospels4 ,is x to be believ$ t ?is 0 ! only "o2 or1 is x possible t a set ( miracul\s n>ratives c\ld h succe$$ 9 tak+ ! place ( ! acc\nt ( ,8 life & tea*+ :i* 0 9 possession ( ! ,*ur*es1 )9 ! int]val ( "t :i* sep>ates ,/4 ,paul's ,epi/les f ! publication ( ! fir/ ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels8 ,i conclude1 !re=e1 t ! orig9al n>ratives mu/ h attribut$ a numb] ( miracles to ,jesus ,*ri/2 t ! acc\nts ( !m mu/ h be5 h&$ d[n to ! "t :5 our oppon5ts all[ t ! ,gospels 7 publi%$1 & t by ?is means !y h be5 incorporat$ into !m4 ,n only has ! alleg$ late date ( ! publication ( ! ,gospels be5 urg$ z a reason = discr$it+ !m z reports ( hi/orical facts1 b also ! unc]ta9ty ( _! au?or%ip4 ,x w n fall )9 ! scope ( ?is "w to exam9e ! value ( ! te/imony by :i* ea* ,gospel has be5 assign$ to its respective au?or4 ,x w be suffici5t "h to obs]ve t x is z /rong z t by :i* ! au?or%ip ( any o!r anci5t writ+ is asc]ta9$4 ,! int]nal "* ( two ( ^! ,gospels fully agrees ) ! tradition>y acc\nt4 ,al?\gh ! ass]tions ( ! e>ly ,fa!rs v>y z to ! precise relation 9 :i* ,m>k /ood to ,pet]1 ! anci5t traditions are unanim\s 9 connect+ him 9 "s way or o!r ) ! ,apo/le4 ,! ph5om5a ( ?is ,gospel are precisely su* z we %\ld expect if ?is 0 ! case4 ,9 ne>ly e case :]e we c asc]ta91 ei!r f ?is or f "o ( ! o!r ,gospels1 t ,pet] 0 an eyewitness ( an ev5t record$ 9 x1 ,/4 ,m>k gives precisely su* a description ( x z we might expect w\ld be giv5 by a man ( ! peculi> temp]am5t ( ,simon ,pet]4 ,we "k1 bo? f ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les & f ! ,epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul1 t ,/4 ,luke 0 a companion ( t ,apo/le4 ,! peculi>ities ( ! ,gospel t be>s 8 "n are precisely su* z we %\ld h expect$ if its au?or 0 a companion ( ! great ,apo/le ( ! ,g5tiles4 ,!re is also e reason = believ+ t ,luke 0 n an eyewitness ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus4 ,! au?or ( ! ,gospel affirms t he 0 n an eyewitness4 ,9 con=mity ) ?is ! ,gospel be>s ! mo/ di/9ctive m>ks ( compilation4 ,s f> ! int]nal /ructure ( ^! two ,gospels entirely agrees ) ! ext]nal te/imony z to _! au?or%ip4 ,we "k also on ! au?ority ( ! e>ly ,fa!rs t ,mat!w compos$ a ,gospel 9 ! ,hebrew language :i* 0 design$ = ! use ( ,jewi% ,*ri/ians4 ,n[ :oev] is ! au?or ( ! pres5t ,greek ,gospel :i* be>s 8 "n1 x is di/+ui%$ by precisely ! same *>act]i/ics z ^? :i* are describ$ z app]ta9+ to ! ,hebrew ,gospel ( ,/4 ,mat!w1 t is to say1 t ! proportion :i* ! disc\rses be> to ! n>rative portions ( x is v l>ge2 & its cont5ts make x evid5t t x 0 *iefly design$ = ! use ( ,*ri/ians ( ! ,jewi% race4 ,if !re=e our pres5t ,gospel 0 n set =? by ! ,apo/le himself 9 ,greek1 bo? ! ext]nal te/imony & ! int]nal evid5ce prove t x is a repres5tation ( its cont5ts suffici5tly accurate = all ! practical purposes ( hi/ory4 ,b ! "q z to ! names ( ! p]sons :o actually set =? our ,gospels has be5 made ( f> m importance ?an x des]ves1 bo? by ! def5d]s & ! oppon5ts ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,! all important po9t is1 are !y fai?ful acc\nts ( ! primitive traditions ( ! ,*ur* respect+ ! *ief ev5ts ( its ,f\nd]'s m9i/ry2 & 7 !y compos$ )9 t p]iod ( "t1 :5 ! recollections ( x mu/ h be5 s fre% z to r5d] x impossible to sub/itute a body ( fictiti\s & leg5d>y n>ratives 9 place ( ^? :i* _h be5 h&$ d[n 9 ! ,*ur* f ! beg9n+8 ,unless we "k en\gh ab\t an au?or f ext]nal s\rces ( in=mation1 to enable u to =m a def9ite op9ion z to 8 judgm5t & means ( in=mation1 our m]e k ( 8 "n w help u little4 ,! in=mation :i* ecclesia/ical tradition af=ds u respect+ ! au?ors ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels is little beyond t :i* is conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t itself1 & is insuffici5t to enable u to =m a judgm5t respect+ _! "*4 ,t judgm5t mu/ be =m$ exclusively f ! writ+s !mselves1 & c only be arriv$ at aft] a c>eful exam9ation ( _! cont5ts4 ,x w be urg$ t if our pres5t ,greek ,mat!w c\ld be %[n to h be5 ! "w ( ! ,apo/le1 we %\ld !n h ! te/imony ( an eye witness ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus2 & if we h no c]ta9 evid5ce t x 0 compos$ by him1 !n none ( ! ev5ts record$ 9 ! ,synoptics re/ on autoptic te/imony4 ,! tru? ( ?is position ,i entirely d5y4 ,! real "q is1 d ! ev5ts record$ 9 !m fai?fully repres5t ! traditions ( ! ,*ur*8 ,h we evid5ce t ! traditions :i* 7 curr5t :5 ^! ,gospels 7 compos$1 are accurate repres5tations ( ! acc\nts ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus1 :i* 7 h&$ d[n by our ,"l's orig9al disciples8 ,if s1 !y mu/ re/ on autoptic te/imony1 z !y c\ld only h be5 d]iv$ f our ,"l's companions4 ,! m]e kn[+ ! "n ( "o ( !m1 unless we knew a great deal ab\t 8 judgm5t & discretion1 is ( f> less importance ?an ! assurance t we are 9 possession ( ! g5]al te/imony ( ! entire body4 ,nor does x necess>ily foll[ t any "o foll[] ( ,jesus1 ev5 an ,apo/le1 0 9 con/ant att5dance on ,8 p]son4 ,we "k f ! ,gospels !mselves t ?is 0 n always ! case4 ,if su* a p]son _h n>rat$ ev5ts :i* occurr$ dur+ 8 abs5ce1 he mu/ h be5 indebt$ = 8 k ( !m to ! te/imony ( o!rs4 ,if !re=e ! pres5t ,greek ,mat!w c\ld be prov$ to be ! "w ( ! ,apo/le1 /ill x by no means foll[s t he 0 an eyewitness ( e "o ( ! ev5ts record$ 9 x4 ,if1 h[ev]1 x 0 set =? 9 its pres5t =m by "s o!r h&1 ,i fully admit t nei!r ( ! ,synoptics 0 compos$ by an ,apo/le4 ,b ?is is a :olly diff]5t po9t f ! consid]ation :e!r !y d or d n embody ! te/imony ( ! eyewitnesses ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,?is does n dep5d on our k ( ! names ( _! respective au?ors1 b :e!r we h good evid5ce t !y fai?fully embody ! primitive apo/olical traditions4 ,a c>eful p]usal ( ! ,synoptics w conv9ce ! read] t nei!r ( !m pr(esses to embody a set ( p]sonal rem9isc5ces4 ,on ! contr>y1 !y be> ! /ronge/ indications ( be+ a collection ( apo/olic traditions4 ,( ?is ,i %all (f] di/9ctive pro( 9 ! next *apt]4 ,! only ,gospel :i* embodies su* p]sonal rem9isc5ces z indicate ! au?or%ip ( an eyewitness is t ( ,/4 ,john4 ,b ! indications ( ! pres5ce ( an individual p]sonality 9 ,/4 ,mat!w's ,gospel are almo/ entirely want+4 ,9 its g5]al /ructure x =ms a /rik+ contra/ to t ( ,john4 ,suppos+ x to h be5 compos$ by ! ,apo/le1 he has entirely hidd5 8 individuality 9 8 n>rative4 ,! "q1 !re=e1 really turns on ! conclusion at :i* we are able to arrive z to :e!r ! ,synoptic ,gospels are fai?ful repres5tations ( ! primitive apo/olic traditions4 ,i h prov$ t ev5 at ! late/ date to :i* oppon5ts assign _! publication1 !y mu/ h be5 writt5 )9 ! p]iod :5 all ! requisite mat]ials exi/$ = compos+ a sub/antially correct acc\nt ( all ! lead+ facts2 t su* a tradition>y acc\nt 0 c]ta9ly h&$ d[n 9 ! ,*ur*2 t x =m$ ! gr\nd"w ( its exi/5ce2 t x mu/ h be5 d]iv$ f apo/olic m51 :o _h ample means ( kn[+ ! facts2 t ! ,*ur* possess$ ! means ( transmitt+ !m accurately1 su* z 7 nev] possess$ by any o!r ,society2 & t x 0 "u ! necessity ( do+ s z ! condition ( its life2 & t :ile ?is acc\nt rema9$ fre% 9 ! recollections bo? ( ! community & ( its individual memb]s1 x w\ld h be5 impossible to foi/ on !m a fictiti\s /ory4 ,i %all n[ proce$ to inquire h[ f> ! ph5om5a ( ! ,gospels t5d to e/abli% ^! positions4 ,,*apt] ,,xxii4 ,,! ,,hi/orical ,,"* ,,( ,,! ,,gospels ,,z ,,d$uc$ ,,f ,,_! ,,int]nal ,,/ructure4 ,?is subject is an extremely ext5sive "o4 ,! utmo/1 !re=e1 t ,i c d is to notice a few ( ! mo/ important po9ts :i* be> on ! argum5t4 ,i h already %[n t ! g5]al pr9ciples ( hi/orical evid5ce po9t to ! conclusion t ! ,synoptic ,gospels are ?ree diff]5t v]sions ( ! primitive apo/olical traditions respect+ ! actions & ! tea*+ ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 & t ev5 on ! assumption t ! dates assign$ to !m by ! oppon5ts are ! correct ones 7:i* h[ev] ,i w\ld by no means be und]/ood z conc$+1 = all ! int]nal evid5ce po9ts to a mu* e>li] p]iod71 !y 7 /ill compos$ )9 ! p]iod :5 su* traditions possess ! highe/ hi/orical value4 ,i mu/ n[ inquire :e!r ! g5]al /ructure ( ^! ,gospels confirms ?is conclusion4 ,! "q !re=e at once arises1 :at is _! g5]al "*8 ,d !y pres5t ! m>ks ( tradition>y hi/ory2 or ( be+ ?ree works compos$ by ?ree diff]5t au?ors1 :o n only wrote indep5d5tly ( ea* o!r1 b :o us$ no common s\rce ( in=mation8 ,d _! n>ratives pres5t u ) ! *>act]i/ics ( hi/orical tru? or ( fictiti\s inv5tion8 ,! facts be=e u are ample1 & !y ought to enable u to return a def9ite answ] to ^! que/ions4 ,! mo/ rem>kable trait :i* fir/ /rikes ! read] is ! pres5ce ( a common n>rative int]wov5 ) a consid]able am\nt ( matt] peculi> to ea* ,gospel4 ,_m ( ! ev5ts1 & sev]al ( ! disc\rses are n>rat$ by all ?ree ,evangeli/s2 o!rs by only two4 ,besides ^! common n>ratives & disc\rses1 :i* =m ! l>g] portion ( ! ,gospels1 ea* ( !m conta9s n>ratives & disc\rses peculi> to itself4 ,:ile !y possess mu* t is common1 x is cle> t ea* writ] _h a di/9ct object 9 view 9 ! compilation ( 8 ,gospel2 t ( ,/4 ,mat!w be+ *iefly design$ = ,jewi% ,*ri/ians2 t ( ,/4 ,luke = ,g5tile conv]ts1 & t ( ,/4 ,m>k occupy+ an int]m$iate place betwe5 ! two4 ,x 0 also obvi\sly ! object ( ! au?or ( ,/4 ,mat!w's ,gospel to set =? ! disc\rses2 ( t ( ,/4 ,m>k's to give a graphic description ( ! actions ( our ,"l4 ,ea* ( ^! ,gospels is also di/+ui%$ by a numb] ( m9or peculi>ities4 ,:5 ! common n>rative comes to be closely scrut9iz$1 x pres5ts u ) ph5om5a m rem>kable ?an any t c be f\nd else:]e 9 lit]ature4 ,^! n>ratives are c\*$ to a consid]able ext5t 9 ! same words & phrases1 closely int]wov5 ) a numb] ( mo/ s+ul> v>iations1 :i* h an important be>+ on _! hi/orical "*4 ,z f> z ! words are id5tical1 !y =ce on u ! conclusion t !y mu/ h be5 d]iv$ f "s common orig94 ,^! id5tities are m /rik+ 9 ! n>rative ?an 9 ! disc\rses4 ,?ree indep5d5t writ]s1 if !y int5d$ to h& d[n ! g5]al s5se ( a body ( disc\rses1 on ! supposition t !y 7 9 possession ( accurate in=mation1 w\ld repeat !m to a great ext5t 9 ! same words4 ,b t ?ree indep5d5t writ]s1 :o us$ no common s\rce ( in=mation 9 n>rat+ ! same occurr5ces1 %\ld h employ$ ! same words to ! ext5t to :i* x has be5 done by ! au?ors ( ^! ,gospels is simply impossible4 ,b if !y _h all copi$ f ! same docum5t1 ^! id5tities ( expression mu/ inevitably h be5 m complete4 ,x w\ld h be5 impossible t !y c\ld h be5 ( ! caprici\s "* :i* !y pres5t to u 9 ! pages ( ! ,evangeli/s4 ,ev5 9 ! n>ratives1 frequ5t z is ! use ( ! same words1 ! v>iations are num]\s2 nor are !y mu* less s 9 ! disc\rses4 ,!y are ( ! mo/ s+ul> "*1 & )\t ! smalle/ app>5t purpose4 ,sometimes !y are simple *anges 9 grammatical con/ruction1 or a ^w ( ne>ly ! same mean+ is sub/itut$ = ano!r4 ,!n we f9d "o or m l9es1 sometimes a :ole s5t5ce1 transpos$4 ,sometimes words or l9es :i* are ins]t$ by "o ,evangeli/ are omitt$ by ano!r1 ! omission obscur+1 & ! ins]tion ?r[+ light on ! s5se4 ,at o!r times1 a :ole incid5t is omitt$ :i*1 if x _h be5 ins]t$1 w\ld h made an obscure context pla94 ,9 ! disc\rses x occasionally happ5s t a "p ( "o :i* we read 9 ! same context 9 ano!r ,evangeli/1 & :i* seems to be requir$ by ! connection1 is omitt$1 :5 words ( ne>ly ! same import h be5 attribut$ to our ,"l else:]e4 ,aga93 say+s are report$ 9 :i*1 :ile _m words are ! same1 o!rs are v>i$ )\t any conceivable reason = ! v>iation4 ,9 "o or two in/ances1 :5 words are put into ! m\?s ( p]sons diff]5t f ^? to :om !y are attribut$ by ano!r ,evangeli/1 ! grammatical /ructure is alt]$ to suit ! v>iation4 ,( ?is we h two rem>kable examples 9 ! acc\nt ( ! heal+ ( ! ,c5turion's s]vant1 & 9 ! n>rative ( ! reque/ :i* ! two sons ( ,zeb$ee & ,salome pres5t$ to our ,"l4 ,! words are precisely ! same1 :ile ! grammatical =ms diff]1 accord+ z ! "o or ! o!r is reg>d$ z ! speak]4 ,su* are ! *ief ph5om5a4 ,b ! full ext5t & "* ( ^! v>iations1 9 ! close/ union z !y are ) id5tities ( expression1 c only be appreciat$ by a c>eful comp>ison ( ! p>allel n>rative ( ! ,gospels4 ,num]\s1 h[ev]1 z are ! v>iations1 x mu/ be obs]v$ t !y ex]t sc>cely any appreciable influ5ce on ! g5]al s5se4 ,!y utt]ly negate ! idea t !y c h orig9at$ 9 any set or delib]ate purpose4 ,let u take = example ! acc\nt ( ! fe$+ ( ! five ?\s&4 ,! ,synoptics employ ! v rem>kable expression1 t aft] ! p]=mance ( ! miracle1 our ,"l con/ra9$ ! disciples to emb>k1 )\t giv+ u a h9t ( ! reason ( s unusual an occurr5ce4 ,we turn to ,/4 ,john's ,gospel2 he says n "o ^w ab\t our ,"l's con/ra9+ ! disciples to emb>k1 b tells u t ! multitude 7 design+ to come & take ,jesus by =ce & make ,him a k+4 ,?is notice1 :i* is ( ! mo/ incid5tal "*1 gives z ! fulle/ explanation ( an ev5t :i* w\ld o!rwise h be5 extremely obscure4 ,b fur!r3 9 ! acc\nt ( ! miracle itself1 "o ( ! ,evangeli/s tells u1 t ! numb]s :o 7 f$ 7 ab\t five ?\s&1 besides wom5 & *ildr54 ,h[ !n 7 ! numb]s asc]ta9$8 & h[ came x to pass t ! m5 only 7 numb]$1 & nei!r ! wom51 nor *ildr58 ,ano!r ,evangeli/ tells u t ! multitude 7 direct$ to sit d[n 9 companies by hundr$s & by fifties4 ,?is at once expla9s h[ ! numb]s 7 arriv$ at4 ,b if ?is 0 ! case1 h[ came x to be kn[n t ! m5 7 ab\t five ?\s&2 & h[ came x to pass1 t ! wom5 & *ildr5 7 exclud$ f ! total enum]ation8 ,"h aga9 ano!r ,evangeli/ comes to our help2 & in=ms u t al?\gh ! ord] 0 giv5 to ! :ole multitude to sit d[n 9 companies1 ^? :o actually did s 7 ! n ! 1 i4e4 t ! m5 only sat d[n1 b ! wom5 & *ildr5 did n4 ,?is is told u 9 ! mo/ incid5tal =m1 appe>+ only 9 ! ,greek4 ,?is la/ case is p]haps ! mo/ rem>kable example 9 ! ,gospels1 ( ! mann] 9 :i* an incid5tal v>iation 9 "o ,evangeli/ ?r[s light on ! obscurities ( ano!r4 ,c su* a n>rative be o!rwise ?an hi/orical8 ,?is note ( v]acity is s entirely incid5tal t x has 9 all probability escap$ ! notice ( n9e hundr$ & n9etyn9e out ( e ?\s& ( its read]s4 ,!re are _m o!rs1 ?\gh less /rik+1 all ( :i* are ( ! same incid5tal "*1 & x is impossible to attribute !m to design4 ,surely ?is c only h result$ f our be+ 9 ! pres5ce ( facts & n ( fiction4 ,b ! v>iations 9 ! disc\rses require a fur!r notice4 ,:5 v>iations occur 9 highly important disc\rses1 x is op5 to ! suspicion t !y h orig9at$ 9 ! delib]ate purpose ( giv+ a diff]5t doctr9al mean+ to ! words4 ,b :5 we closely exam9e ^? 9 ! ,gospels1 al?\gh !y are v num]\s1 we f9d !m ( a purely incid5tal "*1 ex]t+ a v inconsid]able influ5ce on ! s5se4 ,i am aw>e t attempts h be5 made to %[ t "s few ( ^! v>iations h orig9at$ 9 design2 b ^! attempts only prove ! /raits to :i* ^? :o make !m are driv54 ,?us 9 ! acc\nt ( ! ,s]mon on ! ,m\nt z we read x 9 ,/4 ,mat!w1 ! passage runs3 8,bless$ are ! poor 9 _s = !irs is ! k+dom ( heav540 ,9 ! correspond+ passage 9 ,/4 ,luke x runs3 8,bless$ are ye poor10 i4e4 ! poor p :o 7 our ,"l's disciples1 = ! ,evangeli/ expressly tells u t ^! words 7 address$1 n to ! multitude g5]ally1 b to !m4 ,! supposition t ?is v>iation indicates ! pres5ce ( some?+ resembl+ communi/ic views 9 ! au?or ( ,/4 ,luke's ,gospel is too absurd to be wor?y ( s]i\s discussion4 ,tak+ !m z a :ole1 ^! discrepancies create no appreciable diff]5ce 9 ! tea*+ ( ,jesus z report$ by ! diff]5t ,evangeli/s4 ,"o ?+ respect+ !m is cle>--!y be> ! /ronge/ te/imony to ! hi/orical "* ( ! writ+s :i* conta9 !m4 ,x is simply inconceivable t ! au?ors ( ! ,gospels made !m delib]ately4 ,!y mu/ h f\nd !m 9 ! s\rces f :i* !y drew _! in=mation4 ,!y =m "o ( ! /ronge/ pro(s t nei!r a =g]1 nor an accommodat] ( facts = ! purpose ( mak+ !m fit 9 ) p>ticul> doctr9al !ories1 has _h any h& 9 orig9at+ !m4 ,9 simple *anges 9 grammatical /ructure1 purpose or design is inconceivable4 ,b ! v>iations 9 n>ratives1 su* z ^? above ref]r$ to1 are ev5 m important z con/itut+ an atte/ation ( _! hi/orical reality ?an v>iations 9 disc\rses4 ,f\r sep>ate v]sions ( a fictiti\s incid5t fail to cle> up "o ano!r's obscurities4 ,b ! ability to d s is ! di/9ctive m>k ( imp]fect n>ratives ( facts1 told by diff]5t witnesses4 ,:5 two ?+s ( a complicat$ me*anical con/ruction exactly dovetail into ea* o!r1 x is a pro( t !y h orig9at$ 9 ! same m9d4 ,9 a simil> mann]1 :5 a numb] ( di/9ct n>ratives1 ea* ( :i* is m or less incomplete1 exactly fit into ea* o!r1 ?is con/itutes a pro(1 t !y did n orig9ate 9 a fiction b 9 a fact4 ,an illu/ration w aid 9 %[+ ! =ce ( ?is reason+4 ,! e>ly hi/ory ( ,rome is unque/ionably ( a highly leg5d>y "*4 ,we h two v]sions ( x1 "o by ,livy1 & ano!r by ,dionysius4 ,^! writ]s d n give u direct acc\nts ( ! primitive leg5ds1 b _! n>ratives are compil$ f au?ors ( a mu* e>li] date1 :o fir/ r$uc$ !m to writ+4 ,/ill ^! hi/orians may be view$ z sub/antially accurate report]s ( ! leg5d>y hi/ory1 z x 0 compil$ by ! e>li] writ]s4 ,an important "q !re=e arises1 does ! tw(old acc\nt :i* we possess ( ^! leg5ds1 aft] all ! ef=ts made by ,livy & ,dionysius to weave !m into a consi/5t :ole1 be> ! smalle/ analogy to ! n>ratives conta9$ 9 f\r ,evangeli/s8 ,x is cle> t great disagreem5ts exi/$ among ! orig9al au?orities4 ,let u take any acc\nt ( ! suppos$ ev5ts ( ?ree ye>s--d ! v>iations 9 ! two acc\nts be> ! smalle/ resemblance to ! s+ul> ph5om5a :i* we f9d 9 ! ,evangeli/s8 ,w !y dovetail into "o ano!r8 ,w ! small additions 9 "o ?r[ light on ! obscurities ( ! o!r8 ,d ! spee*es pres5t any indications ( be+ copies ( a common orig9al8 ,all ^! que/ions mu/ be answ]$ 9 ! negative4 ,:5ce !n comes ?is diff]5ce betwe5 ! n>ratives ( ! ,evangeli/s & ! leg5d>y acc\nts ( ! orig9 ( ! ,roman p[]8 ,i answ]1 because ! "o is f\nd$ on fact & ! o!r on fiction4 ,x is n my int5tion to discuss ! innum]able !ories t h be5 prop\nd$ z to ! orig9 ( ! ,gospels1 = ! purpose ( acc\nt+ = ! common n>rative1 its v>iations1 & ! additions peculi> to ea*4 ,_m ( ^! !ories violate ! pr9ciple ( common s5se2 & if ! contr>y 7 n kn[n to be ! fact !y w\ld sugge/ ! idea t _! au?ors _h nev] practis$ ! art ( lit]>y composition4 ,among !m ,i %all only notice ! !ories :i* suppose t ! ,evangeli/s _h be=e !m "o common docum5t :5 writ+ _! ,gospels2 or t "o ( !m _h be=e him ! ,gospel ( ano!r2 t !y delib]ately copi$ ! common words & phrases1 & no less delib]ately made ! alt]ations1 additions1 & transpositions :i* ! common n>rative pres5ts4 ,let u take = an illu/ration ! supposition t ! au?or ( ,m>k's ,gospel _h t ( ,mat!w be=e him1 or ! conv]se4 ,9 ! "o case he mu/ h delib]ately reta9$ all ! common words & phrases1 aft] mak+ ! mo/ caprici\s v>iations & suppressions4 ,next1 he mu/ h ins]t$ all ! little additions :i* di/+ui% ! ,gospel ( ,/4 ,m>k f t ( ,/4 ,mat!w1 & made ! requisite transpositions4 ,b :at is /ill m rem>kable1 he mu/ also h tax$ 8 inv5tion to ins]t 9 ! mid/ ( its imp]sonal n>rative all ^? graphic descriptions :i* imp>t to ,m>k's ,gospel ! appe>ance ( ocul> te/imony4 ,besides all ?is he mu/ ( set purpose h omitt$ ne>ly all ! disc\rses 9 :i* ,mat!w's ,gospel is s full1 or h plac$ !m 9 a diff]5t context4 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 we suppose t ,m>k's ,gospel is ! orig9al & ,mat!w's ! copy1 ! :ole process mu/ be rev]s$1 & above all ! au?or mu/ h delib]ately /ruck out ! graphic portions ( ,m>k1 except 9 "o or two in/ances1 :5 he has add$ "s ( 8 own4 ,all !ories :i* are f\nd$ on ! supposition t ! au?ors ( ei!r ,gospel us$ a common docum5t & delib]ately alt]$ x1 or t "o ( !m =m$ 8 ,gospel out ( t ( ano!r by a numb] ( additions & subtractions axe simply incr$ible4 ,b ! common n>rative exi/s ) ! id5tities ( expression int]wov5 ) its v>iations4 ,h[ are we to acc\nt = ?is rem>kable fact8 ,! id5tities ( expression mu/ h _h a common orig94 ,b :at d ! v>iations prove8 ,evid5tly t ! n>rative _h pass$ ?r\gh a p]iod ( oral transmission4 ,no o!r !ory c adequately acc\nt = !m4 ,su* v>iations w\ld naturally spr+ up 9 ! c\rse ( oral transmission4 ,we h already se5 t ! circum/ances ( ! ,*ur* r5d]$ su* a mode ( transmission necess>y1 z details ( our ,"l's life mu/ h =m$ regul> portions ( ,*ri/ian in/ruction4 ,9 do+ ?is1 v>iations w\ld inevitably arise4 ,aft] a :ile !y w\ld assume a di/9ctive type 9 diff]5t ,*ur*es4 ,if !n ! ,synoptic n>ratives are ?ree v]sions ( an oral ,gospel h&$ d[n 9 z _m ,*ur*es1 & put toge!r ) additions by _! respective au?ors1 ?is af=ds a reasonable explanation ( ! ph5om5a :i* ! common n>rative pres5ts4 ,9 ?is case ! only ?+ :i* involves a difficulty is ! l>ge numb] ( id5tities pres]v$ by ! ,evangeli/s4 ,?is proves ! /rong hold :i* ! words mu/ h _h on ! m9ds ( ! memb]s ( ! diff]5t ,*ur*es4 ,! exi/5ce ( a tradition>y n>rative is /ill fur!r prov$ by ! f\r? ,gospel4 ,no "o c d5y t ?is is an indep5d5t record1 & t its orig9 mu/ h be5 :olly diff]5t f t ( ! o!r ?ree4 ,yet 9 ^? portions :i* cov] common gr\nd ) ! ,synoptics we meet ) ph5om5a ( a simil> ord]1 all prov+ t !re mu/ h be5 a n>rative 9 exi/5ce :i* _h impress$ itself indelibly on ! m9d ( ! ,*ur*2 s mu* s t an entirely indep5d5t writ] fell into ! same mode ( expression :5 8 subject l$ him to n>rate incid5ts common to ! o!r ?ree4 ,e consid]ation :i* c be br\ght to be> on ?is subject t5ds to prove ! exi/5ce ( a tradition>y n>rative ( ! actions & tea*+ ( ,jesus :i* 0 h&$ d[n 9 ! ,*ur*es prior to ! publication ( ei!r ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels1 & t _! common matt] mu/ h pass$ ?r\gh a p]iod ( oral transmission4 ,x foll[s !re=e t our ?ree ,synoptics are ?ree diff]5t v]sions ( ! same oral ,gospel modifi$ 9 ! c\rse ( transmission & supplem5t$ by additional in=mation introduc$ by _! respective au?ors4 ,we "k z a fact t a tradition>y n>rative ma9ta9$ its place 9 ! ,*ur* f> into ! second c5tury4 ,papias delib]ately express$ 8 pref]5ce = x z comp>$ ) writt5 records2 & ! writ+s ( o!r ,fa!rs %[ _! acqua9tance ) x4 ,x is cle> !re=e t a numb] ( tradition>y n>ratives exi/$ 9 ! ,*ur*2 & t if a numb] ( p]sons _h set !mselves to r$uce ^! acc\nts to writ+1 !y w\ld h pres5t$ ph5om5a analog\s to ^? ( ! ,synoptic ,gospels4 ,i h also %[n t ^! ,gospels pres5t all ! ph5om5a :i* di/+ui% ?is species ( n>rative4 ,! sub/antial agreem5t ( ! ?ree1 bo? z to facts & z to ! disc\rses1 is a gu>antee t ! actual traditions ( ! ,*ur* h be5 accurately report$4 ,_! div]sities also af=d ! /ronge/ pro( t ^! reports 7 compos$ 9 p]fect indep5d5ce ( ea* o!r4 ,x is rem>kable t ! great majority ( ^? aga9/ :om ,i am reason+ admit t ! disc\rses 9 ! ,synoptic ,gospels are fairly accurate repres5tations ( ! actual utt]ances ( ,jesus1 al?\gh !y mu/ h pass$ ?r\gh a p]iod ( oral transmission4 ,yet x is c]ta9 t ! accurate transmission ( disc\rses by oral tradition is f> m difficult ?an t ( a report ( facts ?r\gh ! same m$ium4 ,! difficulty ( prev5t+ ! intrusion ( =eign elem5ts is mu* great]4 ,slight alt]ations may mat]ially affect _! mean+4 ,yet ! disc\rses record$ 9 ! ,synoptics be> ! indelible impress ( a s+le m9d1 t ( ,jesus ,*ri/47#f7 ,x foll[s !re=e t if ! traditions ( ! ,*ur* 7 able to h& d[n accurately ! disc\rses ( our ,"l until ! "t :5 !y 7 r$uc$ to writ+1 /ill m easily w\ld !y transmit a correct acc\nt ( ,8 acts z n>rat$ by ,8 orig9al foll[]s4 ,except on acc\nt ( ! antec$5t difficulty ) :i* ! miracul\s elem5t 9 ! n>rative is suppos$ to be att5d$1 x w\ld be absurd to accept ! "o & to reject ! o!r z m]e leg5d>y inv5tion4 ,b hav+ once e/abli%$ ! fact ( ! ,resurrection1 ! antec$5t difficulty ( ! miracles is effectually dispos$ (1 & ! facts resume _! place 9 hi/ory4 ,x =ms no objection to ! g5]al argum5t t "s ( ! ,synoptics conta9 n>ratives ( consid]able l5g?1 :i* are omitt$ by o!rs4 ,x 0 precisely :at 0 to be expect$ t ! tradition>y acc\nts w\ld v>y 9 ?is respect1 & h incid5ts report$ by diff]5t witnesses ( our ,"l's m9i/ry incorporat$ into !m4 ,!y ab\nd 9 ! ,gospel ( ,/4 ,luke1 :o di/9ctly /ates t x is a compilation4 ,a c>eful /udy ( ! ,gospel ( ,/4 ,mat!w mu/ lead to ! conclusion t its n>rative portions are d]iv$ f ! same g5]al s\rces z ^? ( ! o!r two4 ,we f9d 9 x precisely ! same v]bal id5tities :i* h be5 already notic$ z af=d+ pro( ( ! exi/5ce ( a common s\rce ( in=mation1 & ! same v>iations :i* prove t x mu/ h pass$ ?r\gh a p]iod ( oral transmission4 ,nor are ! indications ( autoptic te/imony /rong] 9 ,mat!w ?an 9 ! o!r two ,evangeli/s2 9 fact1 !y are less s ?an 9 ,m>k4 ,! disc\rses 9 ,mat!w1 view$ z a :ole1 are a f> m complete collection ( ! say+s ( our ,"l1 ?an ^? 9 ,m>k or ,luke4 ,x seems to h be5 "o ( ! *ief purposes ( ! au?or ( ?is ,gospel to make a collection ( !m1 & to unite !m by a brief n>rative ( ev5ts4 ,b ev5 9 ! disc\rses1 "s ( ! v>iations f\nd 9 ,m>k & ,luke possess /rong] claims to be reg>d$ z ! orig9al =m ( ! utt]ances ( our ,"l1 ?an ! correspond+ ones 9 ,mat!w4 ,9 ! p>ts :i* are common to ! ,synoptics1 !y are evid5tly f\nd$ on "o common s\rce ( in=mation2 & 9 ?is respect nei!r ( !m c put 9 a high] claim to orig9ality ?an ! o!r4 ,su* are "s ( ! *ief *>act]i/ics ( ^! ,gospels1 :i* h ! mo/ intimate be>+ on _! claims to be reg>d$ z g5u9e hi/orical productions4 ,!y are acc\nts ( ! traditions ( ! ,*ur* respect+ ! life & tea*+ ( its ,f\nd] at ! "t :5 !y 7 compos$4 ,i h already %[n1 t if !y 7 compos$ at any "t betwe5 ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus ,*ri/ & ! fir/ tw5ty ye>s ( ! second c5tury1 x w\ld h be5 impossible to h sub/itut$ a leg5d>y n>rative = ! acc\nt :i* 0 h&$ d[n 9 ! ,*ur*4 ,i am n conc]n$ to prove t no inaccuracies c\ld h crept into ^! tradition>y acc\nts4 ,! only "q ( ! smalle/ importance is1 are !y sub/antially hi/orical8 ,on ?is "q m]e m9or details1 ! ord] & arrangem5t ( ev5ts1 or ev5 ! introduction ( two or ?ree errone\s acc\nts1 has no m be>+ ?an x has on ! g5]al cr$it ( o!r hi/ories4 ,our "q is1 :at is _! value z s\rces ( hi/ory8 ,?is mu/ be kept p]fectly di/9ct f ! "q z to ! nature & ext5t ( ! inspiration ( ! writ]s4 ,) respect to a l>ge numb] ( alleg$ discrepancies1 _! :ole =ce z objections to ! hi/orical "* ( ! ,gospels is dispos$ ( by ! simple consid]ation t _! au?ors ass]t !m to be memoirs1 & n hi/ories4 ,no small numb] ( o!rs c be %[n to exi/ only 9 ! imag9ation ( ^? :o allege !m4 ,a few real difficulties w probably rema92 b ^! no m invalidate _! hi/orical "*1 ?an simil> ones :i* are to be f\nd 9 e writ] 8f ,h]odotus to ,mr4 ,fr\de40 ,x mu/ n be =gott5 t a c>eful exam9ation ( ! ,gospels discloses a mass ( additional evid5ce on ?is subject :i* is inconsi/5t ) ! idea t _! n>ratives are a m]e cong]ies ( leg5d>y inv5tions4 ,x w\ld be impossible to inve/igate x 9 a "w l ! pres5t1 or ev5 to give an idea ( its value1 z %[n 9 ! intimate acqua9tance ( ! au?ors ) ! ev5ts1 ideas1 cu/oms1 & g5]al circum/ances ( ! times4 ,to compose su* /ories out ( any mat]ials :i* c\ld h be5 at 8 h& at ! beg9n+ ( ! second c5tury1 suppos+ him to h be5 devoid ( all p]sonal k on ! subject1 w\ld defy any mod]n writ] ( fiction1 ev5 "o possess$ ( ! highe/ g5ius2 n to speak ( ! incompet5ce ( ! anci5t _w 9 ?is class ( lit]ature1 r5d]+ ! attempts ( su* writ]s z exi/$ among ! e>ly ,*ri/ians simply hopeless4 ,!re are two additional po9ts to :i* ,i mu/ draw att5tion "h1 9 ! int]nal /ructure ( ! ,gospels1 z e/abli%+ _! hi/orical "*4 ,! /ronge/ evid5ce :i* ! ,gospels af=d ( _! be+ hi/orical n>ratives is ! unque/ionable fact t !y conta9 a del9eation ( ! greate/ ( all *>act]s1 ,jesus ,*ri/ our ,"l4 ,?is "* is !re depict$1 ev5 9 ! op9ion ( unbeliev]s ( ! greate/ em95ce1 ) a mat*less p]fection4 ,:y w !y n grapple ) ! "q ( its orig91 & %[ h[ x is possible t su* a "* %\ld ev] h f\nd a place 9 ! ,gospels1 on any !ory :i* !y h prop\nd$ to acc\nt = _! orig98 ,x does n orig9ate 9 any =mal sket* or del9eation4 ,?is ! ,evangeli/s h n[h]e giv54 ,x is ! comb9$ result ( all ! facts & ! disc\rses :i* !y conta94 ,! :ole subject matt] ( ! ,gospels is 9 fact ! mat]ial out ( :i* ?is great "* is del9eat$4 ,h[ came x !re if ! ,gospels consi/ only ( a mass ( my?ic & leg5d>y /ories :i* gradually accumulat$ 9 ! ,*ur*8 ,h[ is x possible t a bundle ( leg5ds ?us ?r[n toge!r c h creat$ ! p]fect "* ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 =m+1 z x does1 an h>moni\s :ole8 ,h[ has x come to pass t ! au?ors ( our ,gospels1 if !y ea* compos$ _! n>ratives f a mass ( fictions :i* grew up dur+ a p]iod ( sev5ty ye>s1 h ea* giv5 u a del9eation ( ! same ,jesus8 ,^! are problems :i* h an intimate be>+ on ! "q :e!r !y belong to ! ord] ( hi/orical or fictiti\s compositions1 b ) :i* unbelief has hi!rto mo/ prud5tly decl9$ to grapple4 ,i %all n pursue !m fur!r "h1 z ,i h discuss$ !m fully 9 ! "w already ref]r$ to1 & %[n t ! portraiture ( ,jesus ,*ri/ z del9eat$ 9 our ,gospels is inconsi/5t ) any !ory ( _! orig9 :i* has be5 prop\nd$ by our oppon5ts4 ,to ?is "w ,i mu/ ref] ! read]4 ,b !re is a second "* :i* is h>moni\sly del9eat$ 9 ! ,gospels1 to :i* ,i h n allud$ 9 ! "w above ref]r$ to1 t ( ,simon ,pet]4 ,?is "*1 ?\gh a subord9ate "o1 is also a p]fect del9eation ( its k9d1 in/9ct ) hi/oric life4 ,x diff]s f t ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 be+ t ( a purely human "*1 possess$ ( _m ( ! virtues & n a few ( ! frailties ( ord9>y human nature4 ,no /ud5t ( ! ,gospels c rise f _! p]usal )\t a lively conception ( x4 ,if !y are hi/orical1 ! acc\nt ( ! orig9 ( ?is second "* ( :i* !y pres5t u s p]fect a del9eation is a v simple "o4 ,x is t ( a g5u9e man1 ^: actions !y h correctly record$4 ,b if ! ,gospels are su* z my oppon5ts affirm !m to be1 ,i mu/ e>ne/ly put to !m ! "q1 ,h[ came ?is "* !re also8 ,ea* ,gospel pres5ts u ) a del9eation ( ,pet]4 ,9 ea* ! same liv+ man is be=e u1 9 all 8 virtues & 9 all 8 fail+s4 ,h[1 ,i ask1 is x possible t ! au?or ( ea* ,gospel has succe$$ 9 creat+ a "* ( ,simon ,pet]--ea* true to nature & ea* manife/ly a del9eation ( ! same p]son--out ( a numb] ( fictions1 my?s1 & leg5ds8 ,c any "o affirm t ! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels pres5ts u ) "o s+le trait ( a "* =m$ by leg5d8 ,b ! exi/5ce ( ?is del9eation 9 ea* ( ! ,gospels involves ^? ) :om ,i am reason+ 9 a yet fur!r difficulty4 ,! ,new ,te/am5t conta9s a fif? del9eation ( ! "* ( ,simon ,pet]1 pr(ess$ly drawn by himself4 ,i allude to 8 fir/ ,epi/le4 ,?is unbeliev]s say is n 8 g5u9e production1 ?\gh ! ext]nal evid5ce = x is /rong4 ,9 ei!r case x w be equally available = my argum5t4 ,if x 0 writt5 by him1 x is sep>at$ by an int]val ( f ?irty to =ty ye>s f ! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels4 ,aft] su* a p]iod ( "t we ought to f9d ! same sub/antial l9eam5ts ( "*1 b *a/5$1 improv$1 & s(t5$ by ! influ5ce ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,?is is precisely :at we d f9d4 ,! ,pet] ( ! ,epi/le is ! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels1 9 all ! sub/antial elem5ts ( 8 "*1 b rais$ to a great] moral elevation4 ,! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels is ! ,pet] ( y\?ful aspirations1 :o has _h little exp]i5ce ( ! trials & /ruggles ( human life4 ,! ,pet] ( ! ,epi/le :ile cont9ually rem9d+ u ( ! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels1 is a deeply s(t5$ man1 ) _m ( 8 infirmities *ang$ into ! graces to :i* !y are alli$4 ,n[ if ! f\r ,pet]s ( ! ,gospels are fictions1 h[ h _! inv5tors succe$$ 9 del9eat+ him true to 8 y\?ful "*1 & true to human nature8 ,if1 on ! o!r h&1 ! ,pet]s ( ! ,gospels & ( ! ,epi/le are all five creations ( ! imag9ation1 ! difficulty is increas$ to impossibility4 ,h[ 0 x possible = ! =g] ( ! ,epi/le to h del9eat$ a ,pet] :o %\ld be true to ! leg5d>y "* ( ! ,pet] ( ! ,gospels1 & at ! same "t su* an improv$ v]sion ( x z w\ld naturally result f ! trials ( betwe5 ?irty & =ty ye>s sp5t 9 ! s]vice & 9 attempts to put 9 practice ! tea*+ ( 8 ,ma/]8 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t ! five portraitures ( ,simon ,pet] pres5t$ u 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 are s _m di/9ctive pro(s t ! ,gospels are hi/orical realities1 & n ! m]e (fspr+ ( ! imag9ations ( _! respective au?ors4 ,i am n[ 9 a position to re/ore ! ,gospels to _! place 9 hi/ory1 & to e/imate ! value ( _! te/imony4 ,! ,synoptics are s _m v]sions ( ! traditions1 pres]v$ 9 ! diff]5t ,*ur*es dur+ ! fir/ c5tury1 ( t portion ( ! life & tea*+ ( ,jesus :i* =m$ ! gr\ndwork ( ,*ri/ianity4 ,su* an acc\nt1 m or less full1 mu/ h be5 h&$ d[n f ! fir/ orig9 ( ! ,*ur*4 ,?is acc\nt receiv$ enl>gem5ts f diff]5t n>rators :o _h be5 witnesses ( diff]5t ev5ts ( our ,"l's life & m9i/ry2 b s completely 0 x int]wov5 ) ! daily c\rse ( ,*ri/ian life1 t x is impossible t matt]s inconsi/5t ) its fundam5tal conception c h become incorporat$ ) x4 ,moreov]1 ! :ole p]iod lay )9 ! limits ( "t dur+ :i* traditions are /rictly hi/orical4 ,no community ev] exi/$ :i* _h equal facilities = h&+ d[n accurately ! ev5ts ( its ,f\nd]'s life1 or _h /rong] inducem5ts to d s4 ,! ,*ur* 0 /ruggl+ = exi/5ce1 & seek+ to assimilate to itself ! elem5ts by :i* x 0 surr\nd$4 ,?is alone mu/ h kept /eadily 9 its memory ! lead+ ev5ts ( ! life ( ,jesus4 ,^!1 z we h se51 mu/ also h =m$ ! subjects 9 :i* its conv]ts 7 habitually in/ruct$4 ,jesus ,*ri/1 to use ! expressive language ( ,/4 ,paul1 mu/ h be5 to ! primitive ,*ri/ian community f ! h\r ( its bir? 8all & 9 all40 ,f ! v>i\s direct & indirect ref]5ces 9 ,/4 ,paul's ,epi/les we c =m a g5]al idea ( ! life & tea*+ ( ,jesus1 z x mu/ h be5 accept$ by ! ,*ur*es to :i* he wrote4 ,all ! outl9es furni%$ by ^! ,epi/les may be trac$ 9 our pres5t ,gospels4 ,if we desc5d to a /ill lat] p]iod1 we %all f9d t acc\nts1 sub/antially ! same1 7 spread ov] ! entire ,*ur*4 ,ev5 if x is true t ! e>ly ,ecclesia/ical writ]s d n cite ! ,gospels1 x is evid5t t !y 7 9 possession ( acc\nts1 ei!r writt5 or unwritt51 :i* 7 = all practical purposes ! same4 ,x foll[s1 !re=e1 t z ! ,synoptics conta9 ?ree v]sions ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus :i* 7 h&$ d[n by ! ,*ur*es ( ! fir/ c5tury1 _! claim to ! "* ( hi/orical docum5ts sub/antially accurate 9 all _! ma9 features is unque/ionable4 ,no?+ is m lam5table ?an ! mann] 9 :i* a numb] ( m9ute v]bal que/ions h be5 introduc$ into ?is great controv]sy4 ,bo? p>ties h freely indulg$ 9 x4 ,! life ( ,*ri/ianity has be5 made to dep5d on :e!r "s passage 9 a p>ticul> ,fa!r be>s a precise v]bal agreem5t ) ano!r passage to be f\nd 9 our pres5t ,gospels4 ,su* matt]s may be int]e/+ z m]e lit]>y que/ions1 b surely !y are n wor?y to be dignifi$ by ! title ( hi/orical ones4 ,to repres5t ! life ( ,*ri/ianity z dep5d+ on !m1 is to leave ! broad basis ( hi/orical inve/igation1 & desc5d to ! m]e te*nicalities ( legal evid5ce1 by :i* ! p>ties :o are mo/ capable ( ?r[+ light on ! case are exclud$ f giv+ evid5ce at all1 :ile _m m9or po9ts are debat$ ) ! utmo/ ard\r4 ,i desire to express no op9ion z to :e!r ?is is "r or wrong 9 judicial processes2 b ! pr9ciples ( hi/ory are widely diff]5t4 ,all evid5ce mu/ be accept$ = :at x is wor?1 & = no m4 ,! issues are great ones1 & are n dep5d5t on any m]e set ( b>r5 te*nicalities4 ,*ri/ianity is n only "o ( ! greate/ facts 9 hi/ory1 b ! greate/2 & its tru? or falsehood c nev] be dep5d5t on :e!r a passage m or less 9 ,ju/9 ,m>tyr is an accurate citation ( ano!r 9 ,/4 ,mat!w's ,gospel4 ,! only que/ions ( real importance are3 ,d ! num]\s ref]5ces ( ! e>ly ,*ri/ian writ]s to ! life & tea*+ ( ,jesus ,*ri/ sub/antially agree ) ! acc\nts ( t life & tea*+ giv5 9 our ,gospels8 ,d !y conta9 any acc\nt :i* gives a really diff]5t v]sion ( x8 ,if su* agreem5t exi/s1 al?\gh !re may be m9or diff]5ces1 ! matt] is settl$ z an hi/orical "q4 ,! ,gospels1 9 all _! great outl9es1 are virtually accurate acc\nts ( ! traditions ( ! primitive ,*ur* respect+ ! actions & ! tea*+ ( its ,f\nd]1 & z su* !y satisfy all ! conditions ( hi/ory4 ,x is impossible t ,i %\ld 9 ?is place ent] on ! "q ( ! au?or%ip or ! date ( ! ,f\r? ,gospel4 ,! lit]ature on ?is subject w\ld fill a libr>y ( no mean size4 ,i %all only ref] to ,mr4 ,s&ay's able v9dication ( its hi/orical "*4 ,"o ?+ respect+ x is cle>4 ,x is ei!r ! v]itable "w ( an eyewitness ( ! facts :i* x records1 or x is a consummate fiction1 su* z c be f\nd n[h]e else1 ei!r 9 ! anci5t or ! mod]n _w4 ,its au?or mu/ h unit$ a fix$ det]m9ation to p]petrate a =g]y on a mo/ sacr$ subject1 ) "o ( ! l(tie/ ideals ( morality1 & an inimitable p[] ( simple description1 & ( inv5t+ fictiti\s sc5es 9 a mann] :i* is 9 ! highe/ degree true to human nature4 ,if ?is "w 0 really writt5 by a p]son :o 0 n a ,jew1 "o hundr$ & fifty ye>s aft] ! ev5ts :i* are describ$ 9 x1 & a c5tury aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 ! accuracy ( its descriptions is "o ( ! mo/ s+ul> ph5om5a 9 lit]>y hi/ory4 ,:]ev] x runs p>allel ) ! ,synoptic ,gospels1 x ?r[s light on _! obscurities )\t ! smalle/ app>5t int5tion ( do+ s4 ,9 "s places x helps to correct errone\s impressions into :i* ! read] ( ! ,synoptic n>ratives might o!rwise h fall54 ,ev5 9 t mo/ /rik+ disagreem5t betwe5 !m1 respect+ ! ,pas*al "* ( ! ,la/ ,supp]1 we f9d 9 ! ,synoptics h9ts :i* corroborate ,/4 ,john's acc\nt ( x4 ,"o simple alt]native1 & "o only1 lies be=e u2 ei!r to accept ?is ,gospel z a hi/ory ( ! highe/ au?ority1 or to reject x z an audaci\s =g]y4 ,x n[ rema9s = me v briefly to consid] ! value ( ! te/imony ( ! ,gospels to ! tru? ( ! ,resurrection4 ,if "o ?+ m ?an ano!r is evid5t respect+ !m1 x is t !y 7 n writt5 = ! purposes ( controv]sy ) unbeliev]s1 b = ! in/ruction ( ,*ri/ians4 ,x is c]ta9 t ! la/ ?+ :i* occurr$ to _! au?ors 0 to gu>d _! n>ratives aga9/ possible objections4 ,?is is made cle> by e page4 ,at ! "t :5 !y 7 compos$1 ! ,resurrection _h long be5 accept$ by ! entire body ( believ]s1 z ! f\ndation ( _! fai?4 ,x 0 !re=e n necess>y = ! ,gospels to prove x1 z x w\ld h be5 if !y _h be5 compos$ ) a direct view to unbeliev]s4 ,?is is a po9t :i* x is important to be> 9 m9d 9 consid]+ ! nature ( _! te/imony4 ,two ( ! n>ratives ( x are entirely incid5tal2 & x is q cle> t _! au?ors nev] int5d$ to give an exhau/ive acc\nt ( ! facts4 ,! o!r two1 ?\gh giv+ u m details1 p>ticipate l>gely 9 ! same "*4 ,x is impossible to read ei!r n>rative ) c>e & n feel t x 0 nev] int5d$ to be a sy/ematic acc\nt ( all ! facts ) :i* ! au?or 0 acqua9t$ respect+ ! ,resurrection4 ,x is object$ aga9/ ^! n>ratives t !y ab\nd ) v>iations1 am\nt+ to contradictions4 ,! v>iations are unque/ionable1 & x w readily be conc$$ t x is extremely difficult to piece toge!r all ! details ( ! exi/+ acc\nts s z to weave !m into an h>moni\s :ole4 ,9 fact !y are inevitable :5ev] ! incid5ts describ$ are ( excit+ int]e/4 ,su* mu/ h be5 ! "* ( ^? connect$ ) ! ,resurrection4 ,! *ief difficulty is f\nd 9 ! details ( ! morn+ ( t important day4 ,!y are 9 an extremely fragm5t>y =m1 & x is q cle> t we h n all ! ev5ts be=e u4 ,if we _h1 we %\ld !n be 9 a position to judge :at is ! precise nature ( ! v>iations 9 ! m9or details4 ,b ev5 if contradictions c\ld be prov$ to exi/1 h[ does _! pres5ce invalidate ! ma9 facts1 ^: tru? is e/abli%$ by :olly indep5d5t te/imony8 ,! only way 9 :i* x c be made to d s is by mix+ up que/ions involv+ p>ticul> !ories ( inspiration ) consid]ations purely hi/orical4 ,su* discrepancies exi/ 9 connection ) "s ( ! mo/ important facts ( hi/ory 9 _! m9or details1 )\t 9 ! smalle/ degree invalidat+ _! hi/orical cr$ibility4 ,?is may be easily te/$ by exam9+ a numb] ( newspap] acc\nts ( any excit+ ev5t1 :i* are d]iv$ f report]s entirely indep5d5t ( ea* o!r4 ,"o witnesses "o ?+1 & "o ano!r2 & x is (t5 difficult to weave ! :ole into a p]fectly consi/5t n>rative4 ,no "o c d\bt t ! morn+ ( ! ,resurrection mu/ h be5 "o 9 ! la/ degree excit+ to ! disciples ( our ,"l4 ,!y 7 n m]e report]s1 b p]sons pr(\ndly int]e/$ 9 ! v>i\s occurr5ces4 ,x w\ld !re=e h be5 inconsi/5t ) ! hi/orical tru? ( _! position1 if _! n>ratives _h pres5t$ u ) no v>iations4 ,x is c]ta9 t sev]al wom5 accompani$ our ,"l on ,8 la/ j\rney to ,j]usalem4 ,:at 0 m likely ?an t !y w\ld visit ! sepul*re at diff]5t times1 & ) diff]5t purposes8 ,c any "o d\bt t _! excitem5t mu/ h be5 great8 ,:at conceivable diff]5ce c x make to ! great fact ( ! ,resurrection1 t "o acc\nt m5tions two ,m>ys z go+ to ! sepul*re2 t ! second adds to ^! ,salome2 t ! ?ird m5tions sev]al wom52 & t ! f\r? m5tions ,m>y ,magdal5e alone8 ,!re might h be51 z f> z any?+ :i* appe>s 9 ! n>ratives is conc]n$1 sev]al diff]5t visits2 or ! same p]son may h return$ m ?an once4 ,or :at is ! use ( urg+ t !re is an app>5t v>iation ( ab\t an h\r betwe5 ! diff]5t acc\nts1 z to ! precise "t :5 ^! visits 7 made8 ,d v>iations ( ?is description1 :i* are f\nd 9 acc\nts d]iv$ f eyewitnesses ( ,l\is ,,xvi's flight f ,p>is1 9 ! smalle/ degree invalidate ! fact8 ,or :at conceivable diff]5ce does x make t "o n>rative repres5ts ! wom5 z see+ "o angel1 & ano!r two2 & t "o describes ! appe>ance z tak+ place inside1 & ano!r outside ! sepul*re8 ,x is q possible t all ^! acc\nts may be true1 & t ^! occurr5ces took place on diff]5t occasions4 ,if !y 7 true1 no?+ 0 m unlikely ?an t ! wom5 c\ld h giv5 an ord]ly n>rative ( !m4 ,v>iations mu/ occur 9 all reports ( ev5ts :5 ! witnesses see only a portion ( !m4 ,! great facts be=e u are pla9 & evid5t2 & unless !y are falsehoods1 !re c\ld be no possibility ( mi/ake respect+ !m4 ,diff]5t bodies ( wom5 f\nd ! sepul*re empty4 ,"s ( !m affirm$ t !y _h se5 ,jesus ris5 f ! dead1 & t ,he s5t a message by !m to ,8 disciples4 ,pet] & ,john visit$ ! sepul*re1 & f\nd x empty4 ,lat] 9 ! same day1 ,pet] affirm$ t ,jesus ,*ri/ appe>$ to him2 on :i* day also two o!r disciples affirm$ t !y _h se5 ,him on a j\rney1 at fir/ )\t recogniz+ ,him1 b t !y did s aft]w>ds4 ,on ! ev5+ ( ! same day1 ^! two disciples1 t5 ( ! ,apo/les1 ) o!r p]sons 9 company1 saw ,him 9 a body1 & 7 p]mitt$ to te/ ! reality ( ,8 ,resurrection by h&l+ ,8 ,p]son1 & by see+ ,him eat4 ,ab\t su* facts !re c\ld be no mi/ake4 ,mo/ ( !m 7 well kn[n & accept$ :5 ,/4 ,paul wrote 8 ,epi/les1 :5 ! means ( te/+ _! tru? 0 ample4 ,we "k on ! same au?ority t ! :ole apo/olic body ass]t$ t !y _h se5 ! ,"l1 & t z _m z five hundr$ o!r p]sons made a simil> ass]tion4 ,^! are ! *ief facts1 & a numb] ( m9or v>iations su* z ^? above ref]r$ to _c affect _! cr$ibility4 ,x has be5 object$ t ! au?or ( ,/4 ,mat!w's ,gospel 0 ignorant ( "s ( ^! appe>ances4 ,on :at gr\nd is ! objection made8 ,on ! fact t he has n m5tion$ !m8 ,does a writ] always report all he kn[s1 especially :5 8 writ+ is int5d$ = ! use ( ^? :o firmly believe ! fact already8 ,no?+ c exce$ ! fragm5t>y "* ( ?is portion ( 8 n>rative4 ,if ?is ,gospel 0 compos$ at ! late p]iod assign$ to x by ^? aga9/ :om ,i am reason+1 namely1 ,a4,d4 #ij1 x is incr$ible t ^! 7 ! only facts kn[n to ! writ]1 at lea/ ?irty ye>s aft] ,/4 ,paul wrote 8 ,epi/les4 ,! *>ge ( ignorance might be su/a9$ ) f> great] plausibility if x 7 admitt$ t ,/4 ,mat!w 0 ! au?or ( ?is ,gospel1 because x might h be5 expect$ t he w\ld m5tion ! fir/ occasion on :i* 8 ,ma/] _h appe>$ to him r ?an ! ?ird4 ,b 8 au?or%ip is d5i$1 & ! publication ( ! ,gospel assign$ to ! la/ t5 ye>s ( ! c5tury1 :5 x 0 impossible t ! au?or1 :oev] he may h be51 c\ld be ignorant t x 0 alleg$ t our ,"l _h appe>$ on o!r occasions besides ^? m5tion$ by him4 ,i w n[ consid] ! ?reefold acc\nt ( ! great appe>ance on ! morn+ ( ,ea/]day4 ,"o ( !m is conta9$ 9 ! supplem5t to ,/4 ,m>k's ,gospel2 ! o!r two are ^? 9 ,luke & ,john4 ,let u fir/ c>efully obs]ve ! mode 9 :i* !y are n>rat$ 9 ! supplem5t4 ,its au?or seems to h ent]ta9$ a /rong] view ( ! indisposition ( ! disciples to believe ! tru? ( ! ,resurrection ?an ! o!r two n>ratives appe> to w>rant4 ,he fir/ notices ! appe>ance to ,m>y ,magdal5e on ! morn+ ( t day1 & says t ! disciples refus$ to cr$it h] report4 ,next1 he tells u ( ! appe>ance to ! two disciples z !y w5t into ! c\ntry2 & /ates t on _! return !y told x to ! rema9d]1 8,nei!r believ$ !y !m40 8,aft]w>d10 he adds1 8he appe>$ to ! elev5 z !y sat at meat1 & upbraid$ !m ) _! unbelief & h>dness ( he>t1 because !y believ$ n ^? :o _h se5 him aft] he 0 ris540 ,x is evid5t t ! au?or ( ! supplem5t ent]ta9$ a /rong view ( ! incr$ulity ( ! disciples :5 _! companions report$ to !m ! fact ( ! ,resurrection4 ,let u n[ exam9e h[ ! facts /& 9 ,luke's n>rative4 ,x op5s ) a detail$ acc\nt ( ! j\rney into ! c\ntry ( ,cleopas & 8 companion1 & ( our ,"l's appe>ance to !m4 ,our ,"l addresses !m 9 ! foll[+ words3 8,o fools & sl[ ( he>t10 7 1 7 8to believe all t ! prophets h spok540 ,aft] _! recognition ( ,jesus1 !y are describ$ z imm$iately return+ to ,j]usalem1 8& f9d ! elev5 ga!r$ toge!r & ^? t 7 ) !m1 say+1 ! ,"l is ris5 inde$1 & ha? appe>$ unto ,simon40 8,& !y0 7i4e4 ,cleopas & 8 companion7 8told :at ?+s 7 done on ! way1 & h[ he 0 kn[n unto !m 9 ! break+ ( bread40 ,! n>rative !n proce$s3 8,& z !y ?us spake10 7i4e4 ,cleopas & 8 companion7 8,jesus himself /ood 9 ! mid/ ( !m1 & said unto !m1 ,peace be unto y40 ,x !n in=ms u t !y 7 t]rifi$ & suppos$ t ! appe>ance 0 t ( a _s4 ,on ?is our ,"l reasons ) !m3 8,:y are ye tr\bl$1 & :y d ?\ghts arise 9 y\r he>ts8 ,behold my h&s & my feet t x is ,i myself1 = a _s ha? n fle% & bones z ye see me h4 ,& :5 he _h ?us spok51 he %[$ !m 8 h&s & 8 feet40 ,! writ] !n adds3 8,& :5 !y yet believ$ n = joy & wond]$1 he said unto !m1 ,h ye "h any meat8 ,& !y gave him a piece ( a broil$ fi%1 & ( an honeycomb1 & he took x & did eat be=e !m40 ,! au?or !n proce$s ) 8 n>rative3 8,^! are ! words t ,i spake unto y1 :ile ,i 0 yet ) y1 t all ?+s might be fulfill$ t are writt5 9 ! law ( ,moses1 & 9 ! prophets & 9 ! ,psalms conc]n+ me40 ,& he adds3 8,!n op5$ he _! und]/&+1 t !y might und]/& ! ,scriptures40 ,! foll[+ is ! acc\nt giv5 ( ! same meet+ 9 ,/4 ,john's ,gospel4 ,aft] hav+ giv5 a full description ( ! appe>ance to ,m>y ,magdal5e1 he ?us describes our ,"l's appe>ance on ! ev5+ ( ,ea/]day3 8,!n ! fir/ day at ev5+1 be+ ! fir/ day ( ! week1 :5 ! doors 7 %ut :]e ! disciples 7 assembl$ = fe> ( ! ,jews1 came ,jesus & /ood 9 ! mid/1 & said unto !m1 ,peace be unto y4 ,& :5 he _h s said1 he %[$ !m 8 h&s & 8 side4 ,!n 7 ! disciples glad :5 !y saw ! ,"l4 ,!n said ,jesus unto !m aga91 ,peace be unto y3 z my ,fa!r ha? s5t me1 ev5 s s5d ,i y4 ,& :5 he _h said ?is he brea!d on !m1 & said1 ,receive ye ! ,holy ,gho/40 ,! diff]5ce betwe5 ! supplem5t ( ,m>k's ,gospel & ! n>ratives ( ,luke & ,john is v rem>kable4 ,are ! v>iations su* z w\ld be f\nd 9 diff]5t reports ( a set ( fictions1 or are !y su* z di/+ui% brief b inexact reports ( actual occurr5ces8 ,?is is a v important "q4 ,fir/3 ! ?ree acc\nts be> ! cle>e/ indications ( be+ indep5d5t4 ,x is incr$ible t any "o ( ! ?ree writ]s hav+ be=e him "o or bo? ( ! o!r two acc\nts %\ld h compos$ 8 own z x n[ /&s4 ,secondly3 ! au?or ( ! supplem5t uses v /rong language 9 describ+ ! unbelief ( ! disciples4 ,he says t :5 !y told x to ! o!rs1 !y did n believe _! report4 ,/4 ,luke1 on ! o!r h&1 in=ms u t z soon z ,cleopas & 8 companion ent]$ ! room :]e on _! return !y f\nd ! ,apo/les & o!rs assembl$ toge!r1 !y 7 receiv$ ) ! exclamation3 8,! ,"l is ris5 inde$1 & ha? appe>$ unto ,simon40 ,aga93 ! au?or ( ! supplem5t says t :5 ,jesus appe>$ to ! elev5 z !y sat at meat 8he upbraid$ !m ) _! unbelief & h>dness ( he>t 7 7 because !y did n believe !m t _h se5 him aft] he 0 ris540 ,/4 ,luke tells u t n only 7 ,cleopas & 8 companion receiv$ ) ! joyful exclamation1 8,! ,"l is ris5 inde$10 b in/ead ( upbraid+ !m ,jesus address$ !m ) ! words 8,peace be unto y20 :i* is confirm$ by ! au?or ( ! f\r? ,gospel1 :o1 if ,/4 ,john 0 really ! au?or1 mu/ h be5 pres5t4 ,9 nei!r ( ^! ,gospels is !re "o ^w ( 8upbraid+ ! disciples ) unbelief20 :ile bo? affirm t ,jesus proce$$ to give !m rational gr\nds = believ+ t ,he 0 actually ris5 f ! dead1 by %[+ !m1 accord+ to "o1 88 h&s & 8 feet10 accord+ to ! o!r1 88 h&s & 8 side40 ,x is q probable t ,he may h done bo?4 ,/4 ,john adds1 8,!n 7 ! disciples glad :5 !y saw ! ,"l40 ,b ,/4 ,luke's acc\nt is m specific4 ,he tells u t imm$iately on ,8 entry fe> took possession ( _! m9ds4 8,!y 7 t]rifi$ & affright$10 & suppos$ t x might be a _s1 & n ,jesus actually rais$ f ! dead4 ,our ,"l !re=e be=e %[+ !m ,8 h&s & ,8 feet proce$$ to reason ) !m z to ! reality ( ,8 appe>ance4 8,h&le me & see1 = a _s ha? n fle% & bones z ye see me h40 ,"h !re is no?+ ( reproa*1 su* z is sugge/$ by ! supplem5t to ,/4 ,m>k's ,gospel4 ,yet !re 0 incr$ulity ( a c]ta9 k9d 9 ! room1 b n "o :i* 0 wor?y ( reproa*4 ,we le>n f ,/4 ,luke t x 0 n ! incr$ulity ( unbelief1 b ( joy2 9 o!r words1 t ! news seem$ too good to be true1 & !y d>$ sc>cely tru/ ! evid5ce ( _! s5ses4 ,on ?is h[ev] no?+ 9 ! =m ( a reproa* passes ! lips ( ,jesus2 b = _! fur!r satisfaction1 he asks = food & eats x be=e !m4 ,on all ^! po9ts ! n>ratives ( ,/4 ,luke & ,/4 ,john ?r[ light on ea* o!r1 z su* acc\nts1 if f\nd$ on fact1 ought to d1 :ile _! indep5d5ce is indisputable4 ,accord+ to ^? ) :om ,i am reason+1 ! ,gospel ( ,/4 ,john is mu* ! late/ writt54 ,if !re=e ! au?or _h borr[$ f ,luke1 x is incr$ible t a writ] :o _h su* p[]s ( sett+ =? fictions 9 ! g>b ( facts1 %\ld h omitt$ ! o!r rem>kable incid5ts m5tion$ by ,/4 ,luke1 & n h dress$ !m up ) ! art ( :i* he 0 s consummate a ma/]1 = ^! w\ld h communicat$ a /rik+ reality to ! sc5es4 ,x is !re=e unque/ionable t ^! two acc\nts pres5t all ! ph5om5a ( hi/ory1 & none ( ^? ( fiction4 ,b h[ /&s ! cont9uation ( ,/4 ,m>k's ,gospel1 :i* affirms t our ,"l upbraid$ ! elev5 ) _! unbelief & h>dness ( he>t on ! occasion ( ,8 appe>ance on ,ea/] ev5+8 ,! au?or ( ! supplem5t 0 probably n aw>e t ,cleopas & 8 companion 7 pres5t 9 ! room :5 our ,"l appe>$ to ! elev51 or ev5 t o!rs besides ! elev5 7 pres5t1 z is expressly affirm$ by ,/4 ,luke to h be5 ! case4 ,! impression :i* x leaves on ! m9d is t !y report$ ! ,resurrection to ! disciples g5]ally on _! return1 & t x 0 disbeliev$ by !m1 & t ! appe>ance to ! elev5 0 a subsequ5t ev5t4 ,we are n[ 9 a position to see h[ ?is misappreh5sion may h orig9at$2 & t in/ead ( invalidat+ ! acc\nt1 x =ms a /rong confirmation ( its tru?4 ,!re 7 p]sons 9 ! room :om our ,"l _h actually reproa*$ = _! unbelief1 viz4 ,cleopas & 8 companion2 ?\gh ,he reproa*$ none :o 7 pres5t on ! occasion ( ,8 appe>ance4 ,! words /at$ by ,/4 ,luke to h be5 us$ by ,him 71 1 8,o fools & sl[ ( he>t40 ,^? us$ 9 ,/4 ,m>k 9 describ+ ! address to ! elev5 are 1 8,he upbraid$ _! unbelief & h>dness ( he>t40 ,! "o expression is ! v c\nt]p>t ( ! o!r4 ,!re 7 p]sons pres5t :o _h be5 ?us reproa*$ b a few h\rs be=e3 ! au?or ( ! cont9uation 0 aw>e ( ! fact t "s _h be5 ?us reproa*$1 & he suppos$ t ! reproa* 0 address$ to all ! assembl$ disciples1 in/ead ( ! salutation ( peace ) its att5dant circum/ances4 ,!n z to _! hav+ be5 receiv$ ) expressions ( incr$ulity on _! return1 ,/4 ,luke tells u t !y return$ to ,j]usalem1 8& f\nd ! elev5 ga!r$ toge!r1 & !m t 7 ) !m40 ,n[ z !y _h set out e>ly 9 ! day1 x 0 necess>y on _! return t !y %\ld make "s inquiry z to :]e ! ,apo/les 7 to be f\nd4 ,9 do+ ?is x is probable en\gh t !y w5t to inquire ( "s disciples :o receiv$ _! acc\nt ) incr$ulity1 & t !n ?is incr$ulity may ?r\gh misappreh5sion h be5 transf]r$ to ! :ole assembly4 ,i submit !re=e t not)/&+ ?is disagreem5t betwe5 ! ?ree acc\nts1 t ( ! cont9uation ( ,/4 ,m>k's ,gospel gives a /rong corroboration ( ! /atem5ts ( ! o!r two4 ,^! are precisely ! k9d ( v>iations :i* we f9d 9 reports ( ev5ts aft] !y h pass$ ?r\gh a few /ages ( oral transmission4 ,! n>ratives ( ,/4 ,luke & ,/4 ,john furni% u ) "o m v incid5tal confirmation ( ea* o!r4 ,/4 ,luke in=ms u t on ! occasion ( ?is int]view our ,"l 8op5$ _! und]/&+1 t !y might und]/& ! ,scriptures40 ,/4 ,john says t 8,he brea!d on !m1 & said1 ,receive ye ! ,holy ,gho/40 ,! words & ! mode ( expression diff] greatly2 b bo? /atem5ts po9t to "o & ! same fact1 t on ?is occasion ! p]sons pres5t suppos$ t !y receiv$ a sup]natural enlight5m5t4 ,/4 ,luke describes ! effect produc$ on ! m9ds ( ! disciples2 ,/4 ,john gives ! actual m$ium ( its production4 ,co9cid5ces ( ?is k9d prove t ! n>ratives mu/ be f\nd$ on facts1 & are beyond ! skill ( a =g] to imitate4 ,i h n[ consid]$ a few ( ! lead+ features ( ! ,gospels1 :i* e/abli% ! g5]al hi/orical "* ( _! cont5ts4 ,a close exam9ation ( !m w\ld put u 9 possession ( a l>ge am\nt ( additional evid5ce1 b to ent] on su* an inquiry "h w\ld be inconsi/5t ) ! limits ( ! pres5t "w4 ,z ,i h already obs]v$1 ! m9ute scrut9y ( a numb] ( m9or details1 z f> z ! great hi/orical "q is conc]n$1 w\ld be a ne$less exp5diture ( lab\r4 ,! real "q at issue is3 ,is ! acc\nt ( our ,"l's life & tea*+1 z x is h&$ d[n 9 our pres5t ,gospels1 sub/antially true 9 its great outl9es1 or has "o ( a :olly diff]5t "* be5 sub/itut$ = ! true "o1 & usurp$ its place 9 ! tea*+ ( ! ,*ur*8 ,on a broad "q ( ?is k9d1 m9or discrepancies 9 ! acc\nts h no real be>+4 ,if ! n>rative is true 9 its great outl9es1 x foll[s t our ,"l's "* mu/ h be5 beyond all "q sup]human1 & ju/ifies u 9 affirm+ t ,he mu/ h be5 a 8tea*] come f ,god40 ,su* a conclusion w /ill leave op5 a numb] ( que/ions ( ! deepe/ importance1 b !y belong to ! prov9ce ( !ology to inve/igate1 & =m no necess>y portion ( an hi/orical inquiry4 ,if ! ,gospels 9 _! broad outl9es are hi/orical2 above all1 if ,jesus ,*ri/ rose f ! dead1 x foll[s t ! ,new ,te/am5t mu/ conta9 a div9e revelation4 ,z ?is la/ fact =ms ! c5tral position ( ,*ri/ianity1 ,i h made its hi/orical tru? ! *ief subject ( my inve/igation4 ,9 do+ ?is ,i h reli$ only on docum5ts :i* are conta9$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t itself1 & *iefly on ^? ^: g5u95ess is conc$$ by oppon5ts4 ,i h %[n t no species ( docum5ts c possess a high] hi/orical value ?an ^!1 & t ! circum/ances "u :i* !y 7 writt51 ! nature ( _! cont5ts1 & ! p]sons to :om !y 7 address$1 =m an atte/ation to ! tru? ( ! facts ass]t$ 9 !m1 :i* is unrivall$ 9 ! :ole c\rse ( lit]ature4 ,by means ( ^! ,i h firmly e/abli%$ ! fact t ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 ! f\ndation on :i* ! ,*ur* re/$ z a community f ! fir/ dawn+ ( its exi/5ce1 & ! basis ( ! life ( its individual memb]s2 & t consid]able numb]s ( ! foll[]s ( ,jesus ,*ri/ affirm$ t !y _h se5 & conv]s$ ) ,him aft] ,he _h ris5 f ! dead4 ,i h %[n t ^! facts re/ on ! highe/ =m ( hi/orical atte/ation4 ,?is be+ s1 !re c be only two alt]natives respect+ !m4 ,ei!r ! belief 9 ! ,resurrection 0 f\nd$ on ! fact t ,he actually rose f ! dead2 or x mu/ h orig9at$ 9 ! delusions ( ,8 foll[]s4 ,i h %[n t ! v>i\s !ories :i* h be5 prop\nd$ to acc\nt = x on ! latt] supposition1 :5 te/$ by ! actual facts1 are untrue bo? to human nature & to ! possibilities ( ! case4 ,f ?is x results1 z a necess>y consequ5ce1 t ,,jesus ,,*ri/ ,,rose ,,f ,,! ,,dead4 ,if ,he rose f ! dead1 ! tru? ( ,8 div9e mission is e/abli%$1 & ,8 claim to be ! ,k+ & supreme ,legislator ( ! ,*ur* is v9dicat$4 ,?is claim may be fully set =? 9 two say+s ( ,8 own1 record$ 9 ,/4 ,john's ,gospel3 8,i am ! light ( ! _w2 he t foll[e? ,me %all n walk 9 d>kness1 b %all h ! light ( life40 7xiii4 #ab47 8,?\ saye/ t ,i am a k+4 ,= ?is end 0 ,i born1 & = ?is cause came ,i into ! _w1 t ,i %\ld be> witness unto ! tru?4 ,e "o t is ( ! tru? he>e? my voice40 7xviii4 #cg47 ,! practical conclusion :i* ?is inve/igation sugge/s _c be bett] express$ ?an 9 ! words ( ! same div9e ,tea*]3 8,he t believe?1 believe? n on me1 b on ,him t s5t me2 & he t see? me see? ,him t s5t me4 ,i am come1 a light into ! _w1 t :osoev] believe? on me %\ld n abide 9 d>kness4 ,& if any man he> my words1 & believe n1 ,i judge him n2 = ,i came n to judge ! _w1 b to save ! _w4 ,he t rejecte? me1 & receive? n my words1 ha? "o t judge? him2 ! ^w t ,i h spok51 ! same %all judge him 9 ! la/ day40 ,,! ,,end4 ,,footnotes #a ,my quotations ?r\gh\t ?is "w are tak5 f ! fir/ edition4 ,! passage "h quot$ is some:at alt]$ 9 ! ?ird edition1 b n s z to affect ! g5]al mean+4 #b ,! ^w :i* is "h translat$ 9 ! ,a4 ,v4 8miracles0 is 9 ! orig9al 4 #c ,j4 ,s4 ,mill1 9 8 rec5tly publi%$ essays1 consid]s ?is ! mo/ =midable objection aga9/ !ism4 #d ,see = example1 ,matt4 v4 #cidb1 ,luke vi4 #bj1 #ba1 #bdbf1 & v>i\s o!rs ( a simil> description4 #e 8,! ,jesus ( ! ,evangeli/s40 #f ,mr4 ,mill1 9 8 rec5tly publi%$ ,essay on ,!ism1 has /rongly express$ 8 belief t ^! disc\rses are ! v]itable utt]ances ( ,jesus4