On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
of a miracle is sin instantaneous belief in the Divihity of the power by Which It is wrought * the effect of a prophecy is to rivet the attention , to excite expectation , to engage the mind in a protracted interest highly favourable to ite elevation and enlargement , while the ultimate faith is , if possible * firmer than that consequent on a miracle , because it has
been formed after a longer preparation . The faith of Abraham was superior to that of his descendants , probably In proportion as his insight into futurity was more distinct and extended than theirs , lie was more willing * to obey arid resign himself to the Eternal , because the promises vouchsafed to hifcn were of peculiar splendour . The assurance that the whole earth should be blessed in his seed induced him to leave
his country and kindred ; and he prepared to relinquish what was allprecious to him , on the promise that his posterity should outnumber the stars . Promises so vast were hot given to his posterity immediately on their departure from Egypt , nor for long afterwards , and accordingly their maturity of mind was far inferior to that which had been wrought in their progenitor . In proportion as the range of prophecy became wider , their faith was extended and confirmed , till , as
has been seen , it was so far matured , on their return from the captivity , that prophecy was gradually withdrawn . These relative effects of miracles anrJ prophecy remain the same , whether prophecy be regarded as a prolonged miracle , Or whether , as some view the matter , a miracle be considered as a prophecy immediately fulfilled . Both views are correct ; since it is equally clear that prophecy is an exertion of supernatural agency , and that he who works a miracle only foretells an effect which will immediately take place by an exertion of Divine
power . In bolh cases it is God who works , and whose agency is made known by the servant he has chosen . In both cases faith is generated ; the only difference being , that in one instance the faith is more pure , firm , and salutary , from its growth having been more gradual , the scope of its exercise more extended , and the period of its gratification more remote . In a case of miracle there is no time for inquiry , no room for doubt , no trial of faith ; the annunciation is made , and the
event immediately follows . In a case of prophecy there is much to ponder ; there is scope for speculation , for variations of opinion , for vacillations of hope and fear . The prediction is compounded of obscurity ahd clearness . Some points in it are obvious enough to excite expectation ; while as a whole , it is left in sufficient obscurity to occasion uncertainty Up to the moment of its accomplishment . Its appropriation is decided at last by the clearing up of some one
enigmatical expression or allusion , usually hidden ahd so apparently trivial as to have escaped previous notice ; but subsequently so apt , st > decidedly appropriate , as to leave no doubt respecting the true explanation or the design of the framer of the prediction . Whatever may have been the variety of speculation Upon it , however difficult it may
have appeared to reconcile the different parts of a prediction , no sooner is it fulfilled than the agreement of all minds in its truth is involuntary , for the conviction is irresistible , A strong light is cast on some clause which had perhaps escaped conjecture ; and now this disregarded expres&ion affords a key to all the rest , and by its coincidence with the actual event puts to flight all plausible conjecture and impresses cer-
Untitled Article
483 Misk Meartifieun ' 8 Pritt Essays .
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1832, page 482, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1816/page/50/
-