182
[The doctrine of “development” has of late been popular in some quarters. Butler here shows the only safe notion we may entertain on that subject. “Exact thought, and careful consideration” may show us how to confute specious heresies, expound embarrassing passages, dissipate painful doubts, and remove many prejudices or misapprehensions. But revelation is complete as it stands.We may hope for progress in theology as in other sciences; not in the development of new facts or faith, as Papists and Socinians pretend, but in the increase of sound wisdom, aided by a more perfect interpretation of God’s word.]
183
Chap. vi. (#II_CHAPTER_VI)
184
Chap. v. (#II_CHAPTER_V)
185
Chap. vii. (#II_CHAPTER_VII)
186
Chap. iv. (#II_CHAPTER_IV) latter part, and v. (#II_CHAPTER_V)vi. (#II_CHAPTER_VI)
187
[This pregnant paragraph should receive very full attention. We know much of men, little of God. What men are likely to do, or say, in certain circumstances, is often very clear; and generally may be guessed at. But what God would do or say in new contingencies, who shall attempt to prescribe or predict? We are poorly qualified to assert that such and such declarations could not have come from infinite wisdom; but we are quite competent to affirm that such and such things could not have come from human contrivance or enthusiasm.]
188
In the foregoing chapter (#II_CHAPTER_III).
189
Part I, ch. vii. (#I_CHAPTER_VII), to which this all along refers.
190
[“It is the last step of reason to know there is an infinity of things which surpass it.” – Pascal. “The wall of adamant which bounds human inquiry, has scarcely ever been discovered by any adventurer, till he was aroused by the shock that drove him back.” – Sir Jas. Mackintosh. “Of the dark parts of revelation there are two sorts: one which may be cleared up by the studious; the other which will always reside within the shadow of God’s throne where it would be impiety to intrude.” – Warburton. “A Christianity without mystery is as unphilosophical as it is unscriptural.” – Angus.]
191
John xi. 52.
192
2 Peter iii. 13.
193
1 Peter i. 11, 12.
194
Phil. ii. [6-11.]
195
[The influences of the Holy Spirit are not only “given to good men,” but are sent upon many who live unmindful of eternity, quickening their consciences, enlightening their understandings and arresting their passions, and thus it is they are converted unto the truth in Christ.]
196
John xiv. 2.
197
John v. 22, 23.
198
Matt. xxviii. 18.
199
1 Cor. xv. 28.
200
1 Tim. iii. 16.
201
P. 174 (#FNanchor_122), &c.
202
1 Cor. i. [18-25.]
203
Pp. 178 (#Page_178), 179 (#Page_179).
204
Pp. 180 (#Page_180), 181 (#Page_181).
205
P. 172 (#Page_172), &c.
206
[“Providence hurries not himself to display to-day the consequence of the principle he yesterday announced. He will draw it out in the lapse of ages Even according to our reasoning logic is none the less sure, because it is slow.” – Guizot on Civilization, Lect. I.How impressively is this sentiment sustained by modern geology, and astronomy!]