The New York herald., 1874-08-30
Theory-Theology and Anthropology-
The First Treats OF God the Second
IL 0f

Treats OF Man.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
think 1t is De Quincy who says that theory is
an organic development OF the understanding; of
the relations between the parts OF systematic
whole. Briefly then, on theory organize that
which is certain enough to my mind already, but
undetermined in It's relations. A practical man is
theorist; he necessarily plans before he executes.
But theorist Is not necessarily practical man,
for he may practically illustrate his theories.
We must have an organized development OF the
understanding. In theology we must have theory.
hnprtntS-The whole race OF men look towards
a higher plane than themselves for god; and it is
difficult to conceive Of any intelligent portion OF
mankind which does not believe that the great
First Cause, the Ruler and Governor OF all things
the Creator, is not being or intelligence. There
is spirit in the world which clamors necessarily
for knowledge ana pride OF intellect which is
ashamed to confess weakness or acknowledge
defeat In any attempt to fatnom the mysteries OF
the universe, and many men magnify philosophy at
the expense OF theology. They want knowledge
and would walk by sight and not by faith. They
see In the fact that theooglans differ in
opinion, the proof that they do not know the
verify OF things that they teach. But that Is all a
matter OF faith Human philosophy has not been
able to advance man far in human knowledge.
Philosophers are not so profoundly wise as men
are apt to imagine. Il believe that know'i is
their highest attainable point. The schools OF
philosophy are as numerous the schools OF
theology, and the philosophers themselves are no
better agreed than the theoogians. Philosophy
cheats Us. 1t promises absolute knowledge, and
gives US, instead, confused mass OF opposing
beliefs. But theology deals candidly with us, and
tells Us plainly in the outset that we must walk by
faith This single idea should be deeply impressed
on the mind. Those who seek God must seek HIM
by faith. Theology is an appeal TO human faith.
and nothing more. The most uncutiyated savage
who has not occupied his mind for moment on
metaphysical relations, has a beef-a faith in
great hrst cause, He embodles mis- god in power.
The conception, beeI, faith OF man changes, ad-
vances toward higher conceptions OF God as be
himself advances in the scale OF intelligence. The
Divine paternity, the IatherhOOd OF loving intel
hgent, kind parent, combined with unlimited
power and wisdom, now fills the heart OF intel-
gent man IN contemplating his God. In the as
sumed revelations OF our God, il the inspired pen
men were now transcrlbng the thoughts wbicn
were given them TO utter the generous flow OF
language which we possess, the elevation OF
human Intellect which we have now attained, the
philosophy and analysis OF reasoning when we
have now acquired would cause them to speak OF
blessings In disguise insteau OF curses, and love,
mercy ana truth, instead OF revenge. as the .ead-
ing characteristics OF Deity. Does not, therefore,
the inspiration OF the hour cause TO conclude
tnat our God is the embodiment OF love- mercy
and truth. altogether lovely beyond compare, IN
tnroned In clouds and darkness, executing ven-
geance upon enemies.
THE THEDRY.
God " the Pather Creator, Governor or all
things and embodies lD Himself oil that Is beauti-
ful excellent lovely powerful, wise, beneGc Gcent.
ana ~ the supreme Excellence.
SDtnlD2 soDDid De allowed In any wise to mill
tate zy~sNsf tBess conceptions. | start on that
basls. so1 wDen anything ~ set up IN theory or
aSssk0s1 fersiStlon which detracts las conceive)
10 sny csgfse ifoD any Of THESE great attributes,
wL.cD "a ny ileDfy have embodied In the Deity,
1 ol1cSfo ;bs definition which so detracts ar an
errDf AD1 req upon the bass with which start.
that ls tDfzT IDaolsslbic 70 detract thereirom.
SecUed. -Ahtbropo.ogy, taken In connection
Win the0l12y, YoDlo. Of course, assume to define
aud explain the theory Of the relations between
GOD AMI man. by fatD, tneD. we proceed TO en-
deayor 70 idthom the cause. Why and Tor what
object and purpose did the great, oenehcent, all
powerful, wise God create man In his present
perfect state OF being. We think. by the eye OF
faith, may safely say, "For Thou nast created all
things ana Tor Thy pleasure they are and we're
And we THINK 1t may not be out OF
place here IN continuation OF this view, 10 quote
IRON Adam Clarke, the great Methodist commen.
tator, that God made all things for His pleasure,
and through the same motive He preserves
Hence II Is most evident that He hatetb nothing
that lie hath made and could have made no intel
bgent creature with the design to make 1t eter.
nallJ LAlserable. IL n strange that contrary