The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-18

look very little at the professions made, but
very closely at the amimus exhibited. But
in the work of Sir John Lubbock on CiVlllza
ton, instead of professions of firm attach
ment to the Inspired Record, there seems to
be plain indications of blind attachment to
Natural Science, 1.-THE expense of everything
else in the Universe which conflicts with his
Interpretation of its facts.
The "Pre-historic times" of Lubbock was
but the prelude to this, as they both follow
in the wake of Darwin. The unity of the
whole thing is obvious, viz:-The theory of
Evolution, without the Intervention of ex-
ternal, disturbing or super natural means.
You see this affords no place for Revela-
ton, except as it is product of mans own
inherent powers of development. The Bible
is an effect, not the cause Of mans civiliza-
ton. 1t came not to man super-naturally;
it arose from man naturally. For these
philosophers, So called, believe in nothing
supernatural; unless, perhaps, it be some
kind of a super natural beginning some ten
hundred thousand millions of centuries ago.
Doubtless most persons will think this is
getting US pretty far away from God. And
it is so, but getting rid of God is to many
men not the least desirable thing imaginable.
Now | have no quarrel with his facts about
the savage races, their d.fferent mental states
and manners, religion, &c. | do not doubt
them in the main. They are an interesting
collection. But the shortest way to say it
is that his theory of Interpretation of these
facts is built upon back-track. He is con-
stantly putting fleets for causes, and causes
for effects For example, he says, Page
256. Eve find the truth of peoples reli-
gious beliefs to be in direct relation to their
scientific knowledge" Now the correct way
to state this is that the scientific knowledge
or mental state of people is in direct rela.
ton to their moral state, and their moral
state is in direct relation to the truth Of
their religious beliefs. Mental advancement
does not precede, it follows after truer reli
gious beliefs. 1t is "wth the heart man be
lieveth unto righteousness, and therefore
: unto mental elevation, however, there ii
such thing as man getting too smart tt
believe in the Bible.)
Again: Because one race of savages hal
superior religion and corresponding supe
, rior mental development to a second savag
t race, he concludes that the first has riser
: from lower mental state aud consequent.
d adopted higher articles of belief. Now W
/. take the same facts, with Paul and other in
f spired writer's to help US, and get the conclu
: sion that as the second race sunk in its de
: basing manners or non. conformity to its re
: ligious beliefs, it became less capable of sue
It high form of belief. Or rather, as tn
e Word of God justifes me in saying, thei
: increasing depravity Of heart made it NOR
e and more desirable and rational and easy
s to "change the glory of the incOrruptibl
n God" and "the truth of God into lie."
s With such views l conclude that he is
nationalist of the highest type. His boo
! affords US a capital illustration of retrogref
n sion. l do not wonder, however, that he
n on the back-track in his study of man. |
g has always been SO, and in the very natur
of things must be- that when men ignor
d Gods Revelation they advance backward.
u Believers, instead of going away fror
L home to contend with him, should invite hiI
y to the question, "What think ye Of Christ 2
{ For, after all, their best plan is to folio
. Christ, and to preach Christ and the resu1
% rection; aud let Lubbock and his friends tr
the overlooking waters, if they think fit, frol
. their lofty stand on the mountains, whenc
they now look down self-complacently upo
Il the Ark as a very little thing.
3 N. NJ. BURKHoLDER
HarisOnbwg, Va. August 3, 1875.