Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-01-26
Literary Notices.

on the supernatural origin Of Christiani-
ty and on ecclesiastical history are well
known, comes TO the defense of TIE
Christian Religion against the attacks Of
modern doubt and infidelity. No abler
or more eminent advocate for the ortho-
dox faith could be summoned into the
controversy that has lately been waged
on this high theme, and il is not too
much 70 say that Prof. Fisher justifies
every expectation by the vigor and clear
ness with which he handles the subject.
BE disclaims however, the position of a
debator, and makes no direct reference
TO Col. Ingersolrs assaults, although he
necessarily deals with the objections so
brilliantly and audaciOusly presented by
that doughty combatant. He proceeds
in a very orderly manner to maintain a
series of positions in regard to the origin,
essential character and beneficient effects
of the Christian faith, which are intended
in themselves to furnish the answer to
all objections and cavils. In the first
place he takes advantage of the position
that Christianity is no new thing whose
present existence calls for justification
or apology. 1t is inwrought with the
very fibre and substance of the best part
OF modern institutions and civilization,
and has contributed more than any other
force to making them what they are.
We are impressively invited to imagine
what they would have been without its
agency. The difficulties which it pre-.
sents, some OF them of very perplexing
character, are frankly acknowledged, and
differences of Interpretation and under
standing are alluded to a. something in
separable from the action of the human
mind in dealing with any system, COM
plex in its details and bearings. however
simple in its character and purpose. The
idea that Christianity has been a bane to
mankind is very effectually disposed ol
by an appeal to history and the exper
ience of the race. In tracing the devel
opment of Divine Revelation and the
gradual establishment of the religion ol
which Chritianity is the contamination
Prof. Fisher gives very broad interpre
tation to the idea of inspiration in the
writings which contain its record anC
its precepts. Thereby he is enabled Il
meet with skill and effect some of tn,
telling arguments of the skeptic and tn,
infidel. He claims, for instance, tina
the Divine Method was to select a chos
en- people and lead them gradually up t.
the plane upon which the fullness o
truth could be revealed to them with
possibility of being received and propa
gated. There was no sudden transfer
nation of human nature, no violen
sweeping away Of old institutions an,
miraculous introduction of new system
to which there must be q sudden an,
complete adoption of mankind, equiva
lent almost to new creation of the race
but instead of that chosen people wer
dealt with as men of their own era, an,
those that surrounded or came in con
tact with them were similarly treated &C
cording to the requirements of the stag
of progress reached from time to time
Hence the evils and abuses character
istic of ancient days were not suddenl
rooted out, but were restrained and miti
gated, while the forces were set at wor
which were to effect their final annihila
tion. This idea of the gradualnes5 c
revelation and the modified character C.
inspiration avoids vast array of difficu
ties, but at the same time it approx
mates the process of religious develoI
ment to that of political and social deve
generally. To many minds it will seer
in no small measure to abolish the di
tinction between religious revela
ton and the geaeral supervision of hu
man affairs which all devout minds al
tribute to the Deity.
In dealing with the facts snd doctrine
of Christianity Prof. Fisher displays muc
Of the same breadth of method. Viii
he resolutely maintains the genuinene
and credibility of the miracles of ii
Savior and the Divine Character of I'll
Gospel record, his arguments regardir
the authenticity. substantial harmon
and essential truth as to facts Of the Ne
Testament scriptures, are such as wou
be applied to any other controverted wr
ings. Considered in that light they a
we'll. nigh conclusive but they are
some respects, quite different from VIII
we have been accustomed to in religio
controversy. The testimony of the d
ciples is tested as human testimony, al
the records treated as subject to the tie
timony, and the records treated as su
iect to the ordinary accidents and int
dents of literature. All this. of cours
does not affect the essential character
SnrIbJldu ISStidtIOu VI tHC TeIlSlOuS
lief and practice that is founded upon
In dealing with these, the learned writ
has strong case, and presents; it wi
much vigor and force His contributi
to the controversy will be regarded wi
great interest, as furL ishing the late
statement of orthodox views in what m
be regarded as an authoritative for
Taking it as such, not the least part
its value Will be found in the evidence
affords of the progressive character of t
most strictly orthodox thought of
day. y n,
Other articles in the February numb
of the RevietU are: "Do 6he spells belo
to the victor?" by President Andrew
White; "a Remedy for Railway Abuses
by Isaac L. Rice; "Repudiation in V
ginia;" by Senator John w. Johnstc
and 1.-The Lancet and the Law" by He
ry Bergh. d.
DIR. Kennedy
Would have it understood that, while
is engaged in the introduction of
medicine, "Favorlte Remedy" he ST
continues the practice of his professic
but confines himself exclusively to off
practice. He treats all diseases and p
forms all the minor and capital opel
tions of surgery.
Parties living at a distance, Except
surgical cases, by sending statement
their case, can be treated at home. a
dress DR.. ID. KENNEDY,