The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-07-28
Difficulties of the Bible.

One of the most common and plaus-
ible objections to the Bible is that
there are so many difficulties in it,
so many things that no one can un.
derstand and explain and harmonic
with each other. OF what use is
revelation, it is asked, if the things
revealed are not brought down within
the grasp Of our understanding? Nay,
what is the pr0priety of calling that
revelation which does not reveal,
make clear, the doctrines that it aims
to teach? In order to be what its
friends say that it is. the Bible should
have cleared up everything of which
it treats, leaving nothing dark or
mysterious. AT first sight this may
seem fair and reasonable objection.
1t has given skeptic no little sup
port and comfort. 1t has too often
perplexed and annoyed the believer.
But two or three things IN connection
with it are worthy of every ones con-
sideration and remembrance.
In the first place, these difficulties
do not obscure its teachings on per-
sonal duty. On every point pertain
ing to the publication of character
and the regulation Of conduct, the
Scriptures speak with entire distinct
ness. If one wishes to learn what
God would have him do in his daily
intercourse with men, or what spirit
He would have him exercise toward
himself; he studies the Bible as the
physician studies his materia medica,
that he may learn what his patient
needs, he will find everything clear
and simple. He will fail to discover
those difficulties which others com.
plain of finding at nearly every step.
For in the fields of revelation, as in
the fields of nature, a man is apt to
find what he is looking for. The
botanist may go side by side with the
entomologist over the same ground.
He will see thousand flowers and
plants which his companion will not
notice, and wholly overlook the but
terflies and beetles which alone will
arrest his companions attention. So
in the study of the Bible man will
be likely to discover what he is look
ing for. If he is searching for diff
culties, he can find them in album
dance. But if he is honestly and
earnestly looking for truth and duty,
he will not only find these, but he
will not see the difficulties that Others
discover. For these difficulties are
not associated with the Bible teach
ings on matters of personal duty. 1t
is only when we look away from
these and attempt to grasp the phil.
CsOphical grounds and reasons for
them when we turn from TIE reIig-
ion of the Bible to its Me0{0gY and en-
deavor to comprehend and syStema-
tie its doctrines that so reach out
into the infinite it is then and only
then that we find ourselves enspher-
ed in mystery as our globe is in space.
But as practical guide to holy life
on earth and an Immortality in Heav-
en-, the Bible is as simple and intelli.
gible book as any inquirer can de-
sire.
And this is the only fair and proper
test to apply to it. 1t does not claim
to be a system of theology, or a trea-
tise on moral science. 1t claims to be
quide-6ook. Its object is show men
the way of life, to point out to them
the mode in which they may secure
reconciliation with God and endless
growth in His companionshlp. Does
it do this? If it does, it answers the