(α) the new material of knowledge which arises from the advance of the various sciences; viz. Criticism; Physical, Moral, and Ontological science. (p. [21].)
(β) the various metaphysical tests of truth or grounds of certitude employed. (p. [22].)
An illustration of the meaning (pp. [22], [23]), drawn from literature, in a brief comparison of the types of thought shown in Milton, Pope, and Tennyson.
Statement of the exact position of this inquiry in the subdivisions of metaphysical science (pp. [24], [25]), and detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of applying to religion the tests of Sense, subjective Forms of Thought, Intuition, and Feeling, respectively; as the standard of appeal. (pp. [25-32].)
Advantage of a biographic mode of treatment in the investigation of the operation of these causes in the history of doubt. (pp. [32-34].)
Statement of the utility of the inquiry:
(1) Intellectually, (α) in a didactic and polemical point of view, in that it refers the origin of the intellectual elements in error to false philosophy and faulty modes of judging, and thus refutes error by analysing it into the causes which produce it; and also (β) in an indirect contribution to the Christian evidences by the historic study of former contests. (p. [36].)
(2) Morally, in creating deep pity for the sinner, united with hatred for the sin. (p. [36].)
Concluding remarks on the spirit which has influenced the writer in these lectures. (pp. [37], [38].)