(1) One directed against the utility of the inquiry. (p. [342].) (2) One directed against its uncontroversial character.
A critical history shown to be useful in the present age, (1) in an educational point of view for those who are to be clergymen, and to encounter [pg xlii] current forms of doubt by word or by writing (pp. [342-345]); and (2) in a controversial point of view, by resolving the intellectual element in many cases of unbelief into incorrect metaphysical philosophy; the value of which inquiry is real, even if such intellectual causes be regarded only as the conditions, and not the causes, of unbelief. (p. [345].)
Further objections anticipated and refuted in reference (3) to the candour of the mode of inquiry, and the absence of vituperation which is stated not to be due to indifference to Christian truth, but wholly to the demands of a scientific mode of treatment (p. [346]); (4) to the absence of an eager advocacy of any particular metaphysical theory; which is due to the circumstance that the purpose was to exhibit errors as logical corollaries from certain theories, without assuming the necessary existence of these corollaries in actual life (p. [347]); (5) to the insufficiency of the causes enumerated to produce doubt without taking account of the moral causes; which objection is not only admitted, but shown to be at once the peculiar property which belongs to the analysis of intellectual phenomena, and also a witness to the instinctive conviction that the ultimate cause of belief and unbelief is moral, not intellectual; which had been constantly assumed. (p. [347].)
The Lessons derived from the whole historical survey. (p. [348] seq.)
I. What has been the office of doubt in history? (p. [348].)
Opposite opinions on this subject stated. (p. [348].) Examination of the ordinary Christian opinion on the one hand, which regards it as a mischief (p. [348]), and of Mr. Buckle's on the other, which regards it as a good. (p. [349].)
1. The office is shown to be, to bring all truths to the test. (p. [349].) Historical instances of its value in destroying the Roman catholic errors. (p. [350].)
2. Free inquiry also shown in some cases to be forced on man by the presentation of new knowledge, which demands consideration. (p. [350].) Denial of the statement that the doubts thus created are an entire imitation of older doubt. (p. [352].)