We see the same principle also in the domain of Science. Let us not forget that all truth—whether spiritual or scientific—is a revelation of God. When we make a discovery in either realm—or perhaps I should say when a revelation is made to us in either realm—like Kepler we are really "thinking God's thoughts after Him." These very thoughts were in God's mind, else they could not be in ours. What we do know is often associated with a vast field of the unknown.
And how slow we are to learn. Just think of a few of the discoveries—or revelations—of late years. And for ages and ages past, men were in total ignorance of these things, though they were close to their hand. Is it not very suggestive of how little we know yet of the truth in the spiritual domain, to be unfolded to us in due time?
I say, just think of a few of the scientific discoveries we have made of late years. I need not stay to note the wonderful developments in surgery and medicine. They may be regarded as commonplace now; but every one of them was a discovery. Think of the discovery of how to use steam, and all that the discovery has led to. Allied with that, think of the immense quantities of coal we burn, and only extract a small percentage of its heat as yet. One of these days there will likely dawn on some mind the correct way of using it, and then what a revelation. Think of the tar evolved in the process of making gas, that lately went to loss, and that is now used in dyeing. Think of the telephone wire, and more lately the telephone without wire. Think of the heat, light and power evolved from electricity. Think of the inventions and discoveries that we read of almost every day. The by-products that are now a source of so much wealth and comfort, were not dreamed of a few years ago. Do we not see here how little we know, even in the domain of Science?
And is it to be supposed that in the spiritual realm there is not much more to learn? Our special affinity is for things material; yet in this domain we are only in our infancy. How much more is it so in things spiritual. Surely it does not become us to balk at a new revelation.
In justice, however, to our backwardness in receiving any new spiritual truth, there are some explanations. I have referred to our special affinity for truth that relates to things physical. We have a corresponding slowness to apprehend spiritual truth. But in addition to this, we have to note that the truth in reference to material things is usually subject to demonstration. We can see the thing actually done. It is an absolute certainty; there is no room for doubt. In regard to spiritual truth it is different. "The kingdom of heaven cometh not with observation." There is no demonstration. The truth is apprehended by faith, sometimes aided by revelation, or reason, or intuition, or spirit revelation. This is where sin has obscured our spiritual vision; and often we are still made more blind by our material employments and pursuits.
It is not surprising then that we are slow to take up a new spiritual idea. And we ought to be slow, lest we imbibe error in the guise of truth. But at the same time we ought to keep an open and receptive mind, believing that there are vast and high domains of truth yet unrevealed.
In this regard how sad it is that some of the brightest lights that ever illuminated the world were clouded all their days by inherited errors. Take Luther as an example. For years and years he was haunted by the dread of eternal reprobation. And so it has been with thousands and thousands more of the devoutest and sincerest souls. Oh, if they had only known that there is no such thing as eternal reprobation!
XIV.
TESTIMONY OF SCRIPTURE.
The Unrevealed—Scripture and Reason—Bishop Butler's Dictum
—Reverence of Kepler—Moral Courage of Sir Oliver Lodge—Increase of
Laxity—The Spirit's Almighty Power—Supreme Authority of Scripture
—The Proper Sphere of Reason—Fate of the Heathen—Singular Reserve
of Preachers—Sin is Abnormal—Union of Divine Power, Wisdom and Love
—Reasonableness and Harmony—A Multitude of Scripture Promises
—Discipline Instead of Eternal Torment—Dr. Funk's View—The Great
Panacea for Unbelief—Ingersoll—No Divine Failure.