N.B.
Not every revelation requires a sensible miracle as the credential; but every revelation of a new series of
credenda
. The prophets appealed to records of acknowledged authority, and to their obvious sense literally interpreted. The Baptist needed no miracle to attest his right of calling sinners to repentance. See
Exodus
iv. 10.
Ib. pp. 346, 7.
This sentiment, that miracles are not the proper evidences of doctrinal truth, is, assuredly, the decision of the Truth itself; as is obvious from many passages in Scripture. We have seen that the design of the miracles of Moses, as external performances, was not to instruct the Israelites in spiritual subjects, but to make them obedient subjects of a peculiar species of political state. And though the miracles of Jesus Christ collaterally served as testimonies to his character, he repeatedly intimates that this was not their main design. * * * At another time more plainly still, he says, that it is a wicked and adulterous generation (that) seeketh after a sign; on which occasion, according to Mark, he sighed deeply in his spirit. How characteristic is that touch of the Apostle, The Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom! (where by wisdom he means the elegance and refinement of Grecian literature.)
Agreeing, as in the main I do, with the sentiments here expressed by this eloquent writer, I must notice that he has, however, mistaken the sense of the