The Incarnation affirms two Truths. Christ not a Creature of Circumstances Christ, the Perfect Man, a Worker of Miracles Jesus Christ a Mystery, and Greatest of our Race, a Sufferer Natural Acts and Religious Acts rest on Miracle The Jews a Miracle and Proof of Miracle DESIGN OF MIRACLES. Looking Around-Aspice Looking Forward-Prospice Steps of Ascent to the Heights and Continuance of the Present and Marvels, antecedently Incredible, partly explained by Natural_Simili- of the Jewish People. Inspiration of the Prophets. II. Miracles for establishment of Righteousness and Truth Evil not an Essential Part of the Divine Plan. The Cause of Evil The Miracle to Complete all Miracles— A Glorification of Intelligence Three Cycles of Miracles prepare for Eternal Splendour Mystery of Matter has Counterpart in the Mystery of Mind The Mystery of Miracles accomplishes the Glory of All Things. THE MYSTERY OF MIRACLES. WHAT AND WHY I THOUGHT. "Crede mihi non est parvæ fiduciæ, polliceri opem decertantibus, consilium dubiis, lumen cæcis, spem dejectis, refrigerium fessis. Magna quidem hæc sunt, si fiant; parva, si promittantur. Verum ego non tam aliis legem ponam, quam legem vobis meæ propriæ mentis exponam: quam quis probaverit, teneat ; cui non placuerit, abjiciat. Optarem, fateor, talis esse, qui prodesse possim quamplurimis." *-PETRARCH, De Vita Solitaria. My former work, "The Supernatural in Nature," gave a general yet actual verification of miracles such as cannot be weakened unless most of our present science is proved to be inaccurate. That verification, however, owing to the comprehensiveness of the argument, could not combine scientific precision with great brevity; and I have been urged to give in a new form, separate from *"Believe me, it requireth no little confidence to promise help to the struggling, advice to the doubtful, light to the blind, hope to the dejected, refreshment to the weary. These indeed are great things, if done: trifles, if only promised. I, however, do not so much prescribe a law to others, as of my own mind set forth a law: which, let him who shall approve, abide by; and let him, who approveth not, reject. I confess that I could wish to be such a one as might benefit as many as possible." 37 B any special reference to Holy Scripture, a concise proof of miraculous operation in the world; operation sometimes effectuated by use of natural means, sometimes without any apparent means whatever. I respectfully present "What I Thought" as helpful towards the scientific and philosophical solution of a problem which perplexes many minds. I endeavour to Ishow that miracles are the source and foundation of Nature, underlie all science, are everywhere and interpenetrate all things; that the abnormal and eccentric are not only possible but actual; that the mystery of miracles is only another more secret form of the many mysteries with which men of science are already familiar; mysteries in marvels of human consciousness, in natural symbols, in the interactions, co-operations, counteractions of cosmic energies. Fear existed that clear, calm, accurate thinking, high capacity and attainment in pure science, not only hindered spiritual worship, but rendered men of grand intelligence actually incapable of the child-like faith and reverence so continually enforced in Holy Scripture. The fear is passing away. We know that whatever is opposed to reason is certainly much more opposed to God. Scientific men, after long voyages, and many wandering contemplations of Nature, like Fichte and Schelling, take assured course for the home with God; like Newton and Kepler, delight in prayer. Highest reason and purest faith may therefore unite in the same intellect, and light spring from each for the guidance of both, their combined brightness being the illumination of a perfect man. Possessors of science ought not to be narrowed, with souls only in the bud, as if natural laws |