Were our First Parents Savages?-Recent Theories as to the Origin of Civilization considered in Relation to Scripture and History Were our First Parents Savages? (continued)-Recent Theories as to the Origin of Civilization considered in Relation to the Mental Faculties, Antiquity of Man (continued)-The Chronology of Archæologists-Infer- ences as connected with Geology and History-The Danish Shell- Mounds, Swiss Lake Dwellings, and Egyptian Monuments --- 257 BLENDING LIGHTS. CHAPTER I. TENDENCIES TO ERROR-SUBJECTS TO BE STUDIED—PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS. Let no one, upon a weak conceit of sobriety or an ill-applied moderation, think or maintain that a man can search too far, or be too well studied in the book of God's Word, or in the book of God's Worksdivinity or philosophy-but rather let men endeavor an endless progress or proficiency in both; only let them beware that they apply both to charity and not to arrogance; to use, and not to ostentation; and, again, that they do not mingle or confound these learnings together.—BACON. MANY have lost their early faith in the Bible, and are following its guidance with faltering footstep. Between them and hitherto accepted truths, the sciences have been placing apparently insurmountable obstacles. The trustful simplicity with which they once read the sacred Record has almost perished. Inferences by the man of science, conflicting with interpretations of Scripture by the theologian, have rudely shaken their most cherished convictions. They are not infidels, they are not skeptics, for doubt is distasteful to them; they long for more definite expositions and a firmer faith. In the midst of such discussions as are at present keenly sustained, their perplexity is not unnatural, their most anxiously-sustained investigations have hitherto only multiplied difficulties, and a sense of responsibility alone constrains them to linger over conclusions from which their judgment recoils. This hesitancy of belief may be at the outset disheartening; yet it may be inseparable from that clearness of insight and that force of character, which, in the end, commonly create the stablest convictions, and evoke adequate proof to shield them. To shun or denounce those who cannot acquiesce in what we believe, is inconsistent not only with the lessons of philosophy, but with His example who came to "bear witness to the truth." What is our duty, with the natural sciences on the one hand appealing so largely to our reason, and the Scriptures on the other hand appealing so constantly to our faith? Obviously, to depreciate neither, but to welcome both the sciences and the Scriptures, to ascertain their harmony, to note their differences, and to accept the treasures of truth which they may bring. Indifference is inexcusable as is excessive zeal, and apathy as antagonism. The Bible, free to us as are the fields of science, challenges the severest scrutiny. It is the boldest of books, and demands the application of every test. As it is the most comprehensive history in the world, and gives the amplest scope for research, as its earliest records are the oldest in existence, and its latest prophecies shed light far into the future, as it touches depths and reaches heights which no other book can approach, as it brings into closest connection the visible and invisible, natural law and supernatural influence, the condition of man and the character of God, it is exposed to assaults which no other book can bear. Systematic and persistent study is required at our hand, that we may estimate aright not only the facts and arguments brought against the Bible, but those also which are adduced in its favor. The task may be arduous, but this price is not too great for the settlement of questions so momentous; and if the solution of some of them may have to be for a season postponed, ours will be the satisfaction which the conscientious improvement of every opportunity invariably fosters. Different lines of investigation may be profitably followed, but we may suggest the following as exhaustive, or nearly exhaustive, of the most prominent questions which modern research has raised. As the Bible is confessedly related to the natural sciences, archæology, history, and modern civilization, let it be placed successively in the midst of their facts, and let us see to what extent its statements can bear their light. There are many questions which none of us can honestly avoid; and while some may remain unsettled, the unbiased review of those solutions which have been already offered, and which have been generally accepted, will be found to confirm Scripture instead of confuting it. 1. As to Science.-Have astronomy and geology given evidence for or against the eternity of the visible universe? Has biology determined the origin of life? whence is it? Have comparative anatomy and physiology, psychology and ethics, established more than one origin for the human race? Are the incidental allusions. in Scripture contradicted or confirmed by the more recent discoveries in natural science? 2. As to Archæology.-Can the Bible confront prehistoric revelations? Antiquity is pouring increasing light over the oldest records. Ruins, monuments, inscriptions, parchments, have been emitting their wondrous testimonies, parallel with Scripture history. Assyria, Egypt, Palestine, Greece, Rome, in their histories, revolutions, and domestic episodes, have been interwoven with the statements of Scripture as with those of no other book. To what purpose has historic criticism dealt with the sacred page? Is the Bible yielding, or is it growing brighter in the crucible of archæology? 3. As to Modern History and Civilization.-By its claim to uplift and bless the human race, the Bible is separated from all other books. It proposes to revolutionize man's moral history here, and to prepare him for a future whose course it in part delineates. Has it failed, or is it failing? Has it been enfeebled by the lapse of ages? Has it become effete amid changes which have given intellect new instruments and reason new spheres? Has it lost its former hold of the human mind, and is it sinking amid the tumult of bitterly conflicting opinions? Has ever tribe been found which it could not raise and enlighten? or has civilization ever outshone, in any land, its intellectual and moral splendor? 4. As to the Supernatural.—If the Bible is the book |