OBJECTION FROM THE EXISTENCE OF DIFFICULTIES.

The general fact of the existence of Difficulties of the existence of Difficulties and Obscurities in the Bible is urged as a proof that it cannot be inspired. It is assumed by some that, if it were inspired, there would be none; that everything coming from God must necessarily be perfect, in the sense of being free from all deficiency, and therefore from all obscurity as well as liability to error.

We answer, that this is an unwarranted assumption. On the contrary, it might be expected that there would be difficulties in the Bible, notwithstanding it is inspired; and this is reasonably inferrible, —

a. From the nature of human language, which is an incomplete medium for the expression of thought, ambiguous often, changeable in the lapse of time, and always liable to be misinterpreted.

b. From the nature of the mind, which is limited in its capacities, defective in the power of steady attention, frequently partial and one-sided in its investigations even when thoroughly sincere, and often prejudiced unconsciously. Some obscurities arise from the eye that sees, rather than from the nature of the object seen. Better eyesight would lay many a ghost, and clearer minds would remove many difficulties.

c. From the nature of the truths revealed. “A Bible without difficulties would be a firmament without stars." Such a one would have to omit many subjects on which the Bible instructs and cheers man, and could not touch some of the sublimest truths that the Bible actually presents. Some of these things are abstruse and elevated, some apparently conflicting, but having their connections and harmonious relations established, where they meet up yonder in a sphere higher than human observation can now reach.

d. From the nature of God himself, who from his infinity cannot be thoroughly comprehended by any finite intelligence. All that we are competent to understand of him is just what he has revealed, — parts of his ways. The man who thinks he absolutely comprehends anything infinite only shows the shallowness of his comprehension.

e. From the analogy of all God's communications to man in nature. The obscurities in his word and those in his works correspond. The same characteristics are found in both revelations, — in the Bible and in the universe. The grand work of Bp. Butler, his “Analogy of Natural and Revealed Religion,” is chiefly devoted to exhibiting this fact, and specially shows that like obscurities are to be expected, and are found in each. That book has been before the world of thinkers for several generations. It has not been answered or set aside, and it is safe to say it never will be.

f. From the corruption of mankind, by which the understanding has been darkened, and rendered averse to truths that would be amply clear and satisfactory to a pure soul.