14 MODERN DIFFICULTIES 



tures are supernaturally inspired, then their criticism 

 is based upon inadequate data, and their failure to allow 

 for supernatural factors destroys the finality of their 

 conclusions. In brief, they presuppose what in view 

 of immemorial Christian doctrine they ought to have 

 proved, that the Scriptures are not affected in either 

 language or teaching by other causes than those which 

 are summed up in the phrase, "natural evolution of 

 religion." Similarly, it is unscientific to take for 

 granted, as many do, that the miracles alleged in Scrip- 

 ture are one and all to be regarded as suspicious because 

 miraculous. Their reality is a question of evidence, 

 and to assume without serious consideration of the 

 evidence that they must be explained away is to vitiate 

 criticism and to nulHfy the scientific validity of its 

 results. 



It is impossible in these lectures to discuss the matter 

 at length. I can only state my conviction, based upon 

 careful study, that while bibhcal criticism has thrown 

 much needed light upon the human aspects of the 

 Scriptures, and has clarified our notions touching the 

 methods of inspiration, as distinguished from the fact 

 that it is supernatural in causation, it has not estabhshed 

 one single conclusion which ought to hinder men from 

 believing the Bible to be of divine authority, and to 

 be infallible within the sphere of its inspired purpose. 

 Just as an infallible watch means one which can be 

 impHcitly trusted as a timekeeper, so the Bible can 

 still be trusted without reserve, when correctly used 

 and interpreted, for the purely religious purposes of 



