THE ATTITUDE OF SCIENCE TOWARDS MIRACLES. 835 
{Lias).* “ By a miracle (using the word in its strictest sense), 
we mean a phenomenon which, either in itself or from the 
circumstances under which it is presented, suggests the 
immediate working of a personal power producing results not 
explicable by what we observe in the ordinary course of 
nature” (Westcott).f 
On careful consideration of what is suggested, or implied, by 
the term “miracle,” it is possible that none of the preceding 
definitions may be held to be adequate or satisfactory. In 
seeking one that is so, we note that it includes (1) something 
marvellous, (2) something exceptional, (3) something taking 
place in nature, (4) something not explicable by natural (or, 
human) causes, (5) something directly referable to supernatural 
action. 
(1) That the thing is marvellous is affirmed by the name 
“miracle” (miraculum). (2) It must also be exceptional. 
The phenomena of the seasons and of day and night, are 
indeed very wonderful, yet they are not miracles. It has been 
pointed out that a sudden stoppage of the earth’s rotation on 
her axis would be called a miracle, but we do not apply the term 
to the rotation, though the rotation is quite as wonderful. 
{3) A miracle is further thought of as taking place in nature. 
(4) It is not explicable by natural (or, human) causes. Though 
it fulfils the previous conditions, yet, if explicable by natural 
(or, human) causes, it ig not a miracle. An eclipse, or the 
appearance of a new comet is not accounted a miracle; the 
telephone, the latest Dreadnought, an aeroplane, wireless tele- 
graphy, or anything that man can do, or that any part of 
“nature” can do, however marvellous, we do not consider 
classifiable as “ miracle.” (5) It follows that, since every event 
must be referable to some cause, and the cause in this case is 
not a natural (or, human) one, it is supernatural. 
Hence the following definition, put forward not without 
diffidence :—A miracle is an exceptional marvel in nature, not 
explicable by natural causes, and therefore directly attributable to 
a supernaturalt cause. 
* Are Miracles Credible ? 
t+ The Gospel of the Resurrection, 4th Edition, p. 35. 
t Better thus—A Miracle is an exceptional marvel in nature which, not 
being explicable by any human or any natural cause, is attributable to some 
supernatural cause. (See the Author’s further reply.) 
A miracle is a connecting link between the natural and the super- 
natural. Speaking of Bible miracles, Trench says that a miracle “is a 
kind of finger-post of God.” 
