405 
is within the regions of the possible ; but when I found that 
a state in the spiritual life could be discovered corresponding to 
an ambiguous meaning of a Hebrew word — an ambiguity which 
did not exist in itself, but which simply originates in an 
uncertain knowledge of the language, — I considered that all 
further study of a work, based on a principle so fundamentally 
rotten, was superfluous. If such works are pious, they stand 
on the same basis as that to which the name rationalism is 
given as a reproach. Both alike are constructed, not on 
principles of reason, but of imagination. I advocate neither 
the literal nor the metaphorical, nor any one single mode of 
interpreting a book so various as the Bible ; but the appli- 
cation of sound sense, sound reason, accurate investigation, 
and enlightened criticism, with all the aids which can be 
supplied by collateral knowledge of the subject. The whole 
subject is one which deserves the most accurate scientific 
investigation, and is worthy of the most powerful intellects 
concentrating all their powers for the purpose of constructing 
a definite organon of interpretation. 
It is a matter, therefore, of the highest importance for 
allaying the feud between theology and science, that an 
organon should be constructed, laying down sound rational 
and definite principles of Scriptural interpretation, and that 
the nature of its inspiration should be ascertained, not on a 
priori principles, but by a painstaking examination of the asser- 
tions and the facts of the Bible itself. Until this is done, the 
dogmatism of the theologian with respect to science is pre- 
mature ; and when it has been accomplished, I doubt not that, 
as the alleged disagreements between the results of scientific 
research and revelation which have disturbed former times 
have disappeared, by the establishment of more rational prin- 
ciples of interpretation as applicable to the Bible, so those 
of the present time will disappear also. 
A little of that caution which is practised by Butler would 
be highly beneficial to both parties in this controversy. The 
spirit of premature dogmatism may be extensively charged 
against both theologians and philosophers. Another fault 
is an impatience of holding the mind in a state of suspended 
judgment. The work of theorizing is far easier than that of 
careful investigation, and from the fact that theology enters 
on many questions which go to the profoundest depths of 
the human understanding, it places us under great tempta- 
tions to the indulgence of this spirit. Besides, theology, 
as it is popularly understood, labours under another dis- 
advantage. While few men would think themselves com- 
petent to pronounce authoritatively on scientific questions 
vol. m. 2 m 
