dence in favour of the orthodox views of
scripture statements is far stronger than can be found in support of any
other subject of a like kind: but, at the same time, taking into
consideration the actual tendencies of human nature, we are not surprised
that it does not produce the effect which it should do; and therefore it
appears to us not unreasonable to suppose that God might exercise some
such supernatural power upon the mind, as the Bible speaks of, with the
view of disposing it to the reception of a revelation.

That God does at times interfere in a manner, out of the usual course of
His Providence, with regard to other matters, especially in answer to
prayer, is believed almost universally. We cannot enter here into a
discussion as to the foundation of the belief; but, certainly so long as
the records of mankind go back, and so far as the experience of the
present day conducts us, the belief has been entertained, and prayer
seems to be the natural expression of man's heart in all cases of
difficulty. Men _will_ believe in, and appeal to, a supernatural power,
and it is hard to suppose that a tendency so universal and deeply seated,
should have no solid foundation. But if prayer, for aid and direction
from above, is the natural outpouring of man's heart with regard to the
more ordinary affairs of life, there appears to be no reason why prayer
should not be offered up for counsel and guidance with regard to a
professed revelation, and that an answer should be expected. At least,
it can hardly be said that those have fairly tested the claims of
scripture to be received as a revelation from God, who have not complied
with the conditions which it has laid down as to the manner in which it
should be studied.

We now leave the subject, drawing the attention of our readers to the
prayer of one of our greatest poets, and earnestly hoping that his prayer
may be theirs:--

. . . What in me is dark,
Illumine; what is low, raise and support;
That to the height of this great argument
I may assert Eternal Providence,
And justify the ways of God to man.

_Paradise Lost_.

* * * * *

LONDON: WERTHEIM, MACINTOSH, AND HUNT.

_By the same Author_,

THOUGHTS ON MIRACLES.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

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