also, mainly with reference to the reasonableness of that demand. As to
the latter miracle, it must be observed that in the Biblical narratives
taken as a whole, whichever of their discordant features one be disposed
to emphasize, the psychical element clearly preponderates over the
physical and material.

J. M. W.
NEW YORK,
April 11, 1903.

CONTENTS

PAGE
INTRODUCTORY 13

THE ARGUMENT

I

The gradual narrowing of the miraculous element in the Bible
by recent discovery and discussion.--The alarm thereby
excited in the Church.--The fallacy which generates the
fear.--The atheistic conception of nature which generates
the fallacy.--The present outgrowing of this conception. 25

II

The present net results of the discussion of the miraculous
element in the Bible.--Evaporation of the former evidential
value of miracles.--Further insistence on this value a
logical blunder.--The transfer of miracles from the
artillery to the baggage of the Church.--Probability of a
further reduction of the list of miracles.--Also of a
further transfer of events reputed miraculous to the domain
of history. 37

III

Arbitrary criticism of the Biblical narratives of the raising
of the "dead."--Facts which it ignores.--The subject
related to the phenomena of trance, and records of
premature burial.--The resuscitation in Elisha's tomb
probably historical.--Jesus' raising of the ruler's
daughter plainly such a case.--His raising of the widow's
son probably such.--The hypothesis that his raising of
Lazarus may also have been such critically examined.--The
record allows this supposition.--Further considerations
favoring it: 1. The supposition threatens no real interest
of Christianity.--2. Enhances the character of the act as a
work of mercy.--3. Is independent of the belief of the
witnesses of the act.--4. Is coherent with the general
conception of the healing works of Jesus as wrought by a
peculiar psychical power.--Other cases.--The resurrection
of Jesus an event in a wholly different order of