The Question of Miracles (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1914. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. THE EVIDENTIAL VALUE OF MIRACLES. Various Purposes of Miraculous Works--Their Peculiar Value as Attesting a Divine Mission--M. Arnold's Objection--Objection Drawn from the Tricks of Magic. IT has been assumed by some writers that the sole purpose of miracles is to serve as the criterion of a revelation; that their function is restricted to this one end. Such a view unduly narrows their true scope, and gives quite an inadequate notion of the part which they are intended to play in God's dealings with men. It has led some to imagine that in Christian theology the one requisite in a miracle is that it should afford a display of superhuman power; that in itself it is a mere marvel devoid of moral meaning, hardly differing from the tricks of magic. According to Christian teaching a miracle is far different from this. It is invariably not merely a wonder ( DEGREESrepas) but a sign ( a-ri/j, eiov)--a manifestation of the Divine attributes. This alone distinguishes it from mere marvels and gives it a moral import of its own. As a sign it must display not only God's omnipotence but His mercy and kindness or His justice, alike in the actual miracle and in the circumstances under which it is produced. All elements that are unmeaning or ridiculous are necessarily excluded. Each miracle in its measure sets forth God's glory. Miracles thus viewed have three main functions. ( I) They mark a person as entrusted with a divine mission and thus establish the truth of a revelation. (2) They are given to attest high sanctity. They are not, of course, essential to sanctity. Yet in point of fact God frequently bears witness to the holiness of His servants by working miracles through their instrumentality or in their honour. To this last class belongs such a miracle as the stigmatiz...