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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 28
Analysis of the Contents
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Analysis of the Contents.
| I. | —The paralyzing effect of a religious doubt or difficulty—statement of the difficulty with which we purpose to deal. The Bible doctrine of Providence stated. The Bible doctrine of Prayer stated—the influence of prayer not wholly subjective—prayer not to be limited to spiritual things. The doctrine of the Government of the World by general laws stated—its truth conceded—the impossibility of life and action in a world otherwise constituted—the impossibility of supposing the Creator otherwise governing the world. |
| II. | —The question re-opened—how modern science has magnified its proportions. The difficulty reduced to the point 'believing of prayer necessitates the supposition of miracles.' The kind of answer which is required. Our ignorance of the nature of matter of force—of cause—and the proper inference from our ignorance. The sense in which the laws of nature are not unbending but pliable—nature not inexorable but most variable—and the proper inference. A miracle does not carry with it the idea of disturbance or violation of the order of nature. The point of resemblance and distinction between a miracle and an answer to prayer. Illustration from one of Christ's miracles. |
| III. | —Nothing more required than to show a possible way in which God may hear prayer. Other theories—that of a force breathed forth from the spirit of the suppliant—that of pre-established harmony. Preference for that of a force entering at a point to us invisible—analogy from Bible doctrine of illumination—of regeneration—and from general mode of expressing the Divine interpositions. This theory explains why we may not pray for things unnatural—why we may not expect any results without using means—why all providences and answers to prayer wear a common aspect. The difficulties of the sceptical position. Summary. The momentousness of the issue involved in this controversy. |