Page:The Last Judgement and Second Coming of the Lord Illustrated.djvu/19

 large numbers in educated society. The theological era in which we live is extraordinary and surprising. Hence we contend that our progress in all the appliances of social and civilized life, not only suggests the necessity for some advancement in our acquaintance with religious truth, but that this progress is actually forcing into existence some new information concerning such truth which may run parallel with itself; not that the documents of revelation, not that Christianity viewed in its intrinsic nature, are capable of any improvements, for all these are most Holy and Divine; but that some new perceptions of the truths which are contained within these munificent provisions for our educational welfare, may be arrived at and enjoyed.

Surely men's interpretations of the Scripture are not to be accepted as Scripture; and as such interpretations may be mistaken and untrue, it is plain that when this is seen to be the case, we are at liberty to reject them. This rejection, certainly, has occurred in many instances at various times; it may occur again, and, therefore, even on this ground, some improvement in religious knowledge may fairly be expected, especially in reference to those subjects from which expositors have excluded reason, and into which they have imported mystery. Whilst rejecting a long-received interpretation, no doubt is entertained concerning the authority and truthfulness of the document interpreted. No man is bound by the explanations of another any farther than he sees its reasonableness and force; nor ought he to be subjected to any censure because he cannot accept the inference of those who, like himself, are liable to err.

It is admitted by all who believe the Scriptures, that the Lord promised to execute a last judgment, and to come again. The questions then to be discussed are not about the