Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/17

Rh partakes of a literary character, it must be dealt with accordingly, by reference to the testimony of cotemporancous writers, and this uniform consent or agreement transmitted from the earliest times to our days; while the sense of Scripture must be determined either from its positive declarations, or fair and legitimate inference. In enquiries of this nature, reason has a high and momentous duty to discharge, viz. to ponder well all the evidence of which the case is susceptible, and to decide impartially, No. intention exists of unduly exalting the intellectual faculties, or decrying the office of the Spirit in directing truth with saving power to the heart; all that is here contended for is, that reason should act in its proper sphere. Whatever is clearly revealed must be received on the authority of God himself, but the evidence by which it is accompanied, is open to fair discussion and enquiry. In this line the full exercise of all