Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/264

 tries is obvious to the most superficial observer: it is the character of revelation, while enlightening the mind on subjects professedly beyond its reach, to address itself to the reason and understanding: whenever prevalent, it encourages and promotes the growth and expansion of the intellectual faculties. What surpasses reason is avowedly grounded on the authority of God, but the evidence which accompanies it, and the Scriptures by which the whole is to be weighed, are recommended to frequent attentive perusal. "Search the Scriptures," says Christ, "for they testify of me:" the great Apostle to the Gentiles also applies the epithet noble to the Bereans for this very circumstance: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, because they searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so; therefore many of them believed."

This spirit of investigation candidly pursued, and after proper objects, is highly con-