No man can start with the assumption that there is a revelation from the Creator that needs no proof. The only basis for such a revelation is that intuitive truth by the aid of which miracles and prophecy become evidences of the interposition of the Creator. Thus we perceive that the proof that "the author of a depraved constitution of mind is a depraved being," is as strong as the evidence of a revelation by miracles and prophecy can be. In regard to these theories, and in regard to the dogma of theology which they are instituted to explain, it is claimed that both reason and the Bible equally forbid each and all of them. It has already been shown, in Chapters xxii. and xxiii., that all the evidence of reason and experience goes to prove that the mind of man is perfect in its organization. We have only to inquire, then, in regard to the evidence claimed to be found in revelations from the Creator. Before examining this evidence, it is important to notice the distinction between _revealed facts_ and the _theories_ invented to explain them. The _fact_, which both experience and revelation agree in teaching, is that man, as a race, is guilty and depraved in _action_, and that from the earliest periods of life this _depraved action_ is manifested. The _theories_ relate to _the cause_ of this wrong action, and there are only two. The first theory is, that the constitution of mind is perfect, and that the wrong action results from a want of experience, knowledge, right habits, right training, and right social influences. The second theory is, that the constitution of mind is depraved, and that its wrong action is the inevitable result of this wrong construction. Then come the theories in reference to _the cause_ of this assumed malformation of mind. There are only two ever assigned, viz., God and man: God by creation, and man by sinning _in_ Adam or _before_ Adam in a pre-existent state. By those who ascribe the deed to God, it is claimed that he perpetrated this wholesale wrong to our race in one of two ways, viz., either by the direct miscreation of each mind at or near the time of birth, or by creating such a constitution of things that by one wrong act the first pair transmitted, from parent to child, through the whole race, a vitiated and depraved mental constitution. We now resort to the Bible to ascertain what are its teachings on this subject. In the first place, then, we find a constant recognition of the fact of a depraved _action_ of mind, and that this commences at the earliest period of life. On this, as a revealed _fact_, there is no debate. Next, in regard to the _theories_ instituted to account for this fact. Here we shall only discuss the commonly accepted theory of the Christian world, and leave the other for the future volume.