5.—Some considerations as to the conditions under which a 34 professed Revelation may be properly _accepted_ Evidence to contemporaries: miracles, doctrines, etc. 34 Evidence to others 37 Observations as to believing: aid derived from others, 37 rapidity of mental processes, intuitions 6.—Some considerations as to the Bible, as a professed 41 Revelation Its pure morality, hold on public opinion, etc., mark 43 it out as _different_ from other books Why a candid spirit is _especially_ needful for the 43 study of it Its offer of supernatural aid considered 45 Its offer of supernatural aid is in accordance with 46 the general beliefs as to Providence, and prayer THOUGHTS ON A REVELATION. Few persons can have observed attentively the various phases of public opinion on religious subjects during the last twenty years or more, without noticing a growing tendency to the accumulation of difficulties on the subject of Revelation. Geology, ethnology, mythical interpretation, critical investigation, and inquiries of other kinds, have raised their several difficulties; and, in consequence, infidels have rejoiced, candid inquirers have been perplexed, and even those who have held with firmness decided views on the distinctive character of the inspiration of the Bible, have sometimes found it difficult to satisfy their minds entirely, and to see clearly the grounds of their conclusions. The writer of these pages does not propose to attempt a detailed reply to the various difficulties which have been raised. Answers to objections arising from the pursuit of particular sciences are most effectually given by those, who have made those sciences their study; nor can there be any doubt that, if the book of nature and the Bible spring from the same source, an increasing acquaintance with both will tend to show their harmony with each other, and to dispel the perplexities which have arisen from an imperfect acquaintance with either of them. It may be observed, too, that, as it requires special knowledge on the part of a writer to cope with special difficulties; so also does it demand acquirements, but rarely found, on the part of the reader, to appreciate the real value, both of the objections and answers which may be made on geological, critical, or other special grounds.