- tradictory, mysterious, will the findings of
theology—the science of God—be simple and mere common sense? If when we have to do with wood and stones we stand amazed before the doctrine of ether, is it surprizing that when we have to do with Christ and His cross, God and His redemption, we come also to the wonderful teaching, not only of the divinity of Jesus, but of His preexistence from eternity with God? So, then, because the doctrine is marvelous, unheard of, difficult to grasp, do not, therefore, pass it by as incredible.—Newton H. Marshall.
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MYSTERY NO BAR TO BELIEF
Toads are said to have been found in
rocks. Such cases are rare, but it would be
as unreasonable to doubt them as to believe
in some of the miraculous explanations that
have been made of the matter. The phenomenon
is marvelous, it is true, but it is supported
by evidence that we are not able to
contest; and skepticism, which is incompatible
with science, will have to disappear
if rigorous observation shall confirm it. The
toad was observed, in one case, in the stone
itself, and before recovering from its long
lethargy, it had not made any motion. One of
these toads was presented to an academy,
with the stone which had served it as a
coffin or habitation, and it was ascertained
that the cavity seemed to correspond exactly
with the dimensions and form of the animal.
It is remarkable that these toad-stones are
very hard and not at all porous, and show
no signs of fissure. The mind, completely
baffled in the presence of the fact, is equally
embarrassed to explain how the toad could
live in its singular prison, and how it became
shut up there. M. Charles Richet had
occasion to study this question some months
ago, and came to the conclusion that the fact
was real, observing that even if, in the actual
condition of science, certain phenomena were
still inexplicable, we were not warranted in
denying their existence, for new discoveries
might at any time furnish an explanation of
them. (Text.)—Popular Science Monthly.
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Mystery of Regeneration—See Discernment, Lack of Spiritual.
MYSTERY TO BE MADE CLEAR
Dr. Abbott tells how, after sailing on the
muddy waters of Lake Huron, he came on
deck one morning, and, looking over the
prow, started back in instinctive terror, for,
looking down into the clear waters of Lake
Superior, it seemed as if the keel were just
going to strike on the sharp pointed rocks
below; but he was looking through fifty or
sixty feet of clear water at the great rock-bed
of the lake. Now we endeavor in vain
to fathom God's judgments. As by a great
deep they are hidden from us. But by and
by the sea will grow as clear as crystal, and
through the mystery we shall see and shall
understand. We shall know not only the
life that was in the ocean, but shall trace the
footprints of Him that walked thereon.
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MYSTERY, VALUE OF
Recently a man called on Edwin Markham,
author of "The Man with the Hoe," we
are told by Success, and introduced himself
as the writer of a book on which, he said,
he had spent twenty-five years of study and
research. Mr. Markham, who is unusually
kind in listening to and counseling with
amateur authors, immediately felt that one
who has spent a quarter of a century on his
work is rare, and he invited him to his study
without delay.
"What is the nature of your work?" asked Mr. Markham.
"I have written the greatest book of the ages," began the new author; "I have solved the mystery of the world. I know all about it. I am prepared to prove my statements. I know just why the world was made, who really made it, and I have laid bare the mysteries of creation. I—"
"My good man," said Mr. Markham, interrupting him, "if you have come to me for advice, let me tell you to take your manuscript at once and burn it. If you have solved the mystery of this world, you are its greatest enemy. Why," continued the poet, "if you have solved the mystery of the world you have robbed men of their greatest joy. You have left us nothing to work for, you have destroyed our ambition, you have reduced us to mere animals. It is the mysteries of the world that have made it great, and I, for one, don't want to have them solved."
Mr Markham's visitor sat dumfounded for a moment. The vision of his twenty-five years of labor flitted before him as he said:
"I guess you're right—I guess you're right." (Text.)
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