Science: Knowledge Reduced to System
By Jos. Clarke
SCIENCE is defined by Webster, “knowledge reduced to system.” A man may have a vast amount of knowledge on various subjects; yet it is so disarranged, and exists in his mind in such a condition of disorder, that he can make use of it to but little advantage. The grand object to be obtained by a thorough course of education is to be able to systematize and arrange, and then to put this system to some practical use. On religious topics, this principle is as applicable as on any other subject, although it is not generally so viewed; and there is no subject upon which people are so absurdly very confused as upon this; for an idea has generally obtained credence, that it matters little how erroneous an opinion may be, if sincerity is the basis; and very often a compound of stupidity, conceit, and obstinacy, are mistaken for sincerity. We may come to a definite conclusion, by the help of God, on all revealed truth, although it is quite a popular idea that a union of sentiment on Bible subjects is a thing not to be expected while the present state of things continues. The Bible was written by different individuals, at different periods of time; and though all were inspired men, yet they wrote under very different circumstances. Their great desire as individuals was to please God, and they labored to this end, yet the necessity which impelled each was of quite a different nature. These writers were each of them guided by the Holy Spirit. The Bible being written thus, it is evident that to obtain a knowledge of its doctrines, it must be thoroughly examined as to what it teaches; subjects must be followed up by a system of reference, until the opinions and teachings of each writer are fully brought out and harmonized. All may be clearly stated, and correctly arranged, until definite conclusions are formed. Infidelity would be robbed of its strength, if all would apply true science to the study of the Bible; and how strange it seems that many who reason so clearly on popular science should reason so absurdly on Bible subjects. A lifetime devoted to science is considered well spent; yet often men blaspheme God because they do not get the sense of the sacred word by a few casual readings. JOS. CLARKE.