Encyclopedia of sacred theology - pagina 164

140

§ 40.

ought twt

FAITH

[Div. II

and an ever stronger protest should be is so unworthy of but the false antithesis between faith science

to be so,

raised against this superficiality which

the

name

of

;

and science

is

who

so generally current, that they

value

science most, as a rule prefer the removal of the last vestige of the leaven of faith.

But when we leave the domain of the natural, and enter the domain of the mixed and the spiritual sciences, what then

Here,

?

also, faith (Trib-ri?) enters in as

the indispensable

and in a way which is 7iot the same with all. In the mixed and spiritual sciences we touch immediately upon the diversity of the subject, and constantly encounter what in a

factor,

we explained as the fact of sin. Take hisWith the exception of a small part beyour own times, all observation is at second, third

preceding section

tory, for instance.

longing to

and fourth hand.

A

There

is

tradition.

certificate bears a signature.

You need

fier ?

genuine

?

to consult a

In such cases doubt

document; is

trustworthy

Is it

Is it the

name

this

is

not unnatural.

document

A

repre-

sentation of events which you yourself have witnessed,

often

made

in public meetings, in the press,

?

of the certi-

and

is

in reviews,

which you know is incorrect; this is often given by persons who were eye-witnesses as well as yourself you have no right in every case to assume bad faith, and yet it is someIf, then, the difficulty is so times as clear to you as day. great in establishing the truth of an event, the parties of which are still alive, the official records of which are at your service, and every particular of which is known to you, what then becomes of the history of bygone ages, of entirely different lands and countries, which comes to you from documents, the ;

very language of Avhich at times is doubtful ? This concerns merely the attestation of facts; and this gives chronicles, but no history. History demands psychological explanations a connection the discovery of a leading motive in events among these events and a conclusion that leads to prophetic ;

;

;

you and purposes of the those persons you must search out

insight into the future.

must interpret the and back actors ;

Back

of the facts, therefore,

characters, the plans, of

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