Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 39:156 (Oct 1882)
Article: Positivism As A Working System
Author: Francis Howe Johnson

BSac 39:156 (Oct 1882) p. 674

Positivism As A Working System

Rev. F. H. Johnson

“Religion originally spontaneous, then inspired, and afterwards revealed, has at length found its ground in demonstration.”—Auguste Comte.

“The path, of thought, as it were, has taken a sudden turn round a mountain; and our bewildered eyes are staring on an undreamed-of prospect. The leaders of progress thus far have greeted the sight with acclamation, and have confidently declared that we are looking on the promised land. But to the more thoughtful, and to the less impulsive, it is plain that a mist hangs over it, and that we have no right to be sure whether it is the promised land or no. They see grave reasons for making a closer scrutiny, and for asking if, when the mist lifts, what we see will be not splendor but desolation.” — W. H. Mallock.

A new religion is offered to Christendom to take the place of that under which it has been educated. It is offered, and urged upon our acceptance for three reasons:

First, because the Christian religion, as generally received, embodies great errors. It has precious truths wrapped up in superstitions. It presents to the minds of men unreal aims, promises fictitious rewards, frightens them with groundless terrors, appeals to low motives, makes men narrow, egotistical, covetous of personal happiness, is opposed to progress.

Second, because the new religion is a final religion, founded upon everlasting truth. It can be proved to be true by the nature of things. It makes no demand for faith in the unseen. It appeals to the highest motives only. It presents to man, in the place of an imaginary, personal Deity, a Power that is always hereon earth; an ideal which, through all ages, is fitted to inspire his enthusiastic devotion.

Third, because Christendom has outgrown her old religion. It was a religion of provisional and temporary value only. Christianity, as commonly understood, whether true or false,

BSac 39:156 (Oct 1882) p. 675

has lost its power. It cannot be proved. Its beliefs are therefore rapidly fading from the minds of a generation that requires a proof for everything. We are now, it is said, in the presence of a great opportunity, nay, of a great emergency; there is no time for hesitation. The ground on which we stand is about to be submerged. But, on the horizon, the watchmen have descried the ark of safety bearing down upon us. Now is the time to harden our hearts against the past. Uprising sentiment must be strangled. Old associations must be broken up. It will not do to wait till the inevitable overtakes us. It is the duty of the hour to demolish our old houses, fill up our ...