The Christian System - Chapter 1
THE UNIVERSE.
I. ONE God, one system of nature, one universe. That universe is composed of innumerable systems, which, in perfect concert move forward in subordination to one supreme end. That one end of all things is the sovereign and infinite pleasure of Him who inhabits eternity and animates the universe with his presence. So worship and adore the heavenly hierarchies, saying:--"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
II. The universe is a system of systems, not only as respects the seventy-five millions of suns and their attendant planets, which fill up the already discovered fields of ethereal space; but in reference to the various systems, separate, though united; distinct, though amalgamated; heterogeneous, though homogeneous; which are but component parts of every solar system--of every planet in that system, and of every organic, and every inorganic mass on each planet. Thus in the person of a single individual man, we have an animal system, an intellectual system, a moral system, running into each other, and connecting themselves with every thing of a kindred nature in the whole universe of God: just as we have in the human body itself a system of solids, and a system of fluids; and these again forming themselves into a system of bones, a system of nerves, a system of arteries, a system of veins, &c.
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I. ONE God, one system of nature, one universe. That universe is composed of innumerable systems, which, in perfect concert move forward in subordination to one supreme end. That one end of all things is the sovereign and infinite pleasure of Him who inhabits eternity and animates the universe with his presence. So worship and adore the heavenly hierarchies, saying:--"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
II. The universe is a system of systems, not only as respects the seventy-five millions of suns and their attendant planets, which fill up the already discovered fields of ethereal space; but in reference to the various systems, separate, though united; distinct, though amalgamated; heterogeneous, though homogeneous; which are but component parts of every solar system--of every planet in that system, and of every organic, and every inorganic mass on each planet. Thus in the person of a single individual man, we have an animal system, an intellectual system, a moral system, running into each other, and connecting themselves with every thing of a kindred nature in the whole universe of God: just as we have in the human body itself a system of solids, and a system of fluids; and these again forming themselves into a system of bones, a system of nerves, a system of arteries, a system of veins, &c.
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posted by Ken | 2:28 PM
8 Comments:
It seems that the jist of this chapter is to show that, since the universe is an interconnected system, it is not possible to "dogmatize" about any particular aspect of this system without having a comprehensive knowledge of the entire universe. Indeed, as Campbell says one would have to be an "imbecile" to believe one could teach with an "air of infallability".
I was interested by the last comment of chapter 1 in which the author seems to state that you can't know anything unless you know everything.
BOG
Yeah, I didn't understand that too well either.
Alexander Campbell is drawing on the rather common notion at that time of God having "Two Books." One of Nature and One of Revelation.
The apparent beauty of the Newtonian universe, as then understood, was a common appeal in theological works that God likewise has a "logical" system or layout for Christianity.
In Newtonian physics, when calculating the orbit of Uranus it was necessary to do more than account for the Sun, you had to throw Jupiter and Saturn in there . . . and some unknown as well. Campbell simply argues that each part of the Christian system has a unique contribution to make and must be seen in light of the whole.
In that Newtonian universe it would be foolish to "dogmatize" on Uranus without taking into account the grand scheme.
Even in our contemporary situation do you not think it is good advice to withhold judgement until all the facts are heard??
Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
Stoned-Campbell Disciple
BTW, that "unknown" was turned out to be the planet "Neptune."
There was a certain British Astronomer Royal by the name of Airy who decided to dogmatize on the subject of a possible planet out there contributing to the "problems" with the orbit of Uranus . . . thus a graduate student got the credit for figuring it out.
Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
ARGH! I posted a nice reply to Bobby and Blogger ate it!
A note to everyone, copy your reply before posting it.
Alexander Campbell is drawing on the rather common notion at that time of God having "Two Books." One of Nature and One of Revelation.
I think that notion even today has some sway. I, for one, think the idea that God, who has created an ordered natural world, will also create an ordered spiritual world.
Even in our contemporary situation do you not think it is good advice to withhold judgement until all the facts are heard??
Sure, but sometimes one isn't aware of all the facts or perhaps the facts seem contradictory.
Regardless, it appears to me that Campbell was asserting one could not speak with authority unless one had a comprehensive knowledge of the universe.
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