Contemporary Literature [pp. 175-196]

176
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE.
[January,
ing, since all are reflections from the one pure source of absolute Truth and
Wisdom."
It is evident from this statement that the method of Dr. Hickok is by no
means, as has sometimes been objected, a mere a firiori or speculative construction. It is a combination of the two great scientific methods; the facts
are first ascertained, and then by a constructive process bound together, thus
making a demonstrated system. In speaking of the Incarnation, (page 200oo),
for example, he says: "Speculative reason can walk alone here just as little
as in determining the work of creating the heavens and the earth. Phenomenal facts must first be apprehended, and in them the insight of reason
must read the traces of God's handiwork; and equally so in redemption:
revealed facts must be the symbols in which reason shall read God's spiritual
meaning. The facts are indeed a dead letter to sense, and all logical deductions from sense; but they have in them a living meaning to reason's insight,
and which can by no possibility be brought into contemplation, except by
reason alone." This is wisely put, and, whatever objections may be made to
applications and details, the general method here indicated is undoubtedly
valid, and necessary to all true insight. No one of our philosophers or theologians has mastered the question of a scientific method more thoroughly
than Dr. Hickok. He fully appreciates the fact that the method to a large
extent determines the system.
In his previous volume he came, so far as the Godhead is concerned, to
the conclusion, "that the creating Absolute Spirit cannot be an object of
knowledge except as contemplated in three distinct agencies, each as Will
working in consciousness through its peculiar appropriation for itself of the
one Absolute Reason-consciousness. As originator of the pure ideal universe,
the first is the Father; as expressing this in overt manifestation, the second
is the Word: and as holding all comprehensively in one, the third is the
Holy Ghost. But not only in creation; in governmental administration and
frequent communication, the same three-fold agency in the one Absolute
Being must also necessarily be recognized. The second reveals the secret
purpose of the first in such communications, and the third secures the execution, in human heart and will, of that counsel which the first has and the
second publishes." To unfold, on the scriptural basis, this manifestation of
the Godhead in humanity, is the aim of "Humanity Immortal."
The first chapter is on " The Primitive Trial of Humanity;" the second,
chiefly historical, has the title, "The Redeemer must prepare Humanity for
His Advent;" the third is devoted to the "Incarnation, Work and Doctrine of
the Redeemer;" chapter fourth, " The Holy Ghost seals Redemption to
tVan; fifth, "The Last Things in the Redemption of Humanity" Death, the
Intermediate State, the Resurrection, the final Judgment, Issues of the Judgment for both Good and Bad. The author is clearly opposed to both annihilationism and restorationism; he has slight sympathy with those who would
lower the demands of the divine righteousness, or man's guilt and freedom, to
meet the demands of mere happiness. The last chapter is on the "End of
the MIediatorial Kingdom." It contains a curious speculation upon "the