A Handbook of Biblical Difficulties. Edited by the Rev. R.
Tuck, B.A. (Elliot Stook.)—Mr. Tack gives a great number of what he calla—and, on the whole, rightly calls—" reasonable solutions of perplexing things in Sacred Scripture." The moat perplexing are those which fall under the head of "moral difficulties," and these are well summed up by the author as concerning,—" (1), The imperfect sentiments of a particular age ; or (2), questions of casuistry, or the exceptions which must be made to moral rule under pressing exigencies ; or (3), the infirmities and errors of those who may on the whole be called good; or (4), the difficulties created by anthropo- morphic and anthropopathio representations of God." To discuss even the more important cases in detail, and criticise Mr. Tack's treatment, is impossible. We must be satisfied with saying that he has taken pains to consult the beet authorities, and that he chooses between different opinions with good judgment. Above all, he is free from the vice of special pleading, He frankly admits the super- natural element, and also the postulate of moral progress. Starting with these principles, his task, though difficult, is not impossible. Contradictions of fart he does not commonly tench, leaving, e.g., the double accounts of the deaths of Ahaziah and Judas, and St. Stephen's references to the purchase of the burial cave, unexplained.
Previous page
