Philosophy is defined in our dictionaries as,

"The knowledge of the causes of all phenomena, both of mind and matter".

Paul encountered "certain philosophers" on Mars' Hill, at Athens (Acts xvii. 18). The subject of his argument with them (that of the Godhead) is especially interesting in view of the gulf between the Grecian and Hebrew philosophy. The Greek philosophy started from the formed, or creature, back to the Former, or Creator; and thus God was last with the Greek philosopher. Far different was it with the Hebrew thinkers and writers; at any rate, with those whom God inspired, and who are known as Prophets and Apostles. They never troubled about tracing God by His works, or creatures; but began with God, taking His existence for granted and seeing Him everywhere and in everything. This is noticed throughout the Holy Scriptures, especially so in that most practical of books, Book of Proverbs.

See Prov. i. 7, 29; ii. 17; iii. 5, 7, 9, 19,33; v. 21; viii. 13, 34; xii. 2; xiv. 26, 31; xv. 3, 9, 33 ;xvi. 2, 4, 6, 9, 33; xvii. 5; xviii. 10; xix. 17, 23; xxv.2; xxviii. 5 ; xxx. 5.

F. G. J.

Read "Ways of Providence", by R. Roberts

The "Proverbs" is addressed to "My Son", and therefore presupposes a knowledge of the Father. It contains the etiquette of a divine kingdom, and is altogether a wonderful book.

It takes us all over the ground of our moral nature. It is full and complete and particularises the course of the mind upwards and downwards, and gives the result. It shows the effect (I think) of every moral act, good and bad. It is a pharmacopoeia which tells you how moral disease should be treated. It gives the origin of moral health, and tells you how to keep it. I never heard of anyone who disputed its maxims; and experience teaches the correctness of every jot.

Robert Roberts.