for all subsequent time. For

1st. Gradual evolution is in analogy with God's other work.

2nd. It does not leave Him without witness at any time during the
historical period.

3rd. It gives ample scope for persevering research at all
times--i.e. a moral test, and not merely an intellectual assent to
some one _(ex hypothesi)_ unequivocally attested event in history.

The _appearance_ of plan in revelation is, in fact, certainly remarkable
enough to arrest serious attention.

If revelation has been of a progressive character, then it follows that
it must have been so, not only historically, but likewise
intellectually, morally, and spiritually. For thus only could it be
always adapted to the advancing conditions of the human race. This
reflection destroys all those numerous objections against Scripture on
account of the absurdity or immorality of its statements or precepts,
unless it can be shown that the modifications suggested by criticism as
requisite to bring the statements or precepts into harmony with modern
advancement would have been as well adapted to the requirements of the
world at the date in question, as were the actual statements or precepts
before us.

Supposing Christianity true, it is certain that the revelation which it
conveys has been predetermined at least since the dawn of the historical
period. This is certain because the objective evidences of Christianity
as a revelation have their origin in that dawn. And these objective
evidences are throughout [evidence] of a scheme, in which the end can be
seen from the beginning. And the very methods whereby this scheme is
itself revealed are such (still supposing that it is a scheme) as
present remarkable evidences of design. These methods are, broadly
speaking, miracles, prophecy and the results of the teaching, &c., upon
mankind. Now one may show that no better methods could conceivably have
been designed for the purpose of latter-day evidence, combined with
moral and religious teaching throughout. The mere fact of it being so
largely incorporated with secular history renders the Christian religion
unique: so to speak, the world, throughout its entire historical period,
has been constituted the canvas on which this divine revelation has been
painted--and painted so gradually that not until the process had been
going on for a couple of thousand years was it possible to perceive the
subject thereof.

_Christian Dogm