An act performed by a master of nature without reference to the facts in
nature. This is the only honest definition of a miracle.
If a man could make a perfect circle, the diameter of which was exactly
one-half the circumference, that would be a miracle in geometry. If a
man could make twice four, nine, that would be a miracle in mathematics.
If a man could make a stone, falling in the air, pass through a space of
ten feet the first second, twenty-five feet the second second, and five
feet the third second, that would be a miracle in physics. If a man
could put together hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and produce pure gold,
that would be a miracle in chemistry. If a minister were to prove his
creed, that would be a theological miracle. If Congress by law would
make fifty cents worth of silver worth a dollar, that would be a
financial miracle. To make a square triangle would be a most wonderful
miracle. To cause a mirror to reflect the faces of persons who stand
behind it, instead of those who stand in front, would be a miracle. To
make echo answer a question would be a miracle. In other words, to do
anything contrary to or without regard to the facts in nature is to
perform a miracle.
Now we are convinced of what is called the "uniformity of nature." We
believe that all things act and are acted upon in accordance with
their nature; that under like conditions the results will always be
substantially the same; that like ever has and ever will produce like.
We now believe that events have natural parents and that none die
childless.
Miracles are not simply impossible, but they are unthinkable by any man
capable of thinking.
Now an intelligent man cannot believe that a miracle ever was, or ever
will be, performed.
Ignorance is the soil in which belief in miracles grows.