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common with other callings, and that dispensational super-structure that constitutes its
distinctive feature.
The fourth mood is suited to the discovery or proof of the exclusion of different
species of a genus. Its construction is as follows:--
No B is C . . . . . No covenants are found in the mystery.
Some A is B . . . . .
Some scriptural blessings are new covenant blessings.
THEREFORE
Some A is not C . . .
Some scriptural blessings are not found in the mystery.
These four forms constitute the four moods of the first figure of the syllogism, and, as
all propositions may be reduced to one or other of these forms, we shall not pursue the
matter further. "If an argument can be analyzed into these forms, and you admit its
propositions, you are bound in consistency to admit the conclusion" (Minto).
The axiom of the syllogism has been expressed in many ways; perhaps the easiest is
the following: "What is said of a whole is, said of every one of its parts." If you admit
that a leaf is in a book, and that the same book is in your pocket, you admit that the leaf
must be in your pocket also.
We can quite understand that the foregoing pages may prove very unattractive to some
of our readers. We can only treat our subject by stating the facts and giving examples;
and this we have done with as few technical terms as possible. It would make the matter
clearer to the reader if he would himself compose a few examples of each of the four
moods here given, if possible visualizing them in diagram form, using concentric,
separate and interlocking circles. We now leave the syllogism for other features that we
trust will prove of service in the quest of "understanding".
#9. The fallacy.
An example of fallacious reasoning.
pp. 175 - 178
Before embarking upon any classification of fallacies, we would seek to interest the
reader and prepare the way by considering one or two examples of fallacious arguments
that bear upon the teaching of Scripture and touch upon subjects of great interest to all
who in any measure endorse the teaching of The Berean Expositor.
We therefore draw attention to the "unsound mode of arguing, which appears to
demand our conviction, and to be decisive of the question in hand, when in fairness it
is not", that is found in a pamphlet entitled: Is Conditional Immortality True?
(by F. W. Pitt).