Meaning: The quote "When you read any great mystery, recorded in holy Writ, you are to prostrate your Reason to Divine Revelation" by Thomas Ken, a clergyman, highlights the concept of faith and the relationship between reason and divine revelation. Thomas Ken was an English cleric and poet who lived in the 17th century. His writings often reflected his strong Anglican beliefs and his commitment to the authority of the Bible.

In this quote, Ken emphasizes the importance of submitting one's reason to divine revelation when encountering great mysteries recorded in holy scripture. This idea is rooted in the belief that the Bible contains truths that surpass human understanding and that faith should take precedence over human reason when confronted with the mysteries of the divine.

The phrase "holy Writ" refers to the sacred texts of the Bible, which are revered by Christians as the word of God. The term "great mystery" likely alludes to the profound and enigmatic aspects of religious doctrine and theological concepts found within the scriptures. Ken's assertion that one should "prostrate your Reason to Divine Revelation" underscores the need for individuals to humble their intellectual faculties and defer to the authority of divine teachings.

This quote encapsulates a fundamental aspect of religious faith, particularly within the Christian tradition. It reflects the tension between reason and revelation, a perennial theme in theological discourse. Throughout history, theologians and philosophers have grappled with the interplay between human rationality and the transcendent truths revealed through religious texts.

In the context of Christianity, the concept of divine revelation holds significant theological weight. It refers to the belief that God has communicated truths about Himself and His will to humanity through various means, including scripture, prophetic visions, and the person of Jesus Christ. For believers, these revelations are considered authoritative and essential for understanding the nature of God, the purpose of existence, and the path to salvation.

The phrase "prostrate your Reason" suggests an act of submission and humility in the face of divine truth. It implies a willingness to set aside one's own intellectual limitations and biases in order to embrace the mysteries and wisdom contained within sacred scripture. This posture of surrendering reason to divine revelation reflects a fundamental aspect of religious faith – the acceptance of truths that transcend human comprehension and the acknowledgment of a higher, transcendent authority.

Thomas Ken's exhortation to prostrate one's reason to divine revelation also resonates with the broader theological concept of faith seeking understanding. This idea, which has been influential in Christian thought, posits that faith precedes and informs human understanding, rather than the other way around. In this view, individuals trust in the truths revealed by God, and through this faith, they seek deeper comprehension and insight into the mysteries of the divine.

Furthermore, Ken's statement underscores the idea that the mysteries contained within the Bible are not necessarily contrary to reason but rather transcend it. While reason and intellect are valued within Christian thought, they are understood as limited and fallible when it comes to apprehending the full scope of divine truths. As such, the quote encourages a posture of intellectual humility and spiritual receptivity when engaging with the mysteries of faith.

In conclusion, Thomas Ken's quote "When you read any great mystery, recorded in holy Writ, you are to prostrate your Reason to Divine Revelation" encapsulates a fundamental aspect of religious faith and the relationship between reason and divine truth. It emphasizes the importance of submitting one's intellect to the authority of sacred scripture and embracing the mysteries of faith with humility and faith. This concept of prostrating reason to divine revelation reflects a broader theological understanding of the interplay between faith, reason, and the transcendent truths revealed through religious teachings.