The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-02-21

theory az variance with scripture, aHd
then endeavor in every possible way TO
find facts which can be forced into al
apparent support OF it. And it is equal
~ wrong Tor q theologian to give an
Interpretation to his bible which is at
variance with nature, and then brand
science as iufidel because it will not
conform toit.
From such an earnest, full, and fair
investigation the bible has nothing to
fear. Unfortunately the parties on
either side, in the controversy between
science and religion, are. not willing al
ways to submit to it. II may be that
here and there friends of the scriptures
are disposed to close their ears to the
testimonies OF nature. II go. they are
90 lar iu error. But there is such
thing ss an odiun anti theotogicun, as we'll
as an odium theoiogicum There certain
ly is among some professed friends OF
science a prejudice against the bible,
which must be fatal 10 their arrival at
the truth. Tley do not even look
nature fairly in the face, and hear what
she does teach. They close their eyes
and ears against everything which will
not fall in with their skeptlcal theories.
More may be said Of the attitude Of
nature AID revelation than that they
harmonic. The true conception Of the
relation which they sustain to each
other is that the former is handmsid
to the latter. She is calculated 10 lead
her upprejudiced followers upward TO
God. They who dig iu her fields Tor
hidden treasures may thereby b. put IN
the way OF fading a pearl OF great
price. Aud whatever may be the
knowledge or power which such pur-
suits may confer, they should all be
consecrated to the serv ce OF Christ
Some men seek an acquaintance with
science in order that they may use to
their own worldly advantage what they
thus learn. Some labor in this sphere
out OF love OF the truth. Proper az
all such motives may be, there is a
higher aim which should dominate over
both. All our attachments should be
used to honor God and to advance the
welfare OF men. Such ia the attitude
which science, as general rule. In
modern times has assumed toward re-.
ligion. Christianity on the one hand
has fostered it as her child and ally.
1t has been under her influence that
the wonderful advances in these realms
have mainly been made In 30
many directions. Men OF piety were
the founders aud have ever been the
warmest supporters OF the institutions
devoted to such studies The univer,
sites and colleges OF Western Europe
and of America were born Of Chrs-
tian parentage. The professors in them
are for the most part believers The
clergy as O whole are better educated
in science than the members OF any
other profession except that OF teach.
ing In every community they stand
among the very first in such matters
They are, indeed, the nursing fathers o
these institutions where the highes
learning is cultiva ed II they have, a
a general rule, coed sense enough no
to turn their pulpils into a platform t
discuss doubtful sciet tific speculst'ons
this must not be interpreted to impl,
that they know nothing about such
,hinge. Many d clergyman understands
far more about the theories OF mate
rialism now 30 current, than DO most o
those who in their imagined wisdom
embrace them.
And on the other baud. az rule
in modern times men oil science are nc
untriendly TO religion. Many Of then
are earnest christians. Many other
acknowledge the truth efre'igion. On
ly here and there has an lniividua
appeared who has had any prominence
| in this field, and yet who has srraye
himself against the Bible. Wher
there has been one to deny Chris
there have been a hundred to &C
knowledge him. This is true eve
now, Notwithstanding all the nos
which ia heard in certain quarters.
10 the siDguIarity Of their position q
much. az ANYTHING else, which serves
bring inf lei men OF learning before tn
public. 1t is the commences o thei
position which causes the religion
devotion OF so many other men
learning to be so little noticed.
| 1t has been conceded that certai
interpretations Of Scripture hove in tn
past been modified by the teachings
) science. The most prominent instsnc
ia that OF geology and the record Of tn
six daye OF creation. But no doctrlu
which affects the way OF saivat'o
through Christ or the sut
stance of religion has eve
in the least thus been altered. Tn
truths preached by the priml,iv
Christians were the same which 81
now published BY the church. Au
there never will be any modification {
them. Science in its teachings dos
not touch upon them. There is no nee
that any person should be trrghtene
by the boasts of sceptics as to wins
they have done or ever will do towa'
the overthrow oil Christianity. Voltan
predicted that BY the advance Of know
edge, in fifty years Christianity wou'
: be banisbed from Europe. Before th'
time the very press with VIII ch L
. printed his works wss used for printi'
religious traces, and his dwelling va
converted into a depot for biules. Son
( one once said to the celebrated Robe
= Hall, Have you read 'Paine's AGE
Reaeon "Yes cir" he replied,
have looked over it." "Aud what. m
8 I ask you, is your opinion OF iIg' IN
. opinion Of it, sir ? why, cir, it is mou
D nibbling at the wing o. an arcsauge'
r The same may be said Of all recer
attacks on religion, though made und
= the cover OF the name o. science.
. QUIvI,CUNoUE.