Wilmington daily commercial. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1866-1877, 1874-09-08
gHE BELFAST SCIENTISTS AND THE I'M
MORTALITY OF THE SOUL.

It would seem that the leading British Scen-
lists have settled in caucus that combined at
tack is to be made upon the stronghold of relig-
ious belief. The storm of opposition which
Professor Tyndal's address has caused all over
tire world was no doubt foreseen, and before
making the attack it was probably resolved that
succession of weighty blows should be deliy
cred, and that no time should be given between
whites for any serious revolt against the
authority of the leaders in thought.
Thus we now see Tyndall powerfully supported
by Professor Huxley, one of the most eminent
Of living scholars, and man whose moral rec
titude is beyond dispute. In so far az the dis
eussion concerns the relations of man to erea-
ton. Huxley Is the better authority of the two.
While both are men OF commandin intellect,
Tyndall is especially noted as Physicist, an
Investigator of the laws of heat light and mo-
ton Huxley has given more attention to the
metaphysical side of science and to the relation
OF mind to matter. Tyndalls recent lecture
was significant mainly as demanding uni init
cd freedom OF research on the part Of
men OF science, and did not aim
at demonstrating any truth but the tr nth of that
necessity. 1t was not 80 much an argument fol-
the atomic theory, the automatic theory of life,
or the theory OF natural selection in the progress
aion and preservation of life-ath ough these
topics, or some of them, were fully treated-as
it was judicial review of the whole field.
Professor Huxley, in his startling supplement
60 the Tyndall lecture, goes further. Taking it
for granted, az his learned brother had affirmed
k.the time had come to break down the
ating walls of superstition he charges full
the central superstition of all-the Immor
tahty of the Soul. II his argument does no
eentre in this, if he does not deny 10 much 0
immortality as makes it vital and indivdua
hope then it has no meaning at all that can b
discovered by ordinary eyes. To admit til
Wholesale principle of life which these philoso
pliers concede-the force that is alike compe
tent and that does in fact alike act, in the con
struction of man. tisho a tree--is not to graz
Accumulation upon which suffering humanity ma
rest. 1t is frightfully vague and unsatsfactor,
and until the emotional parts of men, whic
these renowned scientists treat no patronizingl.
are radically changed, it is not likely that sue
Immortality as they have to offer will be gene
ally hungered after. Is not this Emotion
this Sentiment" the best part Of man ?
vastly more consequence than his ability to di
cover some of Natures innumerable laws y
honestly think the question may be asked wit
ont disparagement to Science, whose egitima
victories every intelligent person desires. w
wants to abridge freedom of inquiring ? and
it was desired to do 30, how could it be abridg
in civilized landsl Science shall do all it ca
but let it leave the world the nope of sweet IT
after life, a hope sweeter than all earthly kno
ledge.
Prof. Huxley proves to his satisfaction I'll
animals are but automatons, OIL
machines and then says he does +
desire to except man from tho category. 1t
sts for us to assume what his notion OF the
smate destination of this machine is; he m