Smyrna times., 1882-09-13
The Present Drift.
BY JEREMIAH CHAPLIN, ID. d.


The skepticism of the present day,
with some notable exceptions, has
large element of conservatism, and in
this it differs from. the skepticism of
some previous times. In the second
century, especially as represented by
Lucian, it was cynical and destructive.
1t Knocked ut existing beliefs, and with
good reason. 1t was a violent reaction |
from II gross superstition. 1t sought
to create laugh at the expense of |
Olympus, and in this it helped to bring
in a better day; but its spirit was
destructive. Itpulled down; but cared
not to build up. 1t drove out the
Gods of the Pantheon; but left it
empty.
Voltaire had much of the temper Of
Lucian. Confounding Christianity with
the superstitiOns which had usurped
its name, he hurled against it the
arrows of his keen satire. He saw that
in the form that had been given to it,
it had tyrannized over the reason and
conscience of mankind. 1t stood in
the way of progress, in the way of in
tellectual liberty and popular advance
ment. Therefore away with it; down
with it; But he provided no substitute.
The public mind was left without form
and void. No quickening spirit breath
ed upon the abyss.
This style of skepticism has its rep
resentatives at the present time. They
are quick to discern every weak spot
and mercilessly expose it. The thcolO-
gies of the churches are their stamping
ground and enough can they find tC
belabor with ridicule and sarcasm
But they are narrow and indiscrimina
ting, and sadly lacking i'll seriousness
They ruthlessly tear away the popular
faiths, but give nothing in place Q
them. These men serve, doubtless, ;
providential purpose. They stir up in
vestigation. They help to destro!
popular delusiOns.
But there is host of skeptics wh'
are of another spirit. They take m
delight in mere wantOn destruction, il
witnessing the anguish of desolateC
faiths. The doubt of the present ag
is to large extent really constructive
not always consciously so, often qule
the opposite. Multitudes are aflOa
drifting hopelessly about, with no soil
land in sight; but they are mOcker
They are longing to reach terra famt
This spirit is really constructive.
seeks for the truth in a sad, seriOu
/ earnest spirit. 1t doubts because
wants to build upon rock. NOthin
else will satisfy its deep cravings. Tf
4 old foundation, the old formulas do III
4 meet its wants or must be subjected
II rigid revision. A new spirit of crit
as cism has come in, which proceeds {
w scientific grounds. A great deal tn
,r or had passed for law and gospel" h
ss, fallen before it. How much more is
N, n, go?
ar With no intention to bring abO
lat such revolution, outside his spec
n@ sphere, Darwin gave q new direction
gh human thought. He simply soug
en- for the facts OF Nature with II cand'
of a fairness, an enthusiasm, and humi
"a. ty most admirable; but, in doing so
ess compelled the thinkers in every depa
ment of human thought to adopt stri
'Rz er methods. Theology, at last, fe
m m the breath of this new life.
Whether the theories which ha
Y grown out of the facts that Darwin
NJ gathered shall stand the test of time
not, he is the leader in modern tn
logical investigation by the spirit q
method which he, more than other II
of our day, put into the study of
and universe. There can be no return
the old ways. The age has fairly
loose from traditions. Where will
IN land? In some fairer harbor, it can
A"' be doubted; for right spirit ant
right method, in whatever departm
/, of thought, must lead to right rcsu
Truth must be the gamer.
ne, 1t is the often deep, though bl
consciousness of this fact that kC
hope alive in multitudes of dOub
efore souls. They are persuaded that so
thing good and grand will grow on
the present turmoil. They are
e darkness, but not in willful darkI
Their eyes are open, straining for
'itsh light, which seems so slow to CT
When it breaks, they will receive
j. Already there are signs not doul
with of o brighter day. The tides of
22-iy founder faith are beginning to Sc
The present skepticism is not
ton, defiant protest, blind del
ton of idols, so much as n no
na'' development, an outgrowth of
kinds that have long been at work in hui
ity, silently but potentially, in an
c, comprehending providence, and
now reached its crisis. The brea
%S. is fearful; but the voice of the Ia
n Lea& heard above the tumult of the
The present state of doubt ana u
ldllIR, tainty cannot much longer rel
in this Man was made for truth. His
any -- Il ..ooA ,,,;tbouf n He Ia M