The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-03-28

lected to sustain or refute the theory.
Whenever a man is determined that his
theory shall stand he ceases really TO in
veStigate, becomes a dogmatist. He is
so eriveloped in one idea he cannot be-
lieve anything else.
Imagination is necessary, there is
none too much Of ii. But patient search
for truth is also necessary. The ancient
philosophers tried to evolve all knowl
edge from their brain. They thought IL
beneath them TO experiment. So that
science, properly speaking, is thing of
modern times.
our scientists have very little if any
thing that is absolutely new In theory.
but they tested the theories of ancient
dreamers. refuted the many and estab-
lished a few. Let us honor the prophet,
but also honor the apostle. Truths are
eternal: he who sees the truth is worthy
Of honor. but he who discovers it to the
world is more a benefactor.
Roger Bacon in the thirteenth century
made gunpowder. but did not give il TO
the world and probably never conceived
how useful it might be.
John Wesley was an evolutionist; he
saw the light but did not make it plain
to others. He was only tramp i'm the
field where Darwin made a highway. 1t
is often easier to get through wilder
ness than to leave a way plain for 9TH
ers TO follow
Theories are born. but demonstra tions
are often the life work of generations
The world is far too ready to think a
thing established beyond combination.
We are prone to be dogmatic; we jump
to a conclusion and shut our eyes and
stop our ears.
1t is assumed, for instance, that the
stamina of the American people is wan
ing. And we have a hundred theories
to account for it. Most, If not all, are bare
uppositions-"such stuff as dreams are
made of "
Christian nations are more progressive
| than pagan or others. hence ii is as
sumed Christianity makes them so. The
boy who watches the water-wheel all
day to see whether the wheel turned the
water or the water the wheel was more
philosopher.
Let us reverse the theory and assume
| that Christian nations are Christian be-
cause they are of the more progressive
] races and the purity of their Chris
I tianity is in proportion to their progress
| iveness. Christianity was carried to
| nearly or quite all Of Asia, Europe and
| Africa in the early centuries of our era,
| but anything like purity survived in but
| few. 1t was introduced into China in
| the sixth century, L believe, and be-
| came a state religion, but soon persisted
| there. The seed may be Of the best,
| but it must find a congenial soil. Some
| times rye will thrive where wheat fails.
| Christ said of some Of his precepts
| that not all could receive them, but let
! him who is able receive them. She who
| did what she could was commended. If
we have only a mite TO give, that is all
| that is asked But do we give the mite ?
| Do we do all we can? Especially i'm
| the obtaining of knowledge do we not
condemn other beliefs almost without a
| trial.
| How many of the H L. C.'s have care
| fully read the proceedings of the worlds
| parliament Of religions or heard the dis
! ciples of Zoroaster. Buddha or COnfucius
/ in defense of their creed? How few of
| us have ever taken the pains to dig
| through the sand of tradition and dog
/ matism and found our beliefs upon the
| rock Of Christs teaching as expressed
| i'm the best manuscripts Of the Greek,
| copies of which are now accessible to
all. LONE TRAMP"