Year: 1873




There are many indications that we are
approaching period during which the truce
which has so long been preserved between
science and religion will be broken and that,
whatever the result, the fight will be general
and severe Religion thrives, the churches
prosper; but, in spite of all appearances to
the contrary, there is, it must be admitted,
large amount of scepticism widely diffused
among all ranks and classes of the people.
The researches Of Darwin, the experiments of
Tyndall and the teachings of Huxley Carpen-
ter and others have done much within the
last ten years to sap the foundations of re-
ligious belief. In these days the apostles of
science are men of great ability and learning,
and these high qualities are quite equalled by
their industry and daring. A fresh illustra-
ton OF the daring of the scientific teachers
was recently furnished in the neigborhood of
London. At Sion Hill College it is the Gus
tom Of the authorities to invite, from time to
time, prominent men to deliver lectures on
one or other of the leading questions OF the
hour. On such occasions the audiences are
select, and the clergy are generally well repre-
sented. Dr. Carpenter, it appears, some few
days ago was the honored lecturer The Doc
tor Is not one of those who have openly
broken with the Church, hence no doubt
the honor and the privilege. The audience
was large, composed mainly of leading clergy
men and preates, with q sprinklng of the
professors of science. Among the latter was
DR.. Tyndall, who is present sometimes where
he is not wanted, and who never loses his op-
portunity DIR. Carpenter took for his subject
the ''Reign of Law" subject which has
been largely discussed from the Christian
standpoint by the Duke of Argyll. The Doc
tor made short work of the Duke and his ac-
commodation theories, declaring, to the
amazement and alarm of his audience, that
nature had never been invaded bv ANYTHING
arbitrary, preternatural or supernatural; and
as if this was not enough, adding that litur-
gies, litanies, collects and prayers never had
influenced, never could influence the course
OF the universe, nor mankind, nor a single in
dlvidual In the slightest degree. fierce and
prolonged discussion followed, the clergymen
A'"-J PANsS7'io hoaihot bucu
heterodoxy. The worst, however, had not
yet come. 1t was Tyndalrs turn now. 81
am speaking" he said, ''to men of education
and men Of learning-to men vino have read
history and observed the course of nature
and feel constrained to ask you as gentlemen
of culture whether it is really possible that
you can have any belief in the efficacy of
prayer to affect this universe in the slightest
degree?" 1t is not to be wondered at that n
motion for adjournment was Immediately
made, and that the meeting somewhat alb
ruptly came to an end. Tine was when such
language would have sent man to the stake;
but that time has passed; the age of reason
has begun to dawn, and the Church, if she is
to survive and be power in the world, must
be sustained by reason and sound argument.
The clergy must take warning The enemy
is up and ready for battle. There have been
giants in the Church in the past, and we have
no doubt there are giants in the Church still.
They must no longer conceal themselves or
remain inactive. Ii is time for them TO con-
front and confound the foe