74 



So writes Carpenter the physiologist and further : " All our science 

 is but the investigation of the mode or plan in which the Creator acts ; 

 the power which operates is infinite and therefore inscrutable to our 

 limited comprehension." I am afraid that of late it has not been 

 customary or very fashionable, in discoursing of the wonders of nature, 

 to make much reference to the existence of a higher power than nature. 

 In this I think we err greviously and I do not hesitate to range myself 

 with those who believe it to be their duty, on such occasions as the 

 present, to acknowledge with reverence the Creator and His wondrous 

 works. I have no desire to depreciate the powers of the human intellect 

 or disparage full and free investigation, but we should remember that to 

 err is human in scientific as well as moral respects. As Schiller says ' 

 " Error leaves us never ; but a high desire conducts the striving soul 

 ever on towards the truth." Yes ; " towards the truth," but possession 

 of the whole truth can never be ours. Newton's ocean will always be 

 spread out before us, and although here and there an adventurous ship 

 may dredge in its depths and add slightly to the sum of our 

 knowledge, still infinite space will remain for the labour of the investiga- 

 tors of countless human generations yet to come. Do not let us there- 

 fore become impatient or querulous or sceptical because we are not 

 permitted to know everything. Let us acknowledge that we are woefully 

 shortsighted at the best, and when in our reading or thinking or 

 investigations we find ourselves face to face with wonderful and inscrut" 

 able phenomena let us stand silent in awe and reverence, or if we must 

 attempt to explain the ways of the omniscient Author of the universe let 

 us simply repeat what we are told in Scripture, that " He upholdeth all 

 things by the word of His power." 



SECOND GENERAL EXCURSION. 



On Saturday afternoon, June 23rd, the members and friends of 

 the club made their second excursion of the season, leaving by the 

 1 p.m. train for Wakefield and La Peche. 



Owing to several important events transpiring in Ottawa during the 

 afternoon (notably a lacrosse fight) and the fact that many arrived at 

 the station by electric car just too late to get on board, the party of 

 excursionists was smaller than usual about 70 being present. 



