238 REVIEW. 



who pursue it solely for the gratification and intellectual delight which its 

 acquirement affords. Of all branches of Natural Science, Botany is perhaps 

 the one which has of late years increased most rapidly in popular favour, for 

 it is a science which recommends itself in an especial manner to all classes 

 and conditions of society, irrespective of age or sex; indeed ''a science calcu- 

 lated to give pleasure to every mind. Though relating to living and organized 

 beings, the prosecution of it calls for no cruel experiments, nor for any researches 

 which could excite feelings of disgust, even in the most sensitive heart. It 

 is a study which can be turned to account in every situation, whether in the 

 closet or in the field, on the highway or on the hill-side, on the cultivated 

 plain or in the wild mountain glen. Every flower on which we tread becomes 

 a useful object of contemplation, and a means of pleasing i-ecreation, even amidst 

 the cares and toils of life." 



How important then that this, the loveliest and most delightful of all the 

 sciences, should be pursued in that true spirit of devotion which ought to 

 characterize all knowledge, and which is especially due in the contemplation 

 of God's own wondrous works. "How important is it that such knowledge 

 should be solid and substantial — not ^ssience falsely so called, which some pro 

 fessing, have erred concerning the faith,' nor the ^perverse disputings of men 

 of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth,' who erroneously view reason as 

 opposed to revelation. If the fountains are poisoned, it is not to be expected 

 that those who drink at them will be sound and healthy. Instances are, it 

 is to be feared, not uncommon of parties who, by the acquisition of unsanc- 

 tified scientific information, have been led into the depths of infidelity and 

 pantheism; making their very knowledge the means of perverting others, and 

 of throwing ridicule and contempt on everything relating to man's fallen con- 

 dition, and God's glorious plan of salvation." 



It cannot be said that Botany, and the truths which it makes known 

 concerning God's works, have ever been so conspicuously placed in opposition 

 to the truths of God's Word, as has been too often attempted with other 

 departments of science. But we very much fear that, in too many cases. 

 Botanical studies are pursued in a secular spirit; that in the admiration and 

 study of things temporal, sight is lost of the higher things eternal. How many 

 the books, excellent so far as their science is concerned, lofty and exuberant 

 to admiration in their descriptions of the wonders of Nature, and yet silent on 

 the great, the glorious, all-engrossing subject, which concerns the spiritual 

 welfare of man, and to which all knowledge ought to be made subservient. 

 It has been said that science never assumes a more noble attitude than when 

 she kneels at the foot of the cross; but this is the attitude in which she 

 ought always to be — her eye of hope directed to heaven. How meet the union 

 of science and religion! '^Science is the mind, as intellect or understanding, 

 contemplating Nature as a great series of phenomena, dependent on each other, 

 and linked together by forces and principles, which it is its part to disclose. 

 Religion is the mind, as faith, contemplating Nature, Man, and itself, neither 



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