1590 PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
live and breathe “in an ampler ether, a diviner air,” than a world 
of lower pursuits or amusements affords. And thus may we not, 
from the lessons of science, imbibe an antidote to that critical 
habit which, studying imperfections and indulging in discontent, 
makes the mind equally disagreeable to itself and to others ? 
Science gives us a wiser lesson. She also studies imperfections, 
but not to grumble at them, not to feel uncomfortable or discon- 
tented, but to discover their meaning and to find in apparent irregu- 
larities the proof of the working of the same law which, in happier 
circumstances, results in perfect symmetry. We have, however, no 
wish to overrate science, and especially its popularisation. There 
are higher aims than those of mere science, which can never radi- 
cally improve the race nor give to man the happiness he needs. 
Christianity alone can do this. But science cannot be divorced 
from Christianity. It was one of the great objects of Lord Bacon 
in the advancement of science, to show by what discipline the 
mind may be freed from its imperfections so that she might see 
truth in clear outline, uncoloured and undistorted by passions, 
prejudices, and habits. To observe nature and to discover her 
“open secrets” requires (as Bacon taught) a mind as true and 
clear as our present glasses. And the spirit of truth which 
Christianity gives under her own conditions must be the very 
same spirit which science requires; and he must have (other things 
being equal) the clearest insight into her laws who has that simple, 
unbiassed love of truth which accompanies singleness of purpose 
and purity of heart. 
