ii TRUTH AND TESTIMONY 31 



in all countries. Such labours bring people together, and tend 

 to break down national barriers and restrictions. The scientific 

 creed is constantly growing and expanding, and we have no 

 fears, but rejoice at its growth. We need no consistory of bishops, 

 or synod of ministers, to tell us what to believe. Everything is 

 open to investigation and criticism. Prof. Asaph Hall. 



Science does not say " Be my brother, or I will kill 

 you," but, "Follow me, and light shall be given you." 

 It does not ask for the acceptance of any statement or 

 principle purely as matters of faith, but as truthful 

 records or reasonable conclusions, capable of verification 

 by all who care to investigate them independently. 



Essential to a scientific spirit is a temper of mind 

 which seeks for conclusions, but does not jump at them 

 which, as the late Lord Derby once said, is equally 

 opposed to the stupid incredulity of ignorance that refuses 

 to accept any idea which is not familiar ; to the reveren- 

 tial credulity which accepts as true any statement 

 coming down from old or high authority ; and to the 

 careless indiiferentism which, so long as a theory looks 

 and sounds well, and especially if it flatters some 

 previously existing feeling of prejudice, does not care 

 on what foundation of reality that theory rests. The 

 scientific mind asks for reasons for its beliefs, and is 

 unwilling to express an opinion upon any conclusion 

 without personal knowledge of the evidence upon which 

 it is based. It distinguishes between the statements 

 made by others and the conviction derived from experi- 

 ence ; and it is impatient of the petty differences which 

 often make contentions for sects and party politicians. 



Call belief 

 Belief indeed, nor grace with such a name 



The easy acquiescence of mankind 

 In matters nowise worth dispute, since life 



Lasts merely the allotted moment. Browning. 



