266 SSAYS SCIENTIFIC AND PHILOSOPHICAL. 



assumption that what we do not know cannot be 

 known. And in tone and temper there is little to 

 choose between the rationalistic refusal to accept 

 what as yet we cannot explain, and the confident 

 assumption that what cannot be known without an 

 effort can never be known at all. 



Behind both rationalism and agnosticism there 

 lies the conviction that man is sufficient of himself 

 to know all that can be known. The one explains 

 away, the other denies the possibility of knowing, 

 that which at present lies beyond its ken. And 

 both are opposed to true knowledge, which is 

 earnest, patient, humble, reverent, willing to wait 

 for more light ; strong enough to bear disappoint- 

 ment, and yet all the time pressing on to know ; 

 hopeful and fearless, self-distrusting yet with the 

 sure belief in truth ; content to be unknown, and 

 satisfied if only it may do its part, however little, 

 in advancing the kingdom of the truth ; looking 

 outward not inward, and drawing its unfailing 

 strength from the consciousness of ministry and 

 the belief that it can be used by God for the good 

 of man. 



It is in the sense of mission, of vocation, of 

 ministry, that we find the true corrective for that 

 self-sufficiency which everywhere mars and hinders 

 the progress of truth ; and it is in that same sense 

 of mission and ministry that we find the strength 

 to struggle on, through doubt and difficulty and 



