250 RAMBLES AND REVERIES. 



inquires into the principles of animal and vegetable 

 growth, begins by examining individual plants and 

 animals, observing their transformations of structure, 

 and noting the modes of their development and re- 

 production. The conclusions he draws from such 

 investigations are not at once accepted, but he pro- 

 ceeds to verify them by other instances, until at 

 length he reaches a position which is assailed by 

 no fact so far as he knows, and then he believes he 

 has discovered a scientific truth or law. Now, 

 there are moral and spiritual phenomena which 

 demonstrate the cardinal truths of Christianity 

 quite as conclusively as natural and physical facts 

 establish the laws of nature. They, therefore, are 

 as truly scientific who by means of a clear and 

 philosophic method seek to explain the facts of 

 Christian experience or consciousness, the problems 

 of duty, of moral responsibility and spiritual life, 

 as are those who confine their investigations to 

 material things ; and consequently the principles 

 and beliefs of the former cannot be ignored or 

 contemned by any who pretend to maintain a 

 scientific attitude. 



V. We are far from affirming that positive science 

 ought not to inquire into facts that may seem to be 

 unfriendly to some cherished Christian beliefs. All 

 we urge is that mere theories unsubstantiated by 

 evidence shall not be brandished against the Scrip- 

 tures rightly interpreted. It is well both for science 

 and faith that everything in nature, whatever may 

 be its apparent bearing upon religion, should be 

 thoroughly investigated. Only thus can science be 



