THE WORK IS DONE. 295 



be true, is infinitely more harmful and condemnable than 

 any action against science ever ascribed to the church or to 

 churchmen. 



For the "Smithsonian Institution was founded" for the 

 increase and diffusion of KNOWLEDGE among men per 

 orbem," while the church and its officers have no direct 

 interest in or obligations to scientific knowledge and prog- 

 ress. 



But when men who have no understanding of science 

 have the absolute management of great scientific institutions 

 and " bureaus," we cannot expect anything else than what is 

 actually produced, namely, the increase and diffusion of rot 

 and error among men ee per orbem." 



The Work is Done. 



While young and without experience, we suppose that 

 truth only needs to be presented in order to be accepted. 



But if this truth be contrary to an error established in 

 the minds of men occupying prominent positions, truth will 

 simply appear as an enemy to these men and will be 

 denounced and fought by them with all the power of their 

 station. 



For errors are like thorns and thistles, that grow easily 

 without labor or skill, while truth is a tender plant, requir- 

 ing careful cultivation by hard labor, to subdue the weeds 

 of error that dispute the ground. 



Truly it has been said: " Thorns also, and thistles shall 

 " it bring forth to thee " and " in the sweat of thy face shalt 

 " thou eat bread." 



So it has been so it is and so it will continue while 

 man remains. 



Earnestly have I striven and faithfully have I labored in 

 this vineyard for almost half a century. 



May the spirit of truth and wisdom accept the work now 



