A PROTEST. 325 



solemn and deliberate protest against the infidelity with 

 which, to a very painful extent, modern physical science 

 is associated. I allude not only to the ground which 

 the conclusions of modern geologists take, in opposition 

 to the veracity of the " God which cannot lie," though 

 the distinct statements which He has made to us con- 

 cerning Creation are now, as if by common consent, put 

 aside, with silent contempt, as effete fables, unworthy 

 of a moment's thought, and this too before vast assem- 

 blages of persons, not one of whom lifts his voice for 

 the truth of God. These assaults are at least open and 

 unmasked. But there is in our scientific literature, 

 and specially in that which takes a popular form, a 

 tone equally dangerous and more insidious. It alto- 

 gether ignores the awful truths of God's revelation, that 

 all mankind are guilty and condemned and spiritually 

 dead in Adam ; that we are by nature children of 

 wrath ; that the whole world lieth in the wicked one ; 

 and that the wrath of God abideth on it : it ignores the 

 glorious facts of atonement by the precious blood of 

 Christ, and of acceptance in Him. It substitutes for 

 these a mere sentimental admiration of nature, and 

 teaches that the love of the beautiful makes man ac- 

 ceptable to God, and secures His favour. How often do 

 we see quoted and be-praised, as if it were an indis 



