THE RIGHT RELATION OF REASON 

 TO RELIGION 



On the question, What is the real relation between 

 reason and religion, the range in contrast of views 

 is of course very great. And this is true, whether 

 we consider the views as merely conceivable or as 

 actually presented in the course of history. 



It is evident, first, that the view might conceivably 

 be taken, that reason and religion are incompatible. 

 This incompatibility might moreover be construed 

 in behoof of religion as against reason. It might 

 be said, that, granting the reality of religion, the 

 recognition of superhuman Power, the active pres- 

 ence of the Power must be accepted as simply an 

 awful Fact — inexplicable, incomprehensible, inscru- 

 table, yet unquestionable — before which, terrible 

 and indeed resistless and overwhelming, reason must 

 prostrate itself, keep silence, and slink away into 

 undiscoverable hiding. And this view is not merely 

 conceivable, but is actual and historical ; nay, it is 

 the eldest view ; and if hoary antiquity or multitude 

 of adherents were taken as the true measure of value 

 and authority, it would be the weightiest view. 



217 



