32 Scientific Sophisms. 



sooner or later, not without harm and loss, will 

 have to return from the error of its ways. 



Meantime, the inquiry to which we are chal- 

 lenged, though not without complex relations, is 

 in itself very simple. It is not to be influenced 

 by opinion. It is not to be biassed by pre- 

 judice. It is not to be decided by authority. 

 It is directed to the investigation of facts. It 

 must be guided, not by great names, but by 

 great principles. It must be kept distinct from 

 other, though collateral, inquiries ; and it must 

 be patiently pursued to no uncertain issue. 

 This Materialistic Atheism, propounded in the 

 name of Science : Is it true ? Is it demon- 

 strable ? Is it Scientific ? 



