EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL REFORM.* 



IV. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD. 



When I looked over the assignments for the four lectures 

 which conclude the present course, it was with a little 

 surprise. The topics express four methods of effecting 

 social reform, which presumably would be exhibited by 

 their advocates and, indeed, champions. First, then, I 

 observed that the Theological method was to be presented 

 by Mr. Chadwick. Now, I have the greatest respect for 

 my eminent friend's theological abilities, which I am con- 

 fident we should know him to possess even if he did not 

 often use them. I am also thoroughly satisfied of his 

 theological learning ; for it is not the empiric but the man 

 truly learned in theology who arrives at Mr. Chadwick's 

 conclusions and stands upon his platform. Yet there comes 

 to memory my mental attitude of twenty years ago (which 

 may still be that of some), when I used to attend a church 

 in the neighborhood which, if it could not build itself upon 

 Plymouth Rock, could at least chip off a piece for its corner- 

 stone. In those days I did not think so much of Mr. 

 Chadwick in the light of a theologian as a poet, or perhaps 

 as a humorist, when he came to discuss theological topics. 

 But that was a long time ago, and I like to believe that 

 during these years, when I have been devoting myself to 

 other matters, even theology has been progressing until tlie 

 best thought recognizes in ^Ir. Chadwick an exponent of 

 the true Theological method, which, if knowledge and 

 wisdom be divine, ought not to be very far aAvay from the 

 Scientific. 



As to Mr. Potts in connection with Socialism, I have had 

 much more difficulty in reconciling the subject with the 

 man. I awaited his paper with anxiety, as one waits for 

 tidings of a friend who may have been exposed to con- 

 tagious disease, not knowing with whom, in his various 

 interests, he might have held the communications which 

 corrupt good morals, and well-knowing that the days of 

 sudden conversions are not yet past. He might have 



* Copyright, 1890, by James H. West. 



