Science inculcates a love of truth. 131 



Superstition, ignorance of natural law, and a belief in 

 occult powers, encourages lawlessness, injures the 

 moral sentiments, and is often attended by bigotry, 

 associated with strife, schism, and sectarian dispute. 



Probably the greatest influence which scientific 

 discovery has had upon the moral progress of man- 

 kind, has been by inculcating an intelligent love of 

 truth on account of its own intrinsic goodness ; in this 

 respect it stands pre-eminent. Love of truth is a 

 fundamental virtue because it is the basis of many 

 smaller ones. It is more virtuous, also, to pursue , 

 truth on account of its own intrinsic and unqualified 

 goodness in all respects, than for any narrow extrinsic 

 quality, such as the personal pleasure or utility it may 

 afford, or on account of any personal gain or loss, 

 reward or punishment, which may result from pur- 

 suing or neglecting it. In the present imperfect state 

 of civilization however, the great bulk of mankind 

 unavoidably employ less noble, as well as the noblest 

 motives, as a means of improvement. Most men can 

 only be moved to do right by means of inferior 

 motives, one of the most effectual of which in a com- 

 mercial nation is " small investments, large profits, 

 and quick returns ;" an expectation of great reward in 

 return for small self-sacrifice. 



The discovery and dissemination of verified scienti- 

 fic knowledge is a purer kind of occupation than the 

 promulgation of any kind of dogma, because the 

 statements of verified science are usually capable of 

 demonstration, whilst those of doctrine, being often 



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