Science inculcates accuracy of conduct. 137 



Few circumstances connected with the discovery of 

 new truths of science, have had a greater moral effect, / 

 than the very high degree of certainty of such truths. 

 The moral result of this is a corresponding degree of 

 confidence in the statements of science. Trustworthi- , 

 ness is a great moral quality. Uncertainty is a continual 

 hindrance to action and enjoyment ; and many per- 

 sons are driven to believe in error, and hence to com- 

 mit sin, rather than remain in suspense. Contra- 

 dictions of doctrine, and the consequent uncertainty of 

 belief, in any subject, are fertile sources of strife. 

 Science consists, not merely of opinions and words, 

 but also of the tangible realities which those opinions 

 and words represent, the forces, substances and 

 phenomena of the material Universe. Some persons 

 however fancy that the results of science are as 

 uncertain as those of the undemonstrable subjects 

 with which they are familiar. 



Another way in which science has contributed to 

 moral progress, has been by requiring greater accuracy 

 in nearly all human actions, and thereby diffusing 

 greater exactitude of language and of conduct, which 

 has spread itself throughout all civilised society. 

 Previous to the use of watches and clocks, persons 

 were no doubt much less exact in fulfilling their 

 appointments; the establishment also in our chief towns, 

 of electric time-keepers regulated from Greenwich 

 Observatory, is increasing exactitude in our large 

 communities. Since the introduction of railways, 

 millions of persons have been compelled to be more 



