204 THE UNIVERSE 



thousands of persons, like myself, of a thoughtful, 

 religious nature who are not members of any religi- 

 ous order. 



Scientists should omit from their works all spirit 

 of antagonism to religious faith. Such antagonism 

 impairs the usefulness of their works, and is an 

 offence against public morals, public security, and 

 man's aesthetic nature and psychic advancement. 

 Religion has helped to develop the spiritual life of 

 the race, and is the anchor of all good society, 

 good government and exemplary conduct in man. 



The religious faith and even superstitions whicji 

 some scientists rail at with such vehemence was a 

 necessary phase of human history and experience 

 to lift the human race to a higher plane of spir- 

 itual power. Science has passed through the same 

 phases of credulity and superstition. 



Whiskey, wines, and intoxicants once had their 

 useful phase in arousing the sluggish brains of our 

 half-civilized ancestors to higher realms of thought 

 and perception. So, what now seem the most absurd 

 superstitions once had their usefulness in deterring 

 men from crime and causing them to lead better 

 lives. The dread of physical punishment hereafter, 

 and the fear of a hell and a devil that never ex- 

 isted, had a salutary effect on countless millions of 

 the past which no moral persuasion or scientific 

 arguments could have reached. But all intoxicants 

 with their blighting curse, and all superstitions with 

 their blinding ignorance have had their day of use- 

 fulness and should be relegated to the dark tomb 

 of oblivion. 



The solemn cathedral, the soft-toned organ, the 

 mellow light from colored windows, the awe and 



