PREFACE. 



THE object before the mind of the author 

 in preparing these Lectures was to pre- 

 sent a distinct and rational view of the present 

 relation of scientific thought to the religious 

 beliefs of men, and especially to the Christian 

 revelation. 



The attempt to make science, or specula- 

 tions based on science, supersede religion is 

 one of the prevalent fancies of our tim^ and 

 pervades much of the popular literature of 

 the day. That such attempts can succeed the 

 author does not believe. They have hitherto 

 given birth only to such abortions as Positiv- 

 ism, Nihilism, and Pessimism. 



Thtfe is, however, a necessary relation and 

 parallelism of all truths, physical and spiritual ; 

 and it is useful to clear away the apparent 

 antagonisms which proceed from partial and 

 imperfect views, and to point out the hamfony 



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