ADDRESS. 



23 



attitude of n prophet. In his heart he knows that underneath the 

 theories that he constructs there h'e contradictions which he cannot recon- 

 cile. The higher mysteries of being, if penetrable at all by human intel- 

 lect, require other weapons than those of calculation and experiment. 



Without encroaching upon grounds appertaining to the theologian 

 and the philosopher, the domain of naturj.l science is surely broad enough 

 to satisfy the wildest ambition of its devotees. In oilier departments of 

 human life and interest, true progress is rather an article of faith than a 

 i ational belief ; but in science a retrogra le movement is, from the nature 

 of the case, almost impossible. Increasing knowledge brings with it in- 

 crciising power, and great as arc the triumphs of the present century, we 

 may well believe that they arc but a foretaste of what discovery and 

 invention have yet in store for mankind. Encouraged by the thought 

 that our laboura cannot be thrown away, let us redouble our efforts in the 

 noble struggle. In the Old World and in the New, recruits must be 

 enlisted to fill the place of those whose work is done. Happy should I 

 be if, through this visit of the Association, or by any words of mine, a 

 larger measure of the youthful activity of the We?*; could be drawn into 

 this service. The work may be hard, and the discipline severe ; but the 

 interest never fails, and great is the jirivilege of achievement. 



