112 PROF. H. LANGHORNE ORCHARD, M.A., B.SC., ON 
impostures. False miracles are frequently counterfeits or 
absurdities, or ascribable to collusion, and performed in the 
interest of some powerful class. Commonly they are published 
in times and places far distant from those when and where 
they are alleged to have occurred. They shun investigation. 
They never require the supernatural for their explanation. If 
not impudent impostures they are accounted for by natural 
- causes (including psychic and mental forces). They are well 
discussed by Lias,* and also by Bishop Douglas in The 
Criterion.f| They fail to satisfy the tests of science. 
Among really miraculous occurrences are some prayer-answers, 
fulfilments of prophecy going on before our eyes, and special 
providences. Of a false, or at any rate doubtful, character are 
second-sight and clairvoyance, as also what are known as 
spiritualistic phenomena. See, on these subjects, an interesting 
paper by Dr. Schofield on “Science and the Unseen World.” 
None of them is to be rejected without examination, none 
is to be condemned without a fair trial. Science is ready with 
her tests; her attitude towards Miracles—true, or false—is 
always that of investiyation. “EpyeoOe xat “léere. ‘ 
DISCUSSION. 
The Rev. A. Irvine, D.Sc., B.A., thought that, having had no 
share in the competition for “the Gunning Prize,” he could the 
more readily propose a vote of thanks to the author of the essay 
just read, and congratulate the Victoria Institute upon the 
considerable value, the wide range of thought which it covered, 
and the catholic fairness of its tone in arriving at general 
conclusions. As the result of many years of study of such questions 
as were dealt with—his interest in them having been stimulated 
many years ago by the personal influence of Archbishop Benson of 
Canterbury, and continually refreshed and invigorated by his own 
scientific work at Wellington College—he had arrived at, and for 
years advocated, views similar to those of the author of the essay. 
He had, in years gone by, observed with much satisfaction a 
* Are Miracles Credible ? 
+ Printed in the Strand, in 1754. 
{ Read before the Victoria Institute, January 18th, 1909. 
