JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 37 
evidence to admit, the evolution of the earth itself, and of the sys- 
tem to which the earth belongs, by purely natural processes. The 
student of science should view these matters apart from their 
supposed association with religious questions—apart, in particular, 
from interpretations which have been placed upon ‘the Bible 
records.’ Repeatedly it has been shown that ideas respecting 
creation, which had come to be regarded as sacred because they 
were ancient, were altogether erroneous. It may well be so in this 
matter—the creation of life, 
My readers may remark, whenever practicable, I make it a 
point to furnish my authorities for every statement recorded. In 
doing so I can hardly be accused of omitting the names of men of 
various christian denominations. This in itself may, no doubt, be 
looked upon as unbelief in the doctrines of your respective churches ; 
the question is ¢hezrs—not mzne. 
I may be permitted to call attention to a work lately published 
in England by six Oxford tutors, entitled ‘Transitional Theology.” 
The reverend gentlemen, I understand, are among the best known 
professors, who prepare the students of the university for ordination 
in the Established Church. In the work in question occurs the 
following: We are agreed that as christians and churchmen, no 
less than lovers of truth, we have cause to be thankful for the new 
light which science and criticism have within the last half century 
thrown upon religious problems. They are agreed that scientific 
and critical methods ought to be applied to such questions, and 
that authority should not be invoked to crush or stifle enquiry. A 
very considerable restatement, and even reconstruction, of parts of 
our religious teaching is inevitable. 
A writer in the London Zimes states: Drs. Parkdale and Juge 
are well-known to the thoughtful and religious public, the one as an 
acute and powerful philosopher, the other as an accomplished and 
erudite divine. Their colleagues are widely known outside Oxford, 
and hold high academic positions of importance. Compare the 
foregoing with the language attributed to Ontario clerics towards 
higher criticism and science ; language which clearly indicates their 
own ignorance. The Rev. Dr. Milligan, Toronto, thinks truth 
stands to gain by such enquires, and expects the church to honor 
the men some rash preachers are now vilifying. 
