Phrenology. 87 



If then we are right in this conclusion, phrenology does not 

 deserve the sneers, the ridicule and contempt of which it is still 

 made the theme ; nothing is easier than to cherish our own self- 

 esteem by indulging in such cheap effusions of self-complacency ; 

 and to guard against any possible verdict of credulity, by an early 

 vindication of our superior sagacity in foreseeing the reductio ad 

 ahsurdum, which those who predict such a result will be very 

 prone not only to expect but to desire. Many excellent people, 

 with the best moral and religious feelings, are often alarmed by 

 the discoveries of science ; we do not speak of science, ^^ falsely so 

 called" but of real science, which is only another name for truth. 

 Truth is the noblest attribute of the Creator himself; we are too 

 apt to forget that it is as distinctly recorded in his works as in his 

 word, and if we would know what he has revealed for our 

 instruction, we must faithfully read and understand the volume 

 of creation, as well as that of revelation ; both are his work ; both 

 are true, and both are worthy of our most assiduous study. We 

 fail, therefore, in moral courage, if we fear to advance in the ways 

 of truth, and to follow where she leads, whether in nature or in 

 revelation. 



Every important science has at first been received with scepti- 

 cism, if not with obloquy, contempt, or hostility. 



Astronomy, assailed by ignorance and bigotry, long maintained 

 a defensive attitude against the civil and ecclesiastical powers of 

 that age, which boasts a Galileo, a Kepler, and a Newton ; but 

 for almost two centuries, this, the noblest of the physical sciences, 

 has been fully victorious. 



Geology has sustained a warfare of many years, but having 

 vindicated her cause, begins to feel assured of permanent peace. 



Phrenology is still marching in an enemy's country, and the 

 issue may appear more doubtful ; but we are assured by her learn- 

 ed professors, that she is gaining efficient allies, and every year 

 increasing in power. 



We have appeared in the field as mediators, not as belliger- 

 ents on either side, but hoping to recommend a suspension of 

 hostilities preliminary to an amicable and fair discussion of the 

 points at issue, in the confident hope that a permanent and hon- 

 orable pacification may be the result, and that all the parties in 

 the controversy, having defined the boundaries of their respective 

 dominions by more exact limits and more durable landmarks, may 



