18 Trans. Acad. Sct. of St. Lowts 
unhappy and surely an unjust view to judge this mis- 
sionary impulse as altogether a reflection of comfort in 
the soundness of our reasoning and observation, though 
possibly not thus untempered. Doubtless it more 
largely finds origin in the appeal of truth as we see it, 
though it must be admitted that a certain far-flung char- 
ity that would clothe the suffering uncertainty of our 
less discerning fellows with a satisfying raiment of con- 
viction, may be a factor. It may be also that this up- 
lift impulse is in part stimulated by a certain under- 
lying impression that others, seemingly of considerable 
intelligence, have quite as definite views and faiths, not 
running parallel to our own; in fact presenting such 
wide divergence as to render any common ground of 
compromise or even any measure of understanding diffi- 
cult. We reach conclusions that to us seem justified 
from premises based on apparent facts and experiences 
at our disposal, and which incidentally, more or less un- 
consciously, though inevitably, reflect our manner of 
training and environment. 
We see about us scores of beliefs, schools, isms, cults 
and doctrines of a thousand sorts, covering every con- 
ceivable phase of human activity; uplift movements, 
social service, creeds and faiths, a hundred political 
followings; reforms in dress, in commercial life, in so- 
cial precedent and civic movements; the enfranchise- 
ment of women; the enforcement of traffic laws and 
prohibition; ever unrest, readjustment and evolution. 
Each movement is furthered by sponsors and assailed 
by antagonists apparently of about equal weight and 
effect, depending on one’s point of view. Both can- 
not be right; neither is wrong. What adequate expla- 
nation is possible; indeed who may accomplish the ex- 
planation, though we may perhaps without presumption 
