88 



[Proc. B.N.F.C., 



l>y J. J. Murphy, Esq. That address, characterized as it is by cogent 

 reasoning and thorough acquaintance with the subjects handled, 

 conducts its line of reasoning, as it was perfectly lawful to do, 

 without any direct reference to the Christian revelation. Not so 

 Professor Tyndall — Speaking of the hindrances which science 

 encountered in the lapse of time, between the era of Greek and 

 Roman philosophy and that of modern civilization and progress, 

 he employs the following language : — 



" Rome, and the other cities of the empire, had fallen into moral 

 putrefaction. Christianity had appeared, offering the gospel to the 

 poor, and, by moderation if not asceticism of life, practically pro- 

 testing against the profligacy of the age. The sufferings of the 

 early Christians and the extraordinary exaltation of mind which 

 enabled them to triumph over the diabolical tortures to which they 

 were subjected, must have left traces not easily effaced. They 

 scorned the earth, in view of that ' building of God, that house not 

 made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' The Scriptures which 

 ministered to their spiritual needs were also the measure of their 

 science. When, for example, the celebrated question of antipodes 

 came to be discussed, the Bible was with many the ultimate court 

 of appeal. Augustine, who flourished a.d. 400, would not deny 

 the rotundity of the earth; but he would deny the possible ex- 

 istence of inhabitants at the other side, ' because no such race is 

 recorded in Scripture among the descendants of Adam.' Arch- 

 bishop Boniface was shocked at the assumption of a ' world of 

 human beings out of the reach of the means of salvation.' Thus 

 reined in, science was not likely to make much progress. Later 

 on, the political and theological strife between the Church and 

 civil governments, so powerfully depicted by Draper, must have 

 done much to stifle investigation." 



Now, in briefly commenting on this passage, wherein, as I feel 

 bound to repeat my conviction, the subject of Christianity is rather 

 needlessly introduced, I desire to speak guardedly and without any 

 designed offence, but the interests of truth compel me, at the same 

 time, to speak plainly. 



The fact of the appearance of Christianity in the world is here 

 admitted. Its peculiarity as " offering the Gospel to the poor" is 

 noted, Praise, strangely enough, indeed, is bestowed on its early 



