456 MODERN SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION : 
the motives and decry the merits of the maker of our 
almanacs because his mathematical calculations were not 
interlarded with moral maxims, as to reproach the student 
of natural phenomena because he did his work so well, 
and left to others the codrdination of the results of his 
efforts with the accepted dogmas of religious faith. 
In justice to the man of science we must go still farther 
than this, and claim for him the position of co-laborer 
with, and indispensable ally to the philanthropists and 
moralists: for from no source have they drawn richer 
lessons, stronger arguments, or more eloquent illustra- 
tions than from his discoveries. 
And yet while conceding conscientiousness and purity 
of motive to the vast majority of our men of science, and 
acknowledging the contributions they have made, and are 
making to human happiness; compelled by my sense of 
justice to defend their spirit, approve their methods, ad- 
mire their devotion, and assert their usefulness, I cannot 
deny that the tendency of modern investigation is decid- 
edly materialistic. All natural phenomena being ascribed 
to material and tangible causes, the search for and analy- 
sis of these causes have begotten a restless activity and 
an indomitable energy which will leave no stone unturne 
for the attainment of their object. But while this 1s 
apparent, and, indeed, inevitable, as has been seen from 
the sketch of the growth of modern science, I am far 
from sharing the alarm which it excites in the minds of 
many good men. Nor would I encourage or excuse that 
spirit of conservatism—to call it by no harsher term— 
which for the safety of a popular creed, would by any 
and all means repress, and, if possible, arrest investiga- 
_ tions that may possibly become revolutionary and dan- 
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