INFLUENCE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL DISCOVERY ON THOUGHT. 



isations of physiology, with or without reservation, by many 

 prominent theologians, is balanced by the subsidence of the 

 materialistic wave, which some years ago assumed formidable 

 proportions. Elated by success, several eminent physiologists 

 seem to have thought that their methods could bridge the gulf 

 between the phenomenal and the real, or else eliminate the real 

 from the field of thought. Their failure is now acknowledged 

 by leading men of science, and they have by their abortive 

 attempts indirectly contributed something towards the recon- 

 ciliation or union of .Religion and Science. 



12. This union I believe to be the solution of the difficulties 

 which now beset religious teachers, and of the perplexities 

 which now tend to promote irreligiousness. It has been said 

 that sitch an union is not possible ; but surely, religion ought to- 

 aim at a complete theology ; and if we believe that God is in 

 all, and all is in God, a complete theology must include the 

 study of the phenomenal as well as the real, including the 

 moral and psychical. Thus a theologian ought to know 

 physiology, while a physiologist only studies the phenomenaL 

 But if the theologian cannot accept the account of phenomena 

 given by physiological authorities, there must be something, 

 radically wrong with either theology or physiology, if, as I 

 believe, the latter be that department of theology which deals 

 with the phenomenal aspect of the pjhysieal government of the- 

 universe by the Deity. 



13. We may rest somewhat satisfied if we have some fixed 

 belief, for belief of some kind we must have.* Life is certainly 

 not worth living without it, and very much worth living with 

 that which to us is truth. t 



Professors of Divinity, sincere searchers for truth, and leaders 

 of advanced thought, are compelled to acknowledge that " the 

 field of speculative theology may be regarded as almost 

 exhausted." Dr. Temple declares that " all the countless 

 variety of the universe " was provided for by " one original 

 impress " and not " by special acts of creation modifying what 



* See 11. 



t Even the "theological materialist," Dr. Henry Maudsley, admit* 

 that, " It is possible that a frank cognition and vital feeling of the- 

 existence of a larger order of things than the human order might help to 

 impart such sincerity of thought, equanimity of feeling, acquiescence in 

 what is, and quiet expectation of what is to be, as shall constitute the 

 bliss of a peaceful mind," Life in Mind and Conduct. Though the words- 

 quoted did not refer to a spiritual order, they suit it exactly. 



