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were both of the same age) “ get to have a great deal of care expressed in 
their faces.” Dr. Thornton may be right, and many sceptics may look un- 
happy ; but I do not think that proves much, for I am sure a large number 
of Christians do so also. Even if you prove that the sceptic looks sorrowful, 
it is not much to make a point of ; for the Scriptures refer to much that is 
sorrowful, and, with all reverence be it spoken, they place before us a Person 
designated the Man of Sorrows. I have been much struck with the altered 
aspects assumed by scepticism for some years past. It has been in real 
earnest attacking Christianity, in a manner very different from that of the 
last century, when it consisted more of gibes. The present attack on 
Christianity is most determined. I do not know a time when a greater 
amount of intellect was attacking theism than at present. We have to meet 
it, not by taking any side-issues, but by trying to grapple with it heartily. 
Mr. T. W. Masterman. — I should like to say a few words in favour of 
the paper when I have heard so many hard words against it. (Mr. Eow. — 
Not “hard” words.) I like the paper very much indeed. We cannot 
look at any form of scepticism — at any form of doubt— and not see that 
it must necessarily bring with it sorrow ; and I believe the idea in Dr. 
Thornton’s mind is just this, that scepticism of all kinds brings sorrow 
to those who hold it. (The Chairman. — Unrelieved sorrow.) Exactly so. 
There is a great difference between the sorrow of Christians and the 
sorrow of sceptics. The sceptic has the intense sorrow of finding that 
he has no outlet and no relief for his doubts ; and here is the difference 
between him and a believer, who, when he has sorrow, as sorrow he must 
have, knows that there is always a refuge from it — always a relief. The 
reason why, in my opinion, the sceptic must naturally have sorrow, is 
that he sees, or fancies he sees, all around him going wrong ; he is wrong 
himself, and he feels that he is without a future, without hope, either for 
himself or humanity around him. Look at the later examples of modern 
scepticism — John Stuart Mill, for instance — read his ablest works, and you 
will find impressed upon them an intense sorrow. It is a most melancholy 
exhibition to see that great intellect straying from the paths along which 
it might have walked, into the depths of an everlasting sorrow ; and I agree 
with Dr. Thornton in acknowledging that scepticism must bring with it a 
deep and great sorrow. Mr. Row has alluded to the lines of thought which 
are traced in the features, and has told us that no thoughtful man has advanced 
to a certain period of life without deep lines in his face and an expression 
of care. Of course there is some truth in that, but the expression of sorrow 
which Dr. Thornton referred to is something very different from the expression 
of thoughtful care. A man engaged in deep thought will have the marks of 
thought in his face, but they need not of necessity be unhappy marks. They 
may show that a man thinks much and deeply ; but talk to that man about 
something in which he is really interested and the face will alter at once, and 
brighten with pleasure. All who have a true faith will be able to show gene- 
rally the marks of their faith even in their countenances. 
