The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

80 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.first taught one thing, and then abandoned itsold positions to teach something different, andif religious thought was at times found in theranks of the antagonists of change, it was onlyas the popular thought was opposed, and asall had been placed in opposition by the earlierforms of scientific teaching. We rightlyinterpret the facts, only in representing thatscience both makes its own difficulties andclears them; first presents the imperfect orerroneous views which are to be swept away,and afterwards trains men to more carefulsifting of evidence and exercise of thought,thereby clearing and widening its own path.Thus are we enabled to trace the boundariesof two distinct regions of thought, closelyrelated, yet clearly separated. Science cannot do the work of religion, nor can religiondo the work of science. Each must fulfil itsown part, and abide its proper tests. Sciencehas its own place and its own task. Religionwill simply wait upon science, leaving it tomake its own discoveries, gladly accepting eachone of them as it is established. The mostreverend students of the Bible do not regardit as a revelation presenting a key to scientificresearch; though they do not hesitate to