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

INORGANIC ELEMENTS.l15forever unchanged-so it enables us distinctlyto say that the present order of things has notbeen evolved through infinite past time bythe agency of laws now at work; but musthave had a distinctive beginning, a state beyondwhich we are totally unable to penetrate;a state, in fact, which must have beenproduced by other than the now visibly actingcauses." * This is the utmost that sciencecan say, bearing on the great problem of theorigin of the universe; and nothing more powerfulcould be said in direct testimony to thereality of the supernatural, and the reasonablenessof Christian faith, thus shown to bein complete harmony with science.It is not here suggested that all scientificmen would employ such language as that nowquoted, or even readily acquiesce in its use.I have been careful to indicate, that a passionatelyexcited antagonism to any recognition ofthe supernatural is avowed by some scientificmen. Accordingly, it must be granted thatthe conclusion here stated is not so manifest adeduction as to preclude denial. The testimonyof the senses commonly terminates dispute,but such testimony is not available as* Recent Advunces, p. 22.