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

EXPERIENCE: LWOM PAST CONFLICTS. 45to the vividness and apparent value of ourprospects, we are ever liable to overestimatethe importance of the present position, thussevering ourselves too readily from all thatlies behind. There may be reason for cuttingdown bridges in the rear, if there be apprehensionof cowardice in the ranks; but wherethe calmness and courage of resolute progressare found, there is no need for a yawningchasm behind. It is true, indeed, that justbeyond some bridges recently crossed, therelie a good many traces of humiliation. Andit is according to the tendency of humannature, whether religious or anti-religious, toturn away froin that which occasions uneasiness.But there is a moral, as well as an intellectualdemand, for thoroughness in recognizingthe continuity of events. The scielitificspirit can not excuse a covering up of pastfailures, as the formulating of verified resultsmust imply testinlony concerning them. It isof the very nature of religious conviction thatwe should learn from the failures of the past,and should advance out of them with higherwisdom. By common consent, therefore, wecan have no accurate survey of the presentsituation, without making account of what has