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

86 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.able forms of religious belief among opponentsof religion," the award can not be otherwisethan suggested. The facts are already onrecord bearing on the most testing period,-the transition from an old and restrictedknowledge, to a new and greatly enlargedknowledge of the universe,-and the roll ofnames standing high in the annals of science,while devoted to religious faith and practice,may be accepted as a reasonable forecast ofcoming results.?That greater knowledge of nature by discoveryof the natural causes in operation, intensifiesthe rational demand for recognitionof Supernatural Intelligence, is the positionto be maintained throughout this argument.The most rigid test of this position is to befound in the outstanding scientific conceptionsconcerning inorganic and organic nature, andt'he contrasts recognized between lower andhigher organisms. The order most suitablefor application of this test is progress upwardsfrom the most subordinate forms of* These allowances may well be made for Professor Clifford,one of t,he most extravagant assailants of religious faith.t Professor Tait in answer to Mr. Froude has advanced theevidence. lnternationnl Review, Nov. 1878, vol. v. No. 6. Thecollected papers have been republished, AtEas Series, No. 11.