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

120 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.in Europe or in America, in northern latitudesor in southern. But when we begin to directattention upon life in its manifold forms, asthese are scattered a11 over the world, multitudesof distinct observations have to be prosecuted,and their results slowly accumulated,before even the most competent workers canoccupy a position from which it is possible tomake a beginning with our forecast of generalconclusions. Even in the most favorable circumstances,a great deal must be left to problematicinference, and even to imagination.Gatherings of facts may be recorded in amanner which places them beyond reach ofdoubt, while theories founded upon them hanglong in suspense, waiting confirmation on conditionof being able to endure protracted criticism,and manifold applications. This accountsfor the difficulty experienced in findingready to hand general conclusions which havesecured universal acceptance, when we beginto move somewhat freely over the wide regionspresenting the manifold problems oforganized existence. And as it is solely withgeneral conclusions, that religious thought isconcerned, some share of perplexity must attachto the attempt to discuss the question of