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

252 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.fi-om evidence, and froin the clear lines ofinterpretation already established. We aredealing with conjecture, not with science.There is no reason in the interests of truthto object to hypothesis in this region, anymore than in another, for conjecture hasoften proved the handmaid of discovery,and it is likely to be so in a still largerdegree. But an essential condition of thisacknowledgment is, that conjecture do notclaim any respect beyond what its naturewarrants, and specially do not take to itselfthe name of science,-knowledge, or certainty.Beyond this, it must be recognized inevery intelligent circle, that coiijectures, likemen of different character, are entitled todifferent degrees of respect, some to only amoderate and guarded measure, others to avery high degree, and some to very littleindeed. In a case like the present, we canhave no sure test for a provisional judgmententitled to regulate provisional procedure,other than the harmony of the conjecturewith scientific knowledge alreadyacquired as to the same region of existence.Judged by this test, the conjecturetliat the intellectual life of man is to ,be