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

C'ONDITZONS OF Tfl. INQUIRY. 19flict is, and what form it assumes. In this, asin many conflicts, there is much more din andtumult, than damage. We shall by and byhear much less of con$ict than we are hearingat present. Meanwhile, however, thework is considerable which needs to be donein clearing the field, tracing boundaries, anddisclosing the exact position of parties. Inthe ruder warfare of nations, this clearingwork is undertaken by the combatants themselves,and if not accomplished by preliminarymeasures, it is at length achieved bythe actual events of the struggle. But in thiscase, it may be done quietly enough by noncombatants,while it may contribute largely tothe restricting of the conflict, and the establishmentof peace. This I desire to attempt,in the hope that some service may be renderedboth to the scientific, and non-scientific,by contributing towards a general understandingof the actual position of affairs. A quietsurvey of events occurring during the lasttwenty-five years or so, which have influencedthe relations of science and religion,may suffice to convince us that there hasbeen on both sides needless planting of batteries,and pouring forth of shot. In many