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

70 SCIENCE AND RELIGION.their insignificant size, and motion round themotionless earth, proclaiming their inferiority.Of the various organic forms surrounding mannone rival him in dignity, and hence he seemsjustified in concluding that every thing hasbeen created for his use-the sun for the purposeof giving him light by day, the moon andstars by night.Comparative theology showsthat this is the conception of nature universallyadopted in the early phase of intellectuallife. It is the belief of all nations in allparts of the world in the beginning of theircivilization.'' *In determining the relations of religion andscience it is impossible to accept a passage sogeneral, and full of mixed references as this.There is, indeed, no reason to complain ofstatements as to the general impressions resultingfrom " an uncritical observation " ofnature, and of the testilnony which may bedrawn froin " comparative theology." Suchreferences are to be valued, as belonging toan important branch of inquiry; but they arenot to be mixed up with statements concern-* Histoy of the ConBict between Religion and Science, by J. W.Draper, M.D., LLD., Professor in the University of New York,12 ed., p. 153.