One of the most important questions of the present day is, undoubtedly, the so-called conflict between Science and Religion. Now, supposing such a conflict to be possible, it must follow that either the one or the other is false, for it is inconceivable that two great truths can ever be antagonistic the one to the other. If, then, on this supposition it can be maintained that the Science of the present day is true, and that it is opposed to Religion, then must the latter, of necessity, be false; or if, on the other hand, Religion be true, then Science must be false.
"Go, wondrous creature! mount where Science guides,
"Go, measure earth, weigh air, and state the tides;
"Instruct the planets in what orb to run,
"Correct old time, and regulate the sun.
"Go teach Eternal Wisdom how to rule-
"Then drop into thyself and be a fool!
"Trace Science then, with modesty thy guide;
"First strip off all her equipage of pride,
"Deduct what is but vanity or dress,
"Or learning's luxury or idleness,
"Or tricks to show the stretch of human brain,
"Mere curious pleasure, or ingenious pain;
Expunge the whole, or lop the excrescent parts
"Of all our vices have created arts,
"Then see how little the remaining sum
"Which served the past, and must the time to come?"
Before venturing upon the examination of so mo