Earlier text: LIFE SKETCHESThoughts on the Book of Daniel.
By J. S.
VERSE 38. But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces; and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. We meet a seeming contradiction in this verse. How can a nation disregard every god, and yet honor the god of forces? It could not at one and the same time hold both these positions. But it might for a time disregard all gods, and then subsequently introduce another worship and regard the god of forces. Did such a change occur in France at this time? It did. The attempt to make France a godless nation produced such anarchy that the rulers feared the power would pass entirely out of their hands, and therefore perceived that, as a political necessity, some kind of worship must be introduced; and they did not intend to introduce any movement which would increase devotion or develop any true spiritual character among the people, but only such as would keep themselves in power, and give them control of the national forces. A few extracts from history will show this. Liberty and country were at first the objects of adoration. “Liberty, equality, virtue, and morality,” the very opposite of anything they possessed in fact or exhibited in practice, were words which they set forth as describing the deity of the nation. In introducing the worship of Reason, in 1794, Chaumette said:— “Legislative fanaticism has lost its hold; it has given place to reason. We have left its temples; they are regenerated. To-day an immense multitude are assembled under its Gothic roofs, which, for the first time, will re-echo the voice of truth. There the French will celebrate their true worship—that of Liberty and Reason. There we will form new vows for the prosperity of the armies of the Republic; there we will abandon the worship of inanimate idols for that of reason—this animated image, the masterpiece of creation. “A veiled female, arrayed in blue drapery, was brought into the convention; and Chaumette, taking her by the hand— “Mortals,” said he, “cease to tremble before the powerless thunders of a God, whom your fears have created. Henceforth acknowledge no divinity but Reason. I offer you its noblest and purest image; if you must have idols, sacrifice only to such as this. — Fall before the august Senate of Freedom—Vail of Reason. “At the same time the goddess appeared personified by a celebrated beauty, Madame Millard, of the opera, known in more than one character to most of the Convention. The goddess, after being embraced by the president, was mounted on a magnificent car, and conducted amidst an immense crowd to the cathedral of Notre Dame, to take the place of the Deity. Then she was elevated on the high altar, and received the adoration of all present. “On the 11th of November, the popular society of the museum entered the hall of the municipality, exclaiming, ‘Vive la Raison!’ and carrying on the top of a pole the half-burnt remains of several books, among others the breviaries and the Old and New Testaments, which ‘expiated in a great fire,’ said the president, ‘all the fooleries which they have made the human race commit.’ “The most sacred relations of life were at the same period placed on a new footing suited to the extravagant ideas of the times. Marriage was declared a civil contract, binding only during the pleasure of the contracting parties. Mademoiselle Arnault, a celebrated comedian, expressed the public feeling when she called ‘marriage the sacrament of adultery.’”—Ibid. Truly this was a strange god, whom the fathers of that generation knew not. No such deity had ever before been set up as an object of adoration. And well might it be called the god of forces; for the object of the movement was to cause the people to renew their covenant and repeat their vows for the prosperity of the armies of France. Read again a few lines from the extract already given:— “We have left its temples; they are regenerated. To-day an immense multitude are assembled under its Gothic roofs, which, for the first time, will re-echo the voice of truth. There the French will celebrate their true worship—that of Liberty and Reason. There we will form new vows for the prosperity of the armies of the Republic.” Verse 39. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. The system of paganism which had been introduced into France, as exemplified in the worship of the idol set up in the person of the goddess of Reason, and regulated by a heathen ritual which had been enacted by the National Assembly for the use of the French people, continued in force till the appointment of Napoleon to the provisional consulate of France in 1799. The adherents of this strange religion occupied the fortified places, the strongholds, of the nation, as expressed in this verse. But that which serves to identify the application of this prophecy to France, perhaps as clearly as any other particular, is the statement made in the last clause of the verse, namely, that they should “divide the land for gain.” Previous to the revolution, the landed property of France was owned by a few landlords in immense estates. These estates were required by the law to remain undivided so that no heirs or creditors could partition them. But revolution knows no law; and in the anarchy that now reigned, as noted also in the eleventh of Revelation, the titles of the nobility were abolished, and their lands disposed of in small parcels for the benefit of the public exchequer. The government was in need of funds, and these large landed estates were confiscated and sold at auction, in parcels to suit purchasers. The historian thus records this unique transaction:— “The confiscation of two-thirds of the landed property of the kingdom, which arose from the decrees of the Convention against the emigrants, clergy, and persons convicted at the Revolutionary Tribunals, — placed funds worth above £700,000,000 sterling at the disposal of the government.”—Alison, Vol. iv, p. 151. When did ever an event transpire, and in what country, fulfilling a prophecy more completely than this? As the nation began to come to itself, a more rational religion was demanded, and the heathen ritual was abolished. The historian thus describes that event:— “A third and bolder measure was the discarding of the heathen ritual, and re-opening the churches for Christian worship; and of this the credit was wholly Napoleon’s, who had to contend with the philosophic prejudices of almost all his colleagues. He, in his conversations with them, made no attempts to represent himself a believer in Christianity, but stood only on the necessity of providing the people with the regular means of worship, wherever it is meant to have a state of tranquillity. The priests who chose to take the oath of fidelity to the government were re-admitted to their functions ; and this wise measure was followed by the adherence of not less than 20,000 of these ministers of religion, who had hitherto languished in the prisons of France.”—Lockhart’s Life of Napoleon, Vol. i, p. 154. Thus terminated the reign of terror and the infidel revolution. Out of its ruins rose Bonaparte, to guide the tumult to his own elevation, place himself at the head of the French government, and strike terror to the hearts of nations. Formal Dedication of the New Sanitarium Buildings.
In accordance with previous announcement, the formal dedication of the mammoth buildings of the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., took place April 10. For several weeks previous to the opening, the workmen and helpers had been exerting themselves to the utmost to get all in readiness for the event, which had been anticipated with much anxiety as well as pleasure during the nine months since work was begun on the buildings. For a week or two previous to the opening, work was carried on night and day. Every one seemed exerting himself to the utmost, yet amid all the noise and commotion there was a spirit of harmony and good feeling that was very pleasant to observe. For a description of the day's exercises we shall draw largely upon the reports of the various representatives of the press who were present. The following we copy from the Daily Journal of this city:— “The ‘Sanitarium,’ the costly and magnificent edifice erected in our city for Hygienic purposes, was formerly opened Wednesday with appropriate exercises. The day was remarkably fine, and at the hour designated for the commencement of the public proceedings on the occasion a very large number of our prominent citizens, comprising both gentlemen and ladies, assembled in the spacious parlors of the building, which were completely filled, and many persons were obliged to stand in the halls and corridors. There were also many eminent persons from abroad. “Over the main entrance were placed in evergreen letters the words, ‘Temple of Hygiene.’ In the main hall an evergreen motto, ‘Welcome,’ was displayed conspicuously over the passage-way, and in the dining-room the following: ‘Air and sunshine, Nature's Tonics;’ ‘Eat That Which Is Good.’ The platform was also beautifully decorated with bouquet of natural flowers. “The Rev. Mr. Canright, of Boston, and the resident clergymen of our city, occupied seats on the platform with Dr. J. H. Kellogg, physician-in-chief of the institution, who directed the exercises.” The exercises began at eleven o'clock with music by the choir, which consisted chiefly of students from the College led by Mr. H. W. Herns, with Miss Maria Hawes presiding at the piano. After the song a short prayer was offered by Rev. A. A. Knappen, of the M. E. Church of this city. After another anthem by the choir, Elder D. M. Canright, of Boston, gave a historical sketch of the growth of health-reform principles in this country, and particularly of the development of the institution from a small beginning twelve years ago to its present prosperous condition. We quote the following respecting the remarks of other speakers from the Lansing Republican, which paper published a full report of the day's proceedings:— “Rev. Mr. McGrath, of the Episcopal church, believed that an institution for promoting the health of men and the welfare of the community ought to be honored and encouraged, and God be thanked for it. A union of religion and science for human welfare is delightful to every Christian heart. “Rev. A. A. Knappen felt himself richer because of this institution for the relief of illness and for the education of the people in a knowledge of the laws of health. “Dr. Kellogg said that during the first years of the institution its management was ultra. It went to extremes in diet and the use of water. Now its aim is to keep step with the highest science, and to utilize every discovery for the relief of human suffering. The first distinctive water-cure system was German,—rather unrefined, inconvenient, and unsuitable for Americans. Our old rooms had become wholly unfit for the patients of to-day. The new appliances are absolutely necessary. He gave notice that the Sanitarium would be open for public inspection on every Monday of this month.” After the remarks by Rev. A. A. Knappen, the hymn, “Praise ye the Lord, was read by Rev. L. P. Palmer, and rendered with good effect by the choir, after which the dedicatory prayer was offered by Elder D. M. Canright. A few minutes after the conclusion of the157 exercises, dinner was announced, and the large doors into the dining room were thrown open. Tables were set for two hundred persons, but it was not until they had been filled for the third time that the great concourse of people had all been seated, so that fully six hundred persons partook of the elegant yet wholesome repast prepared for them. We quote from the Michigan Tribune:— “The dining hall on this occasion presented a most tempting appearance. The tables were loaded with good, wholesome food, most attractive in variety and arrangement. On the east wall was displayed the significant motto in evergreen, ‘We Eat to Live,’ while on the north wall was another declaring the fact that ‘As a Man Eateth so Is He.’ In the gymnasium, which opens into the dining-room, and was used as such on this day, were observed the two other appropriate mottos, ‘Air and Sunshine, Nature's Tonic's,’ and ‘Eat that which Is Good.’” TOASTS AND CONGRATULATIONS.
After dinner the guests adjourned to the large parlors, and by request Hon. W. S. George, of Lansing, acted as toast-master, performing his duties in a skillful manner, adding thus very greatly to the interest of the occasion. The Republican here gives in full the appropriate toasts and responses offered by many distinguished guests. When the toast, “Our Patients” was offered responsive letters were read from a large number of absentees who have been benefited at the Sanitarium. The following are a few extracts from some of the many letters received:— From Prof. L. V. Dodge and lady, of Berea College, Berea, Ky.:— “We regret to say that circumstances positively preclude our attendance. We cannot, however, let this kind invitation pass without acknowledgment. We remember the pleasant surroundings of your home, and the hearty treatment of those in charge, with feelings of keen appreciation. “Scarcely anything could give us more pleasure than to mingle with those who are to assemble on the 10th inst. Assuredly our thoughts will be with you, and we desire to be remembered to those with whom we may have had the pleasure of an acquaintance. “Our wishes and prayers go out for a long and prosperous career for the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium of Battle Creek.” From Judge Carson Graham, of Viroqua, Wis.:— “I congratulate you upon your success in the construction and completion of your noble building to be dedicated to the amelioration and relief of suffering humanity from the various ills that so frequently overtake and beset mankind. Considering the financial pressure and the scarcity of money everywhere prevailing throughout the whole country the past year, it certainly required both nerve and courage to undertake the building of an institution such as yours, requiring so great an expenditure of money. But there was pluck and push at the bottom in this case, crowning the enterprise with success. I feel a deep and abiding interest in the continued success of the Sanitarium in its efforts to heal the sick and afflicted, as well as to teach men and women how to live. This, I am assured, has been and will be the mission of the Sanitarium. Personally, I can say that my own condition has been bettered both physically and morally; and reasoning from analogy, I conclude that what does good in one case may do good in many others. “On looking over the names of the physicians under whose immediate management the institution is mainly dependent, I see they are the same as when I left there ten months since; and I make no attempt at flattery when I say that their well-known skillful and judicious treatment of patients, and universal kindness and courtesy to all, will insure to the Sanitarium that success which it so justly deserves.” From Mrs. Mary A. Brownell, Kalamazoo, Mich.:— “Please accept our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the continued prosperity and usefulness of the institution. With its enlarged and greatly improved facilities, while under such excellent supervision, it must become a great power for good to thousands of suffering humanity. May the blessing of Heaven rest upon it and all connected with it.” Many other letters of congratulation were received from persons to whom invitations were sent. We were quite disappointed at not meeting our friend Dr. Baker, of Lansing, Mich., secretary of the State Board of Health; but we received instead the following encouraging words in a letter received a day or two before the dedication:— “I heartily congratulate you on the completion of the fine building which you have labored so faithfully to make a model of comfort, convenience, and health. Your excellent Sanitarium starts off under very favorable auspices. You have my best wishes for its success and prosperity.” On the opening day, during the exercises, we received the following congratulatory telegram from the doctor: “Official duties detain me. Accept cordial congratulations and best wishes.” Following the toasts, a resolution offered by Mr. Bogardus, of Ohio, thanking the Board of Directors of the Sanitarium for the pleasures and courtesies of the day, was adopted by unanimous acclamation. The proceedings concluded with excellent music by the choir. INSPECTION OF THE BUILDING.
Two hours were then spent by the guests in inspecting the building, the various rooms of which were thrown open to the guests, assistants being everywhere in attendance to explain the workings of the different kinds of apparatus used in carrying on the work of the institution. The steam elevator was kept in constant requisition, carrying scores of landscape lovers to the roof, from which a most charming view met the eye, while many others descended to the basement to inspect the mammoth heating apparatus, together with the bakery and kitchen arrangements, and the improved mechanism for the manufacture of gas. All were profuse with exclamations of surprise at the completeness of all the apartments of the institution, its elegance and convenience. THE EVENING ENTERTAINMENT.
We copy again from the Daily Journal, as follows:— “In the evening the Sanitarium presented a brilliant appearance, each of its many rooms, spacious halls, and corridors being fully illuminated, and from the city it appeared like a goodly temple on a hill. Early in the evening, the parlors and lower halls were filled with guests, while a crowd almost as large thronged the verandas and grounds, unable to gain admittance. It is estimated that no less than one thousand were present at the evening entertainment and during the afternoon.” The evening entertainment consisted of instrumental music by the sextette orchestra of this city, and vocal duets and quartets by some of the best talent of the city. The exercises were conducted by Mr. Geo. Tenney, and were very enjoyable. Although the crowd was so great that only a small part of the auditors could see the performers, the good order and quiet observed were so great that all could hear with ease. The music was even heard distinctly in the upper halls of the building. The hearty and frequent acclamations showed distinctly the keen appreciation of the audience. The entertainment closed at 9 P. M., with a vote of thanks to the musicians; and the immense audience, which filled the parlors, library, halls, offices, and even the stairways and verandas, and a large portion of the gymnasium, rapidly dispersed, leaving behind them hearty good wishes for the success of the Sanitarium, which had entered upon its new era with such an auspicious beginning. Visitors all expressed themselves as delighted with the exercises of the day, and the weary managers and helpers were delighted that the day to which they had looked forward so anxiously, and for the success of which they had labored so arduously, had at last come and gone. By 10 P. M. the usual quiet had again settled down over the place, and all but the vigilant watchman were safe in the arms of Morpheus, who brought grateful relief to a hundred and fifty weary frames and tired nerves from the excitement of the day. The following is an abstract of a portion of the address delivered by Elder D. M. Canright on the occasion:— PROGRESS OF HEALTH REFORM.
We date the rise of the health-reform movement among us more than a quarter of a century back, with Elder Joseph Bates. He was a sea-faring man, and at an early age became captain of a merchant vessel. As was the custom with that class of men, he used not only tea, coffee, and tobacco, but also spirituous liquors. As early as 1820, he saw the evil effects of alcoholic drinks, and, although it cost him a severe struggle, he entirely abandoned their use. Soon after, he concluded that tobacco was an evil, and its use an intemperate habit; and he cast tobacco aside, with his liquor. Shortly, also, he laid aside both tea and coffee. He performed an immense amount of labor, became a minister of the gospel at fifty, and remained strong and hale until past eighty years of age. In 1824, he organized the first temperance society in the United States. Having embraced the Seventh-day Adventist faith in 1846, he introduced the subject of health reform among this people. They observed its beneficial effects upon him, and were led to regard it with favor. As early as 1850, Elder James White, who has ever been a leading man among this people, had his attention called to the subject. Consumption and dyspepsia had brought him nearly to the brink of the grave, and he soon saw that medicine would not save him, but that he must change his mode of living. All liquors, tobacco, tea and coffee, were entirely laid aside by him. He found that he reaped great benefit from the change. Wherever he traveled, he told his experience, and advocated this mode of living. Some years afterward he discarded the use of pork, and was finally led to adopt the present system of health reform. About the year 1862, Elder J. N. Andrews, another leading man among us, had his attention forcibly called to the subject by the failure of his health. He suffered very severely from catarrh, and his lungs were badly affected. He partially adopted the reform, and was much benefited. He had a little son six or eight years of age whose left limb was badly diseased. The doctors said he must lose it, but he was sent to a water cure, and by a course of careful treatment restored to perfect health. This opened the father's eyes to the importance of the subject, and he became a thorough convert to the system. As early as 1864, Mrs. E. G. White began to write and lecture extensively upon the subject, and she has ever since continued to do so, with great success. In that year a little work, entitled, “How to Live,” was published. This was the first health publication among us. It had a rapid sale and a wide influence. Since that time we have been thoroughly committed to the reform movement. An interesting fact which I have noticed, and one showing the progress these principles are making, is that, although twelve years ago, when I began to travel as a minister, I could find graham bread, oatmeal, and such dishes, only in the families of reformers, yet now these dishes are found on the tables of every respectable hotel. Another noticeable fact is that all respectable papers and journals devote more or less space to the subject of health. Even the old-school doctors are modifying their practice, thus giving the subject of hygiene more attention, and uniting it with their practice. We regard this as a great triumph for the cause of health-reform. We believe that this reform is designed to prepare the way for the temperance movement. I notice this fact, that all the prominent temperance lecturers are fast coming upon our ground; that is, they are discarding not only all liquors, but tobacco, tea, coffee, and all other stimulants, as the use of these only creates in the system a demand for strong drink. We have to confess that this reform movement, like all other good causes, has had its drawbacks. Some of its early advocates were, no doubt, too radical. A water-cure of twenty-five years ago was a place, where nothing but water was used as a remedial agent. Much harm was done by this mode of treatment, although it produced some good results. It gave a bad impression. Others have been inclined to be radical in their diet, not making allowance for different constitutions. These things hurt the cause; but our motto is, “Live and learn.” It was just so with the temperance movement, just so with the anti-slavery movement. You all remember John Brown's raid in Virginia. It was a rash move; yet perhaps these very radical means are necessary in every reform, to arouse public investigation. Again, many who have undertaken to treat the sick on hygienic principles have been nothing but quacks, possessing no medical skill whatever. Other things have occurred which have tended to hold in check and hinder the work somewhat, but they are now almost wholly removed. The Health Reform Institute was organized in this city in the year 1866. The institution was opened with one patient. The first six months there were seventy-six patients treated. The books show that during the last six months there have been treated four hundred and fifty patients,—a very encouraging increase. Up to this date, the institution has labored under great disadvantages, from lack of proper facilities. As it has grown, from time to time other buildings have been bought to accommodate the increasing patronage. The bath-rooms have been small and unhandy, and the buildings have been unadapted to the purpose, yet the institution has steadily increased in prosperity. About ten years ago the foundation was laid for a brick building, and considerable money expended upon it; but it was finally abandoned. Some have regretted that the building referred to was not pushed to completion; but all are now glad that it was not done, as we now have a building which is far more complete in its appointments, and convenient and commodious in its arrangement, than that would have been. The physicians who have served in this institution are as follows: Dr. H. S. Lay, with Miss Dr. Lampson, were the first. Dr. Lampson still remains with the Institute; this fact is good proof of her usefulness. Next was Dr. J. H. Ginley, who served four years. Dr. Wm. Russel succeeded him. For the last year and a half, J. H. Kellogg, M. D., has been physician-in-chief of the Sanitarium. Drs. Sprague and Fairfield have just graduated, and are now able assistants. Miss Dr. Lindsay is also a thoroughly educated physician. The Sanitarium employs at present, seventy helpers, in the various departments. We are glad to hear them spoken of as ladies and gentlemen of real Christian worth. In conclusion, I would say that we feel grateful to God and our brethren, and to the patrons of this institution generally, for the marked success that has attended the enterprise thus far. We shall do all in our power to merit the good opinion of the citizens of Battle Creek and of those who may attend this institution.—Health Reformer. (Condensed from Review and Herald.) TERRELL.—Elder R. M. Kilgore writes, May 7: “The people of this place are still favoring us with a good hearing. The interest has not abated in the least but has increased. We are now in our fourth week, and are well advanced in those subjects which generally reduce our congregations when presented. We had an excellent meeting last Sabbath. The brethren and sisters from Dallas county and also some from Peoria, Hill county, were present, and added to the interest of the meeting. We have been visited by another fearful storm, making a wreck of our tent the second time since we have been here. Our tent is torn worse than ever, but we have omitted no meetings, though we were compelled to reduce the size of the tent. The same tornado of last Thursday night destroyed the S. D. A. church at Cleburne, tearing it to pieces. It had just been built, and but a few meetings had been held in it. Other churches and houses were also torn from their foundations.” PORT ALLEGANY.—Elder Saunders writes: “The blessing of God was with us at our quarterly meeting at Port Allegany. Four were baptized, and united with the church. The interest that this new church takes in the tent enterprise this season is shown by the fact that the members pledged $110 to purchase a new forty-foot tent. If other churches will do likewise, there will no less than six tents run in Pennsylvania this season. May this noble act inspire others to follow their example.” PIERREPONT.—Brother Wilcox writes: “The interest here continues good. When we came to this place, six were keeping the Sabbath; fourteen more are now keeping it, making twenty in all, and others are on the point of deciding.” OTTER CREEK.—Elder Wilbur writes: “We administered the rite of baptism to four persons here last week, and organized a church of fourteen members.” LABOR AMONG THE CHURCHES.—Elder W. H. Littlejohn, and M. S. Burnham, reports profitable meetings with the churches they have visited. At Leighton the brethren were encouraged, and it is believed they are moving steadily in the right direction. At Allegan the brethren are beginning to see fruits of their labors in the missionary field. Two have recently united with the church. At Monterey the attendance was good and meetings profitable. OWL VALLEY.—The work here is still progressing under the labors of Elder O. A. Burrill. Many have expressed a desire to keep the law. Paul’s advice to Timothy was to beware of “oppositions of science, falsely so called.” Many things have been called scientific demonstrations, which, after research, and facts have proved to be only the assumptions of professedly scientific men. True science and truth from the Bible or any other source must agree. The true science of man must agree with the scripture declaration that without Christ there is no immortal life. As the brain is the organ of the mind, and thought the peculiar functions of the brain, so there can be no conscious existence separate from the existence of a real body. David declares, in the day a man dies “his thoughts perish.” Ps. 146:4. The following article from the Record Union on the danger of scientific speculation is to the point; and we would call especial attention to that portion of the article which shows that science does not establish the doctrine of an immortal entity in man:— “The progress of the dispute between science and theology has been attended by some singular, though by no means unnatural, developments. The dogmatic spirit which has for so long a period characterized the theologians, has by insensible gradations passed over to their opponents, and while the former have manifested a tendency to moderate their pretensions, the latter have become arbitrary and positive far beyond the warrant of their scientific gains. No doubt it would be unfair to apply this remark to all scientists. Of the larger class, namely, the specialists, it is certainly not true, since they as a rule altogether refuse to speculate upon the implications of scientific discovery, and are content with the modest results of patient and constant research in their allotted spheres.” “But the scientists who are best known to the world are those whose forte is generalization, and these are continually tempted to overstep the clearly defined boundaries of scientific knowledge, and to insist upon the acceptance of the more or less crude and baseless hypotheses which they adopt as working theories, in the light of thoroughly attested truths. These men have latterly done much to endanger the reputation of legitimate science, by the recklessness of their dogmatism, and, at length their demands have provoked a very high scientific authority to enter an earnest protest, and record a serious warning, against this illegitimate mode of procedure. The authority referred to is Professor Virchow, of Munich, one of the most accomplished of German physiologists. In a lecture recently delivered to a scientific association he took this dangerous tendency for his theme. The opportunity was afforded by a demand of Haeckel, to the effect that the most radical extensions of the Darwinian hypothesis should be taught as the latest fruit of scientific research, in the schools of Germany.” “In reply to this proposition Professor Virchow stated that there was no warrant as yet for the unhesitating acceptance of the Darwinian theory. That while it appeared to offer a solution of the process of physical development in many respects, it was necessary to point out that it was no more than a hypothesis; that scientific research had thus far utterly failed to supply some of the most necessary facts to its establishment; that in fact recent discoveries had made against it in several particulars; and that it was therefore not justifiable to teach it to the rising generation as the truth of science. This protest is all the more forcible since Virchow himself has long been a believer in the Darwinian theory, which he has materially assisted to expand and develop. He points out, moreover, that unless scientists moderate their tendency to jump to conclusions, and to make untenable assumptions, they will inevitably expose science to the same dangers which have overtaken theology. The dogmatism of the latter received a deadly blow when it was demonstrated that its assumptions were quite incompatible with science. But this was because the demonstrations of science were then confined to accomplished facts, and they were obviously embodied truths, against which mere speculation fell impotent.” “The moment however, that scientists leave the firm ground of demonstratable truths and attempt flights into the region of abstract speculation or imagination, they become as other men, and their strength departs, like Sampson’s when his hair was shorn. Huxley and Tyndall, projecting their fancy forward into space, and discerning in protoplasm the promise and potency of all forms of life, or recognizing in man a mere mechanical organization, are on no firmer ground than the theologians who erect such elaborate structures upon assumptions which none but the theological mind can take for granted. The genuine scientist never allows his imagination to play these tricks with him. He does not seek to cross chasms which his knowledge fails to supply him the means of bridging, by plying the wings of his fancy. When he cannot discern the secret of psychical action, he does not spring to the conclusion that it is only a manifestation of molecular force; he simply says that he does not understand it, and that he has so far attained no clue to the solution of the great problem. This moderation and conservatism, however, are too tame for the more impulsive and ardent followers of science, and besides they are strongly tempted to give the coup de grace to theology, even if to do so it becomes necessary to advance somewhat beyond the point where the firm ground ends abruptly.” “Professor Tyndall and Professor Huxley are both masterly expositors of science, and their remarkable ability in this direction has no doubt helped to lure them on into dangerous places. The habit of dealing with theological dogmatism may also be accountable to some extent for their slips and digressions; but whatever the cause, it is not the less certain that they have both committed themselves unwarrantably, in assuming that the revelations of science justify the adoption of materialistic doctrines. It is due to Mr. Darwin to point out that he has never countenanced or abetted these unscientific excursions into the region of speculation, and that he has been far more modest and far more cautious in his claims than the majority of his followers. The latter have indeed assumed so dogmatic a position that, as Professor Virchow points out, if later discoveries should compel the rejection of the Darwinian theory, the world would be very apt to withdraw its confidence from science, and to declare, and not without reason, that it was as little to be trusted as theology.” “It is indeed refreshing to contrast the modesty of this veteran scientist with the arrogant intolerance of some of his most distinguished brethren, both in Germany and England. Virchow is probably one of the first living chemists, and has passed almost a lifetime in the laboratory; yet he says that the extent of his acquirements is a knowledge of what he does not know, and that the longer he lives the vaster this region of the unknown appears to him. To such men rash speculation is abhorrent, for they live for science, and true science is knowledge, not conjecture. Working theories are of course indispensable to the student, but he mistakes his vocation if at any time he ceases to observe the broad line of demarcation between fact and theory, and especially does he do so if he confounds the two together, and attempts to piece out the fragmentary revelations of science by such illegitimate methods. “Between the untempered enthusiasm of the scientific imagination, which perceives in protoplasm the promise and potency of all forms of life, and the religious enthusiasm which perceives in the consecrated wafer the very body of an incarnated Deity, the difference is one merely of degree, and not of kind. “Professor Tyndall would no doubt declare that the doctrine of transubstantiation is unthinkable to him, and yet the belief which he has announced rests upon no more scientific foundation than that mystical dogma, and depends for its acceptance upon a play of the imagination which is as wholly alien to all genuine processes of scientific research. “The theologian posits a soul, of the existence of which he can give no satisfactory evidences. The imaginative scientist, on the other hand, fails to discover the genesis of mind in matter, and jumps to the conclusion that mind and matter are merely differing manifestations of an identical mechanical force. It is evident that these two theories are equally void of demonstration; but the theory of the theologian has one decided advantage over that of the imaginative scientist; for there clearly does exist a something which we call mind, the connection of which with matter cannot be established, and the manifestations of which are at variance with all our experience of what we know as matter. There is, therefore, a rational presumption in behalf of a psychical element in man; a something which is more than the scalpel or the microscope can render an account of; while the other hypothesis involves the rejection, without reason, of a mass of experiences and observations all of which work against its probability. It is obvious, too, that science is endangered by whatever tends to pin its votaries to an undemonstrated hypothesis, since all such movements operate to retard inquiry for the pure sake of truth, and bias research in favor of the pet theory. Scientists should not ride hobbies, in fact. “The pursuit of truth demands constant sacrifices, and freedom from all prejudices. The earnest seeker must be prepared to abandon the most seductive beliefs at the imperative demand of science, and he must cheerfully resign whatever fancies or speculations tend to hamper his progress toward the goal. It is in this spirit alone that science can be usefully, worthily, and faithfully followed, and because this is so the warning of Professor Virchow is a timely and a necessary one.”