Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/169

 subjection. Man is putting his hand on all physical forces, and slowly but surely attaining such power over the domain of nature as gives evidence that ultimately he may exclaim, in the language of Alexander Selkirk, * I am monarch of all I survey. '"

The faci that at first glance a theory appears reasonable should not lead us hastily to accept it, and to attempt to twist the Bible into harmony with it. In a thousand ways we have proved the Bible, and know beyond peradventure that it contains a superhuman wisdom which makes its statements unerring. We should remember, too, that while scientific research is to be commended, and its suggestions consid- ered, yet its conclusions are by no means infallible. And what wonder that it has proven its own theories false a thou- sand times, when we remember that the true scientist is merely a student attempting, under many unfavorable cir- cumstances, and struggling against almost insurmountable difficulties, to learn from the great Book of Nature the his- tory and destiny of man and his home.

We would not, then, either oppose or hinder scientific investigation ; but in hearing suggestions from students of the Book of Nature, let us carefully compare their deduc- tions, which have so often proved in part or wholly erro- neous, with the Book of Divine Revelation, and prove or disprove the teachings of scientists by " the law and the testimony. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isa. 8 : 20.) An accu- rate knowledge of both books will prove them to be harmo- nious ; but until we have such knowledge, God's Revelation must take precedence, and must be the standard among the children of God, by which the supposed findings of fallible fellow-men shall be judged.

But while holding to this principle, let us see whether there is not some other reasonable solution of the increased

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