Page:The advancement of science by experimental research - the Harveian oration, delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, June 27th, 1883 (IA b24869958).pdf/11

 it expands with the effort, even although one branch of science alone is studied, and one line of thought is pursued. There is a reward even in the mental exercise, for it gives intellectual strength and constant pleasurable excitement. Each truth really gained is a stand point for further advance: an Alpine traveller experiences intense satisfaction when the summit of his mountain climb is attained, when after hours of labour, and, it may be of danger and fatigue, he feels that his object is reached, not to speak of the wonderful beauties then unfolded before him; but, his delight is not to be compared with the joy of the philosopher when the discovery of some new fact in science has rewarded his toil, and a higher stand-point of truth has been arrived at.

Like the very mountains themselves truth is stable; not as the vague hypothesis which too often surrounds it like dense vapour or fog, truth is unchangeable, even as is its author. The works of God reveal Himself, for He is the author