gion which have their origin in natural
science. It is said very often, and very boldly, that modern
physics and modern chemistry demonstrate the unfounded character of
religious beliefs. These theses are maintained at Geneva as
elsewhere. I should wish to reply that natural science does not of
itself turn men from God, and that without being able to give
faith, it confirms the faith of those who believe: this I should
wish to establish by citing names invested, in science, with an
incontestable and solid renown. Will you, Sir, authorize me to make
use of your name?"

Mr. Faraday, in reply, sent me the following letter, dated 6th Nov.
1863.

"SIR,

...."You have a full right to make use of my name: for although I
generally avoid mixing up things sacred and things profane, I have,
on one occasion, written and published a passage which accords to
you this right, and which I maintain. I send you a copy of it. I
hope you will find nothing in any other part of my researches, to
contradict or weaken in any way whatever the sense of this passage.

"I beg you to transmit my best remembrances to my friend M. de la
Rive...."

The passage thus indicated establishes a line of demarcation, very
strongly (perhaps too strongly) drawn between researches of the reason
and the domain of religious truth, and contains a profession of positive
faith in Revelation. The author affirms that he has never recognized any
incompatibility between science and faith, and makes the following
declaration: "Even in earthly matters I reckon that 'the invisible
things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and
Godhead.'"

A literary man of Paris declares to us that natural science leads away
from God: one of the first savants of our time informs us that the
scientific contemplation of nature renders the wisdom of God manifest.
The question is one of fact. To whom shall we give our confidence? For
my part, since it is natural philosophy which is in question, I rank
myself on the side of the Natural Philosopher.

We will here terminate this review. It is time, however, which fails us,
not subject-matter, for continuing it. You may have noticed that the
name of no one of the savants of Switzerland figures in this inquiry.
Nevertheless our country would have furnished a r