s regards the creature, is
illimitable, but impossible or hopeless as regards the being and
attributes and works of the Creator.

6.

Here, however, it may be objected to me that this representation is
certainly extreme, for the school in question does, in fact, lay great
stress on the evidence afforded by the creation, to the Being and
Attributes of the Creator. I may be referred, for instance, to the words
of one of the speakers on a memorable occasion. At the very time of laying
the first stone of the University of London, I confess it, a learned
person, since elevated to the Protestant See of Durham, which he still
fills, opened the proceedings with prayer. He addressed the Deity, as the
authoritative Report informs us, "the whole surrounding assembly standing
uncovered in solemn silence." "Thou," he said, in the name of all present,
"thou hast constructed the vast fabric of the universe in so wonderful a
manner, so arranged its motions, and so formed its productions, that the
contemplation and study of thy works exercise at once the mind in the
pursuit of human science, and lead it onwards to _Divine Truth_." Here is
apparently a distinct recognition that there is such a thing as Truth in
the province of Religion; and, did the passage stand by itself, and were
it the only means we possessed of ascertaining the sentiments of the
powerful body whom this distinguished person there represented, it would,
as far as it goes, be satisfactory. I admit it; and I admit also the
recognition of the Being and certain Attributes of the Deity, contained in
the writings of the gifted person whom I have already quoted, whose
genius, versatile and multiform as it is, in nothing has been so constant,
as in its devotion to the advancement of knowledge, scientific and
literary. He then certainly, in his "Discourse of the objects, advantages,
and pleasures of science," after variously illustrating what he terms its
"gratifying treats," crowns the catalogue with mention of "the _highest_
of _all_ our gratifications in the contemplation of science," which he
proceeds to explain thus:

"We are raised by them," says he, "to an understanding of the infinite
wisdom and goodness which the Creator has displayed in all His works. Not
a step can be taken in any direction," he continues, "without perceiving
the most extraordinary traces of design; and the skill, every where
conspicuous, is calculated in so vast a proportion of instances to