DEAR MR. SPURGEON, — In rendering my first report of our science work in connection with the College, it will perhaps be desirable, if not even necessary, for me to give a fuller reference to myself than might at other times be pardonable. In my introduction to the men I explained that however much science might be learned, as the result of our study, I, for one, should regard all as a failure if our reverence was not deepened, and the students strengthened for their work as preachers of the everlasting gospel. I soon discovered that this feeling was largely shared by my class, more conspicuously by many whose time for entering upon pastoral work was close at hand. With this idea before us we have labored, and I have been cheered again and again by spontaneous testimony that our labor has not been in vain. In my department science is our means, but not our end.
God has made the visible as well as the invisible, and in both he may be seen. -True science is but the discovery of his thoughts; for as Oersted has put it — The laws of nature are the thoughts of God.
The difficulties of a Christian science-teacher are now especially great, and it has been necessary to point out that science is as yet as utterly baffled with ultimate principles as she is conversant with the manner in which those principles interwork. She can tell us what life does, often; but what life is, never. The roof of all things is hidden from her gaze if she will not look up and behold her God. In the face of modern scientific assumption, if we see this, we may be saved much anxiety, for we shall discover that we
can afford to wait for the solution of many difficulties. Surely we, who have only just begun to be, cannot suppose that at the opening of an endless existence we ought to possess a full understanding of the working of the infinite mind throughout the eternal ages. Mystery must be ours, as yet, at least. If there were no mystery, then we, understanding all, should be greater than all, and God would not be a necessity in our philosophy.
We are striving in our class-work to find in nature illustrations of Christian truth, and thus, humbly, and in our measure, to make the same use of it as our Lord frequently did in his parables. For example, when we discover that the magnet not only draws other pieces of metal to itself, but that it makes them, by its very touch, into magnets, we are reminded of Christ, the great Magnet, who, being lifted up, draws all men to himself, and who by his touch changes them, and gives of himself to them so that they become magnets too. And as we further learn that nearness of the metal- pieces to the Master-magnet gives them power which they lose as they recede from it, so we see the illustration of the law of Christian life, that Christ is our life, and our nearness to him the measure of our real strength.
Sometimes we cause the false assumptions (science falsely so called), unhappily nowadays getting so common, to answer themselves by example.
We are told by some that to believe in an omnipresent personal God is unreasonable, and yet these very men say that every atom in the universe attracts every other; that every atom in the sun has some power over the earth; remove one atom from the sun, the aggregate of his attractive
influence will be reduced. Thus, then, they teach us, and teach us truly, that every atom makes its presence felt throughout the universe: there is no point in space where it may not at the same moment assert itself. To believe in this is scientific. Oh, foolish and slow of heart to believe: How can they in the same breath tell us that to believe in an omnipresent Father is unreasonable? We believe in him because he has shown himself in the works of his hands, but more intensely because the Only Begotten Son, who was in his bosom, hath declared him.
But lest I draw this report to an excessive length, let this explanation of my position and of the direction of our work suffice.
Instead, during the past year, of entering at once upon any rigid course, I judged it best to take up points which current events made prominent; and so, in view of the excitement prevailing respecting electricity and electric lighting, took about Twelve Lectures upon this subject. I know, dear Mr.
Spurgeon, you yourself feel the value of centering the attention upon what has already gained a hold upon the popular mind, and my idea was that thus the students might not only be helped in general conversation, but in illustration and allusion in their ministerial work.
‘The Temperance Movement could not be forgotten by us, and so a course of Eight Lectures was taken on the physiological aspects of this matter. I know you will agree that it is not science, but Christ-given love for our fellows, which has been the backbone of this Temperance work; for science has not a heart of its own, and knowledge without love has no impulse, and will do nothing. It was felt that a diffusion of physiological knowledge would, from this very cause, be particularly serviceable, and this course has in some measure, at least, furnished material for many addresses given in divers places by the students. Some Lectures on the Structure of Insects and their relation to flowering plants, have also been included, my South Kensington diagrams being used. Physics is now occupying our attention.
I must not close without saying that I rejoice in the opportunity my present position in the College affords for influencing for good, as I humbly trust, the men who are to do so much in the future in the propagation of a positive Gospel, while I must thank all, from our loved President
downwards, for the spirit of kindness, helpfulness, and trust with which I have been received.
By reordering the old apparatus, and making very substantial additions to it, we are now provided with a very suitable and efficient instrument with which to pursue our work; and it shall be my endeavor, as it is my hope, that the considerable outlay involved shall be justified by the good work accomplished by its means.
The attendance at the Class has been uniformly good, and not infrequently we have with us those who are now settled pastors, but who.come as visitors to their “Alma Mater,” and I may add that brethren :from Mr. G.
Guinness’s Institution are often welcomed by us.
The interest and earnestness of the students have very palpably grown, and that reserve with which a new tutor is inevitably received has given place to confidence, and so supplied constant and growing opportunity for friendly and informal converse, during which, I hope, not the least
important part of my work is accomplished. May our studies be acceptable
service unto the Lord, because undertaken through our Father’s grace for his honor!