logical charts and predictions supplied in the newspapers. In times of cholera and typhoid fever we cleanse our drains, and look to our water supply. These facts are signs not to be despised, or passed lightly by. They indicate that we are drifting-whither, in all things, we may not exactly know. If, however, by excluding Optimism on the one hand, and Pessimism on the other, as two obvious errors, and by taking the world at its manifest worth, there is ample evidence remaining that something short of Agnosticism is possible for the educated mind, or that there still may exist a faith and a religion compatible with true philosophy and modern science, and through which man may express his sense of gratitude for what he is, and what he may become; then the object of this pamphlet will have been fully achieved. It is in the hope that its teaching may be of service in showing how a satisfying religion can co-exist with science the most advanced, that this new edition is now offered to the public. October, 1882. PREFACE TO THE PEOPLE'S EDITION. The issue of this pamphlet has already reached a Seventh Thousand. It has been suggested by some of its readers that a still larger circulation might be obtained, if a People's Edition were printed at a merely nominal price. Accordingly, in the hope that a wider publicity may thus be gained for the views herein presented, this People's Edition is now offered to the public. We believe that a more rational theology, and an improved religious service, are greatly needed. We require a Church as wide as the wants of humanity, as catholic as the first and great commandment. Towards this end, in common with many thoughtful and earnest men, we work and wait. "Let knowledge grow from more to more, That mind and soul according well, May make one music." LONDON, 16th October, 1880. 1 BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENTS. Signs of Progress in Anglican, Roman, and other Churches. |