Welsh Journals

no less than elsewhere. For the first time a country which had been dominated almost completely by the old scholastic tradition felt the stirring of the new spirit that has been working for a generation past and more in our modern theology- a spirit unconsciously derived in large part from the domain of physical science and expressed in an unfailing respect for facts and a vigorous pursuit of truth. The age-long exploitation of facts in the sup- posed interests of dogma, by the theolo- gian-Catholic and Protestant alike- when, for example, he interpreted the Scriptures or spoke of non-Christian religions can hardly commend itself to an age which has beheld the scientist's un- tiring search for real facts by patient personal investigation, and his readiness to revise his theories when he heard a clear call to do so. The same humility, sincerity, patience, and candour have won their way to recognition in the depart- ments of history and theology, where the subject-matter to be dealt with is con- fessedly more intractable. Science began by fighting for its very existence against the dogmatic theo- logians, but it carried the war to the theological camp before very long, and it has won some very notable victories, chief among them being the recognition of its spirit and method of investigation. Just as the right to an independent existence had been denied to Science by Theology, so at a later stage revenge was sought by denying to religion the right to establish its own laws and its own method of explanation. Naturalism and Materialism, sallying forth from the scien- tific camp like twin Goliaths, threatened to demolish Theology as a mere champion of superstition. But a truce-if not a lasting peace-has been arranged between the combatants by a mutual recognition of a relative independence. If Theology still claims to be the queen of the sciences she knows that she must rule as a con- stitutional monarch, recognizing the rights of others and shewing no desire to tyr- annize over them. The triumph of the scientific spirit, due mainly to its imposing success in its own sphere, is a clear cause for rejoicing. It has brought us face to face with actual problems of life in theo- logy. Theological fictions have had to make way for religious realities and the ecclesiastical and dogmatic interest has yielded to the historical method. In Theology as in Science we nowadays order our facts-for we must always begin with them-in the brilliant light of Evolution. This modern theological learning, then, has been made accessible to us by our new University and by the press, and henceforth the religious and theological outlook in Wales must approximate very rapidly to that which prevails throughout the whole modern world. If we are to judge the situation in Wales we must take account, as best we may, of the general situation in our day. And what is to be said of it ? For a generation of two we have been busy with the work of criticism. Indeed the warning was sounded long ago by Kant, when he said that we live in an age of criticism from which nothing can hope to escape, not even religion. This work of criticism has brought misgiving and embarrassment to some, but it has also brought us much clear gain. Things that could be shaken have been shaken, sometimes with scant show of mercy, but the firm things remain to command a fuller trust than ever. An age of criticism is necessarily one of suspense and dis- traction, but by pain and patience it prepares the way for enduring progress.