t about the interpretation of the very facts which
science does present? Could not one address himself to the question of
those students in some such way as this? You say that science has
disclosed to us the leisureliness of the evolving universe. Come back,
then, on the long road to the rear on which Bishop Usher's old date of
creation is a way station an infinitesimal distance behind us; come
back until together we stand at the universe's postern gate and look
out into the mystery whence all things came, where no scientific
investigation can ever go, where no one knows the facts. What do you
make of it? Two voices rise in answer. One calls the world "a
mechanical process, in which we may discover no aim or purpose
whatever." [2] And another voice says:

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament showeth his handiwork." [3]

That is not a difference in facts, upon which we can get our hands.
That is a difference in the interpretation of the facts.

Or come forward together to look into that mystery ahead, toward which
this universe and we within it are so prodigiously plunging on. Do we
not often feel, upon this earth whirling through space, like men and
women who by some weird chance have found themselves upon a ship,
ignorant of their point of departure and of their destination? For all
the busyness with which we engage in many tasks, we cannot keep
ourselves from slipping back at times to the ship's stern to look out
along its wake and wonder whence we came, or from going at times also
to its prow to wonder whither we are headed. What do you make of it?
Toward what sort of haven is this good ship earth sailing--a port
fortunate or ill? Or may it be there is no haven, only endless sailing
on an endless sea by a ship that never will arrive? So questioning, we
listen to conflicting voices. One says there is no future except
ultimate annihilation, and another voice sings:

"All we have willed or hoped or dreamed
of good, shall exist."

That is not a difference in the facts, that eyes can see and hands
handle; that is a difference in the interpretation of the facts.

Or from such large considerations come down into some familiar
experience of daily life. Here is a man having a hard battle between
right and wrong. There is no more impressive sight on earth to one who
looks at it with understanding eyes. What do you make of this
mysterious sense of duty which lays its magister