to express disapprobation of the free comparison of
the results of science with the statements of the canonical books. And I am
satisfied that many of these thought they were signing only a declaration
of difference of opinion, not of blame for that difference. The number of
persons is not small who, when it comes to signing printed documents, would
put their names to a declaration that the coffee-pot ought to be taken
down-stairs, meaning that the teapot ought to be brought {257} up-stairs.
And many of them would defend it. Some would say that the two things are
not contradictory; which, with a snort or two of contempt, would be very
effective. Others would, in the candid and quiet tone, point out that it is
all one, because coffee is usually taken before tea, and it keeps the table
clear to send away the coffee-pot before the teapot is brought up.

The original signatures were decently interred in the Bodleian Library: and
the advocates of scattering indefinite blame for indefinite sins of opinion
among indefinite persons are, I understand, divided in opinion about the
time at which the next attempt shall be made upon men of scientific
studies: some are for the Greek Calends, and others for the Roman
Olympiads. But, with their usual love of indefiniteness, they have
determined that the choice shall be argued upon the basis that which comes
first cannot be settled, and is of no consequence.

I give the declaration entire, as a curiosity: and parallel with it I give
a substitute which was proposed in the _Athenaeum_, as worthy to be signed
both by students of theology, and by students of science, especially in
past time. When a new attempt is made, it will be worth while to look at
both:

_Declaration._ _Proposed Substitute._

We, the undersigned Students We, the undersigned Students
of the Natural Sciences, of Theology and of Nature,
desire to express our sincere desire to express our sincere
regret, that researches into regret, that common notions of
scientific truth are perverted religious truth are perverted
by some in our own times into by some in our own times into
occasion for casting doubt occasion for casting reproach
upon the Truth and upon the advocates of
Authenticity of the Holy demonstrated or highly
Scriptures. probable scientific theories.

{258}
We conceive that it is We conceiv