"The objects of the Free Religious Association are to promote the scientific study of theology and to increase fellowship in the spirit," &c.

Doubting the propriety of calling theology a science, I would suggest an amendment in this wise: to encourage the scientific study of the religious nature or element in man—the ever-present Divine inspiration.

W. J. Potter and others have written on this subject, once alluding to my objection; but they have not met the distinction I would make. Saml Longfellow thought my dislike of the term was because of the abounding erroneous, or false theology. No; it is more than this: it is the study to "find out," or define God. Abbot says, "Index," 267, "lf we make an image of Him, even in our own thoughts, to bow down before and worship, it will be hard to realize His presence in our own souls, out of which grow our holiest feelings, our noblest living."

John Weiss, in his speech at our first Free Religious meeting) directed us to the ever present inspiration in our own minds or souls, apart from all miracle or super-naturalism. I would add, apart from all verbal creeds and theologies, and from all sectarian or conventional observances as well.

Combe, in his Essay on Natural Religion, says, "It is greatly to be regretted that theology has ever been connected with religion; and religion so much injured by the conjunction."

Is not the basis of all science, fact, demonstration, or self-evident truth? Can we create a science on our speculations? Some writer has said: "The heathen make graven images, we make verbal ones, and they do not worship more ardently the work of their hands than we do the work of our pens. Language is inapplicable to such speculations, and can no more explain what eye bath not seen or ear heard, than we can by taking thought add one cubit to our stature."

Will not the above apply to much that has been written on the importance of faith in a personal God?

Let us rather use our time and efforts for the promotion of a higher righteousness than is yet demanded by our Scribes and Pharisees.

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