Many other topics of faith are affected by modern biology. In some of these we have learnt at present only a wise caution, a wise uncertainty. We stand before the newly unfolded spectacle of suffering, silenced; with faith not scientifically reassured but still holding fast certain other clues of conviction. In many important topics we are at a loss. But in others, and among them those I have mentioned, we have passed beyond this negative state and find faith positively strengthened and more fully expressed. We have gained also a language and a habit of thought more fit for the great and dark problems that remain, less liable to damaging conflicts, equipped for more rapid assimilation of knowledge. And by this change biology itself is a gainer. For, relieved of fruitless encounters with popular religion, it may advance with surer aim along the path of really scientific life-study which was reopened for modern men by the publication of _The Origin of Species_. Charles Darwin regretted that, in following science, he had not done "more direct good"[237] to his fellow-creatures. He has, in fact, rendered substantial service to interests bound up with the daily conduct and hopes of common men; for his work has led to improvements in the preaching of the Christian faith. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 218: F. R. Tennant: "The Being of God in the light of Physical Science," in _Essays on some theological questions of the day_. London, 1905.] [Footnote 219: _Evolutionisme et Platonisme_, pp. 45, 46, 47. Paris, 1908.] [Footnote 220: _Essays of Elia_, "New Year's Eve," p. 41; Ainger's edition. London, 1899.] [Footnote 221: Such an example is given in Baron F. von Hügel's recently finished book, the result of thirty years' research: _The Mystical Element of Religion, as studied in Saint Catherine of Genoa and her Friends_. London, 1908.] [Footnote 222: G. Tyrrell, in _Mediaevalism_, has a chapter which is full of the important _moral_ element in a scientific attitude. "The only infallible guardian of truth is the spirit of truthfulness." _Mediaevalism_, p. 182, London, 1908.] [Footnote 223: _Queen of the Air_, Preface, p. vii. London, 1906.] [Footnote 224: The scientific rank of its writer justifies the insertion of the following letter from the late Sir John Burdon-Sanderson to me. In the lecture referred to I had described the methods of Professor Moseley in teaching Biology as affording a suggestion of the scientific treatment of religion. OXFORD, _April 30, 1902_. DEAR SIR: I feel that I must express to you my thanks for the discourse which I had the pleasure of listening to yesterday afternoon. I do not mean to say that I was able to follow all that you said as to the identity of Method in the two fields of Science and Religion, but I recognise that the "mysticism" of which you spoke gives us the only way by which the two fields can be brought into relation.