to the greatness and range of his discoveries, is the first natural
philosopher living." After having thus made myself sure, therefore, on
this point, I took the liberty of writing to Mr. Faraday the following
letter:


"GENEVA, 30th October, 1863.

"SIR,

"I have the intention of commencing shortly, at Geneva, and for an
auditory of men, a course of lectures designed to combat the
manifestations of contemporary atheism. To this deplorable error I
desire to oppose faith in God, as it has been given to the world by
the Gospel, faith in the Heavenly Father.

"One of my lectures will be specially devoted to the removal of
prejudices against religion which have their origin in natural
science. It is said very often, and very boldly, that modern
physics and modern chemistry demonstrate the unfounded character of
religious beliefs. These theses are maintained at Geneva as
elsewhere. I should wish to reply that natural science does not of
itself turn men from God, and that without being able to give
faith, it confirms the faith of those who believe: this I should
wish to establish by citing names invested, in science, with an
incontestable and solid renown. Will you, Sir, authorize me to make
use of your name?"


Mr. Faraday, in reply, sent me the following letter, dated 6th Nov.