published in 1877.<9>

Finally, I should like to draw the attention of those who take
interest in these topics to the weighty words of one of the most
learned and moderate of Biblical critics:--


"A propos de cette premiere page de la Bible, on a coutume de
nos jours de disserter, a perte de vue, sur l'accord du recit
mosaique avec les sciences naturelles; et comme celles-ci tout
eloignees qu'elles sont encore de la perfection absolue, ont
rendu populaires et en quelque sorte irrefragables un certain
nombre de faits generaux ou de theses fondamentales de la
cosmologie et de la geologie, c'est le texte sacre qu'on
s'evertue a torturer pour le faire concorder avec
ces donnees."<10>


In my paper on the "Interpreters of Nature and the Interpreters
of Genesis," while freely availing myself of the rights of a
scientific critic, I endeavoured to keep the expression of my
views well within those bounds of courtesy which are set by
self-respect and consideration for others. I am therefore glad
to be favoured with Mr. Gladstone's acknowledgment of the
success of my efforts. I only wish that I could accept all the
products of Mr. Gladstone's gracious appreciation, but there is
one about which, as a matter of honesty, I hesitate. In fact, if
I had expressed my meaning better than I seem to have done, I
doubt if the particular proffer of Mr. Gladstone's thanks would
have been made.