.«
    Peak crossed his legs and made no reply.
    »There is distinct need of an infusion of the scientific spirit into the
work of the Church. The churchman hitherto has been, as a matter of course, of
the literary stamp; hence much of our trouble during the last half-century. It
behoves us to go in for science - physical, economic - science of every kind.
Only thus can we resist the morbific influences which inevitably beset an
Established Church in times such as these. I say it boldly. Let us throw aside
our Hebrew and our Greek, our commentators ancient and modern! Let us have done
with polemics and with compromises! What we have to do is to construct a
spiritual edifice on the basis of scientific revelation. I use the word
revelation advisedly. The results of science are the divine message to our age;
to neglect them, to fear them, is to remain under the old law whilst the new is
demanding our adherence, to repeat the Jewish error of bygone time. Less of St.
Paul, and more of Darwin! Less of Luther, and more of Herbert Spencer!«
    »Shall I have the pleasure of hearing this doctrine at St. Margaret's?« Peak
inquired.
    »In a form suitable to the intelligence of my parishioners, taken in the
mass. Were my hands perfectly free, I should begin by preaching a series of
sermons on The Origin of Species. Sermons! An obnoxious word! One ought never to
use it. It signifies everything inept, inert.«
    »Is it your serious belief, then, that the mass of parishioners - here or
elsewhere - are ready for this form of spiritual instruction?«
    »Most distinctly - given the true capacity in the teacher. Mark me; I don't
say that they are capable of receiving much absolute knowledge. What I desire is
that their minds shall be relieved from a state of harassing conflict - put at
the right point of view. They are not to think that Jesus of Nazareth teaches
faith and conduct incompatible with the doctrines of Evolutionism. They are not
to spend their lives in kicking against the pricks, and regard as meritorious
the punctures which result to them. The establishment in their minds of a few
cardinal facts - that is the first step. Then let the interpretation follow -
the solace, the encouragement, the hope for eternity!«
    »You imagine,« said Godwin, with a calm air, »that the mind of the average
church-goer is seriously disturbed on questions of faith?«
    »How can you ignore it
