Theological view of the inquiry kept distinct

It was observed at the outset of this Essay, that the question of creation has distinctly a theological bearing; and it is no disparagement to such a view, that in the preceding sections I have treated the subject in a purely inductive and scientific light, and have purposely abstained from introducing any reference to those higher considerations, in order to lay a more secure basis for any such applications, as well as for meeting any objections alleged on religious grounds.

Prejudice against such speculations on religious grounds

Arising from misconception

It cannot be denied that any discussion of the question of Creation, or any attempt to trace the lations on religious probable history of the origin of the physical world, or of its organised productions, on merely scientific grounds, has been often regarded, especially by a certain class of minds, as having a tendency unfavourable to religion, and as being, in some degree, an intrusion into its province and an assumption of its office. Such impressions, however, appear to me to take their rise in the same common species of misconception of the relations in general between science and faith, which, in so many other instances, has resulted either in a lamentable antagonism and hostility, or in futile attempts to combine them in incongruous union, upon fallacious principles.