"The Bible tells
us that the world was made in six days, not in millions of years, and
that the sun and the moon and the stars were put in the sky to light it;
also that man was created four thousand years B.C. Therefore, either you
are wrong, sir, or the Bible is, and _I_ prefer the Bible."
The eminent scientist took off his spectacles and carefully put them
away, remarking:
"Most logical and conclusive. Pray, young gentleman, do not allow
any humble deductions of my own or others to interfere with your
convictions. Only I believe it was Archbishop Ussher, not the Bible, who
said that the world began about 4,000 B.C. I think that one day you may
become a great man--in your own way. Meanwhile I might suggest that a
certain sugaring of manners sweetens controversy."
After this no more questions were asked, and the meeting broke up in
confusion.
From all of which it will be gathered that since none of us is perfect,
even in Thomas there were weak points. For instance, he had what is
known as a "temper," also he was blessed with a good idea of himself and
his own abilities, and had a share of that intolerance by which this is
so often accompanied.
In due course Thomas Bull became a theological student.
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