Professor Emerton addressed the Christian Association last evening on the subject of the "Duty of Belief." The word belief, said Professor Emerton, has been so carelessly used that it is now quite undefinable. The Middle Ages have been classed in European history as the ages of belief. At that time a belief was forced upon one; a certain doctrine was necessary. The alternative was banishment from society. Belief invariably preceded reasoning.

The Protestant Reformation marked a change. Men began to think and reason. A division of the sects followed and every one was permitted to have a belief of his own, suited to his own needs. If he lived up to it, he fulfilled all the requirements of a religion. The same thing is true at the present day. One should put his belief to the test at times, to see if it satisfies his ideas. Religious truth is unlike all other truths. A mathematical truth is proved by a set of fixed rules. Legal or historical truths are governed only by hearsay. Religious truth, however, is proved by intellect and reasoning. Its foundation is in its appeal to our sentiment of love. It springs from the best there is in us. Our hearts and souls, alone, can satisfy us of its truth.

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