Theism; being the Baird Lecture of 1876

The opening lectures set out a thoughtful examination of the age‑old question: does belief in a self‑existent, eternal Being rest on reason, feeling, or something beyond? The author insists that any genuine religion must combine intellect with affection, hope, and reverence, and he warns against rushing to conclusions before the full significance of the problem is understood. He frames the inquiry as a search for a reasonable ground for faith, inviting listeners to consider how knowledge, emotion, and will intertwine in the human experience of the divine.

From natural and revealed religion to the moral influence of belief, the series weaves together arguments drawn from astronomy, chemistry, geology, and the psychology of conscience. Each lecture explores a different facet—design in the organic world, the a‑priori moral proof, and the challenges posed by emerging scientific theories—while maintaining a measured, scholarly tone characteristic of late‑Victorian theological debate. The result is a rich, multidisciplinary portrait of theism that encourages careful reflection without demanding a predetermined answer.