Malcolm Watts

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543), the astronomer who presented the mathematically based system of planets going around the sun: “To know the mighty works of God, to comprehend his wisdom and majesty and power; to appreciate, in degree, the wonderful workings of his laws, surely all this must be pleasing and acceptable mode of worship to the Most High….”

Francis Bacon (1561–1627), the philosopher who established the scientific method of inquiry based on experimentation and inductive reasoning: “It is true, that a little philosophy inclineth man’s heart to Atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men’s mind about to religion; for while the mind of man looketh upon second causes scattered, it may sometimes rest in them, and go no further; but when it beholdeth the chain of them confederate, and linked together, it must needs fly to Providence and Deity.”

Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), the astronomer who, studying the solar system, discovered that it was sun-centered: “When I reflect on so many profoundly marvelous things that persons have grasped, sought, and done, I recognize even more clearly that human intelligence is a work of God, and one of the most excellent.”

Johannes Kepler (1571–1630), the mathematician and astronomer who discovered the laws of planetary motion about the sun and anticipated the later Newtonian concept of universal gravity: “The chief aim of all investigations of the external world should be to discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on it by God and which he revealed to us in the language of mathematics.” “I am a Christian…. I believe only and alone…in the service of Jesus Christ…in him is all refuge, all solace.”

Isaac Newton (1642–1727), the mathematician, physicist, and astronomer who discovered the law of gravitation: “The most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. The Being governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord over all; and on account of his dominion he is wont to be called Lord God.” “Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance.”

David Brewster (1781–1868), experimental physicist and inventor, noted for his studies of the polarization of light: “Although every part of the human frame has been fashioned by the same Divine hand and exhibits the most marvelous and beneficent adaptions for the use of men, the human eye stands pre-eminent above them all as the light of the body, and the organ by which we become acquainted with the minutest and nearest, the largest and most remote of the Creator’s work.”

Michael Faraday (1791–1867), the physicist and chemist who discovered electromagnetic induction and invented the electric generator for the production of electricity: “The book of nature which we have to read is written by the finger of God.” Asked by a reporter about his “speculation,” he replied, “Speculations? I have none. I am resting on certainties. ‘I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.’” “My worldly faculties are slipping away day by day…. As they ebb, may they leave us as little children, trusting in the Father of Mercies and accepting his unspeakable gift. I bow before him who is Lord of all.”

Samuel Morse (1791–1872), the inventor of the electric telegraph and the Morse Code: “It [his life’s work] is His work…. ‘Not unto us, but to thy name, O Lord, be all the praise.’” “He alone could have carried me…through all my trials.” “The nearer I approach to the end of my pilgrimage…the grandeur and sublimity of God’s remedy for fallen man are more appreciated.”

James Prescott Joule (1818–1869), the physicist who discovered energy conservation, giving rise to the discipline known as thermodynamics: “Order is manifestly maintained in the universe…. The entire machinery, complicated as it is, works smoothly and harmoniously…the whole being governed by the sovereign will of God.” “It is evident that an acquaintance with natural laws means no less than an acquaintance with the mind of God therein expressed.” “After the knowledge of, and obedience to the will of God, the next aim must be to know something of his attributes or wisdom, power and goodness as evidenced by his handiwork.”

Louis Pasteur (1822–1895), the chemist and bacteriologist who discovered that fermentation was caused by microorganisms which led to the process of pasteurization: “The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator.”

William Thomson [Lord Kelvin] (1824–1907), the physicist who invented the Kelvin scale and, in electricity, pioneered undersea telegraphy: “With regard to the origin of life, science…positively affirms creative power.” “Overwhelmingly strong proofs of intelligent and benevolent design (are) around us…. The atheistic idea is so nonsensical that I cannot put it into words.”

James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879), a mathematician and physicist who developed the electromagnetic theory, demonstrated that magnetism, electricity, and light were manifestations of the same fundamental laws, and also helped to demonstrate color photography: “Almighty God, who hast created man in thine own image, and made him a living soul that he might seek after thee and have dominion over thy creatures, teach us to study the works of thy hands, that we may subdue the earth to our use, and strengthen the reason for thy service; so to receive thy blessed Word, that we may believe on him whom thou hast sent, to give us the knowledge of salvation and the remission of our sins. All of which we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

John Ambrose Fleming (1849–1945), the electrical engineer who invented the thermionic valve and pioneered work in electronics and the application of electricity for lighting and heating: “It is disastrous to the ethical development or spiritual life of the young and uneducated to lead them to believe that ‘men are descended from monkeys’; or that ‘the chimpanzee or gorilla are man’s nearest relative.’” “There is abundant evidence that the Bible, though written by men, is not the product of the human mind. By countless multitudes it has always been revered as a communication to us from the Creator of the Universe.”

Werhner von Braun (1912–1977), a pioneer in space exploration and developer of Saturn V for the Apollo space program and the one who masterminded the moon landing missions: “An outlook…as the vast mysteries of the universe should only confirm our belief in the certainty of its Creator.” “There are those who argue that the universe evolved out of a random process, but what random process could produce the brain of man or the system of the human eye?” “Scientific concepts exist only in the minds of men. Behind these concepts lies the reality which is being revealed to us, but only by the grace of God.”

Published by The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, used with permission.