180 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



In this book he divides the moral nature into two classes of func- 

 tions : positive, i.e., love and faith ; and negative, i.e., hate and fear. 

 He finds its ph3^sical basis in the great S3anpathetic nervous system. 

 The moral nature is not a fixed quantity, but has developed from an 

 initial stage, with hate and fear predominant, to that in which love 

 and faith are more and more in evidence. The means by which the 

 change has been effected have been (I) I^atural Selection; (II) Sexual 

 Selection; (III) Social Life; (IV) Art; (Y) Ueligion. Infinite pro- 

 gress is the law. " Hate and fear are dying out. The argument is 

 that their total extinction is justified. Faith and love are increasing. 



Infinite faith and love are justilied the highest moral 



nature is nearest in accord with the truth of things. This is why 

 we call those men inspired who have the most exalted moral natures, 

 and those men wise who have exceptionally exalted moral natures as 

 well as superior intellectual natures .... religion, morality and 

 happiness are three names for the same thing — • moral elevation. 



" This then is the end, the conclusion of the whole matter : Love 

 all things — not because it is your duty to do so, but because all things 

 are worthy of your love. Hate nothing. Fear nothing. Have abso- 

 lute faith. AMioso will do this is wise; he is more than wise — he 

 if happy.'' 



It is hardly too much to say that this theory and these conclusions 

 were the foundation and regulating principles of Dr. Bucke's conduct. 



The facts and reasoning upon which his theory was based are for 

 the scientist and the philosopher. The author's presentation is clear, 

 full and interesting. His theory is put forward as a tentative one, 

 as the one that seems most in conformity with the facts. The argu- 

 ment will appear more or less cogent according to the training and 

 tendencies of him to whom it is submitted. The conclusion, however, 

 according as it does with the highest and best in man, should meet with 

 general acceptance. He was an optimist by instinct, by observation, 

 by reflection, by a varied experience. Appropriately, he prefixes to 

 the final chapter these lines from "Whitman: 



" The Lord advances and yet advances ; 



Always the shadow in front; always the reached hand, bringing 

 up the laggards." 



23. 



After the first interview in 18? 7, Dr. Bucke made periodical visits 

 to the Good Gray Poet. He took the field as his champion and ex- 

 pounder. Controversy as to the quality and tendency of " Leaves of 



