Ixxxvi MEMOIR, 
beneath him. It is on the assumption of fundamental differences 
between him and them—notably, the possession of a soul—that 
all theologies, whether barbaric or civilised, with their dogmas of 
relations between man and unseen powers and beings, are founded. 
The nature of those relations is expressed in creeds, and the 
recognition of them in rites and ceremonies, coarse or refined, 
according to the state of culture of the people performing them. 
To all which a large number of thoughtful men and women are 
opposed. Feeling the insoluble nature of the problems which 
surround human life, and which their line of inquiry has brought 
home with added force, they cannot accept what Professor Huxley 
calls “sham solutions.” They say with Darwin: “I for one must 
be content to remain an Agnostic.” This was Bates’s attitude, as 
expressed to his intimate friends, and, soon after his return from 
the Amazons, hinted at in his courteous reply to the late Mr. P 
H. Gosse, better known as a naturalist than as an ardent member 
of the exclusive sect called “ Plymouth Brethren.” 
P: 771. Gosse to ff.. W. Bares: 
‘‘ SANDHURST, TORQUAY, february 13th, 1860. 
‘‘ MY DEAR SIR, 
‘* Will you allow me the pleasure of asking your kind acceptance of 
the accompanying copy of my Acfinologia? I have read your numerous 
letters from Brazil published in the Zoolog7st with great interest, partly, 
doubtless, because I know a little of tropical collecting ; and J have mentally 
followed you to and fro in the scenes and among the lovely insects, which you 
have so graphically described, with ever-increasing sympathy. From one or 
two expressions dropped here and there in your letters, I have formed a 
suspicion, moreover, that you are one of those who love the Lord Jesus, and, 
ifso, this would be an additional and a far stronger bond of sympathy between 
us. For there is no union so strong as that between the ‘ holy brotherhood, 
partakers of the heavenly calling,’ who by grace have been drawn to believe 
in Jesus, 
‘‘ Whether I am mistaken in this conclusion I do not know; but, at all 
events, I beg you to accept the volume as a token of my regard, and believe 
me your very sincere well-wisher in every sense, 
«‘P. H. GOSSE, 
TH. W: BATES, ESQ. 
“« Are you likely to go out again ?”? 
The following draft of reply is preserved with the letter :— 
‘““My DEAR SIR, 
“* Accept my best thanks for the beautiful present you have made me, 
and the warm welcome which you make me on my return to England. You ask 
me whether Iam likely to gooutagain. I have no intention at present of doing 
