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understood literally. But although with this sanctioned limitation 

 J profess myself a Theist, my notions differ perhaps from those 

 of others in the nature of the real agency of a Deity, and, as I 

 can perceive, in this respect only; and if the question belonging 

 to this real agency were proposed to ten of our most orthodox 

 religionists, I am confident that they would, by giving a different 

 answer, or perhaps no answer at all, at least by not agreeing in 

 their accounts, shew that my difference of opinion was upon 

 points on which they themselves are not agreed. However, all 

 this is foreign to my purpose, which is to investigate the laws of 

 physiology, to which I am pledged by my calling legally and 

 morally. For this purpose it is necessary that every sort of light 

 which can assist in their elucidation and development should be 

 brought into the service. If I am reproached with having thrown 

 a false light upon the subject, let this be proved, and I am ready 

 to acknowledge it; my consolation then will be that even the 

 promulgation of error is one step towards the advancement of 

 science, more especially when it serves to lead the pursuit. 



