84 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY, 



else deny that, whatever sanction the human and relative conception 

 of " power " draws from the inner certainties of our own sensations, 

 that same, or a still higher, sanction can also be claimed for the con- 

 ception of an infinite and eternal " Wisdom " ? And if so, it appears 

 that, if the agnostic lines which had reached the one conception were 

 prolonged a little further, they would also reach the other ; and that 

 so the magnificent idea would be recovered for mankind of an Intelli- 

 gent Being, with whom our infinitesimal yet kindred minds can enter 

 into relations, and the wonder of whose works we can — as surely men 

 of science above all others do — appreciate and assimilate as a kind of 

 nutriment to ourselves. 



6. But even then the imperative instinct which demanded the in- 

 tegration of ^Nature's observed forces into a conception of Infinite 

 Power, and which was irresistibly borne on to add wisdom also to that 

 Power — even then it is not pacified. It clamors for one more quality ; 

 and then it will be still. Relative, human, provisional — call it what 

 you will — nevertheless this third and complementary conception will 

 no more take a denial, will no more obey a frown and waive its right 

 to rush into the inevitable combination, than matter will politely waive 

 its chemical affinities. As the human mind is stupefied with terror at 

 the bare idea of swift and gigantic energy abroad in the universe with- 

 out purpose or intelligence (as we inadequately say) to guide it, so 

 assuredly the human heart stands still in palsied horror at the frightful 

 thought of " an infinite and eternal force," guided indeed by an infi- 

 nite cunning, but checked by no sort of goodness, mercy, or love. In 

 short, no authority on earth — not even that of all the philosophers and 

 scientists and theologians that have ever lived — could impose upon any 

 man, who thought Mr. Herbert Spencer's " First Principles " out to 

 their ultimate conclusion, the portentous belief in an eternal, almighty, 

 and omniscient Devil. And therefore to add goodness to the other 

 two factors of power 2indL wisdom, which we are compelled by the 

 constitution of our nature to attribute to the Great Unknown, is par- 

 donable because inevitable. But if so, it seems that agnosticism — if 

 allowed to develop freely on its own lines, without artificial hindrance 

 — must needs become a " Christian agnosticism." And it only remains 

 to ask, why in the world should not such an agnostic " go to church," 

 fall in with the religious symbolism in ordinary use, and contribute his 

 moral aid to those who have taken service under the Christian name 

 on purpose to purify gross and carnal eyes, till they become aware of 

 the Great Unknown behind the veil, and so come to relatively know 

 what absolutely passes knowledge ? 



6. There is only one obstacle in the way ; and that is of so un- 

 worthy a character that it passes comprehension how men of culti- 

 vation can allow it a moment's influence upon their conduct. The 

 objection referred to has never been more clearly expressed than by 

 one whom we all delight to honor and to listen to, Professor Tyndall. 



