400 APPENDIX 



as to the definition of God, and a profound doubt as to the power 

 possessed by man of reaching Him. One paragraph from his 

 letter dictated in answer to a German student puts this very 

 plainly : l 



He considers that the theory of Evolution is quite compatible with 

 the belief in a God ; but that you must remember that different persons 

 have different definitions of what they mean by God. 



Critical investigation of the so-called evidences of Christianity, 

 and the comparison of other religions, brought him to a practical 

 abandonment of revelation. 2 He felt that the immortality of the 

 soul has to be regarded as an open question. 3 He discussed Pes- 

 simism with a clear perception of its ground and issues ; and on 

 the whole he pronounced himself a moderate Optimist. 4 He re- 

 jected the subjective or sentimental * argument for the existence of 

 an intelligent God, drawn from the deep inward conviction and 

 feelings which are experienced by most persons.' 5 At the same 

 time, he recorded his opinion that the argument drawn from 

 reason was more cogent with his mind. He could not bring him- 

 self to regard 'this immense and wonderful universe, including 

 man, with his capacity of looking far backwards and far into 

 futurity, as the result of blind chance or necessity.' 6 In like 

 manner the argument derived, partly from subjective instinct, 

 partly from reason, for the immortality of the soul, had consider- 

 able weight with him. 7 His chief doubt, in valuing these argu- 

 ments from instinct and reason, was whether the mind of man can 

 be trusted to draw any conclusions in the matter. 8 Eeturning at 

 last to the point from which we started, he declares : 9 * I cannot 



1 P. 307. 



2 P. 307, ' For myself,' etc. P. 308, ' But I had gradually,' down to 

 ' had some weight with me.' 



3 P. 307, ' As for a future life,' etc. 



4 P. 307, ' Nor can I overlook,' etc. P. 309-11, ' Some writers 

 indeed,' down to * variation and natural selection.' 



5 P. 312, ' Formerly I was led,' etc. 



6 P. 312. Compare p. 306, ' But I may say that the impossibility,' 

 etc. Also p. 316, ' Nevertheless, you have expressed,' etc. 



7 P. 312, ' With respect to immortality,' down to * will not appear so 

 dreadful.' 



8 P. 313, ' But then arises the doubt,' etc. P. 316, ' But then with 

 me the horrid doubt,' etc. 



9 P. 313. 



