COSMIC PHILOSOPHY 



But note that such a solution of the mystery 

 of pain is attainable only by the complete elimi- 

 nation of anthropomorphism from the problem. 

 Introduce a quasi-human will behind the series 

 of phenomena, and we are at once confronted 

 anew with all the difficulties mentioned in the 

 chapter on Anthropomorphic Theism. The fact 

 stands inexorably before us, that a Supreme 

 Will, enlightened by perfect intelligence and 

 possessed of infinite power, might differently 

 have fashioned the universe, though in ways 

 inconceivable by us, so that the suffering and 

 the ^waste of life which characterize nature's 

 process of evolution might have been avoided. 

 It may be said that such a supposition is sheer 



nous fait, nous fa9onne, nous sculpte a la fine pointe d'un im- 

 pitoyable ciseau. Elle retranche la vie debordante. Et ce qui 

 reste, plus exquis et plus fort, enrichi de sa perte meme, en 

 tire le don d'une vie superieure." Michelet, V OiseaUy p. 

 1 06. Compare the sublime passage concerning man, wherein 

 Tennyson says : — 



* * If so he type this work of Time 



*' Within himself, from more to more ; 

 Or, croivned ivith attributes of ivoe 

 Like glories, move his course, and show 

 That life is not as idle ore, 



** But iron dug from central gloom, 



And heated hot with burning fears. 



And dipped in baths of hissing tears, 



And battered with the shocks of doom 



To shape and use. ' 



306 



