I 



MATTER AS- THE RESTRAINT OF SPIRITS. 293- 



The essential meaning, then, of material organiz- 

 ation in the evolution of the individual is Mechanism-^ 

 nd structure is essentially a labour-saving appai^ahts 

 hich sets free consciousness. 

 And this estimate of the function of Matter and 

 he meaning of complexity of organization in the 

 ndividual is confirmed by its- applicability to the 

 rganization of society. For both the complex 

 tructure of higher societies (cp. ch. viii. § 7) and 

 heir elaborate material machinery are essentially 

 ontrivances for liberating force, and enabling them 

 o produce a higher intelligence, which shall be 

 ompetent to deal with higher problems. 



§ 28. And it is not only from the point of view 

 f the individual organism that Matter seems to be 

 echanism, but no less from that of the Deity. It is 

 not merely that Atoms have the appearance of being 

 ** manufactured articles," from their equality, regu- 

 larity and similarity, for they may not be of divine 

 manufacture, and we may be compelled to deny 

 their uniformity {cp. ch. vii. § 11). But if we think 

 ut the relation which on our theory must exist be- 

 tween the Deity and the Egos, we shall perceive 

 that Matter is an admirably calculated machinery for 

 regulating, limiting, and restraining the conscious- 

 ness which it encases. Its impersonal character 

 gives it the superiority which Aristotle ascribed to 

 the law over personal rule.^ It does not cause 

 hatred, and escapes ''the detestation w^hich men 

 feel for those who thwart their impulses, even when 

 they do it rightly." Even children and savages 

 cannot long be angry with sticks and stones. The 

 dull resistance with which it meets and checks the 

 outbursts of unreasoning passion, is more subduing 

 1 Eth. Nic. X. 9, 12. 



