ch. vil] ANTHROPOMORPHISM AND CO&tMltiM. 183 



interpret human feeling and volition in terms obtained from 

 the objective study of the Cosmos. 



Let it be noted also, that, along with this group of happy- 

 contrasts, there is an equally happy lack of antagonism 

 between our pair of terms. For while, on the one hand, 

 all past philosophies have been Cosmic, in so far as the 

 interpretation of the universe has been their aim ; on the 

 other hand, it will never be possible to get entirely rid of 

 every trace of Anthropomorphism. For, as was proved in 

 the fourth chapter, there is anthropomorphism even in 

 speaking of the unknown Cause as single ; and, as has been 

 proved in the present chapter, there is anthropomorphism 

 even in speaking of the unknown Cause as a Power mani- 

 fested in phenomena. Yet we must either use such language 

 or remain silent ; we must either symbolize the unknown 

 Cause or ignore it, — and as the latter alternative is impos- 

 sible, we must accept the former. 



Thus is exhibited in strong relief the peculiar excellence 

 both of our theory of deanthropomorphization, and of the 

 terms in which it is stated. For whereas the Atheistic 

 Philosophy current in the eighteenth century, sought to 

 break entirely with the past, scornfully setting aside its 

 time-honoured beliefs as so much quackery and delusion ; 

 and whereas the Positive Philosophy, in spite of its sym- 

 pathetic attitude toward the past, consequent upon its 

 announcing itself as the terminal phase of a long develop- 

 ment, nevertheless was obliged tacitly to break with the 

 past, in so far as it ignored that which in earlier stages had 

 always been taken for granted ; on the other hand, the 

 Cosmic Philosophy, in announcing itself as the most recent 

 phase of a long development, recognizes no break anywhere 

 in the course of that development. While Atheism scoffed 

 at religion, and denied that the religious sentiment needed 

 satisfaction ; while Positivism, leaving no place in its scheme 

 lor religion to occupy, was compelled by an alter thought to 



