76 " A Crumb for the [v. 



may have some such independent existence. We 

 cannot allow the materialist even this crumb of 

 consolation — that, although he cannot prove that 

 consciousness ceases w^ith death, nevertheless the 

 presumption is with him and the burden of proof 

 upon his antagonists. Scientifically speaking, there 

 is no presumption either way, and there is no burden 

 of proof on either side. The question is simply one 

 which science cannot touch. In the future, as in the 

 past, I have no doubt it will be provisionally answered 

 in different ways by different minds, on an estimate of 

 what is called "moral probability," just as we see it 

 diversely answered in the " Modern Symposium." 



For my own part, I should be much better satisfied 

 with an affirmative answer, as affording perhaps some 

 unforeseen solution to the general mystery of life. But 

 there is one thing which every true philosopher ought 

 to dread even more than the prospect of annihilation ; 

 and that is, the unpardonable sin of letting prefer- 

 ence tamper with his judgment. I have no sympathy 

 with those who stigmatise the hope of immortal life as 

 selfish or degrading, and with Mr. Harrison's proffered 

 substitute I confess I have no patience whatever. 

 This travesty of Christianity by Positivism seems to 

 me, as it does to Professor Huxley, a very sorry 

 business. On the other hand, I cannot agree with 



