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use of the differences which this discussion has elicited as to fiist principles, 
principles which are of such vital importance. I should like to know, 
however, what he would say to this statement, that the individual man 
cannot stand alone ; he must have common first principles in mathematics, 
in science of every kind, and in religion ; he cannot possibly proceed 
a step without them. I know that somebody has been trying to demon- 
strate the axioms of Euclid and so to supersede their existence as axioms, 
but I cannot even imagine any kind of proof that would satisfy us on 
that point. We must begin with some assumptions : every man assumes 
his own powers, and trusts them to a certain extent ; he cannot help it. 
Then there is something also that is not himself. Not only does he begin 
with the ego, but he recognizes the non ego, that is, something “ out of 
himself that makes for righteousness ” — as Matthew Arnold puts it, which, 
after all, is only a roundabout way of expressing the a priori. How, 
then, can we test everything around us before we believe anything ? It 
is almost a contradiction. I do not wish to deprive any one here of the 
opportunity of criticising the Professor’s paper, and therefore, having said 
thus much to take us back into the right track, which is to inquire How 
we are to deal with the infidelity which intends to make every man prove 
his faith or be a doubter ? — I am quite satisfied to leave the matter in the 
hands of the meeting. (Cheers.) 
Rev. G. W. Weldon— I will only occupy your attention for a few minutes. 
I believe that the author of the paper will have very little to do when 
he comes to reply, because the critics have answered each other. The paper, 
I must say, possesses the three points which are essential to success in an 
essay, sermon or speech — it is short, modest, and above all, it is to the point. 
I cannot help feeling, however, that though I endorse almost every thing con- 
tained in the paper, there is one most important fact which we should not 
forget. The great question of the day is a belief in the supernatural. There 
are some things which are knowable by reason, and some things which are 
not. Those things which are knowable by reason have never been revealed, 
because there was no necessity for it ; but other things have been revealed ; 
and it is our duty to accept the testimony which has been put before us, 
because we believe that those who have spoken for us have seen far enough 
to be able to guide us. I believe in this kind of testimony. This is the 
age of doubt, and the question is whether we shall pass through life believing 
in our fellow-men, with that faith between man and man which is far more 
manly and chivalrous than constantly recurring doubts. The article of 
Professor Clifford would break down every possible trust between man 
and man. The faith of commerce takes it for granted that no man can be 
honest, but must be accepted as a rogue until he is proved to be trust- 
worthy ; but Professor Wace’s paper teaches you to believe every man to 
be true until you havp found him dishonest. I believe that paper will 
leave its trace upon our hearts, and tend to improve our conduct ; and 
that it will enable us to go forth believing, more firmly than ever, that 
