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lect ; but they argue in the other sense, that no phenomenon has power 
in itself to alter the phenomenon which follows it. It is on a confusion 
between these two meanings that I think some of the arguments alleged 
against miracle are founded. I repeat, therefore, that we should guard 
ourselves carefully against the confusion which exists in the words “ law of 
nature,” and the other confusion which exists in the word “ causation.” I 
think we can understand what a miracle really is. It is where a superior 
intellect asserts itself in order to command the respect of an inferior intellect. 
The inferior has attained to a certain “ law,” by such generalization as it 
is capable of, but the superior at certain times steps in and introduces a 
phenomenon which is not recorded in that generalization, and by displaying 
that phenomenon shows its superiority. Let those who reject miracles 
beware; because # in rejecting them, they say their intellect is superior to any 
other intellect that can exist. They are, in point of fact, raising matter 
nearly, if not quite, to Deity. 
Rev. John Manners. — Since I have had the pleasure of joining this 
Society, this is the first meeting I have been able to attend, and I wish to 
make a few observations upon the excellent papers we have just heard ; and 
first to “ men of science ” just a few words. I think it has been well said 
that we are surrounded by a continuation of miracles in nature, using that 
word in the fullest sense. Let us look at some of these mysterious agents for 
a moment or two. There is what we call the principle of fire,— there is light, 
and there is electricity, for instance. Now it really seems to be contrary to 
the principle of light that two rays or waves should produce darkness ; and yet 
two undulations of light, one following the other by half a length or a multiple 
of half a length, do produce darkness. And so with heat two waves of heat 
produce cold. And so of - sound two waves of sound produce silence. 
Now, this is in accordance with what may be termed the acting of recondite 
powers, and is in order and harmony with the general principles by which we 
are surrounded. I recollect when at Cambridge, after reading the Third 
Book of Newton’s Principia, there was something seemed wanting. We talk 
of the law of gravitation ; but what is gravity ? Newton said, “ With regard 
to what it is, I do not pretend to understand, I won’t venture to say ; but 
with regard to the phenomena, I say, such and such things are produced by 
it.” But when we come to ask— What is it ? How came it about ? What 
is the origin of all these forces of nature ? How is it that fire should burn ? 
How is it that this electrical force does pass here and there ? How is it 
all these effects are produced ? We must answer, — Not per se. There must 
be something that pervades, that directs all these wonderful, beautiful, and 
glorious powers. I would ask men of science to tell us why, if a little 
bit of sodium is thrown into water, we see the wonderful effect of fire 
and light brought into action ? How is it these pieces of potassium and 
sodium accomplish this? Why this strange affinity for oxygen that it 
actually seems to set fire to water ? I want men of science to tell me 
in plain words how these things are produced ; and I want to know why are 
these things so beautifully harmonized : I want to know how it is there is 
