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causes, whether “ mechanical,” “ material,” “ efficient,” or however defined 
within the sphere of physics. And what we call probable reasoning is not at 
all inferior either to mathematical or to scientific or inductive reasoning, in 
force of conviction. In the practical affairs of life, in seven cases out of 
ten, we act upon moral conviction, and not upon knowledge which comes 
through the senses. We must maintain that there is no contradiction between 
these two lines or courses of evidence. If it be not immodest, I will say that, 
having given some thought to this matter, I have brought out in the January 
number of the British Quarterly Review, an essay on this whole question as 
to what is knowledge and science, and what is the true method of 
harmonizing religion with science, and to avoid trespassing upon your time, 
I beg leave to refer you to that for an answer to other questions proposed to 
me this evening. With all my heart I thank you both for the 
attention and courtesy with which you have listened to me, and for the 
kindly reception with which you have honoured me, and will only add how 
much I am honoured in finding myself a member of a body devoted to 
such noble aims. (Cheers.) 
The meeting was then adjourned. 
