200 
crystal ” used in tlie following sentence? “Suppose that we 
had known nothing of the lobster but as an inert mass, an 
organic crystal, if I may use the expression.^* It seems to me 
that the supposition could never be made by one who really 
understood chemistry, or could comprehend the difference 
between crystallization and life, 
Conclusion . 
89. In concluding this paper, I must say that I am deeply 
impressed with the importance of recognizing the truth that 
life is a gift of the Almighty, to be regarded therefore as sacred 
to the Creator and Preserver, and neither to be communicated 
nor taken away but according to his laws. 
90. There is an irreconcilable opposition, a total contrariety 
between this doctrine, which lies at the foundation of all civil 
society, and the religion of M. Comte, f which would wholly 
subvert the existing order of things. The adherents of Positi- 
vism and the disciples of Darwin are sufficiently outspoken on 
these subjects. It would be most unjust to Professor Huxley 
to represent him as advocating the errors of M. Comte, against 
which he has written with his usual force of argument. In one 
respect he seems to acknowledge the influence of his writings, 
in his sympathy with those who have been impelled by him to 
“ think deeply upon social problems and to strive nobly for social 
regeneration.^ % It is just here that the danger lies; for the 
more people are impelled to regenerate society, without having 
anything definite in their own creed, the more mischief will 
ensue from their endeavours. Professor Huxley describes him- 
self as “ one whose boat has broken away from the old moorings, 
and who had been content “ to lay out an anchor by the stern 
until daylight should break and the fog clear ” He seems by 
his quotation-marks to allude to the shipwreck at Melita; and 
if so, would do well to remember that on that occasion it was in 
consequence of listening to an apostle that they all escaped safe 
to land. Would that a like regard to authorized testimony, and 
a like happy result, might in his case be the termination of a 
state which must be trying to the patience even of a philosopher. 
One thing is clear, that it is a position which the multitude of 
mankind would never consent to occupy. 
91. I hope that the study of these subjects will result m 
increasing perception of the above ; and of the impossibility of 
compromise between truth and error on such fundamental 
* Lay Sermons, p. 106. + See Appendix (D). 
% Lay Sermons , p. 173. 
