BOB 
such distinction as sooner or later, because all gradations and 
successions, stages of contraction and expansion, ascent and 
decline, becoming and perishing, exist side by side, mutually 
supplementing one another to infinity.” This, then, is our 
consolation. Though we perish, the mighty All remains un- 
changed in its perfection. The elements of which we are 
composed may, during the evolutions of eternity, help to build 
up glorious galaxies, though of ourselves, as conscious individuals, 
there shall be no resurrection. 
109. There is something in human nature too strong for the 
reasonings of pantheistic and atheistic philosophy to crush. 
Danton, when questioned at his last trial as to his abode, 
replied, “ My abode shall soon be annihilation ; but I shall live 
in the pantheon of history.” This philosophy teaches that even 
this hope is only a fond delusion. What are the substitutes it 
furnishes to satisfy the eager cravings of the human heart ? 
Ah ! a reverent regard for a Cosmos for which it is impossible 
to feel either reverence or regard. The memory of a departed 
wife, to be to us in place of a religion ; the worship of 
humanity, typified in a female form, the destruction of which 
humanity is certain. This is its substitute for a personal God, 
the moral governor of the universe, which He has created ; whose 
attributes are justice, mercy, and truth; whose providence 
embraces ail His works ; who shall continue reigning for ever and 
ever. Religion teaches an hereafter, which shall give a scope for 
the exercise of man's mighty powers, which is denied him here. 
But this philosophy affirms that one destiny awaits the holiest 
and the most abandoned, the man of the most disinterested 
benevolence and the most refined cruelty, a Nero and a St. 
Paul — a silence from which there shall be no awakening — the 
conscious being of both alike shall be swallowed up in the 
infinite Cosmos. The only conclusion of such a philosophy 
must be, let each man enjoy life as he best can, for we shall 
die to-morrow, and sleep for ever the sleep of unconscious- 
ness. The best safeguard against such a philosophy is, that 
human nature will refuse to accept it as a true account of 
its aims, its aspirations, and its destinies. 
The Chairman. — I am sure that I shall fulfil your desires by expressing 
our thanks to Mr. Row for his very ably reasoned out paper. Some letters 
will now be read by the Honorary Secretary. 
The Hon. Secretary. — The first letter which’ I have to read is from the 
Ven. Archdeacon W. Lee, D.D., Professor of Divinity at Trinity College, 
Dublin. 
