,,! ,,limits ,,( ,,a!ism  ,or1 ,:y %\ld 
,sceptics be ,outlaws8  ,,by ,g4 ,j4    
,,holyoake4       ,x is hi/orically true
 t a l>ge proportion ( ,infidels      9 
all ages h be5 p]sons ( di/+ui%$        
integrity &      hon\r4--,john ,/u>t    
,mill ',on ,lib]ty1' p4 #hj4  ,,london3 
,j4 ,a4 ,,brook  ,,co41 #bhb1 ,,/r&1    
,w4,c  #ahgd4  ,,price ,,twop5ce4       
,,rev]5d ,,ri*>d ,,william ,,jelf1      
,d4,d41  ,,pr9cipal ,,( ,,k+',s         
,,college1 ,,london1 ,,:o ,,has ,,lately
 ,,al>m$ ,,convocation  ,,by ,,connect+ 
,,! ',,essays ,,& ,,reviews' ,,) ,,a!ism
  ,,^! ,,pages1  ,,writt5 ,,9 ,,arre/   
,,( ,,! ,,p>liam5t>y ,,judgm5t ,,:i*    
,,places ,,! ,,^w ,,( ,,! ,,a!i/ ,,bel[ 
,,t ,,( ,,! ,,felon1  ,are ,respectfully
 ,inscrib$1  ,,by  ,,george ,,jacob     
,,holyoake4     ,,preface4  ,! object ( 
^! pages99 is n to def5d ! intellectual 
accuracy ( ,a!ism 7:i* c\ld n be        
attempt$ 9 ?is brief space71 ! object is
 to expla9 its case1 to v9dicate its    
moral rectitude1 & ! "r ( ^? :o hold ^! 

views1 to legal equality4 ,!re are two  
,a!isms 9 lit]ature--! anci5t "o ( m]e  
negation2 & ! affirmative =m1 ^:        
relevant "n is ,cosmism1 & ( :i*        
,humboldt1 9 8 ',cosmos1' is a great    
illu/rator1 & ,comte1 9 8 ',positive    
,philosophy1' an exp\nd]4 ,! t]m        
,cosmism ought to sup]s$e ! mislead+ t]m
 ,a!ism2 j z ,secul>ism has sup]s$$ !   
libell\s t]m ,infidelity4 ,cosmism1 z   
well z ,secul>ism1 expresses a new =m ( 
,free?\ght1 & ,i use ! t]m ,a!ism1 z !  
subject ( a ,lecture1 = ! fir/ "t "h4 ,x
 is a worn-out ^w1 us$ by ,!i/s 9       
hateful s5ses4 ,i employ x1 z a title1  
to-day = political reasons1 9 ord] to %[
 ^? :o make x a gr\nd ( civil exclusion1
 t x is a ?+ ( law & limits3 t ! reput$ 
,a!ism ( ,engli% work+ m51 s f> z x     
prevails1 is no long] ! old ,a!ism ( m]e
 negation1 b ! ,cosmism ( mod]n sci5ce2 
nei!r dissolute1 an>*ical1 nor          
impi\s--recognises t ! univ]se is1 )\t  
!oris+ :y x is4 ,negative ,a!ism says   
!re is no?+ beyond ! univ]se4 ,cosmism  

says x _c expla9 any?+ beyond1 & pauses 
:]e its k ends4       99,a report ( a   
,lecture deliv]$ 9 ,b5dall's ,assembly  
,rooms1 ,city ,road1 ,london1 ,m>* #hrd1
 #ahfa4  ,a!ism que/ions--,cosmism      
affirms4 ,! language ( ,cosmism is t ( !
 poet 9 ! ',purgatory ( ,suicides'3--   
',i d n say--!re is no ,god1      ,b ?is
 ,i say--,i "k n4'  ,i pref] ,secul>ism1
 :i* conc]ns itself ) ! moral life (    
man1 & ma9ta9s a well-advis$ neutrality 
^u ^! speculative que/ions4 ,my         
sympa?ies are ) ',adam ,b$e1' t /rik+ & 
greate/ creation ( mod]n g5ius1 9 :i* ! 
,national ,review recognis$ ',!         
/rong-head$1 manly1 %>p-temp]$1 secul>  
c>p5t]1 ) 8 en]getic satisfaction 9 8   
"w1 & impati5ce ( dream]s4' ,b z ,i /at$
 9 ! ,york ,debate1 9 #aheh1 at :i* !   
,rev]5d ,canons ,hey & ,rob9son presid$1
 x is an act ( self-def5ce 9 ,engl& to  
"q ! assum$ infallibility ( ,!ism--to   
prove t ,a!i/s are entitl$ to civil     
recognition1 z p]sons hav+ legitimate1  
actual1 & consci5ti\s views1 & :o1      

!re=e1 ought n to be outlaw$ z !y are   
n[4 ,s long z sceptics ( ,!ism are      
refus$ ! "r ( affirmation 9 c\rts ( law1
 & _! lives & prop]ty consequ5tly plac$ 
at ! m]cy ( e ruffian & knave1 s long w 
a ,sceptical propag&a be a p>liam5t>y   
necessity1 to ju/ify ^! op9ions1 & to   
spread !m1 t ^? :o hold !m may1 l !     
,quak]s1 w9 by p]t9acity :at is d5i$ to 
reason4 ,& :ile ?is /ate ( ?+s la/s1 ,i 
confess t ,i li/5 to argum5ts ( oppon5ts
 ) di/ru/1 = ,i see 9 !m1 n s mu* !     
confutation ( my op9ions1 z ! limitation
 ( my fre$om1 & ! ju/ification ( my     
political exclusion4 ,9 ! pres5t /ate ( 
!ological lib]ty 9 ,engl&1 = ! alleg$   
,a!i/ to be sil5t1 is to be a slave     
cons5t+ to 8 own degradation4  ,g4 ,j4  
,h4  #adg1 ,fleet ,/reet1 ,london1      
,e4,c41 ,april #ac?1 #ahfa4     ,,!     
,,limits ,,( ,,a!ism  ,tw5ty ye>s ago ,i
 /epp$ =w>d to def5d ! "r ( express+    
,a!ism on ! "p ( ^? :o consci5ti\sly    
held x4 ,on ,mr4 ,s\?well's imprisonm5t 
9 ,bri/ol1 ,i took 8 place z ,editor ( !

 ,oracle ( ,reason1 & %>$ 8 fate at     
,gl\ce/]4 ,"u ! same circum/ances ,i    
w\ld d x aga9 to-morr[4 ,9 ! expression 
( speculative op9ions !re may be error &
 !re may be outrage2 b ! error is be/   
correct$ by discussion1 & ! outrage by  
cultivation2 b to prohibit ! free       
publication ( op9ion is to /rike at !   
root ( all intrepidity ( ?\ght &        
individuality ( "*2 & aga9/ a uni=mity (
 pr(ession1 :e!r br\ght ab\t by !       
tyranny ( ! majority1 by ! policeman1 or
 by ! magi/rate1 ,i ev] h1 & ev] w1     
prote/ z unwise1 di%one/1 & degrad+4    
,because ,a!i/ical op9ions 7 attack$ by 
! law ,i def5d$ !m3 ,i def5d$ ! "r to   
hold !m )\t %>+ !m4 ,& 9 all !          
publications ,i h edit$1 ,i h accept$ ! 
responsibility ( ! views ( coadjutors & 
correspond5ts )\t conditions1 & my "n is
 associat$ 9 consequ5ce mu* m ) o!r     
p]sons' op9ions ?an ) my own4 ,:5 !     
rights ( consci5ce 9 ,free-?\ght are    
attack$1 to discrim9ate is to condemn2 &
 :ile p]secution is attempt$1 ,i make x 

a po9t ( hon\r nev] to pass 9 appe>ance 
on to ! side ( ! p]secutors4 ,z soon z  
legal opposition to ! publication (     
h]etical op9ion ceas$1 ,i 0 ! fir/ to   
insi/ t ! day ( good ta/e mu/ comm5ce4  
,! mom5t fair play is p]mitt$1 all      
excuse = invective or outrage ends4     
,viol5ce1 exagg]ation1 d5unciation1 are 
crimes aga9/ ,free?\ght ! mom5t         
,free?\ght is p]mitt$4 ,n[ t ,sir       
,george ,cornewall ,lewis1 on ! "p ( !  
,gov]nm5t1 has refus$ ,sir ,john        
,trelawny's reque/ to alt] ! law :i*    
treats an ,a!i/ z an outlaw1 :i* d5ies  
him ! common "r ( legal protection1 :i* 
exposes him to plund] or assault )\t    
r$ress1 :i* c$es to ! ,!i/ a monopoly ( 
v]acity 9 c\rts ( law1 & places ! ^w ( e
 man & woman1 h[ev] hone/1 cultivat$1 & 
reputable1 unable to make a ,pr(ession (
 ,fai?1 z bel[ t ( a convict$ felon1 ,i 
am mo/ reluctant to ent] ^u any         
explanation ( my own views on ! great   
speculative propositions ( !ology1 le/ x
 %\ld appe> to o!rs z timidity1 retreat1

 or disposition to compromise44 ,if a   
man _h 7:i* ,i h n7 a *ange ( op9ion to 
own1 ?is is n ! h\r to make x4 ,b )     
respect to ,affirmative ,a!ism1 !       
necessity = newness ( view is *iefly    
felt by ^? :o d n und]/& x4 ,x is refus$
 civil recognition because x is conceiv$
 to be "s lawless ?+4 ,! con/]nation    
excit$ j n[ by ! ',essays & ,reviews' is
 ow+ to an appreh5sion t public op9ion  
is t5d+ to ! negation ( !ology1 & t is  
conclud$ to be a /ate ( intellectual    
lawlessness4 ,to trace any outl9e ( !   
,limits ( ,a!ism1 may s]ve to give m    
intellig5t def9it5ess to ! misgiv+s     
ent]ta9$ conc]n+ x1 & lead e>li] to its 
legal recognition2 & !re=e alone ,i     
attempt x4  ,let u avoid v]biage if we  
c4 ,too _m words are ! locu/s ( ! m9d1  
:i* d>k5 ! air ( ! und]/&+ & eat up our 
mean+4 ,i believe t language is giv5 u n
 to be us$--except ^u cle> compulsion4  
,!re are two t]ms :i* especially excite 
religi\s reprobation1 & "o ( !m excites 
m9e4 ,i ref] to ,infidelity & ,a!ism4   

,infidelity is a t]m ,i dete/4 ,x       
implies t y believe en\gh to subject y  
to reproa*1 & disbelieve en\gh to       
entitle y to be damn$4 ,x signifies     
disbelief too invet]ate to all[ y to g  
back to sup]/ition1 & too mu* timidity  
to c>ry y\r d\bt to a def9ite or        
legitimate result4 ,i am = ?or\ghness & 
decision4 ,if x be crim9ality to        
disbelieve1 ,i w put scepticism f> f me4
 ,i w n ev5 tamp] ) d\bt4 ,b if x be    
lawful to reject f ! und]/&+ :atev]     
seems false1 !n ,i w disbelieve error z 
a duty1 & unhesitat+ly d\bt :atev] is   
d\btful4  ,a!ism--objectionable z x is f
 wanton negative associations--is a f> m
 :olesome t]m4 ,x is a defiant1 militant
 ^w4 ,!re is a r+ ( decision ab\t x4    
,!re is no cr++ 9 x4 ,x keeps no t]ms ) 
sup]/ition4 ,x makes w>1 & means x4 ,x  
c>ries y away f ! noisome ^w-juggl]y ( !
 conv5tional pulpits1 & br+s y face to  
face ) nature4 ,x is a relief to get out
 ( ! cr[d :o believe because _!         
neighb\rs d1 :o pray by rote1 & wor%ip  

?r\gh fe>2 & w9 y\r lib]ty to w&] 9 !   
refre%+ solitude :]e ! he>t may be      
hone/1 & ! intellect free4 ,affirmative 
,a!ism ( ! intellect is a pr\d1 hone/1  
intrepid1 self-respect+ attitude ( !    
m9d4 ,! ,negative ,a!ism ( m]e          
ignorance1 ( ins5sibility1 ( lu/1 &     
gluttony1 & drunk5ness1 ( egotism or    
vanity1 ^: talk is outrage1 & ^: _s is  
blasphemy2 ?is is ! gross negation (    
,god1 :i* sup]/ition begets 9 its       
slav]y1 & nurtures by its t]rors4 ,^!   
species ( ,a!ism ,i recognise only to   
dis[n & d5\nce !m4 ,( ^! ! prie/ is !   
au?or :o prea*es ! natural corruption ( 
! human he>t1 :o inculcates ! guilt (   
,free?\ght1 ! di/ru/ ( reason1 & despair
 ( self-reliant progress4 ,utt]ly       
diff]5t f ?is is ! ,a!ism ( reflection1 
:i* seeks = conclusive evid5ce1 :i*     
li/5s rev]5tially = ! voice ( ,god1 :i* 
weighs c>efully ! tea*+s ( a ?\ghtful   
,!ism2 b refuses to recognise ! (fici\s1
 incoh]5t babblem5t ( intol]ant or      
presumptu\s m54 ,reflective ,a!ism is   

simply a reluctant unc]ta9ty z to !     
consci\sness ( ,nature1 or z to !       
exi/5ce ( a ,p[] ov] ,nature4 ,z "o :o w
 all[ me ! pleasure ( call+ him my      
fri5d1 ,mr4 ,g4 ,h4 ,lewes1 said1 all   
reflective ,a!ism is susp5sive4  ,he    
inv5t$ ! phrase ,susp5sive ,a!ism to    
describe ! only =m ( op9ion :i* he knew 
,i ma9ta9$4 ,! ?\ghtful ,a!i/ wi%es to  
p]ceive ! :ole tru? ( ,nature1 he       
hesitates unwill+ly1 & waits long+ly = m
 light4  ,let u dismiss at once t crude 
& evasive /ate :i* affects ,a!ism1 &1 at
 ! same "t1 d5ies x2 :i* says no ,!i/   
has def9$ ,deity1 & !re=e ! disbelief 9 
x is an impossibility4  ,affirmative    
,a!ism may be wrong1 b x is at lea/     
intelligible4 ,x has a def9ite          
f\ndation1 or x c\ld claim no position1 
& w\ld des]ve none4 ,x mu/ g ^u facts if
 x w\ld ma9ta9 a place 9 ! k+dom (      
?\ght1 & x f9ds ^! facts 9 ,positivism4 
,! m9d t has w&]$ 9 ! torrid zones (    
error1 ?ir/s ard5tly = ! cool+ draughts 
( positive tru?4 ,x is ?is s5tim5t :i*  

causes ,free?\ght to take ! =m (        
,secul>ism1 & ex*anges ! v]bal          
di/ractions ( conflict+ cre$s = ! cle>  
crit]ions ( moral tru?4 ,x is ! same    
wise impati5ce ( metaphysical           
unrealities :i* leads to ,affirmative   
,a!ism1 & expla9s x4 ,a s]ies ( mat]ial 
& m5tal facts arre/ ! att5tion ( "o tak+
 an unbias$ & indep5d5t view ( !        
univ]se1 ( "t1 & space1 & matt]4  ,!re  
are two classes ( ?9k]s--"o :o comm5ce )
 ignor+ ,nature1 seek+ 9 some?+ outside 
x = ! orig9 ( x1 & :o look ^u ! inf9ite 
processes ( ! worlds :i* p space1 ) !   
dull a/oni%m5t accord$ to m]e ag5cies1 r
 ?an ) ! native wond] & awe :i* !       
consci\sness ( orig9al p[]s awak5s--^!  
are ,!i/s4  ,! o!r class are ^? :o reg>d
 matt] z ! v g>m5t ( ! unkn[n ,god1 to  
:om e spray1 & pebble1 & fl[]1 & /> is a
 m>vel1 a glory1 & an inspiration2 :o1  
compreh5d+ n an ext]nal cause ( nature1 
recognise its exi/5ce1 its surpass+     
afflu5ce1 its multitud9\s m>vels1 & give
 !m ! fir/ place 9 _! wond]1 /udy1      

rev]5ce1 & love--^! are ,affirmative    
,a!i/s4  ,to believe 9 ,nature1 9 its   
self-exi/5ce1 its self-subsi/5ce1 its   
self-action1 its et]nity1 inf9ity1 &    
mat]iality1 & 9 t only1 is ,affirmative 
,a!ism499 ,reflective ,a!ism is pure    
inability to1 realise ! fact ( !        
consci\sness ( ! univ]se1 or to conceive
 ! exi/5ce ( a ,be+ ov] x4  ,to believe 
9 some?+ besides nature--is ,!ism4  ,to 
believe 9 ! consci\sness ( nature--is   
,pan!ism4  ,! explanation ( ,affirmative
 ,a!ism99 "h giv51 involves _m          
consid]ations :i* ,i am n go+ to        
discuss4 ,x is n my prov9ce "h to def5d1
 b to /ate ! case4 ,a def9ition is a    
map1 b x is n ! j\rney4 ,a def9ition is 
a high road ?r\gh a subject1 & a high   
road %\ld be a /raight road3 x may run  
out ( ! way ( "s popul\s t[ns &         
beautiful sc5es1 b x gives ! means (    
quicke/ transit ?r\gh a t]ritory1 f :i* 
! c\ntry c be view$1 & ! travell]       
det]m9e its g5]al features4       99    
,?is might /& = a def9ition ( ,cosmism1 

:i* t]m ,i      employ at sub/antially  
reciprocal ) ,affirmative ,a!ism1      &
 z its sub/itute1 if ,i may employ x 9  
its mod]n &      wid] s5se ?an def9$ by 
,py?agoras4  ,if we h said en\gh = ?is  
purpose1 we may attempt to trace !      
limits ( our subject4 ,! road ?r\gh e   
high "q lies ov] precipices4 ,e great "q
 has its ,mont ,blancs4 ,! high] y climb
 ! deep] ! *asms on ! "r h& & on ! left4
 ,! ,roman ,ca?olic makes wor%ip an art1
 & abject submission a duty4 ,to relieve
 y ( anxiety he deprives ! m9d (        
initiation & fre$om4 ,! ,prote/ant      
conc$es y private judgm5t1 & surr\nds y 
by a social despotism le/ y %\ld use x4 
,he sub/itutes a cre$ = ! ,*ur*4 ,!     
,*ur* is a cell1 & ! cre$ is a cage4 ,! 
cage is light]1 m airy1 & less repulsive
 ?an ! cell1 b ! imprisonm5t is complete
 9 bo?4  ,m]e ,a!ism inculcates fre$om &
 intrepidity ( ! und]/&+1 b may l& y 9  
negation1 9 dogmatism1 9 d5unciation1 9 
irrev]5ce4 ,^! are ! *asms t lie 9 ! pa?
 ( m]e ,a!ism4 ,! travell] :o passes    

into ^! is lo/4 ,to avoid ?is dang] we  
mu/ keep )9 ! limits naturally prescrib$
 to ,affirmative ,a!ism1 :i* are3--  #a4
 ,positivism 9 ,pr9ciple4  #b4          
,exactness 9 ,pr(ession ( ,op9ion4  #c4 
,dispassionat5ess 9 ,judgm5t4  #d4      
,humanism 9 ,conception4    #a4 ,!      
,positivi/ conception ( ,a!ism exhibits 
! limits :i* mod]n ?\ght has impress$ ^u
 x4 ,affirmative ,a!ism ass]ts ! realism
 ( ,nature2 ,!ism d5ies x4 ,!ism refuses
 to recognise ! self-exi/5ce1 !         
self-action1 ! self-subsi/5ce1 et]nity1 
& inf9ity ( ! univ]se4 ,!ism is !       
negation ( ,nature4 ,x is a species (   
impiety t[>ds nature1 & supplants1 by an
 artificial sup]/ition1 ! in/9ctive     
rev]5ce ( ! human he>t4  ,mod]n ,a!ism  
is falsely reg>d$ z a m]e negation1 z a 
species ( crim9al vacuity ( ! und]/&+4  
,to correct ?is idea is to w9 = ^!      
op9ions att5tion if n ass5t4 ,! negation
 ( any error is useful1 b x %\ld be     
foll[$ by its complem5t ( positive tru?4
 ,all m]e negative subjects are l ! lime

 & pebbles swall[$ by f>m f[l to assi/  
dige/ion1 b x f>es ill ) ! f[l if !y get
 no?+ b /ones to dige/2 if no corn or   
b>ley foll[s to be op]at$ ^u4 ,n[1      
que/ions ( ,a!ism & ,scepticism are !   
dige/ive /imuli ( ! m9d2 positive       
pr9ciples supply ! corn & b>ley :i*     
su/a9 ! m5tal sy/em & pres]ve its life4 
,if we give ourselves up to negative    
subjects m]ely1 we come to resemble !   
!ologians :o1 z ,talleyr& said1 'pick a 
great _m bones = v little meat4'  ,old  
,a!ism %[s t ! alleg$ pro(s ( ! exi/5ce 
( a ,deity are inconclusive1 unt5able1  
or self-refutatory4 ,z a discipl9e ( !  
intellect1 z a que/ion+ ( t !i/ical     
speculation :i* has always be5 arrogant 
& tyrannical t[>ds diss5ti5ts1 !re is   
good 9 negative ,a!ism4 ,b x is m       
important if made to subs]ve practical  
objects4 ,m]e negative ,a!ism has no    
ult]ior objects x unt5ants ! m9d1 & ?is 
may n be 9 all ?+s b5eficial4 ,! slave  
may be m heal?y :o is =c$ to take       
ex]cise1 & he may h m physical enjoym5t 

( life ?an ! indol5t freeman1 :o is     
s$5t>y by *oice1 & diseas$ ?r\gh        
inactivity & ov]fe$+4  ,y may pluck up  
we$s1 & ! rank h]bage be m fruitful (   
miasma ?an ! we$s2 or if ! pluck$ up    
we$s produce no h>m1 ! gr\nd may be left
 useless until crops are made to gr[ ^u 
x4 ,s ( ! we$s ( wor%ip :i* spr+ up 9 ! 
prie/-ridd5 m9d4 ,rev]5ce may be        
cultivat$ by sup]/ition1 good conduct   
maybe en=c$ by t]ror2 if sup]/ition &   
t]ror be explod$1 ! rev]5ce & good      
conduct mu/ be c>$ = & be bett] direct$4
 ,free?\ght is no half "w1 x has mu* to 
d4  ,x is delusive to pull d[n ! alt> ( 
sup]/ition & n erect an alt> ( sci5ce 9 
its place4 ,to pack up ! h\sehold gods (
 sup]/ition & leave ! fireside b>e1 w   
h>dly d44 ,affirmative ,a!ism mu/ tea* t
 nature is ! ,bible ( tru?1 "w is       
wor%ip1 t duty is dignity1 & ! unselfi% 
s]vice ( o!rs consolation4  ,!re is no?+
 :olly bad4 ,sup]/ition has 9 x "s      
elem5ts ( good4 ,i no m believe 9 p]fect
 error ?an 9 p]fect tru?4 ,error1 l     

tru?1 is h>dly ev] f\nd pure2 error is  
mix$ ) good1 & tru? alloy$ by evil4 ,!  
m9d mu/ h some?+ to fe$ ^u1 & if x _c h 
tru?1 x w h sup]/ition2 & ?\gh          
sup]/ition1 l "s diet1 is v h>d (       
dige/ion1 & v innutriti\s1 x is bett] to
 fe$ ^u t ?an die4 ,true1 x keeps ! m9d 
?91 b x keeps x alive1 & x is bett] to  
be a skeleton ?an a corpse4 ,n[ x is    
true t "s intellects1 l "s animals1 eat 
by in/9ct ! "r k9d ( food1 b be+ heal?y 
are n fa/idi\s1 & if y give !m bad food 
!y don't object to x & don't c>e = x4   
,if !y take x1 _! dige/ion is s good t x
 does n hurt !m4 ,b !re are o!r p :o p9e
 = ! k ( nature1 & _c subsi/ unless a   
l>ge proportion ( _! m5tal alim5t       
consi/s ( def9ite pr9ciple4 ,:5 ^! are n
 suppli$ by religi\s tea*]s1 &          
,*ri/ianity by any intol]ance prev5ts x 
be+ suppli$ by o!rs1 su* natures expire 
9 an intellectual s5se1 & ,*ri/ianity   
ought to be reg>d$ z guilty ( wilful    
murd]4 ,& 9 ! case ( ,a!ism1 ^? p]sons  
:o are accu/om$ to take sup]/ition1 &   

are depriv$ ( t1 & no attempt is made to
 supply its place by m :olesome         
su/5ance1 are no d\bt injur$4 ,negative 
,a!ism guilty ( ?is neglect may be said 
to be guilty ( manslaught]1 & x w\ld be 
murd] 7 ! neglect accompani$1 z 9 ! case
 ( ,!ism1 by intol]ance4 ,bew>e (       
reckless iconocla/icism4  ,m]e negations
 give all advantage to sup]/ition2 error
 seems wisdom & weal? :5 tru? is sil5t4 
#b4 ,! logic ( ,affirmative ,a!ism beg9s
 9 self-confession4 ,n to see any?+ :]e 
!re is no?+ to be se5 is ! sign ( ! true
 faculty2 & n to say t y d see :5 y d n 
is ! fir/ sign ( v]acity ( intellect4   
,man is =giv5 :o believes m ?an 8       
neighb\rs1 b he is nev] =giv5 if he     
believes less4 ,if he believes m ?an 8  
neighb\rs1 !re is ! presumption t he may
 h made "s discov]y :i* may become      
pr(itable "o day to jo9 94 ,x may be t  
he :o believes mo/1 may m]ely possess a 
m indu/ri\s cr$ulity1 or possess a      
great] capacity = ha/y assumption4 ,b   
?is is seldom prob$4 ,he :o believes    

less may h ab&on$ "s important item (   
ju/ifiable belief4 ,b :5 he :o believes 
less ?an ! multitude1 confesses to !    
fact 9 ! face ( public disapproval1 !   
probability is t he has inquir$ into1 & 
sift$ evid5ce :i* o!rs h tak5 = grant$1 
& discov]$ "s error :i* !y h accept$4 ,8
 great] accuracy ( m9d & exactness (    
spee* are an (f5ce1 because a reproa* to
 ! c>eless or unscrupul\s intellects (  
^? :o conduct life on secondh& op9ions4 
,yet au/]ity ( intellect & au/]ity (    
spee* is z :olesome 9 "*1 z au/]ity (   
morals4 ,i hope1 says ,mr4 ,grote1 9 8  
great hi/ory ( ,greece1 9 a memorable   
passage t ought n to die out (          
recollection1 ',i hope1 :5 ,i come to ! 
lives ( ,socrates & ,plato1 to illu/rate
 "o ( ! mo/ valuable ( _! pr9ciples1 t  
consci\s & confess$ ignorance is a bett]
 /ate ( m9d ?an ! fancy )\t ! reality ( 
k4' ,& 9 a passage :i* ,i _c n[ recall1 
,"l ,br\gham has said t 'a m9d un9=m$ is
 bett] ?an a m9d mis9=m$4' ,9 a /ate (  
ignorance we d no?+1 9 a /ate ( error we

 d wrong4 ,! popul> condemnation ( !    
,a!i/--:i* we h lately he>d z ignorantly
 e*o$ 9 ! ,h\se ( ,commons z 9 "s       
,conv5ticles--is n always utt]$1 because
 ! ,a!i/ does n "k m ?an o!rs1 = none "k
 any?+ c]ta9 conc]n+ ! exi/5ce ( ,god199
 b because ! ,a!i/ does n pr(ess m4     
99 ,9 8 rem>kable "w entitl$ ',fir/     
,pr9ciples1' n[ 9      c\rse (          
publication1 ,mr4 ,h]b]t ,sp5c] has %[n 
t      c]ta9 t]ms ( ,cosmism are z      
incapable ( ultimate      explanation z 
c]ta9 t]ms ( ,!ism4 ,?is %[s h[         
unwise is dogmatism1 h[ unju/ifiable is 
intol]ance1 on      ei!r side4          
,cosmism1 a ?\ghtful "n1 :i* ought to   
sup]s$e ,a!ism 9 ! future1 nei!r d5ies  
nor affirms ! exi/5ce ( ,deity4 ,x waits
 = explanation & pro(4 ,x admits !re is 
evid5ce ( some?+1 b :at t some?+ is1    
does n appe>4 ,!re is evid5ce ( m ?an we
 "k1 b :at t is we d n "k1 & x is       
di%one/y to use a t]m respect+ x1 :i*   
pret5ds t we d "k4 ,:y %\ld x n be      
hon\rable to obs]ve a sci5tific         

res]vation 9 ! exposition ( op9ion8 ,9  
sci5ce x is a sign ( cultivation to     
und]/ate a case & keep )9 ! limits (    
fact & pro(4 ,! res]vation ( ,cosmism1  
:i* s _m reg>d z an (f5ce1 arises f a   
love ( exact tru?1 f an endeav\r to     
atta9 to x 9 expression1 & f an         
hon\rable unwill+ness to employ words   
:i* d n repres5t to him :o uses !m1     
def9ite ideas4  ,if we say ,god is      
,light1 ,love1 ,tru?1 ,p[]1 ,goodness1  
,law1 ,pr9ciple1 we conf\nd attributes )
 exi/5ce4 ,if we say ,god is a ,_s1 ,god
 is space1 we m]ely fill ! imag9ation1 n
 satisfy ! und]/&+3 x is fe$+ ! ?\ghts )
 air1 & leav+ ! intellect hungry4 ,a    
,tr9it>ian ,deity is "o ( ! s*ola/ic    
p]plexities ( ! intellect4 ,! fir/ rule 
( ari?metic is aga9/ x4 ,if x means ?ree
 ,gods 9 "o1 x is an enigma4 ,if x means
 ?ree doctr9al aspects ( ,god1 x        
confuses all simplicity ( feel+4 ,9 !   
simple1 moral he>t ( man1 ,god is "o1 & 
8 "n is ,love2 n a weak1 vap\ry         
s5tim5tality1 b an au/]e1 heal?y love1  

^: expression is /r5g?1 purity1 tru?1   
ju/ice1 s]vice1 & t5d]ness4 ,b ?is      
conception ( ,deity belongs to ! empire 
( ! emotions1 x is a matt] ( feel+1 n ( 
pro(1 & c au?orise no intol]ance t[>ds  
o!rs1 itself exi/+ only by ! suff]ance (
 ! intellect1 :i* has *a/5$ its         
expression1 & is supreme ov] x4         
,exactness ( phraseology is well        
und]/ood self-def5ce4 ,well *os5 t]ms   
are ! true weapons ( op9ion4 ,employ+ an
 old1 batt]$1 rheumatic & abus$ t]m l   
,a!ism1 is l riflem5 us+ ! old musket   
in/ead ( ! f>-rea*+ & fatal ,m9ie4      
,cosmism is ! new t]m :i* conveys ! new 
idea ( ! age1 & expla9s ! improvem5ts 9 
?\ght & _s1 :i* ! m]e t]m ,a!ism        
conceals4 ,to suff] an oppon5t to *oose 
names = y is z ?\gh a combatant %\ld    
suff] 8 enemy to supply 8 arms = !      
conflict4 ,he :o cons5ts to be call$ by 
a hateful "n1 c be defeat$ at ! pleasure
 ( 8 oppon5t4 ,8 ideas are nev]         
discuss$1 8 consci5ti\s _s is nev]      
recognis$1 he is trampl$ d[n by a "n :i*

 libels1 defames1 & de/roys him4 ,let u 
bani% ! unqualifi$ t]m ,a!ism f !       
lit]ature ( !ological controv]sy4   #c4 
,dispassionat5ess is a law (            
,affirmative ,a!ism4 ,^? :o comm5ce by  
believ+ !mselves infallible1 & _! view (
 a "q op5 to no dispute1 c nev] see     
reason 91 nor view ) pati5ce ! diss5t   
:i* o!rs ma9ta94 ,x is ! fir/ in/9ct ( !
 ,cosmi/ 7to use ! pref]able t]m7 to    
keep 8 m9d op5 to reason4 ,! dogmatism  
:i* insi/s on its own case1 & %uts its  
eyes & closes its e>s to ! facts &      
argum5ts on ! side ( ,!ism1 is always to
 be condemn$4 ,dogmatism1 ! s9 (        
sup]/ition1 is exclud$ f ! empire (     
speculation4 ,! cl]gyman w (t5 admit t  
,a!ism endeav\rs to ma9ta9 an           
unprejudic$ tone ( m9d4 ,! ,rev4 ,*>les 
,m>riot1 ( ,oriel ,college1 obs]v$ to   
me1 :5 ,i _h ! hon\r "s ye>s ago to be 8
 gue/1 t 'he _h always m hope ( ! ,a!i/ 
?an ( ! ,diss5t]1 = ! ,diss5t] always   
mov$ 9 a little infallibility ( 8 own1  
:ile ! ,a!i/ 0 always to be rea*$ by    

reason4' ,my/]y w always conqu]         
p>tisans1 & ! ,cosmi/ :o compreh5ds ?is1
 w reason ) sup]/ition1 & nev] be       
impati5t ) x4  ,dispassionat5ess (      
judgm5t w also lead to dispassionat5ess 
( spee*4 ,op9ion 9 a m9ority %\ld nev] h
 rec\rse to invective4 ,prejudice is    
invet]ate en\gh )\t be+ inflam$ by      
d5unciation4 ,unpopul> & unfri5d$ tru?  
mu/ cons5t to placate opposition by     
respectfulness ( tone & fairness (      
spee*4 ,x mu/ nev] compromise           
pr9ciple--t is submission1 & gives !    
errori/ insol5t confid5ce4 ,x mu/ nev]  
outrage--t makes ! errori/ indignant1 & 
deaf to all reason4 ,! =ce ( tru? lies 9
 inv9cible pati5ce & 9 inv9cible        
p]sev]ance ( exposition4 ,progressive   
op9ion ought ev] to be kept on ! high   
places ( dispassionate advocacy4 ,x is  
wond]ful h[ tru? has be5 p]ill$ by      
passion4 ,! battle ( op9ion has always  
be5 f\ght on impulse1 r ?an on          
calculation ( =ces2 & ! small b& ( !    
combatants = new tru?s has (t5 be5      

trampl$ d[n by ! multitud9\s army (     
error4   #d4 ,conceptions ( ,humanity1  
or1 9 o!r words1 ,reliance ( ,humanity1 
is a law & limit ( ,affirmative ,a!ism4 
,e man :o ?9ks1 mu/ *oose "o ( two ?+s1 
a /&>d )\t ! univ]se1 or a /&>d )94 ,i  
*oose "o )91 ,i *oose humanity4 ',m51'  
says ,"l ,bacon1 speak+ ( ,a!ism1 ':o   
look no f>!r1 become w>y ( !mselves4'   
,let u become w>y ( ourselves2 no?+ is m
 :olesome or progressive6  ,h>dness1    
assumption1 egotism1 insubord9ation to  
wor?--9 "o ^w1 irrev]5ce1 ought nev] to 
be ! *>act]i/ic ( ,cosmism4 ,he :o      
v9dicates nature & reason1 %\ld %[ t be+
 left to nature1 philosophy1 reputation1
 & ! laws1 !re exi/s self-regulation &  
reliable rationality499 ,cosmism is !   
highe/ =m ( self-reliance2 !            
responsibility1 :i* to o!rs is a        
necessity1 is to him a duty & a pride4  
99 ,z ! late ,g54 ,jacob1 ! illu/ri\s   
comm&] ( !      ,sc9de ,horse1 te/ifies4
 ',9 ! jangle & des]t1 amid a           
b>b>\s p on ! extreme conf9es (         

civilisation1'      he appli$ ^!        
pr9ciples :5 ,bi%ops despair$ &         
,*ri/ianity fail$2 & he records t ',he 0
 p]mitt$      to witness ) delight !    
fact ( a :ole nation be+      rais$ f a 
/ate ( b>b>\s viol5ce1 mis]y1           
dete/able cruelty1 & horror1 to "o (    
peace1 com=t1      racial ord]1 &       
happ9ess2' t ',he _h se5 _!      fai?ful
 & /eady application 9 practice *ange   
?\s&s      ( ! wilde/ robb]s & murd]]s  
into k9dly &      indu/ri\s citiz5s4  ,!
 wildness1 excesses1 extravagances1 &   
incoh]5ces ( sup]/ition1 arise ?r\gh m5 
look+ )\t !mselves into ^? regions ( !  
unkn[n :]e m5 make ,god aft] _! own     
image1 :]e !y imag9e _! facts1 & reason 
^u !m )\t *eck4 ,h[ imp]t95t is half our
 mod]n wor%ip1 & h[ poor ! o!r half6    
,educat$ m9i/]s speak ( ,god1 & address 
to him praise !y w\ld be a%am$ to (f] to
 any g5tleman4 ,t delicacy ( rev]5ce1 t 
retic5ce ( laudation1 t avoidance (     
presumption & famili>ity1 :i* ! law (   
humanity imposes on all m5 ( religi\s   

habits 9 human relations1 has no exi/5ce
 9 !ology1 :]e x is m to be expect$ &   
inf9itely m ne$ful4 ,:5 ,/4 ,augu/9e    
speaks ( ,god1 !re is a magnific5t      
?\ghtfulness 9 ! t]ms he employs :i* 8  
,pagan ref9em5t _h taught him1 :i* we   
seldom f9d 9 mod]n sa9ts4 ,h[ impos+ly  
he exclaims 9 8 ,confessions3--  ,:at   
art ,?\ !n1 my ,god8 ,mo/ highe/1 mo/   
good1 mo/ pot5t1 mo/ omnipot5t2 mo/     
m]ciful1 yet mo/ j2 mo/ hidd51 yet mo/  
pres5t2 mo/ beautiful1 yet mo/ /rong2   
/able1 yet incompreh5sible2 un*angeable1
 yet all-*ang+2 nev] new1 nev] old2     
all-r5ew+1 & br++ age ^u ! pr\d1 & !y "k
 x n2 ev] work+1 ev] at re/2 /ill ga!r+1
 yet no?+ lack+2 support+1 fill+1 &     
ov]spread+2 creat+1 n\ri%+1 & matur+2   
seek+1 yet hav+ all ?+s4 ,?\ love/1 )\t 
passion2 art jeal\s1 )\t anxiety2       
rep5te/1 yet grieve/ n2 art angry1 yet  
s]5e2 *ange/ ,?y works1 ,?y purpose     
un*ang$2 receive/ aga9 :at ,?\ f9de/1   
yet did/ nev] lose2 nev] 9 ne$1 yet     
rejoic+ 9 ga9s2 nev] covet\s1 yet exact+

 usury4 ,?\ receive/ ov] & above1 t ,?\ 
maye/ owe2 & :o ha? aught t is n ,?9e8  
,?\ paye/ debts1 ow+ no?+2 remitte/     
debts1 los+ no?+4'  ,we =give ! sublime 
contradictions 9 ! /ately m>* ( ?is     
,pagan praise4 ,augu/9e 0 a noble old   
sa9t1 b he _h a ,pagan intellect to !   
end4  ,! ',limits ( ,a!ism' :i* obvi\sly
 pres5t !mselves to ^? :o reflect ^u !m1
 rescue x f ! imputation ( lawlessness4 
,positivism engrafts ^u x practical     
aims4 ,exactness ( spee* necessitates   
exactness ( ?\ght1 & dictates mode/y (  
pret5sion4 ,dispassionat5ess ( judgm5t  
*ecks invective1 dogmatism1 prejudice1  
or unfairness2 & ,reliance ^u ,humanity 
t5ds to self-tru/1 self-direction1 &    
*a/ity ( wor%ip4 ,:y %\ld p]sons :o hold
 ! views ( ,affirmative ,a!ism "u ^!    
',limits' be treat$ 9 ! witness-box z   
public li>s--m5 ^: reit]at$ pr(ession   
is--t !y 'sum up p]sonal duty 9 ,hon\r1 
:i* is respect+ ! ,tru?2 9 ,morality1   
:i* is act+ ! ,tru?2 & 9 ,love1 :i* is  
s]v+ ! ,tru?4'99       99 ',la/ ,trial =

 ,a!ism1' p4 #ajj4  ,plato 9 8 ',laws1' 
rem>ks t ',a!ism is a disease ( ! s\l   
be=e x becomes an error ( ! und]/&+4'   
,?is j op9ion1 if appli$ to m]e         
s5suali/s1 :o disbelieve 9 ,god because 
8 hol9ess is a re/ra9t ^u _! infam\s    
passions1 has s9ce be5 appli$ to ! pure 
?9k]s l ,sp9oza1 to :om x is an insult &
 an outrage4 ,let u see h[ little su* a 
rem>k is applicable to ^? :o ?\ghtfully 
pause be=e adopt+ a cre$ :i*1 h[ev]     
dictat$ by a feel+ ( piety1 is f> less  
rev]5tial ?an ?\ghtful sil5ce4  ,if we  
suppose an int]pos+ ,provid5ce to direct
 ! affairs ( ?is _w1 :at sc5es ( sorr[  
mu/ meet 8 eye8 ,condemn$ to pov]ty &   
pa91 h[ _m human be+s are !re ^: e ^w is
 a pray]1 & e ?\ght a ?rob1 & e         
pulsation a pang8 ,is x n f> m rev]5tial
 to /ruggle = ! "r ) :at p[]s we h1 & ) 
:at ,secul> light is v\*saf$1 & own     
,!ism inscrutable1 ?an connect all ?is  
mis]y ) ! "n ( ,god8 ,! !ory ( a ,god ( 
,pray] :o he>s & aids1 ( a ,provid5ce :o
 ord]s & controls1 all issues to "o     

great ,w1 & :o receives at la/ !        
sorr[-/rick51 ! worn1 /ruggl+ & we>y _s1
 aft] ^? conflicts :i* all :o ?9k1 &    
feel1 & aspire1 enc\nt]1 are primitive &
 endur+ conceptions1 :i* all humanity1 9
 e age & 9 e slime1 *]i%es 9 its        
p]plexity & cl+s to 9 its weakness4 ,x  
is n ,cosmism :i* seeks or wi%es to     
disprove ?is !ory4 ,alas6 ! ,god (      
,pray] does n exi/4 ,i say x n 9        
wantonness1 or recklessness1 nor 9 any  
pr\d _s ( defiance1 nor 9 any h>d _s (  
d5ial1 nor 9 outrage1 nor wilful        
scepticism1 nor simulat$ disbelief4 ,x  
appe>s to me an au/]e fact1 :i* all :o  
obs]ve mu/ see1 :i* all :o are frank mu/
 own4 ,yet ,i "k n t ,i ought to say    
',alas x is s4' ,:y %\ld any man m\rn at
 tru?8 ,:at "r h ,i to arraign ! facts (
 ,nature4 ,to m\rn :at is--is to condemn
 :at is4 ,sorr[ is c5sure :5 x relates  
to :at is possibly ! ord] ( ,god4 ,:at  
au?ority h ,i to look on ,nature awful 9
 its glories & my/]ies1 & by !          
implication includ$ 9 my grief1 to judge

 x & say x is n :at x %\ld be8 ,my      
scrut9y ought r to be direct$ to my     
weakness4 ,true rev]5ce lies r 9 accept+
 unmurmur+ly ! ord] ( ?+s we f9d2 9     
believ+ 9 ! complet5ess & self          
suffici5cy ( nature & humanity1 & t ^!  
conta9 )9 !m elem5ts ( self-su/a9m5t4   
,our duty is to se>* !re = ,tru?1 to "w 
!re pati5tly = ,progress1 to reg>d !    
humble/ conque/ !re ) glad surprise4    
,all virtue is summ$ up 9 s]vice &      
endurance4 ,a wise humility 9           
expectation is surely ! fir/ elem5t (   
rev]5ce4 ,z to ! ,future ,life ( man1 ! 
:ole "q lies 9 a n>r[ compass4 ,!       
immortality ( ! s\l is "o ( ^? problems 
:i* y approa* ) brea?less p]plexity4 ,is
 x possible t e human be+ br\ght into   
exi/5ce1 9 ! caprices ( lu/ & vice1 is a
 c&idate = heav51 & a burd5 ^u !        
cele/ial taxes1 & an inmate ( ! great   
,poor ,h\se or ,re=matory ( et]nity8 ,is
 x 9 ! p[] ( ignorance1 pr(ligacy1 &    
passion1 to cr[d ! porticoes ( ,p>adise 
) illicit (fspr+8 ,c x be true t e be+  

born is liable to et]nal p]dition = acts
 done be=e x _h exi/5ce--or = (f5ces x 0
 pr$e/9$ to commit1 or 9 ! c\rse ( ev5ts
 may commit8 ,x is bett] nev] to be born
 ?an to incur ?is frightful risk4 ,is x 
wor? :ile to live at all ! prey ( ^!    
awful anxieties1 to sport = a few ye>s  
on ! bord]s ( ,hell8 ,:o w\ld ent] !    
dance ( life ) ! devil = a p>tn]8 ,!    
toad t croaks 8 hide\s exi/5ce away 9 ! 
m>%2 ! v dog :om m5 c>ess1 & kick1 &    
despise2 ! slimy worm t crawls ! grave  
y>d1 leads a life ( dignity & undimm$   
bliss1 comp>$ ) ! dread responsibilities
 & nev]-end+ horrors ?us impos$ on human
 consci\sness4 ,no man w p]suade me t   
,god w\ld br+ into exi/5ce any creature 
liable to s frightful a fate4 ,! belief 
9 annihilation is a cre$ ( hol9ess1 9   
comp>ison ) ! cre$ ( ! popul> religion4 
,if1 on ! o!r h&1 ! future life include 
no hopeless horror1 b a /ate (          
purification1 ( re/oration1 ( atonem5t1 
( in/ruction & progress1 h[ev] ardu\s1  
protract$1 & sl[1 ,i am will+ to believe

 9 x1 to hope 9 x1 & rejoice 9 x4 ,i ask
 no gold5 cr[n--,i covet no angel       
w+s--,i crave no presumptu\s seat (     
hon\r at ! "r h& ( ,god4 ,i supplicate =
 no effem9ate security--no et]nity (    
indol5ce & s++--,i am prep>$ = toil z   
well z enjoym5t4 ,! in/9ct ( adv5ture is
 /rong )9 me4 ,/udy & dang] are welcome 
to me--ev5 suff]+1 if x br+ deep] k1    
purity & improvem5t4 ,i d n wi% to be a 
',sa9t made p]fect1' l+]+ ?r\gh an      
et]nity ( monotony1 9 :i* !re is no?+   
fur!r to realise1 b desire r to ent] ^u 
! et]nal discipl9e ( indef9ite progress4
 ,!re nev] 7 disbeliev]s 9 a tol]able   
immortality4 ,! "q is n--is su* a /ate  
desirable8 b--is x true8 ,! vital       
inquiry is--are we to conduct life on ! 
basis ( :at we hope or :at we "k8 ,he :o
 believes 9 :at he wi%es1 & is will+ to 
tea* z true :at he desires1 has already 
pass$ ?r\gh ! gates ( sup]/ition4  ,to  
hon\r ! brave1 to rev]5ce ! good1 to    
give ?anks to ! m>tyr1 to be re-unit$ to
 ^? y h lov$ & lo/2 if ^! be ! incid5ts 

( immortality1 !re nev] 0 a disbeliev] 9
 x4 ,! ,cosmi/ only deplores ! scant9ess
 ( ! pro(4 ,!re is no scepticism "h :i* 
is wilful4 ,e d\bt is reluctant1 e      
misgiv+ is a self-d5ial4  ,! popul>     
!ology1 x mu/ be own$1 has _m repulsive 
aspects4 ,! vulg>e/ & mo/ illit]ate     
believ] is enc\rag$ to pr(ess a famili> 
& confid5t k1 hidd5 f ! pr(\nde/        
philosoph]s4 ,x is an unansw]able       
position1 t _h ,god spok51 ! univ]se    
w\ld h be5 conv9c$4 ,_h ,deity desir$ t 
8 p]sonal exi/5ce %\ld be daily         
recognis$ & et]nally bruit$ abroad among
 m51 he w\ld h plac>d$ ! fact on ! walls
 ( nature 9 lett]s ( light--s lum9\s1 t 
"t %\ld nev] pale !m2 s indelibly1 t !  
w> ( elem5ts %\ld nev] efface !m2 s     
pla9ly & conclusively1 t no prie/ %\ld  
ev] be able to miscon/rue !m2 & no      
wayf>]1 9 ?is hurry+ _w1 ev] be 9 d\bt  
ab\t !m4 ,z ?is is n s1 ! great secret  
is left evid5tly to sil5t ?\ght & rev]5t
 conjecture1 ( :i* ev5 m]e negative     
,a!ism is a res]v$ expression1 &        

,cosmism a s*eme ( philosophical        
adoration4  ,"h is a p>ticle ( matt]4 ,x
 may be amb]1 or a ruby1 or a /one4     
,:5ce came ! electrical prop]ties ( !   
"o1 ! lurid brilliancy ( ! o!r1 or !    
d5sity ( ! /one8 ,^! qualities are      
wond]s & miracles ?r\gh all "t4 ,sci5ce 
f9ds !m m>vels & leaves !m my/]ies4 ,!  
philosoph] is no m provid$ ) a solution 
?an ! peasant4 ,inde$1 ! wond] ( !      
philosoph] has a deep] int5sity4 ,he    
sweeps ) 8 eye1 & b5ds 8 e> ov] a wid]  
field ( nature1 & no sign rew>ds 8      
scrut9y1 no response repays 8 att5tion4 
,look at ?is humble1 secure1 &          
commonplace /one6 ,we neglect x ) ! eye1
 we spurn x ) ! foot--x is n wor? rais+ 
f ! %ore4 ,yet no book 0 ev] writt51 no 
message 0 ev] deliv]$1 no romance ev]   
depict$1 no epic ev] sung1 conta9+ su*  
wondr\s int]e/ z ! /ory ( ?is /one1 c\ld
 any man tell x4 ,:at ?rong+            
conjectures6 :at unbidd5 & tumultu\s    
memories rise z we contemplate its      
possible mutations ( exi/5ce6 ,hi/ory 0 

unwritt5 :5 x fir/ slept 9 ! e>?4 ,:at  
g5]ations ( m5 h liv$ & /ruggl$1 & di$  
s9ce x 0 fir/ brok5 f ! rock6 ,great    
battles1 *ang+ ! fate ( dyna/ies1 &     
involv+ ! s]vitude ( races1 h be5 f\ght 
ov] its calm re/+ place4 ,possibly ?\s&s
 ( ye>s ago ! ma/odon trod ^u x1 & !    
i*?yosaurus paddl$ x into ! sea4 ,anci5t
 waves may h wa%$ x into ! ocean1 be=e !
 fir/ %ip 0 laun*$ by ! fir/ m>9]4 ,9 ! 
sil5t & wondr\s cav]ns ( ! great deep1  
:i* no plummet has fa?om$ & no eye has  
ev] se51 x has la9 9 regal re/4 ,:at    
mon/]s h gl>$ at x6 :at tempe/s h rag$1 
:at tornadoes h brok5 ov] x6 :at        
e>?quakes may h toss$ x up f its hid+   
place4 ,on :at %ore did x reappe>8 ,did 
"s ,assyrian lov] wat* ! wave :i* wa%$ x
 up8 ,did "s "y ,ph>aoh play ) x8 ,has x
 be5 imb$d$ 9 ! walls ( ,troy8 ,did     
,a*illes plant 8 spe> by x8 ,did x lie  
on ! pla9s ( ,m>a?on on ! morn+ ( !     
memorable battle8 ,has x be5 dy$ by !   
blood ( ,caes> 9 ! /reets ( ,rome8 ,h   
,*aldean %eph]ds pick$ x up z ! ori5t   

morn+ sun broke ov] _! sil5t pla9s8  ,:5
 all ^! & a ?\s& o!r que/ions h be5     
answ]$1 its hi/ory is n begun4 ,its     
elem5ts are inde/ructible4 ,! p>ts ( :i*
 x is compos$ 7 nev] creat$--9 "s =m1 9 
"s _w1 !y always exi/$4 ,:]e 7 !y :5 !  
e>? 0 )\t =m or void8 ,to :at a/ral     
sy/em did ! matt] ( ?is pebble once     
belong8 ,( :at /> did x =m a "p8 ,:]e 0 
x be=e "t on ?is planet began to be8 ,if
 matt] has exi/$ = ev]1 ?is /one 9 its  
c\ntless transmutations is a geological 
,w&]+ ,jew ( et]nity4 ,if we _c tell !  
hi/ory ( a s+le /one1 :o %all tell !    
hi/ory ( ,god8 ,if a poor pebble be a   
surpass+ my/]y1 :o %all und]/& ! ,deity8
 ,:at mu/ be ! pret5sion1 ! presumption 
to inf9ite capacity ( t man :o1 paus+ n 
9 rev]5t humility 9 ! pres5ce ( ^!      
myriad miracles :i* cr[d be=e him1 yet  
tells u 9 confid5t & dogmatic tones1 t  
he       ',looks ?r\gh ,nature up to    
,nature's ,god8'  ,= myself1 ,i cleave r
 to t m mode/ =m ( op9ion :i* /&s 9 mute
 wond] & li/5s ) gre$y e>s to ! secret  

tale ( ,nature1 & waits ) undy+ int]e/ !
 revelations :i* sci5ce1 or ?\ght1 or   
"t1 or dea?1 %all make ( ^! my/]ies :i* 
surr\nd u ev]more4