The Presidential Address. 93
of the theory of evolution it does not enter into my province
to speak this evening. To my mind Darwin has exalted our
conception of Nature beyond the theologies. He has taught
us that there is no intermediate and direct interference with
the course of natural law—he has enforced the lesson that
in studying natural science we are concerned only with
secondary causes. I cannot do better than conclude in the
words of Bacon :—"For certain it is that Clod worketh
nothing in Nature but by second causes; and if they would
have it otherwise believed, it is mere imposture, as it were in
favour towards God; and nothing else but to offer to the
Author of Truth the unclean sacrifice of a lie." 35
35 'Advancement of Learning,' Book I.