The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-14
Facts and Comments.

This volume of miscellaneous essays by
Herbert Spencer, he says conclusively, is
his last work. They are not all new writ
ings, some having appeared before in
whole or in part in periodicals, but others
are fresh utterances and some. he says
frankly, are to his mind important. To
the minds of his readers, anything Herbert
Spencer might say is important and when
he chooses to talk on subjects with which
his is not ordinarily associated and
which seem remote from his interests-or
supposed interestS-his words have especial
significance. 1t may be that his opinions
on matters outside the studies to which he
has given his life have no more authority
than have those OF lesser men: neverthe-
less the views of man who has thought
so deeply in certain directions must inevi-
tably convey weight in other lines.
pathoS attaches to some of these opin-
ions also. He frankly avows his skepticiSm
in regard TO religious creeds but in con-
sidering what the skeptic should say TO
believers he concludes thus: Meanwhile
sympathy commands silence toward all
who, suffering under the ills of life, derive
comfort from their creed. While IL for
bids the dropping of hints that may shake
their faiths, it suggests the evasion which
cannot be discussed without unsettling
their hopes" Several chapters are de-
voted to the discussion of music. He holds
that music properly appeals to the emo
lions and not the intellect. ANY culture
effect which may rightly be recognized,
ne says, must De consequent on the
element of the superior emotions. Music
may appeal to crude and coarse feelings
or to refined and noble ones; and in so far
as ii does the latter it awakens the higher
nature and works an effect, though but a
transmitting effect, of beneficial kind.
But the primary purpose of music is
neither instruction nor culture, but pleas
ure; and this is all-sufficient purpose"
He covers great deal of ground in these
essays, the titles of some Of them indi
cate-"A Few Americanisms,' Presence of
f.N1f limo tn1ln 40
Purpose of Art" THE Origin of Music,
Estimates of Men" State Education"
style" ''The Pursuit of Prettiness,"
Slavery" Gymnastics "Euthanasia,"
etc. The final chapter deals with some UNI
solved mysteries and concludes with this
tremendous thought concerning space:
"Theist and agnostic must agree in rec
ognizing the properties of space in
herent, eternal, uncreated-as anteceding
all creation, II creation has taken place,
and all evolution if evolution has taken
place. Hence. il we could penetrate the
mysteries of existence, there would re-
main still more transcendant mysteries.
And, then, comes the thought of
this universal matrix itself. anteceding
alike creation or evolution, whichever may
be assumed and infinitely transcending
both, alike in extent and duration; since
both, If conceived at all, must be conceived
as having had beginnings, while space had
no beginning. The thought of this blank
form of existence which, explored in all
directions as far as imagination can reach,
has, beyond that, an UNEMPLOYED region
compared with which that part which
imagination has traversed is but infinitesi-
mal-the thought of a space compared to
which our immeasurable sidereal system
dwindles to a point is a thought too over
whelming TO be dwet upon. OF late years
the consciousness that without origin
cause infinite space has ever existed, and
must ever exist, produces in me a feeling
from which 1 shrink"
Altogether the volume is so full of
thought and suggestion that no reader can
fail to regret that it is the authors final
utterance. ID. Appleton & Co.