g on a theory that begets such principles of action; the
more so since, in Spencer's and in Darwin's system, the human soul, even
in grown persons, is only a material modification of the body and
perishes with it in death. Hence there would be no responsibility after
death. On this theory the physician is only a lump of very curiously
evolved matter; he, too, like the embryo, is without an immortal soul,
is not a free being, and therefore is incapable of having rights or
duties.

Before we remodel our codes of Ethics and Jurisprudence by the admission
into them of such destructive and revolutionary principles, we shall at
least be allowed to challenge these aggressors and ask solid proof of
their rash innovations. We may address to them the wise words uttered
against similar speculators by one of the most logical of modern
reasoners, the illustrious Cardinal Newman. "Why may not my first
principles contest the prize with yours? they have been longer in the
world, they have lasted longer, they have done harder work, they have
seen rougher service. You sit in your easy-chairs, you dogmatize in your
lecture-rooms, you wield your pens: it all looks well on paper; you
write exceedingly well; there never was an age in which there was better
writing, logical, nervous, eloquent, and pure,--go and carry it out in
the world. Take your first principles, of which you are so proud, into
the crowded streets of our cities, into the formidable classes which
make up the bulk of our population: try to work society by them. You
think you can; I say you cannot; at least you have not as yet, it is to
be seen if you can.... My principles, which I believe to be eternal,
have at least lasted eighteen hundred years; let yours last as many
months.... These principles have been the life of nations; they have
shown they could be carried out; let any single nation carry out yours"
("Present Position of Catholics in England." p. 293).

Gentlemen, let no one trifle with the principles of Ethics and
Jurisprudence; human society cannot get along without them. Morality is
the heart of civilization: its principles are the life-blood, which it
sends forth to feed and warm and strengthen and beautify all the organs
of its earthly frame. A flesh-wound may be healed, a bone may be set, it
may knit and grow vigorous again; but you must not puncture the heart,
nor attempt to change the natural channels of the circulating blood,
under the penalty of having a c