ABSTRACT
In many respects its constructive and comprehensive character entitles it to cordial admiration and praise. To conceive a system so positive and universal as Mr. Spencer’s is in itself an education to an age, and its extraordinary influence is evidence that the modem intellect is neither so sceptical nor so critical as it is said to be, but loves, as intellect ever has done, to believe a system, stated in terms it thinks it. understands, that promises to explain the universe presented to its senses and represented in its thought. Mr. Spencer’s system is remarkable as an attempt to achieve from the side of Empiricism what Empiricism had not simply been unable to accomplish, but had existed expressly to prove impossible of accomplishment by any system whatever. Modern Empiricism really begins with Locke. It has moral passion and purpose in it, is capable of creating and directing enthusiasm for the rights and liberties and against wrongs and oppressions of man.
