Science may, in fact, be defined, as the _study of the modes of operation of the first cause_. It is evident, therefore, that the recognition of second causes cannot preclude the idea of the existence of God.... Thus, Theism is necessary, intuitive, and therefore universal. We cannot get rid of it if we would. Push it out, as many do, at the front door, and it comes in again, perhaps unrecognized, at the back door. Turn it out in its _nobler forms_ as revealed in Scripture, and it comes in again in its _ignoble forms_, it may be as magnetism, electricity, or gravity, or some other supposed efficient agent controlling Nature. In some form, noble or ignoble, it will become a guest in the human heart. I therefore repeat, _Theism neither requires nor admits of proof_. But in these latter times, there is a strong tendency for Theism to take the form of _Pantheism_, and thereby religious belief is robbed of all its power over the human heart. It becomes necessary, therefore, for me to attempt to show, not the existence indeed, but the _personality of Deity_.... Among a certain class of cultivated minds, and especially among scientific men, there is a growing sentiment, sometimes openly expressed, sometimes only vaguely felt, that what we call God is only a universal, all-pervading principle animating Nature,--a general principle of evolution--an unconscious, impersonal life-force under which the whole cosmos slowly develops. Now, this form of Theism may possibly satisfy the demands of a purely speculative philosophy, but cannot satisfy the cravings of the human heart.... The argument for the personality of Deity is derived from the evidences of intelligent contrivance and design in Nature, or in the adjustment of parts for a definite, and an intelligent purpose. It is usually called '_the argument from design_.' The force of this argument is felt at once intuitively by all minds, and its effect is irresistible and overwhelming to every plain, honest mind, unplagued by metaphysical subtleties."--Prof. Joseph Le Conte: in _Religion and Science_, pp. 12-14.