"I infer it, from the very obvious marks of _benevolent design_ which are apparent through the whole range of creation." "I will not dispute this point; but permit me to ask you whether, in your belief, his sympathy is a species of refined sentimental emotion for his own gratification, or a practical manifestation of sustaining and consoling influence; and whether he sympathizes with _every individual man_ who needs his sympathy, _or only a select portion_ of the great family of suffering humanity?" "Before I reply to your questions, may I ask if you have any doubt on the question of his sympathy for individual man?" "I have no doubt on the question of his sympathy and loving-kindness in behalf of those who confide in him, and who love him, because my Bible tells me so; but there is an ambiguity in your form of expression, which, in my judgment, involves a self-evident contradiction, and this is why I have asked for a clear explanation--ambiguity in reasoning being something like a sudden eclipse, which wraps everything in total darkness." "In my theory, Sir, there is no selection--nothing like that undercurrent of partiality which runs through the Bible; all are treated alike, standing on the same level; and hence my expression, he sympathizes with individual man, means _every man_." "And you believe this, without his telling you that he does cherish a _practical_ sympathy for every man." "I infer it, Sir, and from what I consider an infallible data--the obvious marks of benevolent design, which I can trace through the whole range of the visible creation."