I
                                    do not deny. I do not know -- but I do not believe. I
 
believe
                                    that the natural is supreme -- that from the infinite chain
 
no
                                    link can be lost or broken -- that there is no supernatural
 
power
                                    that can answer prayer -- no power that worship can persuade
 
or
                                    change -- no power that cares for man.
 
     I believe that with infinite arms Nature embraces the all --
 
that
                                    there is no interference -- no chance -- that behind every
 
event
                                    are the necessary and countless causes, and that beyond every
 
event
                                    will be and must be the necessary and countless effects.
 

                                        Man must protect himself. He cannot depend upon the
 
supernatural
                                    -- upon an imaginary father in the skies. He must
 
protect
                                    himself by finding the facts in Nature, by developing his
 
brain,
                                    to the end that he may overcome the obstructions and take
 
advantage
                                    of the forces of Nature.
 
     Is there a God?
     I do not know.
 
     Is man immortal?
     I do not know.
 
     One thing I do know, and that is, that neither hope, nor fear,
 
belief,
                                    nor denial, can change the fact. It is as it is, and it
 
will
                                    be as it must be.
 
     We wait and hope.