Dear Sir,

I am very much obliged to you for your kindness in sending me your spirited & interesting lecture.¹ If a layman had delivered the same address, he would have done good service in spreading what, as I hope and believe, is to a large extent the truth; but a clergyman in delivering such an address does, as it appears to me, much more good by his power to shake ignorant prejudices, & by setting, if I may be permitted to say so, an admirable example of liberality.

With sincere respect I beg leave to remain— | Dear Sir, | Yours faithfully & obliged | Charles Darwin