i Pie nbs! 
which intereft directs, and progreffive civilization enables them to 
interchange. What then muft be the confequence of a /oczety 
of created men? of men equally needing affiftance in all things ; 
and from that very equality of wants, equally incapable of 
imparting it in any :—the neceflities of each much greater and 
more numerous than if he were the only individual of his {pecies, 
and his ability to fupply them infinitely lefs. Is it neceflary to 
add that the darknefs of the profpect is heightened, when in fuch 
an affembly of human beings we look in vain for thofe ties of 
kindred, affinity, gratitude, and previous acquaintance :—for all 
that now cements the materials of fociety, and fecures its 
advantages? The confequences that would enfue are fuch as the 
leaft acute muft perceive, and the leaft candid muft acknowledge 
to be fatal. ; 
Reason, therefore, as well: as revelation, authorizes us to 
affirm that there has been a firft man; and. the immediate 
inference from this truth direétly contradi€ts Mr. Hume’s affer- 
tion, that polythei/m made part of man’s primary religious faith. 
The firft man ftarts into exiftence at the» word of almighty 
power. What is the firft thought which muft obtrude itfelf 
on his mind? Is it not this enquiry—‘“ whence am I?” And 
muft not his unbiaffed, unfophiflicated reafon afcribe fuch a 
great effect to the operation of a mighty caufe? He views the 
wonderful fymmetry of his frame, and concludes that the fame 
caufe is a wife intelligence. He exults in his young exiftence, , 
and acknowledges that caufe to be as good as he is intelligent 
and powerful. In himfelf, in his faculties, and his exiftence, 
he 
