On the Application of the lernt " Infinite.** S73 



of any created subject, must in this case be regarded as an at- 

 tribute of the Deity, of which infinity may of course be pre- 

 dicated. 



If, however, space be considered — what I believe it to be 

 — a property of matter ; as in this case also it cannot exist 

 independent of its subject, there can be no such thing in na- 

 ture as absolute space or absolute vacuum. Under this view, 

 then, if we take away matter, we take away space. Space 

 may indeed be nevertheless abstractedly conceived of, or ima- 

 gined, as existing independently of matter as its subject: but 

 in reality it can have no such existence, and can only be con- 

 sidered as a property co-existent with matter, as its subject. 



Now, universality cannot, I apprehend, be predicated of 

 the material part of creation, without affirming that there are 

 no other modes of substantial existence except what are pro- 

 per to material being and substance ; I therefore conclude, that 

 matter is not universal, and consequently not infinite ,■ — thus, 

 that neither its qualities nor physical properties are infinite: — 

 and that the material universe forms, as it were, but the out- 

 work or lowest basis of created existence, between which and 

 the Creator there are intermediate modes of existence ; al- 

 though no direct physical proof, perhaps, can be given of 

 modes of existence different in their nature from those of mat- 

 ter and space. The reality of such superior modes of ex- 

 istence may however be presumed from the nature of the 

 human mind, which as it were can look into the things of space, 

 although in itself it is not subject to or limited by space; 

 but has a mental perception or consciousness of an existence 

 according to a superior mode : and, if I may be allowed the 

 expression, within the sphere of outward space and nature. 



If it be true that space is proper to material nature alone, 

 and if there be other modes of existence which are not sub- 

 ject to the laws that govern matter, then space cannot be 

 universal, — thus cannot be infinite ; and the same will apply 

 to all physical properties whatever. 



With respect to infinite duration : that which is necessarily 

 existing must be considered as antecedent to that which is 

 created : — thus all created things must be considered, as to 

 duration of existence, to have begun to be j in this respect, 

 therefore, their duration must be limited, and if limited, not 

 infinite;— although they may nevertheless continue to exist to 

 eternity. Infinite duration therefore can only be applied to 

 the self-essent, self- existent, and underived being of the 

 Creator. Considering therefore that all created subjects, by 

 the necessity of their constitution, are limited and finite, their 

 qualities or properties in like manner must be limited and 



finite ; 



