51 



causes produce effects; but they are disguised to us> because two 

 things have not the same relation with our perceptive faculties, as 

 one thing; and after a process of causation, we contemplate a ter- 

 tium quid, which is an aggregate of the causes. This is clearly, 

 and, what is more, truly illustrated in numerical changes : two and 

 two make four. Why? Because two and two are four, or four is 

 the existence of two and two ; if one is added we make tive, for the 

 same reason ; if one is taken away the identity is what the remaining 

 causes make it, or is the existence of the remaining causes, or three, 

 &c. Things are what their causes make them, for where there is 

 not production, and where there is no cause, there is unchangeable 

 nihility. The foundation of this principle has been before fully 

 discussed. 



44. The causes of the universe determine its harmony, or its 

 seeming discord. If it be asked why this fine arrangement is ap- 

 parent? it must be answered, because such is the force of the 

 existences which make it what it is ; and if they were otherwise it 

 also would be different. Thus then we may venture to exhibit the 

 views which would agree with the principles unembarrassed by our 

 duller reasonings; and, in some such form, of soliloquy as the fol- 

 lowing, we may suppose an enthusiast in these views to express 

 himself, 



45. Great Nature, by whatever name expressed, it is to thee I 

 address myself! thee I contemplate! thou art my theme: but 

 where begin to think, where begin to speak of thee ! I view, at 

 night, a large expanse of hill and dale, shaded with trees, clad in 

 luxuriant verduie; or naked, sighing at the rude attacks of wintry 

 blasts. Imagination paints the extent beyond, where earth is mottled 

 by other shapes and clothing ; with other animals to enjoy her 

 fruits. From this terrestrial scene, the view ascends to those re- 

 volving orbs, this lofty dome, adorned with stars and planets. These 

 things I contemplate, and wonder, Nature, at the vastness of thy 

 space and works; thy silence breathes into my soul; all is im- 

 mensity, engendering wonder. Yet this first impression once abated, 

 a speck of thy production, with faculties, the offspring of thy bounty, 

 presumes to scan thy methods, and pry impertinently into ways 

 which thou hast studied to conceal. But forgive the trespass, it 

 is love of thee that prompts this curious zeal, and guides my 

 thoughts astray; it is thy work, that they should adore thee ; take 

 it, therefore, not amiss, that falling from the amazement which is 

 first inspired by thee, I seek to know at least thy scheme, ihougli 

 ignorant of thy means, thy instruments, and subtler agencies. 



46. Thy movements give birth to time, yet thy existence ac- 

 knowledges no period ; thou hast made time, and wilt not. be 

 obedient to thy creature : we boast some records of thy existence, 

 and presume to fix a date to thy beginning ; but if then thou didst 

 commence, from whence derived? or how start forth from nothing? 

 Thy own nature, thy inherent and proper forces, had no share m 



