Chap. XII.] Philosophy of the Human Mind. *203 



M, Condorcet *, and some others, also of France ; 

 J3y means of whose writuigs it obtained consider- 

 able currency among the literati of that country, 

 and was afterwards embraced and defended, with 

 much plausibility, by Mr. Godwin f, and others, 

 pf Great Britain J. 



The advocates of this doctrine maintain the Per- 

 fectibility of Man. With regard to the nature of 

 the human mind they appear, in general, to cm- 

 brace the system of inaterialim^. They suppose^ 

 that the thinking principle of man is the result of 

 coi pureal organisation ; that the difference in minds 

 results from the difference of this organisation, and 

 more especially from the subsequent circumstances 

 and education of the individual ; that by means of 

 the diffusion of knowledge, and the adoption of 

 better principles and modes of education, the im- 

 prove.nent of man in intellect, in virtue, and in 

 happuiess, will go on to an illimitable extent ; that, 

 at length, mind shall become - omnipotent over 

 matter," perfect enjoyment assume the place of 

 present suffering, and human life, instead of being 



* Outlines of an Historical View of the Progress of Hit Human 



Mind, 8vo, 1795. , ,. « 1 c 



t inquirij concerning Political Justice, second ccat. 2 vols, 8no, 



1706. . . 



> It Is not meant to be asserted that all these writers agree with 

 respect to the details of their several systems ; but tliat diey con- 

 cur in asserting the omnipotence of education, and Uie perfectibility 



of man. ,. ,.,.,,. ^ 



§ Some of those who profess a belief in ihe rcrfectdnliti/ of 

 man appear to be in doubt with respect both to the immatniahfy 

 and immortanty of the soul. They are so busied about the mi- 

 provement of man in this world, that they have little time, and 

 less inclination, to bestow a tliought on hi. dc^tI^> and prospects 

 jn that which is to come. 



