COSMIC PHILOSOPHY 



fined metaphysical philosophy of the day/ are 

 we easily led. By the very limitations of our 

 faculties, we are compelled to think of a First 

 Cause of all phenomena ; and we are compelled 

 to think of it as both infinite and absolute. 



Nevertheless, it will not be difficult to show 

 that such a conclusion is utterly illusive ; and 

 that in joining together the three conceptions 

 of Cause, of Infinite, and of Absolute, we have 

 woven for ourselves a network of contradictions 

 more formidable, more disheartening, than any 

 that we have yet been required to contemplate. 



For, in the first place, that which is a cause 

 cannot at the same time be absolute. For the 

 definition of the Absolute is that which exists 

 out of all relations ; whereas a cause not only 

 sustains some definite relation to its effect, but 

 it exists, as a cause, only by virtue of such re- 

 lation. Suppress the effect, and the cause has 

 ceased to be a cause. The phrase " Absolute 

 Cause," therefore, which is equivalent to " non- 

 relative Cause," is like the phrase " circular tri- 

 angle." The two words stand for conceptions 

 which cannot be made to unite. " We attempt," 

 says Mr. Mansel, " to escape from this apparent 

 contradiction by introducing the idea of suc- 

 cession in time. The Absolute exists first by 

 itself, and afterwards becomes a Cause. But 



^ [The reference is especially to Dean ManseFs Bampton 

 Lectures on "The Limits of Religious Thought."] 



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