THE CONTROL OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 339 



exactly repeated is apparently of no consequence, as long as average 

 results are known. The notion of infinite variation, as thus implied, 

 is defective because the identity underlying the variation is omitted. 

 It is fair to assume that identity will keep pace with variation, and that 

 the margin of variation must always involve continuity, or a further 

 illustration of the order or law manifested by the phenomena con- 

 sidered. The history of science shows that the new relations do not 

 render absurd the verified conclusions of reason, though much is added 

 that has to be classified and as far as possible reduced to a reasonable 

 basis. In fact, the variations are seen to verify the known sequences 

 instead of lessening their certainty. We may therefore assume that 

 vast, far-reaching forces, or forms of force now unknown, will never 

 even seem to interfere with the obvious and seemingly necessary laws 

 manifested by known phenomena. Such interference of unknown laws 

 would be, as far as we could perceive, a break in continuity, or causa- 

 tion, and the inflow of obvious absurdity. From this point starts the 

 root of superstition ; for persons without perception of the causation 

 underlying all action endow the unknown forces with power to pro- 

 duce effects at variance with the simplest forms of sequence, the dis- 

 turbance of which would at once render void the human intellect. Are 

 we to believe that gloves were sent from Bombay to London in an in- 

 stant, thus setting aside one of the first laws of matter learned in 

 childhood ? If such monstrous phenomena occur, then it is useless to 

 think that we can trace method in circumstances. 



All the evidence so far collected indicates that actions and results 

 are related, and we are thus encouraged by the thought that no work 

 is wasted — ^that it must stand to the credit of the worker. When the 

 effect upon others is not discernible, we can be sure that the advantage 

 still exists as latent force of character. The value of work remains 

 good in spite of vicissitudes. This may seem trite, but we must re- 

 member that the relation between work and effect is constantly ob- 

 served in a partial light, so that people are likely to be either fatalists 

 like Micawber, or to look upon a special failure as inexcusable and as 

 a certain indication of quality. It has been the object of this outline 

 of so complicated a question to modify these opposing views, to en- 

 courage effort, to emphasize the rational perception of the continuity 

 or order pervading events, and to put aside as far as possible the fear- 

 ful possibilities with which some endow the mysterious power every- 

 where manifested in nature. As long as we feel conscious that the 

 unknowable reality can never involve anything irrational, ill-fitting the 

 harmony and grandeur of the sidereal universe, we feel that ideas may 

 lessen the burdens of men, widen their thought, and teach them that 

 these persistent effects following causes may be depended upon with 

 entire trust. Meantime the progress of men in intelligence, toward a 

 certain degree of happiness, continues. One of the principal factors of 

 this advancement is that all should sincerely express personal convic- 



