216 LIFE IX NATURE. 



from the nature of force. If this be only felt by 

 us, and do not exist in nature, it is a strong proof 

 that the change with which we connect it is also 

 in ourselves. To deny force in Nature, and leave 

 there the change with which we feel it to be con- 

 nected, seems not possible. To claim force as seated 

 in our own feeling, implies that the change is also 

 in ourselves ; that we are altered, and not Nature, 

 in her shifting phenomena. 



So the feeling of force would be associated with 

 change in man. We feel ourselves, when exerting it, 

 changing that which is without us ; but it is truly 

 humanity that we affect. We can picture the idea 

 to ourselves by the aid of a familiar illustration. A 

 rower on a stream exerts his strength upon his oar, 

 and perceives the shore as if it moved ! and not 

 he only, but all who may be with him in the boat. 

 The exertion of his force, affecting their common 

 condition, presents to their perception a common 

 change in the things around. 



In the view we thus take many advantages are 

 found. Our thought of nature is at once simplified 

 and elevated. Instead of feeling ourselves to be a 



