246 THOUGHTS ON BELIEF AND EVIDENCE. 



any thing beyond them, in addition to what has been already proved, 

 but the fundamental principles are contained in the definitions. 



We have now reviewed the various states to which the word belief 

 is applied as a common name. They all consist either in the presence 

 in the mind of sensations or remembrances, the mere existence of 

 which constitutes the belief; in invariable association of two or more 

 sensations or ideas, causing the presence of the one to suggest the 

 other as about to arise, which constitutes the expectation of it or belief 

 that it will come ; or in the knowledge of certain conditions or rela- 

 tions of things ; or of the meaning and proper limits of certain termis 

 introduced into the mind by means which we call evidence. There 

 can be no evidence afforded or needed of the truth of a sensation, or 

 of a belief in a succession of associated ideas ; but where the per- 

 ceptions of others are communicated by testimony, where general 

 conclusions arise from multiplied observations, or where deductive 

 reasoning unfolds relations not before perceived, the belief is pro- 

 duced by means, which means constitute evidence, and certain rules 

 and precautions are laid down for its regulation, constituting the 

 laws of evidence, which must be correct generalizations of observed 

 facts respecting the means of securing truth in the classes of cases 

 here referred to. 



Truth is the expression of the real condition and relation of things. 

 The term is used ethically for the conformity of our words to our 

 belief, but the two senses must be carefully distinguished. Truth is 

 something real, not variable according to individual judgments or 

 feelings, but existing in the nature of things. Without all doubt 

 much of it has been, and, by persevering efforts, much more may be 

 obtained. It is, on all possible subjects, the proper and only safe 

 guide for human conduct. , To deny its usefulness is about as reason- 

 able as to reject either light or guidance in passing at night through 

 an unknown wilderness, abounding in quagmires, chasms, and water 

 channels. We are furnished with faculties for its attainment, and 

 to employ them well, so as to benefit ourselves and others, is the 

 glory and happiness of our nature. 



