On Infinites. 335 



with certainty that the period between that point and the 

 present is finite. Therefore infinite duration is impossible. 

 From this fallacy, however, it leaps with alacrity, for it 

 perceives with the quickness of instinct, that of such finite 

 quantities however great, eternal duration comprehends an 

 infinity. So of infinite space any two points may be assum^ 

 ed, and therefore space cannot be boundless, because the 

 space between those points is finite. But of such finites, 

 infiiiite space obviously comprehends an infinity. In order 

 that the liiie between two points should be infinite, it is 

 necessary that they should be extreme points. But extreme 

 points in infinite space, is a contradiction in terms, 

 and an absurdity. To many minds that discuss infinites, it 

 seems a most mysterious circumstance, that they fall into 

 so many inevitable fallacies, and find arguments of appa- 

 rently irresistible force set point blank against each other.' 

 But it is well worthy of remark, that such fallacies are nev- 

 er incurred, except when we attempt to measure infinites 

 by a finite number of firsite quantities ; a mode of proceed- 

 ing which leaves less ground for wonder at its results, than 

 at the genius that prom[)ted it. 



The opinion that the eternity of matter and of finite 

 spirits, necessarily implies an independent existence, is 

 founded on the habit of reasoning from analogy. We have 

 been accustomed to consider the Deity alone possessed of 

 eternal existence, and the supposition that he only has ex- 

 isted eternally, unavoidably implies that he is independent. 

 Hence when we attribute eternity to any other existence, 

 we are apt to conclude, that whereas independence is obvi- 

 ously a necessary concomitant of eternity in the Supreme 

 Being, it must be so of course in the case of all other eter- 

 nal existences. Eternal creation as supposed above is 

 strictly eternal •, and yet is as perfectly dependent on the 

 Deity as if it were not supposed eternal. Should it be 

 said, that if matter and finite spirits are dependent on the 

 Deity for existence, they cannot have been eternal; then 

 there was a certain point in duration before which the Dei- 

 ty could not uphold them in existence ; and between the 

 present time and that point the duration is indispensably 

 finite. Therefore during an eternity God had not the pow- 

 er to uphold the world. It is needless to say that this is an 

 absurdity. If we assert that it was necessary for him to 

 create them sometime before their capability of beint-; up- 

 held in existence, then, as stated above, God cannot per- 



