THE REIGN OF LAW. 



periodical, or go into a lecture-room, without 

 hearing it expressed. Sometimes, but rarely, it 

 is stated with accuracy, and with due recognition 

 of the limits within which Law can be said 

 to comprehend the phenomena of the world. 

 But generally it is expressed in language vague 

 and hollow, covering inaccurate conceptions, and 

 confounding under common forms of expression 

 ideas which are essentially distinct. The mere 

 ticketing and orderly assortment of external facts 

 is constantly spoken of as if it were in the na- 

 ture of Explanation, and as if no higher truth in 

 respect to natural phenomena were to be attained 

 or desired. And herein we see both the result for 

 which Bacon laboured, and the danger against 

 which Bacon prayed. It has been a glorious 

 result of a right method in the study of Nature, 

 that with the increase of knowledge the " human 

 family has been endowed with new mercies." 

 But every now and then, for a time at least, from 

 " the unlocking of the gates of sense, and the 

 kindling of a greater natural light, incredulity 

 and intellectual night have arisen in our minds." * 

 * "This also we humbly beg that human things may not preju- 



