i 6 
14. I conclude with some observations of Boole. Were it 
said, he observes,* that there is a tendency in the human mind 
to rise in contemplation from the particular towards the universal, 
from the finite towards the infinite, and from the transient 
towards the eternal ; and that this tendency suggests to us, with 
high probability, the existence of more than sense perceives or 
understanding comprehends, the statement might be true for a 
large number of minds. There is, however, a class of specula- 
tions, the character of which must be explained in part by 
reference to other causes, impatience of probable or limited 
knowledge, so of tern all that we can really attain to ; a desire for 
absolute certainty where intimations sufficient to mark out before 
us the path of duty, but not to satisfy the demands of the 
speculative intellect, have alone been granted to us ; perhaps, too, 
dissatisfaction with the present scene of things. With the undue 
predominance of these motives, the more sober procedure of 
analogy and probable induction falls into neglect. Yet the latter 
is, beyond all question, the course most adapted to our present 
condition. To infer the existence of an intelligent cause from 
the teeming evidence of surrounding design, to rise to the con- 
ception of a moral Governor of the world, from the study of the 
constitution and the moral provisions of our own nature ; these, 
though but the feeble steps of an understanding limited in its 
faculties and its materials of knowledge, are of more avail than 
the ambitious attempt to arrive at a certainty unattainable on 
the ground of natural religion. And as these (Boole goes on to 
say) were the most ancient, so they are still the most solid 
foundations, [Revelation being set apart, of the belief that the 
course of this world is not abandoned to chance and inexorable 
fate. 
* Boole, Laws of Thought, p.p. 217, 218. 
By Authority : J. C. Beal, Government Printer, William ftreet, Brisbane. 
