345 
has always been in some degree religious : and the incom- 
pleteness of the Moral System without the Religious element 
has been felt by every philosopher, and by every lawgiver, 
and perhaps by every thoughtful individual. 
119. In tracking the beginnings of our moral life we find at 
length that we come upon facts most important indeed for 
our Probation, but which withstand our analysis — we find 
instincts far clearer than conceptions, and convictions stronger 
than knowledge (§112). At times even the simplest moral 
action is felt to have more in it than we can solve. If 
Religion be able to furnish us with any solution, should it be 
ground of complaint ? Is it not with awe, rather 
than scepticism, that we mark that dimness, ^z^morethan 
almost sacred, which so emphatically contrasts our ra?ses lain Lore 
sensible with our moral knowledge ? — though the questions than 
o o solves. 
latter is still less doubtful than the former. 
High and noble aims proposed within us, betoken that we 
are near at times to a fountain-head which philosophy has 
not explored, — the true-always, which Religion alone has the 
courage to approach. Who does not find that Morality raises 
more questions than it solves ; and, in fact, that it welcomes 
a Revelation? — We ask for more knowledge: and if we 
refused it, our Personal Probation might be injured. 
XVII. 
120. "Whoever thinks himself and his fellow-men to be ac- 
countable, or responsible, for their actions at all, assumes for 
both them and himself some previous knowledge 
of truth, practical and real if not very definite. pe.fVct Proba-" 
Consequently, the general enquiries, “ what is sib5it y Eesp a°nd 
Truth ? ” and “ who can tell us the Truth ?” are JiSt always 00 ’ 
not altogether antecedent to Duty. The fact of 
Responsibility and the knowledge of some truth are 
synchronous. If they were not so, men might evade ac- 
countability by declining instruction ; and thwart the forma- 
tion of character implied in all personal Probation. 
The importance of this point obliges us to dwell on it. 
121. For, no doubt, an increase of knowledge, or the further 
discovery of truth, may enlarge, though it does not originate. 
Responsibility for rejecting, or withstanding knowledge. 
Revelation, while regarded only as supplementing know- 
ledge, must still, being part of our Deontology, be Responsibi- 
reccived morally. Thus we find that its intel- b ty new Ul know d 
lectual reception would be parallel to the intel- ledge. 
