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one ventures to deny it, he ought to be able to give his reasons 
for this negative or denial as readily as I on the other side. 
Nay, more so, for this reason. It was admitted in the discussion 
referred to that there is a universal, or all but universal, belief 
among mankind that God does exist ; it is also the common 
belief among those around us, and therefore it would seem in- 
cumbent upon any man who ventures to contravene this notion — 
probably at one time entertained by himself — and to contradict 
the opinion of the whole world, to be ready with some reason 
for his singularity, some ground for his change of opinion, 
some argument or proof in justification of such opinions. And 
I would beg to observe, in passing, as to this universal consent 
of mankind, that those nations, or peoples, or rather tribes — 
for they are quite insignificant in number — of whom men have 
been led to doubt whether there really was any notion of a 
Deity entertained among them, are the most degraded, savage 
and ignorant of our common species — ignorant not only of this 
idea, and of everything like high moral perceptions, but ignorant 
of even the commonest arts and conveniences of life. In fact, 
I think it has only been said (and that, remember, doubtfully) 
of some few of the most savage of the African and other negro 
tribes ; to whose very imperfect language also it may be owing 
that such vague notions, as it is most probable after all they do 
entertain of a God, have not been quite comprehended by their 
civilized visitors. But if any one, notwithstanding, considers 
it hard that he should be required “ to prove a negative,” 
as he may still call it, we shall soon see that it is no mere 
negative he is required to prove, but really an affirmative pro- 
position, or series of affirmative propositions ; and considering 
that he asserts these in the face of all mankind, and tries to 
upset the faith of the world, surely the burden of proof must 
seem to lie with tenfold weight upon him.] 
2. To deny the Being of a God, is to assert that material 
or sensible things are eternal, and that this world, which bears 
evident marks of change, and which is changing continually 
before our eyes, has, notwithstanding, always been in existence 
and always will exist. And it is to assert this in the face of, I will 
not say revelation, but of all the theories of geology and astro- 
nomy which, after the latest discoveries of science, have been pro- 
pounded to the world. To deny the Being of a God is further 
to assert, that while we see that man can do nothing for any 
useful purpose without the employment of his intelligence, 
skill and reason, in devising and guiding his operations, — the 
senseless matter of this earth, and the unintelligent instinct of 
the inferior animals can accomplish, without reason and without 
knowledge, the marvellous works which nature displays, in- 
