未分卷 帕斯卡思想录英文版 1--7

    帕斯卡思想录英文版——

    PENSEESbyBlaisePascal

    1660

    translatedbyW.F.Trotter

    PENSEES

    SECTIONI:THOUGHTSONMINDANDONSTYLE

    1.Thedifferencebetweenthemathematicalandtheintuitivemind.—Intheone,theprinciplesarepalpable,butremovedfromordinaryuse;sothatforwantofhabititisdifficulttoturnone-smindinthatdirection:butifoneturnsitthithereversolittle,oneseestheprinciplesfully,andonemusthaveaquiteinaccuratemindwhoreasonswronglyfromprinciplessoplainthatitisalmostimpossibletheyshouldescapenotice.

    Butintheintuitivemindtheprinciplesarefoundincommonuseandarebeforetheeyesofeverybody.Onehasonlytolook,andnoeffortisnecessary;itisonlyaquestionofgoodeyesight,butitmustbegood,fortheprinciplesaresosubtleandsonumerousthatitisalmostimpossiblebutthatsomeescapenotice.Nowtheomissionofoneprincipleleadstoerror;thusonemusthaveveryclearsighttoseealltheprinciplesand,inthenextplace,anaccuratemindnottodrawfalsedeductionsfromknownprinciples.

    Allmathematicianswouldthenbeintuitiveiftheyhadclearsight,fortheydonotreasonincorrectlyfromprinciplesknowntothem;andintuitivemindswouldbemathematicaliftheycouldturntheireyestotheprinciplesofmathematicstowhichtheyareunused.

    Thereason,therefore,thatsomeintuitivemindsarenotmathematicalisthattheycannotatallturntheirattentiontotheprinciplesofmathematics.Butthereasonthatmathematiciansarenotintuitiveisthattheydonotseewhatisbeforethem,andthat,accustomedtotheexactandplainprinciplesofmathematics,andnotreasoningtilltheyhavewellinspectedandarrangedtheirprinciples,theyarelostinmattersofintuitionwheretheprinciplesdonotallowofsucharrangement.Theyarescarcelyseen;theyarefeltratherthanseen;thereisthegreatestdifficultyinmakingthemfeltbythosewhodonotofthemselvesperceivethem.Theseprinciplesaresofineandsonumerousthataverydelicateandveryclearsenseisneededtoperceivethem,andtojudgerightlyandjustlywhentheyareperceived,withoutforthemostpartbeingabletodemonstratetheminorderasinmathematics,becausetheprinciplesarenotknowntousinthesameway,andbecauseitwouldbeanendlessmattertoundertakeit.Wemustseethematteratonce,atoneglance,andnotbyaprocessofreasoning,atleasttoacertaindegree.Andthusitisrarethatmathematiciansareintuitiveandthatmenofintuitionaremathematicians,becausemathematicianswishtotreatmattersofintuitionmathematicallyandmakethemselvesridiculous,wishingtobeginwithdefinitionsandthenwithaxioms,whichisnotthewaytoproceedinthiskindofreasoning.Notthattheminddoesnotdoso,butitdoesittacitly,naturally,andwithouttechnicalrules;fortheexpressionofitisbeyondallmen,andonlyafewcanfeelit.

    Intuitiveminds,onthecontrary,beingthusaccustomedtojudgeatasingleglance,aresoastonishedwhentheyarepresentedwithpropositionsofwhichtheyunderstandnothing,andthewaytowhichisthroughdefinitionsandaxiomssosterile,andwhichtheyarenotaccustomedtoseethusindetail,thattheyarerepelledanddisheartened.

    Butdullmindsarenevereitherintuitiveormathematical.

    Mathematicianswhoareonlymathematicianshaveexactminds,providedallthingsareexplainedtothembymeansofdefinitionsandaxioms;otherwisetheyareinaccurateandinsufferable,fortheyareonlyrightwhentheprinciplesarequiteclear.

    Andmenofintuitionwhoareonlyintuitivecannothavethepatiencetoreachtofirstprinciplesofthingsspeculativeandconceptual,whichtheyhaveneverseenintheworldandwhicharealtogetheroutofthecommon.

    2.Therearedifferentkindsofrightunderstanding;somehaverightunderstandinginacertainorderofthings,andnotinothers,wheretheygoastray.Somedrawconclusionswellfromafewpremises,andthisdisplaysanacutejudgment.

    Othersdrawconclusionswellwheretherearemanypremises.

    Forexample,theformereasilylearnhydrostatics,wherethepremisesarefew,buttheconclusionsaresofinethatonlythegreatestacutenesscanreachthem.

    Andinspiteofthatthesepersonswouldperhapsnotbegreatmathematicians,becausemathematicscontainagreatnumberofpremises,andthereisperhapsakindofintellectthatcansearchwitheaseafewpremisestothebottomandcannotintheleastpenetratethosemattersinwhichtherearemanypremises.

    Therearethentwokindsofintellect:theoneabletopenetrateacutelyanddeeplyintotheconclusionsofgivenpremises,andthisisthepreciseintellect;theotherabletocomprehendagreatnumberofpremiseswithoutconfusingthem,andthisisthemathematicalintellect.Theonehasforceandexactness,theothercomprehension.Nowtheonequalitycanexistwithouttheother;theintellectcanbestrongandnarrow,andcanalsobecomprehensiveandweak.

    3.Thosewhoareaccustomedtojudgebyfeelingdonotunderstandtheprocessofreasoning,fortheywouldunderstandatfirstsightandarenotusedtoseekforprinciples.Andothers,onthecontrary,whoareaccustomedtoreasonfromprinciples,donotatallunderstandmattersoffeeling,seekingprinciplesandbeingunabletoseeataglance.

    4.Mathematics,intuition.—Trueeloquencemakeslightofeloquence,truemoralitymakeslightofmorality;thatistosay,themoralityofthejudgement,whichhasnorules,makeslightofthemoralityoftheintellect.

    Foritistojudgementthatperceptionbelongs,assciencebelongstointellect.Intuitionisthepartofjudgement,mathematicsofintellect.

    Tomakelightofphilosophyistobeatruephilosopher.

    5.Thosewhojudgeofaworkbyruleareinregardtoothersasthosewhohaveawatchareinregardtoothers.Onesays,"Itistwohoursago";theothersays,"Itisonlythree-quartersofanhour."Ilookatmywatch,andsaytotheone,"Youareweary,"andtotheother,"Timegallopswithyou";foritisonlyanhourandahalfago,andIlaughatthosewhotellmethattimegoesslowlywithmeandthatIjudgebyimagination.TheydonotknowthatIjudgebymywatch.

    6.Justasweharmtheunderstanding,weharmthefeelingsalso.

    Theunderstandingandthefeelingsaremouldedbyintercourse;theunderstandingandfeelingsarecorruptedbyintercourse.Thusgoodorbadsocietyimprovesorcorruptsthem.Itis,then,all-importanttoknowhowtochooseinordertoimproveandnottocorruptthem;andwecannotmakethischoice,iftheybenotalreadyimprovedandnotcorrupted.Thusacircleisformed,andthosearefortunatewhoescapeit.

    7.Thegreaterintellectonehas,themoreoriginalityonefindsinmen.Ordinarypersonsfindnodifferencebetweenmen.

    8.Therearemanypeoplewholistentoasermoninthesamewayastheylistentovespers.

    9.Whenwewishtocorrectwithadvantageandtoshowanotherthatheerrs,wemustnoticefromwhatsideheviewsthematter,foronthatsideitisusuallytrue,andadmitthattruthtohim,butrevealtohimthesideonwhichitisfalse.Heissatisfiedwiththat,forheseesthathewasnotmistakenandthatheonlyfailedtoseeallsides.Now,nooneisoffendedatnotseeingeverything;butonedoesnotliketobemistaken,andthatperhapsarisesfromthefactthatmannaturallycannotseeeverything,andthatnaturallyhecannoterrinthesidehelooksat,sincetheperceptionsofoursensesarealwaystrue.

    10.Peoplearegenerallybetterpersuadedbythereasonswhichtheyhavethemselvesdiscoveredthanbythosewhichhavecomeintothemindofothers.

    11.AllgreatamusementsaredangeroustotheChristianlife;butamongallthosewhichtheworldhasinventedthereisnonemoretobefearedthanthetheatre.Itisarepresentationofthepassionssonaturalandsodelicatethatitexcitesthemandgivesbirthtotheminourhearts,and,aboveall,tothatoflove,principallywhenitisrepresentedasverychasteandvirtuous.Forthemoreinnocentitappearstoinnocentsouls,themoretheyarelikelytobetouchedbyit.Itsviolencepleasesourself-love,whichimmediatelyformsadesiretoproducethesameeffectswhichareseensowellrepresented;and,atthesametime,wemakeourselvesaconsciencefoundedontheproprietyofthefeelingswhichweseethere,bywhichthefearofpuresoulsisremoved,sincetheyimaginethatitcannothurttheirpuritytolovewithalovewhichseemstothemsoreasonable.

    Sowedepartfromthetheatrewithourheartsofilledwithallthebeautyandtendernessoflove,thesoulandthemindsopersuadedofitsinnocence,thatwearequitereadytoreceiveitsfirstimpressions,orrathertoseekanopportunityofawakeningthemintheheartofanother,inorderthatwemayreceivethesamepleasuresandthesamesacrificeswhichwehaveseensowellrepresentedinthetheatre.

    12.Scaramouch,whoonlythinksofonething.

    Thedoctor,whospeaksforaquarterofanhourafterhehassaideverything,sofullisheofthedesireoftalking.

    13.Onelikestoseetheerror,thepassionofCleobuline,becausesheisunconsciousofit.Shewouldbedispleasing,ifshewerenotdeceived.

    14.Whenanaturaldiscoursepaintsapassionoraneffect,onefeelswithinoneselfthetruthofwhatonereads,whichwastherebefore,althoughonedidnotknowit.Henceoneisinclinedtolovehimwhomakesusfeelit,forhehasnotshownushisownriches,butours.Andthusthisbenefitrendershimpleasingtous,besidesthatsuchcommunityofintellectaswehavewithhimnecessarilyinclinesthehearttolove.

    15.Eloquence,whichpersuadesbysweetness,notbyauthority;asatyrant,notasaking.

    16.Eloquenceisanartofsayingthingsinsuchaway(1)thatthosetowhomwespeakmaylistentothemwithoutpainandwithpleasure;(2)thattheyfeelthemselvesinterested,sothatself-loveleadsthemmorewillinglytoreflectionuponit.

    Itconsists,then,inacorrespondencewhichweseektoestablishbetweentheheadandtheheartofthosetowhomwespeak,ontheonehand,and,ontheother,betweenthethoughtsandtheexpressionswhichweemploy.Thisassumesthatwehavestudiedwelltheheartofmansoastoknowallitspowersand,then,tofindthejustproportionsofthediscoursewhichwewishtoadapttothem.Wemustputourselvesintheplaceofthosewhoaretohearus,andmaketrialonourownheartoftheturnwhichwegivetoourdiscourseinordertoseewhetheroneismadefortheother,andwhetherwecanassureourselvesthatthehearerwillbe,asitwere,forcedtosurrender.Weoughttorestrictourselves,sofaraspossible,tothesimpleandnatural,andnottomagnifythatwhichislittle,orbelittlethatwhichisgreat.Itisnotenoughthatathingbebeautiful;itmustbesuitabletothesubject,andtheremustbeinitnothingofexcessordefect.

    17.Riversareroadswhichmove,andwhichcarryuswhitherwedesiretogo.

    18.Whenwedonotknowthetruthofathing,itisofadvantagethatthereshouldexistacommonerrorwhichdeterminesthemindofman,as,forexample,themoon,towhichisattributedthechangeofseasons,theprogressofdiseases,etc.Forthechiefmaladyofmanisrestlesscuriosityaboutthingswhichhecannotunderstand;anditisnotsobadforhimtobeinerrorastobecurioustonopurpose.

    ThemannerinwhichEpictetus,Montaigne,andSalomondeTultiewroteisthemostusual,themostsuggestive,themostremembered,andtheoftenestquoted,becauseitisentirelycomposedofthoughtsbornfromthecommontalkoflife.Aswhenwespeakofthecommonerrorwhichexistsamongmenthatthemoonisthecauseofeverything,weneverfailtosaythatSalomondeTultiesaysthat,whenwedonotknowthetruthofathing,itisofadvantagethatthereshouldexistacommonerror,etc.;whichisthethoughtabove.

    19.Thelastthingonesettlesinwritingabookiswhatoneshouldputinfirst.

    20.Order.—WhyshouldIundertaketodividemyvirtuesintofourratherthanintosix?WhyshouldIratherestablishvirtueinfour,intwo,inone?WhyintoAbstineetsustineratherthaninto"FollowNature,"or,"Conductyourprivateaffairswithoutinjustice,"asPlato,oranythingelse?Butthere,youwillsay,everythingiscontainedinoneword.Yes,butitisuselesswithoutexplanation,andwhenwecometoexplainit,assoonasweunfoldthismaximwhichcontainsalltherest,theyemergeinthatfirstconfusionwhichyoudesiredtoavoid.So,whentheyareallincludedinone,theyarehiddenanduseless,asinachest,andneverappearsaveintheirnaturalconfusion.Naturehasestablishedthemallwithoutincludingoneintheother.

    21.Naturehasmadeallhertruthsindependentofoneanother.Ourartmakesonedependentontheother.Butthisisnotnatural.Eachkeepsitsownplace.

    22.LetnoonesaythatIhavesaidnothingnew;thearrangementofthesubjectisnew.Whenweplaytennis,webothplaywiththesameball,butoneofusplacesitbetter.

    IhadassoonitsaidthatIusedwordsemployedbefore.Andinthesamewayifthesamethoughtsinadifferentarrangementdonotformadifferentdiscourse,nomoredothesamewordsintheirdifferentarrangementformdifferentthoughts!

    23.Wordsdifferentlyarrangedhaveadifferentmeaning,andmeaningsdifferentlyarrangedhavedifferenteffects.

    24.Language.—Weshouldnotturnthemindfromonethingtoanother,exceptforrelaxation,andthatwhenitisnecessaryandthetimesuitable,andnototherwise.Forhethatrelaxesoutofseasonwearies,andhewhoweariesusoutofseasonmakesuslanguid,sinceweturnquiteaway.Somuchdoesourperverselustliketodothecontraryofwhatthosewishtoobtainfromuswithoutgivinguspleasure,thecoinforwhichwewilldowhateveriswanted.

    25.Eloquence.—Itrequiresthepleasantandthereal;butthepleasantmustitselfbedrawnfromthetrue.

    26.Eloquenceisapaintingofthought;andthusthosewho,afterhavingpaintedit,addsomethingmore,makeapictureinsteadofaportrait.

    27.Miscellaneous.Language.—Thosewhomakeantithesesbyforcingwordsarelikethosewhomakefalsewindowsforsymmetry.Theirruleisnottospeakaccurately,buttomakeaptfiguresofspeech.

    28.Symmetryiswhatweseeataglance;basedonthefactthatthereisnoreasonforanydifference,andbasedalsoonthefaceofman;whenceithappensthatsymmetryisonlywantedinbreadth,notinheightordepth.

    29.Whenweseeanaturalstyle,weareastonishedanddelighted;forweexpectedtoseeanauthor,andwefindaman.Whereasthosewhohavegoodtaste,andwho,seeingabook,expecttofindaman,arequitesurprisedtofindanauthor.Pluspoeticequamhumanelocutuses.ThosehonourNaturewellwhoteachthatshecanspeakoneverything,evenontheology.

    30.Weonlyconsulttheearbecausetheheartiswanting.Theruleisuprightness.

    Beautyofomission,ofjudgement.

    31.AllthefalsebeautieswhichweblameinCicerohavetheiradmirers,andingreatnumber.

    32.Thereisacertainstandardofgraceandbeautywhichconsistsinacertainrelationbetweenournature,suchasitis,weakorstrong,andthethingwhichpleasesus.

    Whateverisformedaccordingtothisstandardpleasesus,beithouse,song,discourse,verse,prose,woman,birds,rivers,trees,rooms,dress,etc.Whateverisnotmadeaccordingtothisstandarddispleasesthosewhohavegoodtaste.

    Andasthereisaperfectrelationbetweenasongandahousewhicharemadeafteragoodmodel,becausetheyarelikethisgoodmodel,thougheachafteritskind;evensothereisaperfectrelationbetweenthingsmadeafterabadmodel.Notthatthebadmodelisunique,fortherearemany;buteachbadsonnet,forexample,onwhateverfalsemodelitisformed,isjustlikeawomandressedafterthatmodel.

    Nothingmakesusunderstandbettertheridiculousnessofafalsesonnetthantoconsidernatureandthestandardand,then,toimagineawomanorahousemadeaccordingtothatstandard.

    33.Poeticalbeauty.—Aswespeakofpoeticalbeauty,sooughtwetospeakofmathematicalbeautyandmedicalbeauty.Butwedonotdoso;andthereasonisthatweknowwellwhatistheobjectofmathematics,andthatitconsistsinproofs,andwhatistheobjectofmedicine,andthatitconsistsinhealing.Butwedonotknowinwhatgraceconsists,whichistheobjectofpoetry.Wedonotknowthenaturalmodelwhichweoughttoimitate;andthroughlackofthisknowledge,wehavecoinedfantasticterms,"Thegoldenage,""Thewonderofourtimes,""Fatal,"etc.,andcallthisjargonpoeticalbeauty.

    Butwhoeverimaginesawomanafterthismodel,whichconsistsinsayinglittlethingsinbigwords,willseeaprettygirladornedwithmirrorsandchains,atwhomhewillsmile;becauseweknowbetterwhereinconsiststhecharmofwomanthanthecharmofverse.Butthosewhoareignorantwouldadmireherinthisdress,andtherearemanyvillagesinwhichshewouldbetakenforthequeen;hencewecallsonnetsmadeafterthismodel"VillageQueens."

    34.Noonepassesintheworldasskilledinverseunlesshehasputupthesignofapoet,amathematician,etc.Buteducatedpeopledonotwantasignanddrawlittledistinctionbetweenthetradeofapoetandthatofanembroiderer.

    Peopleofeducationarenotcalledpoetsormathematicians,etc.;buttheyarealltheseandjudgesofallthese.Nooneguesseswhattheyare.Whentheycomeintosociety,theytalkonmattersaboutwhichtherestaretalking.Wedonotobserveinthemonequalityratherthananother,savewhentheyhavetomakeuseofit.Butthenwerememberit,foritischaracteristicofsuchpersonsthatwedonotsayofthemthattheyarefinespeakers,whenitisnotaquestionoforatory,andthatwesayofthemthattheyarefinespeakers,whenitissuchaquestion.

    Itisthereforefalsepraisetogiveamanwhenwesayofhim,onhisentry,thatheisaverycleverpoet;anditisabadsignwhenamanisnotaskedtogivehisjudgementonsomeverses.

    35.Weshouldnotbeabletosayofaman,"Heisamathematician,"or"apreacher,"or"eloquent";butthatheis"agentleman."Thatuniversalqualityalonepleasesme.Itisabadsignwhen,onseeingaperson,yourememberhisbook.Iwouldpreferyoutoseenoqualitytillyoumeetitandhaveoccasiontouseit(Nequidminis),forfearsomeonequalityprevailanddesignatetheman.Letnonethinkhimafinespeaker,unlessoratorybeinquestion,andthenletthemthinkit.

    36.Manisfullofwants:helovesonlythosewhocansatisfythemall."Thisoneisagoodmathematician,"onewillsay.ButIhavenothingtodowithmathematics;hewouldtakemeforaproposition."Thatoneisagoodsoldier."Hewouldtakemeforabesiegedtown.Ineed,then,anuprightmanwhocanaccommodatehimselfgenerallytoallmywants.

    37.Sincewecannotbeuniversalandknowallthatistobeknownofeverything,weoughttoknowalittleabouteverything.Foritisfarbettertoknowsomethingabouteverythingthantoknowallaboutonething.Thisuniversalityisthebest.Ifwecanhaveboth,stillbetter;butifwemustchoose,weoughttochoosetheformer.Andtheworldfeelsthisanddoesso;fortheworldisoftenagoodjudge.

    38.Apoetandnotanhonestman.

    39.Iflightningfellonlowplaces,etc.,poets,andthosewhocanonlyreasonaboutthingsofthatkind,wouldlackproofs.

    40.Ifwewishedtoprovetheexampleswhichwetaketoproveotherthings,weshouldhavetotakethoseotherthingstobeexamples;for,aswealwaysbelievethedifficultyisinwhatwewishtoprove,wefindtheexamplesclearerandahelptodemonstration.

    Thus,whenwewishtodemonstrateageneraltheorem,wemustgivetheruleasappliedtoaparticularcase;butifwewishtodemonstrateaparticularcase,wemustbeginwiththegeneralrule.Forwealwaysfindthethingobscurewhichwewishtoproveandthatclearwhichweusefortheproof;for,whenathingisputforwardtobeproved,wefirstfillourselveswiththeimaginationthatitis,therefore,obscureand,onthecontrary,thatwhatistoproveitisclear,andsoweunderstanditeasily.

    41.EpigramsofMartial.—Manlovesmalice,butnotagainstone-eyedmennortheunfortunate,butagainstthefortunateandproud.Peoplearemistakeninthinkingotherwise.

    Forlustisthesourceofallouractions,andhumanity,etc.Wemustpleasethosewhohavehumaneandtenderfeelings.Thatepigramabouttwoone-eyedpeopleisworthless,foritdoesnotconsolethemandonlygivesapointtotheauthor-sglory.Allthatisonlyforthesakeoftheauthorisworthless.Ambitiosarecidentornamenta.

    42.Tocallaking"Prince"ispleasing,becauseitdiminisheshisrank.

    43.Certainauthors,speakingoftheirworks,say:"Mybook,""Mycommentary,""Myhistory,"etc.Theyresemblemiddle-classpeoplewhohaveahouseoftheirownandalwayshave"Myhouse"ontheirtongue.Theywoulddobettertosay:"Ourbook,""Ourcommentary,""Ourhistory,"etc.,becausethereisinthemusuallymoreofotherpeople-sthantheirown.

    44.Doyouwishpeopletobelievegoodofyou?Don-tspeak.

    45.Languagesareciphers,whereinlettersarenotchangedintoletters,butwordsintowords,sothatanunknownlanguageisdecipherable.

    46.Amakerofwitticisms,abadcharacter.

    47.Therearesomewhospeakwellandwritebadly.Fortheplaceandtheaudiencewarmthem,anddrawfromtheirmindsmorethantheythinkofwithoutthatwarmth.

    48.Whenwefindwordsrepeatedinadiscourseand,intryingtocorrectthem,discoverthattheyaresoappropriatethatwewouldspoilthediscourse,wemustleavethemalone.Thisisthetest;andourattemptistheworkofenvy,whichisblind,anddoesnotseethatrepetitionisnotinthisplaceafault;forthereisnogeneralrule.

    49.Tomasknatureanddisguiseher.Nomoreking,pope,bishop—butaugustmonarch,etc.;notParis—thecapitalofthekingdom.ThereareplacesinwhichweoughttocallParis,"Paris,"othersinwhichweoughttocallitthecapitalofthekingdom.

    50.Thesamemeaningchangeswiththewordswhichexpressit.Meaningsreceivetheirdignityfromwordsinsteadofgivingittothem.Examplesshouldbesought

    51.Sceptic,forobstinate.

    52.NoonecallsanotheraCartesianbuthewhoisonehimself,apedantbutapedant,aprovincialbutaprovincial;andIwouldwageritwastheprinterwhoputitonthetitleofLetterstoaProvincial.

    53.Acarriageupsetoroverturned,accordingtothemeaning.Tospreadabroadorupset,accordingtothemeaning.(TheargumentbyforceofM.leMaitreoverthefriar.)

    54.Miscellaneous.—Aformofspeech,"Ishouldhavelikedtoapplymyselftothat."

    55.Theaperitivevirtueofakey,theattractivevirtueofahook.

    56.Toguess:"ThepartthatItakeinyourtrouble."TheCardinaldidnotwanttobeguessed.

    "Mymindisdisquieted."Iamdisquietedisbetter.

    57.Ialwaysfeeluncomfortableundersuchcomplimentsasthese:"Ihavegivenyouagreatdealoftrouble,""IamafraidIamboringyou,""Ifearthisistoolong."Weeithercarryouraudiencewithus,orirritatethem.

    58.Youareungraceful:"Excuseme,pray."WithoutthatexcuseIwouldnothaveknowntherewasanythingamiss."Withreverencebeitspoken"Theonlythingbadistheirexcuse.

    59."Toextinguishthetorchofsedition";tooluxuriant."Therestlessnessofhisgenius";twosuperfluousgrandwords.

    SECTIONII:THEMISERYOFMANWITHOUTGOD

    60.Firstpart:MiseryofmanwithoutGod.

    Secondpart:HappinessofmanwithGod.

    Or,Firstpart:Thatnatureiscorrupt.Provedbynatureitself.

    Secondpart:ThatthereisaRedeemer.ProvedbyScripture.

    61.Order.—Imightwellhavetakenthisdiscourseinanorderlikethis:toshowthevanityofallconditionsofmen,toshowthevanityofordinarylives,andthenthevanityofphilosophiclives,sceptics,stoics;buttheorderwouldnothavebeenkept.Iknowalittlewhatitis,andhowfewpeopleunderstandit.Nohumansciencecankeepit.SaintThomasdidnotkeepit.Mathematicskeepit,buttheyareuselessonaccountoftheirdepth.

    62.Prefacetothefirstpart.—Tospeakofthosewhohavetreatedoftheknowledgeofself;ofthedivisionsofCharron,whichsaddenandwearyus;oftheconfusionofMontaigne;thathewasquiteawareofhiswantofmethodandshunneditbyjumpingfromsubjecttosubject;thathesoughttobefashionable.

    Hisfoolishprojectofdesc**nghimself!Andthisnotcasuallyandagainsthismaxims,sinceeveryonemakesmistakes,butbyhismaximsthemselves,andbyfirstandchiefdesign.Fortosaysillythingsbychanceandweaknessisacommonmisfortune,buttosaythemintentionallyisintolerable,andtosaysuchasthat

    63.Montaigne.—Montaigne-sfaultsaregreat.Lewdwords;thisisbad,notwithstandingMademoiselledeGournay.Credulous;peoplewithouteyes.Ignorant;squaringthecircle,agreaterworld.Hisopinionsonsuicide,ondeath.Hesuggestsanindifferenceaboutsalvation,withoutfearandwithoutrepentance.Ashisbookwasnotwrittenwithareligiouspurpose,hewasnotboundtomentionreligion;butitisalwaysourdutynottoturnmenfromit.Onecanexcusehisratherfreeandlicentiousopinionsonsomerelationsoflife;butonecannotexcusehisthoroughlypaganviewsondeath,foramanmustrenouncepietyaltogether,ifhedoesnotatleastwishtodielikeaChristian.Now,throughthewholeofhisbookhisonlyconceptionofdeathisacowardlyandeffeminateone.

    64.ItisnotinMontaigne,butinmyself,thatIfindallthatIseeinhim.

    65.WhatgoodthereisinMontaignecanonlyhavebeenacquiredwithdifficulty.Theevilthatisinhim,Imeanapartfromhismorality,couldhavebeencorrectedinamoment,ifhehadbeeninformedthathemadetoomuchoftriflesandspoketoomuchofhimself.

    66.Onemustknowoneself.Ifthisdoesnotservetodiscovertruth,itatleastservesasaruleoflife,andthereisnothingbetter.

    67.Thevanityofthesciences.—Physicalsciencewillnotconsolemefortheignoranceofmoralityinthetimeofaffliction.Butthescienceofethicswillalwaysconsolemefortheignoranceofthephysicalsciences.

    68.Menarenevertaughttobegentlemenandaretaughteverythingelse;andtheyneverplumethemselvessomuchontherestoftheirknowledgeasonknowinghowtobegentlemen.Theyonlyplumethemselvesonknowingtheonethingtheydonotknow.

    69.Theinfinites,themean.—Whenwereadtoofastortooslowly,weunderstandnothing.

    70.Nature—Naturehassetussowellinthecentre,thatifwechangeonesideofthebalance,wechangetheotheralso.Thismakesmebelievethatthespringsinourbrainaresoadjustedthathewhotouchesonetouchesalsoitscontrary.

    71.Toomuchandtoolittlewine.Givehimnone,hecannotfindtruth;givehimtoomuch,thesame.

    72.Man-sdisproportion.—Thisiswhereourinnateknowledgeleadsus.Ifitbenottrue,thereisnotruthinman;andifitbetrue,hefindsthereingreatcauseforhumiliation,beingcompelledtoabasehimselfinonewayoranother.Andsincehecannotexistwithoutthisknowledge,Iwishthat,beforeenteringondeeperresearchesintonature,hewouldconsiderherbothseriouslyandatleisure,thathewouldreflectuponhimselfalso,andknowingwhatproportionthereisLetmanthencontemplatethewholeofnatureinherfullandgrandmajesty,andturnhisvisionfromthelowobjectswhichsurroundhim.Lethimgazeonthatbrilliantlight,setlikeaneternallamptoilluminetheuniverse;lettheearthappeartohimapointincomparisonwiththevastcircledescribedbythesun;andlethimwonderatthefactthatthisvastcircleisitselfbutaveryfinepointincomparisonwiththatdescribedbythestarsintheirrevolutionroundthefirmament.Butifourviewbearrestedthere,letourimaginationpassbeyond;itwillsoonerexhaustthepowerofconceptionthannaturethatofsupplyingmaterialforconception.Thewholevisibleworldisonlyanimperceptibleatomintheamplebosomofnature.Noideaapproachesit.Wemayenlargeourconceptionsbeyondanimaginablespace;weonlyproduceatomsincomparisonwiththerealityofthings.Itisaninfinitesphere,thecentreofwhichiseverywhere,thecircumferencenowhere.Inshort,itisthegreatestsensiblemarkofthealmightypowerofGodthatimaginationlosesitselfinthatthought.

    Returningtohimself,letmanconsiderwhatheisincomparisonwithallexistence;lethimregardhimselfaslostinthisremotecornerofnature;andfromthelittlecellinwhichhefindshimselflodged,Imeantheuniverse,lethimestimateattheirtruevaluetheearth,kingdoms,cities,andhimself.WhatisamanintheInfinite?

    Buttoshowhimanotherprodigyequallyastonishing,lethimexaminethemostdelicatethingsheknows.Letamitebegivenhim,withitsminutebodyandpartsincomparablymoreminute,limbswiththeirjoints,veinsinthelimbs,bloodintheveins,humoursintheblood,dropsinthehumours,vapoursinthedrops.Dividingtheselastthingsagain,lethimexhausthispowersofconception,andletthelastobjectatwhichhecanarrivebenowthatofourdiscourse.Perhapshewillthinkthathereisthesmallestpointinnature.Iwilllethimseethereinanewabyss.Iwillpaintforhimnotonlythevisibleuniverse,butallthathecanconceiveofnature-simmensityinthewombofthisabridgedatom.Lethimseethereinaninfinityofuniverses,eachofwhichhasitsfirmament,itsplanets,itsearth,inthesameproportionasinthevisibleworld;ineachearthanimals,andinthelastmites,inwhichhewillfindagainallthatthefirsthad,findingstillintheseothersthesamethingwithoutendandwithoutcessation.Lethimlosehimselfinwondersasamazingintheirlittlenessastheothersintheirvastness.Forwhowillnotbeastoundedatthefactthatourbody,whichalittlewhileagowasimperceptibleintheuniverse,itselfimperceptibleinthebosomofthewhole,isnowacolossus,aworld,orratherawhole,inrespectofthenothingnesswhichwecannotreach?Hewhoregardshimselfinthislightwillbeafraidofhimself,andobservinghimselfsustainedinthebodygivenhimbynaturebetweenthosetwoabyssesoftheInfiniteandNothing,willtrembleatthesightofthesemarvels;andIthinkthat,ashiscuriositychangesintoadmiration,hewillbemoredisposedtocontemplatetheminsilencethantoexaminethemwithpresumption.

    For,infact,whatismaninnature?ANothingincomparisonwiththeInfinite,anAllincomparisonwiththeNothing,ameanbetweennothingandeverything.Sinceheisinfinitelyremovedfromcomprehendingtheextremes,theendofthingsandtheirbeginningarehopelesslyhiddenfromhiminanimpenetrablesecret;heisequallyincapableofseeingtheNothingfromwhichhewasmade,andtheInfiniteinwhichheisswallowedup.

    Whatwillhedothen,butperceivetheappearanceofthemiddleofthings,inaneternaldespairofknowingeithertheirbeginningortheirend.AllthingsproceedfromtheNothing,andarebornetowardstheInfinite.Whowillfollowthesemarvellousprocesses?TheAuthorofthesewondersunderstandsthem.Noneothercandoso.

    ThroughfailuretocontemplatetheseInfinites,menhaverashlyrushedintotheexaminationofnature,asthoughtheyboresomeproportiontoher.Itisstrangethattheyhavewishedtounderstandthebeginningsofthings,andthencetoarriveattheknowledgeofthewhole,withapresumptionasinfiniteastheirobject.Forsurelythisdesigncannotbeformedwithoutpresumptionorwithoutacapacityinfinitelikenature.

    Ifwearewellinformed,weunderstandthat,asnaturehasgravenherimageandthatofherAuthoronallthings,theyalmostallpartakeofherdoubleinfinity.Thusweseethatallthesciencesareinfiniteintheextentoftheirresearches.Forwhodoubtsthatgeometry,forinstance,hasaninfiniteinfinityofproblemstosolve?Theyarealsoinfiniteinthemultitudeandfinenessoftheirpremises;foritisclearthatthosewhichareputforwardasultimatearenotself-supporting,butarebasedonotherswhich,againhavingothersfortheirsupport,donotpermitoffinality.Butwerepresentsomeasultimateforreason,inthesamewayasinregardtomaterialobjectswecallthatanindivisiblepointbeyondwhichoursensescannolongerperceiveanything,althoughbyitsnatureitisinfinitelydivisible.

    OfthesetwoInfinitesofscience,thatofgreatnessisthemostpalpable,andhenceafewpersonshavepretendedtoknowallthings."Iwillspeakofthewhole,"saidDemocritus.

    Buttheinfinitelylittleistheleastobvious.Philosophershavemuchoftenerclaimedtohavereachedit,anditisheretheyhaveallstumbled.ThishasgivenrisetosuchcommontitlesasFirstPrinciples,PrinciplesofPhilosophy,andthelike,asostentatiousinfact,thoughnotinappearance,asthatonewhichblindsus,Deomniscibili.

    Wenaturallybelieveourselvesfarmorecapableofreachingthecentreofthingsthanofembracingtheircircumference.Thevisibleextentoftheworldvisiblyexceedsus;butasweexceedlittlethings,wethinkourselvesmorecapableofknowingthem.AndyetweneednolesscapacityforattainingtheNothingthantheAll.Infinitecapacityisrequiredforboth,anditseemstomethatwhoevershallhaveunderstoodtheultimateprinciplesofbeingmightalsoattaintotheknowledgeoftheInfinite.Theonedependsontheother,andoneleadstotheother.TheseextremesmeetandreunitebyforceofdistanceandfindeachotherinGod,andinGodalone.

    Letus,then,takeourcompass;wearesomething,andwearenoteverything.ThenatureofourexistencehidesfromustheknowledgeoffirstbeginningswhicharebornoftheNothing;andthelittlenessofourbeingconcealsfromusthesightoftheInfinite.

    Ourintellectholdsthesamepositionintheworldofthoughtasourbodyoccupiesintheexpanseofnature.

    Limitedasweareineveryway,thisstatewhichholdsthemeanbetweentwoextremesispresentinallourimpotence.Oursensesperceivenoextreme.Toomuchsounddeafensus;toomuchlightdazzlesus;toogreatdistanceorproximityhindersourview.Toogreatlengthandtoogreatbrevityofdiscoursetendtoobscurity;toomuchtruthisparalysing(Iknowsomewhocannotunderstandthattotakefourfromnothingleavesnothing).Firstprinciplesaretooself-evidentforus;toomuchpleasuredisagreeswithus.Toomanyconcordsareannoyinginmusic;toomanybenefitsirritateus;wewishtohavethewherewithaltooverpayourdebts.Beneficiaeousquelaetasuntdumvidenturexsolviposse;ubimultumantevenere,progratiaodiumredditur.Wefeelneitherextremeheatnorextremecold.Excessivequalitiesareprejudicialtousandnotperceptiblebythesenses;wedonotfeelbutsufferthem.Extremeyouthandextremeagehinderthemind,asalsotoomuchandtoolittleeducation.Inshort,extremesareforusasthoughtheywerenot,andwearenotwithintheirnotice.Theyescapeus,orwethem.

    Thisisourtruestate;thisiswhatmakesusincapableofcertainknowledgeandofabsoluteignorance.Wesailwithinavastsphere,everdriftinginuncertainty,drivenfromendtoend.Whenwethinktoattachourselvestoanypointandtofastentoit,itwaversandleavesus;andifwefollowit,iteludesourgrasp,slipspastus,andvanishesforever.Nothingstaysforus.Thisisournaturalconditionandyetmostcontrarytoourinclination;weburnwithdesiretofindsolidgroundandanultimatesurefoundationwhereontobuildatowerreachingtotheInfinite.Butourwholegroundworkcracks,andtheearthopenstoabysses.

    Letus,therefore,notlookforcertaintyandstability.Ourreasonisalwaysdeceivedbyfickleshadows;nothingcanfixthefinitebetweenthetwoInfinites,whichbothencloseandflyfromit.

    Ifthisbewellunderstood,Ithinkthatweshallremainatrest,eachinthestatewhereinnaturehasplacedhim.Asthisspherewhichhasfallentousasourlotisalwaysdistantfromeitherextreme,whatmattersitthatmanshouldhavealittlemoreknowledgeoftheuniverse?Ifhehasit,hebutgetsalittlehigher.Ishenotalwaysinfinitelyremovedfromtheend,andisnotthedurationofourlifeequallyremovedfrometernity,evenifitlaststenyearslonger?

    IncomparisonwiththeseInfinites,allfinitesareequal,andIseenoreasonforfixingourimaginationononemorethanonanother.Theonlycomparisonwhichwemakeofourselvestothefiniteispainfultous.

    Ifmanmadehimselfthefirstobjectofstudy,hewouldseehowincapableheisofgoingfurther.Howcanapartknowthewhole?Buthemayperhapsaspiretoknowatleastthepartstowhichhebearssomeproportion.ButthepartsoftheworldareallsorelatedandlinkedtooneanotherthatIbelieveitimpossibletoknowonewithouttheotherandwithoutthewhole.

    Man,forinstance,isrelatedtoallheknows.Heneedsaplacewhereintoabide,timethroughwhichtolive,motioninordertolive,elementstocomposehim,warmthandfoodtonourishhim,airtobreathe.Heseeslight;hefeelsbodies;inshort,heisinadependentalliancewitheverything.Toknowman,then,itisnecessarytoknowhowithappensthatheneedsairtolive,and,toknowtheair,wemustknowhowitisthusrelatedtothelifeofman,etc.Flamecannotexistwithoutair;therefore,tounderstandtheone,wemustunderstandtheother.

    Sinceeverything,then,iscauseandeffect,dependentandsupporting,mediateandimmediate,andallisheldtogetherbyanaturalthoughimperceptiblechainwhichbindstogetherthingsmostdistantandmostdifferent,Iholditequallyimpossibletoknowthepartswithoutknowingthewholeandtoknowthewholewithoutknowingthepartsindetail.

    TheeternityofthingsinitselforinGodmustalsoastonishourbriefduration.Thefixedandconstantimmobilityofnature,incomparisonwiththecontinualchangewhichgoesonwithinus,musthavethesameeffect.

    Andwhatcompletesourincapabilityofknowingthingsisthefactthattheyaresimpleandthatwearecomposedoftwooppositenatures,differentinkind,soulandbody.Foritisimpossiblethatourrationalpartshouldbeotherthanspiritual;andifanyonemaintainthatwearesimplycorporeal,thiswouldfarmoreexcludeusfromtheknowledgeofthings,therebeingnothingsoinconceivableastosaythatmatterknowsitself.Itisimpossibletoimaginehowitshouldknowitself.

    So,ifwearesimplymaterial,wecanknownothingatall;andifwearecomposedofmindandmatter,wecannotknowperfectlythingswhicharesimple,whetherspiritualorcorporeal.Henceitcomesthatalmostallphilosophershaveconfusedideasofthings,andspeakofmaterialthingsinspiritualterms,andofspiritualthingsinmaterialterms.Fortheysayboldlythatbodieshaveatendencytofall,thattheyseekaftertheircentre,thattheyflyfromdestruction,thattheyfearthevoid,thattheyhaveinclinations,sympathies,antipathies,allofwhichattributespertainonlytomind.Andinspeakingofminds,theyconsiderthemasinaplace,andattributetothemmovementfromoneplacetoanother;andthesearequalitieswhichbelongonlytobodies.

    Insteadofreceivingtheideasofthesethingsintheirpurity,wecolourthemwithourownqualities,andstampwithourcompositebeingallthesimplethingswhichwecontemplate.

    Whowouldnotthink,seeinguscomposeallthingsofmindandbody,butthatthismixturewouldbequiteintelligibletous?Yetitistheverythingweleastunderstand.Manistohimselfthemostwonderfulobjectinnature;forhecannotconceivewhatthebodyis,stilllesswhatthemindis,andleastofallhowabodyshouldbeunitedtoamind.Thisistheconsummationofhisdifficulties,andyetitishisverybeing.Modusquocorporibusadhaerentspirituscomprehendiabhominibusnonpotest,ethoctamenhomoest.Finally,tocompletetheproofofourweakness,Ishallconcludewiththesetwoconsiderations

    73.Butperhapsthissubjectgoesbeyondthecapacityofreason.Letusthereforeexaminehersolutionstoproblemswithinherpowers.Iftherebeanythingtowhichherowninterestmusthavemadeherapplyherselfmostseriously,itistheinquiryintoherownsovereigngood.Letussee,then,whereinthesestrongandclear-sightedsoulshaveplaceditandwhethertheyagree.

    Onesaysthatthesovereigngoodconsistsinvirtue,anotherinpleasure,anotherintheknowledgeofnature,anotherintruth,Felixquipotuitrerumcognoscerecausas,anotherintotalignorance,anotherinindolence,othersindisregardingappearances,anotherinwonderingatnothing,nihiladmirariproperesunaquaepossitfacereetservarebeatum,andthetruescepticsintheirindifference,doubt,andperpetualsuspense,andothers,wiser,thinktofindabetterdefinition.Wearewellsatisfied.

    Wemustseeifthisfinephilosophyhasgainednothingcertainfromsolongandsointentstudy;perhapsatleastthesoulwillknowitself.Letusheartherulersoftheworldonthissubject.Whathavetheythoughtofhersubstance?394.Havetheybeenmorefortunateinlocatingher?395.Whathavetheyfoundoutaboutherorigin,duration,anddeparture?Harumsententiarum,399.

    Is,then,thesoultoonobleasubjectfortheirfeeblelights?Letus,then,abasehertomatterandseeifsheknowswhereofismadetheverybodywhichsheanimatesandthoseotherswhichshecontemplatesandmovesatherwill.Whathavethosegreatdogmatists,whoareignorantofnothing,knownofthismatter?393.

    Thiswoulddoubtlesssuffice,ifReasonwerereasonable.Sheisreasonableenoughtoadmitthatshehasbeenunabletofindanythingdurable,butshedoesnotyetdespairofreachingit;sheisasardentaseverinthissearch,andisconfidentshehaswithinherthenecessarypowersforthisconquest.Wemustthereforeconclude,and,afterhavingexaminedherpowersintheireffects,observetheminthemselves,andseeifshehasanatureandagraspcapableoflayingholdofthetruth.

    74.AletterOntheFoolishnessofHumanKnowledgeandPhilosophy.

    ThisletterbeforeDiversion.

    FelixquipotuitNihiladmirari.

    280kindsofsovereigngoodinMontaigne.

    75.PartI,1,2,c.1,section4.

    Probability.—Itwillnotbedifficulttoputthecaseastagelower,andmakeitappearridiculous.Tobeginattheverybeginning.Whatismoreabsurdthantosaythatlifelessbodieshavepassions,fears,hatreds—thatinsensiblebodies,lifelessandincapableoflife,havepassionswhichpresupposeatleastasensitivesoultofeelthem,naymore,thattheobjectoftheirdreadisthevoid?Whatisthereinthevoidthatcouldmakethemafraid?Nothingismoreshallowandridiculous.Thisisnotall;itissaidthattheyhaveinthemselvesasourceofmovementtoshunthevoid.Havetheyarms,legs,muscles,nerves?

    76.Towriteagainstthosewhomadetooprofoundastudyofscience:Descartes.

    77.IcannotforgiveDescartes.InallhisphilosophyhewouldhavebeenquitewillingtodispensewithGod.ButhehadtomakeHimgiveafilliptosettheworldinmotion;beyondthis,hehasnofurtherneedofGod.

    78.Descartesuselessanduncertain.

    79.Descartes.—Wemustsaysummarily:"Thisismadebyfigureandmotion,"foritistrue.Buttosaywhattheseare,andtocomposethemachine,isridiculous.Foritisuseless,uncertain,andpainful.Andwereittrue,wedonotthinkallPhilosophyisworthonehourofpain.

    80.Howcomesitthatacrippledoesnotoffendus,butthatafooldoes?Becauseacripplerecognisesthatwewalkstraight,whereasafooldeclaresthatitiswewhoaresilly;ifitwerenotso,weshouldfeelpityandnotanger.

    Epictetusasksstillmorestrongly:"Whyarewenotangryifwearetoldthatwehaveaheadache,andwhyareweangryifwearetoldthatwereasonbadly,orchoosewrongly"?Thereasonisthatwearequitecertainthatwehavenotaheadache,orarenotlame,butwearenotsosurethatwemakeatruechoice.So,havingassuranceonlybecauseweseewithourwholesight,itputsusintosuspenseandsurprisewhenanotherwithhiswholesightseestheopposite,andstillmoresowhenathousandothersderideourchoice.Forwemustpreferourownlightstothoseofsomanyothers,andthatisboldanddifficult.Thereisneverthiscontradictioninthefeelingstowardsacripple.

    81.Itisnaturalforthemindtobelieveandforthewilltolove;sothat,forwantoftrueobjects,theymustattachthemselvestofalse.

    82.Imagination.—Itisthatdeceitfulpartinman,thatmistressoferrorandfalsity,themoredeceptivethatsheisnotalwaysso;forshewouldbeaninfallibleruleoftruth,ifshewereaninfallibleruleoffalsehood.Butbeingmostgenerallyfalse,shegivesnosignofhernature,impressingthesamecharacteronthetrueandthefalse.

    Idonotspeakoffools,Ispeakofthewisestmen;anditisamongthemthattheimaginationhasthegreatgiftofpersuasion.Reasonprotestsinvain;itcannotsetatruevalueonthings.

    Thisarrogantpower,theenemyofreason,wholikestoruleanddominateit,hasestablishedinmanasecondnaturetoshowhowall-powerfulsheis.Shemakesmenhappyandsad,healthyandsick,richandpoor;shecompelsreasontobelieve,doubt,anddeny;shebluntsthesenses,orquickensthem;shehasherfoolsandsages;andnothingvexesusmorethantoseethatshefillsherdevoteeswithasatisfactionfarmorefullandentirethandoesreason.Thosewhohavealivelyimaginationareagreatdealmorepleasedwiththemselvesthanthewisecanreasonablybe.Theylookdownuponmenwithhaughtiness;theyarguewithboldnessandconfidence,otherswithfearanddiffidence;andthisgaietyofcountenanceoftengivesthemtheadvantageintheopinionofthehearers,suchfavourhavetheimaginarywiseintheeyesofjudgesoflikenature.Imaginationcannotmakefoolswise;butshecanmakethemhappy,totheenvyofreasonwhichcanonlymakeitsfriendsmiserable;theonecoversthemwithglory,theotherwithshame.

    Whatbutthisfacultyofimaginationdispensesreputation,awardsrespectandvenerationtopersons,works,laws,andthegreat?Howinsufficientarealltherichesoftheearthwithoutherconsent!

    Wouldyounotsaythatthismagistrate,whosevenerableagecommandstherespectofawholepeople,isgovernedbypureandloftyreason,andthathejudgescausesaccordingtotheirtruenaturewithoutconsideringthosemeretrifleswhichonlyaffecttheimaginationoftheweak?Seehimgotosermon,fullofdevoutzeal,strengtheninghisreasonwiththeardourofhislove.Heisreadytolistenwithexemplaryrespect.Letthepreacherappear,andletnaturehavegivenhimahoarsevoiceoracomicalcastofcountenance,orlethisbarberhavegivenhimabadshave,orletbychancehisdressbemoredirtiedthanusual,then,howevergreatthetruthsheannounces,Iwageroursenatorloseshisgravity.

    Ifthegreatestphilosopherintheworldfindhimselfuponaplankwiderthanactuallynecessary,buthangingoveraprecipice,hisimaginationwillprevail,thoughhisreasonconvincehimofhissafety.Manycannotbearthethoughtwithoutacoldsweat.Iwillnotstateallitseffects.

    Everyoneknowsthatthesightofcatsorrats,thecrushingofacoal,etc.,mayunhingethereason.Thetoneofvoiceaffectsthewisest,andchangestheforceofadiscourseorapoem.

    Loveorhatealterstheaspectofjustice.Howmuchgreaterconfidencehasanadvocate,retainedwithalargefee,inthejusticeofhiscause!Howmuchbetterdoeshisboldmannermakehiscaseappeartothejudges,deceivedastheyarebyappearances!Howludicrousisreason,blownwithabreathineverydirection!

    Ishouldhavetoenumeratealmosteveryactionofmenwhoscarcewaversaveunderherassaults.Forreasonhasbeenobligedtoyield,andthewisestreasontakesasherownprinciplesthosewhichtheimaginationofmanhaseverywhererashlyintroduced.Hewhowouldfollowreasononlywouldbedeemedfoolishbythegeneralityofmen.Wemustjudgebytheopinionofthemajorityofmankind.Becauseithaspleasedthem,wemustworkalldayforpleasuresseentobeimaginary;and,aftersleephasrefreshedourtiredreason,wemustforthwithstartupandrushafterphantoms,andsuffertheimpressionsofthismistressoftheworld.Thisisoneofthesourcesoferror,butitisnottheonlyone.

    Ourmagistrateshaveknownwellthismystery.Theirredrobes,theermineinwhichtheywrapthemselveslikefurrycats,thecourtsinwhichtheyadministerjustice,thefleurs-de-lis,andallsuchaugustapparelwerenecessary;ifthephysicianshadnottheircassocksandtheirmules,ifthedoctorshadnottheirsquarecapsandtheirrobesfourtimestoowide,theywouldneverhavedupedtheworld,whichcannotresistsooriginalanappearance.Ifmagistrateshadtruejustice,andifphysicianshadthetrueartofhealing,theywouldhavenooccasionforsquarecaps;themajestyofthesescienceswouldofitselfbevenerableenough.Buthavingonlyimaginaryknowledge,theymustemploythosesillytoolsthatstriketheimaginationwithwhichtheyhavetodeal;andthereby,infact,theyinspirerespect.Soldiersalonearenotdisguisedinthismanner,becauseindeedtheirpartisthemostessential;theyestablishthemselvesbyforce,theothersbyshow.

    Thereforeourkingsseekoutnodisguises.Theydonotmaskthemselvesinextraordinarycostumestoappearsuch;buttheyareaccompaniedbyguardsandhalberdiers.Thosearmedandred-facedpuppetswhohavehandsandpowerforthemalone,thosetrumpetsanddrumswhichgobeforethem,andthoselegionsroundaboutthem,makethestoutesttremble.Theyhavenotdressonly,theyhavemight.AveryrefinedreasonisrequiredtoregardasanordinarymantheGrandTurk,inhissuperbseraglio,surroundedbyfortythousandjanissaries.

    Wecannotevenseeanadvocateinhisrobeandwithhiscaponhishead,withoutafavourableopinionofhisability.Theimaginationdisposesofeverything;itmakesbeauty,justice,andhappiness,whichiseverythingintheworld.IshouldmuchliketoseeanItalianwork,ofwhichIonlyknowthetitle,whichaloneisworthmanybooks,Dellaopinionereginadelmondo.Iapproveofthebookwithoutknowingit,savetheevilinit,ifany.Theseareprettymuchtheeffectsofthatdeceptivefaculty,whichseemstohavebeenexpresslygivenustoleadusintonecessaryerror.Wehave,however,manyothersourcesoferror.

    Notonlyareoldimpressionscapableofmisleadingus;thecharmsofnoveltyhavethesamepower.Henceariseallthedisputesofmen,whotaunteachothereitherwithfollowingthefalseimpressionsofchildhoodorwithrunningrashlyafterthenew.Whokeepstheduemean?Lethimappearandproveit.Thereisnoprinciple,howevernaturaltousfrominfancy,whichmaynotbemadetopassforafalseimpressioneitherofeducationorofsense.

    "Because,"saysome,"youhavebelievedfromchildhoodthataboxwasemptywhenyousawnothinginit,youhavebelievedinthepossibilityofavacuum.Thisisanillusionofyoursenses,strengthenedbycustom,whichsciencemustcorrect.""Because,"sayothers,"youhavebeentaughtatschoolthatthereisnovacuum,youhavepervertedyourcommonsensewhichclearlycomprehendedit,andyoumustcorrectthisbyreturningtoyourfirststate."Whichhasdeceivedyou,yoursensesoryoureducation?

    Wehaveanothersourceoferrorindiseases.Theyspoilthejudgementandthesenses;andifthemoreseriousproduceasensiblechange,Idonotdoubtthatslighterillsproduceaproportionateimpression.

    Ourowninterestisagainamarvellousinstrumentfornicelyputtingoutoureyes.Thejustestmanintheworldisnotallowedtobejudgeinhisowncause;Iknowsomewho,inordernottofallintothisself-love,havebeenperfectlyunjustoutofopposition.Thesurewayoflosingajustcausehasbeentogetitrecommendedtothesemenbytheirnearrelatives.

    Justiceandtrutharetwosuchsubtlepointsthatourtoolsaretooblunttotouchthemaccurately.Iftheyreachthepoint,theyeithercrushit,orleanallround,moreonthefalsethanonthetrue.

    Manissohappilyformedthathehasnogoodofthetrue,andseveralexcellentofthefalse.LetusnowseehowmuchButthemostpowerfulcauseoferroristhewarexistingbetweenthesensesandreason.

    83.Wemustthusbeginthechapteronthedeceptivepowers.Manisonlyasubjectfulloferror,naturalandineffaceable,withoutgrace.Nothingshowshimthetruth.Everythingdeceiveshim.Thesetwosourcesoftruth,reasonandthesenses,besidesbeingbothwantinginsincerity,deceiveeachotherinturn.ThesensesmisleadtheReasonwithfalseappearances,andreceivefromReasonintheirturnthesametrickerywhichtheyapplytoher;Reasonhasherrevenge.Thepassionsofthesoultroublethesenses,andmakefalseimpressionsuponthem.Theyrivaleachotherinfalsehoodanddeception.

    Butbesidesthoseerrorswhichariseaccidentallyandthroughlackofintelligence,withtheseheterogeneousfaculties

    84.Theimaginationenlargeslittleobjectssoastofilloursoulswithafantasticestimate;and,withrashinsolence,itbelittlesthegreattoitsownmeasure,aswhentalkingofGod.

    85.Thingswhichhavemostholdonus,astheconcealmentofourfewpossessions,areoftenamerenothing.Itisanothingwhichourimaginationmagnifiesintoamountain.Anotherturnoftheimaginationwouldmakeusdiscoverthiswithoutdifficulty.

    86.Myfancymakesmehateacroaker,andonewhopantswheneating.Fancyhasgreatweight.Shallweprofitbyit?Shallweyieldtothisweightbecauseitisnatural?No,butbyresistingit

    87.Naeistemagnoconatumagnasnugasdixerit.

    583.Quasiquidquaminfeliciussithominicuisuafigmentadominantur.

    88.Childrenwhoarefrightenedatthefacetheyhaveblackenedarebutchildren.Buthowshallonewhoissoweakinhischildhoodbecomereallystrongwhenhegrowsolder?Weonlychangeourfancies.Allthatismadeperfectbyprogressperishesalsobyprogress.Allthathasbeenweakcanneverbecomeabsolutelystrong.Wesayinvain,"Hehasgrown,hehaschanged";heisalsothesame.

    89.Customisournature.Hewhoisaccustomedtothefaithbelievesinit,cannolongerfearhell,andbelievesinnothingelse.Hewhoisaccustomedtobelievethatthekingisterribleetc.Whodoubts,then,thatoursoul,beingaccustomedtoseenumber,space,motion,believesthatandnothingelse?

    90.Quodcrebrovidetnonmiratur,etiamsicurfiatnescit;quodantenonviderit,idsievenerit,ostentumessecenset.

    91.Spongiasolis.—Whenweseethesameeffectalwaysrecur,weinferanaturalnecessityinit,asthattherewillbeatomorrow,etc.ButNatureoftendeceivesus,anddoesnotsubjectherselftoherownrules.

    92.Whatareournaturalprinciplesbutprinciplesofcustom?Inchildrentheyarethosewhichtheyhavereceivedfromthehabitsoftheirfathers,ashuntinginanimals.Adifferentcustomwillcausedifferentnaturalprinciples.Thisisseeninexperience;andiftherearesomenaturalprinciplesineradicablebycustom,therearealsosomecustomsopposedtonature,ineradicablebynatureorbyasecondcustom.Thisdependsondisposition.

    93.Parentsfearlestthenaturalloveoftheirchildrenmayfadeaway.Whatkindofnatureisthatwhichissubjecttodecay?Customisasecondnaturewhichdestroystheformer.Butwhatisnature?Foriscustomnotnatural?Iammuchafraidthatnatureisitselfonlyafirstcustom,ascustomisasecondnature.

    94.Thenatureofmaniswhollynatural,omneanimal.

    Thereisnothinghemaynotmakenatural;thereisnothingnaturalhemaynotlose.

    95.Memory,joy,areintuitions;andevenmathematicalpropositionsbecomeintuitions,foreducationproducesnaturalintuitions,andnaturalintuitionsareerasedbyeducation.

    96.Whenweareaccustomedtousebadreasonsforprovingnaturaleffects,wearenotwillingtoreceivegoodreasonswhentheyarediscovered.Anexamplemaybegivenfromthecirculationofthebloodasareasonwhytheveinswellsbelowtheligature.

    97.Themostimportantaffairinlifeisthechoiceofacalling;chancedecidesit.Custommakesmenmasons,soldiers,slaters."Heisagoodslater,"saysone,and,speakingofsoldiers,remarks,"Theyareperfectfools."Butothersaffirm,"Thereisnothinggreatbutwar;therestofmenaregoodfornothing."Wechooseourcallingsaccordingaswehearthisorthatpraisedordespisedinourchildhood,forwenaturallylovetruthandhatefolly.Thesewordsmoveus;theonlyerrorisintheirapplication.Sogreatistheforceofcustomthat,outofthosewhomnaturehasonlymademen,arecreatedallconditionsofmen.Forsomedistrictsarefullofmasons,othersofsoldiers,etc.Certainlynatureisnotsouniform.Itiscustomthenwhichdoesthis,foritconstrainsnature.Butsometimesnaturegainstheascendancyandpreservesman-sinstinct,inspiteofallcustom,goodorbad.

    98.Biasleadingtoerror.—Itisadeplorablethingtoseeallmendeliberatingonmeansalone,andnotontheend.Eachthinkshowhewillacquithimselfinhiscondition;butasforthechoiceofcondition,orofcountry,chancegivesthemtous.

    ItisapitiablethingtoseesomanyTurks,heretics,andinfidelsfollowthewayoftheirfathersforthesolereasonthateachhasbeenimbuedwiththeprejudicethatitisthebest.Andthatfixesforeachmanhisconditionoflocksmith,soldier,etc.

    HencesavagescarenothingforProvidence.

    99.Thereisanuniversalandessentialdifferencebetweentheactionsofthewillandallotheractions.

    Thewillisoneofthechieffactorsinbelief,notthatitcreatesbelief,butbecausethingsaretrueorfalseaccordingtotheaspectinwhichwelookatthem.Thewill,whichprefersoneaspecttoanother,turnsawaythemindfromconsideringthequalitiesofallthatitdoesnotliketosee;andthusthemind,movinginaccordwiththewill,stopstoconsidertheaspectwhichitlikesandsojudgesbywhatitsees.

    100.Self-love.Thenatureofself-loveandofthishumanEgoistoloveselfonlyandconsiderselfonly.Butwhatwillmando?Hecannotpreventthisobjectthathelovesfrombeingfulloffaultsandwants.Hewantstobegreat,andheseeshimselfsmall.Hewantstobehappy,andheseeshimselfmiserable.Hewantstobeperfect,andheseeshimselffullofimperfections.Hewantstobetheobjectofloveandesteemamongmen,andheseesthathisfaultsmeritonlytheirhatredandcontempt.Thisembarrassmentinwhichhefindshimselfproducesinhimthemostunrighteousandcriminalpassionthatcanbeimagined;forheconceivesamortalenmityagainstthattruthwhichreproveshimandwhichconvinceshimofhisfaults.Hewouldannihilateit,but,unabletodestroyitinitsessence,hedestroysitasfaraspossibleinhisownknowledgeandinthatofothers;thatistosay,hedevotesallhisattentiontohidinghisfaultsbothfromothersandfromhimself,andhecannotendureeitherthatothersshouldpointthemouttohim,orthattheyshouldseethem.

    Trulyitisaneviltobefulloffaults;butitisastillgreatereviltobefullofthemandtobeunwillingtorecognisethem,sincethatistoaddthefurtherfaultofavoluntaryillusion.Wedonotlikeotherstodeceiveus;wedonotthinkitfairthattheyshouldbeheldinhigheresteembyusthantheydeserve;itisnot,then,fairthatweshoulddeceivethemandshouldwishthemtoesteemusmorehighlythanwedeserve.

    Thus,whentheydiscoveronlytheimperfectionsandviceswhichwereallyhave,itisplaintheydousnowrong,sinceitisnottheywhocausethem;theyratherdousgood,sincetheyhelpustofreeourselvesfromanevil,namely,theignoranceoftheseimperfections.Weoughtnottobeangryattheirknowingourfaultsanddespisingus;itisbutrightthattheyshouldknowusforwhatweareandshoulddespiseus,ifwearecontemptible.

    Sucharethefeelingsthatwouldariseinaheartfullofequityandjustice.Whatmustwesaythenofourownheart,whenweseeitinawhollydifferentdisposition?Forisitnottruethatwehatetruthandthosewhotellitus,andthatwelikethemtobedeceivedinourfavour,andprefertobeesteemedbythemasbeingotherthanwhatweareinfact?Oneproofofthismakesmeshudder.TheCatholicreligiondoesnotbindustoconfessoursinsindiscriminatelytoeverybody;itallowsthemtoremainhiddenfromallothermensaveone,towhomshebidsusrevealtheinnermostrecessesofourheartandshowourselvesasweare.Thereisonlythisonemanintheworldwhomsheordersustoundeceive,andshebindshimtoaninviolablesecrecy,whichmakesthisknowledgetohimasifitwerenot.Canweimagineanythingmorecharitableandpleasant?Andyetthecorruptionofmanissuchthathefindseventhislawharsh;anditisoneofthemainreasonswhichhascausedagreatpartofEuropetorebelagainsttheChurch.

    Howunjustandunreasonableistheheartofman,whichfeelsitdisagreeabletobeobligedtodoinregardtoonemanwhatinsomemeasureitwererighttodotoallmen!Forisitrightthatweshoulddeceivemen?

    Therearedifferentdegreesinthisaversiontotruth;butallmayperhapsbesaidtohaveitinsomedegree,becauseitisinseparablefromself-love.Itisthisfalsedelicacywhichmakesthosewhoareunderthenecessityofreprovingotherschoosesomanywindingsandmiddlecoursestoavoidoffence.Theymustlessenourfaults,appeartoexcusethem,interspersepraisesandevidenceofloveandesteem.Despiteallthis,themedicinedoesnotceasetobebittertoself-love.Ittakesaslittleasitcan,alwayswithdisgust,andoftenwithasecretspiteagainstthosewhoadministerit.

    Henceithappensthat,ifanyhavesomeinterestinbeinglovedbyus,theyareaversetorenderusaservicewhichtheyknowtobedisagreeable.Theytreatusaswewishtobetreated.Wehatethetruth,andtheyhideitfromus.Wedesireflattery,andtheyflatterus.Weliketobedeceived,andtheydeceiveus.

    Soeachdegreeofgoodfortunewhichraisesusintheworldremovesusfartherfromtruth,becausewearemostafraidofwoundingthosewhoseaffectionismostusefulandwhosedislikeismostdangerous.AprincemaybethebywordofallEurope,andhealonewillknownothingofit.Iamnotastonished.Totellthetruthisusefultothosetowhomitisspoken,butdisadvantageoustothosewhotellit,becauseitmakesthemdisliked.Nowthosewholivewithprinceslovetheirowninterestsmorethanthatoftheprincewhomtheyserve;andsotheytakecarenottoconferonhimabenefitsoastoinjurethemselves.

    Thisevilisnodoubtgreaterandmorecommonamongthehigherclasses;butthelowerarenotexemptfromit,sincethereisalwayssomeadvantageinmakingmenloveus.Humanlifeisthusonlyaperpetualillusion;mendeceiveandflattereachother.Noonespeaksofusinourpresenceashedoesofusinourabsence.Humansocietyisfoundedonmutualdeceit;fewfriendshipswouldendureifeachknewwhathisfriendsaidofhiminhisabsence,althoughhethenspokeinsincerityandwithoutpassion.

    Manis,then,onlydisguise,falsehood,andhypocrisy,bothinhimselfandinregardtoothers.Hedoesnotwishanyonetotellhimthetruth;heavoidstellingittoothers,andallthesedispositions,soremovedfromjusticeandreason,haveanaturalrootinhisheart.

    101.Isetitdownasafactthatifallmenknewwhateachsaidoftheother,therewouldnotbefourfriendsintheworld.Thisisapparentfromthequarrelswhicharisefromtheindiscreettalestoldfromtimetotime.Isay,further,allmenwouldbe

    102.Somevicesonlylayholdofusbymeansofothers,andthese,likebranches,fallonremovalofthetrunk.

    103.TheexampleofAlexander-schastityhasnotmadesomanycontinentasthatofhisdrunkennesshasmadeintemperate.Itisnotshamefulnottobeasvirtuousashe,anditseemsexcusabletobenomorevicious.Wedonotbelieveourselvestobeexactlysharinginthevicesofthevulgarwhenweseethatwearesharinginthoseofgreatmen;andyetwedonotobservethatinthesematterstheyareordinarymen.Weholdontothembythesameendbywhichtheyholdontotherabble;for,howeverexaltedtheyare,theyarestillunitedatsomepointtothelowestofmen.Theyarenotsuspendedintheair,quiteremovedfromoursociety.No,no;iftheyaregreaterthanwe,itisbecausetheirheadsarehigher;buttheirfeetareaslowasours.Theyareallonthesamelevel,andrestonthesameearth;andbythatextremitytheyareaslowasweare,asthemeanestfolk,asinfants,andasthebeasts.

    104.Whenourpassionleadsustodosomething,weforgetourduty;forexample,welikeabookandreadit,whenweoughttobedoingsomethingelse.Now,toremindourselvesofourduty,wemustsetourselvesataskwedislike;wethenpleadthatwehavesomethingelsetodoandbythismeansrememberourduty.

    105.Howdifficultitistosubmitanythingtothejudgementofanother,withoutprejudicinghisjudgementbythemannerinwhichwesubmitit!Ifwesay,"Ithinkitbeautiful,""Ithinkitobscure,"orthelike,weeitherenticetheimaginationintothatview,orirritateittothecontrary.Itisbettertosaynothing;andthentheotherjudgesaccordingtowhatreallyis,thatistosay,accordingasitthenisandaccordingastheothercircumstances,notofourmaking,haveplacedit.Butweatleastshallhaveaddednothing,unlessitbethatsilencealsoproducesaneffect,accordingtotheturnandtheinterpretationwhichtheotherwillbedisposedtogiveit,orashewillguessitfromgesturesorcountenance,orfromthetoneofthevoice,ifheisaphysiognomist.Sodifficultisitnottoupsetajudgementfromitsnaturalplace,or,rather,sorarelyisitfirmandstable!

    106.Byknowingeachman-srulingpassion,wearesureofpleasinghim;andyeteachhashisfancies,opposedtohistruegood,intheveryideawhichhehasofthegood.Itisasingularlypuzzlingfact.

    107.Lustravitlampadeterras.—Theweatherandmymoodhavelittleconnection.Ihavemyfoggyandmyfinedayswithinme;myprosperityormisfortunehaslittletodowiththematter.Isometimesstruggleagainstluck,thegloryofmasteringitmakesmemasteritgaily;whereasIamsometimessurfeitedinthemidstofgoodfortune.

    108.Althoughpeoplemayhavenointerestinwhattheyaresaying,wemustnotabsolutelyconcludefromthisthattheyarenotlying;fortherearesomepeoplewholieforthemeresakeoflying.

    109.Whenwearewellwewonderwhatwewoulddoifwewereill,butwhenweareillwetakemedicinecheerfully;theillnesspersuadesustodoso.Wehavenolongerthepassionsanddesiresforamusementsandpromenadeswhichhealthgavetous,butwhichareincompatiblewiththenecessitiesofillness.Naturegivesus,then,passionsanddesiressuitabletoourpresentstate.Weareonlytroubledbythefearswhichwe,andnotnature,giveourselves,fortheyaddtothestateinwhichwearethepassionsofthestateinwhichwearenot.

    Asnaturemakesusalwaysunhappyineverystate,ourdesirespicturetousahappystate;becausetheyaddtothestateinwhichwearethepleasuresofthestateinwhichwearenot.Andifweattainedtothesepleasures,weshouldnotbehappyafterall;becauseweshouldhaveotherdesiresnaturaltothisnewstate.

    Wemustparticularisethisgeneralproposition

    110.Theconsciousnessofthefalsityofpresentpleasures,andtheignoranceofthevanityofabsentpleasures,causeinconstancy.

    111.Inconstancy.—Wethinkweareplayingonordinaryorganswhenplayinguponman.Menareorgans,itistrue,but,odd,changeable,variablewithpipesnotarrangedinproperorder.Thosewhoonlyknowhowtoplayonordinaryorganswillnotproducebarmoniesonthese.Wemustknowwhereare.

    112.Inconstancy.—Thingshavedifferentqualities,andthesouldifferentinclinations;fornothingissimplewhichispresentedtothesoul,andthesoulneverpresentsitselfsimplytoanyobject.Henceitcomesthatweweepandlaughatthesamething.

    113.Inconstancyandoddity.—Toliveonlybywork,andtoruleoverthemostpowerfulStateintheworld,areveryoppositethings.TheyareunitedinthepersonofthegreatSultanoftheTurks.

    114.Varietyisasabundantasalltonesofthevoice,allwaysofwalking,coughing,blowingthenose,sneezing.Wedistinguishvinesbytheirfruit,andcallthemtheCondrien,theDesargues,andsuchandsuchastock.Isthisall?Hasavineeverproducedtwobunchesexactlythesame,andhasabunchtwograpesalike,etc.?

    Icanneverjudgeofthesamethingexactlyinthesameway.Icannotjudgeofmywork,whiledoingit.Imustdoastheartists,standatadistance,butnottoofar.Howfar,then?Guess.

    115.Variety.—Theologyisascience,butatthesametimehowmanysciences?Amanisawhole;butifwedissecthim,willhebethehead,theheart,thestomach,theveins,eachvein,eachportionofavein,theblood,eachhumourintheblood?

    Atown,acountry-place,isfromafaratownandacountry-place.But,aswedrawnear,therearehouses,trees,tiles,leaves,grass,ants,limbsofants,ininfinity.Allthisiscontainedunderthenameofcountry-place.

    116.Thoughts.—Allisone,allisdifferent.Howmanynaturesexistinman?Howmanyvocations?Andbywhatchancedoeseachmanordinarilychoosewhathehasheardpraised?Awell-turnedheel.

    117.Theheelofaslipper.—"Ah!Howwellthisisturned!Hereisacleverworkman!Howbraveisthissoldier!"Thisisthesourceofourinclinationsandofthechoiceofconditions."Howmuchthismandrinks!Howlittlethatone"!Thismakespeoplesoberordrunk,soldiers,cowards,etc.

    118.Chieftalent,thatwhichrulestherest.

    119.NatureimitatesherselfAseedgrowningoodgroundbringsforthfruit.Aprincipleinstilledintoagoodmindbringsforthfruit.Numbersimitatespace,whichisofadifferentnature.

    Allismadeandledbythesamemaster,root,branches,andfruits;principlesandconsequences.

    120.Naturediversifiesandimitates;artimitatesanddiversifies.

    121.Naturealwaysbeginsthesamethingsagain,theyears,thedays,thehours;inlikemannerspacesandnumbersfolloweachotherfrombeginningtoend.Thusismadeakindofinfinityandeternity.Notthatanythinginallthisisinfiniteandeternal,butthesefiniterealitiesareinfinitelymultiplied.Thusitseemstometobeonlythenumberwhichmultipliesthemthatisinfinite.

    122.Timehealsgriefsandquarrels,forwechangeandarenolongerthesamepersons.Neithertheoffendernortheoffendedareanymorethemselves.Itislikeanationwhichwehaveprovoked,butmeetagainaftertwogenerations.TheyarestillFrenchmen,butnotthesame.

    123.Henolongerlovesthepersonwhomhelovedtenyearsago.Iquitebelieveit.Sheisnolongerthesame,norishe.Hewasyoung,andshealso;sheisquitedifferent.Hewouldperhapsloveheryet,ifshewerewhatshewasthen.

    124.Weviewthingsnotonlyfromdifferentsides,butwithdifferenteyes;wehavenowishtofindthemalike.

    125.Contraries.—Manisnaturallycredulousandincredulous,timidandrash.

    126.Descriptionofman:dependency,desireofindependence,need.

    127.Conditionofman:inconstancy,weariness,unrest.

    128.Thewearinesswhichisfeltbyusinleavingpursuitstowhichweareattached.Amandwellsathomewithpleasure;butifheseesawomanwhocharmshim,orifheenjoyshimselfinplayforfiveorsixdays,heismiserableifhereturnstohisformerwayofliving.Nothingismorecommonthanthat.

    129.Ournatureconsistsinmotion;completerestisdeath.

    130.Restlessness.—Ifasoldier,orlabourer,complainofthehardshipofhislot,sethimtodonothing.

    131.Weariness.—Nothingissoinsufferabletomanastobecompletelyatrest,withoutpassions,withoutbusiness,withoutdiversion,withoutstudy.Hethenfeelshisnothingness,hisforlornness,hisinsufficiency,hisdependence,hisweakness,hisemptiness.Therewillimmediatelyarisefromthedepthofhisheartweariness,gloom,sadness,fretfulness,vexation,despair.

    132.MethinksCaesarwastoooldtosetaboutamusinghimselfwithconqueringtheworld.SuchsportwasgoodforAugustusorAlexander.Theywerestillyoungmenandthusdifficulttorestrain.ButCaesarshouldhavebeenmoremature.

    133.Twofaceswhichresembleeachothermakeuslaugh,whentogether,bytheirresemblance,thoughneitherofthembyitselfmakesuslaugh.

    134.Howuselessispainting,whichattractsadmirationbytheresemblanceofthings,theoriginalsofwhichwedonotadmire!

    135.Thestrugglealonepleasesus,notthevictory.Welovetoseeanimalsfighting,notthevictorinfuriatedoverthevanquished.Wewouldonlyseethevictoriousend;and,assoonasitcomes,wearesatiated.Itisthesameinplay,andthesameinthesearchfortruth.Indisputesweliketoseetheclashofopinions,butnotatalltocontemplatetruthwhenfound.Toobserveitwithpleasure,wehavetoseeitemergeoutofstrife.Sointhepassions,thereispleasureinseeingthecollisionoftwocontraries;butwhenoneacquiresthemastery,itbecomesonlybrutality.Weneverseekthingsforthemselves,butforthesearch.Likewiseinplays,sceneswhichdonotrousetheemotionoffearareworthless,soareextremeandhopelessmisery,brutallust,andextremecruelty.

    136.Ameretrifleconsolesus,forameretrifledistressesus.

    137.Withoutexaminingeveryparticularpursuit,itisenoughtocomprehendthemunderdiversion.

    138.Mennaturallyslatersandofallcallings,saveintheirownrooms.

    139.Diversion.—WhenIhaveoccasionallysetmyselftoconsiderthedifferentdistractionsofmen,thepainsandperilstowhichtheyexposethemselvesatcourtorinwar,whencearisesomanyquarrels,passions,boldandoftenbadventures,etc.,Ihavediscoveredthatalltheunhappinessofmenarisesfromonesinglefact,thattheycannotstayquietlyintheirownchamber.Amanwhohasenoughtoliveon,ifheknewhowtostaywithpleasureathome,wouldnotleaveittogotoseaortobesiegeatown.Acommissioninthearmywouldnotbeboughtsodearly,butthatitisfoundinsufferablenottobudgefromthetown;andmenonlyseekconversationandenteringgames,becausetheycannotremainwithpleasureathome.

    But,onfurtherconsideration,when,afterfindingthecauseofallourills,Ihavesoughttodiscoverthereasonofit,Ihavefoundthatthereisoneveryrealreason,namely,thenaturalpovertyofourfeebleandmortalcondition,somiserablethatnothingcancomfortuswhenwethinkofitclosely.

    Whateverconditionwepicturetoourselves,ifwemusterallthegoodthingswhichitispossibletopossess,royaltyisthefinestpositionintheworld.Yet,whenweimagineakingattendedwitheverypleasurehecanfeel,ifhebewithoutdiversionandbelefttoconsiderandreflectonwhatheis,thisfeeblehappinesswillnotsustainhim;hewillnecessarilyfallintoforebodingsofdangers,ofrevolutionswhichmayhappen,and,finally,ofdeathandinevitabledisease;sothat,ifhebewithoutwhatiscalleddiversion,heisunhappyandmoreunhappythantheleastofhissubjectswhoplaysanddivertshimself.

    Henceitcomesthatplayandthesocietyofwomen,warandhighposts,aresosoughtafter.Notthatthereisinfactanyhappinessinthem,orthatmenimaginetrueblisstoconsistinmoneywonatplay,orintheharewhichtheyhunt;wewouldnottaketheseasagift.Wedonotseekthateasyandpeacefullotwhichpermitsustothinkofourunhappycondition,northedangersofwar,northelabourofoffice,butthebustlewhichavertsthesethoughtsofoursandamusesus.

    Reasonswhywelikethechasebetterthanthequarry.

    Henceitcomesthatmensomuchlovenoiseandstir;henceitcomesthattheprisonissohorribleapunishment;henceitcomesthatthepleasureofsolitudeisathingincomprehensible.Anditis,infact,thegreatestsourceofhappinessintheconditionofkingsthatmentryincessantlytodivertthemandtoprocureforthemallkindsofpleasures.

    Thekingissurroundedbypersonswhoseonlythoughtistodivertthekingandtopreventhisthinkingofself.Forheisunhappy,kingthoughhebe,ifhethinkofhimself.

    Thisisallthatmenhavebeenabletodiscovertomakethemselveshappy.Andthosewhophilosophiseonthematter,andwhothinkmenunreasonableforspendingawholedayinchasingaharewhichtheywouldnothavebought,scarceknowournature.Thehareinitselfwouldnotscreenusfromthesightofdeathandcalamities;butthechase,whichturnsawayourattentionfromthese,doesscreenus.

    TheadvicegiventoPyrrhus,totaketherestwhichhewasabouttoseekwithsomuchlabour,wasfullofdifficulties.

    Tobidamanlivequietlyistobidhimlivehappily.Itistoadvisehimtobeinastateperfectlyhappy,inwhichhecanthinkatleisurewithoutfindingthereinacauseofdistress.Thisistomisunderstandnature.

    Asmenwhonaturallyunderstandtheirownconditionavoidnothingsomuchasrest,sothereisnothingtheyleaveundoneinseekingturmoil.Notthattheyhaveaninstinctiveknowledgeoftruehappiness

    Sowearewronginblamingthem.Theirerrordoesnotlieinseekingexcitement,iftheyseekitonlyasadiversion;theevilisthattheyseekitasifthepossessionoftheobjectsoftheirquestwouldmakethemreallyhappy.Inthisrespectitisrighttocalltheirquestavainone.Henceinallthisboththecensurersandthecensureddonotunderstandman-struenature.

    Andthus,whenwetaketheexceptionagainstthem,thatwhattheyseekwithsuchfervourcannotsatisfythem,iftheyreplied—astheyshoulddoiftheyconsideredthematterthoroughly—thattheysoughtinitonlyaviolentandimpetuousoccupationwhichturnedtheirthoughtsfromself,andthattheythereforechoseanattractiveobjecttocharmandardentlyattractthem,theywouldleavetheiropponentswithoutareply.Buttheydonotmakethisreply,becausetheydonotknowthemselves.Theydonotknowthatitisthechase,andnotthequarry,whichtheyseek.

    Dancing:Wemustconsiderrightlywheretoplaceourfeet.—Agentlemansincerelybelievesthathuntingisgreatandroyalsport;butabeaterisnotofthisopinion.

    Theyimaginethat,iftheyobtainedsuchapost,theywouldthenrestwithpleasureandareinsensibleoftheinsatiablenatureoftheifdesire.Theythinktheyaretrulyseekingquiet,andtheyareonlyseekingexcitement.

    Theyhaveasecretinstinctwhichimpelsthemtoseekamusementandoccupationabroad,andwhicharisesfromthesenseoftheirconstantunhappiness.Theyhaveanothersecretinstinct,aremnantofthegreatnessofouroriginalnature,whichteachesthemthathappinessinrealityconsistsonlyinrestandnotinstir.Andofthesetwocontraryinstinctstheyformwithinthemselvesaconfusedidea,whichhidesitselffromtheirviewinthedepthsoftheirsoul,incitingthemtoaimatrestthroughexcitement,andalwaystofancythatthesatisfactionwhichtheyhavenotwillcometothem,if,bysurmountingwhateverdifficultiesconfrontthem,theycantherebyopenthedoortorest.

    Thuspassesawayallman-slife.Menseekrestinastruggleagainstdifficulties;andwhentheyhaveconqueredthese,restbecomesinsufferable.Forwethinkeitherofthemisfortuneswehaveorofthosewhichthreatenus.Andevenifweshouldseeourselvessufficientlyshelteredonallsides,wearinessofitsownaccordwouldnotfailtoarisefromthedepthsoftheheartwhereinithasitsnaturalrootsandtofillthemindwithitspoison.

    Thussowretchedismanthathewouldwearyevenwithoutanycauseforwearinessfromthepeculiarstateofhisdisposition;andsofrivolousishethat,thoughfullofathousandreasonsforweariness,theleastthing,suchasplayingbilliardsorhittingaball,issufficienttoamusehim.

    Butwillyousaywhatobjecthasheinallthis?Thepleasureofbraggingtomorrowamonghisfriendsthathehasplayedbetterthananother.Sootherssweatintheirownroomstoshowtothelearnedthattheyhavesolvedaprobleminalgebra,whichnoonehadhithertobeenabletosolve.Manymoreexposethemselvestoextremeperils,inmyopinionasfoolishly,inordertoboastafterwardsthattheyhavecapturedatown.Lastly,otherswearthemselvesoutinstudyingallthesethings,notinordertobecomewiser,butonlyinordertoprovethattheyknowthem;andthesearethemostsenselessoftheband,sincetheyaresoknowingly,whereasonemaysupposeoftheothersthat,iftheyknewit,theywouldnolongerbefoolish.

    Thismanspendshislifewithoutwearinessinplayingeverydayforasmallstake.Givehimeachmorningthemoneyhecanwineachday,onconditionhedoesnotplay;youmakehimmiserable.Itwillperhapsbesaidthatheseekstheamusementofplayandnotthewinnings.Makehim,then,playfornothing;hewillnotbecomeexcitedoveritandwillfeelbored.Itis,then,nottheamusementalonethatheseeks;alanguidandpassionlessamusementwillwearyhim.Hemustgetexcitedoveritanddeceivehimselfbythefancythathewillbehappytowinwhathewouldnothaveasagiftonconditionofnotplaying;andhemustmakeforhimselfanobjectofpassion,andexciteoverithisdesire,hisanger,hisfear,toobtainhisimaginedend,aschildrenarefrightenedatthefacetheyhaveblackened.

    Whencecomesitthatthisman,wholosthisonlysonafewmonthsago,orwhothismorningwasinsuchtroublethroughbeingdistressedbylawsuitsandquarrels,nownolongerthinksofthem?Donotwonder;heisquitetakenupinlookingoutfortheboarwhichhisdogshavebeenhuntingsohotlyforthelastsixhours.Herequiresnothingmore.Howeverfullofsadnessamanmaybe,heishappyforthetime,ifyoucanprevailuponhimtoenterintosomeamusement;andhoweverhappyamanmaybe,hewillsoonbediscontentedandwretched,ifhebenotdivertedandoccupiedbysomepassionorpursuitwhichpreventswearinessfromovercominghim.Withoutamusementthereisnojoy;withamusementthereisnosadness.Andthisalsoconstitutesthehappinessofpersonsinhighposition,thattheyhaveanumberofpeopletoamusethemandhavethepowertokeepthemselvesinthisstate.

    Considerthis.Whatisittobesuperintendent,chancellor,firstpresident,buttobeinaconditionwhereinfromearlymorningalargenumberofpeoplecomefromallquarterstoseethem,soasnottoleavethemanhourinthedayinwhichtheycanthinkofthemselves?Andwhentheyareindisgraceandsentbacktotheircountryhouses,wheretheylackneitherwealthnorservantstohelpthemonoccasion,theydonotfailtobewretchedanddesolate,becausenoonepreventsthemfromthinkingofthemselves.

    140.Howdoesithappenthatthisman,sodistressedatthedeathofhiswifeandhisonlyson,orwhohassomegreatlawsuitwhichannoyshim,isnotatthismomentsad,andthatheseemssofreefromallpainfulanddisquietingthoughts?Weneednotwonder;foraballhasbeenservedhim,andhemustreturnittohiscompanion.Heisoccupiedincatchingitinitsfallfromtheroof,towinagame.Howcanhethinkofhisownaffairs,pray,whenhehasthisothermatterinhand?Hereisacareworthyofoccupyingthisgreatsoulandtakingawayfromhimeveryotherthoughtofthemind.Thisman,borntoknowtheuniverse,tojudgeallcauses,togovernawholestate,isaltogetheroccupiedandtakenupwiththebusinessofcatchingahare.Andifhedoesnotlowerhimselftothisandwantsalwaystobeonthestrain,hewillbemorefoolishstill,becausehewouldraisehimselfabovehumanity;andafterall,heisonlyaman,thatistosaycapableoflittleandofmuch,ofallandofnothing;heisneitherangelnorbrute,butman.

    141.Menspendtheirtimeinfollowingaballorahare;itisthepleasureevenofkings.

    142.Diversion—Isnottheroyaldignitysufficientlygreatinitselftomakeitspossessorhappybythemerecontemplationofwhatheis?Musthebedivertedfromthisthoughtlikeordinaryfolk?Iseewellthatamanismadehappybydivertinghimfromtheviewofhisdomesticsorrowssoastooccupyallhisthoughtswiththecareofdancingwell.Butwillitbethesamewithaking,andwillhebehappierinthepursuitoftheseidleamusementsthaninthecontemplationofhisgreatness?Andwhatmoresatisfactoryobjectcouldbepresentedtohismind?Woulditnotbeadeprivationofhisdelightforhimtooccupyhissoulwiththethoughtofhowtoadjusthisstepstothecadenceofanair,orofhowtothrowaballskilfully,insteadofleavingittoenjoyquietlythecontemplationofthemajesticglorywhichencompasseshim?Letusmakethetrial;letusleaveakingallalonetoreflectonhimselfquiteatleisure,withoutanygratificationofthesenses,withoutanycareinhismind,withoutsociety;andwewillseethatakingwithoutdiversionisamanfullofwretchedness.Sothisiscarefullyavoided,andnearthepersonsofkingsthereneverfailtobeagreatnumberofpeoplewhoseetoitthatamusementfollowsbusiness,andwhowatchallthetimeoftheirleisuretosupplythemwithdelightsandgames,sothatthereisnoblankinit.Infact,kingsaresurroundedwithpersonswhoarewonderfullyattentiveintakingcarethatthekingbenotaloneandinastatetothinkofhimself,knowingwellthathewillbemiserable,kingthoughhebe,ifhemeditateonself.

    InallthisIamnottalkingofChristiankingsasChristians,butonlyaskings.

    143.Diversion.—Menareentrustedfrominfancywiththecareoftheirhonour,theirproperty,theirfriends,andevenwiththepropertyandthehonouroftheirfriends.Theyareoverwhelmedwithbusiness,withthestudyoflanguages,andwithphysicalexercise;andtheyaremadetounderstandthattheycannotbehappyunlesstheirhealth,theirhonour,theirfortuneandthatoftheirfriendsbeingoodcondition,andthatasinglethingwantingwillmakethemunhappy.Thustheyaregivencaresandbusinesswhichmakethembustleaboutfrombreakofday.Itis,youwillexclaim,astrangewaytomakethemhappy!Whatmorecouldbedonetomakethemmiserable?—Indeed!whatcouldbedone?Weshouldonlyhavetorelievethemfromallthesecares;forthentheywouldseethemselves:theywouldreflectonwhattheyare,whencetheycame,whithertheygo,andthuswecannotemployanddivertthemtoomuch.Andthisiswhy,afterhavinggiventhemsomuchbusiness,weadvisethem,iftheyhavesometimeforrelaxation,toemployitinamusement,inplay,andtobealwaysfullyoccupied.

    Howhollowandfullofribaldryistheheartofman!

    144.Ispentalongtimeinthestudyoftheabstractsciences,andwasdisheartenedbythesmallnumberoffellow-studentsinthem.WhenIcommencedthestudyofman,IsawthattheseabstractsciencesarenotsuitedtomanandthatIwaswanderingfartherfrommyownstateinexaminingthemthanothersinnotknowingthem.Ipardonedtheirlittleknowledge;butIthoughtatleasttofindmanycompanionsinthestudyofmanandthatitwasthetruestudywhichissuitedtohim.Ihavebeendeceived;stillfewerstudyitthangeometry.Itisonlyfromthewantofknowinghowtostudythisthatweseektheotherstudies.Butisitnotthatevenhereisnottheknowledgewhichmanshouldhaveandthatforthepurposeofhappinessitisbetterforhimnottoknowhimself.?

    145.Onethoughtaloneoccupiesus;wecannotthinkoftwothingsatthesametime.Thisisluckyforusaccordingtotheworld,notaccordingtoGod.

    146.Manisobviouslymadetothink.Itishiswholedignityandhiswholemerit;andhiswholedutyistothinkasheought.Now,theorderofthoughtistobeginwithself,andwithitsAuthoranditsend.

    Now,ofwhatdoestheworldthink?Neverofthis,butofdancing,playingthelute,singing,makingverses,runningatthering,etc.,fighting,makingoneselfking,withoutthinkingwhatitistobeakingandwhattobeaman.

    147.Wedonotcontentourselveswiththelifewehaveinourselvesandinourownbeing;wedesiretoliveanimaginarylifeinthemindofothers,andforthispurposeweendeavourtoshine.Welabourunceasinglytoadornandpreservethisimaginaryexistenceandneglectthereal.Andifwepossesscalmness,orgenerosity,ortruthfulness,weareeagertomakeitknown,soastoattachthesevirtuestothatimaginaryexistence.Wewouldratherseparatethemfromourselvestojointhemtoit;andwewouldwillinglybecowardsinordertoacquirethereputationofbeingbrave.Agreatproofofthenothingnessofourbeing,nottobesatisfiedwiththeonewithouttheother,andtorenouncetheonefortheother!Forhewouldbeinfamouswhowouldnotdietopreservehishonour.

    148.Wearesopresumptuousthatwewouldwishtobeknownbyalltheworld,evenbypeoplewhoshallcomeafter,whenweshallbenomore;andwearesovainthattheesteemoffiveorsixneighboursdelightsandcontentsus.

    149.Wedonottroubleourselvesaboutbeingesteemedinthetownsthroughwhichwepass.Butifwearetoremainalittlewhilethere,wearesoconcerned.Howlongisnecessary?Atimecommensuratewithourvainandpaltrylife.

    150.Vanityissoanchoredintheheartofmanthatasoldier,asoldier-sservant,acook,aporterbragsandwishestohavehisadmirers.Evenphilosopherswishforthem.Thosewhowriteagainstitwanttohavethegloryofhavingwrittenwell;andthosewhoreaditdesirethegloryofhavingreadit.Iwhowritethishaveperhapsthisdesire,andperhapsthosewhowillreadit

    151.Glory.—Admirationspoilsallfrominfancy.Ah!Howwellsaid!Ah!Howwelldone!Howwell-behavedheis!etc.

    ThechildrenofPort-Royal,whodonotreceivethisstimulusofenvyandglory,fallintocarelessness.

    152.Pride.—Curiosityisonlyvanity.Mostfrequentlywewishtoknowbuttotalk.Otherwisewewouldnottakeaseavoyageinordernevertotalkofit,andforthesolepleasureofseeingwithouthopeofevercommunicatingit.

    153.Ofthedesireofbeingesteemedbythosewithwhomweare.—Pridetakessuchnaturalpossessionofusinthemidstofourwoes,errors,etc.Weevenloseourlifewithjoy,providedpeopletalkofit.

    Vanity:play,hunting,visiting,falseshame,alastingname.

    154.Ihavenofriendstoyouradvantage.

    155.Atruefriendissogreatanadvantage,evenforthegreatestlords,inorderthathemayspeakwellofthemandbackthemintheirabsence,thattheyshoulddoalltohaveone.Buttheyshouldchoosewell;for,iftheyspendalltheireffortsintheinterestsoffools,itwillbeofnouse,howeverwellthesemayspeakofthem;andthesewillnotevenspeakwellofthemiftheyfindthemselvesontheweakestside,fortheyhavenoinfluence;andthustheywillspeakillofthemincompany.

    156.Feroxgens,nullamessevitamsinearmisrati.—Theypreferdeathtopeace;otherspreferdeathtowar.

    Everyopinionmaybeheldpreferabletolife,theloveofwhichissostrongandsonatural.

    157.Contradiction:contemptforourexistence,todiefornothing,hatredofourexistence.

    158.Pursuits.—Thecharmoffameissogreatthatwelikeeveryobjecttowhichitisattached,evendeath.

    159.Nobledeedsaremostestimablewhenhidden.WhenIseesomeoftheseinhistory,theypleasemegreatly.Butafteralltheyhavenotbeenquitehidden,sincetheyhavebeenknown;andthoughpeoplehavedonewhattheycouldtohidethem,thelittlepublicationofthemspoilsall,forwhatwasbestinthemwasthewishtohidethem.

    160.Sneezingabsorbsallthefunctionsofthesoul,aswellasworkdoes;butwedonotdrawtherefromthesameconclusionsagainstthegreatnessofman,becauseitisagainsthiswill.Andalthoughwebringitonourselves,itisneverthelessagainstourwillthatwesneeze.Itisnotinviewoftheactitself;itisforanotherend.Andthusitisnotaproofoftheweaknessofmanandofhisslaveryunderthataction.

    Itisnotdisgracefulformantoyieldtopain,anditisdisgracefultoyieldtopleasure.Thisisnotbecausepaincomestousfromwithout,andweourselvesseekpleasure;foritispossibletoseekpain,andyieldtoitpurposely,withoutthiskindofbaseness.Whencecomesit,then,thatreasonthinksithonourabletosuccumbunderstressofpain,anddisgracefultoyieldtotheattackofpleasure?Itisbecausepaindoesnottemptandattractus.Itisweourselveswhochooseitvoluntarily,andwillittoprevailoverus.Sothatwearemastersofthesituation;andinthismanyieldstohimself.Butinpleasureitismanwhoyieldstopleasure.Nowonlymasteryandsovereigntybringglory,andonlyslaverybringsshame.

    161.Vanity.—Howwonderfulitisthatathingsoevidentasthevanityoftheworldissolittleknown,thatitisastrangeandsurprisingthingtosaythatitisfoolishtoseekgreatness?

    162.Hewhowillknowfullythevanityofmanhasonlytoconsiderthecausesandeffectsoflove.Thecauseisajenesaisquoi(Corneille),andtheeffectsaredreadful.Thisjenesaisquoi,sosmallanobjectthatwecannotrecogniseit,agitatesawholecountry,princes,armies,theentireworld.

    Cleopatra-snose:haditbeenshorter,thewholeaspectoftheworldwouldhavebeenaltered.

    163.Vanity.—Thecauseandtheeffectsoflove:Cleopatra.

    164.Hewhodoesnotseethevanityoftheworldishimselfveryvain.Indeedwhodonotseeitbutyouthswhoareabsorbedinfame,diversion,andthethoughtofthefuture?Buttakeawaydiversion,andyouwillseethemdriedupwithweariness.Theyfeelthentheirnothingnesswithoutknowingit;foritisindeedtobeunhappytobeininsufferablesadnessassoonaswearereducedtothinkingofselfandhavenodiversion.

    165.Thoughts.—Inomnibusrequiemquaesivi.Ifourconditionweretrulyhappy,wenotneeddiversionfromthinkingofitinordertomakeourselveshappy.

    166.Diversion.—Deathiseasiertobearwithoutthinkingofitthanisthethoughtofdeathwithoutperil.

    167.Themiseriesofhumanlifehasestablishedallthis:asmenhaveseenthis,theyhavetakenupdiversion.

    168.Diversion.—Asmenarenotabletofightagainstdeath,misery,ignorance,theyhavetakenitintotheirheads,inordertobehappy,nottothinkofthematall.

    169.Despitethesemiseries,manwishestobehappy,andonlywishestobehappy,andcannotwishnottobeso.Buthowwillhesetaboutit?Tobehappyhewouldhavetomakehimselfimmortal;but,notbeingabletodoso,ithasoccurredtohimtopreventhimselffromthinkingofdeath.

    170.Diversion.—Ifmanwerehappy,hewouldbethemoreso,thelesshewasdiverted,liketheSaintsandGod.Yes;butisitnottobehappytohaveafacultyofbeingamusedbydiversion?No;forthatcomesfromelsewhereandfromwithout,andthusisdependent,andthereforesubjecttobedisturbedbyathousandaccidents,whichbringinevitablegriefs.

    171.Misery.—Theonlythingwhichconsolesusforourmiseriesisdiversion,andyetthisisthegreatestofourmiseries.Foritisthiswhichprincipallyhindersusfromreflectinguponourselvesandwhichmakesusinsensiblyruinourselves.Withoutthisweshouldbeinastateofweariness,andthiswearinesswouldspurustoseekamoresolidmeansofescapingfromit.Butdiversionamusesus,andleadsusunconsciouslytodeath.

    172.Wedonotrestsatisfiedwiththepresent.Weanticipatethefutureastooslowincoming,asifinordertohastenitscourse;orwerecallthepast,tostopitstoorapidflight.Soimprudentarewethatwewanderinthetimeswhicharenotoursanddonotthinkoftheonlyonewhichbelongstous;andsoidlearewethatwedreamofthosetimeswhicharenomoreandthoughtlesslyoverlookthatwhichaloneexists.Forthepresentisgenerallypainfultous.Weconcealitfromoursight,becauseittroublesus;and,ifitbedelightfultous,weregrettoseeitpassaway.Wetrytosustainitbythefutureandthinkofarrangingmatterswhicharenotinourpower,foratimewhichwehavenocertaintyofreaching.

    Leteachoneexaminehisthoughts,andhewillfindthemalloccupiedwiththepastandthefuture.Wescarcelyeverthinkofthepresent;andifwethinkofit,itisonlytotakelightfromittoarrangethefuture.Thepresentisneverourend.Thepastandthepresentareourmeans;thefuturealoneisourend.Soweneverlive,butwehopetolive;and,aswearealwayspreparingtobehappy,itisinevitableweshouldneverbeso.

    173.Theysaythateclipsesforetokenmisfortune,becausemisfortunesarecommon,sothat,asevilhappenssooften,theyoftenforetellit;whereasiftheysaidthattheypredictgoodfortune,theywouldoftenbewrong.Theyattributegoodfortuneonlytorareconjunctionsoftheheavens;sotheyseldomfailinprediction.

    174.Misery.—SolomonandJobhavebestknownandbestspokenofthemiseryofman;theformerthemostfortunate,andthelatterthemostunfortunateofmen;theformerknowingthevanityofpleasuresfromexperience,thelattertherealityofevils.

    175.Weknowourselvessolittlethatmanythinktheyareabouttodiewhentheyarewell,andmanythinktheyarewellwhentheyareneardeath,unconsciousofapproachingfever,oroftheabscessreadytoformitself.

    176.CromwellwasabouttoravageallChristendom;theroyalfamilywasundone,andhisownforeverestablished,saveforalittlegrainofsandwhichformedinhisureter.Romeherselfwastremblingunderhim;butthissmallpieceofgravelhavingformedthere,heisdead,hisfamilycastdown,allispeaceful,andthekingisrestored.

    177.Threehosts.WouldhewhohadpossessedthefriendshipoftheKingofEngland,theKingofPoland,andtheQueenofSweden,havebelievedhewouldlackarefugeandshelterintheworld?

    178.Macrobius:ontheinnocentsslainbyHerod.

    179.WhenAugustuslearntthatHerod-sownsonwasamongsttheinfantsundertwoyearsofage,whomhehadcausedtobeslain,hesaidthatitwasbettertobeHerod-spigthanhisson.Macrobius,Saturnalia,ii.4.

    180.Thegreatandthehumblehavethesamemisfortunes,thesamegriefs,thesamepassions;buttheoneisatthetopofthewheel,andtheothernearthecentre,andsolessdisturbedbythesamerevolutions.

    181.Wearesounfortunatethatwecanonlytakepleasureinathingonconditionofbeingannoyedifitturnoutill,asathousandthingscando,anddoeveryhour.Hewhoshouldfindthesecretofrejoicinginthegood,withouttroublinghimselfwithitscontraryevil,wouldhavehitthemark.Itisperpetualmotion.

    182.Thosewhohavealwaysgoodhopeinthemidstofmisfortunes,andwhoaredelightedwithgoodluck,aresuspectedofbeingverypleasedwiththeillsuccessoftheaffair,iftheyarenotequallydistressedbybadluck;andtheyareoverjoyedtofindthesepretextsofhope,inordertoshowthattheyareconcernedandtoconcealbythejoywhichtheyfeigntofeelthatwhichtheyhaveatseeingthefailureofthematter.

    183.Weruncarelesslytotheprecipice,afterwehaveputsomethingbeforeustopreventusseeingit.

    SECTIONIII:OFTHENECESSITYOFTHEWAGER

    184.AlettertoincitetothesearchafterGod.

    AndthentomakepeopleseekHimamongthephilosophers,sceptics,anddogmatists,whodisquiethimwhoinquiresofthem.

    185.TheconductofGod,whodisposesallthingskindly,istoputreligionintothemindbyreason,andintotheheartbygrace.Buttowilltoputitintothemindandheartbyforceandthreatsisnottoputreligionthere,butterror;terorrempotiusquamreligionem.

    186.Nisiterrerenturetnondocerentur,improbaquasidominatiovideretur(St.Augustine,Epistle48or49),ContraMendaciumadConsentium.

    187.Order.—Mendespisereligion;theyhateitandfearitistrue.Toremedythis,wemustbeginbyshowingthatreligionisnotcontrarytoreason;thatitisvenerable,toinspirerespectforit;thenwemustmakeitlovable,tomakegoodmenhopeitistrue;finally,wemustproveitistrue.

    Venerable,becauseithasperfectknowledgeofman;lovablebecauseitpromisesthetruegood.

    188.Ineverydialogueanddiscourse,wemustbeabletosaytothosewhotakeoffence,"Ofwhatdoyoucomplain?"

    189.Tobeginbypityingunbelievers;theyarewretchedenoughbytheircondition.Weoughtonlytorevilethemwhereitisbeneficial;butthisdoesthemharm.

    190.Topityatheistswhoseek,foraretheynotunhappyenough?Toinveighagainstthosewhomakeaboastofit.

    191.Andwillthisonescoffattheother?Whooughttoscoff?Andyet,thelatterdoesnotscoffattheother,butpitieshim.

    192.ToreproachMiltonwithnotbeingtroubled,sinceGodwillreproachhim.

    193.Quidfiethominibusquiminimacontemnunt,majoranoncredunt?

    194Letthematleastlearnwhatisthereligiontheyattack,beforeattackingit.IfthisreligionboastedofhavingaclearviewofGod,andofpossessingitopenandunveiled,itwouldbeattackingittosaythatweseenothingintheworldwhichshowsitwiththisclearness.Butsince,onthecontrary,itsaysthatmenareindarknessandestrangedfromGod,thatHehashiddenHimselffromtheirknowledge,thatthisisinfactthenamewhichHegivesHimselfintheScriptures,Deusabsconditus;andfinally,ifitendeavoursequallytoestablishthesetwothings:thatGodhassetupintheChurchvisiblesignstomakeHimselfknowntothosewhoshouldseekHimsincerely,andthatHehasneverthelesssodisguisedthemthatHewillonlybeperceivedbythosewhoseekHimwithalltheirheart;whatadvantagecantheyobtain,when,inthenegligencewithwhichtheymakeprofessionofbeinginsearchofthetruth,theycryoutthatnothingrevealsittothem;andsincethatdarknessinwhichtheyare,andwithwhichtheyupbraidtheChurch,establishesonlyoneofthethingswhichsheaffirms,withouttouchingtheother,and,veryfarfromdestroying,provesherdoctrine?

    Inordertoattackit,theyshouldhaveprotestedthattheyhadmadeeveryefforttoseekHimeverywhere,andeveninthatwhichtheChurchproposesfortheirinstruction,butwithoutsatisfaction.Iftheytalkedinthismanner,theywouldintruthbeattackingoneofherpretensions.ButIhopeheretoshowthatnoreasonablepersoncanspeakthus,andIventureeventosaythatnoonehaseverdoneso.Weknowwellenoughhowthosewhoareofthismindbehave.TheybelievetheyhavemadegreateffortsfortheirinstructionwhentheyhavespentafewhoursinreadingsomebookofScriptureandhavequestionedsomepriestsonthetruthsofthefaith.Afterthat,theyboastofhavingmadevainsearchinbooksandamongmen.But,verily,IwilltellthemwhatIhaveoftensaid,thatthisnegligenceisinsufferable.Wearenothereconcernedwiththetriflinginterestsofsomestranger,thatweshouldtreatitinthisfashion;thematterconcernsourselvesandourall.

    Theimmortalityofthesoulisamatterwhichisofsogreatconsequencetousandwhichtouchesussoprofoundlythatwemusthavelostallfeelingtobeindifferentastoknowingwhatitis.Allouractionsandthoughtsmusttakesuchdifferentcourses,accordingasthereareorarenoteternaljoystohopefor,thatitisimpossibletotakeonestepwithsenseandjudgmentunlessweregulateourcoursebyourviewofthispointwhichoughttobeourultimateend.

    Thusourfirstinterestandourfirstdutyistoenlightenourselvesonthissubject,whereondependsallourconduct.Thereforeamongthosewhodonotbelieve,Imakeavastdifferencebetweenthosewhostrivewithalltheirpowertoinformthemselvesandthosewholivewithouttroublingorthinkingaboutit.

    Icanhaveonlycompassionforthosewhosincerelybewailtheirdoubt,whoregarditasthegreatestofmisfortunes,andwho,sparingnoefforttoescapeit,makeofthisinquirytheirprincipalandmostseriousoccupation.

    Butasforthosewhopasstheirlifewithoutthinkingofthisultimateendoflife,andwho,forthissolereasonthattheydonotfindwithinthemselvesthelightswhichconvincethemofit,neglecttoseekthemelsewhere,andtoexaminethoroughlywhetherthisopinionisoneofthosewhichpeoplereceivewithcreduloussimplicity,oroneofthosewhich,althoughobscureinthemselves,haveneverthelessasolidandimmovablefoundation,Ilookupontheminamannerquitedifferent.

    Thiscarelessnessinamatterwhichconcernsthemselves,theireternity,theirall,movesmemoretoangerthanpity;itastonishesandshocksme;itistomemonstrous.Idonotsaythisoutofthepiouszealofaspiritualdevotion.Iexpect,onthecontrary,thatweoughttohavethisfeelingfromprinciplesofhumaninterestandself-love;forthisweneedonlyseewhattheleastenlightenedpersonssee.

    Wedonotrequiregreateducationofthemindtounderstandthathereisnorealandlastingsatisfaction;thatourpleasuresareonlyvanity;thatourevilsareinfinite;and,lastly,thatdeath,whichthreatensuseverymoment,mustinfalliblyplaceuswithinafewyearsunderthedreadfulnecessityofbeingforevereitherannihilatedorunhappy.

    Thereisnothingmorerealthanthis,nothingmoreterrible.Beweasheroicaswelike,thatistheendwhichawaitstheworld.Letusreflectonthisandthensaywhetheritisnotbeyonddoubtthatthereisnogoodinthislifebutinthehopeofanother;thatwearehappyonlyinproportionaswedrawnearit;andthat,astherearenomorewoesforthosewhohavecompleteassuranceofeternity,sothereisnomorehappinessforthosewhohavenoinsightintoit.

    Surelythenitisagreatevilthustobeindoubt,butitisatleastanindispensabledutytoseekwhenweareinsuchdoubt;andthusthedoubterwhodoesnotseekisaltogethercompletelyunhappyandcompletelywrong.Andifbesidesthisheiseasyandcontent,professestobeso,andindeedboastsofit;ifitisthisstateitselfwhichisthesubjectofhisjoyandvanity,Ihavenowordstodescribesosillyacreature.

    Howcanpeopleholdtheseopinions?Whatjoycanwefindintheexpectationofnothingbuthopelessmisery?Whatreasonforboastingthatweareinimpenetrabledarkness?Andhowcanithappenthatthefollowingargumentoccurstoareasonableman?

    "Iknownotwhoputmeintotheworld,norwhattheworldis,norwhatImyselfam.Iaminterribleignoranceofeverything.Iknownotwhatmybodyis,normysenses,normysoul,noteventhatpartofmewhichthinkswhatIsay,whichreflectsonallandonitself,andknowsitselfnomorethantherest.Iseethosefrightfulspacesoftheuniversewhichsurroundme,andIfindmyselftiedtoonecornerofthisvastexpanse,withoutknowingwhyIamputinthisplaceratherthaninanother,norwhytheshorttimewhichisgivenmetoliveisassignedtomeatthispointratherthanatanotherofthewholeeternitywhichwasbeforemeorwhichshallcomeafterme.Iseenothingbutinfinitesonallsides,whichsurroundmeasanatomandasashadowwhichenduresonlyforaninstantandreturnsnomore.AllIknowisthatImustsoondie,butwhatIknowleastisthisverydeathwhichIcannotescape.

    "AsIknownotwhenceIcome,soIknownotwhitherIgo.Iknowonlythat,inleavingthisworld,IfallforevereitherintoannihilationorintothehandsofanangryGod,withoutknowingtowhichofthesetwostatesIshallbeforeverassigned.Suchismystate,fullofweaknessanduncertainty.AndfromallthisIconcludethatIoughttospendallthedaysofmylifewithoutcaringtoinquireintowhatmusthappentome.PerhapsImightfindsomesolutiontomydoubts,butIwillnottakethetrouble,nortakeasteptoseekit;andaftertreatingwithscornthosewhoareconcernedwiththiscare,Iwillgowithoutforesightandwithoutfeartotrythegreatevent,andletmyselfbeledcarelesslytodeath,uncertainoftheeternityofmyfuturestate."

    Whowoulddesiretohaveforafriendamanwhotalksinthisfashion?Whowouldchoosehimoutfromotherstotellhimofhisaffairs?Whowouldhaverecoursetohiminaffliction?Andindeedtowhatuseinlifecouldoneputhim?

    Intruth,itisthegloryofreligiontohaveforenemiesmensounreasonable;andtheiroppositiontoitissolittledangerousthatitserves,onthecontrary,toestablishitstruths.FortheChristianfaithgoesmainlytoestablishthesetwofacts:thecorruptionofnature,andredemptionbyJesusChrist.NowIcontendthat,ifthesemendonotservetoprovethetruthoftheredemptionbytheholinessoftheirbehaviour,theyatleastserveadmirablytoshowthecorruptionofnaturebysentimentssounnatural.

    Nothingissoimportanttomanashisownstate,nothingissoformidabletohimaseternity;andthusitisnotnaturalthatthereshouldbemenindifferenttothelossoftheirexistence,andtotheperilsofeverlastingsuffering.Theyarequitedifferentwithregardtoallotherthings.Theyareafraidofmeretrifles;theyforeseethem;theyfeelthem.Andthissamemanwhospendssomanydaysandnightsinrageanddespairforthelossofoffice,orforsomeimaginaryinsulttohishonour,istheveryonewhoknowswithoutanxietyandwithoutemotionthathewillloseallbydeath.Itisamonstrousthingtoseeinthesameheartandatthesametimethissensibilitytotriflesandthisstrangeinsensibilitytothegreatestobjects.Itisanincomprehensibleenchantment,andasupernaturalslumber,whichindicatesasitscauseanall-powerfulforce.

    Theremustbeastrangeconfusioninthenatureofman,thatheshouldboastofbeinginthatstateinwhichitseemsincrediblethatasingleindividualshouldbe.However,experiencehasshownmesogreatanumberofsuchpersonsthatthefactwouldbesurprising,ifwedidnotknowthatthegreaterpartofthosewhotroublethemselvesaboutthematteraredisingenuousandnot,infact,whattheysay.Theyarepeoplewhohavehearditsaidthatitisthefashiontobethusdaring.Itiswhattheycall"shakingofftheyoke,"andtheytrytoimitatethis.Butitwouldnotbedifficulttomakethemunderstandhowgreatlytheydeceivethemselvesinthusseekingesteem.Thisisnotthewaytogainit,evenIsayamongthosemenoftheworldwhotakeahealthyviewofthingsandwhoknowthattheonlywaytosucceedinthislifeistomakeourselvesappearhonourable,faithful,judicious,andcapableofusefulservicetoafriend;becausenaturallymenloveonlywhatmaybeusefultothem.Now,whatdowegainbyhearingitsaidofamanthathehasnowthrownofftheyoke,thathedoesnotbelievethereisaGodwhowatchesouractions,thatheconsidershimselfthesolemasterofhisconduct,andthathethinksheisaccountableforitonlytohimself.?Doeshethinkthathehasthusbroughtustohavehenceforthcompleteconfidenceinhimandtolooktohimforconsolation,advice,andhelpineveryneedoflife?Dotheyprofesstohavedelightedusbytellingusthattheyholdoursoultobeonlyalittlewindandsmoke,especiallybytellingusthisinahaughtyandself-satisfiedtoneofvoice?Isthisathingtosaygaily?Isitnot,onthecontrary,athingtosaysadly,asthesaddestthingintheworld?

    Iftheythoughtofitseriously,theywouldseethatthisissobadamistake,socontrarytogoodsense,soopposedtodecency,andsoremovedineveryrespectfromthatgoodbreedingwhichtheyseek,thattheywouldbemorelikelytocorrectthantopervertthosewhohadaninclinationtofollowthem.And,indeed,makethemgiveanaccountoftheiropinions,andofthereasonswhichtheyhavefordoubtingreligion,andtheywillsaytoyouthingssofeebleandsopetty,thattheypersuadeyouofthecontrary.Thefollowingiswhatapersononedaysaidtosuchaoneveryappositely:"Ifyoucontinuetotalkinthismanner,youwillreallymakemereligious."Andhewasright,forwhowouldnothaveahorrorofholdingopinionsinwhichhewouldhavesuchcontemptiblepersonsascompanions!

    Thusthosewhoonlyfeigntheseopinionswouldbeveryunhappy,iftheyrestrainedtheirnaturalfeelingsinordertomakethemselvesthemostconceitedofmen.If,atthebottomoftheirheart,theyaretroubledatnothavingmorelight,letthemnotdisguisethefact;thisavowalwillnotbeshameful.Theonlyshameistohavenone.Nothingrevealsmoreanextremeweaknessofmindthannottoknowthemiseryofagodlessman.Nothingismoreindicativeofabaddispositionofheartthannottodesirethetruthofeternalpromises.NothingismoredastardlythantoactwithbravadobeforeGod.Letthemthenleavetheseimpietiestothosewhoaresufficientlyill-bredtobereallycapableofthem.Letthematleastbehonestmen,iftheycannotbeChristians.Finally,letthemrecognisethattherearetwokindsofpeopleonecancallreasonable;thosewhoserveGodwithalltheirheartbecausetheyknowHim,andthosewhoseekHimwithalltheirheartbecausetheydonotknowHim.

    ButasforthosewholivewithoutknowingHimandwithoutseekingHim,theyjudgethemselvessolittleworthyoftheirowncare,thattheyarenotworthyofthecareofothers;anditneedsallthecharityofthereligionwhichtheydespise,nottodespisethemeventothepointofleavingthemtotheirfolly.Butbecausethisreligionobligesusalwaystoregardthem,solongastheyareinthislife,ascapableofthegracewhichcanenlightenthem,andtobelievethattheymay,inalittletime,bemorereplenishedwithfaiththanweare,andthat,ontheotherhand,wemayfallintotheblindnesswhereintheyare,wemustdoforthemwhatwewouldtheyshoulddoforusifwewereintheirplace,andcalluponthemtohavepityuponthemselves,andtotakeatleastsomestepsintheendeavourtofindlight.Letthemgivetoreadingthissomeofthehourswhichtheyotherwiseemploysouselessly;whateveraversiontheymaybringtothetask,theywillperhapsgainsomething,andatleastwillnotlosemuch.Butasforthosewhobringtothetaskperfectsincerityandarealdesiretomeetwithtruth,thoseIhopewillbesatisfiedandconvincedoftheproofsofareligionsodivine,whichIhaveherecollected,andinwhichIhavefollowedsomewhatafterthisorder

    195.BeforeenteringintotheproofsoftheChristianreligion,Ifinditnecessarytopointoutthesinfulnessofthosemenwholiveinindifferencetothesearchfortruthinamatterwhichissoimportanttothem,andwhichtouchesthemsonearly.

    Ofalltheirerrors,thisdoubtlessistheonewhichmostconvictsthemoffoolishnessandblindness,andinwhichitiseasiesttoconfoundthembythefirstglimmeringsofcommonsenseandbynaturalfeelings.

    Foritisnottobedoubtedthatthedurationofthislifeisbutamoment;thatthestateofdeathiseternal,whatevermaybeitsnature;andthatthusallouractionsandthoughtsmusttakesuchdifferentdirections,accordingtothestateofthateternity,thatitisimpossibletotakeonestepwithsenseandjudgement,unlessweregulateourcoursebythetruthofthatpointwhichoughttobeourultimateend.

    Thereisnothingclearerthanthis;andthus,accordingtotheprinciplesofreason,theconductofmeniswhollyunreasonable,iftheydonottakeanothercourse.

    Onthispoint,therefore,wecondemnthosewholivewithoutthoughtoftheultimateendoflife,wholetthemselvesbeguidedbytheirowninclinationsandtheirownpleasureswithoutreflectionandwithoutconcern,and,asiftheycouldannihilateeternitybyturningawaytheirthoughtfromit,thinkonlyofmakingthemselveshappyforthemoment.

    Yetthiseternityexists,anddeath,whichmustopenintoitandthreatensthemeveryhour,mustinalittletimeinfalliblyputthemunderthedreadfulnecessityofbeingeitherannihilatedorunhappyforever,withoutknowingwhichoftheseeternitiesisforeverpreparedforthem.

    Thisisadoubtofterribleconsequence.Theyareinperilofeternalwoeandthereupon,asifthematterwerenotworththetrouble,theyneglecttoinquirewhetherthisisoneofthoseopinionswhichpeoplereceivewithtoocredulousafacility,oroneofthosewhich,obscureinthemselves,haveaveryfirm,thoughhidden,foundation.Thustheyknownotwhethertherebetruthorfalsityinthematter,norwhethertherebestrengthorweaknessintheproofs.Theyhavethembeforetheireyes;theyrefusetolookatthem;andinthatignorancetheychooseallthatisnecessarytofallintothismisfortuneifitexists,toawaitdeathtomaketrialofit,yettobeverycontentinthisstate,tomakeprofessionofit,andindeedtoboastofit.Canwethinkseriouslyoftheimportanceofthissubjectwithoutbeinghorrifiedatconductsoextravagant?

    Thisrestinginignoranceisamonstrousthing,andtheywhopasstheirlifeinitmustbemadetofeelitsextravaganceandstupidity,byhavingitshowntothem,sothattheymaybeconfoundedbythesightoftheirfolly.Forthisishowmenreason,whentheychoosetoliveinsuchignoranceofwhattheyareandwithoutseekingenlightenment."Iknownot,"theysay

    196.Menlackheart;theywouldnotmakeafriendofit.

    197.Tobeinsensibletotheextentofdespisinginterestingthings,andtobecomeinsensibletothepointwhichinterestsusmost.

    198.Thesensibilityofmantotrifles,andhisinsensibilitytogreatthings,indicatesastrangeinversion.

    199.Letusimagineanumberofmeninchainsandallcondemnedtodeath,wheresomearekilledeachdayinthesightoftheothers,andthosewhoremainseetheirownfateinthatoftheirfellowsandwaittheirturn,lookingateachothersorrowfullyandwithouthope.Itisanimageoftheconditionofmen.

    200.Amaninadungeon,ignorantwhetherhissentencebepronouncedandhavingonlyonehourtolearnit,butthishourenough,ifheknewthatitispronounced,toobtainitsrepeal,wouldactunnaturallyinspendingthathour,notinascertaininghissentence,butinplayingpiquet.Soitisagainstnaturethatman,etc.ItismakingheavythehandofGod.

    ThusnotonlythezealofthosewhoseekHimprovesGod,butalsotheblindnessofthosewhoseekHimnot.

    201.Alltheobjectionsofthisoneandthatoneonlygoagainstthemselves,andnotagainstreligion.Allthatinfidelssay

    202.Fromthosewhoareindespairatbeingwithoutfaith,weseethatGoddoesnotenlightenthem;butastotherest,weseethereisaGodwhomakesthemblind.

    203.Fascinationugacitatis.—Thatpassionmaynotharmus,letusactasifwehadonlyeighthourstolive.

    204.Ifweoughttodevoteeighthoursoflife,weoughttodevoteahundredyears.

    205.WhenIconsidertheshortdurationofmylife,swallowedupintheeternitybeforeandafter,thelittlespacewhichIfillandevencansee,engulfedintheinfiniteimmensityofspacesofwhichIamignorantandwhichknowmenot,Iamfrightenedandamastonishedatbeinghereratherthanthere;forthereisnoreasonwhyhereratherthanthere,whynowratherthanthen.Whohasputmehere?Bywhoseorderanddirectionhavethisplaceandtimebeenallottedtome?Memoriahospitisuniusdieipraetereuntis.

    206.Theeternalsilenceoftheseinfinitespacesfrightensme.

    207.Howmanykingdomsknowusnot!

    208.Whyismyknowledgelimited?Whymystature?Whymylifetoonehundredyearsratherthantoathousand?Whatreasonhasnaturehadforgivingmesuch,andforchoosingthisnumberratherthananotherintheinfinityofthosefromwhichthereisnomorereasontochooseonethananother,tryingnothingelse?

    209.Artthoulessaslavebybeinglovedandfavouredbythymaster?Thouartindeedwelloff,slave.Thymasterfavoursthee;hewillsoonbeatthee.

    210.Thelastactistragic,howeverhappyalltherestoftheplayis;atthelastalittleearthisthrownuponourhead,andthatistheendforever.

    211.Wearefoolstodependuponthesocietyofourfellow-men.Wretchedasweare,powerlessasweare,theywillnotaidus;weshalldiealone.Weshouldthereforeactasifwewerealone,andinthatcaseshouldwebuildfinehouses,etc.Weshouldseekthetruthwithouthesitation;and,ifwerefuseit,weshowthatwevaluetheesteemofmenmorethanthesearchfortruth.

    212.Instability.—Itisahorriblethingtofeelallthatwepossessslippingaway.

    213.Betweenusandheavenorhellthereisonlylife,whichisthefrailestthingintheworld.

    214.Injustice.—Thatpresumptionshouldbejoinedtomeannessisextremeinjustice.

    215.Tofeardeathwithoutdanger,andnotindanger,foronemustbeaman.

    216.Suddendeathaloneisfeared;henceconfessorsstaywithlords.

    217.Anheirfindsthetitle-deedsofhishouse.Willhesay,"Perhapstheyareforged"andneglecttoexaminethem?

    218.Dungeon.—IapproveofnotexaminingtheopinionofCopernicus;butthis!Itconcernsallourlifetoknowwhetherthesoulbemortalorimmortal.

    219.Itiscertainthatthemortalityorimmortalityofthesoulmustmakeanentiredifferencetomorality.Andyetphilosophershaveconstructedtheirethicsindependentlyofthis:theydiscusstopassanhour.

    Plato,toinclinetoChristianity.

    220.Thefallacyofphilosopherswhohavenotdiscussedtheimmortalityofthesoul.ThefallacyoftheirdilemmainMontaigne.

    221.Atheistsoughttosaywhatisperfectlyevident;nowitisnotperfectlyevidentthatthesoulismaterial.

    222.Atheists.—Whatreasonhavetheyforsayingthatwecannotrisefromthedead?Whatismoredifficult,tobebornortoriseagain;thatwhathasneverbeenshouldbe,orthatwhathasbeenshouldbeagain?Isitmoredifficulttocomeintoexistencethantoreturntoit?Habitmakestheoneappeareasytous;wantofhabitmakestheotherimpossible.Apopularwayofthinking!

    Whycannotavirginbearachild?Doesahennotlayeggswithoutacock?Whatdistinguishestheseoutwardlyfromothers?Andwhohastoldusthatthehenmaynotformthegermaswellasthecock?

    223.Whathavetheytosayagainsttheresurrection,andagainstthechild-bearingoftheVirgin?Whichisthemoredifficult,toproduceamanorananimal,ortoreproduceit?Andiftheyhadneverseenanyspeciesofanimals,couldtheyhaveconjecturedwhethertheywereproducedwithoutconnectionwitheachother?

    224.HowIhatethesefolliesofnotbelievingintheEucharist,etc.!IftheGospelbetrue,ifJesusChristbeGod,whatdifficultyisthere?

    225.Atheismshowsstrengthofmind,butonlytoacertaindegree.

    226.Infidels,whoprofesstofollowreason,oughttobeexceedinglystronginreason.Whatsaytheythen?"Dowenotsee,"saythey,"thatthebrutesliveanddielikemen,andTurkslikeChristians?Theyhavetheirceremonies,theirprophets,theirdoctors,theirsaints,theirmonks,likeus,"etc.(IsthiscontrarytoScripture?Doesitnotsayallthis?)

    Ifyoucarebutlittletoknowthetruth,hereisenoughofittoleaveyouinrepose.Butifyoudesirewithallyourhearttoknowit,itisnotenough;lookatitindetail.Thiswouldbesufficientforaquestioninphilosophy;butnothere,whereitconcernsyourall.Andyet,afteratriflingreflectionofthiskind,wegotoamuseourselves,etc.Letusinquireofthissamereligionwhetheritdoesnotgiveareasonforthisobscurity;perhapsitwillteachittous.

    227.Orderbydialogues.—WhatoughtItodo?Iseeonlydarknesseverywhere.ShallIbelieveIamnothing?ShallIbelieveIamGod?

    "Allthingschangeandsucceedeachother."Youaremistaken;thereis

    228.Objectionofatheists:"Butwehavenolight."

    229.ThisiswhatIseeandwhattroublesme.Ilookonallsides,andIseeonlydarknesseverywhere.Naturepresentstomenothingwhichisnotmatterofdoubtandconcern.IfIsawnothingtherewhichrevealedaDivinity,Iwouldcometoanegativeconclusion;ifIsaweverywherethesignsofaCreator,Iwouldremainpeacefullyinfaith.But,seeingtoomuchtodenyandtoolittletobesure,Iaminastatetobepitied;whereforeIhaveahundredtimeswishedthatifaGodmaintainsNature,sheshouldtestifytoHimunequivocally,andthat,ifthesignsshegivesaredeceptive,sheshouldsuppressthemaltogether;thatsheshouldsayeverythingornothing,thatImightseewhichcauseIoughttofollow.Whereasinmypresentstate,ignorantofwhatIamorofwhatIoughttodo,Iknowneithermyconditionnormyduty.Myheartinclineswhollytoknowwhereisthetruegood,inordertofollowit;nothingwouldbetoodeartomeforeternity.

    IenvythosewhomIseelivinginthefaithwithsuchcarelessnessandwhomakesuchabaduseofagiftofwhichitseemstomeIwouldmakesuchadifferentuse.

    230.ItisincomprehensiblethatGodshouldexist,anditisincomprehensiblethatHeshouldnotexist;thatthesoulshouldbejoinedtothebody,andthatweshouldhavenosoul;thattheworldshouldbecreated,andthatitshouldnotbecreated,etc.;thatoriginalsinshouldbe,andthatitshouldnotbe.

    231.DoyoubelieveittobeimpossiblethatGodisinfinite,withoutparts?Yes.Iwishthereforetoshowyouaninfiniteandindivisiblething.Itisapointmovingeverywherewithaninfinitevelocity;foritisoneinallplacesandisalltotalityineveryplace.

    Letthiseffectofnature,whichpreviouslyseemedtoyouimpossible,makeyouknowthattheremaybeothersofwhichyouarestillignorant.Donotdrawthisconclusionfromyourexperiment,thatthereremainsnothingforyoutoknow;butratherthatthereremainsaninfinityforyoutoknow.

    232.Infinitemovement,thepointwhichfillseverything,themomentofrest;infinitewithoutquantity,indivisibleandinfinite.

    233.Infinite—nothing.—Oursouliscastintoabody,whereitfindsnumber,dimension.Thereuponitreasons,andcallsthisnaturenecessity,andcanbelievenothingelse.

    Unityjoinedtoinfinityaddsnothingtoit,nomorethanonefoottoaninfinitemeasure.Thefiniteisannihilatedinthepresenceoftheinfinite,andbecomesapurenothing.SoourspiritbeforeGod,soourjusticebeforedivinejustice.ThereisnotsogreatadisproportionbetweenourjusticeandthatofGodasbetweenunityandinfinity.

    ThejusticeofGodmustbevastlikeHiscompassion.Nowjusticetotheoutcastislessvastandoughtlesstooffendourfeelingsthanmercytowardstheelect.

    Weknowthatthereisaninfinite,andareignorantofitsnature.Asweknowittobefalsethatnumbersarefinite,itisthereforetruethatthereisaninfinityinnumber.Butwedonotknowwhatitis.Itisfalsethatitiseven,itisfalsethatitisodd;fortheadditionofaunitcanmakenochangeinitsnature.Yetitisanumber,andeverynumberisoddoreven(thisiscertainlytrueofeveryfinitenumber).SowemaywellknowthatthereisaGodwithoutknowingwhatHeis.Istherenotonesubstantialtruth,seeingtherearesomanythingswhicharenotthetruthitself?

    Weknowthentheexistenceandnatureofthefinite,becausewealsoarefiniteandhaveextension.Weknowtheexistenceoftheinfiniteandareignorantofitsnature,becauseithasextensionlikeus,butnotlimitslikeus.ButweknowneithertheexistencenorthenatureofGod,becauseHehasneitherextensionnorlimits.

    ButbyfaithweknowHisexistence;ingloryweshallknowHisnature.Now,Ihavealreadyshownthatwemaywellknowtheexistenceofathing,withoutknowingitsnature.

    Letusnowspeakaccordingtonaturallights.

    IfthereisaGod,Heisinfinitelyincomprehensible,since,havingneitherpartsnorlimits,Hehasnoaffinitytous.WearethenincapableofknowingeitherwhatHeisorifHeis.Thisbeingso,whowilldaretoundertakethedecisionofthequestion?Notwe,whohavenoaffinitytoHim.

    WhothenwillblameChristiansfornotbeingabletogiveareasonfortheirbelief,sincetheyprofessareligionforwhichtheycannotgiveareason?Theydeclare,inexpoundingittotheworld,thatitisafoolishness,stultitiam;andthenyoucomplainthattheydonotproveit!Iftheyprovedit,theywouldnotkeeptheirword;itisinlackingproofsthattheyarenotlackinginsense."Yes,butalthoughthisexcusesthosewhoofferitassuchandtakesawayfromthemtheblameofputtingitforwardwithoutreason,itdoesnotexcusethosewhoreceiveit."Letusthenexaminethispoint,andsay,"Godis,orHeisnot."Buttowhichsideshallweincline?Reasoncandecidenothinghere.Thereisaninfinitechaoswhichseparatedus.Agameisbeingplayedattheextremityofthisinfinitedistancewhereheadsortailswillturnup.Whatwillyouwager?Accordingtoreason,youcandoneithertheonethingnortheother;accordingtoreason,youcandefendneitherofthepropositions.

    Donot,then,reproveforerrorthosewhohavemadeachoice;foryouknownothingaboutit."No,butIblamethemforhavingmade,notthischoice,butachoice;foragainbothhewhochoosesheadsandhewhochoosestailsareequallyatfault,theyarebothinthewrong.Thetruecourseisnottowageratall."

    Yes;butyoumustwager.Itisnotoptional.Youareembarked.Whichwillyouchoosethen?Letussee.Sinceyoumustchoose,letusseewhichinterestsyouleast.Youhavetwothingstolose,thetrueandthegood;andtwothingstostake,yourreasonandyourwill,yourknowledgeandyourhappiness;andyournaturehastwothingstoshun,errorandmisery.Yourreasonisnomoreshockedinchoosingoneratherthantheother,sinceyoumustofnecessitychoose.Thisisonepointsettled.Butyourhappiness?LetusweighthegainandthelossinwageringthatGodis.Letusestimatethesetwochances.Ifyougain,yougainall;ifyoulose,youlosenothing.Wager,then,withouthesitationthatHeis."Thatisveryfine.Yes,Imustwager;butImayperhapswagertoomuch."Letussee.Sincethereisanequalriskofgainandofloss,ifyouhadonlytogaintwolives,insteadofone,youmightstillwager.Butiftherewerethreelivestogain,youwouldhavetoplay(sinceyouareunderthenecessityofplaying),andyouwouldbeimprudent,whenyouareforcedtoplay,nottochanceyourlifetogainthreeatagamewherethereisanequalriskoflossandgain.Butthereisaneternityoflifeandhappiness.Andthisbeingso,iftherewereaninfinityofchances,ofwhichoneonlywouldbeforyou,youwouldstillberightinwageringonetowintwo,andyouwouldactstupidly,beingobligedtoplay,byrefusingtostakeonelifeagainstthreeatagameinwhichoutofaninfinityofchancesthereisoneforyou,iftherewereaninfinityofaninfinitelyhappylifetogain.Butthereishereaninfinityofaninfinitelyhappylifetogain,achanceofgainagainstafinitenumberofchancesofloss,andwhatyoustakeisfinite.Itisalldivided;where-evertheinfiniteisandthereisnotaninfinityofchancesoflossagainstthatofgain,thereisnotimetohesitate,youmustgiveall.Andthus,whenoneisforcedtoplay,hemustrenouncereasontopreservehislife,ratherthanriskitforinfinitegain,aslikelytohappenasthelossofnothingness.

    Foritisnousetosayitisuncertainifwewillgain,anditiscertainthatwerisk,andthattheinfinitedistancebetweenthecertainlyofwhatisstakedandtheuncertaintyofwhatwillbegained,equalsthefinitegoodwhichiscertainlystakedagainsttheuncertaininfinite.Itisnotso,aseveryplayerstakesacertaintytogainanuncertainty,andyethestakesafinitecertaintytogainafiniteuncertainty,withouttransgressingagainstreason.Thereisnotaninfinitedistancebetweenthecertaintystakedandtheuncertaintyofthegain;thatisuntrue.Intruth,thereisaninfinitybetweenthecertaintyofgainandthecertaintyofloss.Buttheuncertaintyofthegainisproportionedtothecertaintyofthestakeaccordingtotheproportionofthechancesofgainandloss.Henceitcomesthat,ifthereareasmanyrisksononesideasontheother,thecourseistoplayeven;andthenthecertaintyofthestakeisequaltotheuncertaintyofthegain,sofarisitfromfactthatthereisaninfinitedistancebetweenthem.Andsoourpropositionisofinfiniteforce,whenthereisthefinitetostakeinagamewherethereareequalrisksofgainandofloss,andtheinfinitetogain.Thisisdemonstrable;andifmenarecapableofanytruths,thisisone.

    "Iconfessit,Iadmitit.But,still,istherenomeansofseeingthefacesofthecards?"Yes,Scriptureandtherest,etc."Yes,butIhavemyhandstiedandmymouthclosed;Iamforcedtowager,andamnotfree.Iamnotreleased,andamsomadethatIcannotbelieve.What,then,wouldyouhavemedo?"

    True.Butatleastlearnyourinabilitytobelieve,sincereasonbringsyoutothis,andyetyoucannotbelieve.Endeavour,then,toconvinceyourself,notbyincreaseofproofsofGod,butbytheabatementofyourpassions.Youwouldliketoattainfaithanddonotknowtheway;youwouldliketocureyourselfofunbeliefandasktheremedyforit.Learnofthosewhohavebeenboundlikeyou,andwhonowstakealltheirpossessions.Thesearepeoplewhoknowthewaywhichyouwouldfollow,andwhoarecuredofanillofwhichyouwouldbecured.Followthewaybywhichtheybegan;byactingasiftheybelieved,takingtheholywater,havingmassessaid,etc.Eventhiswillnaturallymakeyoubelieve,anddeadenyouracuteness."ButthisiswhatIamafraidof."Andwhy?Whathaveyoutolose?

    Buttoshowyouthatthisleadsyouthere,itisthiswhichwilllessenthepassions,whichareyourstumbling-blocks.

    Theendofthisdiscourse.—Now,whatharmwillbefallyouintakingthisside?Youwillbefaithful,humble,grateful,generous,asincerefriend,truthful.Certainlyyouwillnothavethosepoisonouspleasures,gloryandluxury;butwillyounothaveothers?Iwilltellyouthatyouwilltherebygaininthislife,andthat,ateachstepyoutakeonthisroad,youwillseesogreatcertaintyofgain,somuchnothingnessinwhatyourisk,thatyouwillatlastrecognisethatyouhavewageredforsomethingcertainandinfinite,forwhichyouhavegivennothing.

    "Ah!Thisdiscoursetransportsme,charmsme,"etc.

    Ifthisdiscoursepleasesyouandseemsimpressive,knowthatitismadebyamanwhohasknelt,bothbeforeandafterit,inprayertothatBeing,infiniteandwithoutparts,beforewhomhelaysallhehas,foryoualsotolaybeforeHimallyouhaveforyourowngoodandforHisglory,thatsostrengthmaybegiventolowliness.

    234.Ifwemustnotactsaveonacertainty,weoughtnottoactonreligion,foritisnotcertain.Buthowmanythingswedoonanuncertainty,seavoyages,battles!Isaythenwemustdonothingatall,fornothingiscertain,andthatthereismorecertaintyinreligionthanthereisastowhetherwemayseeto-morrow;foritisnotcertainthatwemayseeto-morrow,anditiscertainlypossiblethatwemaynot,seeit.Wecannotsayasmuchaboutreligion.Itisnotcertainthatitis;butwhowillventuretosaythatitiscertainlypossiblethatitisnot?Nowwhenweworkforto-morrow,andsoonanuncertainty,weactreasonably;forweoughttoworkforanuncertaintyaccordingtothedoctrineofchancewhichwasdemonstratedabove.

    SaintAugustinehasseenthatweworkforanuncertainty,onsea,inbattle,etc.Buthehasnotseenthedoctrineofchancewhichprovesthatweshoulddoso.Montaignehasseenthatweareshockedatafool,andthathabitisall-powerful;buthehasnotseenthereasonofthiseffect.

    Allthesepersonshaveseentheeffects,buttheyhavenotseenthecauses.Theyare,incomparisonwiththosewhohavediscoveredthecauses,asthosewhohaveonlyeyesareincomparisonwiththosewhohaveintellect.Fortheeffectsareperceptiblebysense,andthecausesarevisibleonlytotheintellect.Andalthoughtheseeffectsareseenbythemind,thismindis,incomparisonwiththemindwhichseesthecauses,asthebodilysensesareincomparisonwiththeintellect.

    235.Remviderunt,causamnonviderunt.

    236.Accordingtothedoctrineofchance,yououghttoputyourselftothetroubleofsearchingforthetruth;forifyoudiewithoutworshippingtheTrueCause,youarelost."But,"sayyou,"ifHehadwishedmetoworshipHim,HewouldhaveleftmesignsofHiswill."Hehasdoneso;butyouneglectthem.Seekthem,therefore;itiswellworthit.

    237.Chances.—Wemustlivedifferentlyintheworld,accordingtothesedifferentassumptions:(1)thatwecouldalwaysremaininit;(2)thatitiscertainthatweshallnotremainherelong,anduncertainifweshallremainhereonehour.Thislastassumptionisourcondition.

    238.Whatdoyouthenpromiseme,inadditiontocertaintroubles,buttenyearsofself-love(fortenyearsisthechance),totryhardtopleasewithoutsuccess?

    239.Objection.—Thosewhohopeforsalvationaresofarhappy;buttheyhaveasacounterpoisethefearofhell.

    Reply.—Whohasmostreasontofearhell:hewhoisinignorancewhetherthereisahell,andwhoiscertainofdamnationifthereis;orhewhocertainlybelievesthereisahellandhopestobesavedifthereis?

    240."Iwouldsoonhaverenouncedpleasure,"saythey,"hadIfaith."FormypartItellyou,"Youwouldsoonhavefaith,ifyourenouncedpleasure."Now,itisforyoutobegin.IfIcould,Iwouldgiveyoufaith.Icannotdoso,northereforetestthetruthofwhatyousay.ButyoucanwellrenouncepleasureandtestwhetherwhatIsayistrue.

    241.Order.—Iwouldhavefarmorefearofbeingmistaken,andoffindingthattheChristianreligionwastrue,thanofnotbeingmistakeninbelievingittrue.

    SECTIONIV:OFTHEMEANSOFBELIEF

    242.Prefacetothesecondpart.—Tospeakofthosewhohavetreatedofthismatter.

    IadmiretheboldnesswithwhichthesepersonsundertaketospeakofGod.Inaddressingtheirargumenttoinfidels,theirfirstchapteristoproveDivinityfromtheworksofnature.Ishouldnotbeastonishedattheirenterprise,iftheywereaddressingtheirargumenttothefaithful;foritiscertainthatthosewhohavethelivingfaithintheirheartsseeatoncethatallexistenceisnoneotherthantheworkoftheGodwhomtheyadore.Butforthoseinwhomthislightisextinguished,andinwhomwepurposetorekindleit,personsdestituteoffaithandgrace,who,seekingwithalltheirlightwhatevertheyseeinnaturethatcanbringthemtothisknowledge,findonlyobscurityanddarkness;totellthemthattheyhaveonlytolookatthesmallestthingswhichsurroundthem,andtheywillseeGodopenly,togivethem,asacompleteproofofthisgreatandimportantmatter,thecourseofthemoonandplanets,andtoclaimtohaveconcludedtheproofwithsuchanargument,istogivethemgroundforbelievingthattheproofsofourreligionareveryweak.AndIseebyreasonandexperiencethatnothingismorecalculatedtoarousetheircontempt.

    ItisnotafterthismannerthatScripturespeaks,whichhasabetterknowledgeofthethingsthatareofGod.Itsays,onthecontrary,thatGodisahiddenGod,andthat,sincethecorruptionofnature,HehasleftmeninadarknessfromwhichtheycanescapeonlythroughJesusChrist,withoutwhomallcommunionwithGodiscutoff.NemonovitPatrem,nisiFilius,etcuivolueritFiliusrevelare.

    ThisiswhatScripturepointsouttous,whenitsaysinsomanyplacesthatthosewhoseekGodfindHim.Itisnotofthatlight,"likethenoondaysun,"thatthisissaid.Wedonotsaythatthosewhoseekthenoondaysun,orwaterinthesea,shallfindthem;andhencetheevidenceofGodmustnotbeofthisnature.Soittellsuselsewhere:VeretuesDeusabsconditus.

    243.ItisanastoundingfactthatnocanonicalwriterhasevermadeuseofnaturetoproveGod.TheyallstrivetomakeusbelieveinHim.David,Solomon,etc.,haveneversaid,"Thereisnovoid,thereforethereisaGod."Theymusthavehadmoreknowledgethanthemostlearnedpeoplewhocameafterthem,andwhohaveallmadeuseofthisargument.Thisisworthyofattention.

    244."Why!DoyounotsayyourselfthattheheavensandbirdsproveGod?"No."Anddoesyourreligionnotsayso"?No.ForalthoughitistrueinasenseforsomesoulstowhomGodgivesthislight,yetitisfalsewithrespecttothemajorityofmen.

    245.Therearethreesourcesofbelief:reason,custom,inspiration.TheChristianreligion,whichalonehasreason,doesnotacknowledgeashertruechildrenthosewhobelievewithoutinspiration.Itisnotthatsheexcludesreasonandcustom.Onthecontrary,themindmustbeopenedtoproofs,mustbeconfirmedbycustomandofferitselfinhumblenesstoinspirations,whichalonecanproduceatrueandsavingeffect.NeevacueturcruxChristi.

    246.Order.—AftertheletterThatweoughttoseekGod,towritetheletterOnremovingobstacles,whichisthediscourseon"themachine,"onpreparingthemachine,onseekingbyreason.

    247.Order.—Aletterofexhortationtoafriendtoinducehimtoseek.Andhewillreply,"Butwhatistheuseofseeking?Nothingisseen."Thentoreplytohim,"Donotdespair."Andhewillanswerthathewouldbegladtofindsomelight,butthat,accordingtothisveryreligion,ifhebelievedinit,itwillbeofnousetohim,andthatthereforeheprefersnottoseek.Andtoanswertothat:Themachine.

    248.Aletterwhichindicatestheuseofproofsbythemachine.—Faithisdifferentfromproof;theoneishuman,theotherisagiftofGod.Justusexfidevivit.ItisthisfaiththatGodHimselfputsintotheheart,ofwhichtheproofisoftentheinstrument,fidesexauditu;butthisfaithisintheheart,andmakesusnotsayscio,butcredo.

    249.Itissuperstitiontoputone-shopeinformalities;butitispridetobeunwillingtosubmittothem.

    250.TheexternalmustbejoinedtotheinternaltoobtainanythingfromGod,thatistosay,wemustkneel,praywiththelips,etc.,inorderthatproudman,whowouldnotsubmithimselftoGod,maybenowsubjecttothecreature.Toexpecthelpfromtheseexternalsissuperstition;torefusetojointhemtotheinternalispride.

    251.Otherreligions,asthepagan,aremorepopular,fortheyconsistinexternals.Buttheyarenotforeducatedpeople.Apurelyintellectualreligionwouldbemoresuitedtothelearned,butitwouldbeofnousetothecommonpeople.TheChristianreligionaloneisadaptedtoall,beingcomposedofexternalsandinternals.Itraisesthecommonpeopletotheinternal,andhumblestheproudtotheexternal;itisnotperfectwithoutthetwo,forthepeoplemustunderstandthespiritoftheletter,andthelearnedmustsubmittheirspirittotheletter.

    252.Forwemustnotmisunderstandourselves;weareasmuchautomaticasintellectual;andhenceitcomesthattheinstrumentbywhichconvictionisattainedisnotdemonstratedalone.Howfewthingsaredemonstrated!Proofsonlyconvincethemind.Customisthesourceofourstrongestandmostbelievedproofs.Itbendstheautomaton,whichpersuadesthemindwithoutitsthinkingaboutthematter.Whohasdemonstratedthattherewillbeato-morrowandthatweshalldie?Andwhatismorebelieved?Itis,then,customwhichpersuadesusofit;itiscustomthatmakessomanymenChristians;customthatmakesthemTurks,heathens,artisans,soldiers,etc.(FaithinbaptismismorereceivedamongChristiansthanamongTurks.)Finally,wemusthaverecoursetoitwhenoncethemindhasseenwherethetruthis,inordertoquenchourthirst,andsteepourselvesinthatbelief,whichescapesusateveryhour;foralwaystohaveproofsreadyistoomuchtrouble.Wemustgetaneasierbelief,whichisthatofcustom,which,withoutviolence,withoutart,withoutargument,makesusbelievethingsandinclinesallourpowerstothisbelief,sothatoursoulfallsnaturallyintoit.Itisnotenoughtobelieveonlybyforceofconviction,whentheautomatonisinclinedtobelievethecontrary.Bothourpartsmustbemadetobelieve,themindbyreasonswhichitissufficienttohaveseenonceinalifetime,andtheautomatonbycustom,andbynotallowingittoinclinetothecontrary.Inclinacormeum,Deus.

    Thereasonactsslowly,withsomanyexaminationsandonsomanyprinciples,whichmustbealwayspresent,thatateveryhouritfallsasleep,orwanders,throughwantofhavingallitsprinciplespresent.Feelingdoesnotactthus;itactsinamoment,andisalwaysreadytoact.Wemustthenputourfaithinfeeling;otherwiseitwillbealwaysvacillating.

    253.Twoextremes:toexcludereason,toadmitreasononly.

    254.Itisnotararethingtohavetoreprovetheworldfortoomuchdocility.Itisanaturalvicelikecredulity,andaspernicious.Superstition.

    255.Pietyisdifferentfromsuperstition.

    Tocarrypietyasfarassuperstitionistodestroyit.

    Thehereticsreproachusforthissuperstitioussubmission.Thisistodowhattheyreproachusfor

    Infidelity,nottobelieveintheEucharist,becauseitisnotseen.

    Superstitiontobelievepropositions.Faith,etc.

    256.IsaytherearefewtrueChristians,evenasregardsfaith.Therearemanywhobelievebutfromsuperstition.Therearemanywhodonotbelievesolelyfromwickedness.Fewarebetweenthetwo.

    InthisIdonotincludethosewhoareoftrulypiouscharacter,norallthosewhobelievefromafeelingintheirheart.

    257.Thereareonlythreekindsofpersons;thosewhoserveGod,havingfoundHim;otherswhoareoccupiedinseekingHim,nothavingfoundHim;whiletheremainderlivewithoutseekingHimandwithouthavingfoundHim.Thefirstarereasonableandhappy,thelastarefoolishandunhappy;thosebetweenareunhappyandreasonable.

    258.UnusquisquesibiDeumfingit.

    Disgust

    259.Ordinarypeoplehavethepowerofnotthinkingofthataboutwhichtheydonotwishtothink."DonotmeditateonthepassagesabouttheMessiah,saidtheJewtohisson.Thusourpeopleoftenact.Thusarefalsereligionspreserved,andeventhetrueone,inregardtomanypersons.

    Buttherearesomewhohavenotthepowerofthuspreventingthought,andwhothinksomuchthemoreastheyareforbidden.Theseundofalsereligionsandeventhetrueone,iftheydonotfindsolidarguments.

    260.Theyhidethemselvesinthepressandcallnumberstotheirrescue.Tumult.

    Authority.—Sofarfrommakingitaruletobelieveathingbecauseyouhaveheardit,yououghttobelievenothingwithoutputtingyourselfintothepositionasifyouhadneverheardit.

    Itisyourownassenttoyourself,andtheconstantvoiceofyourownreason,andnotofothers,thatshouldmakeyoubelieve.

    Beliefissoimportant!Ahundredcontradictionsmightbetrue.Ifantiquityweretheruleofbelief,menofancienttimewouldthenbewithoutrule.Ifgeneralconsent,ifmenhadperished?

    Falsehumanity,pride.

    Liftthecurtain.Youtryinvain;ifyoumusteitherbelieve,ordeny,ordoubt.Shallwethenhavenorule?Wejudgethatanimalsdowellwhattheydo.Istherenorulewherebytojudgemen?

    Todeny,tobelieve,andtodoubtwell,aretoamanwhattheraceistoahorse.

    Punishmentofthosewhosin,error.

    261.Thosewhodonotlovethetruthtakeasapretextthatitisdisputed,andthatamultitudedenyit.Andsotheirerrorarisesonlyfromthis,thattheydonotloveeithertruthorcharity.Thustheyarewithoutexcuse.

    262.Superstitionandlust.Scruples,evildesires.Evilfear;fear,notsuchascomesfromabeliefinGod,butsuchascomesfromadoubtwhetherHeexistsornot.Truefearcomesfromfaith;falsefearcomesfromdoubt.Truefearisjoinedtohope,becauseitisbornoffaith,andbecausemenhopeintheGodinwhomtheybelieve.Falsefearisjoinedtodespair,becausemenfeartheGodinwhomtheyhavenobelief.TheformerfeartoloseHim;thelatterfeartofindHim.

    263."Amiracle,"saysone,"wouldstrengthenmyfaith."Hesayssowhenhedoesnotseeone.Reasons,seenfromafar,appeartolimitourview;butwhentheyarereached,webegintoseebeyond.Nothingstopsthenimblenessofourmind.Thereisnorule,saywe,whichhasnotsomeexceptions,notruthsogeneralwhichhasnotsomeaspectinwhichitfails.Itissufficientthatitbenotabsolutelyuniversaltogiveusapretextforapplyingtheexceptionstothepresentsubjectandforsaying,"Thisisnotalwaystrue;therearethereforecaseswhereitisnotso."Itonlyremainstoshowthatthisisoneofthem;andthatiswhyweareveryawkwardorunlucky,ifwedonotfindonesomeday.

    264.Wedonotwearyofeatingandsleepingeveryday,forhungerandsleepinessrecur.Withoutthatweshouldwearyofthem.So,withoutthehungerforspiritualthings,wewearyofthem.Hungerafterrighteousness,theeighthbeautitude.

    265.Faithindeedtellswhatthesensesdonottell,butnotthecontraryofwhattheysee.Itisabovethemandnotcontrarytothem.

    266.Howmanystarshavetelescopesrevealedtouswhichdidnotexistforourphilosophersofold!WefreelyattackHolyScriptureonthegreatnumberofstars,saying,"Thereareonlyonethousandandtwenty-eight,weknowit."Thereisgrassontheearth,weseeit—fromthemoonwewouldnotseeit—andonthegrassareleaves,andintheseleavesaresmallanimals;butafterthatnomore.Opresumptuousman!Thecompoundsarecomposedofelements,andtheelementsnot.Opresumptuousman!Hereisafinereflection.Wemustnotsaythatthereisanythingwhichwedonotsee.Wemustthentalklikeothers,butnotthinklikethem.

    267.Thelastproceedingofreasonistorecognisethatthereisaninfinityofthingswhicharebeyondit.Itisbutfeebleifitdoesnotseesofarastoknowthis.Butifnaturalthingsarebeyondit,whatwillbesaidofsupernatural?

    268.Submission.—Wemustknowwheretodoubt,wheretofeelcertain,wheretosubmit.Hewhodoesnotdosounderstandsnottheforceofreason.Therearesomewhooffendagainstthesethreerules,eitherbyaffirmingeverythingasdemonstrative,fromwantofknowingwhatdemonstrationis;orbydoubtingeverything,fromwantofknowingwheretosubmit;orbysubmittingineverything,fromwantofknowingwheretheymustjudge.

    269.SubmissionistheuseofreasoninwhichconsiststrueChristianity.

    270.SaintAugustine.—Reasonwouldneversubmit,ifitdidnotjudgethattherearesomeoccasionsonwhichitoughttosubmit.Itisthenrightforittosubmit,whenitjudgesthatitoughttosubmit.

    271.Wisdomsendsustochildhood.Nisiefficiaminisicutparvuli.

    272.Thereisnothingsoconformabletoreasonasthisdisavowalofreason.

    273.Ifwesubmiteverythingtoreason,ourreligionwillhavenomysteriousandsupernaturalelement.Ifweoffendtheprinciplesofreason,ourreligionwillbeabsurdandridiculous.

    274.Allourreasoningreducesitselftoyieldingtofeeling.

    Butfancyislike,thoughcontraryto,feeling,sothatwecannotdistinguishbetweenthesecontraries.Onepersonsaysthatmyfeelingisfancy,anotherthathisfancyisfeeling.Weshouldhavearule.Reasonoffersitself;butitispliableineverysense;andthusthereisnorule.

    275.Menoftentaketheirimaginationfortheirheart;andtheybelievetheyareconvertedassoonastheythinkofbeingconverted.

    276.M.deRoannezsaid:"Reasonscometomeafterwards,butatfirstathingpleasesorshocksmewithoutmyknowingthereason,andyetitshocksmeforthatreasonwhichIonlydiscoverafterwards."ButIbelieve,notthatitshockedhimforthereasonswhichwerefoundafterwards,butthatthesereasonswereonlyfoundbecauseitshockedhim.

    277.Thehearthasitsreasons,whichreasondoesnotknow.Wefeelitinathousandthings.IsaythattheheartnaturallylovestheUniversalBeing,andalsoitselfnaturally,accordingasitgivesitselftothem;andithardensitselfagainstoneortheotheratitswill.Youhaverejectedtheoneandkepttheother.Isitbyreasonthatyouloveyourself?

    278.ItistheheartwhichexperiencesGod,andnotthereason.This,then,isfaith:Godfeltbytheheart,notbythereason.

    FaithisagiftofGod;donotbelievethatwesaiditwasagiftofreasoning.Otherreligionsdonotsaythisoftheirfaith.Theyonlygivereasoninginordertoarriveatit,andyetitdoesnotbringthemtoit.

    279.FaithisagiftofGod;donotbelievethatwesaiditwasagiftofreasoning.Otherreligionsdonotsaythisoftheirfaith.Theyonlygavereasoninginordertoarriveatit,andyetitdoesnotbringthemtoit.

    280.TheknowledgeofGodisveryfarfromtheloveofHim.

    281.Heart,instinct,principles.

    282.Weknowtruth,notonlybythereason,butalsobytheheart,anditisinthislastwaythatweknowfirstprinciples;andreason,whichhasnopartinit,triesinvaintoimpugnthem.Thesceptics,whohaveonlythisfortheirobject,labourtonopurpose.Weknowthatwedonotdream,and,howeverimpossibleitisforustoproveitbyreason,thisinabilitydemonstratesonlytheweaknessofourreason,butnot,astheyaffirm,theuncertaintyofallourknowledge.Fortheknowledgeoffirstprinciples,asspace,time,motion,number,isassureasanyofthosewhichwegetfromreasoning.Andreasonmusttrusttheseintuitionsoftheheart,andmustbasethemoneveryargument.(Wehaveintuitiveknowledgeofthetri-dimensionalnatureofspaceandoftheinfinityofnumber,andreasonthenshowsthattherearenotwosquarenumbersoneofwhichisdoubleoftheother.Principlesareintuited,propositionsareinferred,allwithcertainty,thoughindifferentways.)Anditisasuselessandabsurdforreasontodemandfromtheheartproofsofherfirstprinciples,beforeadmittingthem,asitwouldbeforthehearttodemandfromreasonanintuitionofalldemonstratedpropositionsbeforeacceptingthem.

    Thisinabilityought,then,toserveonlytohumblereason,whichwouldjudgeall,butnottoimpugnourcertainty,asifonlyreasonwerecapableofinstructingus.WouldtoGod,onthecontrary,thatwehadneverneedofit,andthatwekneweverythingbyinstinctandintuition!Butnaturehasrefusedusthisboon.Onthecontrary,shehasgivenusbutverylittleknowledgeofthiskind;andalltherestcanbeacquiredonlybyreasoning.

    Therefore,thosetowhomGodhasimpartedreligionbyintuitionareveryfortunateandjustlyconvinced.Buttothosewhodonothaveit,wecangiveitonlybyreasoning,waitingforGodtogivethemspiritualinsight,withoutwhichfaithisonlyhumananduselessforsalvation.

    283.Order.—AgainsttheobjectionthatScripturehasnoorder.

    Thehearthasitsownorder;theintellecthasitsown,whichisbyprincipleanddemonstration.Thehearthasanother.Wedonotprovethatweoughttobelovedbyenumeratinginorderthecausesoflove;thatwouldberidiculous.

    JesusChristandSaintPaulemploytheruleoflove,notofintellect;fortheywouldwarm,notinstruct.ItisthesamewithSaintAugustine.Thisorderconsistschieflyindigressionsoneachpointtoindicatetheend,andkeepitalwaysinsight.

    284.Donotwondertoseesimplepeoplebelievewithoutreasoning.GodimpartstothemloveofHimandhatredofself.Heinclinestheirhearttobelieve.Menwillneverbelievewithasavingandrealfaith,unlessGodinclinestheirheart;andtheywillbelieveassoonasHeinclinesit.AndthisiswhatDavidknewwell,whenhesaid:Inclinacormeum,Deus,in

    285.Religionissuitedtoallkindsofminds.Somepayattentiononlytoitsestablishment,andthisreligionissuchthatitsveryestablishmentsufficestoproveitstruth.Otherstraceiteventotheapostles.Themorelearnedgobacktothebeginningoftheworld.Theangelsseeitbetterstill,andfromamoredistanttime.

    286.ThosewhobelievewithouthavingreadtheTestaments,dosobecausetheyhaveaninwarddispositionentirelyholy,andallthattheyhearofourreligionconformstoit.TheyfeelthataGodhasmadethem;theydesireonlytoloveGod;theydesiretohatethemselvesonly.Theyfeelthattheyhavenostrengthinthemselves;thattheyareincapableofcomingtoGod;andthatifGoddoesnotcometothem,theycanhavenocommunionwithHim.AndtheyhearourreligionsaythatmenmustloveGodonly,andhateselfonly;butthat,allbeingcorruptandunworthyofGod,GodmadeHimselfmantouniteHimselftous.Nomoreisrequiredtopersuademenwhohavethisdispositionintheirheart,andwhohavethisknowledgeoftheirdutyandoftheirinefficiency.

    287.ThosewhomweseetobeChristianswithouttheknowledgeoftheprophetsandevidences,neverthelessjudgeoftheirreligionaswellasthosewhohavethatknowledge.Theyjudgeofitbytheheart,asothersjudgeofitbytheintellect.Godhimselfinclinesthemtobelieve,andthustheyaremosteffectivelyconvinced.

    IconfessindeedthatoneofthoseChristianswhobelievewithoutproofswillnot,perhaps,becapableofconvincinganinfidelwhowillsaythesameofhimself.ButthosewhoknowtheproofsofreligionwillprovewithoutdifficultythatsuchabelieveristrulyinspiredbyGod,thoughhecannotproveithimself.

    ForGodhavingsaidinHisprophecies(whichareundoubtedlyprophecies)thatinthereignofJesusChristHewouldspreadHisspiritabroadamongnations,andthattheyouthsandmaidensandchildrenoftheChurchwouldprophesy;itiscertainthattheSpiritofGodisintheseandnotintheothers.

    288.InsteadofcomplainingthatGodhadhiddenHimself,youwillgiveHimthanksfornothavingrevealedsomuchofHimself;andyouwillalsogiveHimthanksfornothavingrevealedHimselftohaughtysages,unworthytoknowsoholyaGod.

    TwokindsofpersonsknowHim:thosewhohaveahumbleheart,andwholovelowliness,whateverkindofintellecttheymayhave,highorlow;andthosewhohavesufficientunderstandingtoseethetruth,whateveroppositiontheymayhavetoit.

    289.Proof.—1.TheChristianreligion,byitsestablishment,havingestablisheditselfsostrongly,sogently,whilstsocontrarytonature.2.Thesanctity,thedignity,andthehumilityofaChristiansoul.3.ThemiraclesofHolyScripture.4.JesusChristinparticular.5.Theapostlesinparticular.6.Mosesandtheprophetsinparticular.7.TheJewishpeople.8.Theprophecies.9.Perpetuity;noreligionhasperpetuity.10.Thedoctrinewhichgivesareasonforeverything.11.Thesanctityofthislaw.12.Bythecourseoftheworld.

    Surely,afterconsideringwhatislifeandwhatisreligion,weshouldnotrefusetoobeytheinclinationtofollowit,ifitcomesintoourheart;anditiscertainthatthereisnogroundforlaughingatthosewhofollowit.

    290.Proofsofreligion.—Morality,doctrine,miracles,prophecies,types.

    SECTIONV:JUSTICEANDTHEREASONOFEFFECTS

    291.IntheletterOnInjusticecancometheridiculousnessofthelawthattheeldergetsall."Myfriend,youwerebornonthissideofthemountain,itisthereforejustthatyourelderbrothergetseverything."

    "Whydoyoukillme"?

    292.Helivesontheothersideofthewater.

    293."Whydoyoukillme?What!doyounotliveontheothersideofthewater?Ifyoulivedonthisside,myfriend,Ishouldbeanassassin,anditwouldbeunjusttoslayyouinthismanner.Butsinceyouliveontheotherside,Iamahero,anditisjust."

    294.Onwhatshallmanfoundtheorderoftheworldwhichhewouldgovern?Shallitbeonthecapriceofeachindividual?Whatconfusion!Shallitbeonjustice?Manisignorantofit.

    Certainly,hadheknownit,hewouldnothaveestablishedthismaxim,themostgeneralofallthatobtainamongmen,thateachshouldfollowthecustomofhisowncountry.Thegloryoftrueequitywouldhavebroughtallnationsundersubjection,andlegislatorswouldnothavetakenastheirmodelthefanciesandcapriceofPersiansandGermansinsteadofthisunchangingjustice.WewouldhaveseenitsetupinalltheStatesonearthandinalltimes;whereasweseeneitherjusticenorinjusticewhichdoesnotchangeitsnaturewithchangeinclimate.Threedegreesoflatitudereversealljurisprudence;ameridiandecidesthetruth.Fundamentallawschangeafterafewyearsofpossession;righthasitsepochs;theentryofSaturnintotheLionmarkstoustheoriginofsuchandsuchacrime.Astrangejusticethatisboundedbyariver!TruthonthissideofthePyrenees,errorontheotherside.

    Menadmitthatjusticedoesnotconsistinthesecustoms,butthatitresidesinnaturallaws,commontoeverycountry.Theywouldcertainlymaintainitobstinately,ifrecklesschancewhichhasdistributedhumanlawshadencounteredevenonewhichwasuniversal;butthefarceisthatthecapriceofmenhassomanyvagariesthatthereisnosuchlaw.

    Theft,incest,infanticide,parricide,haveallhadaplaceamongvirtuousactions.Cananythingbemoreridiculousthanthatamanshouldhavetherighttokillmebecausehelivesontheothersideofthewater,andbecausehisrulerhasaquarrelwithmine,thoughIhavenonewithhim?

    Doubtlesstherearenaturallaws;butgoodreasononcecorruptedhascorruptedall.Nihilampliusnostrumest;quodnostrumdicimus,artisest.Exsenatus—consultisetplebiscitiscriminaexercentur.Utolimvitiis,sicnunclegibuslaboramus.

    Theresultofthisconfusionisthatoneaffirmstheessenceofjusticetobetheauthorityofthelegislator;another,theinterestofthesovereign;another,presentcustom,andthisisthemostsure.Nothing,accordingtoreasonalone,isjustitself;allchangeswithtime.Customcreatesthewholeofequity,forthesimplereasonthatitisaccepted.Itisthemysticalfoundationofitsauthority;whoevercarriesitbacktofirstprinciplesdestroysit.Nothingissofaultyasthoselawswhichcorrectfaults.Hewhoobeysthembecausetheyarejustobeysajusticewhichisimaginaryandnottheessenceoflaw;itisquiteself-contained,itislawandnothingmore.Hewhowillexamineitsmotivewillfinditsofeebleandsotriflingthat,ifhebenotaccustomedtocontemplatethewondersofhumanimagination,hewillmarvelthatonecenturyhasgainedforitsomuchpompandreverence.Theartofoppositionandofrevolutionistounsettleestablishedcustoms,soundingthemeventotheirsource,topointouttheirwantofauthorityandjustice.Wemust,itissaid,getbacktothenaturalandfundamentallawsoftheState,whichanunjustcustomhasabolished.Itisagamecertaintoresultinthelossofall;nothingwillbejustonthebalance.Yetpeoplereadilylendtheireartosucharguments.Theyshakeofftheyokeassoonastheyrecogniseit;andthegreatprofitbytheirruinandbythatofthesecuriousinvestigatorsofacceptedcustoms.Butfromacontrarymistakemensometimesthinktheycanjustlydoeverythingwhichisnotwithoutanexample.Thatiswhythewisestoflegislatorssaidthatitwasnecessarytodeceivemenfortheirowngood;andanother,agoodpolitician,Cumveritatemqualibereturignoret,expeditquodfallatur.Wemustnotseethefactofusurpation;lawwasonceintroducedwithoutreason,andhasbecomereasonable.Wemustmakeitregardedasauthoritative,eternal,andconcealitsorigin,ifwedonotwishthatitshouldsooncometoanend.

    295.Mine,thine.—"Thisdogismine,"saidthosepoorchildren;"thatismyplaceinthesun."Hereisthebeginningandtheimageoftheusurpationofalltheearth.

    296.Whenthequestionforconsiderationiswhetherweoughttomakewarandkillsomanymen—condemnsomanySpaniardstodeath—onlyonemanisjudge,andheisaninterestedparty.Thereshouldbeathird,whoisdisinterested.

    297.Verijuris.—Wehaveitnomore;ifwehadit,weshouldtakeconformitytothecustomsofacountryastheruleofjustice.Itisherethat,notfindingjustice,wehavefoundforce,etc.

    298.Justice,might.—Itisrightthatwhatisjustshouldbeobeyed;itisnecessarythatwhatisstrongestshouldbeobeyed.Justicewithoutmightishelpless;mightwithoutjusticeistyrannical.Justicewithoutmightisgainsaid,becausetherearealwaysoffenders;mightwithoutjusticeiscondemned.Wemustthencombinejusticeandmightand,forthisend,makewhatisjuststrong,orwhatisstrongjust.

    Justiceissubjecttodispute;mightiseasilyrecognisedandisnotdisputed.Sowecannotgivemighttojustice,becausemighthasgainsaidjusticeandhasdeclaredthatitissheherselfwhoisjust.Andthus,beingunabletomakewhatisjuststrong,wehavemadewhatisstrongjust.

    299.Theonlyuniversalrulesarethelawsofthecountryinordinaryaffairsandofthemajorityinothers.Whencecomesthis?Fromthemightwhichisinthem.Henceitcomesthatkings,whohavepowerofadifferentkind,donotfollowthemajorityoftheirministers.

    Nodoubtequalityofgoodsisjust;but,beingunabletocausemighttoobeyjustice,menhavemadeitjusttoobeymight.Unabletostrengthenjustice,theyhavejustifiedmight;sothatthejustandthestrongshouldunite,andthereshouldbepeace,whichisthesovereigngood.

    300."Whenastrongmanarmedkeepethhisgoods,hisgoodsareinpeace."

    301.Whydowefollowthemajority?Isitbecausetheyhavemorereason?No,becausetheyhavemorepower.

    Whydowefollowtheancientlawsandopinions?Isitbecausetheyaremoresound?No,butbecausetheyareuniqueandremovefromustherootofdifference.

    302Itistheeffectofmight,notofcustom.Forthosewhoarecapableoforiginalityarefew;thegreaternumberwillonlyfollowandrefuseglorytothoseinventorswhoseekitbytheirinventions.Andiftheseareobstinateintheirwishtoobtaingloryanddespisethosewhodonotinvent,thelatterwillcallthemridiculousnamesandwillbeatthemwithastick.Letnoone,then,boastofhissubtlety,orlethimkeephiscomplacencytohimself.

    303.Mightisthesovereignoftheworld,andnotopinion.Butopinionmakesuseofmight.Itismightthatmakesopinion.Gentlenessisbeautifulinouropinion.Why?Becausehewhowilldanceonaropewillbealone,andIwingatherastrongermobofpeoplewhowillsaythatitisunbecoming.

    304.Thecordswhichbindtherespectofmentoeachotherareingeneralcordsofnecessity;fortheremustbedifferentdegrees,allmenwishingtorule,andnotallbeingabletodoso,butsomebeingable.

    Letus,then,imagineweseesocietyintheprocessofformation.Menwilldoubtlessfighttillthestrongerpartyovercomestheweaker,andadominantpartyisestablished.Butwhenthisisoncedetermined,themasters,whodonotdesirethecontinuationofstrife,thendecreethatthepowerwhichisintheirhandsshallbetransmittedastheyplease.Someplaceitinelectionbythepeople,othersinhereditarysuccession,etc.

    Andthisisthepointwhereimaginationbeginstoplayitspart.Tillnowpowermakesfact;nowpowerissustainedbyimaginationinacertainparty,inFranceinthenobility,inSwitzerlandintheburgesses,etc.

    Thesecordswhichbindtherespectofmentosuchandsuchanindividualarethereforethecordsofimagination.

    305.TheSwissareoffendedbybeingcalledgentlemen,andprovethemselvestrueplebeiansinordertobethoughtworthyofgreatoffice.

    306.Asduchies,kingships,andmagistraciesarerealandnecessary,becausemightrulesall,theyexisteverywhereandalways.Butsinceonlycapricemakessuchandsuchaonearuler,theprincipleisnotconstant,butsubjecttovariation,etc.

    307.Thechancellorisgraveandclothedwithornaments,forhispositionisunreal.Notsotheking;hehaspowerandhasnothingtodowiththeimagination.Judges,physicians,etc.,appealonlytotheimagination.

    308.Thehabitofseeingkingsaccompaniedbyguards,drums,officers,andalltheparaphernaliawhichmechanicallyinspirerespectandawe,makestheircountenance,whensometimesseenalonewithouttheseaccompaniments,impressrespectandaweontheirsubjects;becausewecannotseparateinthoughttheirpersonsfromthesurroundingswithwhichweseethemusuallyjoined.Andtheworld,whichknowsnotthatthiseffectistheresultofhabit,believesthatitarisesbyanaturalforce,whencecomethesewords,"ThecharacterofDivinityisstampedonhiscountenance,"etc.

    309.Justice.—Ascustomdetermineswhatisagreeable,soalsodoesitdeterminejustice.

    310.Kingandtyrant.—I,too,willkeepmythoughtssecret.

    Iwilltakecareoneveryjourney.

    Greatnessofestablishment,respectforestablishment.

    Thepleasureofthegreatisthepowertomakepeoplehappy.

    Thepropertyofrichesistobegivenliberally.

    Thepropertyofeachthingmustbesought.Thepropertyofpoweristoprotect.

    Whenforceattackshumbug,whenaprivatesoldiertakesthesquarecapoffafirstpresident,andthrowsitoutofthewindow.

    311.Thegovernmentfoundedonopinionandimaginationreignsforsometime,andthisgovernmentispleasantandvoluntary;thatfoundedonmightlastsforever.Thusopinionisthequeenoftheworld,butmightisitstyrant.

    312.Justiceiswhatisestablished;andthusallourestablishedlawswillnecessarilyberegardedasjustwithoutexamination,sincetheyareestablished.

    313.Soundopinionsofthepeople.—Civilwarsarethegreatestofevils.Theyareinevitable,ifwewishtorewarddesert;forallwillsaytheyaredeserving.Theevilwehavetofearfromafoolwhosucceedsbyrightofbirth,isneithersogreatnorsosure.

    314.GodhascreatedallforHimself.HehasbestoweduponHimselfthepowerofpainandpleasure.

    YoucanapplyittoGod,ortoyourself.IftoGod,theGospelistherule.Iftoyourself,youwilltaketheplaceofGod.AsGodissurroundedbypersonsfullofcharity,whoaskofHimtheblessingsofcharitythatareinHispower,sorecognise,then,andlearnthatyouareonlyakingoflust,andtakethewaysoflust.

    315.Thereasonofeffects.—Itiswonderfulthatmenwouldnothavemehonouramanclothedinbrocadeandfollowedbysevenoreightlackeys!Why!Hewillhavemethrashed,ifIdonotsalutehim.Thiscustomisafarce.Itisthesamewithahorseinfinetrappingsincomparisonwithanother!Montaigneisafoolnottoseewhatdifferencethereis,towonderatourfindingany,andtoaskthereason."Indeed,"sayshe,"howcomesit,"etc

    316.Soundopinionsofthepeople.—Tobespruceisnotaltogetherfoolish,foritprovesthatagreatnumberofpeopleworkforone.Itshowsbyone-shair,thatonehasavalet,aperfumer,etc.,byone-sband,thread,lace,etc.Nowitisnotmerelysuperficialnormerelyoutwardshowtohavemanyarmsatcommand.Themorearmsonehas,themorepowerfuloneis.Tobespruceistoshowone-spower.

    317.Deferencemeans,"Putyourselftoinconvenience."Thisisapparentlysilly,butisquiteright.Foritistosay,"Iwouldindeedputmyselftoinconvenienceifyourequiredit,sinceindeedIdosowhenitisofnoservicetoyou."Deferencefurtherservestodistinguishthegreat.Nowifdeferencewasdisplayedbysittinginanarm-chair,weshouldshowdeferencetoeverybody,andsonodistinctionwouldbemade;but,beingputtoinconvenience,wedistinguishverywell.

    318.Hehasfourlackeys.

    319.Howrightlydowedistinguishmenbyexternalappearancesratherthanbyinternalqualities!Whichofustwoshallhaveprecedence?Whowillgiveplacetotheother?Theleastclever.ButIamascleverashe.Weshouldhavetofightoverthis.Hehasfourlackeys,andIhaveonlyone.Thiscanbeseen;wehaveonlytocount.Itfallstometoyield,andIamafoolifIcontestthematter.Bythismeansweareatpeace,whichisthegreatestofboons.

    320.Themostunreasonablethingsintheworldbecomemostreasonable,becauseoftheunrulinessofmen.WhatislessreasonablethantochoosetheeldestsonofaqueentoruleaState?Wedonotchooseascaptainofashipthepassengerwhoisofthebestfamily.

    Thislawwouldbeabsurdandunjust;but,becausemenaresothemselvesandalwayswillbeso,itbecomesreasonableandjust.Forwhomwillmenchoose,asthemostvirtuousandable?Weatoncecometoblows,aseachclaimstobethemostvirtuousandable.Letusthenattachthisqualitytosomethingindisputable.Thisistheking-seldestson.Thatisclear,andthereisnodispute.Reasoncandonobetter,forcivilwaristhegreatestofevils.

    321.Childrenareastonishedtoseetheircomradesrespected.

    322.Tobeofnoblebirthisagreatadvantage.Ineighteenyearsitplacesamanwithintheselectcircle,knownandrespected,asanotherhavemeritedinfiftyyears.Itisagainofthirtyyearswithouttrouble.

    323.WhatistheEgo?

    Supposeamanputshimselfatawindowtoseethosewhopassby.IfIpassby,canIsaythatheplacedhimselftheretoseeme?No;forhedoesnotthinkofmeinparticular.Butdoeshewholovessomeoneonaccountofbeautyreallylovethatperson?No;forthesmall-pox,whichwillkillbeautywithoutkillingtheperson,willcausehimtolovehernomore.

    Andifonelovesmeformyjudgement,memory,hedoesnotloveme,forIcanlosethesequalitieswithoutlosingmyself.Where,then,isthisEgo,ifitbeneitherinthebodynorinthesoul?Andhowlovethebodyorthesoul,exceptforthesequalitieswhichdonotconstituteme,sincetheyareperishable?Foritisimpossibleandwouldbeunjusttolovethesoulofapersonintheabstractandwhateverqualitiesmightbetherein.Wenever,then,loveaperson,butonlyqualities.

    Letus,then,jeernomoreatthosewhoarehonouredonaccountofrankandoffice;forweloveapersononlyonaccountofborrowedqualities.

    324.Thepeoplehaveverysoundopinions,forexample:

    1.Inhavingpreferreddiversionandhuntingtopoetry.Thehalf-learnedlaughatit,andgloryinbeingabovethefollyoftheworld;butthepeoplearerightforareasonwhichthesedonotfathom.

    2.Inhavingdistinguishedmenbyexternalmarks,asbirthorwealth.Theworldagainexultsinshowinghowunreasonablethisis;butitisveryreasonable.Savageslaughataninfantking.

    3.Inbeingoffendedatablow,orindesiringglorysomuch.Butitisverydesirableonaccountoftheotheressentialgoodswhicharejoinedtoit;andamanwhohasreceivedablow,withoutresentingit,isoverwhelmedwithtauntsandindignities.

    4.Inworkingfortheuncertain;insailingonthesea;inwalkingoveraplank.

    325.Montaigneiswrong.Customshouldbefollowedonlybecauseitiscustom,andnotbecauseitisreasonableorjust.Butpeoplefollowitforthissolereason,thattheythinkitjust.Otherwisetheywouldfollowitnolonger,althoughitwerethecustom;fortheywillonlysubmittoreasonorjustice.Customwithoutthiswouldpassfortyranny;butthesovereigntyofreasonandjusticeisnomoretyrannicalthanthatofdesire.Theyareprinciplesnaturaltoman.

    Itwould,therefore,berighttoobeylawsandcustoms,becausetheyarelaws;butweshouldknowthatthereisneithertruthnorjusticetointroduceintothem,thatweknownothingofthese,andsomustfollowwhatisaccepted.Bythismeanswewouldneverdepartfromthem.Butpeoplecannotacceptthisdoctrine;and,astheybelievethattruthcanbefound,andthatitexistsinlawandcustom,theybelievethemandtaketheirantiquityasaproofoftheirtruth,andnotsimplyoftheirauthorityapartfromtruth.Thustheyobeylaws,buttheyareliabletorevoltwhentheseareprovedtobevalueless;andthiscanbeshownofall,lookedatfromacertainaspect.

    326.Injustice.—Itisdangeroustotellthepeoplethatthelawsareunjust;fortheyobeythemonlybecausetheythinkthemjust.Thereforeitisnecessarytotellthematthesametimethattheymustobeythembecausetheyarelaws,justastheymustobeysuperiors,notbecausetheyarejust,butbecausetheyaresuperiors.Inthiswayallseditionisprevented,ifthiscanbemadeintelligibleanditbeunderstoodwhatistheproperdefinitionofjustice.

    327.Theworldisagoodjudgeofthings,foritisinnaturalignorance,whichisman-struestate.Thescienceshavetwoextremeswhichmeet.Thefirstisthepurenaturalignoranceinwhichallmenfindthemselvesatbirth.Theotherextremeisthatreachedbygreatintellects,who,havingrunthroughallthatmencanknow,findtheyknownothing,andcomebackagaintothatsameignorancefromwhichtheysetout;butthisisalearnedignorancewhichisconsciousofitself.Thosebetweenthetwo,whohavedepartedfromnaturalignoranceandnotbeenabletoreachtheother,havesomesmatteringofthisvainknowledgeandpretendtobewise.Thesetroubletheworldandarebadjudgesofeverything.Thepeopleandthewiseconstitutetheworld;thesedespiseit,andaredespised.Theyjudgebadlyofeverything,andtheworldjudgesrightlyofthem.

    328.Thereasonofeffects.—Continualalternationofproandcon.

    Wehave,then,shownthatmanisfoolish,bytheestimationhemakesofthingswhicharenotessential;andalltheseopinionsaredestroyed.Wehavenextshownthatalltheseopinionsareverysoundandthatthus,sinceallthesevanitiesarewellfounded,thepeoplearenotsofoolishasissaid.Andsowehavedestroyedtheopinionwhichdestroyedthatofthepeople.

    Butwemustnowdestroythislastpropositionandshowthatitremainsalwaystruethatthepeoplearefoolish,thoughtheiropinionsaresoundbecausetheydonotperceivethetruthwhereitis,and,astheyplaceitwhereitisnot,theiropinionsarealwaysveryfalseandveryunsound.

    329.Thereasonofeffects.—Theweaknessofmanisthereasonwhysomanythingsareconsideredfine,astobegoodatplayingthelute.Itisonlyanevilbecauseofourweakness.

    330.Thepowerofkingsisfoundedonthereasonandonthefollyofthepeople,andspeciallyontheirfolly.Thegreatestandmostimportantthingintheworldhasweaknessforitsfoundation,andthisfoundationiswonderfullysure;forthereisnothingmoresurethanthis,thatthepeoplewillbeweak.Whatisbasedonsoundreasonisveryill-foundedastheestimateofwisdom.

    331.WecanonlythinkofPlatoandAristotleingrandacademicrobes.Theywerehonestmen,likeothers,laughingwiththeirfriends,and,whentheydivertedthemselveswithwritingtheirLawsandthePolitics,theydiditasanamusement.Thatpartoftheirlifewastheleastphilosophicandtheleastserious;themostphilosophicwastolivesimplyandquietly.Iftheywroteonpolitics,itwasasiflayingdownrulesforalunaticasylum;andiftheypresentedtheappearanceofspeakingofagreatmatter,itwasbecausetheyknewthatthemadmen,towhomtheyspoke,thoughttheywerekingsandemperors.Theyenteredintotheirprinciplesinordertomaketheirmadnessaslittleharmfulaspossible.

    332.Tyrannyconsistsinthedesireofuniversalpowerbeyonditsscope.

    Therearedifferentassembliesofthestrong,thefair,thesensible,thepious,inwhicheachmanrulesathome,notelsewhere.Andsometimestheymeet,andthestrongandthefairfoolishlyfightastowhoshallbemaster,fortheirmasteryisofdifferentkinds.Theydonotunderstandoneanother,andtheirfaultisthedesiretoruleeverywhere.Nothingcaneffectthis,notevenmight,whichisofnouseinthekingdomofthewise,andisonlymistressofexternalactions.

    Tyranny—Sotheseexpressionsarefalseandtyrannical:"Iamfair,thereforeImustbefeared.Iamstrong,thereforeImustbeloved.Iam

    Tyrannyisthewishtohaveinonewaywhatcanonlybehadinanother.Werenderdifferentdutiestodifferentmerits;thedutyoflovetothepleasant;thedutyoffeartothestrong;dutyofbelieftothelearned.

    Wemustrendertheseduties;itisunjusttorefusethem,andunjusttoaskothers.Andsoitisfalseandtyrannicaltosay,"Heisnotstrong,thereforeIwillnotesteemhim;heisnotable,thereforeIwillnotfearhim."

    333.Haveyouneverseenpeoplewho,inordertocomplainofthelittlefussyoumakeaboutthem,paradebeforeyoutheexampleofgreatmenwhoesteemthem?InanswerIreplytothem,"Showmethemeritwherebyyouhavecharmedthesepersons,andIalsowillesteemyou."

    334.Thereasonofeffects.—Lustandforcearethesourceofallouractions;lustcausesvoluntaryactions,forceinvoluntaryones.

    335.Thereasonofeffects.—Itis,then,truetosaythatalltheworldisunderadelusion;for,althoughtheopinionsofthepeoplearesound,theyarenotsoasconceivedbythem,sincetheythinkthetruthtobewhereitisnot.Truthisindeedintheiropinions,butnotatthepointwheretheyimagineit.Thusitistruethatwemusthonournoblemen,butnotbecausenoblebirthisrealsuperiority,etc.

    336.Thereasonofeffects.—Wemustkeepourthoughtsecret,andjudgeeverythingbyit,whiletalkinglikethepeople.

    337.Thereasonofeffects.Degrees.Thepeoplehonourpersonsofhighbirth.Thesemi-learneddespisethem,sayingthatbirthisnotapersonal,butachancesuperiority.Thelearnedhonourthem,notforpopularreasons,butforsecretreasons.Devoutpersons,whohavemorezealthanknowledge,despisethem,inspiteofthatconsiderationwhichmakesthemhonouredbythelearned,becausetheyjudgethembyanewlightwhichpietygivesthem.ButperfectChristianshonourthembyanotherandhigherlight.Soariseasuccessionofopinionsforandagainst,accordingtothelightonehas.

    338.TrueChristians,nevertheless,complywithfolly,notbecausetheyrespectfolly,butthecommandofGod,whoforthepunishmentofmenhasmadethemsubjecttothesefollies.Omniscreaturasubjectaestvanitati.Liberabitur.ThusSaintThomasexplainsthepassageinSaintJamesongivingplacetotherich,that,iftheydoitnotinthesightofGod,theydepartfromthecommandofreligion.

    SECTIONVI:THEPHILOSOPHERS

    339.Icanwellconceiveamanwithouthands,feet,head(foritisonlyexperiencewhichteachesusthattheheadismorenecessarythanfeet).ButIcannotconceivemanwithoutthought;hewouldbeastoneorabrute.

    340.Thearithmeticalmachineproduceseffectswhichapproachnearertothoughtthanalltheactionsofanimals.Butitdoesnothingwhichwouldenableustoattributewilltoit,astotheanimals.

    341.TheaccountofthepikeandfrogofLiancourt.Theydoitalways,andneverotherwise,noranyotherthingshowingmind.

    342.Ifananimaldidbymindwhatitdoesbyinstinct,andifitspokebymindwhatitspeaksbyinstinct,inhuntingandinwarningitsmatesthatthepreyisfoundorlost,itwouldindeedalsospeakinregardtothosethingswhichaffectitcloser,asexample,"Gnawmethiscordwhichiswoundingme,andwhichIcannotreach."

    343.Thebeakoftheparrot,whichitwipes,althoughitisclean.

    344.Instinctandreason,marksoftwonatures.

    345.Reasoncommandsusfarmoreimperiouslythanamaster;forindisobeyingtheoneweareunfortunate,andindisobeyingtheotherwearefools.

    346.Thoughtconstitutesthegreatnessofman.

    347.Manisbutareed,themostfeeblethinginnature;butheisathinkingreed.Theentireuniverseneednotarmitselftocrushhim.Avapour,adropofwatersufficestokillhim.But,iftheuniverseweretocrushhim,manwouldstillbemorenoblethanthatwhichkilledhim,becauseheknowsthathediesandtheadvantagewhichtheuniversehasoverhim;theuniverseknowsnothingofthis.

    Allourdignityconsists,then,inthought.Byitwemustelevateourselves,andnotbyspaceandtimewhichwecannotfill.Letusendeavour,then,tothinkwell;thisistheprincipleofmorality.

    348.Athinkingreed.—ItisnotfromspacethatImustseekmydignity,butfromthegovernmentofmythought.IshallhavenomoreifIpossessworlds.Byspacetheuniverseencompassesandswallowsmeuplikeanatom;bythoughtIcomprehendtheworld.

    349.Immaterialityofthesoul—Philosopherswhohavemasteredtheirpassions.Whatmattercoulddothat?

    350.TheStoics.—Theyconcludethatwhathasbeendoneoncecanbedonealways,andthat,sincethedesireofgloryimpartssomepowertothosewhomitpossesses,otherscandolikewise.Therearefeverishmovementswhichhealthcannotimitate.

    Epictetusconcludesthat,sincethereareconsistentChristians,everymancaneasilybeso.

    351.Thosegreatspiritualefforts,whichthesoulsometimesassays,arethingsonwhichitdoesnotlayhold.Itonlyleapstothem,notasuponathrone,forever,butmerelyforaninstant.

    352.Thestrengthofaman-svirtuemustnotbemeasuredbyhisefforts,butbyhisordinarylife.

    353.Idonotadmiretheexcessofavirtueasofvalour,exceptIseeatthesametimetheexcessoftheoppositevirtue,asinEpaminondas,whohadthegreatestvalourandthegreatestkindness.Forotherwiseitisnottorise,itistofall.Wedonotdisplaygreatnessbygoingtooneextreme,butintouchingbothatonce,andfillingalltheinterveningspace.Butperhapsthisisonlyasuddenmovementofthesoulfromonetotheotherextreme,andinfactitiseveratonepointonly,asinthecaseofafirebrand.Beitso,butatleastthisindicatesagilityifnotexpanseofsoul.

    354.Man-snatureisnotalwaystoadvance;ithasitsadvancesandretreats.

    Feverhasitscoldandhotfits;andthecoldprovesaswellasthehotthegreatnessofthefireoffever.

    Thediscoveriesofmenfromagetoageturnoutthesame.Thekindnessandthemaliceoftheworldingeneralarethesame.Plerumquegrataeprincipibusvices.

    355.Continuouseloquencewearies.

    Princesandkingssometimesplay.Theyarenotalwaysontheirthrones.Theywearythere.Grandeurmustbeabandonedtobeappreciated.Continuityineverythingisunpleasant.Coldisagreeable,thatwemaygetwarm.

    Natureactsbyprogress,itusetreditus.Itgoesandreturns,thenadvancesfurther,thentwiceasmuchbackwards,thenmoreforwardthanever,etc.

    Thetideoftheseabehavesinthesamemanner;andso,apparently,doesthesuninitscourse.

    356.Thenourishmentofthebodyislittlebylittle.Fullnessofnourishmentandsmallnessofsubstance.

    357.Whenwewouldpursuevirtuestotheirextremesoneitherside,vicespresentthemselves,whichinsinuatethemselvesinsensiblythere,intheirinsensiblejourneytowardstheinfinitelylittle;andvicespresentthemselvesinacrowdtowardstheinfinitelygreat,sothatweloseourselvesinthemandnolongerseevirtues.Wefindfaultwithperfectionitself.

    358.Manisneitherangelnorbrute,andtheunfortunatethingisthathewhowouldacttheangelactsthebrute.

    359.Wedonotsustainourselvesinvirtuebyourownstrength,butbythebalancingoftwoopposedvices,justasweremainuprightamidsttwocontrarygales.Removeoneofthevices,andwefallintotheother.

    360.WhattheStoicsproposeissodifficultandfoolish!

    TheStoicslaydownthatallthosewhoarenotatthehighdegreeofwisdomareequallyfoolishandvicious,asthosewhoaretwoinchesunderwater.

    361.Thesovereigngood.Disputeaboutthesovereigngood.—Utsiscontentustemetipsoetextenascentibusbonis.Thereisacontradiction,forintheendtheyadvisesuicide.Oh!Whatahappylife,fromwhichwearetofreeourselvesasfromtheplague!

    362.Exsenatus-consultisetplebiscitis

    Toasklikepassages.

    363.Exsenatus-consultisetplebiscitissceleraexercentur.Seneca.588.

    Nihiltamabsurdedicipotestquodnondicaturabaliquophilosophorum.

    Quibusdamdestinatissententiisconsecratiquaenonprobantcogunturdefendere.

    Utomniumrerumsiclitterarumquoqueintemperantialaboramus.

    Idmaximequemquedecet,quodestcujusquesuummaxime.

    Hosnaturamodosprimumdedit.

    Paucisopusestlitterisadbonammentem.

    Siquandoturpenonsit,tamennonestnonturpequumidamultitudinelaudetur.

    Mihisicususest,tibiutopusestfacto,fac.

    364.Rarumestenimutsatissequisquevereatur.

    Totcircaunumcaputtumultuantesdeos.

    Nihilturpiusquamcognitioniassertionempraecurrere.

    Necmepudet,utistos,faterinescirequidnesciam.

    Meliusnonincipient.

    365.Thought.—Allthedignityofmanconsistsinthought.Thoughtis,therefore,byitsnatureawonderfulandincomparablething.Itmusthavestrangedefectstobecontemptible.Butithassuch,sothatnothingismoreridiculous.Howgreatitisinitsnature!Howvileitisinitsdefects!

    Butwhatisthisthought?Howfoolishitis!

    366.Themindofthissovereignjudgeoftheworldisnotsoindependentthatitisnotliabletobedisturbedbythefirstdinaboutit.Thenoiseofacannonisnotnecessarytohinderitsthoughts;itneedsonlythecreakingofaweathercockorpulley.Donotwonderifatpresentitdoesnotreasonwell;aflyisbuzzinginitsears;thatisenoughtorenderitincapableofgoodjudgement.Ifyouwishittobeabletoreachthetruth,chaseawaythatanimalwhichholdsitsreasonincheckanddisturbsthatpowerfulintellectwhichrulestownsandkingdoms.Hereisacomicalgod!Oridicolosissimoeroe!

    367.Thepowerofflies;theywinbattles,hinderoursoulfromacting,eatourbody.

    368.Whenitissaidthatheatisonlythemotionsofcertainmolecules,andlighttheconatusrecedendiwhichwefeel,itastonishesus.What!Ispleasureonlytheballetofourspirits?Wehaveconceivedsodifferentanideaofit!Andthesesensationsseemsoremovedfromthoseotherswhichwesayarethesameasthosewithwhichwecomparethem!Thesensationfromthefire,thatwarmthwhichaffectsusinamannerwhollydifferentfromtouch,thereceptionofsoundandlight,allthisappearstousmysterious,andyetitismaterialliketheblowofastone.Itistruethatthesmallnessofthespiritswhichenterintotheporestouchesothernerves,buttherearealwayssomenervestouched.

    369.Memoryisnecessaryforalltheoperationsofreason.

    370.Chancegivesrisetothoughts,andchanceremovesthem;noartcankeeporacquirethem.

    Athoughthasescapedme.Iwantedtowriteitdown.Iwriteinsteadthatithasescapedme.

    371.WhenIwassmall,Ihuggedmybook;andbecauseitsometimeshappenedtometoinbelievingIhuggedit,Idoubted

    372.Inwritingdownmythought,itsometimesescapesme;butthismakesmeremembermyweakness,thatIconstantlyforget.Thisisasinstructivetomeasmyforgottenthought;forIstriveonlytoknowmynothingness.

    373.Scepticism.—Ishallherewritemythoughtswithoutorder,andnotperhapsinunintentionalconfusion;thatistrueorder,whichwillalwaysindicatemyobjectbyitsverydisorder.Ishoulddotoomuchhonourtomysubject,ifItreateditwithorder,sinceIwanttoshowthatitisincapableofit.

    374.Whatastonishesmemostistoseethatalltheworldisnotastonishedatitsownweakness.Menactseriously,andeachfollowshisownmodeoflife,notbecauseitisinfactgoodtofollowsinceitisthecustom,butasifeachmanknewcertainlywherereasonandjusticeare.Theyfindthemselvescontinuallydeceived,and,byacomicalhumility,thinkitistheirownfaultandnotthatoftheartwhichtheyclaimalwaystopossess.Butitiswelltherearesomanysuchpeopleintheworld,whoarenotscepticsforthegloryofscepticism,inordertoshowthatmanisquitecapableofthemostextravagantopinions,sinceheiscapableofbelievingthatheisnotinastateofnaturalandinevitableweakness,but,onthecontrary,ofnaturalwisdom.

    Nothingfortifiesscepticismmorethanthattherearesomewhoarenotsceptics;ifallwereso,theywouldbewrong.

    375.Ihavepassedagreatpartofmylifebelievingthattherewasjustice,andinthisIwasnotmistaken;forthereisjusticeaccordingasGodhaswilledtorevealittous.ButIdidnottakeitso,andthisiswhereImadeamistake;forIbelievedthatourjusticewasessentiallyjust,andthatIhadthatwherebytoknowandjudgeofit.ButIhavesooftenfoundmyrightjudgementatfault,thatatlastIhavecometodistrustmyselfandthenothers.Ihaveseenchangesinallnationsandmen,andthus,aftermanychangesofjudgementregardingtruejustice,Ihaverecognisedthatournaturewasbutincontinualchange,andIhavenotchangedsince;andifIchanged,Iwouldconfirmmyopinion.

    ThescepticArcesilaus,whobecameadogmatist.

    376.Thissectderivesmorestrengthfromitsenemiesthanfromitsfriends;fortheweaknessofmanisfarmoreevidentinthosewhoknowitnotthaninthosewhoknowit.

    377.Discoursesonhumilityareasourceofprideinthevainandofhumilityinthehumble.Sothoseonscepticismcausebelieverstoaffirm.Fewmenspeakhumblyofhumility,chastelyofchastity,fewdoubtinglyofscepticism.Weareonlyfalsehood,duplicity,contradiction;webothconcealanddisguiseourselvesfromourselves.

    378.Scepticism.—Excess,likedefectofintellect,isaccusedofmadness.Nothingisgoodbutmediocrity.Themajorityhassettledthatandfindsfaultwithhimwhoescapesitatwhicheverend.Iwillnotopposeit.Iquiteconsenttoputthere,andrefusetobeatthelowerend,notbecauseitislow,butbecauseitisanend;forIwouldlikewiserefusetobeplacedatthetop.Toleavethemeanistoabandonhumanity.Thegreatnessofthehumansoulconsistsinknowinghowtopreservethemean.Sofarfromgreatnessconsistinginleavingit,itconsistsinnotleavingit.

    379.Itisnotgoodtohavetoomuchliberty.Itisnotgoodtohaveallonewants.

    380.Allgoodmaximsareintheworld.Weonlyneedtoapplythem.Forinstance,wedonotdoubtthatweoughttoriskourlivesindefenceofthepublicgood;butforreligion,no.

    Itistruetheremustbeinequalityamongmen;butifthisbeconceded,thedoorisopenednotonlytothehighestpower,buttothehighesttyranny.

    Wemustrelaxourmindsalittle;butthisopensthedoortothegreatestdebauchery.Letusmarkthelimits.Therearenolimitsinthings.lawswouldputthemthere,andthemindcannotsufferit.

    381.Whenwearetooyoung,wedonotjudgewell;so,also,whenwearetooold.Ifwedonotthinkenough,orifwethinktoomuchonanymatter,wegetobstinateandinfatuatedwithit.Ifoneconsidersone-sworkimmediatelyafterhavingdoneit,oneisentirelyprepossessedinitsfavour;bydelayingtoolong,onecannolongerenterintothespiritofit.Sowithpicturesseenfromtoofarortoonear;thereisbutoneexactpointwhichisthetrueplacewherefromtolookatthem:therestaretoonear,toofar,toohighortoolow.Perspectivedeterminesthatpointintheartofpainting.Butwhoshalldetermineitintruthandmorality?

    382.Whenallisequallyagitated,nothingappearstobeagitated,asinaship.Whenalltendtodebauchery,noneappearstodoso.Hewhostopsdrawsattentiontotheexcessofothers,likeafixedpoint.

    383.Thelicentioustellmenoforderlylivesthattheystrayfromnature-spath,whiletheythemselvesfollowit;aspeopleinashipthinkthosemovewhoareontheshore.Onallsidesthelanguageissimilar.Wemusthaveafixedpointinordertojudge.Theharbourdecidesforthosewhoareinaship;butwhereshallwefindaharbourinmorality?

    384.Contradictionisabadsignoftruth;severalthingswhicharecertainarecontradicted;severalthingswhicharefalsepasswithoutcontradiction.Contradictionisnotasignoffalsity,northewantofcontradictionasignoftruth.

    385.Scepticism.—Eachthinghereispartlytrueandpartlyfalse.Essentialtruthisnotso;itisaltogetherpureandaltogethertrue.Thismixturedishonoursandannihilatesit.Nothingispurelytrue,andthusnothingistrue,meaningbythatpuretruth.Youwillsayitistruethathomicideiswrong.Yes;forweknowwellthewrongandthefalse.Butwhatwillyousayisgood?Chastity?Isayno;fortheworldwouldcometoanend.Marriage?No;continenceisbetter.Nottokill?No;forlawlessnesswouldbehorrible,andthewickedwouldkillallthegood.Tokill?No;forthatdestroysnature.Wepossesstruthandgoodnessonlyinpart,andmingledwithfalsehoodandevil.

    386.Ifwedreamtthesamethingeverynight,itwouldaffectusasmuchastheobjectsweseeeveryday.Andifanartisanweresuretodreameverynightfortwelvehours-durationthathewasaking,Ibelievehewouldbealmostashappyasaking,whoshoulddreameverynightfortwelvehoursonendthathewasanartisan.

    Ifweweretodreameverynightthatwewerepursuedbyenemiesandharassedbythesepainfulphantoms,orthatwepassedeverydayindifferentoccupations,asinmakingavoyage,weshouldsufferalmostasmuchasifitwerereal,andshouldfeartosleep,aswefeartowakewhenwedreadinfacttoenteronsuchmishaps.And,indeed,itwouldcauseprettynearlythesamediscomfortsasthereality.

    Butsincedreamsarealldifferent,andeachsingleoneisdiversified,whatisseeninthemaffectsusmuchlessthanwhatweseewhenawake,becauseofitscontinuity,whichisnot,however,socontinuousandlevelasnottochangetoo;butitchangeslessabruptly,exceptrarely,aswhenwetravel,andthenwesay,"ItseemstomeIamdreaming."Forlifeisadreamalittlelessinconstant.

    387.Itmaybethattherearetruedemonstrations;butthisisnotcertain.Thus,thisprovesnothingelsebutthatitisnotcertainthatallisuncertain,tothegloryofscepticism.

    388.Goodsense.—Theyarecompelledtosay,"Youarenotactingingoodfaith;wearenotasleep,"etc.HowIlovetoseethisproudreasonhumiliatedandsuppliant!Forthisisnotthelanguageofamanwhoserightisdisputed,andwhodefendsitwiththepowerofarmedhands.Heisnotfoolishenoughtodeclarethatmenarenotactingingoodfaith,buthepunishesthisbadfaithwithforce.

    389.EcclesiastesshowsthatmanwithoutGodisintotalignoranceandinevitablemisery.Foritiswretchedtohavethewish,butnotthepower.Nowhewouldbehappyandassuredofsometruth,andyethecanneitherknow,nordesirenottoknow.Hecannotevendoubt.

    390.MyGod!Howfoolishthistalkis!"WouldGodhavemadetheworldtodamnit?WouldHeasksomuchfrompersonssoweak"?etc.Scepticismisthecureforthisevil,andwilltakedownthisvanity.

    391.Conversation.—Greatwords:Religion,Idenyit.

    Conversation.—Scepticismhelpsreligion.

    392.AgainstScepticism.—Itis,then,astrangefactthatwecannotdefinethesethingswithoutobscuringthem,whilewespeakofthemwithallassurance.Weassumethatallconceiveoftheminthesameway;butweassumeitquitegratuitously,forwehavenoproofofit.Isee,intruth,thatthesamewordsareappliedonthesameoccasions,andthateverytimetwomenseeabodychangeitsplace,theybothexpresstheirviewofthissamefactbythesameword,bothsayingthatithasmoved;andfromthisconformityofapplicationwederiveastrongconvictionofaconformityofideas.Butthisisnotabsolutelyorfinallyconvincingthoughthereisenoughtosupportabetontheaffirmative,sinceweknowthatweoftendrawthesameconclusionsfromdifferentpremises.

    Thisisenough,atleast,toobscurethematter;notthatitcompletelyextinguishesthenaturallightwhichassuresusofthesethings.Theacademicianswouldhavewon.Butthisdullsitandtroublesthedogmatiststothegloryofthescepticalcrowd,whichconsistsinthisdoubtfulambiguityandinacertaindoubtfuldimnessfromwhichourdoubtscannottakeawayalltheclearness,norourownnaturallightschaseawayallthedarkness.

    393.Itisasingularthingtoconsiderthattherearepeopleintheworldwho,havingrenouncedallthelawsofGodandnature,havemadelawsforthemselveswhichtheystrictlyobey,as,forinstance,thesoldiersofMahomet,robbers,heretics,etc.Itisthesamewithlogicians.Itseemsthattheirlicensemustbewithoutanylimitsorbarriers,sincetheyhavebrokenthroughsomanythataresojustandsacred.

    394.Alltheprinciplesofsceptics,stoics,atheists,etc.,aretrue.Buttheirconclusionsarefalse,becausetheoppositeprinciplesarealsotrue.

    395.Instinct,reason.—Wehaveanincapacityofproof,insurmountablebyalldogmatism.Wehaveanideaoftruth,invincibletoallscepticism.

    396.Twothingsinstructmanabouthiswholenature;instinctandexperience.

    397.Thegreatnessofmanisgreatinthatheknowshimselftobemiserable.Atreedoesnotknowitselftobemiserable.Itisthenbeingmiserabletoknowoneselftobemiserable;butitisalsobeinggreattoknowthatoneismiserable.

    398.Allthesesamemiseriesproveman-sgreatness.Theyarethemiseriesofagreatlord,ofadeposedking.

    399.Wearenotmiserablewithoutfeelingit.Aruinedhouseisnotmiserable.Manonlyismiserable.Egovirvidens.

    400.Thegreatnessofman.—Wehavesogreatanideaofthesoulofmanthatwecannotendurebeingdespised,ornotbeingesteemedbyanysoul;andallthehappinessofmenconsistsinthisesteem.

    401.Glory.—Thebrutesdonotadmireeachother.Ahorsedoesnotadmirehiscompanion.Notthatthereisnorivalrybetweentheminarace,butthatisofnoconsequence;for,wheninthestable,theheaviestandmostill-formeddoesnotgiveuphisoatstoanother,asmenwouldhaveothersdotothem.Theirvirtueissatisfiedwithitself.

    402.Thegreatnessofmaneveninhislust,tohaveknownhowtoextractfromitawonderfulcode,andtohavedrawnfromitapictureofbenevolence.

    403.Greatness.—Thereasonsofeffectsindicatethegreatnessofman,inhavingextractedsofairanorderfromlust.

    404.Thegreatestbasenessofmanisthepursuitofglory.Butisthegreatestmarkofhisexcellence;forwhateverpossessionshemayhaveonearth,whateverhealthandessentialcomfort,heisnotsatisfiedifhehasnottheesteemofmen.Hevalueshumanreasonsohighlythat,whateveradvantageshemayhaveonearth,heisnotcontentifheisnotalsorankedhighlyinthejudgementofman.Thisisthefinestpositionintheworld.Nothingcanturnhimfromthatdesire,whichisthemostindeliblequalityofman-sheart.

    Andthosewhomustdespisemen,andputthemonalevelwiththebrutes,yetwishtobeadmiredandbelievedbymen,andcontradictthemselvesbytheirownfeelings;theirnature,whichisstrongerthanall,convincingthemofthegreatnessofmanmoreforciblythanreasonconvincesthemoftheirbaseness.

    405.Contradiction.—Pridecounterbalancingallmiseries.Maneitherhideshismiseries,or,ifhedisclosethem,gloriesinknowingthem.

    406.Pridecounterbalancesandtakesawayallmiseries.Hereisastrangemonsterandaveryplainaberration.Heisfallenfromhisplaceandisanxiouslyseekingit.Thisiswhatallmendo.Letusseewhowillhavefoundit.

    407.Whenmalicehasreasononitsside,itbecomesproudandparadesreasoninallitssplendour.Whenausterityorsternchoicehasnotarrivedatthetruegoodandmustneedsreturntofollownature,itbecomesproudbyreasonofthisreturn.

    408.Eviliseasy,andhasinfiniteforms;goodisalmostunique.Butacertainkindofevilisasdifficulttofindaswhatwecallgood;andoftenonthisaccountsuchparticularevilgetspassedoffasgood.Anextraordinarygreatnessofsoulisneededinordertoattaintoitaswellastogood.

    409.Thegreatnessofman.—Thegreatnessofmanissoevidentthatitisevenprovedbyhiswretchedness.Forwhatinanimalsisnature,wecallinmanwretchedness,bywhichwerecognisethat,hisnaturebeingnowlikethatofanimals,hehasfallenfromabetternaturewhichoncewashis.

    Forwhoisunhappyatnotbeingaking,exceptadeposedking?WasPaulusAemiliusunhappyatbeingnolongerconsul?Onthecontrary,everybodythoughthimhappyinhavingbeenconsul,becausetheofficecouldonlybeheldforatime.ButmenthoughtPerseussounhappyinbeingnolongerking,becausetheconditionofkingshipimpliedhisbeingalwaysking,thattheythoughtitstrangethatheenduredlife.Whoisunhappyatonlyhavingonemouth?Andwhoisnotunhappyathavingonlyoneeye?Probablynomaneverventuredtomournatnothavingthreeeyes.Butanyoneisinconsolableathavingnone.

    410.Perseus,KingofMacedon.—PaulusAemiliusreproachedPerseusfornotkillinghimself.

    411.Notwithstandingthesightofallourmiseries,whichpressuponusandtakeusbythethroat,wehaveaninstinctwhichwecannotrepressandwhichliftsusup.

    412.Thereisinternalwarinmanbetweenreasonandthepassions.

    Ifhehadonlyreasonwithoutpassions

    Ifhehadonlypassionswithoutreason

    Buthavingboth,hecannotbewithoutstrife,beingunabletobeatpeacewiththeonewithoutbeingatwarwiththeother.Thusheisalwaysdividedagainstandopposedtohimself.

    413.Thisinternalwarofreasonagainstthepassionshasmadeadivisionofthosewhowouldhavepeaceintotwosects.Thefirstwouldrenouncetheirpassionsandbecomegods;theotherswouldrenouncereasonandbecomebrutebeasts.(DesBarreaux.)Butneithercandoso,andreasonstillremains,tocondemnthevilenessandinjusticeofthepassionsandtotroublethereposeofthosewhoabandonthemselvestothem;andthepassionskeepalwaysaliveinthosewhowouldrenouncethem.

    414.Menaresonecessarilymadthatnottobemadwouldamounttoanotherformofmadness.

    415.Thenatureofmanmaybeviewedintwoways:theoneaccordingtoitsend,andthenheisgreatandincomparable;theotheraccordingtothemultitude,justaswejudgeofthenatureofthehorseandthedog,popularly,byseeingitsfleetness,etanimumarcendi;andthenmanisabjectandvile.Thesearethetwowayswhichmakeusjudgeofhimdifferentlyandwhichoccasionsuchdisputesamongphilosophers.Foronedeniestheassumptionoftheother.Onesays,"Heisnotbornforthisend,forallhisactionsarerepugnanttoit."Theothersays,"Heforsakeshisend,whenhedoesthesebaseactions."

    416.ForPort-Royal.Greatnessandwretchedness.—Wretchednessbeingdeducedfromgreatness,andgreatnessfromwretchedness,somehaveinferredman-swretchednessallthemorebecausetheyhavetakenhisgreatnessasaproofofit,andothershaveinferredhisgreatnesswithallthemoreforce,becausetheyhaveinferreditfromhisverywretchedness.Allthattheonepartyhasbeenabletosayinproofofhisgreatnesshasonlyservedasanargumentofhiswretchednesstotheothers,becausethegreaterourfall,themorewretchedweare,andviceversa.Theonepartyisbroughtbacktotheotherinanendlesscircle,itbeingcertainthat,inproportionasmenpossesslight,theydiscoverboththegreatnessandthewretchednessofman.Inaword,manknowsthatheiswretched.Heisthereforewretched,becausebeisso;butheisreallygreatbecauseheknowsit.

    417.Thistwofoldnatureofmanissoevidentthatsomehavethoughtthatwehadtwosouls.Asinglesubjectseemedtothemincapableofsuchsuddenvariationsfromunmeasuredpresumptiontoadreadfuldejectionofheart.

    418.Itisdangeroustomakemanseetooclearlyhisequalitywiththebruteswithoutshowinghimhisgreatness.Itisalsodangeroustomakehisseehisgreatnesstooclearly,apartfromhisvileness.Itisstillmoredangeroustoleavehiminignoranceofboth.Butitisveryadvantageoustoshowhimboth.Manmustnotthinkthatheisonaleveleitherwiththebrutesorwiththeangels,normusthebeignorantofbothsidesofhisnature;buthemustknowboth.

    419.Iwillnotallowmantodependuponhimself,oruponanother,totheendthat,beingwithoutaresting-placeandwithoutrepose.

    420.Ifheexalthimself,Ihumblehim;ifhehumblehimself,Iexalthim;andIalwayscontradicthim,tillheunderstandsthatheisanincomprehensiblemonster.

    421.Iblameequallythosewhochoosetopraiseman,thosewhochoosetoblamehim,andthosewhochoosetoamusethemselves;andIcanonlyapproveofthosewhoseekwithlamentation.

    422.Itisgoodtobetiredandweariedbythevainsearchafterthetruegood,thatwemaystretchoutourarmstotheRedeemer.

    423.Contraries.Afterhavingshownthevilenessandthegreatnessofman.—Letmannowknowhisvalue.Lethimlovehimself,forthereisinhimanaturecapableofgood;butlethimnotforthisreasonlovethevilenesswhichisinhim.Lethimdespisehimself,forthiscapacityisbarren;butlethimnotthereforedespisethisnaturalcapacity.Lethimhatehimself,lethimlovehimself;hehaswithinhimthecapacityofknowingthetruthandofbeinghappy,buthepossessesnotruth,eitherconstantorsatisfactory.

    Iwouldthenleadmantothedesireoffindingtruth;tobefreefrompassions,andreadytofollowitwherehemayfindit,knowinghowmuchhisknowledgeisobscuredbythepassions.Iwould,indeed,thatheshouldhateinhimselfthelustwhichdeterminedhiswillbyitselfsothatitmaynotblindhiminmakinghischoice,andmaynothinderhimwhenhehaschosen.

    424.Allthesecontradictions,whichseemmosttokeepmefromtheknowledgeofreligion,haveledmemostquicklytothetrueone.

    SECTIONVII:MORALITYANDDOCTRINE

    425.Secondpart.—Thatmanwithoutfaithcannotknowthetruegood,norjustice.

    Allmenseekhappiness.Thisiswithoutexception.Whateverdifferentmeanstheyemploy,theyalltendtothisend.Thecauseofsomegoingtowar,andofothersavoidingit,isthesamedesireinboth,attendedwithdifferentviews.Thewillnevertakestheleaststepbuttothisobject.Thisisthemotiveofeveryactionofeveryman,evenofthosewhohangthemselves.

    Andyet,aftersuchagreatnumberofyears,noonewithoutfaithhasreachedthepointtowhichallcontinuallylook.Allcomplain,princesandsubjects,noblemenandcommoners,oldandyoung,strongandweak,learnedandignorant,healthyandsick,ofallcountries,alltimes,allages,andallconditions.

    Atrialsolong,socontinuous,andsouniform,shouldcertainlyconvinceusofourinabilitytoreachthegoodbyourownefforts.Butexampleteachesuslittle.Noresemblanceiseversoperfectthatthereisnotsomeslightdifference;andhenceweexpectthatourhopewillnotbedeceivedonthisoccasionasbefore.Andthus,whilethepresentneversatisfiesus,experiencedupesusand,frommisfortunetomisfortune,leadsustodeath,theireternalcrown.

    Whatisit,then,thatthisdesireandthisinabilityproclaimtous,butthattherewasonceinmanatruehappinessofwhichtherenowremaintohimonlythemarkandemptytrace,whichheinvaintriestofillfromallhissurroundings,seekingfromthingsabsentthehelphedoesnotobtaininthingspresent?Buttheseareallinadequate,becausetheinfiniteabysscanonlybefilledbyaninfiniteandimmutableobject,thatistosay,onlybyGodHimself.Heonlyisourtruegood,andsincewehaveforsakenhim,itisastrangethingthatthereisnothinginnaturewhichhasnotbeenserviceableintakingHisplace;thestars,theheavens,earth,theelements,plants,cabbages,leeks,animals,insects,calves,serpents,fever,pestilence,war,famine,vices,adultery,incest.Andsincemanhaslostthetruegood,everythingcanappearequallygoodtohim,evenhisowndestruction,thoughsoopposedtoGod,toreason,andtothewholecourseofnature.

    Someseekgoodinauthority,othersinscientificresearch,othersinpleasure.Others,whoareinfactnearerthetruth,haveconsidereditnecessarythattheuniversalgood,whichallmendesire,shouldnotconsistinanyoftheparticularthingswhichcanonlybepossessedbyoneman,andwhich,whenshared,afflicttheirpossessorsmorebythewantoftheparthehasnotthantheypleasehimbythepossessionofwhathehas.Theyhavelearnedthatthetruegoodshouldbesuchasallcanpossessatonce,withoutdiminutionandwithoutenvy,andwhichnoonecanloseagainsthiswill.Andtheirreasonisthatthisdesire,beingnaturaltoman,sinceitisnecessarilyinall,andthatitisimpossiblenottohaveit,theyinferfromit

    426.Truenaturebeinglost,everythingbecomesitsownnature;asthetruegoodbeinglost,everythingbecomesitsowntruegood.

    427.Mandoesnotknowinwhatranktoplacehimself.Hehasplainlygoneastrayandfallenfromhistrueplacewithoutbeingabletofinditagain.Heseeksitanxiouslyandunsuccessfullyeverywhereinimpenetrabledarkness.

    428.IfitisasignofweaknesstoproveGodbynature,donotdespiseScripture;ifitisasignofstrengthtohaveknownthesecontradictions,esteemScripture.

    429.Thevilenessofmaninsubmittinghimselftothebrutesandinevenworshippingthem.e

    430.ForPort-Royal.Thebeginning,afterhavingexplainedtheincomprehensibility.—Thegreatnessandthewretchednessofmanaresoevidentthatthetruereligionmustnecessarilyteachusboththatthereisinmansomegreatsourceofgreatnessandagreatsourceofwretchedness.Itmustthengiveusareasonfortheseastonishingcontradictions.

    Inordertomakemanhappy,itmustprovetohimthatthereisaGod;thatweoughttoloveHim;thatourtruehappinessistobeinHim,andoursoleeviltobeseparatedfromHim;itmustrecognisethatwearefullofdarknesswhichhindersusfromknowingandlovingHim;andthatthus,asourdutiescompelustoloveGod,andourluststurnusawayfromHim,wearefullofunrighteousness.ItmustgiveusanexplanationofouroppositiontoGodandtoourowngood.Itmustteachustheremediesfortheseinfirmitiesandthemeansofobtainingtheseremedies.Letus,therefore,examineallthereligionsoftheworldandseeiftherebeanyotherthantheChristianwhichissufficientforthispurpose.

    Shallitbethatofthephilosophers,whoputforward,asthechiefgood,thegoodwhichisinourselves?Isthisthetruegood?Havetheyfoundtheremedyforourills?Isman-spridecuredbyplacinghimonanequalitywithGod?Havethosewhohavemadeusequaltothebrutes,ortheMohammedanswhohaveofferedusearthlypleasuresasthechiefgoodevenineternity,producedtheremedyforourlusts?Whatreligion,then,willteachustocureprideandlust?Whatreligionwill,infact,teachusourgood,ourduties,theweaknesswhichturnsusfromthem,thecauseofthisweakness,theremedieswhichcancureit,andthemeansofobtainingtheseremedies?

    Allotherreligionshavenotbeenabletodoso.LetusseewhatthewisdomofGodwilldo.

    "Expectneithertruth,"shesays,"norconsolationfrommen.Iamshewhoformedyou,andwhoalonecanteachyouwhatyouare.ButyouarenownolongerinthestateinwhichIformedyou.Icreatedmanholy,innocent,perfect.Ifilledhimwithlightandintelligence.Icommunicatedtohimmygloryandmywonders.TheeyeofmansawthenthemajestyofGod.Hewasnottheninthedarknesswhichblindshim,norsubjecttomortalityandthewoeswhichafflicthim.Buthehasnotbeenabletosustainsogreatglorywithoutfallingintopride.Hewantedtomakehimselfhisowncentreandindependentofmyhelp.Hewithdrewhimselffrommyrule;and,onhismakinghimselfequaltomebythedesireoffindinghishappinessinhimself,Iabandonedhimtohimself.Andsettinginrevoltthecreaturesthatweresubjecttohim,Imadethemhisenemies;sothatmanisnowbecomelikethebrutesandsoestrangedfrommethattherescarceremainstohimadimvisionofhisAuthor.Sofarhasallhisknowledgebeenextinguishedordisturbed!Thesenses,independentofreason,andoftenthemastersofreason,haveledhimintopursuitofpleasure.Allcreatureseithertormentortempthim,anddomineeroverhim,eithersubduinghimbytheirstrength,orfascinatinghimbytheircharms,atyrannymoreawfulandmoreimperious.

    "Suchisthestateinwhichmennoware.Thereremainstothemsomefeebleinstinctofthehappinessoftheirformerstate;andtheyareplungedintheevilsoftheirblindnessandtheirlust,whichhavebecometheirsecondnature."FromthisprinciplewhichIdisclosetoyou,youcanrecognizethecauseofthosecontradictionswhichhaveastonishedallmenandhavedividedthemintopartiesholdingsodifferentviews.Observe,now,allthefeelingsofgreatnessandglorywhichtheexperienceofsomanywoescannotstifle,andseeifthecauseofthemmustnotbeinanothernature.

    ForPort-Royalto-morrow(Prosopopaea).—"Itisinvain,Omen,thatyouseekwithinyourselvestheremedyforyourills.Allyourlightcanonlyreachtheknowledgethatnotinyourselveswillyoufindtruthorgood.Thephilosophershavepromisedyouthat,andyouhavebeenunabletodoit.Theyneitherknowwhatisyourtruegood,norwhatisyourtruestate.Howcouldtheyhavegivenremediesforyourills,whentheydidnotevenknowthem?Yourchiefmaladiesarepride,whichtakesyouawayfromGod,andlust,whichbindsyoutoearth;andtheyhavedonenothingelsebutcherishoneorotherofthesediseases.IftheygaveyouGodasanend,itwasonlytoadministertoyourpride;theymadeyouthinkthatyouarebynaturelikeHimandconformedtoHim.Andthosewhosawtheabsurdityofthisclaimputyouonanotherprecipice,bymakingyouunderstandthatyournaturewaslikethatofthebrutes,andledyoutoseekyourgoodinthelustswhicharesharedbytheanimals.Thisisnotthewaytocureyouofyourunrighteousness,whichthesewisemenneverknew.Ialonecanmakeyouunderstandwhoyouare"

    Adam,JesusChrist.

    IfyouareunitedtoGod,itisbygrace,notbynature.Ifyouarehumbled,itisbypenitence,notbynature.

    Thusthisdoublecapacity

    Youarenotinthestateofyourcreation.

    Asthesetwostatesareopen,itisimpossibleforyounottorecognisethem.Followyourownfeelings,observeyourselves,andseeifyoudonotfindthelivelycharacteristicsofthesetwonatures.Couldsomanycontradictionsbefoundinasimplesubject?

    Incomprehensible.Notallthatisincomprehensibleceasestoexist.Infinitenumber.Aninfinitespaceequaltoafinite.

    IncrediblethatGodshoulduniteHimselftous.Thisconsiderationisdrawnonlyfromthesightofourvileness.Butifyouarequitesincereoverit,followitasfarasIhavedoneandrecognisethatweareindeedsovilethatweareincapableinourselvesofknowingifHismercycannotmakeuscapableofHim.ForIwouldknowhowthisanimal,whoknowshimselftobesoweak,hastherighttomeasurethemercyofGodandsetlimitstoit,suggestedbyhisownfancy.HehassolittleknowledgeofwhatGodisthathedoesnotknowwhathehimselfis,and,completelydisturbedatthesightofhisownstate,darestosaythatGodcannotmakehimcapableofcommunionwithHim.

    ButIwouldaskhimifGoddemandsanythingelsefromhimthantheknowledgeandloveofHim,andwhy,sincehisnatureiscapableofloveandknowledge,hebelievesthatGodcannotmakeHimselfknownandlovedbyhim.Doubtlessheknowsatleastthatheexists,andthathelovessomething.Therefore,ifheseesanythinginthedarknesswhereinheis,andifhefindssomeobjectofhisloveamongthethingsonearth,why,ifGodimparttohimsomerayofHisessence,willhenotbecapableofknowingandoflovingHiminthemannerinwhichitshallpleaseHimtocommunicateHimselftous?Theremust,then,becertainlyanintolerablepresumptioninargumentsofthissort,althoughtheyseemfoundedonanapparenthumility,whichisneithersincerenorreasonable,ifitdoesnotmakeusadmitthat,notknowingofourselveswhatweare,wecanonlylearnitfromGod.

    "Idonotmeanthatyoushouldsubmityourbelieftomewithoutreason,andIdonotaspiretoovercomeyoubytyranny.Infact,Idonotclaimtogiveyouareasonforeverything.Andtoreconcilethesecontradictions,Iintendtomakeyouseeclearly,byconvincingproofs,thosedivinesignsinme,whichmayconvinceyouofwhatIam,andmaygainauthorityformebywondersandproofswhichyoucannotreject;sothatyoumaythenbelievewithoutthethingswhichIteachyou,sinceyouwillfindnoothergroundforrejectingthem,exceptthatyoucannotknowofyourselvesiftheyaretrueornot.

    "Godhaswilledtoredeemmenandtoopensalvationtothosewhoseekit.ButmenrenderthemselvessounworthyofitthatitisrightthatGodshouldrefusetosome,becauseoftheirobduracy,whatHegrantsothersfromacompassionwhichisnotduetothem.IfHehadwilledtoovercometheobstinacyofthemosthardened,HecouldhavedonesobyrevealingHimselfsomanifestlytothemthattheycouldnothavedoubtedofthetruthofHisessence;asitwillappearatthelastday,withsuchthundersandsuchaconvulsionofnaturethatthedeadwillriseagain,andtheblindestwillseeHim.

    "ItisnotinthismannerthatHehaswilledtoappearinHisadventofmercy,because,assomanymakethemselvesunworthyofHismercy,Hehaswilledtoleavetheminthelossofthegoodwhichtheydonotwant.Itwasnot,then,rightthatHeshouldappearinamannermanifestlydivine,andcompletelycapableofconvincingallmen;butitwasalsonotrightthatHeshouldcomeinsohiddenamannerthatHecouldnotbeknownbythosewhoshouldsincerelyseekHim.Hehaswilledtomakehimselfquiterecognisablebythose;andthus,willingtoappearopenlytothosewhoseekHimwithalltheirheart,andtobehiddenfromthosewhofleefromHimwithalltheirheart,HesoregulatestheknowledgeofHimselfthatHehasgivensignsofHimself,visibletothosewhoseekHim,andnottothosewhoseekHimnot.Thereisenoughlightforthosewhoonlydesiretosee,andenoughobscurityforthosewhohaveacontrarydisposition."

    431.Nootherreligionhasrecognisedthatmanisthemostexcellentcreature.Some,whichhavequiterecognisedtherealityofhisexcellence,haveconsideredasmeanandungratefulthelowopinionswhichmennaturallyhaveofthemselves;andothers,whichhavethoroughlyrecognisedhowrealisthisvileness,havetreatedwithproudridiculethosefeelingsofgreatness,whichareequallynaturaltoman.

    "LiftyoureyestoGod,"saythefirst;"seeHimwhomyouresembleandwhohascreatedyoutoworshipHim.YoucanmakeyourselveslikeuntoHim;wisdomwillmakeyouequaltoHim,ifyouwillfollowit.""Raiseyourheads,freemen,"saysEpictetus.Andotherssay,"Bendyoureyestotheearth,wretchedwormthatyouare,andconsiderthebruteswhosecompanionyouare."

    What,then,willmanbecome?WillhebeequaltoGodorthebrutes?Whatafrightfuldifference!What,then,shallwebe?Whodoesnotseefromallthisthatmanhasgoneastray,thathehasfallenfromhisplace,thatheanxiouslyseeksit,thathecannotfinditagain?Andwhoshallthendirecthimtoit?Thegreatestmenhavefailed.

    432.Scepticismistrue;for,afterall,menbeforeJesusChristdidnotknowwheretheywere,norwhethertheyweregreatorsmall.Andthosewhohavesaidtheoneortheotherknewnothingaboutitandguessedwithoutreasonandbychance.Theyalsoerredalwaysinexcludingtheoneortheother.

    Quodergoignorantes,quaeritis,religioannuntiatvobis.

    433.Afterhavingunderstoodthewholenatureofman.—Thatareligionmaybetrue,itmusthaveknowledgeofournature.Itoughttoknowitsgreatnessandlittleness,andthereasonofboth.WhatreligionbuttheChristianhasknownthis?

    434.Thechiefargumentsofthesceptics—Ipassoverthelesserones—arethatwehavenocertaintyofthetruthoftheseprinciplesapartfromfaithandrevelation,exceptinsofaraswenaturallyperceivetheminourselves.Nowthisnaturalintuitionisnotaconvincingproofoftheirtruth;since,havingnocertainty,apartfromfaith,whethermanwascreatedbyagoodGod,orbyawickeddemon,orbychance,itisdoubtfulwhethertheseprinciplesgiventousaretrue,orfalse,oruncertain,accordingtoourorigin.Again,nopersoniscertain,apartfromfaith,whetherheisawakeorsleeps,seeingthatduringsleepwebelievethatweareawakeasfirmlyaswedowhenweareawake;webelievethatweseespace,figure,andmotion;weareawareofthepassageoftime,wemeasureit;andinfactweactasifwewereawake.Sothathalfofourlifebeingpassedinsleep,wehaveonourownadmissionnoideaoftruth,whateverwemayimagine.Asallourintuitionsare,then,illusions,whoknowswhethertheotherhalfofourlife,inwhichwethinkweareawake,isnotanothersleepalittledifferentfromtheformer,fromwhichweawakewhenwesupposeourselvesasleep?

    Andwhodoubtsthat,ifwedreamtincompany,andthedreamschancedtoagree,whichiscommonenough,andifwewerealwaysalonewhenawake,weshouldbelievethatmatterswerereversed?Inshort,asweoftendreamthatwedream,heapingdreamupondream,mayitnotbethatthishalfofourlife,whereinwethinkourselvesawake,isitselfonlyadreamonwhichtheothersaregrafted,fromwhichwewakeatdeath,duringwhichwehaveasfewprinciplesoftruthandgoodasduringnaturalsleep,thesedifferentthoughtswhichdisturbusbeingperhapsonlyillusionsliketheflightoftimeandthevainfanciesofourdreams?

    Thesearethechiefargumentsononesideandtheother.

    Iomitminorones,suchasthescepticaltalkagainsttheimpressionsofcustom,education,manners,countryandthelike.Thoughtheseinfluencethemajorityofcommonfolk,whodogmatiseonlyonshallowfoundations,theyareupsetbytheleastbreathofthesceptics.Wehaveonlytoseetheirbooksifwearenotsufficientlyconvincedofthis,andweshallveryquicklybecomeso,perhapstoomuch.

    Inoticetheonlystrongpointofthedogmatists,namely,that,speakingingoodfaithandsincerely,wecannotdoubtnaturalprinciples.Againstthisthescepticssetupinonewordtheuncertaintyofourorigin,whichincludesthatofournature.Thedogmatistshavebeentryingtoanswerthisobjectioneversincetheworldbegan.

    Sothereisopenwaramongmen,inwhicheachmusttakeapartandsideeitherwithdogmatismorscepticism.Forhewhothinkstoremainneutralisaboveallasceptic.Thisneutralityistheessenceofthesect;hewhoisnotagainstthemisessentiallyforthem.Inthisappearstheiradvantage.Theyarenotforthemselves;theyareneutral,indifferent,insuspenseastoallthings,eventhemselvesbeingnoexception.

    What,then,shallmandointhisstate?Shallhedoubteverything?Shallhedoubtwhetherheisawake,whetherheisbeingpinched,orwhetherheisbeingburned?Shallhedoubtwhetherhedoubts?Shallhedoubtwhetherheexists?Wecannotgosofarasthat;andIlayitdownasafactthatthereneverhasbeenarealcompletesceptic.Naturesustainsourfeeblereasonandpreventsitravingtothisextent.

    Shallhe,then,say,onthecontrary,thathecertainlypossessestruth—hewho,whenpressedeversolittle,canshownotitletoitandisforcedtoletgohishold?

    Whatachimera,then,isman!Whatanovelty!Whatamonster,whatachaos,whatacontradiction,whataprodigy!Judgeofallthings,imbecilewormoftheearth;depositaryoftruth,asinkofuncertaintyanderror;theprideandrefuseoftheuniverse!

    Whowillunravelthistangle?Natureconfutesthesceptics,andreasonconfutesthedogmatists.What,then,willyoubecome,Omen!whotrytofindoutbyyournaturalreasonwhatisyourtruecondition?Youcannotavoidoneofthesesects,noradheretooneofthem.

    Knowthen,proudman,whataparadoxyouaretoyourself.Humbleyourself,weakreason;besilent,foolishnature;learnthatmaninfinitelytranscendsman,andlearnfromyourMasteryourtruecondition,ofwhichyouareignorant.HearGod.

    Forinfact,ifmanhadneverbeencorrupt,hewouldenjoyinhisinnocencebothtruthandhappinesswithassurance;andifmanhadalwaysbeencorrupt,hewouldhavenoideaoftruthorbliss.But,wretchedasweare,andmoresothaniftherewerenogreatnessinourcondition,wehaveanideaofhappinessandcannotreachit.Weperceiveanimageoftruthandpossessonlyalie.Incapableofabsoluteignoranceandofcertainknowledge,wehavethusbeenmanifestlyinadegreeofperfectionfromwhichwehaveunhappilyfallen.

    Itis,however,anastonishingthingthatthemysteryfurthestremovedfromourknowledge,namely,thatofthetransmissionofsin,shouldbeafactwithoutwhichwecanhavenoknowledgeofourselves.Foritisbeyonddoubtthatthereisnothingwhichmoreshocksourreasonthantosaythatthesinofthefirstmanhasrenderedguiltythosewho,beingsoremovedfromthissource,seemincapableofparticipationinit.Thistransmissiondoesnotonlyseemtousimpossible,itseemsalsoveryunjust.Forwhatismorecontrarytotherulesofourmiserablejusticethantodamneternallyaninfantincapableofwill,forasinwhereinheseemstohavesolittleasharethatitwascommittedsixthousandyearsbeforehewasinexistence?Certainlynothingoffendsusmorerudelythanthisdoctrine;andyetwithoutthismystery,themostincomprehensibleofall,weareincomprehensibletoourselves.Theknotofourconditiontakesitstwistsandturnsinthisabyss,sothatmanismoreinconceivablewithoutthismysterythanthismysteryisinconceivabletoman.

    WhenceitseemsthatGod,willingtorenderthedifficultyofourexistenceunintelligibletoourselves,hasconcealedtheknotsohigh,or,betterspeaking,solow,thatwearequiteincapableofreachingit;sothatitisnotbytheproudexertionsofourreason,butbythesimplesubmissionsofreason,thatwecantrulyknowourselves.

    Thesefoundations,solidlyestablishedontheinviolableauthorityofreligion,makeusknowthattherearetwotruthsoffaithequallycertain:theone,thatman,inthestateofcreation,orinthatofgrace,israisedaboveallnature,madelikeuntoGodandsharinginHisdivinity;theother,thatinthestateofcorruptionandsin,heisfallenfromthisstateandmadelikeuntothebeasts.

    Thesetwopropositionsareequallysoundandcertain.Scripturemanifestlydeclaresthistous,whenitsaysinsomeplaces:Deliciaemeaeessecumfiliishominum.Effundamspiritummeumsuperomnemcarnem.Diiestis,etc.;andinotherplaces,Omniscarofaenum.Homoassimilatusestjumentisinsipientibus,etsimilisfactusestillis.Dixiincordemeodefiliishominum.

    WhenceitclearlyseemsthatmanbygraceismadelikeuntoGod,andapartakerinHisdivinity,andthatwithoutgraceheislikeuntothebrutebeasts.

    435.Withoutthisdivineknowledgewhatcouldmendobuteitherbecomeelatedbytheinnerfeelingoftheirpastgreatnesswhichstillremainstothem,orbecomedespondentatthesightoftheirpresentweakness?For,notseeingthewholetruth,theycouldnotattaintoperfectvirtue.Someconsideringnatureasincorrupt,othersasincurable,theycouldnotescapeeitherprideorsloth,thetwosourcesofallvice;sincetheycannotbuteitherabandonthemselvestoitthroughcowardice,orescapeitbypride.Foriftheyknewtheexcellenceofman,theywereignorantofhiscorruption;sothattheyeasilyavoidedsloth,butfellintopride.Andiftheyrecognizedtheinfirmityofnature,theywereignorantofitsdignity;sothattheycouldeasilyavoidvanity,butitwastofallintodespair.ThencearisethedifferentschoolsoftheStoicsandEpicureans,theDogmatists,Academicians,etc.

    TheChristianreligionalonehasbeenabletocurethesetwovices,notbyexpellingtheonethroughmeansoftheotheraccordingtothewisdomoftheworld,butbyexpellingbothaccordingtothesimplicityoftheGospel.Foritteachestherighteousthatitraisesthemeventoaparticipationindivinityitself;thatinthisloftystatetheystillcarrythesourceofallcorruption,whichrendersthemduringalltheirlifesubjecttoerror,misery,death,andsin;anditproclaimstothemostungodlythattheyarecapableofthegraceoftheirRedeemer.Somakingthosetremblewhomitjustifies,andconsolingthosewhomitcondemns,religionsojustlytempersfearwithhopethroughthatdoublecapacityofgraceandofsin,commontoall,thatithumblesinfinitelymorethanreasonalonecando,butwithoutdespair;anditexaltsinfinitelymorethannaturalpride,butwithoutinflating;thusmakingitevidentthatalonebeingexemptfromerrorandvice,italonefulfilsthedutyofinstructingandcorrectingmen.

    Who,then,canrefusetobelieveandadorethisheavenlylight?Forisitnotclearerthandaythatweperceivewithinourselvesineffaceablemarksofexcellence?Andisitnotequallytruethatweexperienceeveryhourtheresultsofourdeplorablecondition?Whatdoesthischaosandmonstrousconfusionproclaimtousbutthetruthofthesetwostates,withavoicesopowerfulthatitisimpossibletoresistit?

    436.Weakness.—Everypursuitofmenistogetwealth;andtheycannothaveatitletoshowthattheypossessitjustly,fortheyhaveonlythatofhumancaprice;norhavetheystrengthtoholditsecurely.Itisthesamewithknowledge,fordiseasetakesitaway.Weareincapablebothoftruthandgoodness.

    437.Wedesiretruth,andfindwithinourselvesonlyuncertainty.

    Weseekhappiness,andfindonlymiseryanddeath.

    Wecannotbutdesiretruthandhappiness,andareincapableofcertaintyorhappiness.Thisdesireislefttous,partlytopunishus,partlytomakeusperceivewherefromwearefallen.

    438.IfmanisnotmadeforGod,whyisheonlyhappyinGod?IfmanismadeforGod,whyishesoopposedtoGod?

    439.Naturecorrupted.—Mandoesnotactbyreason,whichconstituteshisbeing.

    440.Thecorruptionofreasonisshownbytheexistenceofsomanydifferentandextravagantcustoms.Itwasnecessarythattruthshouldcome,inorderthatmanshouldnolongerdwellwithinhimself.

    441.Formyself,Iconfessthat,sosoonastheChristianreligionrevealstheprinciplethathumannatureiscorruptandfallenfromGod,thatopensmyeyestoseeeverywherethemarkofthistruth:fornatureissuchthatshetestifieseverywhere,bothwithinmanandwithouthim,toalostGodandacorruptnature.

    442.Man-struenature,histruegood,truevirtue,andtruereligion,arethingsofwhichtheknowledgeisinseparable.

    443.Greatness,wretchedness.—Themorelightwehave,themoregreatnessandthemorebasenesswediscoverinman.Ordinarymen—thosewhoaremoreeducated:philosophers,theyastonishordinarymen—Christians,theyastonishphilosophers.

    Whowillthenbesurprisedtoseethatreligiononlymakesusknowprofoundlywhatwealreadyknowinproportiontoourlight?

    444.Thisreligiontaughttoherchildrenwhatmenhaveonlybeenabletodiscoverbytheirgreatestknowledge.

    445.Originalsinisfoolishnesstomen,butitisadmittedtobesuch.Youmustnot,then,reproachmeforthewantofreasoninthisdoctrine,sinceIadmitittobewithoutreason.Butthisfoolishnessiswiserthanallthewisdomofmen,sapientiusesthominibus.Forwithoutthis,whatcanwesaythatmanis?Hiswholestatedependsonthisimperceptiblepoint.Andhowshoulditbeperceivedbyhisreason,sinceitisathingagainstreason,andsincereason,farfromfindingitoutbyherownways,isaversetoitwhenitispresentedtoher?

    446.Oforiginalsin.AmpletraditionoforiginalsinaccordingtotheJews.

    OnthesayinginGenesis8:21:"Theimaginationofman-sheartisevilfromhisyouth."

    R.MosesHaddarschan:Thisevilleavenisplacedinmanfromthetimethatheisformed.

    MassechetSucca:ThisevilleavenhassevennamesinScripture.Itiscalledevil,theforeskin,uncleanness,anenemy,ascandal,aheartofstone,thenorthwind;allthissignifiesthemalignitywhichisconcealedandimpressedintheheartofman.

    MidraschTillimsaysthesamethingandthatGodwilldeliverthegoodnatureofmanfromtheevil.

    Thismalignityisrenewedeverydayagainstman,asitiswritten,Psalm37:32:"Thewickedwatcheththerighteous,andseekethtoslayhim";butGodwillnotabandonhim.Thismalignitytriestheheartofmaninthislifeandwillaccusehimintheother.AllthisisfoundintheTalmud.

    MidraschTillimonPsalm4:4:"Standinaweandsinnot."Standinaweandbeafraidofyourlust,anditwillnotleadyouintosin.AndonPsalm36:1:"Thewickedhassaidwithinhisownheart:LetnotthefearofGodbebeforeme."Thatistosaythatthemalignitynaturaltomanhassaidthattothewicked.

    MidraschelKohelet:"Betterisapoorandwisechildthananoldandfoolishkingwhocannotforeseethefuture."Thechildisvirtue,andthekingisthemalignityofman.Itiscalledkingbecauseallthemembersobeyit,andoldbecauseitisinthehumanheartfrominfancytooldage,andfoolishbecauseitleadsmaninthewayofperdition,whichhedoesnotforesee.ThesamethingisinMidraschTillim.

    BereschistRabbaonPsalm35:10:"Lord,allmybonesshallblessThee,whichdeliverestthepoorfromthetyrant."Andisthereagreatertyrantthantheevilleaven?AndonProverbs25:21:"Ifthineenemybehungry,givehimbreadtoeat."Thatistosay,iftheevilleavenhunger,givehimthebreadofwisdomofwhichitisspokeninProverbs9,andifhebethirsty,givehimthewaterofwhichitisspokeninIsaiah55.

    MidraschTillimsaysthesamething,andthatScriptureinthatpassage,speakingoftheenemy,meanstheevilleaven;andthat,ingivinghimthatbreadandthatwater,weheapcoalsoffireonhishead.

    MidraschelKoheletonEcclesiastes9:14:"Agreatkingbesiegedalittlecity."Thisgreatkingistheevilleaven;thegreatbulwarksbuiltagainstitaretemptations;andtherehasbeenfoundapoorwisemanwhohasdeliveredit—thatistosay,virtue.

    AndonPsalm41:1:"Blessedishethatconsidereththepoor."

    AndonPsalm78:39:"Thespiritpassethaway,andcomethnotagain";whencesomehaveerroneouslyarguedagainsttheimmortalityofthesoul.Butthesenseisthatthisspiritistheevilleaven,whichaccompaniesmantilldeathandwillnotreturnattheresurrection.

    AndonPsalm103thesamething.

    AndonPsalm16.

    PrinciplesofRabbinism:twoMessiahs.

    447.Willitbesaidthat,asmenhavedeclaredthatrighteousnesshasdepartedtheearth,theythereforeknewoforiginalsin?—Nemoanteobitumbeatusest—thatistosay,theyknewdeathtobethebeginningofeternalandessentialhappiness?

    448.Miltonseeswellthatnatureiscorruptandthatmenareaversetovirtue;hedoesnotknowwhytheycannotflyhigher.

    449.Order.—AfterCorruptiontosay:"Itisrightthatallthosewhoareinthatstateshouldknowit,boththosewhoarecontentwithit,andthosewhoarenotcontentwithit;butitisnotrightthatallshouldseeRedemption."

    450.Ifwedonotknowourselvestobefullofpride,ambition,lust,weakness,misery,andinjustice,weareindeedblind.Andif,knowingthis,wedonotdesiredeliverance,whatcanwesayofaman?

    Whatthen,canwehavebutesteemforareligionwhichknowssowellthedefectsofman,anddesireforthetruthofareligionwhichpromisesremediessodesirable?

    451.Allmennaturallyhateoneanother.Theyemploylustasfaraspossibleintheserviceofthepublicweal.Butthisisonlyapretneceandafalseimageoflove;foratbottomitisonlyhate.

    452.Topitytheunfortunateisnotcontrarytolust.Onthecontrary,wecanquitewellgivesuchevidenceoffriendship,andacquirethereputationofkindlyfeeling,withoutgivinganything.

    453.Fromlustmenhavefoundandextractedexcellentrulesofpolicy,morality,andjustice;butinrealitythisvilerootofman,thisfigmentummalum,isonlycovered,itisnottakenaway.

    454.Injustice.—Theyhavenotfoundanyothermeansofsatisfyinglustwithoutdoinginjurytoothers.

    455.Selfishateful.You,Milton,concealit;youdonotforthatreasondestroyit;youare,then,alwayshateful.

    No;forinactingaswedotoobligeeverybody,wegivenomoreoccasionforhatredofus.Thatistrue,ifweonlyhatedinSelfthevexationwhichcomestousfromit.ButifIhateitbecauseitisunjustandbecauseitmakesitselfthecentreofeverything,Ishallalwayshateit.

    Inaword,theSelfhastwoqualities:itisunjustinitselfsinceitmakesitselfthecentreofeverything;itisinconvenienttootherssinceitwouldenslavethem;foreachSelfistheenemy,andwouldliketobethetyrantofallothers.Youtakeawayitsinconvenience,butnotitsinjustice,andsoyoudonotrenderitlovabletothosewhohateinjustice;yourenderitlovableonlytotheunjust,whodonotanylongerfindinitanenemy.Andthusyouremainunjustandcanpleaseonlytheunjust.

    456.Itisapervertedjudgementthatmakeseveryoneplacehimselfabovetherestoftheworld,andpreferhisowngood,andthecontinuanceofhisowngoodfortuneandlife,tothatoftherestoftheworld!

    457.Eachoneisallinalltohimself;forhebeingdead,allisdeadtohim.Henceitcomesthateachbelieveshimselftobeallinalltoeverybody.Wemustnotjudgeofnaturebyourselves,butbyit.

    458."Allthatisintheworldisthelustoftheflesh,orthelustoftheeyes,ortheprideoflife;libidosentiendi,libidosciendi,libidodominandi."Wretchedisthecursedlandwhichthesethreeriversoffireenflameratherthanwater!Happytheywho,ontheserivers,arenotoverwhelmednorcarriedaway,butareimmovablyfixed,notstandingbutseatedonalowandsecurebase,whencetheydonotrisebeforethelight,but,havingrestedinpeace,stretchouttheirhandstoHim,whomustliftthemup,andmakethemstanduprightandfirmintheporchesoftheholyJerusalem!Therepridecannolongerassailthemnorcastthemdown;andyettheyweep,nottoseeallthoseperishablethingssweptawaybythetorrents,butattheremembranceoftheirlovedcountry,theheavenlyJerusalem,whichtheyrememberwithoutceasingduringtheirprolongedexile.

    459.TheriversofBabylonrushandfallandsweepaway.

    OholyZion,whereallisfirmandnothingfalls!

    Wemustsituponthewaters,notunderthemorinthem,butonthem;andnotstandingbutseated;beingseatedtobehumble,andbeingabovethemtobesecure.ButweshallstandintheporchesofJerusalem.

    Letusseeifthispleasureisstableortransitory;ifitpassaway,itisariverofBabylon.

    460.Thelustoftheflesh,thelustoftheeyes,pride,etc.—Therearethreeordersofthings:theflesh,thespirit,andthewill.Thecarnalaretherichandkings;theyhavethebodyastheirobject.Inquirersandscientists;theyhavethemindastheirobject.Thewise;theyhaverighteousnessastheirobject.

    Godmustreignoverall,andallmenmustbebroughtbacktoHim.Inthingsofthefleshlustreignsspecially;inintellectualmatters,inquiryspecially;inwisdom,pridespecially.Notthatamancannotboastofwealthorknowledge,butitisnottheplaceforpride;foringrantingtoamanthatheislearned,itiseasytoconvincehimthatheiswrongtobeproud.Theproperplaceforprideisinwisdom,foritcannotbegrantedtoamanthathehasmadehimselfwise,andthatheiswrongtobeproud;forthatisright.NowGodalonegiveswisdom,andthatiswhyQuigloriatur,inDominoglorietur.

    461.Thethreelustshavemadethreesects;andthephilosophershavedonenootherthingthanfollowoneofthethreelusts.

    462.Searchforthetruegood.—Ordinarymenplacethegoodinfortuneandexternalgoods,oratleastinamusement.Philosophershaveshownthevanityofallthisandhaveplaceditwheretheycould.

    463.Philosophers.—TheybelievethatGodaloneisworthytobelovedandadmired;andtheyhavedesiredtobelovedandadmiredofmenanddonotknowtheirowncorruption.Iftheyfeelfulloffeelingsofloveandadmirationandfindthereintheirchiefdelight,verywell,letthemthinkthemselvesgood.ButiftheyfindthemselvesaversetoHim,iftheyhavenoinclinationbutthedesiretoestablishthemselvesintheesteemofmen,andiftheirwholeperfectionconsistsonlyinmakingmen—butwithoutconstraint—findtheirhappinessinlovingthem,Ideclarethatthisperfectionishorrible.What!theyhaveknownGodandhavenotdesiredsolelythatmenshouldloveHim,butthatmenshouldstopshortatthem!Theyhavewantedtobetheobjectofthevoluntarydelightofmen.

    464.Philosophers.—Wearefullofthingswhichtakeusoutofourselves.

    Ourinstinctmakesusfeelthatwemustseekourhappinessoutsideourselves.Ourpassionsimpelusoutside,evenwhennoobjectspresentthemselvestoexcitethem.Externalobjectstemptusofthemselves,andcalltous,evenwhenwearenotthinkingofthem.Andthusphilosophershavesaidinvain:"Retirewithinyourselves,youwillfindyourgoodthere."Wedonotbelievethem,andthosewhobelievethemarethemostemptyandthemostfoolish.

    465.TheStoicssay,"Retirewithinyourselves;itisthereyouwillfindyourrest."

    Andthatisnottrue.

    Otherssay,"Gooutofyourselves;seekhappinessinamusement."Andthisisnottrue.Illnesscomes.

    Happinessisneitherwithoutusnorwithinus.ItisinGod,bothwithoutusandwithinus.

    466.HadEpictetusseenthewayperfectly,hewouldhavesaidtomen,"Youfollowawrongroad";heshowsthatthereisanother,buthedoesnotleadtoit.ItisthewayofwillingwhatGodwills.JesusChristaloneleadstoit:Via,veritas.ThevicesofZenohimself.

    467.Thereasonofeffects.—Epictetus.Thosewhosay,"Youhaveaheadache";thisisnotthesamething.Weareassuredofhealth,andnotofjustice;andinfacthisownwasnonsense.

    Andyethebelieveditdemonstrable,whenhesaid,"Itiseitherinourpoweroritisnot."Buthedidnotperceivethatitisnotinourpowertoregulatetheheart,andhewaswrongtoinferfromthisthefactthatthereweresomeChristians.

    468.Nootherreligionhasproposedtomentohatethemselves.Nootherreligion,then,canpleasethosewhohatethemselves,andwhoseekaBeingtrulylovable.Andthese,iftheyhadneverheardofthereligionofaGodhumiliated,wouldembraceitatonce.

    469.IfeelthatImightnothavebeen;fortheEgoconsistsinmythoughts.ThereforeI,whothink,wouldnothavebeen,ifmymotherhadbeenkilledbeforeIhadlife.Iamnot,then,anecessarybeing.InthesamewayIamnoteternalorinfinite;butIseeplainlythatthereexistsinnatureanecessaryBeing,eternalandinfinite.

    470."HadIseenamiracle,"saymen,"Ishouldbecomeconverted."Howcantheybesuretheywoulddoathingofthenatureofwhichtheyareignorant?TheyimaginethatthisconversionconsistsinaworshipofGodwhichislikecommerce,andinacommunionsuchastheypicturetothemselves.TruereligionconsistsinannihilatingselfbeforethatUniversalBeing,whomwehavesooftenprovoked,andwhocanjustlydestroyusatanytime;inrecognisingthatwecandonothingwithoutHim,andhavedeservednothingfromHimbutHisdispleasure.ItconsistsinknowingthatthereisanunconquerableoppositionbetweenusandGod,andthatwithoutamediatortherecanbenocommunionwithHim.

    471.Itisunjustthatmenshouldattachthemselvestome,eventhoughtheydoitwithpleasureandvoluntarily.IshoulddeceivethoseinwhomIhadcreatedthisdesire;forIamnottheendofany,andIhavenotthewherewithaltosatisfythem.AmInotabouttodie?Andthustheobjectoftheirattachmentwilldie.Therefore,asIwouldbeblamableincausingafalsehoodtobebelieved,thoughIshouldemploygentlepersuasion,thoughitshouldbebelievedwithpleasure,andthoughitshouldgivemepleasure;evensoIamblamableinmakingmyselflovedandifIattractpersonstoattachthemselvestome.Ioughttowarnthosewhoarereadytoconsenttoaliethattheyoughtnottobelieveit,whateveradvantagecomestomefromit;andlikewisethattheyoughtnottoattachthemselvestome;fortheyoughttospendtheirlifeandtheircareinpleasingGod,orinseekingHim.

    472.Self-willwillneverbesatisfied,thoughitshouldhavecommandofallitwould;butwearesatisfiedfromthemomentwerenounceit.Withoutitwecannotbediscontented;withitwecannotbecontent.

    473.Letusimagineabodyfullofthinkingmembers.

    474.Members.Tocommencewiththat.—Toregulatethelovewhichweowetoourselves,wemustimagineabodyfullofthinkingmembers,forwearemembersofthewhole,andmustseehoweachmembershouldloveitself,etc

    475.Ifthefeetandthehandshadawilloftheirown,theycouldonlybeintheirorderinsubmittingthisparticularwilltotheprimarywillwhichgovernsthewholebody.Apartfromthat,theyareindisorderandmischief;butinwillingonlythegoodofthebody,theyaccomplishtheirowngood.

    476.WemustloveGodonlyandhateselfonly.

    Ifthefoothadalwaysbeenignorantthatitbelongedtothebody,andthattherewasabodyonwhichitdepended,ifithadonlyhadtheknowledgeandtheloveofself,andifitcametoknowthatitbelongedtoabodyonwhichitdepended,whatregret,whatshameforitspastlife,forhavingbeenuselesstothebodywhichinspireditslife,whichwouldhaveannihilateditifithadrejecteditandseparateditfromitself,asitkeptitselfapartfromthebody!Whatprayersforitspreservationinit!Andwithwhatsubmissionwoulditallowitselftobegovernedbythewillwhichrulesthebody,eventoconsenting,ifnecessary,tobecutoff,oritwouldloseitscharacterasmember!Foreverymembermustbequitewillingtoperishforthebody,forwhichalonethewholeis.

    477.Itisfalsethatweareworthyoftheloveofothers;itisunfairthatweshoulddesireit.Ifwewerebornreasonableandimpartial,knowingourselvesandothers,weshouldnotgivethisbiastoourwill.However,wearebornwithit;thereforebornunjust,foralltendstoself.Thisiscontrarytoallorder.Wemustconsiderthegeneralgood;andthepropensitytoselfisthebeginningofalldisorder,inwar,inpolitics,ineconomy,andintheparticularbodyofman.Thewillisthereforedepraved.

    Ifthemembersofnaturalandcivilcommunitiestendtowardsthewealofthebody,thecommunitiesthemselvesoughttolooktoanothermoregeneralbodyofwhichtheyaremembers.Weought,therefore,tolooktothewhole.Weare,therefore,bornunjustanddepraved.

    478.WhenwewanttothinkofGod,istherenothingwhichturnsusaway,andtemptsustothinkofsomethingelse?Allthisisbad,andisborninus.

    479.IfthereisaGod,wemustloveHimonlyandnotthecreaturesofaday.ThereasoningoftheungodlyintheBookofWisdomisonlybaseduponthenonexistenceofGod."Onthatsupposition,"saythey,"letustakedelightinthecreatures."Thatistheworstthatcanhappen.ButiftherewereaGodtolove,theywouldnothavecometothisconclusion,buttoquitethecontrary.Andthisistheconclusionofthewise:"ThereisaGod;letusthereforenottakedelightinthecreatures."

    Thereforeallthatincitesustoattachourselvestothecreaturesisbad;sinceitpreventsusfromservingGodifweknowHim,orfromseekingHimifweknowHimnot.Nowwearefulloflust.Thereforewearefullofevil;thereforeweoughttohateourselvesandallthatexcitedustoattachourselvestoanyotherobjectthanGodonly.

    480.Tomakethemembershappy,theymusthaveonewillandsubmitittothebody.

    481.TheexamplesofthenobledeathsoftheLacedaemoniansandothersscarcetouchus.Forwhatgoodisittous?Buttheexampleofthedeathofthemartyrstouchesus;fortheyare"ourmembers."Wehaveacommontiewiththem.Theirresolutioncanformours,notonlybyexample,butbecauseithasperhapsdeservedours.Thereisnothingofthisintheexamplesoftheheathen.Wehavenotiewiththem;aswedonotbecomerichbyseeingastrangerwhoisso,butinfactbyseeingafatherorahusbandwhoisso.

    482.Morality.—Godhavingmadetheheavensandtheearth,whichdonotfeelthehappinessoftheirbeing,Hehaswilledtomakebeingswhoshouldknowit,andwhoshouldcomposeabodyofthinkingmembers.Forourmembersdonotfeelthehappinessoftheirunion,oftheirwonderfulintelligence,ofthecarewhichhasbeentakentoinfuseintothemminds,andtomakethemgrowandendure.Howhappytheywouldbeiftheysawandfeltit!Butforthistheywouldneedtohaveintelligencetoknowit,andgood-willtoconsenttothatoftheuniversalsoul.Butif,havingreceivedintelligence,theyemployedittoretainnourishmentforthemselveswithoutallowingittopasstotheothermembers,theywouldbenotonlyunjust,butalsomiserable,andwouldhateratherthanlovethemselves;theirblessedness,aswellastheirduty,consistingintheirconsenttotheguidanceofthewholesoultowhichtheybelong,whichlovesthembetterthantheylovethemselves.

    483.Tobeamemberistohaveneitherlife,being,normovement,exceptthroughthespiritofthebody,andforthebody.

    Theseparatemember,seeingnolongerthebodytowhichitbelongs,hasonlyaperishinganddyingexistence.Yetitbelievesitisawhole,and,seeingnotthebodyonwhichitdepends,itbelievesitdependsonlyonselfanddesirestomakeitselfbothcentreandbody.Butnothavinginitselfaprincipleoflife,itonlygoesastrayandisastonishedintheuncertaintyofitsbeing;perceivinginfactthatitisnotabody,andstillnotseeingthatitisamemberofabody.Inshort,whenitcomestoknowitself,ithasreturned,asitwere,toitsownhome,andlovesitselfonlyforthebody.Itdeploresitspastwanderings.

    Itcannotbyitsnatureloveanyotherthing,exceptforitselfandtosubjectittoself,becauseeachthinglovesitselfmorethanall.But,inlovingthebody,itlovesitself,becauseitonlyexistsinit,byit,andforit.QuiadhaeretDeounusspiritusest.

    Thebodylovesthehand;andthehand,ifithadawill,shouldloveitselfinthesamewayasitislovedbythesoul.Alllovewhichgoesbeyondthisisunfair.

    AdhaerensDeounusspiritusest.Weloveourselves,becausewearemembersofJesusChrist.WeloveJesusChrist,becauseHeisthebodyofwhichwearemembers.Allisone,oneisintheother,liketheThreePersons.

    484.TwolawssufficetorulethewholeChristianRepublicbetterthanallthelawsofstatecraft.

    485.Thetrueandonlyvirtue,then,istohateself(forwearehatefulonaccountoflust)andtoseekatrulylovablebeingtolove.Butaswecannotlovewhatisoutsideourselves,wemustloveabeingwhoisinusandisnotourselves;andthatistrueofeachandallmen.Now,onlytheUniversalBeingissuch.ThekingdomofGodiswithinus;theuniversalgoodiswithinus,isourselves—andnotourselves.

    486.Thedignityofmaninhisinnocenceconsistedinusingandhavingdominionoverthecreatures,butnowinseparatinghimselffromthemandsubjectinghimselftothem.

    487.Everyreligionisfalsewhich,astoitsfaith,doesnotworshiponeGodastheoriginofeverythingandwhich,astoitsmorality,doesnotloveoneonlyGodastheobjectofeverything.

    488ButitisimpossiblethatGodshouldeverbetheend,ifHeisnotthebeginning.Weliftoureyesonhigh,butleanuponthesand;andtheearthwilldissolve,andweshallfallwhilstlookingattheheavens.

    489.Ifthereisonesolesourceofeverything,thereisonesoleendofeverything;everythingthroughHim,everythingforHim.Thetruereligion,then,mustteachustoworshipHimonly,andtoloveHimonly.Butaswefindourselvesunabletoworshipwhatweknownot,andtoloveanyotherobjectbutourselves,thereligionwhichinstructsusinthesedutiesmustinstructusalsoofthisinability,andteachusalsotheremediesforit.Itteachesusthatbyonemanallwaslost,andthebondbrokenbetweenGodandus,andthatbyonemanthebondisrenewed.

    WearebornsoaversetothisloveofGod,anditissonecessary,thatwemustbebornguilty,orGodwouldbeunjust.

    490.Men,notbeingaccustomedtoformmerit,butonlytorecompenseitwheretheyfinditformed,judgeofGodbythemselves.

    491.ThetruereligionmusthaveasacharacteristictheobligationtoloveGod.Thisisveryjust,andyetnootherreligionhascommandedthis;ourshasdoneso.Itmustalsobeawareofhumanlustandweakness;oursisso.Itmusthaveadducedremediesforthis;oneisprayer.NootherreligionhasaskedofGodtoloveandfollowHim.

    492.Hewhohatesnotinhimselfhisself-love,andthatinstinctwhichleadshimtomakehimselfGod,isindeedblinded.Whodoesnotseethatthereisnothingsoopposedtojusticeandtruth?Foritisfalsethatwedeservethis,anditisunfairandimpossibletoattainit,sincealldemandthesamething.Itis,then,amanifestinjusticewhichisinnateinus,ofwhichwecannotgetrid,andofwhichwemustgetrid.

    Yetnoreligionhasindicatedthatthiswasasin;orthatwewereborninit;orthatwewereobligedtoresistit;orhasthoughtofgivingusremediesforit.

    493.Thetruereligionteachesourduties;ourweaknesses,pride,andlust;andtheremedies,humilityandmortification.

    494.Thetruereligionmustteachgreatnessandmisery;mustleadtotheesteemandcontemptofself,toloveandtohate.

    495.Ifitisanextraordinaryblindnesstolivewithoutinvestigatingwhatweare,itisaterribleonetoliveanevillife,whilebelievinginGod.

    496.Experiencemakesusseeanenormousdifferencebetweenpietyandgoodness.

    497.Againstthosewho,trustingtothemercyofGod,liveheedlessly,withoutdoinggoodworks.—Asthetwosourcesofoursinsareprideandsloth,GodhasrevealedtoustwoofHisattributestocurethem,mercyandjustice.Thepropertyofjusticeistohumblepride,howeverholymaybeourworks,etnonintresinjudicium,etc.;andthepropertyofmercyistocombatslothbyexhortingtogoodworks,accordingtothatpassage:"ThegoodnessofGodleadethtorepentance,andthatotheroftheNinevites:"LetusdopenancetoseeifperadventureHewillpityus."Andthusmercyissofarfromauthorisingslacknessthatitisonthecontrarythequalitywhichformallyattacksit;sothatinsteadofsaying,"IftherewerenomercyinGodweshouldhavetomakeeverykindofeffortaftervirtue,"wemustsay,onthecontrary,thatitisbecausethereismercyinGodthatwemustmakeeverykindofeffort.

    498.Itistruethereisdifficultyinenteringintogodliness.Butthisdifficultydoesnotarisefromthereligionwhichbeginsinus,butfromtheirreligionwhichisstillthere.Ifoursenseswerenotopposedtopenitence,andifourcorruptionwerenotopposedtothepurityofGod,therewouldbenothinginthispainfultous.Wesufferonlyinproportionasthevicewhichisnaturaltousresistssupernaturalgrace.Ourheartfeelstornasunderbetweentheseopposedefforts.ButitwouldbeveryunfairtoimputethisviolencetoGod,whoisdrawinguson,insteadoftotheworld,whichisholdingusback.Itisasachild,whichamothertearsfromthearmsofrobbers,inthepainitsuffers,shouldlovethelovingandlegitimateviolenceofherwhoprocuresitsliberty,anddetestonlytheimpetuousandtyrannicalviolenceofthosewhodetainitunjustly.ThemostcruelwarwhichGodcanmakewithmeninthislifeistoleavethemwithoutthatwarwhichHecametobring."Icametosendwar,"Hesays,"andtoteachthemofthiswar.Icametobringfireandthesword."BeforeHimtheworldlivedinthisfalsepeace.

    499.Externalworks.—TherenothingsoperilousaswhatpleasesGodandman.Forthosestates,whichpleaseGodandman,haveonepropertywhichpleasesGod,andanotherwhichpleasesmen;asthegreatnessofSaintTeresa.WhatpleasedGodwasherdeephumilityinthemidstofherrevelations;whatpleasedmenwasherlight.Andsowetormentourselvestoimitateherdiscourses,thinkingtoimitateherconditions,andnotsomuchtolovewhatGodlovesandtoputourselvesinthestatewhichGodloves.

    Itisbetternottofast,andbetherebyhumbled,thantofastandbeself-satisfiedtherewith.ThePhariseeandthePublican.

    Whatusewillmemorybetome,ifitcanalikehurtandhelpme,andalldependsupontheblessingofGod,whogivesonlytothingsdoneforHim,accordingtoHisrulesandinHisways,themannerbeingthusasimportantasthethingandperhapsmore;sinceGodcanbringforthgoodoutofevil,andwithoutGodwebringfortheviloutofgood?

    500.Themeaningofthewords,goodandevil.

    501.Firststep:tobeblamedfordoingevil,andpraisedfordoinggood.

    Secondstep:tobeneitherpraisednorblamed.

    502.Abrahamtooknothingforhimself,butonlyforhisservants.Sotherighteousmantakesforhimselfnothingoftheworld,noroftheapplauseoftheworld,butonlyforhispassions,whichheusesastheirmaster,sayingtotheone,"Go,"andtoanother,"Come."Subteeritappetitustuus.Thepassionsthussubduedarevirtues.EvenGodattributestoHimselfavarice,jealousy,anger;andthesearevirtuesaswellaskindness,pity,constancy,whicharealsopassions.Wemustemploythemasslaves,and,leavingtothemtheirfood,preventthesoulfromtakinganyofit,For,whenthepassionsbecomemasters,theyarevices;andtheygivetheirnutrimenttothesoul,andthesoulnourishesitselfuponitandispoisoned.

    503.PhilosophershaveconsecratedthevicesbyplacingtheminGodHimself.Christianshaveconsecratedthevirtues.

    504.Thejustmanactsbyfaithintheleastthings;whenhereproveshisservants,hedesirestheirconversionbytheSpiritofGod,andpraysGodtocorrectthem;andheexpectsasmuchfromGodasfromhisownreproofs,andpraysGodtoblesshiscorrections.AndsoinallhisotheractionsheproceedswiththeSpiritofGod;andhisactionsdeceiveusbyreasonoftheorsuspensionoftheSpiritofGodinhim;andherepentsinhisaffliction.

    505.Allthingscanbedeadlytous,eventhethingsmadetoserveus;asinnaturewallscankillus,andstairscankillus,ifwedonotwalkcircumspectly.

    Theleastmovementaffectsallnature;theentireseachangesbecauseofarock.Thus,ingrace,theleastactionaffectseverythingbyitsconsequences;thereforeeverythingisimportant.

    Ineachactionwemustlookbeyondtheactionatourpast,present,andfuturestate,andatotherswhomitaffects,andseetherelationsofallthosethings.Andthenweshallbeverycautious.

    506.LetGodnotimputetousoursins,thatistosay,alltheconsequencesandresultsofoursins,whicharedreadful,eventhoseofthesmallestfaults,ifwewishtofollowthemoutmercilessly!

    507.Thespiritofgrace;thehardnessoftheheart;externalcircumstances.

    508.Graceisindeedneededtoturnamanintoasaint;andhewhodoubtsitdoesnotknowwhatasaintoramanis.

    509.Philosophers.—Afinethingtocrytoamanwhodoesnotknowhimself,thatheshouldcomeofhimselftoGod!Andafinethingtosaysotoamanwhodoesknowhimself!

    510.ManisnotworthyofGod,butheisnotincapableofbeingmadeworthy.

    ItisunworthyofGodtouniteHimselftowretchedman;butitisnotunworthyofGodtopullhimoutofhismisery.

    511.IfwewouldsaythatmanistooinsignificanttodeservecommunionwithGod,wemustindeedbeverygreattojudgeofit.

    512.Itis,inpeculiarphraseology,whollythebodyofJesusChrist,butitcannotbesaidtobethewholebodyofJesusChrist.Theunionoftwothingswithoutchangedoesnotenableustosaythatonebecomestheother;thesoulthusbeingunitedtothebody,thefiretothetimber,withoutchange.Butchangeisnecessarytomaketheformoftheonebecometheformoftheother;thustheunionoftheWordtoman.Becausemybodywithoutmysoulwouldnotmakethebodyofaman;thereforemysoulunitedtoanymatterwhatsoeverwillmakemybody.Itdoesnotdistinguishthenecessaryconditionfromthesufficientcondition;theunionisnecessary,butnotsufficient.Theleftarmisnottheright.

    Impenetrabilityisapropertyofmatter.

    Identitydenumeroinregardtothesametimerequirestheidentityofmatter.

    ThusifGodunitedmysoultoabodyinChina,thesamebody,idemnumerowouldbeinChina.

    ThesameriverwhichrunsthereisidemnumeroasthatwhichrunsatthesametimeinChina.

    513.WhyGodhasestablishedprayer.

    1.TocommunicatetoHiscreaturesthedignityofcausality.

    2.Toteachusfromwhomourvirtuecomes.

    3.Tomakeusdeserveothervirtuesbywork.

    (ButtokeepHisownpre-eminence,HegrantsprayertowhomHepleases.)

    Objection:Butwebelievethatweholdprayerofourselves.

    Thisisabsurd;forsince,thoughhavingfaith,wecannothavevirtues,howshouldwehavefaith?Isthereagreaterdistancebetweeninfidelityandfaiththanbetweenfaithandvirtue?

    Merit.Thiswordisambiguous.

    MeruithabereRedemptorem.

    Meruittamsacramembratangere.

    Dignotamsacramembratangere.

    Nonsumdignus.

    Quimanducatindignus.

    Dignusestaccipere.

    Dignareme.

    GodisonlyboundaccordingtoHispromises.Hehaspromisedtograntjusticetoprayers;Hehasneverpromisedprayeronlytothechildrenofpromise.

    SaintAugustinehasdistinctlysaidthatstrengthwouldbetakenawayfromtherighteous.Butitisbychancethathesaidit;foritmighthavehappenedthattheoccasionofsayingitdidnotpresentitself.Buthisprinciplesmakeusseethat,whentheoccasionforitpresenteditself,itwasimpossiblethatheshouldnotsayit,orthatheshouldsayanythingtothecontrary.Itisthenratherthathewasforcedtosayit,whentheoccasionpresenteditself,thanthathesaidit,whentheoccasionpresenteditself,theonebeingofnecessity,theotherofchance.Butthetwoareallthatwecanask.

    514."Workoutyourownsalvationwithfear."

    Proofsofprayer.Petentidabitur.

    Thereforeitisinourpowertoask.Ontheotherhand,thereisGod.Soitisnotinourpower,sincetheobtainingof(thegrace)topraytoHimisnotinourpower.Forsincesalvationisnotinus,andtheobtainingofsuchgraceisfromHim,prayerisnotinourpower.

    TherighteousmanshouldthenhopenomoreinGod,forheoughtnottohope,buttostrivetoobtainwhathewants.

    Letusconcludethenthat,sincemanisnowunrighteoussincethefirstsin,andGodisunwillingthatheshouldtherebynotbeestrangedfromHim,itisonlybyafirsteffectthatheisnotestranged.

    Therefore,thosewhodepartfromGodhavenotthisfirsteffectwithoutwhichtheyarenotestrangedfromGod,andthosewhodonotdepartfromGodhavethisfirsteffect.Therefore,thosewhomwehaveseenpossessedforsometimeofgracebythisfirsteffect,ceasetopray,forwantofthisfirsteffect.

    ThenGodabandonsthefirstinthissense.

    515.Theelectwillbeignorantoftheirvirtues,andtheoutcastofthegreatnessoftheirsins:"Lord,whensawweTheeanhungered,thirsty"?etc.

    516.Romans3:27.Boastingisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?Ofworks?Nay,butbyfaith.Thenfaithisnotwithinourpowerlikethedeedsofthelaw,anditisgiventousinanotherway.

    517.Comfortyourselves.Itisnotfromyourselvesthatyoushouldexpectgrace;but,onthecontrary,itisinexpectingnothingfromyourselvesthatyoumusthopeforit.

    518.Everycondition,andeventhemartyrs,havetofear,accordingtoScripture.Thegreatestpainofpurgatoryistheuncertaintyofthejudgement.Deusabsconditus.

    519.John8.Multicredideruntineum.DicebatergoJesus:"SimanseritisVEREmeidiscipulieritis,etVERITASLIBERABITVOS."Responderunt:"SemenAbrahaesumus,etneminiservimusunquam."

    Thereisagreatdifferencebetweendisciplesandtruedisciples.Werecognisethembytellingthemthatthetruthwillmakethemfree;foriftheyanswerthattheyarefreeandthatitisintheirpowertocomeoutofslaverytothedevil,theyareindeeddisciples,butnottruedisciples.

    520.Thelawhasnotdestroyednature,buthasinstructedit;gracehasnotdestroyedthelaw,buthasmadeitact.FaithreceivedatbaptismisthesourceofthewholelifeofChristiansandoftheconverted.

    521.Gracewillalwaysbeintheworld,andnaturealso;sothattheformerisinsomesortnatural.AndthustherewillalwaysbePelagians,andalwaysCatholics,andalwaysstrife;becausethefirstbirthmakestheone,andthegraceofthesecondbirththeother.

    522.Thelawimposedwhatitdidnotgive.Gracegiveswhatitimposes.

    523.AllfaithconsistsinJesusChristandinAdam,andallmoralityinlustandingrace.

    524.Thereisnodoctrinemoreappropriatetomanthanthis,whichteacheshimhisdoublecapacityofreceivingandoflosinggrace,becauseofthedoubleperiltowhichheisexposed,ofdespairorofpride.

    525.Thephilosophersdidnotprescribefeelingssuitabletothetwostates.

    Theyinspiredfeelingsofpuregreatness,andthatisnotman-sstate.

    Theyinspiredfeelingsofpurelittleness,andthatisnotman-sstate.

    Theremustbefeelingsofhumility,notfromnature,butfrompenitence,nottorestinthem,buttogoontogreatness.Theremustbefeelingsofgreatness,notfrommerit,butfromgrace,andafterhavingpassedthroughhumiliation.

    526.Miseryinducesdespair,prideinducespresumption.TheIncarnationshowsmanthegreatnessofhismiserybythegreatnessoftheremedywhichherequired.

    527.TheknowledgeofGodwithoutthatofman-smiserycausespride.Theknowledgeofman-smiserywithoutthatofGodcausesdespair.TheknowledgeofJesusChristconstitutesthemiddlecourse,becauseinHimwefindbothGodandourmisery.

    528.JesusChristisaGodwhomweapproachwithoutprideandbeforewhomwehumbleourselveswithoutdespair.

    529Notadegradationwhichrendersusincapableofgood,noraholinessexemptfromevil.

    530.Apersontoldmeonedaythatoncomingfromconfessionhefeltgreatjoyandconfidence.Anothertoldmethatheremainedinfear.WhereuponIthoughtthatthesetwotogetherwouldmakeonegoodman,andthateachwaswantinginthathehadnotthefeelingoftheother.Thesameoftenhappensinotherthings.

    531.Hewhoknowsthewillofhismasterwillbebeatenwithmoreblows,becauseofthepowerhehasbyhisknowledge.Quijustusest,justificeturadhuc,becauseofthepowerhehasbyjustice.Fromhimwhohasreceivedmost,willthegreatestreckoningbedemanded,becauseofthepowerhehasbythishelp.

    532.Scripturehasprovidedpassagesofconsolationandofwarningforallconditions.

    Natureseemstohavedonethesamethingbyhertwoinfinities,naturalandmoral;forweshallalwayshavethehigherandthelower,themorecleverandthelessclever,themostexaltedandthemeanest,inordertohumbleourprideandexaltourhumility.

    533.Comminutumcor(SaintPaul).ThisistheChristiancharacter.Albahasnamedyou,Iknowyounomore(Corneille).Thatistheinhumancharacter.Thehumancharacteristheopposite.

    534.Thereareonlytwokindsofmen:therighteouswhobelievethemselvessinners;therest,sinners,whobelievethemselvesrighteous.

    535.Weoweagreatdebttothosewhopointoutfaults.Fortheymortifyus.Theyteachusthatwehavebeendespised.Theydonotpreventourbeingsointhefuture;forwehavemanyotherfaultsforwhichwemaybedespised.Theyprepareforustheexerciseofcorrectionandfreedomfromfault.

    536.Manissomadethatbycontinuallytellinghimheisafoolhebelievesit,andbycontinuallytellingittohimselfhemakeshimselfbelieveit.Formanholdsaninwardtalkwithhisselfalone,whichitbehoveshimtoregulatewell:Corrumpuntbonosmorescolloquiaprava.WemustkeepsilentasmuchaspossibleandtalkwithourselvesonlyofGod,whomweknowtobetrue;andthusweconvinceourselvesofthetruth.

    537.Christianityisstrange.Itbidsmanrecognisethatheisvile,evenabominable,andbidshimdesiretobelikeGod.Withoutsuchacounterpoise,thisdignitywouldmakehimhorriblyvain,orthishumiliationwouldmakehimterriblyabject.

    538.WithhowlittlepridedoesaChristianbelievehimselfunitedtoGod!Withhowlittlehumiliationdoesheplacehimselfonalevelwiththewormsofearth!

    Agloriousmannertowelcomelifeanddeath,goodandevil!

    539.WhatdifferenceinpointofobedienceistherebetweenasoldierandaCarthusianmonk?Forbothareequallyunderobedienceanddependent,bothengagedinequallypainfulexercises.Butthesoldieralwayshopestocommandandneverattainsthis,forevencaptainsandprincesareeverslavesanddependants;stillheeverhopesandeverworkstoattainthis.WhereastheCarthusianmonkmakesavowtobealwaysdependent.Sotheydonotdifferintheirperpetualthraldom,inwhichbothofthemalwaysexist,butinthehope,whichonealwayshas,andtheothernever.

    540.ThehopewhichChristianshaveofpossessinganinfinitegoodismingledwithrealenjoymentaswellaswithfear;foritisnotaswiththosewhoshouldhopeforakingdom,ofwhichthey,beingsubjects,wouldhavenothing;buttheyhopeforholiness,forfreedomfrominjustice,andtheyhavesomethingofthis.

    541.NoneissohappyasatrueChristian,norsoreasonable,virtuous,oramiable.

    542.TheChristianreligionalonemakesmanaltogetherlovableandhappy.Inhonesty,wecannotperhapsbealtogetherlovableandhappy.

    543.Preface.—ThemetaphysicalproofsofGodaresoremotefromthereasoningofmen,andsocomplicated,thattheymakelittleimpression;andiftheyshouldbeofservicetosome,itwouldbeonlyduringthemomentthattheyseesuchdemonstration;butanhourafterwardstheyfeartheyhavebeenmistaken.

    Quodcuriositatecognoveruntsuperbiaamiserunt.

    ThisistheresultoftheknowledgeofGodobtainedwithoutJesusChrist;itiscommunionwithoutamediatorwiththeGodwhomtheyhaveknownwithoutamediator.WhereasthosewhohaveknownGodbyamediatorknowtheirownwretchedness.

    544.TheGodoftheChristiansisaGodwhomakesthesoulfeelthatHeisheronlygood,thatheronlyrestisinHim,thatheronlydelightisinlovingHim;andwhomakesheratthesametimeabhortheobstacleswhichkeepherbackandpreventherfromlovingGodwithallherstrength.Self-loveandlust,whichhinderus,areunbearabletoher.ThusGodmakesherfeelthatshehasthisrootofself-lovewhichdestroysher,andwhichHealonecancure.

    545.JesusChristdidnothingbutteachmenthattheylovedthemselves,thattheywereslaves,blind,sick,wretched,andsinners;thatHemustdeliverthem,enlighten,bless,andhealthem;thatthiswouldbeeffectedbyhatingself,andbyfollowingHimthroughsufferingandthedeathonthecross.

    546.WithoutJesusChristmanmustbeinviceandmisery;withJesusChristmanisfreefromviceandmisery;inHimisallourvirtueandallourhappiness.ApartfromHimthereisbutvice,misery,darkness,death,despair.

    547.WeknowGodonlybyJesusChrist.Withoutthismediator,allcommunionwithGodistakenaway;throughJesusChristweknowGod.AllthosewhohaveclaimedtoknowGod,andtoproveHimwithoutJesusChrist,havehadonlyweakproofs.ButinproofofJesusChristwehavetheprophecies,whicharesolidandpalpableproofs.Andtheseprophecies,beingaccomplishedandprovedtruebytheevent,markthecertaintyofthesetruthsand,therefore,thedivinityofChrist.InHim,then,andthroughHim,weknowGod.ApartfromHim,andwithouttheScripture,withoutoriginalsin,withoutanecessarymediatorpromisedandcome,wecannotabsolutelyproveGod,norteachrightdoctrineandrightmorality.ButthroughJesusChrist,andinJesusChrist,weproveGod,andteachmoralityanddoctrine.JesusChristis,then,thetrueGodofmen.

    Butweknowatthesametimeourwretchedness;forthisGodisnoneotherthantheSaviourofourwretchedness.SowecanonlyknowGodwellbyknowingouriniquities.ThereforethosewhohaveknownGod,withoutknowingtheirwretchedness,havenotglorifiedHim,buthaveglorifiedthemselves.QuianoncognovitpersapientiamplacuitDeoperstultitiampraedicationissalvosfacere.

    548.NotonlydoweknowGodbyJesusChristalone,butweknowourselvesonlybyJesusChrist.WeknowlifeanddeathonlythroughJesusChrist.ApartfromJesusChrist,wedonotknowwhatisourlife,norourdeath,norGod,norourselves.

    ThuswithouttheScripture,whichhasJesusChristaloneforitsobject,weknownothing,andseeonlydarknessandconfusioninthenatureofGodandinourownnature.

    549.ItisnotonlyimpossiblebutuselesstoknowGodwithoutJesusChrist.TheyhavenotdepartedfromHim,butapproached;theyhavenothumbledthemselves,but

    Quoquisqueoptimusest,pessimus,sihocipsum,quodoptimusest,adscribatsibi.

    550.IlovepovertybecauseHelovedit.Iloverichesbecausetheyaffordmethemeansofhelpingtheverypoor.Ikeepfaithwitheverybody;Idonotrendereviltothosewhowrongme,butIwishthemalotlikemine,inwhichIreceiveneitherevilnorgoodfrommen.Itrytobejust,true,sincere,andfaithfultoallmen;IhaveatenderheartforthosetowhomGodhasmorecloselyunitedme;andwhetherIamalone,orseenofmen,IdoallmyactionsinthesightofGod,whomustjudgeofthem,andtowhomIhaveconsecratedthemall.

    Thesearemysentiments;andeverydayofmylifeIblessmyRedeemer,whohasimplantedtheminme,andwho,ofamanfullofweakness,ofmiseries,oflust,ofpride,andofambition,hasmadeamanfreefromalltheseevilsbythepowerofHisgrace,towhichallthegloryofitisdue,asofmyselfIhaveonlymiseryanderror.

    551.Digniorplagisquamosculisnontimeoquiaamo.

    552.TheSepulchreofJesusChrist.—JesusChristwasdead,butseenontheCross.Hewasdead,andhiddenintheSepulchre.

    JesusChristwasburiedbythesaintsalone.

    JesusChristwroughtnomiracleattheSepulchre.

    Onlythesaintsenteredit.

    Itisthere,notontheCross,thatJesusChristtakesanewlife.

    ItisthelastmysteryofthePassionandtheRedemption.

    JesusChristhadnowheretorestonearthbutintheSepulchre.HisenemiesonlyceasedtopersecuteHimattheSepulchre.

    553.TheMysteryofJesus.—JesussuffersinHispassionsthetormentswhichmeninflictuponHim;butinHisagonyHesuffersthetormentswhichHeinflictsonhimself;turbaresemetipsum.Thisisasufferingfromnohuman,butanalmightyhand,forHemustbealmightytobearit.

    JesusseekssomecomfortatleastinHisthreedearestfriends,andtheyareasleep.HepraysthemtobearwithHimforalittle,andtheyleaveHimwithentireindifference,havingsolittlecompassionthatitcouldnotpreventtheirsleepingevenforamoment.AndthusJesuswasleftalonetothewrathofGod.

    Jesusisaloneontheearth,withoutanyonenotonlytofeelandshareHissuffering,buteventoknowofit;HeandHeavenwerealoneinthatknowledge.

    Jesusisinagarden,notofdelightasthefirstAdam,wherehelosthimselfandthewholehumanrace,butinoneofagony,whereHesavedhimselfandthewholehumanrace.

    Hesuffersthisafflictionandthisdesertioninthehorrorofnight.

    IbelievethatJesusnevercomplainedbutonthissingleoccasion;butthenHecomplainedasifhecouldnolongerbearHisextremesuffering."Mysoulissorrowful,evenuntodeath."

    Jesusseekscompanionshipandcomfortfrommen.ThisisthesoleoccasioninallHislife,asitseemstome.ButHereceivesitnot,forHisdisciplesareasleep.Jesuswillbeinagonyeventotheendoftheworld.Wemustnotsleepduringthattime.

    Jesus,inthemidstofthisuniversaldesertion,includingthatofHisownfriendschosentowatchwithHim,findingthemasleep,isvexedbecauseofthedangertowhichtheyexpose,notHim,butthemselves;Hecautionsthemfortheirownsafetyandtheirowngood,withasinceretendernessforthemduringtheiringratitude,andwarnsthemthatthespiritiswillingandthefleshweak.

    Jesus,findingthemstillasleep,withoutbeingrestrainedbyanyconsiderationforthemselvesorforHim,hasthekindnessnottowakenthemandleavestheminrepose.

    Jesusprays,uncertainofthewillofHisFather,andfearsdeath;but,whenHeknowsit,HegoesforwardtoofferHimselftodeath.Eamus.Processit(John).

    Jesusaskedofmenandwasnotheard.

    Jesus,whileHisdisciplesslept,wroughttheirsalvation.Hehaswroughtthatofeachoftherighteouswhiletheyslept,bothintheirnothingnessbeforetheirbirth,andintheirsinsaftertheirbirth.

    Hepraysonlyoncethatthecuppassaway,andthenwithsubmission;andtwicethatitcomeifnecessary.

    Jesusisweary.

    Jesus,seeingallHisfriendsasleepandallHisenemieswakeful,commitsHimselfentirelytoHisFather.

    JesusdoesnotregardinJudashisenmity,buttheorderofGod,whichHelovesandadmits,sinceHecallshimfriend.

    JesustearsHimselfawayfromHisdisciplestoenterintoHisagony;wemusttearourselvesawayfromournearestanddearesttoimitateHim.

    Jesusbeinginagonyandinthegreatestaffliction,letuspraylonger.

    WeimplorethemercyofGod,notthatHemayleaveusatpeaceinourvices,thatHemaydeliverusfromthem.

    IfGodgaveusmastersbyHisownhand,oh!hownecessaryforustoobeythemwithagoodheart!Necessityandeventsfollowinfallibly.

    "Consolethyself,thouwouldstnotseekMe,ifthouhadstnotfoundMe.

    "IthoughtoftheeinMineagony,Ihavesweatedsuchdropsofbloodforthee.

    "ItistemptingMeratherthanprovingthyself,tothinkifthouwouldstdosuchandsuchathingonanoccasionwhichhasnothappened;Ishallactintheeifitoccur.

    "LetthyselfbeguidedbyMyrules;seehowwellIhaveledtheVirginandthesaintswhohaveletMeactinthem.

    "TheFatherlovesallthatIdo.

    "DostthouwishthatitalwayscostMethebloodofMyhumanity,withoutthysheddingtears?

    "ThyconversionisMyaffair;fearnot,andpraywithconfidenceasforMe.

    "IampresentwiththeebyMyWordinScripture,byMySpiritintheChurchandbyinspiration,byMypowerinthepriests,byMyprayerinthefaithful.

    "Physicianswillnothealthee,forthouwiltdieatlast.ButitisIwhohealtheeandmakethebodyimmortal.

    "Sufferbodilychainsandservitude,Idelivertheeatpresentonlyfromspiritualservitude.

    "Iammoreafriendtotheethansuchandsuchanone,forIhavedonefortheemorethenthey;theywouldnothavesufferedwhatIhavesufferedfromthee,andtheywouldnothavediedfortheeasIhavedoneinthetimeofthineinfidelitiesandcruelties,andasIamreadytodo,anddo,amongMyelectandattheHolySacrament."

    "Ifthouknewestthysins,thouwouldstloseheart."

    Ishallloseitthen,Lord,foronThyassuranceIbelievetheirmalice.

    "No,forI,bywhomthoulearnest,canhealtheeofthem,andwhatIsaytotheeisasignthatIwillhealthee.Inproportiontothyexpiationofthem,thouwiltknowthem,anditwillbesaidtothee:-Beholdthysinsareforgiventhee-Repent,then,forthyhiddensins,andforthesecretmaliceofthosewhichthouknowest."

    Lord,IgiveTheeall.

    "Ilovetheemoreardentlythanthouhastlovedthineabominations,utimmundusproluto.

    "ToMebetheglory,nottothee,wormoftheearth.

    "Askthyconfessor,whenMyownwordsaretotheeoccasionofevil,vanity,orcuriosity."

    Iseeinmedepthsofpride,curiosity,andlust.ThereisnorelationbetweenmeandGod,norJesusChristtheRighteous.ButHehasbeenmadesinforme;allThyscourgesarefallenuponHim.HeismoreabominablethanI,and,farfromabhorringme,HeholdsHimselfhonouredthatIgotoHimandsuccourHim.

    ButHehashealedHimself,andstillmoresowillHehealme.

    ImustaddmywoundstoHis,andjoinmyselftoHim;andHewillsavemeinsavingHimself.Butthismustnotbepostponedtothefuture.

    Eritissicutdiiscientesbonumetmalum.Eachonecreateshisgod,whenjudging,"Thisisgoodorbad";andmenmournorrejoicetoomuchatevents.

    Dolittlethingsasthoughtheyweregreat,becauseofthemajestyofJesusChristwhodoestheminusandwholivesourlife;anddothegreatestthingsasthoughtheywerelittleandeasy,becauseofHisomnipotence.

    554.ItseemstomethatJesusChristonlyallowedHiswoundstobetouchedafterHisresurrection:Nolimetangere.WemustuniteourselvesonlytoHissufferings.

    AttheLastSupperHegaveHimselfincommunionasabouttodie;tothedisciplesatEmmausasrisenfromthedead;tothewholeChurchasascendedintoheaven.

    555."Comparenotthyselfwithothers,butwithMe.IfthoudostnotfindMeinthosewithwhomthoucomparestthyself,thoucomparestthyselftoonewhoisabominable.IfthoufindestMeinthem,comparethyselftoMe.Butwhomwiltthoucompare?Thyself,orMeinthee?Ifitisthyself,itisonewhoisabominable.IfitisI,thoucomparestMetoMyself.NowIamGodinall.

    "Ispeaktothee,andoftencounselthee,becausethydirectorcannotspeaktothee,forIdonotwanttheetolackaguide.

    "AndperhapsIdosoathisprayers,andthusheleadstheewithoutthyseeingit.ThouwouldstnotseekMe,ifthoudidstnotpossessMe.

    "Benotthereforetroubled."

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